Wednesday, July 31, 2013

December 2, 1976 (Holiday note from Dick)

WeatherSpark:  Springfield, Mass. 1976

This move has been great.  I'm now sitting at the pol enjoying the sun and water.  Not exactly a Christmas season I've become accustomed to, but do like it.  Also great to be in a metro area -- trying to make up for 10 years in the wilderness in terms of cultural events.  I've purchased season tickets to many things and some weeks I've found myself going to at least three things.

Long range job potentials are good here for me.  Had a call from Helena Public asking if I would consider the directorship.  Finally said NO.

You sound quite settled.  Hope your initial enthusiasm hasn't worn off.  Still collecting for your apartment?  It sounds fantastic and the rent is unbelievable -- here that might get you a studio.

Do you like the job?  Good to hear you are still opposed to the "pack rat" school . Her  we have quite a few who are part of that school.

Happy Holidays.  Keep in touch.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

November 29, 1976 (Note from Diane)


In all fairness, I should tell you what you're in for when you come in Dec.  Hopefully, you won't change your mind!  Anyway, some other friends also wanted to see the Brandywine R.M. and the Gardens so I gave everyone a choice of weekends.  They all picked the tenth.  So why not a houseparty, right?  Guests will include Mary Lou and John Repsher, Rosie & Larry Minster and son, and Marsha Irvin.  We'll stop for Bev along the way.  The group includes several library people and yoga enthusiasts.  If this is beginning to sound like a sales job, you're right.  But if it doesn't work & you do change your mind let me know.  If I don't hear anything, I'll expect you on the 10th, weather cooperating.

Monday, July 29, 2013

November 24, 1976 (Letter from Barb N)



Again I enjoyed your letter thoroughly.  I was so excited last nite when I found out the whole family would be in Warren at X-mas.  Now I haven't any 2nd thoughts of the money I will spend to get home.

I will check into my flight no. and arrival time today.  I still have to write a check.  I told Mom to put $400.00 in my checking account but I haven't heard a reply so I'm uneasy about writing a check.  I will give Mom a few more days.

If I get a hop into Philly I am debating if I should fly to Springfield.  Pete is going to drive to Norfolk and I would like to go down there with him. Send me your phone no. so I can call you to tell you my plans..  If I have to call collect I will reimburse you.  (I will call collect from the States.)

Have I remembered all there is concerning my trip home.  I hope so.

We are very much alike in our personalities even tho I have not matured as far as you have.  I mean in thee sense of how real we are to ourselves.  I still feel like a child of the world retreating into myself when I encounter situations in life.  I am aware at this point.  I know that I must solve these problems through proper thought then follow through with the correct actions.

For so long I have shut myself off in thought.  I have been thinking only of the problems and I never took the time to understand why there was a problem, how it came to be etc.  I purposely stopped myself from progressing in a straight path.

I too feel that a lot of mysteries of our subconscious can be opened through smoking.  A few days ago I smoked by myself and was listening to King Crimson's "I Talk to the Wind".  I was aware of minutest sounds that I have never listened to when I was straight.  I too have sat down and looked at myself as a third person.  I can come to find answers but I'm such a fool at times.  I won't apply the knowledge that I contain.  I don't understand why I am such a weak person.  I am not aware of myself at all time.  It's like I am two persons that don't get along.  That is why I talk to people of what I am.  One of me is fake the other is real.

Instead of getting involved in a long letter I'm sure we can talk when I get back home.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

November 24, 1976 (Letter from Grayce)




I'm so sorry about the recipes -- we really did like the 2-bean casserole.  Oh well ---"de gustibus non disputandem!"  As you can see, I don't give up easily -- we Taurus people are very stubborn!  If you're willing, my aunt's spinach pie recipe is yummy (I think).  Brook hates spinach & will positively not eat it plain.  Actually, the whole first time I made this pie, he made faces at it & would not even come near it.  There was a lot of low comedy flying around also -- but, when it was finished he did condescend not taste it & he liked it. (He'll never live this down, of course) & now he even asks me to make it!  So do try it, ok?  If mushrooms are as expensive now in  New England as they are here, leave them out.  It's still good without them.

