Tom Lefroy Quote of the Week 26

A splendid Regency dinner

Since we are in the midst of a Thanksgiving Day weekend here in the United States, I thought it appropriate to see what Tom had to say on the subject.  So, I quote from page 370 of the "Memoir of Chief Justice Lefroy".

 

His habitual dependence on God's providence and love may be traced in his invariable practice of calling us all together for united prayer or thanksgiving on each occasion or separation or re-union.  I do not recollect his ever leaving home to attend Parliament, or for his judicial duties on Circuit, without assembling the members of his family to ask for God's assistance and blessing upon the discharge of his own duties, and committing to his care and guidance those from whom he was parting.

 

Those words portray a Tom Lefroy of deep feelings both Christian and loving for his family.  How could you not love someone like that?

 

I wish for all our readers a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 213

I've been in a cupcake-frenzy since last year. This week alone, I baked two batches of cupcakes: lemon cupcake with lemon Swiss meringue buttercream and red velvet cupcake with strawberry swiss meringue buttercream. Thus, I tried to find a quote about cake in one of Jane Austen's books, and what better place to find it than Emma? 

The wedding cake Mr Woodhouse despised so much in Emma 2008

True to form, Emma brought me many cake-related paragraphs, particularly in relation to Mr Woodhouse. Poor Mr Woodhouse. He wouldn't approve my cupcake-frenzy at all! Just have a look at what he thought of the wedding cake (that were supposed to be eaten anyway) during Miss Taylor's wedding (Volume I Chapter 2, from this site):

There was no recovering Miss Taylor--nor much likelihood of ceasing to pity her; but a few weeks brought some alleviation to Mr. Woodhouse. The compliments of his neighbours were over; he was no longer teased by being wished joy of so sorrowful an event; and the wedding-cake, which had been a great distress to him, was all eat up. His own stomach could bear nothing rich, and he could never believe other people to be different from himself. What was unwholesome to him he regarded as unfit for any body; and he had, therefore, earnestly tried to dissuade them from having any wedding-cake at all, and when that proved vain, as earnestly tried to prevent any body's eating it. He had been at the pains of consulting Mr. Perry, the apothecary, on the subject. Mr. Perry was an intelligent, gentlemanlike man, whose frequent visits were one of the comforts of Mr. Woodhouse's life; and upon being applied to, he could not but acknowledge (though it seemed rather against the bias of inclination) that wedding-cake might certainly disagree with many--perhaps with most people, unless taken moderately. With such an opinion, in confirmation of his own, Mr. Woodhouse hoped to influence every visitor of the newly married pair; but still the cake was eaten; and there was no rest for his benevolent nerves till it was all gone.

There was a strange rumour in Highbury of all the little Perrys being seen with a slice of Mrs. Weston's wedding-cake in their hands: but Mr. Woodhouse would never believe it.

Five 'cake' words in two paragraphs; all related to Mr Woodhouse' objection of cakes. Well, Mr Woodhouse, you don't know what you're missing! You can always double your walk around the park, you know...

As if it's not enough, Mr Woodhouse, here I post a link to how to make the 2008 Emma wedding cake from Vic (Jane Austen Today). Vic suggested baking 'Mrs Perrot's Pound Cake', the recipe of which can be found in 'Jane Austen's Cookbook' (which I might purchase one day!). Enjoy!
 

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 212

I know I have a tendency towards quotes from Northanger Abbey but I have yet another this week.

My mum and I went on a wonderful walk today at Bateman's, the home of Rudyard Kipling. I found out on my visit that Jane Austen was his favourite author which was a wonderful surprise. It was a very special day and I wanted to use a quote from chapter 22 of the novel:

"A mother would have been always present. A mother would have been a constant friend; her influence would have been beyond all other."

A simple yet effective quote. I appreciate that I am very lucky and I wanted to acknowledge that today.

Pic: a mother's love

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 211

Here I go again! Off on another tangent! Here's the story. My dear Mother-in-law has been telling me about the benefits of drinking a glass of wine for many years, especially since she has done so for about 70 years herself. So I finally got around to trying a bottle lately and I did feel a difference. So what has that got to do with our dear Jane Austen, you may well ask. I went on a search through her brother James' Loiterer and found the following from Issue No. 14:


The Loiterer No. XIV

THOUGH I know not in what degree of estimation, you have been accustomed to hold the science of Alchymy, yet as the author of every useful invention has a claim on the attention of the candid and liberal, I have made choice of your paper, as the vehicle, to impart to my countrymen a discovery, which has for its object the health and happiness of some thousands of his Majesty's subjects.

