Happy Birthday Jane Austen and Boston Tea Party Date

December 16th has two notable...and totally unrelated reasons to celebrate.

December 16, 1773 saw the so-called Boston Tea Party...with tons of tea...grooooaaannn...as a tea lover, that always brings forth a groan...couldn't they have substituted rum or something else for a protest??? Anyway, an essential part of the American Revolution against the Crown of England with the slogan No Taxation Without Representation.   Some folks feel the current government is No Representation Without Taxation...but that's another horse I'm not on here, so....the engraving above is by Currier of Currier & Ives.

This is from Google images and depicts the Indian dress that was used. Another politically incorrect moment...as none were Native American...wouldn't happen in these days.....

And December 16th is also Jane Austen's birthday...having been born on Dec. 16, 1775. The above colorized portrait is a version of the drawing done of her by her sister Cassandra.  Jane Austen is considered one of the world's greatest author's, and I love her books.

This portrait by Rice has been said to be of her...but did not sell when it was up for auction in 2007, because the art pundits argued that if she had been that pretty she would never have written the books she did, and would have married. The portrait is in the family of her brother Edward who was adopted by a relation lacking an heir with the proviso that he change his name to Knight, which he did.  The artist was known to have painted Edward's children and that Jane was there on a visit at the time. I don't know what I think, but it seems like a bit of male chauvanism in the critics arguements....who knows...

To view a fabulous Christmas tree with a Jane Austen theme, visit Terri at Artful Affirmation's blog. Terri is an artist and did a fabulous and loving job on this...click on the photo to see the post....

Tea today is in my Emma Bridgewater cup and saucer with my Christmas tree shortbread cookies I made...see the Snow Cat? A present from a dear friend 2 years ago.  The tablecloth has teacups on it...bought the fabric as a remnant a year ago and just had enough for a tablecloth for our round dining table, but had to add a contrasting ruffle. Love it!!   Have a wonderful day!