For even more literary explorations, two invited speakers addressed our group.

• Catherine Spencer related her persistent efforts in writing a novel, Good Intentions. inspired by Jane Austen and finding an agent willing to help her publish a work true to the tone and morals of the age. The audience was supportive and discussed publishing options.

• Amy Stafford delighted us with her analysis of the bad girls in Jane Austen's novels. Fools, Flirts and Floozies was an illustrated romp through the questionable morals and brains of many secondary characters, with a few nods to some heroines.
  

  Jane's Life - 2009 November 21

  Margaret invited us to the January birthday tea and requested everyone to sign-up as a volunteer.

  Judith conducted a tour of this website, with its new pages and information. Also, we were introduced to some great sites for Janeites.

  We learned about Jane Austen and Her Family, and several members reviewed biographies of Jane Austen, both old and new.

  

  

  On 2009 September 19 Margaret, Emma and Randi led a discussion on the many marriage proposals in the novels (successful and unsuccessful) that Jane refers to but doesn’t actually include in her novels. We wrote and acted out what we imagined was said by whom to whom.

  On 2009 March 14 Judith Umbach and Deirdre Harris entertained members with stories of their trip through Winchester, Chawton and Bath. Their DVD and photo show brought back memories for some and inspired others to plan a trip to see the Jane Austen sites. Following the presentation, everyone contributed their own stories and tips for travel.

  

  On 2008 November 15, member Bob Stamp proposed that Jane Austen chose 'Hanoverian' names for LOUISA Musgrove (Persuasion), CAROLINE Bingley (Pride and Prejudice), AUGUSTA Elton (Emma), and Mary (a.k.a. AMELIA) Crawford in Mansfield Park. These less-than-stellar characters are clearly rivals of the 'English' named heroines -- ANNE Elliott, ELIZABETH Bennett, EMMA Woodhouse and FANNY Price, respectively - - rivals for the attention and affections of the male heroes in these four novels. The talk concluded with a lively question and answer session.

  

  Also at our November meeting, Catherine Gardner shared her enjoyment of many sessions at the Chicago 2008 AGM. To find out more, link to the conference site.

  On 2008 September 20 we enjoyed two speakers.

  What Would Darcy Drive?
  Beatrice Nearey unravelled the mysteries of horse-drawn travel in Jane Austen's time, enlightening us about the differences between coaches, Barouche-Landaus, gigs, curricles - more than just carriages!

  On Teapots
  Everyone was a tea-lover when Jeanne Worton told us about the pot that tea was steeped in. Jeanne is the president of the Edmonton JASNA Region and an avid teapot collector since 1985. She has approximately 200 teapots.

  On 2008 May 10 Dr. David Oakleaf, Associate Professor in the English Department at the University of Calgary, entertained us with his theme of sexual pursuit in Jane Austen. The discussion questioned the balance of sexual pursuit and the desire for economic well-being.

  On 2008 March 15 we discussed the Pride and Prejudice movies and the shows on PBS. A lively discussion concentrated on the many interpretations of Elizabeth Bennett's evening with the Bingley family and Mr Darcy.

  In 2007 November, member Tom Barton took us on a tour of Derbyshire.

  In 2007 October some of us attended the gala ball at the JASNA Annual Conference, held in Vancouver, B.C.

  

  In 2007 September, author Phyllis Ferguson astonished us with her talk on the range of autism in Pride and Prejudice.