"Willoughby's Return" by Jane Odiwe

I have received the exciting news that author, artist Jane Odiwe's new book "Willoughby's Return" will be published November 1! Congratulations and best wishes Jane!

From publisher, Sourcebooks, comes this tantalizing blurb:

A lost love returns, rekindling forgotten passions.....In Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility,when Marianne Dashwood marries Colonel Brandon, she puts her heartbreak over scoundrel John Willoughby in the past.

Three years later, Willoughby's return throws Marianne into a tizzy of painful memories and exquisite feelings of uncertainty. Willoughby is as charming, as roguish, and as much in love with her as ever. And, the timing couldn't be worse--Colonel Brandon away and Willoughby determined to win her back, will Marianne find the strength to save her marriage, or will the temptation of a previous love be too powerful to resist?

Jane Odiwe is also doing a blog tour to celebrate the publication. Vist her website, http://janeaustensequels.blogspot.com/ to get information on giveaways, competition to win books and paintings, and more.

I designed this Sense and Sensibility with lovely lapis semiprecious stones, huge Swarovski crystals and white glass pearls. The photo image charms hold illustrations of memorable moments and have a sweet scroll edge. There is an image on the reverse side.

The Wisdom and Practicality of Charlotte Lucas

A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of. Jane Austen

Society in the eighteenth and nineteenth century was a fixed institution. Adjusting to the demands of polite society was not easy and full of snares. If one was born well and rich there were obligations that were imposed in regard to securing a marriage. Further difficulties to an advantageous marriage was if one was born well but impoverished. If one was born well and rich-- but plain or unattractive in appearance was yet another obstacle to overcome in regard to marriage.
Jane Austen understood the ins and outs of the society of her day. She studied it at great length and had no illusions as to her own standing in it. Using this understanding she built characters and interwove their lives in the midst of the social and moral patterns active in her time.

Charlotte Lucas is one of my favorite Jane Austen characters although she is often neglected in considerations-- just as she was barely noticed in her life and society. Charlotte understood her social position and she also understood that because of her plain appearance she was unlikely to acquire an advantageous match of any kind.

She is a wonderful friend to Elizabeth Bennet and advises her wisely… although Eliza most often ignores her wisdom. Never at all jealous of her good friend, Charlotte takes pleasure in the prospect of Elizabeth’s advancement through marriage.

Charlotte has the good fortune to move in different societies because of her father's position. His activities in business and politics have given her an understanding of the mechanizations of society. Altough her father and sister, Maria, are quite empty-headed, Charlotte is quite intelligent and rather wiley. Afterall, it took her only an instant to see the prospect of an advantageous marriage with Mr. Collins after his rejection by Elizabeth. She swoops in and heals the wounded pride that Mr. Collins has suffered from Elizabeth’s rejection and manipulates a marriage for her own benefit. It is a bit hard to tell if she is genuinely attracted to Mr. Collins or more interested in her own security …..little matter though, because to her it is the best offer that she can expect under the circumstances. The practical Charlotte must forgo the notion of romantic love in order to secure her future well being. Many women of her day had to “settle” and make compromises in order to achieve any kind of happiness.

I have decided not to pity Charlotte in regard to her compromises and have chosen instead to admire her for her practicality and wisdom. Parish the thought a woman should find this kind of thing necessary in today's world...but it was a matter of survival in hers. She learned to accept what she couldn't change and to find comfort in good friends …and small things like her own little parlor to find contentment. I find it very amusing that she has manipulated Mr. Collins to take up gardening out of doors for his health to get him from underfoot.

Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. Jane Austen

Thoughts In The Good Old Summertime

To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment. Jane Austen

My thoughts have turned to the romance of summer. But, does it seem to anyone else that summer time is a season meant primarily for the young? It seems the older I get the more uncomfortable summer is. I stroll in the cool of the morning to enjoy the vivid colors of the larkspurs and coreopis in my garden --and I save my yard and garden chores for the cooler part of the day as well. I love to sit on the front porch, but the temperature isn't as enjoyable as it was in the spring. Late in the day, I get out my brightly colored oriental fan to swish away the heat.

