“I’ve come to issue an invitation…” so said Colonel Brandon in Jane Austen’s classic story of romance and lost love, Sense and Sensibility, and shared beautifully in the movie adaptation thereof starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman as the colonel.
Step-forward 200 years to today…
A few weeks ago I felt like I had gone back in time to the early 1800’s when I was invited to attend a tea put on by a group of re-enactors from the DFW Costumers Guild. Held at River Legacy Park in Arlington, Texas, the setting for the tea transported those who attended to a gentler time…
Play this while you read this…
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| My two favorite photos ~ this one and our lead photograph! |
Love is not love when it alteration finds
nor bends with the remover to remove…
~ part of Sonnet 116, William Shakespeare
My friend Laura who writes Decor to Adore invited me this day and I am so glad she did! Everyone visited for the first hour or so and enjoyed seeing each other and their costumes. A few of the ladies had either just finished making a new bonnet or a new dress and everyone was stopping to admire the new fashion. For myself, it was fun just taking it all in…
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| A shot right out of a Merchant-Ivory film! |
I love the authenticity of the dresses, the peplum over shirts, the hoop skirts, bustles and petticoats worn underneath to fluff each skirt out in its style, and of course the hairstyles, bonnets and hats!
Meet Jane
This lady is the first person I met from the guild and her name really is Jane! She is exactly what I picture the real Jane Austen to have looked like in real life.
We had an impromptu portrait session, too, which was lots of fun!
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| Mother and daughter ~ Love this! 🙂 |
Love the family portraits!
I have shared my love for Jane Austen before in
this post and I probably will continue revisiting
Ms. Austen’s genre and books from time to time.
It is definitely one of my favorite periods in history.
🙂
this post and I probably will continue revisiting
Ms. Austen’s genre and books from time to time.
It is definitely one of my favorite periods in history.
🙂
On this day two members of the Victorian Fencing Society came to spar and share a little on the art of fencing and some history. The children were enthralled and after the demonstration they were invited to come up and try to fence a little themselves.
Such fun!
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| The trees and sitting pavilion cast a lot of shadow on our fearless fencers (?) so much had to be tweaked to get these photos right. 😉 |
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| Dueling with rapier swords, I believe. |
Sharing how one scores a point with a touch.
More discussion on technique and demonstrations with this sabre. These gentlemen explained about their outfits and that their quilted protective vests are actual fencing gear redesigned to look the period.
Don’t you just love these costumes?
Here Laura visits with these ladies and this sweet little chihuahua held most of the day by its owner.
Colonel Brandon: Miss Dashwood, Miss Marianne – I come to issue an invitation. A picnic on my estate at Delaford if you would care to join us on Thursday next. Mrs. Jennings daughter and her husband are traveling up especially.Elinor Dashwood: We should be delighted, Colonel.Colonel Brandon: I will of course be including Mr. Willoughby in the party.Marianne: I shall be delighted to join you, Colonel.
~ from Sense and Sensibility Quotes
Some sat down to tea straight away as we arrived around 2:00p.m. but the ground was still damp from the week’s rains so later everyone moved to the pavillion and picnic tables spread with scarves and tablecloths in period appropriate styles.
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| Madame upon arrival ~ loved her costume, which is why I took this! Then I felt badly because I hadn’t rushed over to help her but was shooting pictures of her instead… 😉 |
Laura served us sandwiches from Panera as it was a super busy week for her (wedding business + blog + family and life) which were wonderful paired with the two teas she brought in traveling thermoses.
Other ladies brought chicken and hummus, cheeses and small petit fours to share with everyone. I had a few cinnamon chip scones and banana chocolate chip muffins in the freezer so I hurriedly arranged them on a pretty plate and brought those to share.
The tea was a wonderful outing for everyone and I am happy to have been invited to take part!
Here is the whole group in the late afternoon’s setting sunlight… Very ethereal day, Ladies and Gents!!!
Sonnet 116: Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds
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Q1
Q2 Q3 C |
Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove: O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark, That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken. Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle’s compass come; Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved. William Shakespeare, published 1609
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Here’s the link to Peter Doyle’s song from the film titled Throw the Coins.
Play it while you read this…
Sharing with
Vintage Charm ~ My Thrift Store Addiction
Blessings to you,
Such a beautiful post, and I love the sonnet at the end. I love all things history and this certainly takes one back when life was slower..and enjoyed more, I'm sure, Sandi.
Oh Barb what a delightful post!!! The photos you took of the children truly delight my heart. I laughted outloud seeing me with my prescription sunglasses on. Hoping you'll attend our tea in January. You'll also have to attend the sewing/craft circle group which meets the 2nd Saturday of the month when it starts up again in January.
Such dedication to preserving a time gone by. Costumes are excellent. Laura is so talented and so are you, Barb.
