Page 46 of Authentically, Izzy
PS: There’s really nothing wrong with excellent posture and I’m developing a deeper appreciation for sweater-vests.
From: Brodie Sutherland
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March26
Subject: Brynna and Wodehouse
Isabelle,
I’m still smiling over the idea of you dressing up as Gandalf, complete with beard, to readThe Hobbitto your middle school group. Won’t you give a demonstration during our next videochat complete with your best British accent too? I shall offer you a deal. If you’ll read the first page ofThe Hobbitto me in costume, I’ll attempt my very best Andy Griffith impersonation. Come now, if you can perform in front of a group of ten, what is one more?
Brynna cannot stop singing your praises. Very long songs, as a rule. Tolkien-worthy, in fact. But she’s already begun to incorporate your suggestions with surprisingly positive responses. Not a great number yet, but as you’ve said, it takes time for changes to make a difference. Thank you for your generous heart. No wonder your library is doing so well!
I think I should like to meet Luke. I’m glad to hear he is enjoying Wodehouse. Perhaps he’d enjoy Terry Pratchett as well. He’s a recent discovery of mine and the wit is superb.
I’ve always found literature set in ancient eras quite interesting. Homer’sThe Iliad&The Odysseyare a couple of my favorites, though I’ve come to enjoy more contemporary additions to the fictional genre, particularly if they include excellent descriptions of warfare. My uncle Sven had replicas of all sorts of weaponry, but particularly the ancient sort. We used to warn everyone to knock very loudly before entering his house.
On another note, the town of Skern is preparing for its Blossom Festival (or that is the translation in English—we call it Ditheanfest), which is a celebration of spring. April ushers in warmer temperatures and longer days. The entire town fills the streets to share their crafts, enjoy local music, and taste some of the first fruits of the season. I always plan to spend most of my week at the Skern Sutherland’s shop during the festival. I’ll send photos, if you’d like. The very best of festivals is in July: the King and Queen Festival. We celebrate art in all its forms. And, of course, excellent local cuisine.
It appears we are developing a certain pattern of video calls. Do those days and times consistently work for you?
Affectionately,
Brodie
PS: I found this quote by Wodehouse to be particularly fitting for our correspondence: “There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in literature.”
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March26
Subject: Fictional-romance guilt or insanity?
Luke and Penelope,
I don’t know why, but after I finished reading Brodie’s most recent message, I wanted to cry. I’m not sad. I’m not sure what is wrong with me. Maybe the whole Eli/Brodie guilt is impacting me. Or maybe Josie’s unpredictable hormones are rubbing off on people. Stay away, Penelope.
Izzy
PS: Luke, may I share your email address with Brodie? He’d like to talk Wodehouse with you.
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March26
Subject: Re: Fictional-romance guilt or insanity?
Authenticity matters.
I’d be happy to talk Wodehouse with Blighty.
Luke
