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Friday, March 2, 2012

True Confessions of a Darcyholic

Guest Post by Rita Watts

Hi, Darcyholics!  What a treat it is to meet Darcyholics from all over the world.  Today we have Rita Watts, now living in Georgia, but originally from Brazil.  I hope you enjoy getting to know her!

Upcoming Guest Posts Are As Follows:
March 6--Ruth Oakland
March 9--Jack Caldwell (Celebrating The Three Colonels release)
March 13--Lynne Robson
March 16--Mary Simonsen
March 17--Jennifer Hickling (michchick)
March 20--Jan Hahn (release of The Journey)
March 23--Jeane Alvarez (P&P2005 blog)
March 27--Lucy S. 
March 30--Elizabeth Kantor
April 3--Bonnie Carlson
April 6--China Fuentes-Montero
April 10--Matt Duffy
April 13--Regina Jeffers
April 17--Elizabeth Ashton
April 20--Susan Mason-Milks
April 24--Linda Wells
April 27--Veronica (Dark Jane Austen Book Club)
May 4--Susan Adriani
And Many more to come!
&*&*&*&*&*&*&

Comments on Maria’s post will enter you into this month's monthly drawing (to be given away at the end of the month from all the comments on the blog this month). Entries will be based on comments on blog posts; but additional chances will be given for joining this site, tweeting this post, Joining this site as a member!, sharing this on Facebook or your blog, Friend me on Facebook, clicking 'like’ on Barbara Tiller Cole, Author's Facebook page, Join Darcyholic Diversions Facebook Page or following BarbTCole on Twitter.

True Confessions of a Darcyholic

Hi. My name is Rita and I am a Darcyholic.
(Pause for applause of support)
 It all started one stormy night in a small town in Brazil when I curled up to read Pride & Prejudice published by Reader’s Digest. My mom was a big fan of those volumes because of the wonderful and varied compilation of fiction.  
Years later I saw a movie called Valmont by Milos Forman with a young English actor named Colin Firth and it was a bolt to the heart…
Many years after that, I was already married to an American and living in Georgia, I found a promising DVD. It was then I saw my two passions become one in Jane Austen´s 1995 adaptation from BBC.
I knew who Jane Austen was, I have a minor in English Literature, and had seen several adaptations of her other novels such as Emma, Persuasion and Mansfield Park. I was a big fan but not yet a Janeite or a Darcyholic. I was just someone that liked to escape to English period dramas. It is my happy place - together with pretty much any place Colin Firth decided to go with his superb acting.
Another few years later I discovered several Jane Austen groups on facebook and became part of JASNA in 2011. Now I was officially a Janeite. Soon after, I met the wonderful Barbara Tiller Cole and the world of JAFF. I am still amazed how I could live all this time without the company of such people. I was quite honored when she invited me to write a post on this blog.
What to do? How could I entertain such amazing and clever writers and experienced readers? This is what I came up with. This dialogue did not actually take place. Well, let’s say…not in so many words. Enjoy!