Barb I LOVE this idea! I sometimes think it would have been so much fun to live in those times, but then I remember how hard those women worked. LOL Love the costumes and the Shakespeare quotes.:) gwingal
Barb I LOVE this idea! I sometimes think it would have been so much fun to live in those times, but then I remember how hard those women worked. LOL Love the costumes and the Shakespeare quotes.:) gwingal
This looks like so much fun! Great to keep these old costumes and traditions in front of the eyes of children especially I think.
This looks like so much fun! Great to keep these old costumes and traditions in front of the eyes of children especially I think.
I thoroughly enjoyed this post today! I have a friend who is a very talented costumer and was involved in the recent anniversary celebrations of the War of 1812 that took place here. Such wonderful talent!!
It looks like you had a lovely time! Thanks for sharing!
Wow What a fun time. I love those reenactment, always wanted to go to one. sounds like you had an amazing time.
Wow What a fun time. I love those reenactment, always wanted to go to one. sounds like you had an amazing time.
I've always loved Laura's posts where she is making these wonderful costumes. How fun to be invited to the tea and enjoy so many of them — and tea, too! A perfect day, I think!
What a fun idea. I have been watching Outlander on TV lately and so love the costumes and historic life shown as it was hundreds of years ago. Currently they are in Early American before the revolution.
What a fun idea. I have been watching Outlander on TV lately and so love the costumes and historic life shown as it was hundreds of years ago. Currently they are in Early American before the revolution.
Barbara what a lovely way to spend an afternoon. I also love Jane Austen and her books. And yes I can absolutely see Jane as Jane the author.
Barbara what a lovely way to spend an afternoon. I also love Jane Austen and her books. And yes I can absolutely see Jane as Jane the author.
Aww…how fun! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
Thank you so much for your kind thought, Sandi! I feel the same way ~ life did seem to be lived at a slower pace then. Happy Christmastime to you,Barb 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind thought, Sandi! I feel the same way ~ life did seem to be lived at a slower pace then. Happy Christmastime to you,Barb 🙂
That'd be fun, Laura! I know, that photo doesn't do you justice and the sunglasses aren't quite \”period\” but it was a fun shot anyway. It would be fun to visit the sewing/craft circle in January. Guess I'll be needing some garments… ;)See you Wednesday,Hugs,Barb 🙂
That'd be fun, Laura! I know, that photo doesn't do you justice and the sunglasses aren't quite \”period\” but it was a fun shot anyway. It would be fun to visit the sewing/craft circle in January. Guess I'll be needing some garments… ;)See you Wednesday,Hugs,Barb 🙂
Thank you, Bonnie! I appreciate your thoughts. Laura does an amazing job sewing her costumes ~ you should see her closet!!! Chock full of costumes for herself and family members. Her sewing room is beautiful, too.Happy Christmastime to you,Barb 🙂
Thank you, Bonnie! I appreciate your thoughts. Laura does an amazing job sewing her costumes ~ you should see her closet!!! Chock full of costumes for herself and family members. Her sewing room is beautiful, too.Happy Christmastime to you,Barb 🙂
Hi Nikki! Thank you, this was a fun event to attend and yes, most women worked really long hours cooking and cleaning, etc. It wouldn't have been so fun, especially before modern medicine. I do love this sonnet, too!Hope you are enjoying the Christmas season,Hugs and blessings,Barb 🙂
Hi Nikki! Thank you, this was a fun event to attend and yes, most women worked really long hours cooking and cleaning, etc. It wouldn't have been so fun, especially before modern medicine. I do love this sonnet, too!Hope you are enjoying the Christmas season,Hugs and blessings,Barb 🙂
Hi Janet! Yes, I feel the same way. During the time I took our kids over visit my brother and his wife and family in England (2005), Amy was in 8th grade and just about to be part of the Renaissance Festival at Murrieta Valley HS, which was right next door. We spent a good part of our time in England making the little headpiece and a bum pad for wearing under the skirts she would wear. My SIL donated her gold and red Laura Ashley curtains for Amy's costume and helped cut out a pattern to fit my daughter. We had the best time as a family creating it!!!It certainly is a wonderful way to open our children's eyes to a kinder, gentler time. At least for some.Happy Christmas to you,Hugs and blessings,Barb 🙂
Hi Janet! Yes, I feel the same way. During the time I took our kids over visit my brother and his wife and family in England (2005), Amy was in 8th grade and just about to be part of the Renaissance Festival at Murrieta Valley HS, which was right next door. We spent a good part of our time in England making the little headpiece and a bum pad for wearing under the skirts she would wear. My SIL donated her gold and red Laura Ashley curtains for Amy's costume and helped cut out a pattern to fit my daughter. We had the best time as a family creating it!!!It certainly is a wonderful way to open our children's eyes to a kinder, gentler time. At least for some.Happy Christmas to you,Hugs and blessings,Barb 🙂
That would have been fun, Maureen! It is amazing how many different reeneactment guilds there are throughout the world. I am receiving a huge response from this post, which is wonderful. I think I may become part of the DFW Costume Guild as I really enjoyed being with the ladies and gents there. :)Thanks again and Happy Christmas to you,Barb 🙂
