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Jane Austen: Persuasive Manners

by Tammy Tillotson

In Jane Austen’s Persuasion, manners are a primary external communicative event, which occur between characters and offer definition to the nature of relationships.

Internal Relationships
Relationships are always internal, because they exist between the mind of one person and the mind of another person. A level of attraction, expectations, and some degree of importance or significance are measurements of internal relationships. To Austen’s characters, manners are attractive, expected, and held in extremely high regard, especially within the context of courtship.

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Children & Chipmunks

by Tammy Tillotson

“We’re the Chipmunks,
C-H-I-P-M-U-N-K,
We’re the Chipmunks,
Guaranteed to brighten your day!”
–Alvin & The Chipmunks

It was pretty simple how quickly Alvin, Simon, and Theodore became after-school icons for my two sisters and me. The three of us just assumed that we had been the inspiration behind these adorable characters. Though my older sister was short, round, and pudgy like Theodore, my younger sister and I fought a somewhat constant battle over which of us would be Alvin each afternoon. Fun and comical Alvin always got more attention than the somewhat geeky and brainy Simon. Yet collectively, the personalities of each balanced out the trio, and they learned to depend on each other and get along despite their differences, as did my sisters and I.

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My Twenty-Third Psalm

by Tammy Tillotson

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:5

December 28, 2001 was an important occasion. It was my twenty-third birthday and also the first time I flew in an airplane since the terrorist tragedies.

The Shadows of Death
I hesitantly planned this trip in November and, as the official take-off date crept closer, I nearly decided to cancel the flight and catch a Greyhound. In the end, a bus would have been cheaper, yet it would have taken two days longer to arrive at my destination. Living on a bus for half of my already short vacation was not my idea of feeling comfortable. I was going to fly. Yet, an internal debate and discussion raged between my logical and irrational fears and emotions.

This hesitancy over air travel was entirely out of character for me. I considered myself to be a somewhat seasoned and unique traveler, as I had flown at least a few dozen times. My last several flights had even been international ones. After much contemplation, I did not change my travel plans. As long as I felt afraid of flying, I recognized that the terrorists had successfully taken away part of my freedom. I wanted to regain that freedom.

Despite the still recent shadows of death, I was determined not to be fearful. I decided that the goal of my entire trip would be to find examples of everyday heroes, who despite their doubts, were still endeavoring to light the way as shining examples of people who were truly proud to be Americans.

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True Reparation

by Tammy Tillotson

I recently received a response to my article on Native American Reparation. The back and forth dialogue which ensued as a result, reiterated several enlightening and humorous points concerning true reparation in a real life scenario. Too often people have a tendency not to practice what they preach, or what they write about. The chance to do so is a rare opportunity and a valuable lesson worth sharing. I feel both humbled and privileged to share this sequel to my article on Reparation.

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Dog Eat Dog Fu

by Tammy Tillotson

Who would win in a fight between Hong Kong Phooey and Scooby Doo?

A Hard Question
In today’s dog eat dog world, my vote goes to Scooby Doo.

Argument 1
Don Messick is the leading man in Scooby Doo and not just a catty sidekick.

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I Had A Little Husband

by Tammy Tillotson

I had a little husband, no bigger than my thumb,
I put him in a pint pot, and there I bid him drum,
I bought a little handkerchief to wipe his little nose,
And a pair of little garters to tie his little hose.

–The Real Mother Goose

The Introduction
The lady over there by herself is Tammy…Ream…no, wait…Tillotson. It is Tillotson isn’t it? She did change her name back didn’t she? So-and-so said she’s separated, the poor dear. So-and-so’s friend said that she’s just going back to college to finish her education and that things have nothing to do with him. So-and-so’s friend of a friend overheard from her fifth cousin twice removed on her mother’s side of the family that it is true. She is getting a divorce.

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The True Ladybug

by Tammy Tillotson

You may think of me as an itty bitty little thing,
That turns bright crimson in color if you tickle my wing.
Yet I have a tale to tell, under these blushing cheeks
So please lend me your ear as this ladybug speaks.

The life of a ladybug is by far not stress free,
And stuck in a jar is not where I desire to be!
Even though air holes may be poked in the top
A jar’s not a home, and indeed that must stop!

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