Henry, “Hey, Mrs. Facebook! What are we having for dinner tonight?”
Liz, “Tonight? There is still plenty of time. We just had breakfast.”
“That was almost eight hours ago!”
“No, it wasn’t.”
“Have you been on facebook all day today?”
“No.” Sheepishly, she lowered her gaze.
“This has got to stop. Since you met this Barbara woman and joined this Jane group you won’t do anything around the house anymore. You are not even aware of the weather outside. Did you at least leave the room?”
“Yes, I sure did!” Liz looked up in defiance.
“Where did you go?”
Liz had a half-smile on her face when she said, “To the bathroom.”
“Wow, “Henry said with no little sarcasm, “I am so relieved you remembered your primary needs.”
“You will be happy to know I also brushed my teeth.”
“You are not even dressed and it’s almost time for bed again.”
“It saves time since, doesn’t it?” She said winking at him. “Besides, I don’t need to be dressed where I went today”.
“Where?”
“Austenland”
“I see.” Henry shook his head and let out a sigh.
“What do you see?”
“I see you need a doctor.”
“What for? I am perfectly content with my situation.”
“What situation is that? Staying in bed all day when you are off     work talking to a bunch of strangers about a man that does not exist and a woman that has been dead for almost 200 years?”
“Are you jealous of Mr. Darcy?”
“Me? Jealous of a character in a book?”
“Well, you know he is not actually just that. That is what we want people to believe. He is an actual person that lives in London. His name at the moment is Colin Firth.”
“At the moment?” He looked at her suspiciously.
“Yes. He is immortal. Only man worthy of his soul can be possessed by his spirit. Laurence Olivier was also the real thing. He passed the horcrux – the lock with Elizabeth’s hair with Darcy’s soul - to Colin Firth right before his death.
His mouth opened. “Oh my God, you lost your mind! Please tell me you are joking.”
“Of course, I am.”
“Very funny.” He breathed a sigh of relief. “I understand you love literature but this has become an obsession.”
“What gave you this idea?”
“Well, let me see. I noticed more than 50 purchases for your kindle and nearly all of them had Mr. Darcy on the title. That was in 2 weeks alone.”
“Oh, don’t be absurd. Some have Pemberley or Fitzwilliam on the title.”
“You now listen to a Baroque radio station. We are in the 21st century, for crying out loud.”
“Loud is the word. Another one is beautiful.  And I prefer that of the pianoforte. It is a classic.”
”You have commissioned dresses from an expensive seamstress that cannot be used for any purpose other than having tea.”
“You have to admit they are pretty.”
“Yes, they would be if I had a carriage.”
“Hey, that’s an idea!”
“Lord, have mercy! Be serious.”
“In discussions such as this, I find it more entertaining to be sarcastic. Besides, you are making me waste precious time. Someone just posted a new chapter of a fanfic that I want to start reading today.”
“What about dinner?”
“It is in a pretty box in the freezer with your name on it.”
“Astonishing.”
“Indeed.” She looked at him up and down. “But I don’t see you complaining  when I finish reading a steamy scene between Darcy and Elizabeth.”
Henry rubbed his chin and then smiled. “Well, I have to admit that is a plus.”
“So shut up, nuke the pizza and meet me here afterwards. Don’t forget to bring me some ice cream.”
“Ok. You win.”
Liz smiled. No, that was more like a devilish grin!
 

63 comments:

  1. Great costume dresses! I love Colin in Valmont! I in fact have that movie. And as usual I've done all the extras.

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Oh I am so glad to meet another Valmont fan!!!!! Thank you for reading!

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  2. “Besides, I don’t need to be dressed where I went today”.
    “Where?”
    “Austenland”


    ROFL!! Love the dresses. Thanks for posting!

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    1. Thank you, June! I thought it was funny but to hear that someone found it funny too is priceless!

      Rita

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  3. Dear Rita, I had fun reading your dialog:) Thank you!

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    1. I am glad you did. That was the point! :) Thanks for reading!!!!

      Rita

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  4. Your dialog made for fun reading! Parts of it even sound a little familiar! Colin Firth is my Mr. Darcy of choice too. He becomes the part but then he is a fantastic actor. He can do 'brooding' really well! I never tire of watching him in P n P. I haven't seen him in Valmont so that is a must now! Thanks!

    I loved your dresses! What fun you must have! Great Post!

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    1. JT,

      My husband actually has watched P&P with me. He has also watched other BBC adaptations as well (until the end) and he actually enjoyed them. What he doesn't understand is why I have to watch it over and over. He also doesn't understand why we like to dress up. However he supports me 100%. He even ironed the dress for me the other day! He was in the Navy so he can do it way better than me...LOL! I have to thank Stephanie and Amber from the Georgia Regency Society that help me put these costumes together! They are awesome! They also belong to JASNA - Georgia Regions.

      Thanks for reading!

      Rita

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  5. omg! Rita - You ROCK!! The dialogue is fantastic and I can see you REALLY saying all that - tell the truth now, that was all fact - not fiction - wasn't it? lol, so loved it.

    and I am glad I did not read it the other day when we all met - I was in pain and getting loopy and would never have appreciated it this much. Today I feel good - and am totally grinning now.