But, summertime! The summer of my youth-- I have such fond memories! Every summer my family, sometimes both maternal and paternal, would pack up the fishing and picnic gear and head for the creek. I haven't been to that spot since my youth, but back then the water was so clear that you could see every pebble and minnow in the depths. There was an icy cold spring that flowed out of the side of a hill that was good for drinking. Is there anywhere like that now?

And, is it just a coincidence that the seasons are used to indicate the different phases of life?Spring for youth, Summer for young adult, Autumn for middleage and Winter for the seniors. I suppose I am in the autumn of my life--but, that suits me fine, because Autumn is my favorite season anyway. When I was younger though, I'd splash on my To A Wild Rose perfume and without a care to the sweat of a summer's day-- I regaled with the scent that swirled around me as my body heated with the rise of the thermometer. There wasn't a day too hot to be out of doors when I was younger...we didn't worry about turning tan or the dirt caked on our barefeet. Now I seek cool shade, the indoors and especially the air conditioner.

Barefoot Days

byRachel Field

In the morning, very early

That's the time I love to go

Barefoot where the fern grows curly

And grass if cool between each toe

On a summer morning--O!

On a summer morning!

That's when the birds go by

Up the sunny slopes of air,

And each rose has a butterfly

Or a golden bee to wear;

And I am glad in every toe--

Such a summer morning--O!

Such a summer morning!

My Thoughts on Jane Austen and Spring

"To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment." Jane Austen

As my thoughts turn to spring and the activities of the season, it amuses me to think that my favorite definitions for the season of Spring are also synonymous with the verb spring….to jump and vigorous activities. Winter has left... along with it my sedentary behavior and activities as well. I won't be sitting down to read quite as often for instance. The dormant plants in my garden are now “springing” into action as am I. Each season brings a different kind of activity. My thoughts are more lively and I’ve thrown off the lethargy that I felt when the days were solemn and gray.

Jane Austen had her mundane chores and responsibilites just as we all do. She performed those tasks efficiently so as to have the time to indulge her passion, writing. I feel I am accurate when I say my mind and body are lethargic in the winter and more spirited in the spring-- but that never seemed to be the case with her. A thought would occur to her at any given moment, no matter the time or season and she would spring up to record it. In my mind’s eye she was always energetic, if not in body, certainly in her thoughts.

Some of her critics say there is no poetry in her novels, but I see it everywhere. Her descriptions of nature for instance are quite poetical and set the moods accurately. Whith the introduction of each character often comes the poetic description of the surroundings that form a counterpoint. To me she mastered the art of describing scenes and her method brings the environment alive.


There are many things most of us do not understand about psychology and philosophy. Jane Austen had an incomparable knowledge of both and used them to great success in her writing. In her lifetime, and afterwards she had many critics--which I suppose is only fair--as she was quite critical herself of everything and everybody. Her keen eyes observed the people and surroundings of her times and those powers of observation served her well for her literature.

If we are wise we are also open minded and find that critical works serve mostly to enlarge our minds and force us to think beyond our own understanding. The works of Jane Austen brought her immortality and those of us who love her appreciate them for a multitude of reasons.

So, with my thoughts focused on spring and the activities there of-- I will enjoy some of my favorite things--the heavenly scent of apple blossoms and the blooms of daffodils and tulips.

A Prayer In Spring

by Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird

That suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,

The which it is reserved for God above

To sanctify to what far ends He will,

But which it only needs that we fulfil.




This is a spring color charm bracelet that was commissioned for author and artist Jane Odiwe using her own special artwork.

An Observation of the Similarities of the Lives of Jane Austen and Emily Dickinson

"We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be." Jane Austen


A few days ago, I was in my favorite bead shop, when I was asked about the pendant I was wearing. I had made the frame some months previous from polymer clay, resin and gold leaf and it held the daguerreotype reproduction of Emily Dickinson. The lady behind the counter said, “Is that a picture of someone you know or a relative?” I know my mouth dropped….. One of the most famous women in our poetic history had escaped the notice of this young woman. As a lover of literature that I realistically know not everyone shares, to me this was profoundly sad.

That incident inspired me to look into the life of Emily Dickinson. I was already familiar with her poetry from having read it in the old high school literature book that my mom found somewhere years and years ago. Even though I have always been a voracious reader I have no training to make interpretations or comparisons of art and literature--but, it is hard not to notice the parallels and similarities between Jane Austen and Emily Dickinson.

