Dear Blog Friends,
Some of you may know that I am working on a dissertation for a PhD in European history. I've been working on this degree for many years and I am nearly finished. My dissertation needs to be handed in in early October so that I can defend in time to graduate in December. The deadline on this is very strict, and if I don't finish this fall, it is quite possible I will not get the degree. Baby Bean is off at camp for the month of July (she is having a really good time) and I am spending most of my time working. I have decided that I must stay focused and greatly reduce my blogging until my paper is complete. I'm so close -- I must finish!
My friend Jocebean convinced me to blog last winter and it was a lifesaver. Scholarship is a lonely business, and between Baby Bean, household duties, and my work, I have had little time for a social life of any kind. Blogging has filled my need for social interaction & I have so enjoyed meeting so many interesting, fun, funny, and kind people (& animals!!) . I thank all of you for coming to our site and for your friendly comments! I'll be back after I spend some quality time with Mrs. Montagu, the subject of my dissertation.
The top portrait is Elizabeth Montagu in the costume of Anne Boleyn. Miniature portraits were done as keepsakes for wealthy individuals, kind of like modern photographs. EM was about 20 years old in this image, not yet married. (c. 1740)The image at the very top of the post is a black and white photo of the of a painting of Elizabeth Montagu by Allan Ramsay, 1762.
These and other images of Elizabeth Montagu and other Bluestocking women of the 18th century were on display at the National Portrait Gallery (London) in 2008 at a special exhibit called "Brilliant Women." I was not able to attend, but have a copy of the lovely exhibition catalog. It is widely available, if anyone is interested. Just check Amazon.
12 comments:
Dang!
We are impressed!
It is WAY WAY WAY more important to finish up that pesky little dissertation 'thingie' that hitting the blogs!
Best of lukhk to woo wrapping it up!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
We wish you all the focus and energy that last stretch to your degree requires. We will be immensely proud to know another doctor come December. It's so cool that you followed this path apart from your duties as a mom and a cat and dog owner. ; )
All the best for the upcoming weeks!
Love, Siena & Chilli
Well this is very exciting! We will be very happy for you when you reach your goal. We will be here for you when you are ready to come back.
We have loved getting to know all of you and having you come by.
Study hard and get a little fun in too.
I completely understand! I absolutely know you will meet that deadline, but in my experience, it gets to the point where you almost have to eat, sleep, and live the dissertation. (People laugh at me for saying this but I still think I wrote quite a bit of my thesis at night while I was sleeping.) Don't worry about visiting or blogging - we will be here when you are done.
P.S. I will look up what I can find about Elizabeth Montagu - she looks much more interesting than the project I am working on right now :)
You need to finish that dissertation, dont fall at the last furlong We will be here waiting when you get back and you can pick up from there. Dont worry. Good luck with your mammoth task.
Always ready to listen on Email f you need a break.
Hugs GJ and Carol xx
I am impressed with you work. I am sure you wil finish in time. As hot as it is, you might as well be in working. You definitely don't want to be outside. I'm sure Alice understands after her morning walk also.
Dissertaion=more important than blogging!!
Good luck to you, we are sending warm thoughts and prayers that all goes well!!
Take care and see you soon,
Wags and woofs,
Benson and Gibson
(and jaime)
It is wonderful that you are so close to finishing your dissertation. We have enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to when you return. We wish you and Mrs. Montagu the best in the next several weeks.
Hi furriends, we're sending big time purrs your way. We hope your mom is typing away on her dissertation... we're sure she is!
Lots of love, Siena & Chilli
This is really exciting. We miss you too but are happy to think of you working concentrated on the dissertation. We are going to be so proud of you! In fact, we already are. Time will fly by now, so all the best from us three again!
Love, Britta, Siena & Chilli
Still thinking of you! All paws and thumbs crossed.
Our heartfelt congratulations on handing in the draft. What an achievement! Of course you feel worn out, that's only natural. Don't forget to celebrate this!
And a new pup?! We demand pictures as soon as possible.
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