I found this little button & thought it would be perfect for you, in case you eve have an identity crisis, or if your being ever feels denied, or something of that sort!

I do hope you aren't seriously suggesting that I have a "negligible interest at most" in your straitened circumstances!  I really do care, but feel a little helpless about it.  Do you budget yourself?  I suppose you do, but are  you an impulsive spender?  I am, so I know what it's like.  I've been very good lately, though, since I'm not working.  I just tell myself that that money isn't mine. (Actually, I let myself have a certain amount to do the grocery shopping & maybe $10 more each week & whatever I want, I kind of "save" for from week to week.)  It's crazy, I guess, but it feels like the right thing to do, to me.  Maybe you could pretend that a certain amt of your money isn't yours. (Aside from the part that really isn't & save it & then splurge with the money later & buy something special for dinner, or something like that?

How nice that you'll all be together for Christmas.  That's what I usually liked about Christmas, but I haven't spent a Christmas with my own family for 2  years. I kind of miss it.  The other thing I like about it is making things for it -- (which I already told you in another letter).  This year I'm making a wreath out of felt pieces on a styrofoam base. I've cut out everything I want to use -- holly leaves, red berries, mistletoe leaves, white berries, & a few Christmas symbols like a gold star, a few white doves, etc.  It's coming along splendidly!  Also, each year I make a few ornaments for the tree.  The first y ear, I made some wooden ones & painted them.  Last year I made a few clothespin ornaments & then decorate them & varnish them so they'll last.  They also make nice gift tags. I guess I"ll do that next week sometime.  Your calendars sound really nice.  I'm sure everyone will like them better than a boughten gift, and they'll think of you every time they see it!

I'm awfully happy this week -- not that I've been unhappy before -- but I'm especially happy now. Maybe because I'm getting adjusted.  I've actually been sleeping very well, only a very few real trying nights.  I must attribute it to the fact that I'm finally over the frustration of Seton Hill.  (I do still freeze up when I think of that place, though & its atmosphere!)

Speaking of jobs -- you asked what the situation was here.  It's bleak, I won't mince words.  The college here has some prissy rule about 5 years experience for librarians or 2 Masters -- so forget about that place.  I went to talk to the director, but he's a real zombie, so I just smiled politely when he told me he was impressed by my letters of recommendation & then I left after he told me to get another Masters  (at ISU, of course) & definitely he'd hire me then.  Needless to say, I think he's absurd!  The director of the public library is great -- only he has no jobs.  If I get desperate I may volunteer because he's a very progressive person and I know he'd be good to work with.  He was "impressed" too (or so he said).  But he did try to find me something else -- even called people for me, but there isn't anything right now.

I'd like to get a job, because we have a $30,000 mortgage & I'd like to help pay it, but I don't see anything right now.  Brook thinks I shouldn't just take anything, but wait for something good.  (I may be waiting forever, of course.)  I went into the bookstore at the mall & asked about part-time, but of course they just hired some one!  My luck is great.  Anyway, I'm hoping they have a quick turnover, so I left my application.  It would be good experience, I guess, huh?  It's a nice bookstore, too -- has lots of interesting stuff in it.

If I hear of anything, I'll let you know -- but jobs don't exactly stick to me -- especially good ones.

Brook has to stay late at work tonight -- to study confidential stuff.   What a drag.   I'm sure whatever it is isn't that secret.  Oh well.  I have to get him at 10:00, because the night bus stop is about a mile from the regular bus stop.  Yesterday, Brook had me drive on Interstate 15.  I was scared, but it really wasn't that bad.  It was the first time I ever had the car in 4th intentionally.  (I used to put it in 4th instead of 2nd all the time when I first started.)  So now I guess I'm qualified to drive to the airport to pick people up when they come to visit.  (I hope you'll be one of them someday.)

I don't think I told you that the movers broke my loom.  Well, actually it may have been a blessing in disguise.  The guy who came to see the part that was broken is a sheep farmer out in Blackfoot & he asked me to teach him how to spin, so I did & he's going to bring me several pounds a raw wool!   I'm so excited.  He called this morning & will be out this afternoon & will also have my loom piece -- hopefully!