    Thanks for a great posting - now you have to try writing!

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    1. Isn't all fiction based on a bit of reality? LOL. You got me. The part that is really true is the surprise he had with the number of books I bought at once (when I discover JAFF). He is used to see me buying books but not so many at once. Most of them were kindle books on sale so he wasn't mad...LOL, just surprised.

      I am so glad you read today Jan and even happier that you are grinning!!!! It feels great to make people laugh! Jane Austen said best, "Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. I quit such odious subjects as soon as I can."

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    2. Another part of the dialogue that is true is the Baroque Radio Station on AOL. I've been listening to it since 2004 (well before I became a Darcyholic). However, part of my love from Baroque music comes from watching JA/BBC adaptations.

      :)

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  6. Rita, I love your dialogue! I've had a few of those discussions myself - and the occasional email that says, "My husband loves your books, not that he's ever read any of them." ;)

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    1. LOL. That is hilarious! Abigail, what an honor to have you comment on my post and to say you love it...wow! Thank you (insert picture of me curtsying). Thanks you for reading and specially for writing!!!!

      Yay!

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  7. Rita:

    I so enjoyed your post. Thanks for doing it. I really enjoyed the conversation and your enthusiasm for all things Austen, as well as your sense of 'style'.

    The conversation itself was a LITTLE too close to home. But as of yet, I have not asked my husband to do a post here! :D

    Thanks again. Barbara

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    1. Barbara,

      I would love to read what your husband has to say, specially if he shares your sense of humor!

      Thank you so much for making me a part of your world and introducing me to so many wonderful people!!!!! It's been a priviledge!

      Yay!

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    2. My husband is the REAL writer in the family. He has been making money as a writer since he was was doing obits on the night desk of his city paper when he was 18! Combat Correspondent in Vietnam. Head creative director of an advertising agency. Currently working on a TV show! So MAYBE? I will get him to do something at SOME point.

      When I first started writing he PROMISED me that he would never EVER attempt to edit for me as he knew that we wouldn't survive it...LOL.

      Barb

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  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Almost forgot. I want to say thanks for the treat of having the picture of the movie Valmont on my post! That was like finding a cupcake inside a chocolate box (I like cupcakes better than chocolate).

      Loved it!

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  9. Rita! It was fabulous!! I loved it!! You made me smile! I feel the same way! Hahaha

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    1. Thank you! Making someone smile gives one a wonderful feeling! I'm glad you liked it.

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  10. This was the LOL line for me: "oh, my god you lost your mind!" Great fun, Rita. :)

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    1. LOL. I so glad you liked it!

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    2. Hey Randy aka Mr. Bennet! REMEMBER it is a standing invitation for you to do a Lizzyholic post whenever you are ready! :D

      Barb

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  11. Hi Rita! Loved the post, especially the dialogue! LOL!
    Even not married yet (I'm engaged), I already have some discussions like this!
    Congratulations!

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    1. Thank you, Ana Rebecca!!! I am glad he already knows about your Darcyholism!!!!

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  12. Love it, Rita! Your dialogue sounds like many similar ones my DH & I have! ;) You look beautiful in your gown too! :)

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    1. Thanks Jakki!!!! I can't wait to see you all dressed up in Regency too. You have no idea how much fun it is! It was great meeting you in person, did I tell you that?

      Rita

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  13. wonderful!!live for one day this time should be exciting!

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    1. It is very exciting & liberating!!!! That's why Colin loved to make Mamma Mia!!! LOLOL!

      Thanks!

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  14. Aren't you the clever one. I laughed out loud at "saves time" and having dresses "only for tea." Well done!

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    1. You are!!! (Insert long & deep curtsy here)

      Imagine that! Mary Simonsen LOL'ed at my post! After reading "A Wife for Mr. Darcy" and falling in love with it I became a big F.A.N. (Friend Anxious for your Novels). I am all giddy tonight having you and other authors comment on my post, better yet finding it funny!! Thank you, Mary! You are very kind!

