Daddy's Little Princess.

[Violet]

On leaving France

the blue sky
makes the plane go slow

they say I stole their money
which is true

let the proprietors of the revolution
consider this:

a song the people loved
was written by a thief


Leonard Cohen

[after the1970 Aix-en-Provence Festival]


.. I've just been reading an account of the goings on at this festival on the wonderful Heck of a Guy site.. [and if I haven't said this before, Mr. Dr. H. Guy, your work is much appreciated, especially by somewhat remiss devotees such as myself, who still have a lot of catching up to do on the Cohen historical front--even as I'm attempting to blaze a trail through to a new and compelling future somehow, in the aftermath of all of that]..

.. anyway, Leonard.. (my love).. you continue to amaze me. From here it looks like you were refusing what may have made you far more popular with that particular crowd.. [with those hard core Maoists, especially].. in favor of.. well, of being yourself.

.. oh, and.. you came up on stage on a white stallion?????????..

[add to that.. your having once sung As Time Goes By?????]

.. you know, you really are my love.. [whether you realize this or not]

[my god]

[sigh]

.. okay: Oh. I do think it's time I read a bio on you.. and watch some of the docs I've not yet seen. I do think it's time. Meanwhile, I'm busy "amending" my latest Agent Longing material, now that I realize how much trouble I'm likely to be in if I don't do this. It's painful doing away with A LOT of tedious work, too.

[another sigh]

.. okay.. well.. no use complaining. Anyway, I was pretty sure you were my Bogey.. [and that turned out to be true].. and I had some sense that maybe you were my knight in shining armor.. [your having saved all your ribbons.. well, hopefully for me].. and it seems that that may be true as well..

[just the biggest biggest sigh ever]

.. I love you, my love.. x.. and miss you.. and do hope all is well with you.. (my angel)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1_D5gef72A
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx x.. xxx xxx.. xx x x..

[Violet]

.. my angel.. my darling.. my perfect perfect perfect specimen of manhood--as in your handsome bravery.. and charming wit.. humor.. sublime intelligence.. and talent.. kind sensitivity.. generosity.. and wisdom.. (oh, and sexiness)

how are you?

[my love]

.. I worked 'til the wee hours of the morning, and have been writing today, as well. I think in some ways my having to re-do some things has freed me up to write more the way I prefer to write, which is a bit more abstractly, shall we say, and less tied to journalistic fact, perhaps.. which.. [as things were developing].. was bound to get me into a heap of trouble. I mean, what I'm doing now is still pretty dicey as it is, but at least I'm being a bit more careful with certain details that are.. well, perhaps, best left to the imagination.

[sigh]

.. anyway, I continue to love "writing you" as Agent Longing.. and.. well, as I guess is appropriate.. (given your name, I mean).. (oh, and well, given everything I just listed).. I'm longing for you, too, my love, as I write this.

.. it's been sunny, if cold, this last week or so, and I'll be out to our lake shortly. It's hard to know what to wear, since it's rather cold at first, but there's nothing worse than working up a sweat if you're wearing too many layers--and in the cold, too.. so.. I guess I really do need to invest in some "sports" sort of clothing, if I'm to continue with this in the colder weather.

.. okay, my beloved. Oh: I'm being advised by a copious devotee of yours as to just what bio I might read.. [although I'm pretty sure I know which one I should probably start with].. and what docs to catch up on, etc. I guess in some ways it's good I've waited this long, since I feel in some manner connected to the "you" you in some ways have become.. to the best of my perceptions, that is.. only, now I feel I'm ready to maybe "fill in" more, as to your documented past.

.. anyway, I look forward to this, my love.

[I just love that handsome picture of you up on your white horse]

[actually, I could almost faint, just thinking about that]

.. oh, and I'm feeling optimistic about this next section of writing--optimistic that it shouldn't take much longer to complete.. so.. things are looking up.. [methinks]

.. okay, my angel.. I send my lovely little kiss to you.. x.. and, again, the hope that all is well--oh!.. [forgot].. I do think my As Time Goes By is much improved. So, singing when I'm tired is good practice, I feel. Oh, and I called the supper club with the open mic, and it was a poor connection, so I didn't stay on long.. but the man said it's strictly for "professionals".. which, I'm glad to hear.. only.. I mean, do I need a V.I.P. card or something?.. but also.. I mean, just HOW pro could it be if it's an open mic???.. I guess they just don't want Karaoke types.. [probably]

[I guess we'll find out]

.. oh, and the open mic is very late, too.. 11:30 at night.. [need to stay over at my loft with crazy cuz, I guess, then].. [crazy cuz]

.. okay.. let's see if I can find something that matches my mood, maybe.. (my beloved).. (another kiss, first.. x..) (I miss you)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKQgmuhiOEc
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx x.. xx x xx .. xx x x.. xx x..