It must be the day for phone calls.  My friend Olga called from California at 6AM.  I guess she was getting ready to go to work. I haven't spoken to her for 2 years!  'twas nice. One of my friends in NY wants me to get a cassette recorder so we can exchange tapes.  I don't' know, though. I think I wouldn't like to speak onto tape as much as I like to write.  Do you?

Oh well, I guess I'm finished talking your ear (eye?) off.  Take care.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

November 21, 1976 (Letter from Renee)



Received your letter this week and I was happy to hear from you once again.  You're so great about taking the initiative to write after my long periods of non-correspondence.  It is amazing to me still that after all these year (10 since I've been out of H.S.) that we, as friends, still manage to keep in touch.  It makes me feel good!   I was blessed with 2 letters in 1 week -- 1 from you & 1 from Mardi.  How lucky can I get?

Your letter touched me deeply, for I, too, am experiencing a great deal of depression over my "present state of affairs" concerning my job & my future in the working world.  I am more fortunate than you, however, in the fact that I have Morrey to share in my problems and to guide me in my decisions.  I have decided that this will be my last year of teaching school.  In June I'll hit the "road" looking for a new job.  I am very unhappy with the conditions at school, with the people I work with, and , above all, w/ the people that run the school.  At this point in my life, I feel that I am "giving too much of myself" to my work and I haven't had time to be a good wife or really a good friend.  I feel torn between my school obligations and my private life & family.  When I leave teaching I will have the satisfaction of knowing that I left as a successful teacher and I also know that I'm not really leaving because other people forced me -- but because I forced myself.  I feel as if I've reached the end of my goals in teaching and there's nothing more there for me to tackle -- at which point one begins to fall into a situation in which she rests on past performances instead of reaching for new dimensions!  I want to quit teaching before my attitude reflects in my teaching performance.  There are too many people at my school who long ago gave up on  being good teachers, and who now are in the profession 1) because it pays more than other jobs they could find & 2) because it's routine, easy & no sweat if you don't give a damn anyway.  For a long time, Paul, I was so depressed about the whole thing, but now that I've made up my mind to quit & do something else -- I feel almost as if I'd been given a reprieve.  I feel "cleansed" once I made the decision to quite.  Well, so much for that for now.

I've had a very difficult time of it these last 2 months, Paul.  My grandfather's death wasn't hard for me to accept at first, but now I am feeling the "great loss" to me and my family.  Morrey & I have been to Warren several times since then, and it will take my parents a while to adjust.  I have desperately wanted to spend more time w2/ them but because of my job & other demands I have not been able to.  They are coming here for Thanksgiving and Morrey & I have planned a "fun" weekend.   My mother is scheduled to go in to Warren General for gall bladder surgery on Dec. 15th and I am leaving school 3 days early (before our Xmas vacation)  to be with my father.  I will be in Warren through the Xmas-New Years holidays and I am very much looking forward to seeing you, Paul, and to spending time renewing acquaintances with people from Warren.  If possible I hope you & I could find time to go & visit w/ Mrs. Coe, our h.s. English teacher.  At any rate, call me at my folks' when you get in town.

I told Morrey about y our unhappiness in Springfield and how expensive it was to live there.  He told me to tell you to come to Columbus & stay with us for awhile and perhaps look for work here.  I want you to know Paul that the invitation we're extending is more sincere -- we do have an extra bedroom.  And plenty of room for you and we wouldn't be inconvenienced or bothered a bit if you took us up on the offer.  Morrey is not the type to offer unless he likes someone and really cares -- and he does like you Paul!  Please give some consideration to the idea.  Perhaps we can discuss it at Xmas time.

Paul, I wish there was something I could do to help you in your present circumstances.  I feel for you, and from the tone of your letter, I can share in your feelings of frustration & depression.  Paul, we've been friends for a long time.  Of you need money, Morrey and I would be happy to help you out.  We're not rolling in money, but we do have some and would be happy as an act of friendship to loan you want  you might need.  I've discussed this with Morrey and he supports the offer so please don't hesitate if you're in a hole and need some financial help.  I know that if the circumstances were reversed, you'd do the same for us.

I am writing this letter while watching the NBC 50 years of NBC show and I'm finding that I can't do 2 things at once successfully so I'll close this letter for now cause Morrey's bugging me to watch with him.

