Gertrude's Commonplace Book

Gertrude’s Commentary: 

I began picking out fabrics today for my upcoming wedding, and I think this is the prefect color and material. It feels smooth and reflects nicely but is not shiny or lacy. Also, the color looks nice on my pale skin in comparison to the bright white the salesman suggested. If Phyllis were here to help me pick out fabrics, she would propose something a little flashier and more expensive, but I do not really want anything too fancy since it will just be a small wedding. Aunt Carline wants me to have a traditional white dress which is so boring. Also, she…

Gertrude's Commentary: 

A few days ago, I got a letter ordering us to do some business taking photos for a nearby studio at St. John's Wood. When I arrived alone, I met a man named Sydney Darrell who made me feel completely uncomfortable. I couldn’t help feeling like he was disappointed in me because he was constantly glaring at my boots and wispy hair. I definitely was not who he was expecting to do business with, and I didn’t know why he seemed so disappointed. I guess people aren't used to doing business with a woman, but he seemed uninterested in my work before I…

Gertrude’s Commentary: 

Oh, how I would love to take these new classes! It would be so different and progressive for a woman from here to go to school in Oxford. I could live my dream as a writer. Lucy says have the talent, just a few classes to perfect my skills and I could be published. Not only would I get to experience higher education, but I would also be surrounded by many other women like me who want to achieve big things, which would be so inspirational. I would get to travel the world and experience a new life from the one I know. A fresh start in a new place where I…