That would have been fun, Maureen! It is amazing how many different reeneactment guilds there are throughout the world. I am receiving a huge response from this post, which is wonderful. I think I may become part of the DFW Costume Guild as I really enjoyed being with the ladies and gents there. :)Thanks again and Happy Christmas to you,Barb 🙂
You're welcome, Julie! Glad you enjoyed this post. p.s. I have had more fun watching your grandson in your IG posts!!!Enjoy the holiday season,Hugs,Barb 🙂
You're welcome, Julie! Glad you enjoyed this post. p.s. I have had more fun watching your grandson in your IG posts!!!Enjoy the holiday season,Hugs,Barb 🙂
Hi Maria! It was a really fun time. For years I wanted to attend the big Renaissance festival held in Riverside County, California but never did ~ even though we lived there in the area for 22 years. My daughter and her friends, however, DID attend a number of times! Amy even dressed as an elf one year (the girls ordered elf ears online somewhere, can you imagine??!). Guess this is my time to cosplay… ;)Happy Christmastime to you,Barb 🙂
Hi Maria! It was a really fun time. For years I wanted to attend the big Renaissance festival held in Riverside County, California but never did ~ even though we lived there in the area for 22 years. My daughter and her friends, however, DID attend a number of times! Amy even dressed as an elf one year (the girls ordered elf ears online somewhere, can you imagine??!). Guess this is my time to cosplay… ;)Happy Christmastime to you,Barb 🙂
Jeanie, Laura makes amazing costumes! You'll have to check out the post I just put up this weekend on the Victorian Dickens Tea in Galveston ~ Laura's \”Marmie\” burgundy wool dress is absolutely stunning and absolutely period perfect! She could go into a movie dressed as such. The tea was really fun and even the picnic baskets and plates and cups brought were pretty close to what you'd expect for 200 years ago (pewter chargers, silver placesettings, glassware). It was a magical day!Hope your Christmas season is going well,Hugs and blessings,Barb 🙂
Jeanie, Laura makes amazing costumes! You'll have to check out the post I just put up this weekend on the Victorian Dickens Tea in Galveston ~ Laura's \”Marmie\” burgundy wool dress is absolutely stunning and absolutely period perfect! She could go into a movie dressed as such. The tea was really fun and even the picnic baskets and plates and cups brought were pretty close to what you'd expect for 200 years ago (pewter chargers, silver placesettings, glassware). It was a magical day!Hope your Christmas season is going well,Hugs and blessings,Barb 🙂
Outlander is my guilty pleasure… I've read the books since my 30's and yes, I kinda have to avert the eyes a bit, but I love historical fiction. I always loved the love Jamie and Claire have for each other, even if it is fictional. 😉 It's a fun series and their costumes are perfection, too.Hope you are enjoying your Christmas season,Hugs and blessings,Barb 🙂
Outlander is my guilty pleasure… I've read the books since my 30's and yes, I kinda have to avert the eyes a bit, but I love historical fiction. I always loved the love Jamie and Claire have for each other, even if it is fictional. 😉 It's a fun series and their costumes are perfection, too.Hope you are enjoying your Christmas season,Hugs and blessings,Barb 🙂
Hi Mary! I do find as I get older that Jane Austen had life figured out pretty well. She really understood the whole disparity between classes, the cruelty that could be inflicted upon even family members, the lack of employment options for women and then they were beaten up for choosing the ONLY OPTION often available to them, prostitution. The latter being self-perpetuated by society, so it was a wonder that Ms. Austen was able to get published! I know the Brönte sisters lived around this time, too, and I thought it interesting that they hid their identities but perhaps they did that just to get published, but maybe also to protect their families and father, who was also a preacher, I believe.I did see this woman Jane as \”Jane.\” The age Ms. Austen would have been if she hadn't died at age 32 from Addison's Disease. Hope your Christmastime is going well and that you've found time to relax,Barb 🙂
Hi Mary! I do find as I get older that Jane Austen had life figured out pretty well. She really understood the whole disparity between classes, the cruelty that could be inflicted upon even family members, the lack of employment options for women and then they were beaten up for choosing the ONLY OPTION often available to them, prostitution. The latter being self-perpetuated by society, so it was a wonder that Ms. Austen was able to get published! I know the Brönte sisters lived around this time, too, and I thought it interesting that they hid their identities but perhaps they did that just to get published, but maybe also to protect their families and father, who was also a preacher, I believe.I did see this woman Jane as \”Jane.\” The age Ms. Austen would have been if she hadn't died at age 32 from Addison's Disease. Hope your Christmastime is going well and that you've found time to relax,Barb 🙂
Hi Ceclia, thank you! Glad you liked this post. :)Hope your Christmas season is going well for you and your family,Hugs and blessings,Barb 🙂
Hi Ceclia, thank you! Glad you liked this post. :)Hope your Christmas season is going well for you and your family,Hugs and blessings,Barb 🙂