Daddy's Little Princess.

[Violet]

.. Leonard, my love.. I'm back on line, although there is so much wind out there, I fear to lose contact again.. but we shall see. [as I'm sure I've mentioned before, tree branches tend to fall on power lines up here in weather like this.. so.. just keeping my fingers crossed]

.. anyway, it seems I'm feeling the chills again tonight, as this thing seems to get worse come nighttime.. but, honestly, it could be a lot worse. I mean, I really think I'm keeping the worst of this thing at bay.

.. I did sleep in today, but was able to work quite a bit this afternoon, and I feel to have all the hard data now woven into this segment. Now it's just a matter of some additional research to fill in the spots where I know I'm still missing some details.. [which, of course, is a real pain-in-the-butt, given my source's lack of an index, etc.].. but, basically, I'm feeling optimistic. At least as far as finishing it goes. [then there'll be all sorts of hell to pay, but I'm trying not to think about that right now]

.. actually, my angel.. I was reading some of the earlier segments of Agent Longing and Violet's story today, and I found myself falling in love with you all over again (!) I guess maybe I really did capture something about you in this material, after all.

[sigh]

anyway.. [to change the subject, I guess].. last night I decided to watch something I rented from Netflix, especially given the cable t.v. was out. It was the 1947 film adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's "Mourning Becomes Electra," starring Rosalind Russell.

.. now, I'm not sure she ever did much singing, but I did manage to dig her up over at Drinkify..

“THE ROSALIND RUSSELL”
1 oz. Havana Club Dark Rum
1 oz. Worcestershire sauce
10 oz. Tequila Añejo
Combine in shaker and strain into cocktail glass. Serve.

.. okay, even with each of these ingredients not in themselves unacceptable, I can't begin to imagine what such a combination of spirits would taste like--most especially with the added Worcestershire sauce. [my god]

.. but, I mean, even the rum and tequila straight would seem to be pressing things, I would think.. [Spanish[ish] though they may be]

oh, and

Combine in shaker and strain into cocktail glass.

.. did you notice you have to "strain" it into a cocktail glass??.. Strain it??.. Gosh, to me this suggests a malintent I don't think I've witnessed before at Drinkify. [actually, I think I did, but didn't bother mentioning it at the time] [more likely]

[two can play at this game, after all]

[although, they would reply that three can play.. and.. well, on and on it goes]

Oh, and then to dryly announce:

Serve.

I mean, do they actually think we're not on to them with tactics like this??.. Do they???

THUS: all in all.. [Drinkification wise].. I can only deduce that Rosalind Russell does not rank the Fab Three's coveted "time of day," let's call it.

[since I'm tired, and don't know what else to call it]

.. anyway, in solidarity with Rosalind.. [remember, I'm the one who even has empathy for unwanted hair.. so..].. but, yes, in solidarity with Rosalind, I may actually try this drink.. [at some undesignated point].. probably after I start my own "piggy-back" website called:

What's Up With Drinkify?

[bound to be a major hit, I'm sure] [especially with the trendy drinker-hacker-slacker crowd] [which, of course, I'm aiming for]

.. anyway, my love.. what I did want to say about O'Neill

[somehow that just cracked me up].. [I am feverish, remember]

.. but what I did want to say about him is that--well, whenever one starts to feel particularly down on oneself, it's probably instructive to see either one of his plays, or a film adaptation of one of his plays, just to give one some perspective on things. I mean, I thought I had some family issues. [my god] By the time I was done watching The Homecoming, The Hunted, and The Haunted.. [gosh, he's into alliteration too, isn't he?]

