Our Second Anniversary

Two years ago today I launched Stalking the Belle Époque as my response to what I consider the increasing “ugliness” of our world and global society. The mission was simple. I wanted only to “find pieces of beauty, quiet, elegance and grace amidst all the noise and chaos.” I concluded that only by looking at the beauty of the past, the art and intellect of our forebears from around the world, could we fight the ever-mutating meaty cloud of hideousness which hovers above us like so many vultures ripping at the flesh of taste and civility.

What have we done over the past two years? Quite a lot! Thanks to the friendship I’ve found with organizations such as the Victoria & Albert Museum and the kindness of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s staff at The Royal Collection, we’ve gotten a glimpse at some of the most magnificent art, artifacts and jewels ever created. We have explored the world’s most historic and beautiful places and buildings. It has truly been a voyage around the world.

All of the arts have been given a nod from classic films to stumpwork. You’ve looked at my collection of artifacts and you’ve shared your own with me. Bertie has guided us on a journey through art history, and, thanks to my mother, we’ve had our eyes widen and our mouths water as we’re reminded that food is art in its own right.

We have visited with the people who have worked to make the world a better place and you’ve shared your own ideas on the subject. From history’s greatest to the present’s most influential, we’ve studied the lives of those who have impacted the arts and society in the finest ways. Along the way we’ve learned strength from King George V, loyalty from Queen Victoria, determination from Queen Mary, and forward-thinking from Prince Albert. But, through our Humanitarian of the Week and Person of the Week, we’ve also learned about bravery from people like Fran Drescher and Betty Buckley, humor from April Winchell and Carolyn Hennessy, grace from Bernadette Peters and Joan Fontaine and dignity from the likes of Hoda Kotb and Matt Bomer.

We’ve laughed our way through classic cartoons and many Punch & Judy shows. In fact, Mr. Punch has been a big part of our experience as we have traced his growth from Italy’s Commedia dell’Arte to the glove puppet that he is today. He even has begun to host a weekly riddle contest which has brought a lot of fun to our Fridays.

Speaking of Mr. Punch, he has served as the inspiration for two online novels. You have joined me each day to follow the adventures of the slightly-mad, but very charming Duke of Fallbridge and his alternate personality “Mr. Punch” and his friends as they, too, have traveled the world in Punch’s Cousin and Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square. You’ve shown me that “reality” television hasn’t chipped away at everyone’s ability to appreciate fiction. And, you’ve also shown me a spirit of acceptance and understanding which I feared was lost. By the love you’ve shown for the character of the Duke/Mr. Punch, you’ve shown me that everyone has a place in the world, even a Nineteenth-Century puppet-man, his partner and their adopted son.

Punch’s Cousin reached 500 chapters, and we’re nearing one hundred with Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square. And, you’ve been there for each cliffhanger, each tender moment, each chill and each spill. I assure you that we’ve a lot of exciting stories yet to tell.

It has been a very enlightening expedition thus far. And, it’s far from over. Just as Queen Mary never gave up trying to fill the Royal Collection with its lost treasures, I shan’t give up trying to fill our eyes, minds, hearts and souls with all of the rich history, art and joy which is still available to us.

When the site was launched we had 48 visitors. Today, we’re reaching hundreds of thousands of people all of whom have assembled with a common goal. It’s rather comforting to know that there are others—even if they’re thousands of miles away—who share similar principles and beliefs. I want to pause here to thank our group of regular posters for your comments and input. It’s all of you who have made this such a great experience and proven to me that we can make this world more beautiful.

As part of our anniversary celebration, today we’ll look back at some of your favorite parts of Stalking the Belle Époque from the last two years. And, each day, we’re going to have a little extra treat—a caption contest for some odd Victorian trade cards.

So, here’s to two years of Stalking the Belle Époque! I promise you many, many more! And, on behalf of the Bertie Dog, Mr. Punch and myself, thank you for walking at our side.