i_digmummies (i_digmummies) wrote in we_coexist, @ 2011-03-27 08:51:00 |
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Entry tags: | amelia peabody |
For Posterity (Journal entry-complete)
I have now spent several weeks in this strange location, known to all simply as the City. As suddenly as I arrived here, I may just as suddenly return home, and in preparation that all I have experienced be left behind when the event occurs- for I have no doubt I shall someday be reunited with my beloved husband and son- I have taken to carrying my journal with me at all times.
I have met many people, one so far, in particular, that is not even of this planet. (A concise record of that encounter can be found in the previous entry.) Such a strange place, and I feel I have yet to discover many of its wonders. It is a far more enlightened time, both scientifically and culturally, than England of the late 19th Century. Such astonishing gadgets, I hesitate to think how Emerson would behave with so much technology at his disposal! And I need not assure the Gentle Reader that I quickly adopted the far more casual attire so widely accepted here. I have never been one to be seduced by the experience of shopping for anything more than is necessary, yet such marvels as are available here could only be ignored by one pursuing sainthood, of which I have no inclination. Oddly, I have found women now wear corsets only as a fashion statement, and as outer rather than under wear! (I for one am quite relieved to no longer be constrained in such a manner!)
Having procured a residence, more than adequate for my tastes, and a job at the Library, I conceded to spend as much time as possible in learning. I feel I will never catch up to those who were born into this time and place (and there are many such people- apparently only a minor portion of the population are those like myself, dislocated from their own worlds) but I am endeavoring to do my very best to understand this high-tech world and its history. I even discovered it will not be my beloved that will find the lost Pharaoh's tomb, but Howard! I can only hope I return in time to stop that from happening. Emerson simply must control his temper if he wishes permission to dig in the Valley of the Kings. His disagreements with the Minister of Antiquities has only succeeded in putting us in meager, pre-excavated locales. He has been quite convinced that Tutankhamen's tomb is untouched, and it warms my heart to know he was correct.
It was during a recent work shift at the Library that I received a notification, addressed to Amelia Peabody, that I have been selected to be the head of a new department.(It should be noted that upon receipt of yet another official recording of my surname as "Peabody", rather than my married name, I am choosing to re-adopt my maiden name until such time as I return home. May Emerson forgive me. But I find that women have finally come into their own in this time and place, and far be it for me to turn back the clock to an era of submission and second-class status by insisting upon using my husband's name, rather than my own.)
I proceeded to a wing of the Library that I am certain did not exist in any of my previous excursions there. This was only mildly surprising, as I have already come to realize that much of this City is in constant change. It is to be an exhibition hall, but upon my entrance it was in a much disheveled state. There seemed no rhyme or reason to the disastrous piles of objects that awaited my attention. I found old children's books, a violin, a magnificent sword, a complete tyrannosaurus-rex skeleton (Imagine my shock at coming around a corner to see that looming over me! It is good that I am still young and healthy, or the sight of that large monster may well have put me in my grave far too early), posters, costumes, a beat-up coffee mug, so many items that seemed to have no particular connection. Then I found something that both raised my ire and appeared to explain much.
It was some of my very own clothing! My favored lavender plaid suit with the matching parasol, primarily used by me for climbing the pyramids at night. A crimson gown, a favorite of Emerson's, for evening parties, and my field outfit. There could be no question it was my own, as I designed the Turkish-style flared pants for convenience and modesty, as when I stood still it appeared to be a full skirt. Even my tool belt, another personal design, was with the ensemble.
Well, I need not tell you, Gentle Reader, that I immediately collected my belongings, placing them in my new office. I intended to bring a bag the next day to take them to my residence, but upon arrival that morning found they had mysteriously been returned to the exhibition area, to my intense consternation. It was then I realized that many of the odd objects likely belonged to others who had been transported here at the City's whim, and that I had no choice but to allow my garments to be on display for all to see. (I have since chosen to be flattered that my unique garments, and my sensible good taste and skills, should have been chosen for inclusion in the gallery.)
It is with some nervousness that I am now cataloging and arranging various items of my choosing (and sometimes, the City's) for the first public viewing of this wonderful new addition to the Library. My pride forbids me to do anything but my best, and I do hope it is a great success.