I have been going to Dairy Queen on my birthday for about 50 years. It’s a simple, sweet tradition that started when I was seven years old in central Illinois (the same year I received my lime green 3-speed bicycle). The first Dairy Queen opened in 1940 in Joliet, IL, not far from Chicago, where I was born.  Dairy Queen’s international headquarters is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, near … [Read more...]

A few months ago, I participated in an online discussion of the book Jane Austen Embroidery: Regency Patterns Reimagined for Modern Stitchers during a meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America (MN Chapter). The author introduces the book by saying: “We all know that Jane Austen was an accomplished novelist. Less well known is that she was also a talented stitcher, as at home … [Read more...]

Just a short but definitely sweet post today, in honor of my favorite springtime flower and my favorite fragrance in the world: Lily of the Valley. I look forward to these dainty beauties blossoming every year, and then gather stems of the fair bells to perfume my office. Sadly, the flowers don't last long, but are wonderfully fragrant while they do. I would far rather have two or … [Read more...]

Photography began to develop (pun unintended) in the 1830s and 40s. Before that, likenesses were captured in other ways. This past Saturday, I attended an online class about one of the most popular methods. The class was called “Shades, Shadows, and Profiles: Silhouettes during the time of Jane Austen.” It was taught by Candice Hern, a well-known and respected Regency author and … [Read more...]

In these times of isolating social distance (lessening somewhat lately, thankfully), I am enjoying being part of a social online community called Inspirational Regency Readers on Facebook. While Facebook activity has decreased in general, activity within the group is thriving as well as warm and welcoming. Visiting "IRR" is like visiting your favorite coffee shop (or other hang-out), where … [Read more...]