Please take care & be well Paul.  Write again soon & I'll plan to see you at Xmas time in Warren.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

November 16, 1976 (Letter from Mardi)



Thought I'd better sit down & wrote a note before the holiday "crunch" gets me!  Marti will be working at the Style Stop helping out next week  & if I'm to get anything done it will be in the late evening hours!  Sounds like everyone is tighting their belt this winter -- we've had one expense after the other-- small -- but they always seem to eat up a pay check!!  I was about to get ready to make some Christmas gifts but don't think I can even spare the extra money for materials!!!

November 22, Monday

Not doing well on this letter at all!!  Hope you have a pleasant Thanksgiving wherever you end up. Barb is going to Boston the weekend after Thanksgiving for a few days.  She & Patsy will be moving into a duplex on Conewango near Fifth some time around Dec. 1.  Guess she'll be here for winter?  Don't know what she's doing lately.  Marti met Rick last week & said he was a real TURKEY -- he was giving Barb a lot of shit Marti said.

Maybe it was a bad day for him?!!  I really don't know why she's so "attached" to him -- other than for a personal challenge of some sort or just personal satisfaction.  Can't figure her out this time.

Received a letter from Renee -- of course they were up for her grandfather's funeral, but were here & gone. Would love to stop & see them some time but can never foresee being in that area of Ohio for anything particular.

I have to update my Christmas card list.  I'm at least hoping to hear from a few people at the time!!

Right now we are having a mini-blizzard in Warren, Pa.  Really hasn't bothered me this year because I haven't got the hassle of the car like Marti does.  As long as I bundle up I'm OK.  Hope the Datsun "saves" -- you some money this winter w/ no extra needed garage bills.  If you don't take it to work remember to at least run it for awhile each day.  You know that though .  You may find sticking at home during winter really isn't so bad -- the weekend outings are costly -- I know! Glad to hear you'll be here at Christmas.  Hope we can all get together some evening for food & drinks.  You've got to make your spinach lasagna yet Nelson!!!  My kitchen is your kitchen -- any time!!.

If you hear from Renee, Tina or Mike let me know.  Yes, Mike's father has been going down hill for 2 yrs now.  He was in the psychiatric ward @ WGH at one time & I figured that would put him fairly straight but he was arrested for drunken driving a few months later -- can't figure it out.  I would think Mrs. Foster would give him support & try to help him w/ the drinking -- although she was not "tea tottler" herself!  It's good for Mike to be away from it!

Have you decided about your Christmas decorating?  I'm trying to organize a little each day.  Glad the holidays are coming up.  Don't know what the rest of '77 will bring though.  I would imagine seeing Harries to any great extent would be hard & it does help the relationship  -- probably the only thing to do now is let the relationship take its own course & relax.  I remember scraping up enough money -- 60 cents a day for transit fare to get me to work & back!!!  But as long as you're comfortable & have a few close friends it's not that bad.

Well, I must go -- probably forgot some things but I must get this in the mail.

Take care.

We are all fine.

Poopies are fine

Yolanda sends her love.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

November 9, 1976 (Letter from Lar)



We had 6" of snow yesterday.  I think the weatherman is right about forecasting a cold, snowy winter.

The Printz Co. in Warren is closing.  I made some sale signs and received $170 worth of clothes for my work.  I was in need of some new clothes, since I don't send much on clothes.

Mom & Dad got a letter from Barb today.  She seemed pretty upset.  She is thinking of moving back on base.

I've heard a couple cuts from Al Stewart's new album, they were both excellent.  There hasn't been much in the way of new music.  They sure made a lot of hype about Stevie Wonder's new album.

I'm not in a letter writing mood, but I wanted to get one off to you since it's been quite awhile.

I just went downstairs to hit my punching bag.  After I hit it for awhile, I feel very relaxed.  I was chilled, hitting it for 5 minuets warmed me up a lot.  I got the idea for it from Johnny.  My duffle bag is ripping so I'll have to get a new one soon.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

November 8, 1976 (Letter from Grayce)



I liked the little picture you sent.  It reminds me of something -- but I'm not sure exactly what.