You must know, sir, it was ever my opinion that there did exist such an universal panacea, as should not only cure all diseases indecent to the human body, and prolong life to its utmost period, but should be equally beneficial to our mental, as to our corporeal powers; should make us not only healthy, strong, and bold, but also learned, sagacious, and witty. In pursuance of this idea, I have devoted many years to the discovery of this valuable secret; have persevered in my search, in spite of the contempt of the prejudiced, and the laughter of the gay; and now think the attention of my past life well rewarded, in being enabled to impart to my friends a secret, which will promote the happiness of theirs, and which (unlike the generality of modern projectors) I shall generously communicate to the public, without any subscription whatever.


Know then, sir, and tell your readers, that this inestimable medicine, so long sought in vain, that its existence is almost become doubtful, is neither more nor less than port wine— which, I will venture to say, if taken in proper quantities, will answer every purpose of an universal medicine, and be found a most perfect restorative in all diseases both of body and mind.

------

Please pardon the long quote, namely the first 3 paragraphs, because it addresses the question about the benefits of a glass of port wine. My only problem is trying to decide whether or not James includes a bit of satire or whether he is very serious about it. I did a search of Jane's novels and Lo and Behold! she includes quite a bit of wine drinking!

You may read the rest of the issue HERE and make a determination for yourself.

Now - the bottom line is this: how many other things/foods are out there that we are not aware of that may possibly be beneficial to us? I will give you just one example in my own life, well, maybe two.

I am in the middle of reading "Alzheimer's disease, what if there was a cure?: the story of ketones" by Mary T. Newport. She is recommending the use of coconut oil (so far as I have read yet) and she gives quite a medical/scientific explanation - which is hard for this limited scientific mind to grasp. So this morning I made some quinoa and added some coconut oil. I will get back to you on the results in a month or so.

As a matter of fact it is only in the last year or so that I have discovered other things such as quinoa and tulsi tea from my friends who come from other countries. Thanks, Icha, for the tea recommendation, it works! As I said, how many other things do we need to know about? Please feel free to make recommendations.

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian   Pic: Port bottle

Hampshire: The Upper Test Valley and The Jane Austen Churches

Hi all.

In February of this year I made a post about Chris Brindle's theories regarding the "Unseen Portrait" of Jane Austen, the article can be found again on the link below:

Jane Austen an unseen portrait...the alternative theory

Chris has been in touch to make me aware of two new books that he has written on the topic of Hampshire. The second book titled "Hampshire: Volume 2: Southampton and North Hampshire: Discovering the 19th Century World of Portsmouth Artist R.H.C. Ubsdell" has a 20 page chapter on 'The Upper Test Valley and The Jane Austen Churches.' This and other chapters tells the story of Jane Austen & Anna Lefroy and in full colour covers all the places in Hampshire associated with them and the wider Austen family.

Both these books can be found on  amazon.co.uk and there are some secondhand review copies for £10 if interested.

If any of you have not had the opportunity to visit the UK and see Jane's house and surroundings in Hampshire, make sure it is on the to-do list as it really is worth it.

Pic: Hampshire: Volume 2 cover

Tom Lefroy Quote of the Week 25

The life of a chief justice apparently in the 18th century was apparently not free from gossips and accusations. In page 293 of the Memoir of Chief Justice Lefroy, I found a note how a Sir John Shelley accused Tom Lefroy of avoiding his duties and ordered a substitute to do so instead. Tom Lefroy's following letter dated 23 Feb 1856 refuted such accusation with such a detailed patience, as such:

Kings Inns in Dublin

'I was called to the bar in 1797, which will appear from the Roll of Barristers in the hands of the proper officers of the King's Inns. I was appointed to the Bench as Baron of the Exchequer in 1841, and the date of my patent, which was given up on my promotion to the office of Chief Justice, will be found by the enrolment. The fact that I never missed a circuit, or part of a circuit, since I have been on the bench, can be established most correctly by the proper officer of the Treasury, certifying to his Excellency that no charge appears made at any time for a substitute, to discharge any of my duties on circuit.'