      Do you have a dress for tea? You should get one! It is exhilarating!

      Austenesque salutaions,
      Rita

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  15. Amei, Rita, my dear!!

    Delícia de leitura... ficção verdadeira (hehehe) é o que há!!

    Já comentei outras vezes mas tem coisa que nunca é demais repetir: acho lindas as roupas de vocês!!

    Beijocas, querida!!
    Cláudia Freire

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    1. Thank you for your lovely words.
      Obrigada pelas palavras, fofa!

      You would love to dress up like me. I guarantee you.
      Voce iria adorar vestir essas roupas, eu garanto.

      Beijo!

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  16. Loved it, loved it! My hubby knows better than to come between me and my BBC version of P & P. In fact, since he couldn't beat me, he joined me. We quote it freely back and forth between us.

    I'm also happy to meet another Firth Fan. I think you are spot on that he's the standard bearer until he passes.

    I realize now that I erred in not having "Darcy" in any of my titles. After I finish Legacy, I will rectify that oversight. Darcy's Wish is banging around in my head. It will just have to stay there for another couple of months.

    Nothing against Matthew, but I guess we all fall in love with one Darcy at a time.

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    1. Hey, every writer has at least two possible titles for their books. Even Jane Austen had another title for Pride & Prejudice. First Impressions would not have been quite right. Other authors change their titles like Kara Louise & her Darcy's Voyage a.k.a. Pemberley Promise. If you change titles make sure you put the previous title on the cover in a smaller font or something. I've heard of readers getting upset for having bought the same book. Food for thought.

      I think Matthew is a wonderful actor & very handsome too but I don't believe those who saw the BBC adaptation first can change the face of Colin's Darcy in their heart. His eyes spoke volumes! However, I understand that the new generation or the ones that saw the movie first (pig in the kitchen & all) have the right to have Matthew as their Darcy. Many of the girls I talk to imagine Colin for Regency variations and Matthew for modern ones. This way they can have the best of both worlds!

      Thanks for reading!!!!

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  17. Rita, that was too funny.
    Sorry it took me all day to get here. I've been working. And don't we all just want to stay in bed and read? I know I do. lol
    By the way you are just too cute in your wonderful costume dress.

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    1. Thank you, Trez! I worked all day today and could not open the laptop until almost 6 pm! So you were not late at all! I just wanted to make sure you saw it. I am so glad you liked it!

      :)

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    2. Trez,

      Reading is bed is one of my favorite things in the whole world!

      :)

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  18. Rita, The dress is divine, the tea delicious and the dialogue was absolutely hilarious! Way too familiar! *grin*

    Actually, it took me so long to get here today because I've been reading JAFF! Imagine that!

    I'm just so glad to see another 'Firth Lady' in the group! ;-)

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    1. Thank you, Sandy!!!! The tea was really delicious. I think it would be a hit at Pemberley!

      You have no idea how I appreciate the fact that you put down a JAFF story to read my post! Imagine that (indeed!)

      Thank you!

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  19. Rita,

    Reading your post makes me think that all men should want their women to like Jane Austen! We're happy and funny!

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    1. Agreed & thanks for stopping by. I know you are a very busy lady!!!!

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    2. I must acknowledge (better late than ever) your priceless help with the first draft. I felt very important when I saw you took the time to make those comments in such a professional way. It made me feel like a real writer. LOL! Thanks for that!

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  20. What a fun post, Rita! I loved it! And you already knew I'd love the gowns!!

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    1. Thank you, Wendi. The blue spencer is going to become a long pelisse. I wanted a Mrs. Darcy look - a cross between Elizabeth & Caroline Bingley. Something like she would wear after becoming the Mistress of Pemberley!!!! Hahahaha!

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  21. Great post, Rita! Your hubby sounds very um, understanding! Mine thinks I'm crazy but he does let me know when CF is going to be on any TV show. I also own Valmont but it's a bit worn out now!

    gailwarner(at)verizon(dot)net

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    1. Thank you, Gail! It is so nice to meet people that knew Colin from Valmont & enjoyed it as much as I did! Your husband sounds understanding too! How nice of him to call you when CF is on TV!!!