I just sat down a while ago -- all ready to sew some of the quilt (I had put it away for awhile because I was getting bored with it) and the power died -- maybe this is an omen for me to get out some paper & write to  the 19 people I owe letters to!  What do you think?  It seems to me that the more time I have on my hands, the less I feel like writing to people.  It's true, of course, that nothing exciting happens to me, so maybe I want to spare them (& myself) the boredom of writing about nothing.  You are one of the few "lucky" people who receive letters regularly from me -- I don't suppose you'd like to analyze the reason for this?  I must want to punish you in a terrible, twisted way!  You see, I even started your letter first -- to be sure it got written.  Poor you.

When the electricity goes off (which I hope it doesn't do too often this winter!) you get a chance to realize how much you depend on it -- for good or bad.  For instance -- we're going out to dinner tonight because I won a bet with Brook that he'd get a 95 or over in a test he was worried over.  So, I was planning to get a shower & wash my hair this afternoon.  Not too much to ask, right?  Well, it just occurred to me that the shower will be cold because I used the hot water in the tank to do laundry & I can't possibly dry my hair in time without my hair dryer!  Neat huh?  Therefore, I'll make this letter as long as I can to put off the cold shower.  I can't even heat the bathroom because all our heat is electric.  I'm doomed.  Too bad I never bought any "Psssssst" -- maybe IO will now for these little emergencies.  Maybe I'll try a wheat germ shampoo I hard about?  I don't know, though, suppose I can't get it out?  I'll look like I spent the night in a health food store, or something, maybe the restaurant will be mercifully dark.  Actually, my hair doesn't look dirty -- it just feels to me like it is -- so I guess I can forget it.  How to talk yourself into not worrying about trivia that doesn't seem like trivia at the time.

It's nice that you're using your piano talents again.  Maybe I will get interested again someday. Right now I often pick up my guitar & fool with it.  I don't have a good voice, so I usually only play when no one is around.  (That's pretty often that I get a chance around here.)  I love my guitar.  It was a friend's, but she wanted a Martin, so she sold me her Guild for $80 (she had paid $250 for it or $200, I can't remember which).  It has a lovely sound & keeps me company when I get lonely. It's a right handed guitar, so I had to string it backwards to play it, but it really doesn't make any difference except for the pick guard which is at the top instead of at the bottom -- oh, the hazards of being left-handed -- no wonder the Latins referred to it as sinister!)

On Wednesday, I went to 2 cooking classes sponsored by the Intermountain Gas Company.  One was for french cooking & 1 was for Italian.  I asked my neighbor, Betty, across the street, along, because she doesn't  drive & doesn't get to go many place -- nothing is within walking distance from where we live!  She was so grateful, she took me out to lunch at the Holiday Inn between the classes -- which was awfully nice of her.  We had a really good time -- sampling the results was the best part of the classes -- actually the dishes prepared weren't anything too different from things I make myself, but it was fun anyway.  And the other people there (only about 20) seemed to be very impressed so at least they got a lot out of it.

What do you think about your present situation?  Are y ou going to be looking for a new job soon? It would be great if you could get one out West somewhere, maybe we will get to see each other occasionally, after all.  Brook & I just said the other night we'd like to stay out here for about 5 years.  I hope we can.  Let me know if you apply for anything new.  I'll hope that you find something interesting!

I was surprized to get a letter from Wray last week.  He seemed awfully down in the dumps about his being deposed from his former job as "Asst. to the Dean".  Galvin, it seems, told him he didn't know what he did & whatever it was, it wasn't much!  So Wray told him that he (Galvin) was welcome to do it himself & Wray is now just teaching.  (He said to say hello to you, by the way.) It's kind of sad, because I think Wray really tried, but it seems that that accounts for very little at old GSLIS.  I'll have to try & write a cheerful letter back.

Well, I suppose I'd better get that shower now -- brrr!

Monday, July 15, 2013

November 8, 1976 (Letter from Barb N)



Hello.

I want to write to you right away and ask you a favor.  I want to fly into Boston from Rome and I was wondering if you still have your car if you could pick me up at the airport.  If not I could probably take a bus.  I think that I will be going to the states 10 December & I should get to Boston on the 11th which is a Saturday.