[Violet looks star struck, all-of-a-sudden]

but, I mean, once I made it through all that I realized [a bit more exhaustively, I guess] that I'm not nearly as messed up as I sometimes assume myself to be. I mean, am I chained to a big old haunted house filled with ghosts??

uh. Okay, bad example. But, I mean.. surely, I at least wear clothes better than Rosalind does in this flick. My god.. with the hoops, and the elaborate hair--oh, and in her schoolmarm period, when she's looking so big and dark and dour.. [before she becomes Electra, I guess].. but, I mean, surely, I'm in nowhere near the fashion trouble she found herself in.. [poor Rosalind.. drawn to the O'Neill name, I guess] [who could blame her] [only, it's too bad the costume designer is probably an ancestor of one of the Fab Three over at Drinkify] [I'm now realizing]

[yeah.. it's all beginning to make sense now]

.. alright, my love.. I guess that's it for now. I know I've said this before.. (just a few times, maybe).. but I miss you.. more and more, it seems.. and I'm even feeling an additional blueness, since I realize I won't actually be with you in Paris, if you go next month.. [although, I'm trying not to think of that right now]

OH: the following number reminds me of Agent Longing.. rather the way the story starts out with Violet meeting him at the Future Bar..

.. (or maybe it's you in Paris, my love).. (maybe that's what drew me to this particular rendition, in fact)..

.. but first, I send again my little kiss.. x.. (just on the cheek, since I don't want you to catch anything).. (although, maybe we could still.. well.. you know).. (my angel).. (I want you so so much).. (today it's sort of killing me, truth be told).. (my dearest)

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

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

[Violet]

RE-THINKING PARIS

.. you know, my love.. the more I think about it, the more I realize that my being in Paris with you right now might not be the best thing, even if we could arrange it somehow. I mean.. even if I were holed up in our cozy apartment in Montmartre--patiently waiting for your return.. even still, you'd probably have so much you'd be doing, and so much that would be on your mind..

.. sort of like.. well, like this likely scenario. I mean, even after my searching all of Paris and finally finding this amazing red dress with the sexy, laced-up back.. and.. well, even with me trying all of my sexiest dance moves on you.. even still, as you can see, I still wouldn't quite be able to get you to relax.. (my angel).. I mean, you'd still have so much on your mind, what with the new album coming out.. 'n all the press stuff.. and lunches.. and dinners.. and who knows what.. but, I mean, it just wouldn't be the right time for us to be doing this.. (I can see that now)..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C7llo5cVRw
FULL SCREEN..

[I'm so glad to have that settled in my mind]

.. you know, actually.. I.. well, I think we'd probably do just fine if I were with you Paris, my love. I honestly do. Yes, you'd no doubt have a lot on your plate, but.. I mean.. we all need some down time don't we?.. [with foxy spies?].. [couldn't resist that one].. [oh, I guess I erased that post, didn't I?].. [well, hopefully you'll still get the reference]

.. but, I mean.. you'd still need to relax.. and

well, I think we'd do just fine. More than fine. I honestly do. [my angel]

[sigh]

.. so, how are you, my love?.. I'm feeling a bit better, actually.. but it's still so cold up here, I didn't think I should attempt getting out to our lake today. Anyway, I did work more this afternoon, and I'm feeling better and better about this thing. So much so, that my finishing some time in January is looking entirely possible. I mean, I'm hoping within the next two weeks, even. [hoping]

.. so.. this bodes well. Maybe, too, it's that I feel a lot of things will in some manner be opening up for me with the New Year. I have no idea why I feel this way, but somehow I do. And I feel glad to be leaving this past year behind me now, too. It's funny how the New Year can seem so very symbolic that way.

.. anyway, I am excited for you as concerns your new album.. and Show Me The Place remains in me somehow.

.. actually, I just looked over my little youtube file, where I keep things that in some way interest me as I go along.. and I thought this might be something to share with you. It seems apropos, my love.. although it's true it's not Paris.. still.. maybe just thinking of your song brought this musical once again to mind.. and this song is so terribly charming..