      :)

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  22. Dear Rita,

    I love the post! You know that I can't possibly choose between Colin and Matthew, and that my heart belongs equally to both of them, but since I'm being honest, I must say that Colin was my first Darcy, and you never forget your first :D

    The dialogue is brilliant and really funny. As you know, I look foward to reading another one (no pressure there!).

    Lots of love, from your friend :)

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    1. Awwwwwwwww...thank you Deborah! I hope we get to write together, something along the lines "Two Brazilians lost in Austenland" or "Mr. Darcy goes to Brazil", what do you think? LOL!

      I have to say thank you one more time for sharing your journey in England with me and taking me back to my own journey so many years ago. It was more than words can express!

      Austenesque love,

      Rita

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  23. It was great, Rita! I can just imagine a certain Elizabeth and Darcy sharing such an exchange! And I love the dresses! Now you need to convince your long-suffering hubby to take you to Bath for a bit of Regency dancing and a trip to the Jane Austen Centre!

    As you know I am firmly in the MM camp for Darcy imagining, but my husband thinks that I am equally in love with both Colin and Matthew, and makes a point of swooning dramatically whenever either of them appears on the screen.

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  24. Thank you, Linda! You keep pulling me back from my imaginings every time you mention your Darcy's blue eyes but no matter. Your writing takes me back to Regency England and Jane Austen's creation in a barouche box with no pomp but great circumstance! I just started reading your book - Imperative and I am in awe of your talent and humbled by your attention. I had no idea!

    Austenesque admiration,

    Sincerely,

    Rita

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  25. That dialogue is very funny, Rita! I think the same (or something quite like it) happens with all the janeites. My mom plays the part of "Henry" in my case, since I don't have a husband or a boyfriend (and you can blame Mr. Darcy on that - my mom certainly does)!

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    1. Thank you, Mandy. I don't know how old you are but it took me many years to find my Mr. Darcy. However, if I had only been 20 I would probably not recognize him. He did not come with Pemberley, he did not look like Colin or Matthew, he was not even British. He was an American from Michigan with a twisted sense of humor who drove me crazy for months via internet before I agreed to meet him. 10 years later we are still together and going strong. I truly believe knowing Mr. Darcy just makes you not want to settle for less than the right guy and that is a good thing. Tell your mom that!

      Thank you for reading,

      Rita

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  26. This conversation is so amusing Rita! Brilliant guest post :-)
    You are a real (lovely) Darcyholic!

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    1. Thank you, Maria Grazia! I hope to meet you one day.

      Rita

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  27. Hi Rita!

    I love your post! You know my Darcy is Matthew since he was my first, but I love Colin too, and I totally understand your Darcy addiction!
    Sorry for taking so long to comment, but I tend to forget things.

    Samanta

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    1. You're forgiven!!! Specially because of your wonderfull blog! I do have a special place in my heart for Matthew!

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  28. Their clothes are beautiful! You combined with this period.

    Become a fan of Jane Austen and Mr. Darcy is a pleasurable habit.

    Luciana

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    1. Luciana,

      You are very kind. I don't think my face is quite right for the period, but I don't care! I hope one day you and the other Brazilian Janeites dress up in Regency. You are going to look lovely!

      And you are right! There is nothing more pleasurable than Jane & Darcy!!!!

      Rita

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  29. Awesome post, you definitively got skills. It was also very funny, couldn't stop laughing because of the "horcrux" thing. I think it makes some sense. In a very twisted way.

    Now I need to get a period dress too.

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    1. Tanko Chan! I think you are the only one that got my twisted joke and the reference to Harry Potter with the horcrux, or that enjoyed it for that matter. I thought it was very clever if I may say so myself! Haha! I am so glad I made you laugh!

      And Yes! You need to get a period dress too and post pictures on the Shoujo Cafe!!!

      Thanks for reading!

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  30. You are totally FuN Rita!
    your gowns are great! and your JAFF involvement is comendable.
    thanks for posting and for increasing my health today :)
    {laughter is the BEST medicine!}

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