Bringing the past into the present..

[nomadicdragon]

So I've been wondering, how do you incorporate your love of Regency into your regular daily life? Or do you at all?

Outside of the standard reading, movies and going to events, etc.

[Eleanor]

I've not yet found a way to do too much (without seeming even weirder to my friends and family!). I do find some of the language creeping into my conversations. I try to incorporate more of the manners of the period when I can. I sometimes call my husband "Mr. Shelanskey," and not just when he's in trouble! ;-) I often address male acquaintances as "sir."

I'd love to find more ways. I just love the whole idea of the period!

With kind regards,
~Barbara

[nomadicdragon]

Jun 8, 2010 10:27:39 GMT -5 Eleanor said:

I've not yet found a way to do too much (without seeming even weirder to my friends and family!). I do find some of the language creeping into my conversations. I try to incorporate more of the manners of the period when I can. I sometimes call my husband "Mr. Shelanskey," and not just when he's in trouble! ;-) I often address male acquaintances as "sir."

I'd love to find more ways. I just love the whole idea of the period!

With kind regards,
~Barbara

I find myself having the same problem. Though, I do admit to using more of the language in regular conversations. But I've always done that. My friends constantly tell me that I was born in the wrong era because of it.

My husband and I do the Mr. Beecher/Mrs. Beecher thing a lot. It's very funny.

I've just been wondering if there are other small ways that I can incorporate this love of Regency into my life, without people thinking I need to be on medication. =)

[artemisiajolie]

I too, use the language frequently, and am trying to incorporate the manners as well. I've found myself doing little things too, like drinking tea from a lovely little cup, handwriting thank you cards instead of emailing them, and buying modern empire waisted shirts (or recently, looking for patterns to make my own).

[nomadicdragon]

I write thank yous as well. My mother was raised in Oxford, UK and that was one of the things that she drilled into us as children. We always had to send thank you cards for Christmas gifts.

[Eleanor]

Even when I write email to someone, I try to use the language. I need to read more of the letters of the time and get a better feel for the style. I love writing, and research, so it's all fun for me!

~Barbara

[nomadicdragon]

Jun 9, 2010 9:09:58 GMT -5 Eleanor said:

Even when I write email to someone, I try to use the language. I need to read more of the letters of the time and get a better feel for the style. I love writing, and research, so it's all fun for me!

~Barbara

That's a really good idea. I love doing research too. In fact, it's part of what I do for a living. =)

I've thought about looking around for a penpal website that focuses on the older arts of penmanship. It would be kind of cool to exchange handwritten letters in more of the old fashioned style of letters. So far I haven't found anything.

[artemisiajolie]

That's a really good idea. I love doing research too. In fact, it's part of what I do for a living. =)

I've thought about looking around for a penpal website that focuses on the older arts of penmanship. It would be kind of cool to exchange handwritten letters in more of the old fashioned style of letters. So far I haven't found anything.

That is a really good idea. I, too, love research and can't believe I've not thought to look into that! I think that at one time there was a group of people who exchanged letters on this board, but I have no idea if it is still happening.

[Lady Caroline]

I also find myself using 19th century language in both speech and writing.

Just a suggestion, would any of you ladies care to exchange correspondence with a maiden lady of advanced age who resides in the Deep South?

When I was more active in doing Living History, I once did a workshop on "Writing 18th century Letters". This was done at a 19th century fort in Alabama (Ft. Gaines), during a Women's Encampment. All of us had fun doing the letters.

Trusting this finds you and the members of your family enjoying good health and weather.

I remain,
Yours Most Sincerely
Mlle Dufour

[nomadicdragon]

I think it would be great fun to exchange correspondence. We might put together a small circle of letter writing companions.

What a lovely idea.

[Lady Caroline]

What is the best way to do this? Do we post each other privately to exchange "snail mail" addresses?

I look forward to doing this......I have always enjoyed using "preiod speech" in writing.

Mlle Dufour

[nomadicdragon]

Hmm. Perhaps we should create a separate post to see how many are actually interested, and then exchange addresses privately.