From this small passage, I learned a lot from Tom Lefroy: 1) never to negate a duty (unless you really can't help it), at least to refute any accusations!, and 2) keep records of your achievements handy. Oh, and refute any accusations with calmness and patience. No wonder he was chosen as the Chief Justice of Ireland...

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 210

I have chosen my quotes from Northanger Abbey. This week I have been thinking lots about relationships and the dynamics between the different personalities of men and women. I may be generalising but I see cases where us women often expect things from men that they simply cannot offer, often due to the fact that they do not think rather than do not care. This led me to thinking about how sometimes women can demonstrate a manipulative nature in terms of relationships.

Henry and Catherine are discussing Isabella Thorpe in in chapter 19 of the novel. Catherine is explaining to Henry how she feels that the attentions of Frederick (Henry's older brother) towards Isabelle are upsetting her brother James' as James and Isabella are engaged to be married.

“Is it my brother’s attentions to Miss Thorpe, or Miss Thorpe’s admission of them, that gives the pain?”

“Is not it the same thing?”

“I think Mr. Morland would acknowledge a difference. No man is offended by another man’s admiration of the woman he loves; it is the woman only who can make it a torment.”

This is a very astute observation by our dear Jane. I think that some women found in these situations can certainly relish in the attention, I have definitely seen it.

This is linked to another quote from chapter 6 where Isabella and Catherine are talking about a potential love interest for Catherine:

"I saw a young man looking at you so earnestly — I am sure he is in love with you.” Catherine coloured, and disclaimed again. Isabella laughed. “It is very true, upon my honour, but I see how it is; you are indifferent to everybody’s admiration, except that of one gentleman, who shall be nameless. Nay, I cannot blame you” — speaking more seriously — “your feelings are easily understood. Where the heart is really attached, I know very well how little one can be pleased with the attention of anybody else. Everything is so insipid, so uninteresting, that does not relate to the beloved object! I can perfectly comprehend your feelings.”


I dont think any of us can deny this!   Pic: Catherine and Isabella

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 209

James Austen, Jane's brother

I keep finding so much truth and relevancy to today's World in "The Loiterer" - the periodical published by Jane's brother, James Austen, that I can't resist quoting from it.  Especially since I am convinced that Jane, herself, was intimately acquainted with it and its importance.  So this week I will point you to Issue No. 17 where the subtitle is " Modern times vindicated from the charge of Degeneracy."  Here is the first paragraph:

 

 THE shameful degeneracy of modern times, and the visible superiority of preceding ones in point of almost every moral excellence, has been in all ages, and still continues to be a favourite topic for declamation. To consider and (if I am able) to refute the truth of so mortifying an imputation, is the design of my present paper; and though I should prove unsuccessful; yet any attempt to vindicate the honour of the present age, must surely be entitled to its pardon, if not its approbation.

 

I find that the premise is still true today as I recall the many (not just one) conversations with my friends that society has degenerated from the morals of our youth.  We have made note of the differences in many areas of our lives. 

 

Therefore, I highly recommend reading the issue in its entirety to get the complete message.  You can read it here.

 

I will sign off this way:  Hoping all the best for our Future, I remain

 

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 208

I’ve been practising gratitude these days, recording about five things that I am grateful of per day. It’s a good practice to make me realise how lucky I am. Thus, for this week (well, a few minutes past midnight), I’d like to present a quote about gratitude. Taken from Pride and Prejudice Chapter 44 (Volume III, Chapter 2), set at Pemberley after the dinner with the Gardiners.