******Emily Dickinson's home in Amehurst, MA.

The desk Emily used in her bedroom.****

While reading about their lives, I was not surprised to see that this idea was not original to me--as it is obvious in many ways. It is amazing to me that both women knew so much about life, people and relationships, though both lived close to home and never married or even had relationships that came to fruition. It is said that both women had been in love at least once, unrequited love.... Although Emily Dickinson very seldom ventured beyond the grounds of her home, she carried on many lively spirited correspondences by letter as did Jane Austen--who lived in her own small sphere of influence. Each woman lived with her family.

*****Jane's Writing Table *****

Emily Dickinson once submitted some of her poetry to well known editor and writer of the time, Thomas Wentworth Higginson and asked “Are you too deeply occupied to say if my verse is alive?” In answer to her question he said her style was “uncontrolled.” Even though he was it seems in awe of her keen mind and way of forming words he greatly criticized her odd style and advised her not to publish her work in it's original form.

Casandra's portrait of Jane Austen**

Jane Austen had critics of her work too of course , each of whom had his own idea of how she should improve her craft. She stubbornly decided to be true to her own writing style regardless of the outcome. Emily Dickinson was published very little during her lifetime--but, she made the same choice-- to be true to her self. Most of her work was found in boxes by her family after her death.

Interesting to me was the fact that after the deaths of Jane Austen and Emily Dickinson, family or friends made decisions to “edit” their biographies, their portraits and or their work! The very work they strived during their lives to create as a reflection of themselves...desecrated.

*******************

**My collage of Emily Dickinson's headstone**
************************

Mr. Higginson, who had become Emily Dickinson’s friend and mentor-- helped deeply edit and add titles to many of her poems before their publication. Jane Austen's family decided to sanitize and sweeten Jane Austen’s biography so as not to offend Victorian sensibilities--they “edited” her life so to speak--and, burned or censored many personal correspondences that might reflect she had a character other than the one they wanted presented.

******************
*Jane Austen's grave in Winchester Cathedral********

***************

*Chawton, where Jane Austen lived the last eight years of her life and wrote many of her books.*

Far from one relative's portrayal of a bland,sweet, docile creature who never said anything amiss, Jane Austen was decidedly different and a lot more interesting and animated to my way of thinking. Jane seemed to have been quite witty, more than a little waspish, perhaps sarcastic and very outspoken about everything in her world. Here is a statement from Jane in regard to some neighbors that one of her first biographers "sanitized": “I was as civil to them as their bad breath would allow me.” changed to… “I was as civil to them as circumstances would allow me.” I very much like the "spirited" Jane who may not have been the saint she was frequently portrayed to be.

Also changed were the portraits of both women which were altered after their deaths. The portrait of Jane by her sister Cassandra was redone--removing the stern look for a softer one, replacing a straight stiff chair with a curved one and even changing the position of her clinched arms to a more relaxed pose. A frilly feminine collar was added to Emily Dickinson’s portrait along with a wavy hairstyle.

Though Emily Dickinson never saw the sea, or many other things she wrote of, she had a very good imagination, along with a keen understanding of the world she largely chose to avoid. Although it probably can’t be said Jane Austen avoided life, certain circumstances in her life seemed to have kept her close to home all the same. In spite of this, she too had deep insights into matters that she seemed not to have experienced in reality. ****

The lovely poem Emily Dickinson wrote-- pictured on the left-- is my favorite.

I love literature of all kinds and that old literature book is one of my most treasured possessions. If you haven't read literature... from some of history's greatest authors since school days.... I urge you to do so, you won't regret it.

http://janitesonthejames.blogspot.com/search?q=jean+judy
One of my favorite Jane Austen informational links: http://www.findingjaneausten.com/
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Thoughts on the Coming New Year

"Somehow, not only for Christmas

But all the long year through,

The joy that you give to others

Is the joy that comes back to you.

And the more you spend in blessing

The poor and lonely and sad,

The more of your heart's possessing

Returns to you glad. "

John Greenleaf Whittier

So another Christmas is past... a recent memory that is still so warm in our hearts that only begrudgingly

do we turn our thoughts to the coming New Year.

