Monday, April 11, 2011

Candle-Lighting Ball

The candle-lighting ball on Saturday evening was quite delightful. Delicious food, enjoyable dinner companions and fine music and dancing made this event very pleasant. No food to cook, dishes to clean up or boys to chase after. Once in a while, that is a nice thing! Here is David with Mr. Bernhart, one of the organizers;

There were *so* many lovely people at this event. Really! The attendees were a mix of pre-1800 rendezvous folk and then our 1860's group - all federal, no confederates. One beautiful lady in regency attire caught my eye and she later introduced herself as Teresa Sanders, of the Marquette Trading Company. She will be one of the vendors at the Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, KY this summer! If I wasn't excited enough about the festival before, I am definitely biting at the bit now! I CAN'T WAIT!!! :D!

The couple of honor was, of course, the esteemed Mr. Benjamin Franklin and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Franklin.

And here is our lovely dance mistress, the Lady Elaine, and her husband who provided us with wonderful music during the dances.

Thanks to all your advice and input, I did wear the bertha with  my dress. I ended up basting it to the neckline of the dress since I was afraid of it flying off during a Virginia Reel or some other active dance. I think I need to stitch the "pleats" (bias strips) down a bit more as a few kept wanting to flip up during the course of the evening. Other than that, it seemed to wear well.

I have more photos in my facebook album and you can see additional pictures at the Register Mail. I hope they bring this event back next year! I have always enjoyed the event they have here each August, and a dinner/dance is a perfect way to start the reenacting season.

Mrs. Franklin, who is truly a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit, told me something very wise, and very true. It made me contemplate the reason why I keep doing 1860's, even though I admittedly have not enjoyed it as much as I ought to have the past few years. She said, "sometimes you will try out a lot of eras; but there will always be one that keeps calling to you. You may not know why, but there is something about it that keeps bringing you back." That is very true for me. I think I will always do 1860's even though I may dabble a bit in other eras. For me, it feels like home.

Love,
Sarah

9 comments:

  1. The bertha turned out perfectly. You look very lovely indeed!

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  2. Y'all look so wonderful! :) And I'm very glad you had a good time.

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  3. I'm not sure if my other comment went through so I'll just say that the dress turned out lovely and you look beautiful in it! I'm glad to hear you had such a great time--it will be fun to hear about whenever we can get together. :)

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  4. 1860's....It feels like home to me too!!!!!

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  5. Glad you went with the bertha, you looked lovely.

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  6. I am glad you had such a wonderful evening! You look wonderful. I am so glad you wore your new dress and that gorgeous bertha - it really is so lovely.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Rachel

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  7. It feels like home. I'm nodding my head up and down when I read this. What a lovely party!

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  8. Sarah:
    I love that you decided to wear the bertha! You look beautiful in the photos. I'm so glad you had a good time.
    xoxo
    Donna

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Thank you for your lovely thoughts!