Keira Knightley as Lizzy Bennet

As for Elizabeth, her thoughts were at Pemberley this evening more than the last; and the evening, though as it passed it seemed long, was not long enough to determine her feelings towards one in that mansion; and she lay awake two whole hours endeavouring to make them out. She certainly did not hate him. No; hatred had vanished long ago, and she had almost as long been ashamed of ever feeling a dislike against him that could be so called. The respect created by the conviction of his valuable qualities, though at first unwillingly admitted, had for some time ceased to be repugnant to her feelings; and it was now heightened into somewhat of a friendlier nature by the testimony so highly in his favour, and bringing forward his disposition in so amiable a light, which yesterday had produced. But above all, above respect and esteem, there was a motive within her of good will which could not be overlooked. It was gratitude. -- Gratitude, not merely for having once loved her, but for loving her still well enough to forgive all the petulance and acrimony of her manner in rejecting him, and all the unjust accusations accompanying her rejection. He who, she had been persuaded, would avoid her as his greatest enemy, seemed, on this accidental meeting, most eager to preserve the acquaintance, and without any indelicate display of regard, or any peculiarity of manner, where their two selves only were concerned, was soliciting the good opinion of her friends, and bent on making her known to his sister. Such a change in a man of so much pride excited not only astonishment but gratitude -- for to love, ardent love, it must be attributed; and as such, its impression on her was of a sort to be encouraged, as by no means unpleasing, though it could not be exactly defined. She respected, she esteemed, she was grateful to him; she felt a real interest in his welfare; and she only wanted to know how far she wished that welfare to depend upon herself, and how far it would be for the happiness of both that she should employ the power, which her fancy told her she still possessed, of bringing on the renewal of his addresses. [bolded sentences my own]

Gratitude can be found when we are contemplating such a big revelation as Elizabeth’s growing love to Darcy. Gratitude can also be found in simple things, such as a simple dinner with oneself or close friends, the blooming flowers in the garden, and the birds singing up in the sky.Or the simple fact of being alive. 

Have you got anything to be grateful of today, my dear friends?

The sad fate of Carrigglas Manor

We received an email a few days ago from a John O'Neill. He conveyed sad news about what is happening to Carrigglas Manor, the former home of the Lefroys (including our Tom Lefroy, of course). John went to Carrigglas earlier last year, and found the estate to be in an unkept condition.



It seems that whatever hotel/estate development it was meant to be done in Carrigglas isn't happening now. We wrote several posts about Carrigglas here, here and here. Sad that that Tom Lefroy's symbol of pride and love is now in an utterly desperate state....

Tom Lefroy Quote of the Week 24

This weeks quote is from chapter XII, page 370 of Tom Lefroy's memoir.

"I feel that any memorial of him would be wanting which omitted to notice his unalterable cheerfulness under the little every-day crosses of life. Though the shadow of a cloud might flit past, it seemed as if it could never long obscure the sunshine of his temper or his countenance. If a wet day interfered with some cherished plan for a holiday excursion (and he retained to the very last an almost childlike enjoyment of such occasions) we were sure soon to hear some such remark as "well, only think of the good this gracious rain will do in the country," or "Really when I come to think of it, 'tis a decided advantage to me to have the day at home."

What a wonderful way to be remembered!

Pic: Blessedhomemaking

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 207

This week, I was lucky enough to receive a nice email from Mariana Georghe who analysed a passage from Sense & Sensibility versus The Memoir of Chief Justice Lefroy. Thank you Mariana for the email!

-xxx-

Hello dear Ladies,

I’m sending you a quick note regarding Westminster school that may be of use to you for the blog, containing few paragraphs from Sense and Sensibility and from Tom Lefroy’s Memoir. Now that we know Tom’s uncle, I. P. George Lefroy and his son J. Henry George Lefroy were sent to Westminster  - a public school, with the recommendation from their uncle, Benjamin Langlois (according to the Notes and documents relating to the family of Loffroy, by a cadet [J.H. Lefroy] ), and that Tom Lefroy instead had received private education, being the pupil of Rev Burrowes between 1790-95 when he met Mary Paul, maybe we’ll read with different eyes the story of Edward Ferrars and the following paragraph from Chapter 36:

"Upon my soul," he added, "I believe it is nothing more; and so I often tell my mother, when she is grieving about it. 'My dear Madam,' I always say to her, 'you must make yourself easy. The evil is now irremediable, and it has been entirely your own doing. Why would you be persuaded by my uncle, Sir Robert, against your own judgment, to place Edward under private tuition, at the most critical time of his life? If you had only sent him to Westminster as well as myself, instead of sending him to Mr. Pratt's, all this would have been prevented.' This is the way in which I always consider the matter, and my mother is perfectly convinced of her error." 