A friend of mine is going to New Hampshire and I want to ride with him.  We will go back to Norfolk and he will take me to Warren.

I'm trying to get the general arrangements together.  I will stay at your house a few days, I think.

Everybody is moving out of the house soon.  I will have to find a place somewhere.  It's a hassle over here.  Damn I need to get back over to the States.   I was thinking tonight that I don't have one friend in Naples, but I just remembered that I do have one friend and that's Charlie Brown.

Paul I was thinking in a frantic way but I still have my senses.  I have to look ahead now when life is scattered over here.  Maybe we can talk when I et back home.  A good talk.

I am going to dinner at Mariano's house tonight.  I met him one night when I was walking.  His mother is cooking a meal for me so I'm going to feast on good Italian food.

Write me soon.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

November 6, 1976 (Letter from Connie)



How long has it been since I've written?  Ages, I'm sure.  I did write you after I got back ro Europe, didn't I?  I was bonkers for a long time after that, so I'm really not sure.  I'm much better now.

I'm going to Seattle for Thanksgiving, and of course I'm all excited about that.  Wrangled a couple of extra days off, so I'l have a whole week there!  I'll be frantically busy -- as always.  Seems an old high school pal is getting married, (which, knowing her, is a real shock!), and I'm going to a psychic in Victoria B.C.  The former will be a drag, and I'm really looking forward to the latter.  Pam had gone to see this woman, and she really helped her.  So a friend and I are going.  It's cheaper than a shrink, and maybe I'll find out whether there's any hope at all, or whether I should just snuff it and be done with it.

I know you've heard this one before, but I've decided to move back home.  Enough of this "seeing the world" jazz.  I've got rain in my very blood -- and sunshine just doesn't make it.  Right now I'm kind of targeting next Labor Day.  That would make three full years of Rocky Mountain winters and owing my soul to Ma Bell.  And that's enough.

Let me see now, what else have I been doing?  Ran to Nebraska to see some relatives over Labor Day. I'd always thought of them as being half a continent away -- and they are, from Seattle.  But from here it's only ten hours on the road.  I'd never been out there before, and it's fun, out on teh farm.  And how things change:  one cousin now has five kids (what a madhouse), another (Lorraine), has two kids, is divorced, and works as a welder, and then there's dear Little Allen. Last time I saw Allen he was a 12 year old nurd.  He's now 6'6" and gorgeous.  And he's my cousin -- BOO HOO!  Dammit.

I had some friends out from Seattle in October, so all has not been too bleak.

Oh!  News flash.  Talked to Lynne Stevenson in Helena.  She's now at Carroll College, and the State Library is as always, degenerating even further.  But the news is that Kathy and Ray Brown has split!!  Talk about a shock.  Got a card from Kathy sans Ray the other day -- just a "hi -- how are you" -- and I 'spose a note that they're still in the land of the living.  Geez -- out of all the couples in teh world I had them pegged to giggle and drink beers together for all eternity.

What did you think of the elections?  For the first time in my life I backed a winner!  And whatever else you say about the Georgian, he won't be dull.  I was a little worried though:  did you hear that a dictionary publisher somewhere, in preparing the new edition, had put an entry in for Carter as the 39th President.  Guess he did that when J.C. was 35 pts. ahead.  But when it got so close I started fearing for that edition -- but what a collector's item -- kind of like the Sinner's Bible -- you know the one that has:

"Thou shalt not kill
Thous shalt not steal
Thou shalt commit adultery"!

As for me, boredom prevails.  Been working some more on the piano.  Have now gone, on a scale of 1-10, from 0 to about 2.  Enjoying it enormously, though.

Did you see "Play It Again, Sam" on TV the other night?  Hadn't seen that one before.  Super film! So of course I've been going over my Casablance book for the last two days (its full script with all stills).  What a film!  And GWTW is coming to TV.  What a sacrilege!  I read that it will be split over two nights -- 5 hours of film and 78 minutes of commercials.  Saw it here in Cheyenne a couple of weeks ago -- how it holds up.  And Clark Gable has got everyone else in the world topped.  But on TV -- no.