[Violet]

[sigh]

[I thought I'd start with a sigh, this time]

.. Leonard, my love.. how are you?.. Me?.. I'm miserable. I think evenings get tough, for some reason. I worked all day, so that was good.. and all is progressing.. but now I'm having a hard time concentrating on an okay, though not great William Powell, Myrna Loy movie.. [though I love them in The Thin Man series, which this is not, I'm afraid].. I probably should start reading Dashiell Hammett, come to think of it. Get my "noir" side reinvigorated.

.. I didn't even go to our lake this evening, but worked straight through instead. Now, I'm tired, and a bit on edge. [for some reason I'm resisting]

.. as for singing.. even though I'm doubtful I'll take a stab at this thing for a while.. [until I feel I'm good and ready].. I'm thinking of focusing on Birdland, and Summertime.. both fairly challenging, to be sure.. but somehow I think they favor my voice, even though with Summertime.. [which happened to be my mother's favorite song to sing] [she had that lovely contralto voice].. but for me, I have to be careful that the lowest notes don't bottom out on me with that one (!).. still, I rather love singing it.

.. actually, I have a confession to make. I DID sing that song once.. in public, I mean. It was in Montana some years ago, now. I was out there for a wedding, and a group of us were out to dinner, and there was a jazz band playing, and.. I don't know, I just decided to go up there, and ask them to play Summertime.. and so, that's how it happened. I did quite well with it, too, and I could tell that the band was surprised at that.. and, as I'm practicing it now, I'm remembering why it was that when I sang it that night I had my eyes closed the whole time (!) It wasn't that I was nervous.. [even though I probably was].. it was that I was following one of Vaughan's arrangements for that number.. [which is a bit tricky].. and it was easier to focus that way. But now I'm making sure to practice it with my eyes open (!).. [I think it's better form]

.. oh, and I guess if I get some confidence going I would love to try As Time Goes By, which is fast becoming my favorite.. [thanks to you, my angel]

[sigh]

.. you know, Leonard, my love.. I think my problem right now is that I'm a bit lovesick. I can't believe I've allowed myself to become lovesick, but it seems I have. Half of me is lovesick, and my other half feels as though I'm going to have a nervous breakdown, probably since I can't believe I've allowed myself to woo you in this way (!).. [remember, I'm actually a fairly sane person, and when a fairly sane person does a somewhat insane thing, it's going to be especially tough on that person in ways that it really wouldn't be if that person were totally out of her noggin'.. so.. just thought I'd mention the stress I'm presently under] [yes, I know: I set this thing up, and so I have no one to blame but myself!]

[another sigh]

.. so, that's pretty much it. I pray for your mercy. I'm actually a pretty decent person, all told.. even if I can't entirely explain how I wound up at this forum, writing the things I have, and going through the things I've been going through. Occasionally, I try to put it all together into some coherent whys or wherefores, but overall, I can't entirely explain it. I know I came here in pretty bad shape, emotionally speaking, and I've been attempting to use my time here to in some manner turn things around for myself.. which in some ways, at least, I think I've been doing. Of course, as I said, in other ways..

.. anyway, I still say that what's happening to me right now is largely your fault, since you are terribly wonderful. And sexy. [and all the rest of it] [which I believe I just listed in my last post] [pretty sure]

[and yet another sigh]

.. okay, my angel. I send my rather tattered, humbled.. [if not at times humiliated].. half-broken-down little kiss to you.. x.. and

.. let me see if there's

oh, I know.. let's see how A.W. did this number..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHiGWVHL ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx xxx x.. xx x x.. xxx x..

[Violet]

.. my beloved.. I think I'm doing a bit better today. The writing is reading pretty well so far, so maybe it's almost there then, although there are two sections of it I know I have to "fill in," as it were--with new material, I mean--which might take a little doing.. but still, I see an end in sight.

.. I took a singing break, and wound up singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow--a song that's truly been in my heart since my earliest childhood. I used to sing it with my father, and we'd have a wonderful time of it, trying to hit that last note (!)..

.. anyway, my love.. I just wanted to say that.. I don't know.. as I'm finding out, as I'm practicing these songs--these songs that I've always loved--I'm realizing that.. well.. that maybe it's okay that I didn't get to this 'til now. I mean, maybe it's all I've experienced in my life, and all that I now understand about myself that I can now express through these songs. "The Rainbow" will take some time to really refine, as.. well, it's one of those "pure" songs that demands a purity of voice, and a very wide range. I never thought I'd be good enough to sing it, and yet.. now, somehow, I can see how, with the right practice, I can probably get to the lower notes of that song. I was finding today though, that the more I was really connecting to the content of this song, as well as with Summertime--in terms of both their sound, and lyrics--but the deeper I went into them.. well, I started to cry (!)..