Many people think of Christmas as the time to lay down differences and grievances....a time of love and forgiveness--more so than any other time of year. How can we keep the feelings of love and charity alive from Christmas to Christmas? Well perhaps it's naive to think we can accomplish that lofty goal completely; but, the new year is a time for fresh starts and beginnings--any well meaning effort is better than none isn't it? I didn't used to think much of making resolutions, but 'with age they say comes wisdom'. I've decided making resolutions is actually a gesture of the hope that lies in each human heart. If I wait until the time is right to accomplish a goal or dream I probably won't find the time at all. It seems as I grow older I value time more because it seems to be passing a lot faster and there is never enough.

To quote Jane Austen, “Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings.” I believe there is a lot of truth in that. I can testify that many days I hurry around, my thoughts and actions scattered and disorganized. Although I seem busy I actually accomplish little of any real importance. So! I don’t want that for myself.

I read an amusing quote that summed it up for me: “Someday your life will pass before your eyes, make sure it’s worth watching.”

Joy of the Season to All

“Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.“ Washington Irving

During the Victorian age, authors told dark tales of the poor and wretched during the Christmas season. Who can forget the Little Match Girl, or the dramatic Christmas Carol? Stories in which the inside of a house was hardly warmer than the freezing cold winter outside with it’s gray hopeless landscape.

In striking contrast, America's Washington

Irving often told stories of hearts warmed with kindness and generosity during the Christmas season. He wrote of a holiday season filled with cheerful travelers, children and dogs playing in the snow, ancient Christmas traditions and joyful parties where the class divisions were temporarily forgotten and all were welcome.
What is it about the Christmas season that softens the heart towards the needy in such a magical way although all around the winter season makes the scenery bleak, the days short and the darkness of night longer? It some how makes the warmth of the indoors even cozier and more inviting in comparison. We long to enjoy hearty meals with family and friends with whom we will share the gaiety of the holiday season. In these troubled and stressful times, I observe people want to start celebrating earlier and hang on to the joy of Christmas longer and longer each year. It is my prayer that those who have plenty will share their blessings and demonstrate love and charity to all those less fortunate in the true spirit of the Christmas season.

It is my prayer that those who have plenty will share their blessings and demonstrate love and charity to all those less fortunate in the true spirit of the Christmas season.

Thoughts on Black and White and Timeless Toile

The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.

(Friedrich Nietzsche)

I’ve always said, when asked, that yellow is my favorite color. And so it is when I see it or wear it it’s hard not to be sunny and cheerful. However, when I’m designing jewelry my favorite designs are black and white. It never goes out of style and it goes with just about everything. For some reason my black and white designs remind me of toile. Toile, pronounced twal, is an enduring favorite with interior decorators and homeowners everywhere.

I think the black and white illustrations that I use in a Jane Austen custom charm bracelet tell stories not only about important scenes from each novel-- but they also tell things about the activities, clothes and home fashions from the Austenian or Regency era. A good example is the illustration of Mrs. Gardiner handing out her Christmas gifts. You can see the ladies and gentlemen‘s fashions as well as some of the room décor. Everything a quaint portrayal of the times right down to the precious kitty poking into a box.

Toile is actually an abbreviation of toile de Jouy and comes from Jouy-en-Josas, France. Toile was invented by Christopher-Philippe Oberkampf who had a long heartbreaking journey with his art. In 1760 the first commercial plant produced this type of printing and it was originally a one-color print, rendered in intricate detail on a white or cream-colored background. The design images told all kinds of stories, such as myths, legends, or even everyday life of the French countryside. Over the years since it’s invention toile has changed colors, backgrounds and encompasses topics it’s inventor, Oberkampf would never have imagined.

I'm so thankful for artist and artisans who by including traditions into their art keep beauty alive for the generations that follow, not only for historical value but

simply for all to enjoy.
Toile, classic, enduring and timeless. The exquisite tea cozy is a creation from Marilyn’s Originals, http://marilynsoriginals.com/

Thoughts on Vanity

"Vanity working on a weak head, produces every sort of mischief." - -- Jane Austen

What does she mean? If we work from the assumption that the type of vanity to which she refers is of a prideful nature then we can assume that someone with hurt pride is capable of mischief. If that mischief is retaliation then look out! Why are we so prone to hurt pride? Is there an age limit on feelings of vanity? Not really, but I do find the older I get personally the more I realize it’s a silly waste of time. There’s always going to be some one better looking, more talented and smarter. It’s just a fact and hardly worth losing any sleep over.