“Elinor would not oppose his opinion, because, whatever might be her general estimation of the advantage of a public school, she could not think of Edward's abode in Mr. Pratt's family, with any satisfaction.”

We know that Edward and Lucy met while Edward studied with Lucy's uncle, Mr. Pratt, and have been secretly engaged for four years. Edward was a pupil of Lucy's uncle in Plymouth, and that is where their relationship began.

Based on the Memoir [pages 3, 14 and 20], Tom Lefroy, “after a private education entered the University of Dublin, on the 2^nd November, 1790, at the early age of fourteen.” The distance between Limerick and Dublin being “at that time a work of three days”, Tom was sent to a college tutor, Rev Dr. Burrowes “who kindly consented to receive him into his family circle”. In the Memoir we are told that Tom developed “a warm friendship” with a fellow student, Mr. Thomas Paul, “during their College course” between November 1790 and April 1795 and that Lefroy visited Paul family “and, very soon, an attachment sprung up between him and Mr. and Mrs. Paul’s only daughter ”

This is not really new, but I think the Westminster school part that’s related now to the Lefroys of Ashe does bring a little bit more light on what Jane Austen knew and wrote in her books as related to Tom Lefroy and his engagement to Mary Paul. I still have to check Mansfield Park for the Westminster school connections with Henry Crawford & J.Henry George Lefroy.

In the Memoir also, I found an interesting note that I think will connect once again the surroundings from the “unseen portrait” with Tom Lefroy:

“...written while he was keeping his Law Terms at Lincoln’s Inn, that would rank high...During his stay at the Temple, he resided with his grand uncle, Mr. Langlois, in London, and attended daily at Westminster Hall, where, in the Courts presided over by such men as lord Eldon and Lord Kenyon...”

Have a delightful weekend!

Lots of Hugs,

Mariana

Pic: The yummy Dan Stevens as Edward Ferrars in Sense & Sensibility 2008

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 206

 

 

 I have a special reason for using the following quote this week.  My granddaughter and I went to see a local presentation on stage of "Pride and Prejudice" with local actors.  And that is why this quote is a wee bit late.  I must say that it was beatifully done, the actors were superb, the script well done, and the stage props lovely!   I had no idea that the local folks were quite as capable of putting on such a lovely show!  I am now inclined to go see some of next seasons presentations.

 

So, from Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 1 I quote:

 

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

 

That is of course, a very well-known sentence, but it does carry lots of wisdom also. And dear Jane proves it with the rest of the novel.

 

Yrs aff'ly,

 

Linda the Librarian

 

Pic: http://austenacious.com/?tag=caroline-bingley

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 205

I have chosen this letter from Jane's Love and Friendship. It is part of Lettter The Firth - From a Young Lady Very Much in Love to Her Friend. It is regarding this letter sent from Mr Musgrove to Henrietta:

                                                                                                                  Sackville Street: January 7th

It is a month today since I first beheld my lovely Henrietta, and the sacred anniversary must, and shall, be kept in a manner becoming the day - by writing to her. Never shall I forget the moment when her beauties first broke on my sight - no time, as you well know, can erase it from my memory. It was at Lady Scudamore's. Happy Lady Scudamore to live within a mile of the divine Henrietta! When the lovely creature first entered the room, oh! what were my sensations? The sight of you was like the sight of a wonderful fine thing. I started - I gazed at her with admiration - she appeared every moment more charming, and the unfortunate Musgrove became a captive to your charms before I had time to look about me. Yes, madam, I had the happiness of adoring you, a happiness for which I cannot be too grateful. "What!' said he to himself. 'Is Musgrove allowed to die for Henrietta?' Enviable Mortal! and may he pine for her who is the object of universal admiration, who is adored by a colonel, and toasted by a baronet! Adorable Henrietta how beautiful you are! I declare you are quite divine! You are more than mortal. You are an angel. You are Venus herself. In short, madam, you are the prettiest girl I ever saw in my life - and her beauty is increased in her Musgrove's eyes, by permitting him to love her, and allowing me to hope. And ah! angelic Miss Henrietta, Heaven is my witness how ardently I do hope for the death of your villanous uncle and his abandoned wife, since my fair one will not consent to be mine till their decease has placed her in affluence above what my fortune can procure. Though it is an improvable estate -.