Finally saw "M" -- it was on PBS a couple of weeks ago.  Blessedly it was in German with subtitles.  (Don't have enuf German to follow it -- but I really dislike dubbing.)  Powerful flick -- and a fearful omen (in 1931) of German fear and mobishness.


"Read any good books, lately?"  I haven't.  Been reading Ceram's "Gods, Graves and Scholars" -- would you believe I hadn't read it before?  And just finished my annual fall read of the Stewart Merline books (Crystal Cave, Hollow Hills).  And in a few weeks, when the world is all bleak and it feels as though winter will never end, I get to re-read the Chronicles of Narnia (for 5th graders) and then the Tolkien trilogy.

Gotta go -- getting writer's cramp.  But I'm surviving.  Sort of.

Take care, and keep in touch.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

November 5, 1976 (Letter from Cheryl)



Sure seems like it's been along time since I wrote or heard from you -- hope your still at the same place.

Alot has changed & alot has happened since I wrote last.  George and I aren't tog and haven't been for some time.  When he left he said he may go to Portland or he may turn himself back in to the joint.  No one has heard from him since so I don't know where he's at or what he's doin.   He doesn't even write to Georgie.  But he said he'd drop by Xmas so we'll see then.  Maybe.  I'd still like to know if he's okay tho, even if we aren't tog anymore.  If & when I heard from him I'll let you know.  I think I gave him your address & maybe you've heard from him?  Let me know if yo have okay.

In Sept. I moved to Washington but after a month of being there I got home sick for the mountains and came back.  It's nice to be back here again.  The hills are really pretty with all the leaves changing.  We haven't gotten any now yet; in fact it's been in the 50's most every day.  Which is nice for Nov.  While I was in Wash.  I caught hepatitis from firing up drugs.  Isn't that dumb?  I didn't even know I had it  till someone told me I should see a doc.  I'm kinda ignorant on diseases like that cuz I've never had it or seen it.  But a couple days before I went to the doc's I felt really tired & couldn't stay awake.  Guess I've had it about 3 wks now.  Should be over it soon, I hope. One good thing I've lost alot of weight from it.

I guess from what George said Brian Borgen is back in the joint.  Don't know what he did tho. Clayton Cline got in a fight and got shot 3 times and is now a vegetable.  That's too bad -- I kinda liked him.  Really even if I didn't like him I'd still hate to see it happen.

What are you doin for turkey day?  We're havin a big bird with all the trimmings and a bunch of people up for a party.  Hopefully the people we use to live with here will be up by then. They moved to Calif. in Aug.  Sure would make for a good party.

In Aug. we went all the way back to North Dakota, right on the Minnesota border to see my brother.  It was really a good trip.  Had alot of fun.  On the way back I got to see my mother in Montana and I'm happy for that, cuz she died in Sept.  Was quite a shock to us all.  Ya don't realize how much they mean to ya till there gone.  Then it's too late.

The kids are really gettin big.  George is as tall as me an Lawana is already in school.  She really enjoys it and even tho she doesn't have any homework she pretends to just like her bother.  Their both gettin' all excited over Xmas.  Sure does seem like it comes around fast any more.

Well I'd better go for now -- gotta do some stuff.  So take care & write sooner than I did.  Have a good Thanksgiving -- Bye for now.

Friday, July 5, 2013

November 4, 1976 (Letter from Barb N)



I must say that I always enjoy your letters.  I don't feel that you are looking at life wrong because I see the same picture and I also disagree.  Let me tell you that I have felt frozen for the past months but now I feel a relief slowly oozing through me.

How should I start to tell you the events that have led up to now.  I should tell you that our household is going their separates ways in January.  Darrel and Laura share the same room only they are distant friends most of the time.  They don't relate to each other as two people who sleep together should.  Laura has deep religious convictions and Darrel loves to party.  God knows why Laura loves Darrel so much.  Laura can not live here because she has lost herself a long time ago. It would only hurt her more to stay.

Darrel and I could share the apartment together but I don't want to.  My feelings which I now realize are I feel that Laura is a mother image and Darrel would be my brother.  I feel that because Laura is against drinking and smoking totally, I have to hide so I don't hurt her.  But I feel like when I was at home in Warren.  So I am caught up in what I am and what I am in Laura's eyes.

