One thing about natural disasters, they are very ill-mannered guests. They show up to your place uninvited, sometimes with other unexpected guests in tow. They overstay their welcome, leave everything a mess–and all that is after they have shown up at the worst possible time. As we were coping with all Harvey brought our way, in the moments I had two extra brain cells to rub together (which I confess were few and far between) … Continue reading →
By Maria Grace Click on the cover to go to the download page By Austen Variations Click on the cover to go to the download page
Continue reading →A Jane Austen Mashup Short Story. What happens when Emma meets Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice? Courtships of course! What madness had seized the weather? Richard Fitzwilliam pulled the scarf a little tighter around his neck. The howling winds battered the coach on the short ride from Highbury to Hartfield. The Darcy carriage was as snug and warm as such a vehicle might be in a freak blizzard. Still, memories of frigid nights spent … Continue reading →
Beauty Training Improving upon nature With so much at stake, success in the marriage mart not the least consideration, suggestions abounded as to how a young woman might improve her natural beauty. Recommendations were not dissimilar to those we see today, including medicinal options, diet, exercise and cosmeseutical preparations. Medicinal Preparations The digestive system was seen as the source of a great many ills. Those seeking a beautiful form were cautioned to attend … Continue reading →
Nicolas Andry (1743) suggested that deformity, suggested that polite society should shun anything ‘shocking’, like visible impairments which might threaten virtuous interactions. Moreover, individuals who permitted, by their neglect, their bodies to become ‘ugly’ offended both society and God’s intentions. Thus, ‘orthopaedic’ intervention to restore the proper aesthetics to the body was an act of social and moral responsibility. Causes and preventions of deformity Experts concluded that preventing deformity was preferable (and easier) than curing … Continue reading →