I think it would be wonderful if I could sing them with just so much feeling--although short of my crying, of course.. but I think it would be lovely to move an audience that way. I think, too, my having learned about acting, and directing--which is all about connecting to an authenticity of feeling--that that's somehow informing what I'm doing with this, as well. I just have this sense that so much of what I've learned, and what I've been through, and survived, even, is somehow there for me now when practicing these songs. I know I still need to be brave about it. I mean, I know it's different singing at home, as opposed to in front of an audience.. but.. maybe, with a little experience, I can shed the fear part, so that I can impart all the things I'm talking about. I do hope so. I can see that being a lovely experience. Oh, and when I sing As Time Goes By, it's all I can do to keep from laughing after the lines.. "woman needs man, and man must have his mate!".. I really belt it out right there, and it just cracks me up (!).. [so.. need to keep a rein on having that happen.. if I'm brave enough to attempt that one in public, that is].. but, I mean.. it's such an emphatic number (!).. as well as being just so beautifully romantic.

.. well, I just wanted to let you know I'm feeling a bit better, although I believe I dreamt I was drowning (!).. [not good].. Also: I dreamt of you a few nights ago. I just remember you standing there next to me, or maybe before me. It was a rather realistic dream, in that I knew I was just getting to know you, that I didn't really know you yet. And yet, it's still a lovely memory of you standing there before me.. just lovely.

.. okay, my love.. I send you dozens and dozens of the sweetest kisses.. and I hope you're inspired, and happy.. x.. x xxx.. (my angel)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWeF5Zv_ ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

.. (she makes singing this seem just so easy!)..

.. xx xxx x.. xxx x.. xxx.. xxx xxx..

[Violet]

.. hello, my love, how are you?..

.. last night I was up late, actually, getting rather tired and silly as I was writing.. and so, it seems I had Agent Longing and Violet getting rather tired and silly, as well. It's funny, I mean, here I am trying to wrangle with some pretty significant ideas, I think, and still the thing keeps sliding into slapstick [??] .. [well, just at times].. Actually, I sort of like that kind of tension--you know, between slapstick, and serious political discourse. [??] Okay, at least it's very popular in France--or, no, maybe I'm thinking of the Nutty Professor.

[my love, I really feel a sound effect should be included here, but since this is a letter to you, I'm abstaining, as I think it more "letter like" if I do]

[oh, okay: just the Nutty Professor saying "ladies"] [if any of you recall what that sounds like] [it's all I could come up with on the spur of the moment] [okay, I admit to being tired and silly tonight, as well]

.. actually, my love, the writing is definitely getting there. I feel like it's really.. uh.. well, it packs a real punch, here and there, I've gotta' say. Quite feisty stuff.. I wish I were posting this next segment tomorrow, but it will take a bit more time, I'm afraid. Actually, it's odd that Dennis Hopper just came up on the Heck of a Guy site today related to your 1970 tour, since I just wrote a bit on him. His manner of persona came in handy, actually, for an idea I'm working with. [it's probably good though he's no longer among us] [hate to have to say it] [in terms of my content, I mean]

[sigh]

.. as for other matters--oh, I've been experiencing our lake at sunset now, since it's getting darker earlier. My trip back now consists of a near full moon between the trees, which are almost all barren for winter. It has been rather lovely to ride beneath the moon like that--still in the pale cast of twilight--and of course I find myself thinking of you. I know I shouldn't pine, so I'll try not to. Still, I miss you, my love.. and as ever, I send.. well, just this one little kiss this time, as it's terribly full of longing, like that near full moon you've been sending me.. (I just decided).. x.. (my angel).. (I hope I see you again in my dreams)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45-6duFvfuI
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx x.. xxx x.. xxxx..

[Violet]

[Federico García Lorca] gave me permission to find a voice.. to locate a voice—that is, to locate a self.. a self that is not fixed; a self that struggles for its existence.. As I grew older, I learned instructions came with this voice… the instructions were to never lament casually; and if one is to express the great inevitable defeat that awaits us all, it must be done within the strict confines of dignity, and beauty.

excerpt: Leonard Cohen, Prince of Asturias speech, 2011


Leonard, my love.. I thought to look at this speech again today, as I know our wonderful DrHGuy has a version without translation interfering, and I wanted to see what it was you said about “never to lament,” which I couldn’t make out the first time around with this.

I’ve quoted very little here, and yet, I find it has so much depth. You know, you make me cry, my love.. you touch something rather deep within me.. so much that I value.. and in this, you help and guide me. And just as you expressed so beautifully your gratitude to Spain in this speech.. well, this is at least my attempt to express such gratitude to you.

.. “... never to lament casually; and if one is to express the great inevitable defeat that awaits us all, it must be done within the strict confines of dignity, and beauty.”

.. there is here something that fortifies one in not allowing for the casual lament; in not throwing away that value that is absolute, and that in our frailty we may do so thoughtlessly.