Bonfire of the vanities? Many ages ago there was this strange fellow named Savanorola who with a few friends and well-wishers organized bonfires. These bonfires weren't the kind we enjoy in which we roast weiners and toast marshmallows. This guy wanted to burn anything that might lead us into the sin of self worship or too much pride in oneself. As I pull out my new tube of lipstick and apply a pretty pink shade to my lips I’m really glad people like him aren't allowed to run things anymore.

So it’s back to life as usual. Crops are in, the produce put away in wonderful glass Bell jars, the cellar, or the freezer and we take pride in our accomplishments as the year wanes. The air is crisp and each step brings the rustle of leaves that lie scattered on the ground. What are the smells of autumn? Is it the smell of burning leaves perhaps, or spices like cinnamon, ginger and cloves? The focus goes from Jack-0-lanterns to pumpkins pies. Pride can be a useful and productive thing when used positively. Especially when we speak of craftmanship and abilities. So, I'll take this thing called pride--harness it and put it to work in the kitchen so everyone can enjoy the flavors of the season.

The weather was sunny and mild so I got out to enjoy raking leaves again. The colors swirled around me in a breeze and they were brilliant in the sunlight. Shades of amber, salmon, yellow, gold, and red swept up in the air and fell back to the ground. I made a bracelet too and I used as many of those colors as I could.

Quiet Contemplations

"For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?"Jane Austen

My neighbors are wonderful. They're just what neighbors should be. They tend to their own business, they're quiet and respectful. They decorate for every season just like you'd expect them to do in a small town like mine. They are often away in the summer and I house watch for them. They pay me in fresh vegetables. Life is good. But you’ve got to love this quote--because by admitting something that we all know we do, we also have to accept that we’re going to be on the receiving end at some point. I know I’ve been way to serious in my life time, unable to take criticism, suggestions and too stiff in my judgments as well. With great relief, age has finally brought me to a place where it’s easier to lighten up. Not only lighten up on myself, because I’m my biggest critic-- but lighten up on all of the folks who have at some time or another garnered my criticism. I laugh at myself easier than I did even a year ago. Age has it’s benefits, and, as Maggie Kuhn (photo) said, “There’s no disgrace or shame in growing old. We’re all doing it.”

How was Jane Austen so wise? How was she able to observe and report on the most minute nuances of every day life without having lived it fully herself? I read somewhere that it was never really her intent to write philosophy, and yet we apply her wisdom to everything from dating to manners to everything in between.

I feel mellow today, perhaps it’s only the time of year, but it feels good. Things are slower, the harvest is in so to speak. A few days ago I heard the geese overhead on their miraculous journey south-- and I just had to stop and marvel at how they do it year after year. The leaves begin to litter the ground now and as creation gets ready for winter I have azaleas to plant and blooms to look forward to in the spring.

Jane Austen Society of North America Chicago AGM

The two silhouette bracelets that I had made using images passed down in the Austen family were presented to Joan Austen-Leigh's daughter Freydis Welland (below) by Marsha Huff, President of the JASNA (black dress in the group photo) and Elizabeth Cooper, Regional Coordinator of the Wisconsin area (gold regency dress to Marsha Huff's right). Elizabeth told me that Freydis wanted to wear both so talented woman that she is,Elizabeth was kind enough to fashion one into a necklace for her.

Freydis with her sister Damaris Brix who is wearing a "Persuasion" charm bracelet.

Cheryl Kinney, Dallas obstetrician, on the left is wearing a "Sense and Sensibility" and as I recall Elizabeth is wearing the "Pride and Prejudice" that I designed. It looks like everyone had a wonderful time. Elizabeth Cooper and her sister- in- law Molly assumed their rolls as the Bingley sisters, and are seen with the bagpipe player who led the parade down Michigan Avenue.

Although, I didn't get to go to the AGM, I'm hearing it was a great success. Bonny Wise, regional director for the JASNA, Greater Louisville area, sold my bracelets, earrings and other things in a booth at the Emporium.

This past summer, I've made well over a hundred Jane Austen theme bracelets, many for JASNA members. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it and how greatful I am. That being said, I didn't get to go to the AGM--but it meant the world to me that part of me got to go and that the ladies shared the event with me!

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