Hi friends!

Holiday shopping and preparations have been consuming my life lately, and while I'm sure I have a grand story to tell somewhere in my brain, I will instead just say a quick HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to one Miss Jane Austen, who was born on this day in 1775. I often express my desire to live an "Austenian Lifestyle" with balls, and gowns, and lavish country living, and marvelous men a la Mr Darcy. After reading a few of her personal letters, may I say that Miss Austen didn't seem to have fared too poorly ( admittedly I know much else of her, although I understand personal details of her life are somewhat scant). Anywho, Cheers to you Jane!