.. I remember too what you said of Roshi.. how he is a friend to one’s true effort, and an enemy to self indulgence. I think of that often, and somehow those words come up for me in what you've said here, as well.

.. and so I thank you, my love. I thank you with all my heart.. x

.. and now, back to work.. [maybe I’ll stop in later].. [if I’m good today] [xx x]

[Violet]

.. okay, I can no longer see straight, my love. And I may need to bag a lot of my slapstick.. although I'm not sure anymore. [it's all a blur]

[sigh]

.. oh, speaking of slapstick.. [though not really].. [okay, maybe].. today for my singing practice, I tried this number on for size, and, believe it or not, I wasn't all that bad. I mean, for a first time out sort of thing, and considering how one could conceivably fail pretty miserably with this number if you don't happen to be this particular singer.. [and yes, I've posted this performance at some point already, but it is rather brilliant]. Anyway, it was terribly fun to try to pull this number off. I'd have to watch this performance again to see what line it was that especially cracked me up when singing it.. but it's.. I don't know, some songs are like high jumping, I think. I mean, you really have to hurl yourself at them somehow, especially if you haven't a natural "powerhouse" of a voice.. and I mean

[well, you'll see]

.. anyway, here goes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzyPMRo8ZUQ
FULL SCREEN..

NOW do you see what I mean?

.. you know what's funny?.. [besides my ambition in this].. at the end, when she gives that little laugh--I had the exact same laugh.. [okay, maybe not so nasalie].. each time I finished singing this. I guess it's that once you've gone through a number like this one, you laugh. It's just what you do.

[my god]

.. okay, my angel. I'm rather tired, and so I'll send my little kiss to you.. x.. it was another lovely fall day, with the sun all around.. and I do hope you're enjoying such weather yourself.. it makes all seem well with the world, almost.. (although, still I miss you)

.. xx x x.. xx x.. xx x x..

[Violet]

OCCUPY WALL STREETmeets THE STRIP

.. hmm.. seems it's déjà vu all over again..

.. to quote the Huffington Post on this:

Occupy Wall Street: David Crosby And Graham Nash To Perform In Zuccotti Park
First Posted: 11/8/11 11:20 AM ET Updated: 11/8/11 01:11 PM ET

Inspired by their visit to protesters last week, David Crosby and Graham Nash are scheduled to perform at Zuccotti Park Tuesday to show their support of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

The 60s rock icons, no strangers to protest songs,* will play a set starting at 3PM near the corner of Cedar Street and Broadway.

Stephen Stills, the third member in the touring trio Crosby, Stills and Nash, is not expected to perform today. The band played a show at the Beacon Theater Monday night.

Crosby and Nash join a growing list of musicians that have stopped by the park to give acoustic performances for the protesters. Amplification is not allowed in Zuccotti Park. [end quote]

[emphasis mine] [*in so speaking: maybe not "strangers," and yet, fairly adverse to them, nevertheless] [protest songs, I mean] [re-check pg. 95 on this thread, a little post called: STRIPPING THE STRIP]

later note: STRIPPING THE STRIP deals with Stephen Stills when he was with the Buffalo Springfield, actually.. [David Crosby, meanwhile, helped to found the Byrds, earlier on].. oh, and they all lived happily ever after.


.. you know, you have to give me some credit, I've been biding my time on this. I mean, I am a supporter of all of this occupy business, and do intend on contributing something, which I'm taking some time with given, uh, something else that's taking up most of my time.. [which is also political in nature, I might add].. now, wha--

oh. So, yes.. I've been holding back some of my.. uh.. "fears" as regards this whole thing.. fears in the form of.. well.. given the Strip research I've done of late, especially, it's practically impossible for that part of my brain not to be.. um.. "sensitive" as to the ways in which such a popular movement might be.. oh, I don't know--"insidiously infiltrated and subverted," I guess the term is.. and.. well, I'm sure the Big Boys up top are working over time to try to work their "magic."

.. hey, I know.. let's check in with that.. see what's going on..


MEANWHILE.. AT THE BIG BOYS' OFFICES:

BIG BOY #1 [on his cell, or whatever Big Boys use these days]: Frank?

BIG BOY #2 [ibid. on the cell phone bit]: Yes, Frank, what can I do for you?

[all the Big Boys are named Frank, I just decided]

B.B. #1: We've got some problems downtown with that Occupy thing.

B.B. #2: Yeah, I know. The news spin isn't working.

B.B. #1: I guess we'll have to implement plan b, then.

B.B. #2: Yeah, I was afraid of that. What a royal pain in the *%^@!

B.B. #1: You're telling me! Anyway, since all our new talent is busy with their own gigs 'n stuff, maybe give David a call. He's usually available.

B.B. #2: Good idea. Hey, how is the crazy 'ol bastard, anyway? Is he still packing heat?

