And now for a bit of news...

I've decided to suspend the monthly giveaway drawing for November and resume it with a larger "holiday" giveaway for December (multiple items, perhaps!!)...

Would anyone be up for a swap for the holidays? I'm open to suggestions on a theme...of course, I'm always happy to do anything related to Jane Austen, but I realize that not everyone *gasp* has the same obsession that I do!

Post any and all suggestions! It could be fun and I would be happy to organize it!

A Change Of Tack!

So, I've been taking a look at the blog and well, I think it's time for a change. A little more about more topics that everyone can participate in and a little less about me and my family...not that we aren't fascinating (just kidding-lol!), but I'd like to take the blog into uncharted waters with discussions about historical fashion, classic literature, and whatever else suits our fancy!

Congratulations to Marian! October Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to fellow follower, Marian for being this month's winner! I'll contact you Marian with the details and your poll suggestion will be featured this month!

A Purrrrfect Name?

The big news in our family is that we are getting a new cat! We have filled out our paperwork with our local humane society to be able to adopt a new kitty-hopefully sometime this week! We're pretty excited about it, especially Benjamin. We lost our "Cinder" about a year ago to liver failure-my husband brought her home as a wee kitten in his shirt pocket one day eight years ago, so it was tough for us to think about having a new furry friend-but I think we're ready now. Well, actually we got ready fast when a baby mouse made its way into our mud room in the basement (I will have to do a post sometime about my absolute terror for these creatures)-time for a cat!

The kitty we have our eye on is a butterscotch colored cat, very playful (he's a year old) and Benjamin has already decided that they will be best friends and play pirates. Sarah is also looking forward to having a companion while she tackles homework and I will end up taking care of the kitty blissful in the knowledge that hopefully he will be "on the job!"

I'm looking for suggestions for a kitty name! Sarah wants to go with "Chester" and Benjamin is thinking "puppy," and my husband will just be grateful if the cat isn't named after any of the characters in Jane Austen's novels!

Help me out and post your ideas for the kitty's name! "Red #204" is his name now at the shelter-is that any kind of name ?? Thanks!!

Power to the People!

Since we're having regular polls here at anna's trunk, I thought this month's giveaway should be in keeping with this new tradition, so...the giveaway for this month will be YOUR CHOICE of any $5.00 sachet that I have in my shop at the time of the drawing (October 1)...that covers many of my Jane Austen and Victorian sachets...

To enter, simply post an idea for a poll you'd like to see here on the blog. Benjamin will be picking the winner again this month, and the winner will have their poll featured in the month of October (with all kinds of bragging rights!)...of course, I'm sure I'll be using many of your ideas (I really would like the blog to reflect everyone's interests!)...and hey, if you really can't think of an idea, enter anyway!

Good luck!!

September's Poll: Who is your favorite "scoundrel?"

We all must admit that as much as we love to hate them, there's something charming about a literary scoundrel! Whether it's dashing good looks or irresistable charm, they manage to keep our interest-what WILL they do next? Here are some of my favorites-vote for yours! The winning scoundrel will be interviewed here at the conclusion of the vote (@ October 1)...feel free to campaign here on the blog for your candidate!

My Interview With Elizabeth Bennet...

The winner of our "Favorite Jane Austen Heroine" poll was hands down Miss Elizabeth Bennet of "Pride and Prejudice!" I caught up with the delightful Miss Bennet on one of her famous walks to Merryton...

AT: Miss Bennet, it is my honor to talk with you today!
EB: I am excessively diverted!
AT: May I ask you a few questions?
EB: Of course
AT: I am not from here...can you tell me how you spend your days?
EB: Oh! Are you from London?
AT: Uh, not exactly... a little further than that...
EB: Ah...well then. Life here is pleasant enough. I live fairly comfortably with my parents and my four sisters, Jane, Kitty, Mary and *sigh* Lydia. I do a fair amount of letter writing, visiting, needlework and reading and I try to be useful to my mother and father when I can. We are fortunate to be able to attend an assembly every so often and even more fortunate when there are officers quartered in Merrtyon...fewer ladies are in want of a partner, you see.
AT: That sounds wonderful!
EB: It is...mostly. Sometimes I fear I do grow restless for ... more.
AT: More?
EB: Society for women is quite confined and we are so often subjected to what others decide for us. I often wonder if there will ever be a time when women will be able to choose the kind of life they wish to lead, whether it includes marriage or not...oh! I fear I may shock you with my views!
AT: Not at all, Miss Bennet. I understand you recently became acquainted with a gentleman by the name of Mr. Collins...your cousin?
EB: *groan* MUST we discuss Mr. Collins? Mr. Collins surely does enough of that all on his own!
AT: I believe your mother wishes for you to become MRS. Collins?
EB: Unfortunately, my mother becomes confused at times...her nerves you see. I can assure you that there is literally NO possible inducement for me to accept Mr. Collins...none...ever...
AT: But now let us talk of another gentleman...Mr. Darcy.
EB: *silence*
AT: Miss Bennet?
EB: Yes, Mr. Darcy.
AT: Your sister Jane confided to me that you did not like Mr. Darcy when you first met him...
EB: Jane is absolutely correct.
AT: But now I am hearing reports that your position may be softening a bit...
EB: *blushes* it is true that ... I may... have been severe upon Mr. Darcy. I was misinformed on some points regarding his character and he has since written me a letter addressing these points, which...makes me see him in a new light.
AT: A favorable light?
EB: *Slight grin* Perhaps...yes, perhaps.
AT: Thank you so very much, Miss Bennet for your time!