I wonder which section of the forum the post should go into. Not sure if it fits in Etiquette, history and culture.

[Eleanor]

It lists writing letters under this topic. Just start a new thread.

~Barbara

[nomadicdragon]

Jun 11, 2010 12:18:37 GMT -5 Eleanor said:

It lists writing letters under this topic. Just start a new thread.

~Barbara

Excellent, I'll go ahead and create one. Hopefully we'll get a few interested.

[Miss Clockwood]

At my school, there have been a few gentlemen attempting to bring back chivalry. I've been a little afraid of responding, lest they should believe that I am crazy, but I think that is a good way to encourage them. For example, when they bow, I have been tempted to curtsey, but I can only imagine their surprise if I were to do that and I would not wish to appear weird!

[nomadicdragon]

Jun 17, 2010 20:49:08 GMT -5 Miss Clockwood said:

At my school, there have been a few gentlemen attempting to bring back chivalry. I've been a little afraid of responding, lest they should believe that I am crazy, but I think that is a good way to encourage them. For example, when they bow, I have been tempted to curtsey, but I can only imagine their surprise if I were to do that and I would not wish to appear weird!

Oh, how wonderful. I would definitely curtsey if only to see what their reaction would be. How very delightful to see that some gentlemen have not forgotten.

[Miss Clockwood]

I just remembered that I once wrote to a friend in complete Regency vernacular. I never received a reply to that message that I sent and I'm beginning to wonder if he understood what I said or if perhaps he was merely very surprised that I would write in such a way. Since then, I have never bothered anyone with anything to do with the Regency. But the next time that one of the gentlemen bow to me, I will curtsey and tell you about the reaction I receive.

[Miss Clockwood]

Hmmm...I haven't yet had the opportunity to try out curtseying to the gentlemen here, but I once told a friend, who wished to leave, but did not want to offend the others, that I would make his excuses for him. He looked so perplexed! I thought over it and determined that it sounded odd in our current English vernacular, so I decided that I would only use it with the Regency-initiated!

[The Doctor]

I frequently wear my banyan around the house like a bathrobe. It's very comfortable, and pretty cool looking as well.

[The Major]

Jun 17, 2010 20:49:08 GMT -5 Miss Clockwood said:

At my school, there have been a few gentlemen attempting to bring back chivalry. I've been a little afraid of responding, lest they should believe that I am crazy, but I think that is a good way to encourage them. For example, when they bow, I have been tempted to curtsey, but I can only imagine their surprise if I were to do that and I would not wish to appear weird!

Dear Miss Clockwood,
You would not appear weird at all. If a gentleman is a gentleman who will bow, a curtsy is most appropriate and should be expected. Seize the opportunity, you never know, he could be a gentleman who could be a closet regency gent, or could be interested if shown the way.

Apr 25, 2011 12:21:15 GMT -5 The Doctor said:

I frequently wear my banyan around the house like a bathrobe. It's very comfortable, and pretty cool looking as well.

Doctor,
I know exactly what you mean. I lost my banyan and cap a few years ago (long sad story) and have missed them ever since. I too wore mine around home. Now I'm just looking for someone who can make me another.


In my modern life, the things I do that bring the past into the present have mostly been mentioned here already. I was raised with some manners (hopefully expanded and improved to now) and a strong sense of chivalry. I do my best to use my manners at all times. (Even my employees have commented about this, so my manners must not be too horrid.) Some of my childhood friends thought me a bit odd for my chivalry, but it was instilled and I was mostly proud of it. Most girls and young ladies were thankful and more friendly toward me as well.

I also do some other things. I too was taught to send Thank You notes and I have always sent hand written with only a few times cheating with a store bought card. I also normally send hand written invitations, and respond with RSVP's to others' invitations with hand written notes. And there is sometimes the occasion when one of my hand written notes will be penned with quill (turkey quills are the best I've used, just a tip).

And other smalls things like taking tea, not pouring and gulping. I like to use my tea cup & saucer. Brew the tea into a kettle and pour into a teapot. Then serve. Only if I need to travel do I drink my tea from other than a cup.