[NOT TO BE CONTINUED] [MOST LIKELY] [REMEMBER THAT "LIBEL IN FICTION" THING I HAVE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT]

[sigh]


.. Leonard, my love, how are you?.. I've been working very hard today, and am feeling better about the writing somehow. The whole thing got rather ripped apart once I realized I had to "revise" this material--although still a lot of it is pretty dicey.. but I think I'll have to deal with that particular issue once I'm done with this whole thing, or I'll never get out of the swamp I'm in right now.. so..

.. anyway, I was getting a bit messed up today with wanting you, especially since some of what I'm writing is rather romantic, and touching.. so.. I don't know, I better not say anything more about that, or I'll stir up all those feelings again. (my angel)

--oh, and as of right now most of the "slapstick" I've managed to keep in, so.. hopefully I can have my cake and eat it too, as they say.

.. so.. that seems to be about it for now. I'm working hard, and missing you. I didn't even get in a bike ride today, but I'm bagging the Gotham thing tomorrow so I'll have more time to work, and so hopefully I'll make it over to our lovely lake, as well.

.. okay.. I send you my loveliest loveliest kiss.. x.. (wishing for your lips)

.. (oh, and this is one of the Sarah recordings I've known since childhood).. (all for you, my love..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdMiYEdt ... ure=fvwrel
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx x xxxxx x xx .. xx x.. xx xx..

[Violet]

KEEP VIOLET OCCUPIED

.. I just wanted to see what that would look like. [??]

[all work and no play, makes Violet do some silly things sometimes]

.. anyway, my love, I have been occupied, as once again I've been toiling away with this writing, and I've been longing for you, as well.. so.. things are what they were, it seems. Oh—last night I dreamt we were on a plane together (!) You were wearing a very nice black jacket, and you were advising me on this “libel in fiction” matter as concerns the writing I’m doing.. so that felt sort of comforting, in fact. Oh, and after we got off the plane, your car was right there waiting for us. [which always happens at airports] It was a small sports car—a convertible, with its roof down. [now, I believe in dream talk that means: very sexy] [i.e., you are very sexy] [pretty sure that that's what that means].. so.. all in all, kind of a nice dream, I thought.

[see you again down below] [my love].. [need to do a few other things, first]..


OCCUPY WALL STREETmeets THE STRIP

.. okay, let’s have a look at our boys here..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYhQ-fzgUAQ
FULL SCREEN..

.. okay, I have to admit, they seem like decent and sincere people. Are they, though?.. I honestly have no idea.

.. is it that the further away they get from the strange undercurrents of the early “Strip” days, the less they are beholden to what may well have been going on there? [as per so many of the posts I wrote.. and as per material I’ve yet to post here yet, but soon will]

.. is it that with age.. after having been worn down by all the things that wear one down as we journey through this vale of tears, as it were.. are they perhaps “better” people now?

.. is it that the very strange and implausibly “coincidental” and just plain absurd to in any way account for without resorting to some exceptional form of “explainin,’” as it were.. is it that.. well.. that that’s all there was to it?? You know, just some monstrously serendipitous mix-up somehow???.. [you know, way back in the Strip days, I mean]

.. or are these men just playing a role?.. were they always just playing a role, and in that sense, are they disingenuous?.. are they lying to us even now?

.. I don’t know how to answer these questions. [perhaps even those closest to them don't know the deeper "goings on" with them, in fact—as concerns this Strip material, that is]

I WOULD SAY, THOUGH.. as I don’t have [yes, my love] a secret chart to this, or any other matter.. but what I do have is some measure of discernment.

.. in so speaking.. just in thinking of the term “the 60’s” conjures certain associations. Often, it's Peace and Love.. radicalism.. civil rights.. women’s rights.. even idealism.

.. yes, it may conjure these things.. but it may be time to examine in maybe a slightly new way the manner of neo-conservatisim that followed, as I suggest it confesses something about that very “idealistic” time beforehand, in fact.

.. right now I’m working on creating a picture of that time that probably won’t be terribly welcome, especially to those who lived it [quite possibly].. but..

.. okay.. [to rearrange things here for a moment].. those that truly understand what is meant by the term "struggle” never think change is going to be easy. They may even be working toward changes they're not even sure they'll see in their own lifetime. But Madison Avenue suggests to us otherwise. And somewhere along the line, America was swayed by such a mindset.. or even stealthily taken captive by it, unawares.

.. and so.. [to back up here a minute].. could it be that at the very heart of our idealized idealistic past—our 60’s past, in other words—there was a cunning deception at work.. one more insidious even than the insidious work of ad-culture, which itself very cunningly knows how to sell black as white, and vice versa?