Cruel Henrietta to persist in such a resolution! I am at present with my sister where I mean to continue till my own house which, though an excellent one is at present somewhat out of repair, is ready to receive me. Amiable princess of my heart, farewell - of that heart which trembles while it signs itself -

Your most ardent admirer and devoted humble servant,

T. Musgrove.

This letter is then described by Henrietta to her friend Matilda as "Such sense, such sentiment, such purity of thought, such flow of language and such unfeigned love in one sheet."
I quite agree!

Pic: Buddha and true love
Extract from link above: "Life has a great need of the presence of love, but not the sort of love that is based on lust, passion, attachment, discrimination, and prejudice."

Tom Lefroy Quote of the Week 23

This is quite a story for a simple quote, but it pulled at my heartstrings, so I have to tell it!

I noticed our copy of the movie "A Little Princess" and decided to watch it.  It was the ending that really made a point in my own life.  Briefly, the story is about going from riches to rags and back to riches.

At the end of the movie the young girl, Sara, is speaking with her Father's friend, Mr. Carrisford, who makes her rich again.  The conversation goes thusly:

Mr. C.:  "What are you thinking, Sara?"

Sara:  "I was just thinking about your question, why Karma should have treated me so cruelly.  I believe it was to teach me a lesson."

Mr. C.:  "What lesson?"

Sara:  "There are so many poor people in the world, I took my Papa's money for granted, you see.  But I had no idea what it was like not to have any."

Mr. C.:  "It taught me a lesson, too.  That money doesn't buy happiness."

Sara:  " But it prevents people from starving, though, doesn't it?  And gives them a roof over their heads."

Mr. C.:  "Yes."

Sara:  "I remember one day, when I was particularly hungry, there was little girl outside a bun shop who was even hungrier than I was.  I wonder what became of her, what becomes of all other children who don't have enough to eat.  I wish I could help them."

------------

Next Mr. C. and Sara visit the bun shop where Sara offers to pay for any buns the Mistress gives to any hungry child who comes by.  The Mistress of the shop has taken in that hungry girl, Anne, that Sara had given buns to even though at the time Sara was poor and hungry.  Sara and Mr. C. leave the shop and

Anne says:  "Who is she, Ma'am?  I thought she was poor like me!"

Mistress:  "Poor?  That little one's never been poor.  Not even when she hadn't a penny to her name."

------------------

The movie ends with Sara saying:  "It's the magic, that's what it is.  The Magic.  Remember I told you that when things are at their blackest, the magic always comes to your rescue?  Well, it's come.  It's just like being a princess after all."

-----------------

My Point being - that no matter how bleak life may seem, it could always be worse.  Now what has that got to do with our own Tom Lefroy.  Well, I must quote him.  The quote is a letter Tom wrote to his wife from the "Memoir of Chief Justice Lefroy" on page 47 at this site:  

TO HIS WIFE.

Castle Connell,

Wednesday.

She is a striking instance how utterly inadequate what is called firmness or strength of mind is to contend with affliction. Nothing can do that but what teaches us that it is good for us that we are afflicted, and makes us see through our very heaviest trouble the merciful purpose of Him who makes us perfect by suffering, but who at the same time that He sends the rod, holds out the staff also. There is in true piety a humility of mind, a bowing down of the spirit, an acquiescence in all that comes, as coming from the source of love, which proceeds from faith to patience, from patience to resignation, and from resignation at length kindles into joy, that holy joy which is allied with peace, the joint offspring of that Holy Spirit who alone can bind up the broken heart and pour oil into those wounds which set human consolation at defiance. If, in prosperity, we prepare for trials, we shall never be taken entirely by surprise ; and this I believe is another way by which religion makes good its promises of increased comfort, even in this life.

T. L.

His language is a bit hard for me to cipher out, but I hope I get the gist of what he means because I think it is beautiful.  It puts into words my own belief.  And to think he wrote those words so long ago - over 150 years! 

Also, to put the quote in context, it is best to read at least the preceding pages from page 45.  I think I must read the Memoir in its entirety!

The moral of the story reminds me of the old saying "I cried because I had no shoes until I saw the man who had no feet."

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Pic: A Little Princess, Amazon.com