What irritated our household and brought forth the hidden disease is Sten.  Laura and Darrel met him in Amsterdam and he is now here for a two week visit.  I don't know why his presence caused such a disturbance but it seems as if a black cloud lingers over our lives.  Sten has totally disrooted my life, thrown me down to the ground, and spit on my forehead.  I say it is good for me.

Paul, I have this problem of constantly telling my life to others which is wrong.  I get caught up in myself so many times.  I play the part of the fool but I never seem to change my role.  It is easy to speak as I have confessed to the "priest" so many times before but to be honest and change leaves me too weak inside.

I am caught up in religion.  I don't believe that man has to say that I believe in Christ and have eternal life.  Man has been granted a life of God when each entity has the will to live in his favor. We have to break all the bonds and get down to the basics of life.  If we were to understand more we would have to be more attuned to nature.  Yes, man is building a synthetic society, straying far from the course of God.  Even the churches are to blame.

If I could only think of myself and stop trying to reach favor in other's eyes.  This is my fault.  Only I need people like you and Larry who value life.  Who understand more than most people.  I believe most people are committing the greatest sin by conforming to the perverse world.  It makes me want to hate.

It has been raining continuously now for the past few weeks.  One of the main roads out to where a lot of Americans live has been blocked off.  The road fell through.  Farther down the road by the Olivetti factory 1/2 of the roadside avalanched down the hillside and half the road is closed for repairs.  Most of this area is built on lava and with the abundant rainfall this year it is loosening the soil  Destruction is at a rampage in Italy.  I don't fear for my life because I will survive and be a very strong woman.  I do believe I have a powerful destiny.

I bought a stereo for $100 so I have a Garrard turntable, a Sound Design amp (which I plan to sell), and TEK speakers.  I'm satisfied with the set but I plan to buy a receiver.  I also am buying albums.  I have been cheap for so long.  I have 3000.00 in the bank and no debts plus my G.I. bill so I feel justified in my spending.

I am going to come home during X-mas for 3 weeks.  I want to get back home.  I am not sure if I will go to the lake next summer.  I will discuss it when I come home.  There are people I want to see back home.  I am looking forward to the change.

I am going to become a connoisseur of wine.  I am indulging in a few glasses of Ischia Blanco which is excellent.  The wine in Italy is natural without preservatives.  In most trattorias (restaurants) they have their own home-made wine not to mention the excellent pasta they serve.

Paul I get a big kick out of playing the guitar.  I really do enjoy myself.  I am not good but I still try to practice as much as possible.  I have found it very worthwhile.

I thought your beard was attractive on you.  I do have a preference to masculine features and I think facial hair well=trimmed adds to a man's appearance.  I will tell you that I was going to let the hair on my legs and underarms grow out but I felt that I lost my femininity.  I am conforming to our society's standards only I choose to conform.

I will end here now.

Monday, July 1, 2013

November 1, 1976 (Letter from Harriet)



It's been a while and I haven't heard from you.  What has happened?  Our last rendezvous was certainly strange, and I don't know what to make of it.  It's frustrating, because I really wanted to talk about the whole thing, and I know that you didn't.  I can't decide whether to think that you didn't think (still following me?) that talking about it was worth it, or that you just had a hard time relating your feelings to me.  Maybe it will be easier to sort your feelings out in a letter.

As for me, I was only questioning the nature of our relationships.  I think that the first time that we slept together I told you that I was shy and didn't usually do things like that so quickly.  Well it was the truth.  Usually, I take things pretty slow and feel a strong affection and closeness with a man before I let him get physically close to me.  That weekend, I couldn't figure out why the closeness wasn't coming, and I was feeling shy and uncomfortable sleeping with you.  I felt that I wanted to get to know you better before I really opened up my soul.  Do you understand what I mean?  I hope so.

Maybe we were meant to be friends so that we might explore each other's minds, and if the hearts follows, so be it.

I hope that our friendship isn't over -- I have the feeling that you are purposelyo not writing to me. Tell me what you are thinking.

P.S.  I am helping some friends out with yoga & could use the help of my book.  Are you doe with it?