.. as I think about it more, maybe it’s Graham Nash’s tremendous “enthusiasm” that I don’t trust. To be drawn into such “enthusiasm” unthinkingly at this point is itself unthinkable to me. Change is hard work. Struggle endures. Those things don’t change. Enthusiasm can disperse mid-air.. as opposed to remaining open, yet skeptical.. skeptical in that not all is as it appears.. and skeptical, in that such skepticism can survive even without unbridled enthusiasm—which seems the hallmark of ad culture, in fact. [rah rah enthusiasm, I mean]

.. and so, it’s to temper such of Nash’s “enthusiasm”—which is still tied to a past that perhaps has not yet been approached with the right sorts of questions—but it’s to temper such of that 60’s idealistic “enthusiasm” he's portraying here with caution, critical discernment, and work. And to not to be taken in. Again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWK0JpRg ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..



Leonard, my love.. I’m not sure how I arrived at this writing project I’m doing. I certainly could never have predicted how it's been evolving, when first I started out.

I guess, whether I’m “right” or “wrong” in the various aspects of what I’m purporting, still, it’s to try and create a convincing world that brings together seemingly disparate ideas, so to see the world in a somewhat different light.. and maybe in that it can contribute to some manner of preparedness as to all that’s happening now, both overtly, and in ways we’ve yet to discern.

.. anyway.. I miss you, my love.. and do hope all is well with you.. (it was lovely to see you again in my dreams).. and once again, I send you my love in this little kiss.. x..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQTRX23EMNk
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx x.. xx xx x.. xx.xx..

[Violet]

OCCUPY THE STRIP

.. I just wanted to see what that would look like. Maybe people are occupying the Strip, actually. I know there's an "Occupy Berkeley" now. But then, it is Berkeley, after all. I mean, it would be pretty piss poor of Berkeley to just say: eh. no thanks. maybe later. Then go have a latte, or something. [not very Berkeley-like]

.. oh, I did notice in the interview with Crosby and Nash [as per the first link above] that Crosby said "we know they're going to get kicked out".. of Zuccotti Park, that is. Now, I'm not sure the "occupiers" actually think that is so [as far as I can tell].. but.. well Crosby "knows".. so.. [just saying] [I'm sure it means nothing]

.. what else. I think that's it just now on this topic, though I may have more later. [it's just not a good time]


.. Leonard, my love.. I'm fighting a bit of blueness, but.. well, I've been training my brain to sort of "switch channels" when that happens.. it sort of works. [sort of] But I keep thinking of us up in that plane for some reason.. oh, and with your sports car waiting for us. It just seems like such a sexy dream--even without sex (!)

[sigh]

.. anyway, I'll be fine. And I've been plugging away again today.. although it's true I do occasionally have to do things like laundry 'n stuff, which is really too bad, when all one wants to do is finish something.. Oh, and I need to get to our lake too. I've been going less, in part due to cooler weather, and in part due to wanting to just read 'n write 'n stuff. So. I think it's that I'm really feeling the pressure to finish this thing, and it's really annoying me that it's taking this long. Actually, I just had to bag some of the funny bits I had, since.. well, in inserting some new material, the emotional tone changed, and so it was no longer working.. so.. oh, but I'm keeping the funny stuff on hold, just in case.

[just a bit of shop talk]

.. also, in doing a bit of research, I just came upon a pretty nasty tidbit about my favorite person to hate, Mr. Cheney. [and his buddy Rumsy] You know, just when you think someone couldn't be more evil, you find that, no, you were wrong: they actually could. It's almost humbling.

.. anyway, my angel.. I have that feeling of wishing I had just the right thing to say.. and yet, I feel I don't, somehow. If I were in your arms.. or even just beside you.. or even just touching your hand.. I feel my heart would just burst almost. Why is that, my love?.. but it's so.

.. okay.. my little kiss to you.. x.. that all will be well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FrwC0Ts ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx xx xx .. xx x x.. xx xx x..

[Violet]

.. my beloved, how are you?..

.. I did make it to our lake this afternoon, and all is rather cold and grey now. No leaves on the trees.. no sun.. everything has that rather dreary winter quality--and yet, I was so glad to be outside and riding again. It clears my head, and I feel rejuvenated. I honestly don't know what I'll do, my love, in the colder weather. I have to get out there, or I think I'll go stir crazy.

[sigh]

.. oh, I picked up another odd tidbit today, when doing some fact checking: did you know the Windsors.. [as in you britsters' royals].. own the copyright on the King James version of the bible??--and, I mean, that's GOT to be a best seller.

[I think the sound effect should involve Mel Brooks, but I haven't decided what it should be yet]

.. anyway, my love.. I am literally falling asleep at the keyboard.. still, I came here just to give you my little kiss good-night.. x.. (I miss you)

.. actually, I thought I'd check out how this gal did this song, which I'm thinking of putting on my, uh, "set list".. (as it were).. (it's especially for you, my angel..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xZ_uHXy ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx xxx.. xxx x xxx x... xx x..

[Violet]

OCCUPY SOUND

.. [before I get to my "sound" reference]: on the Occupy Oakland front.. [trying to keep up with my "Occupieds"].. as I understand it.. .. the occupiers were made to evacuate the park they were using early this morning, with minimal force or violence used. Also, they were going to attempt to take it back this evening, but I've nothing further on that as yet.

.. oh, on the "Occupy Colleges" front.. [which is beginning to gain momentum].. students are tying the inordinate rise in tuition costs to the same manner of corporate thievery that Occupy Wall Street has brought attention to.

.. in any event, I have some "catch up" to do on all this, but I thought I'd at least touch on these few items in the meantime. [somehow keeping some notes here reminds me to keep on this]


.. Leonard, love.. I've been working hard.. and.. well, really feeling I'm understanding something in perhaps a deeper way that I did even a week ago. I mean, something seems to be cohering with all of this.. [research/writing wise, I mean].. and so I'm hoping I'll arrive at just the right details so to really present this picture compellingly. I think I've done that in a few key places already, and so I'm feeling hopeful.

.. as to my "Occupy Sound" heading.. I just read an excerpt from the Anthony Reynolds book.. [which is making me really wish I had that book now].. it's the part about your collaborating with Sharon Robinson on Ten New Songs.

[to those interested, here's the link: http://www.anthonyreynolds.net/pages/wr ... en-bio.htm]

.. it was rather intriguing to read about your "low tech" approach. I really never thought about how that CD was produced, I just know it was an enormously moving experience to listen to from the very first.. but now I'm interested to listen to it while keeping in mind the production aspect. As to the criticism that it sounded like a Sharon Robinson production with you "guesting".. [??].. I never had that impression. It seems a perfect balance, with Sharon's voice complementing yours--but with yours being the "protagonist," to be sure. My God, the entire thing is just so beautifully layered.. so rich, and "dimensional".. and it somehow excites me even more having read how it was produced, in both your home studios, etc.

.. when I was first getting interested in narrative filmmaking, I remember being fairly unusual [among a lot of new filmmakers] in that I somehow knew that the key element to good production value would have to be sound. Very often new filmmakers don't realize this--but.. well, the thing is, even though it's a "visual" medium.. still, with lousy sound, a whole production is down the tubes. [you'd be surprised how many filmmakers have to learn this the hard way]

.. I came to appreciate this even more not too long ago when I was editing this promotional trailer for a production I'd like to do at some point. It's the first time I was editing and doing sound myself--before doing the final color balance and sound mixing at a professional studio.. but immediately I fell in love with the sound aspect--and appreciated once again how important it was, and how nuanced and subtle it can be. Yes, you're looking at an image with film, but it's truly incredible how it is you are insinuating an experience of that image through the sound. And it's just torture if you're working with a sound editor that you feel doesn't understand you.. it's so much better just to learn the techie stuff and do it yourself--it's so personal a dimension, I feel.

.. anyway, reading about the manner of collaboration you did with Sharon brought all that back to me.


.. alright.. well.. all is quiet up here in lake country.. although, it gets dark so early now, I didn't make it over to our lake, I'm afraid.. instead I did the "city" thing, and did some "dancercise".. (haven't done that in a while).. (I don't have the same amount of room, either)..

.. okay, my angel.. I send you my love, all in this little kiss.. x.. (I'm missing you, and sorely wanting you.. and do hope all is well..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0udye9rhJKY
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx x.. xx xx.. xxx..

[Violet]

.. okay.. I just deleted my David Crosby post. I guess I feel I should wait to present my entire case at this point, which is getting close to completion. Then it's to move on from this area of my story, and give myself some time to re-evaluate. I have a lot more to cover still, as I commence finishing my writing of the travails of Agent Longing and Violet.

[sigh]

Leonard, my love.. bleh.

.. I'm not having an easy time of it today. I think I need to catch up on some sleep.

.. it's getting dark already too.. [not nice]

.. anyway, the best part of the day was listening to some of Ten New Songs, while thinking about your process with that, and feeling even more impressed with it all..

[another kind of sigh]

.. well, my love.. send me some well wishes, if you can.. I think I could use them right about now. I feel like crying for some reason, and I'm not even sure why.
.. my little kiss to you, my angel.. x.. that all will be well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSkvQj1jYs0
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx x.. xxx xx.. xx x.. xx x..

[Violet]

OCCUPY NEW YORK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... hQCpXM-Sm4#!
FULL SCREEN..

.. yeah, so.. oh.. [from the OWS site]:

From Those Inside Of Central Booking
Posted 3 hours ago on Nov. 16, 2011, 5:24 p.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

While we've been imprisoned here we've held Assemblies and Mic Checked corrections officers to attend to urgent medical conditions, some of which were the result of police brutality during the raids. There is no food except for bread, no cleanliness, no hygene, no waters, no showers. There are non-occupiers who are suffering here as well.

We do not know what we have been charged with.

We want freedom!

This message was consensed upon by a group of occupiers imprisoned by Billionare Michael Bloomberg and his private army, and relayed to members of the Legal Working Group of #ows.

.. and tomorrow Occupiers and others will take to the streets, so even though Zuccotti Park has been cleared out at present, it ain't over 'til Violet sings. [and she's not even overweight] [and even when I do sing, I still probably won't be overwei--I mean, it still probably won't be over] [most likely]

[just thought I'd inject a little humor here]



.. Leonard, my love.. I've been missing you so very much. I fear to say more, actually. Actually, there are a lot of things I'd like to be able to say.. even about why I think I felt like crying yesterday.. but..

[sigh]

.. anyway, I just made an executive decision. I WAS going to take a train up to Portland Maine for Thanksgiving to visit with my niece and nephew, my older brother and his wife.. and to see their new home, etc.. but, I'm nixing that idea for now. I do miss these lovely children especially, so hopefully I'll make it up there soon. For now, my focus is getting this writing done, before it sucks me into the black hole it seems to be diagnosing. I do feel as if I myself am in "lockdown" with this thing, and I'm really really looking forward to getting out. [ASAP]

Tomorrow, my love.. it's Gotham. I'll take a print-out, of course, as I always do.. and sometimes seeing it that way is helpful.

.. okay, my beloved.. I do have to say, it's been rather rough going. And now, it seems I'm torn between wanting to tell you exactly how I feel, and wanting to spare you all that.. so.. I guess I've just to send you, once again, my little kiss.. x.. and.. well, maybe this song will lift some spirits around here.. (he does have real pizazz sometimes.. and.. well, maybe it's true what he's saying).. (my angel)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmf1AYgY ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx x.. xxx x.. xx xx x..

[Violet]

OCCUPY AMERICA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEhL0KotLEE
FULL SCREEN..


.. on a slightly different note.. according to the Occupy Wall Street website tonight there were 30,000 out today, this number comprised of "students, workers, and other supporters," with their march starting at Foley Square and heading over the Brooklyn Bridge.

2 additional tidbits:

.. I just heard on NY 1 [t.v.] that Occupy Wall Street is becoming something of a tourist attraction, and that cops are spending a lot of time giving directions to Zuccotti Park. [!!]

.. [and from the OWS site]:

8:40 pm [overheard near Brooklyn Bridge - NYPD officer to another]: "Whaddaya say we occupy the van?" from @theother99



.. Leonard, my love, I’m back from Gotham, and.. actually, my more personal quest today was to have my teeth cleaned.. (yes, I was at the dentist—again.. and

.. okay, I had to get up at the crack of dawn, and so I was really really tired.. and, well, I hardly think I’m unusual in that I equate sitting there in that dentist’s chair with

actually, this is exactly what I equate it with [sorry, this is a bit lengthy]:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLynM-GI_Mk
FULL SCREEN..

.. actually, why don’t we just go with the happy ending [this is a lot shorter]:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RCvs3cA ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

.. so, yeah.. there I was.. and the dental hygienist had that little buzzing implement in her rubber gloved hand.. [as she attempted to unearth my pearly whites, as per that archeological dig known as "teeth cleaning"].. and so, of course, there was this water shooting everywhere, and blood.. and there’s that tube they stick in there that’s sucking out all the saliva that’s threatening to spill out over my lower lip like a saliva waterfall].. [which feels particularly humiliating and awful]..

.. oh, and then she takes out that scraping instrument, and starts ruthlessly messing around with that in all sorts of overly-strenuous seeming and complicated ways.. and somehow I now become very aware that my teeth are actually the size of Mount Rushmore. [not sure why that is, but it’s true]

.. anyway, I can’t believe I’m telling you this.. (my angel).. but as all of this was going on, all I was thinking about was you. [I mean, it doesn’t sound very romantic.. although, in some ways it was rather like "the happy ending" version of Brazil, in the sense that you were aiding me in my escape, you could say. I mean, there was all this awfulness I was going through, but then there was you.. like a dreamy cloud.. just above me] [and yes, it was even somehow erotic]

[sigh]

.. well.. maybe I’ll tell you at some point why it was I was feeling like crying the other day. I’ve been thinking about it more, but it’s difficult to talk about, since it seems to touch on something rather deeply.. and it still has me feeling like crying, if I head in that direction.. so..

Anyway.. writing wise.. I read the print-out today, and see the places I still need material for, but, after that, I’m aiming to close this particular chapter. So, I’m hoping the next few days will see the finish of this segment.. or at the very least, I hope to get it to where it just needs some refining, and not any new input, which is what gets time consuming, and leads to new research, etc.

.. so.. on that determined note, my love.. x.. (I adore you).. (and yes, I miss you terribly)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HagzTRmU ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx xx.. xxx x xxx.. xx.x x… xx..