.. so, I'll leave you with my kiss, my love.. x.. (and all my heart)

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

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

[Violet]

RE-THINKING RE-THINKING PARIS

.. Leonard, my love.. I don't know, I'm thinking of giving this German Rolling Stone thing a shot. I mean, what's the worst thing that could happen? I win and they use Google translate??.. [yeah, that would be pretty bad].. [but at least it would be in German, so I wouldn't know just how bad]

.. but, I don't know.. someone here suggested I do this, and that was after I already decided not to.. but then that had me considering it all over again. I don't even know if this contest is meant for Germans only, by the way.. so.. all of this might just be a waste of time. Also.. well.. maybe you should know this about me right now, since it's good to get these sorts of things out in the open: I have absolutely no luck. None whatsoever. Nada. Zilch.

[sigh]

.. okay, but.. let's say it's not for Germans only, and they like what I send them.. and I manage to make it to the Paris hotel or where ever this thing is going to be held, even though I barely speak a lick of French.. [I'm still working on that difficult in-the-back-of-the-throat French 'r' sound, if you must know].. [and I don't even know where my French-English English-French dictionary is] [it's probably in one of those cavernous boxes in the big haunted house somewhere].. but let's say I manage to get to where ever this thing is going to be held using hand signals or something.. now.. I mean, just how is this thing going to be set up??.. You'll be.. where?.. sitting up front with the Sony people?.. and there'll be press people 'n such all around you.. and

but, I mean just WHERE would I be, then: in the "lone fan" corner??.. maybe they'll have a little purple spot light on me.. oh, and a little sign that reads:

Violet Flower, Leonard's Most Ardent Fan

[sigh]

.. but, I mean.. okay, if I put aside all these doubts, it could be.. well, I mean, it might be terribly fun to meet you..

.. okay, maybe I'd be slightly terrified--given all I've already said here on this thread, that is. But.. okay.. if I think of this whole situation.. in just the right way.. it does sort of crack me up. I mean, how over-the-top strange it all is. I mean.. it's at least, uh, "different".. right, my love?.. my angel?.. [I guess I'd have to practice not calling you those things, as that might be a bit forward, maybe].. [then again, it is France].. [we'll see]

.. anyway, at least the German Rolling Stone people will speak English [probably better than most New Yorkers since they're German, after all].. so, there's at least that part in the bag.

.. okay, it would be embarrassing if I'm put in the "lone fan" corner. I mean, I could see that being terribly embarrassing.

.. anyway, beyond that, I can't imagine what this would be like.. [secretly, I'm hoping you'll have a sports car parked out back, my love, and

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

.. so.. yeah.. I guess that's what I'm secretly hoping] [my angel]

.. alright.. so.. well, I did just enquire as to whether this was a German thing only, so I guess I'll find out, uh, after the New Year, since their deadline is like two seconds after that. But, I mean, honestly.. isn't this something of a rush job?.. [just as well, I guess.. if it works out, it's like I won't even know what hit me probably]

[sigh]

.. okay.. well.. hmm.. I guess that's the latest, my angel. Somehow I feel rather excited at the prospect, and yet I have no idea why, exactly. I mean, why all-of-a-sudden do I feel this way??.. and.. well, like I said, I have no luck, in any case.. so..

[??]

.. [okay.. let's see if there's something in my youtube file..
.. let's see now.. did I already post this?.. even if I did.. it is sort of the mood I'm in]..

.. but first.. my little kiss to you, my love.. x.. (you know, I wish you could advise me as to what to do sometimes).. (I honestly do)

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

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

[Violet]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AImXW5wgfQI
FULL SCREEN..

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL HERE.. AND TO MY DEAREST DEAREST LOVE.. [that's you, my angel]

.. okay, all's quiet here 'neath the pines.. still, I'm--okay, well, soused. There. I said it.

.. not too soused, however, to deliver this little New Year's Eve greeting to all.. and to you most especially.. (my angel)

.. I should have done this sooner.. [so ya'll might have prepared more for this evening].. but.. well, it took some fiddling around with the ingredients tonight to finally arrive at:

"THE VIOLET FLOWER"
Some very dry Champagne. [a la Moet & Chandon, probably a good choice] [bottle on ice, of course]
Add some St-Germain. [to taste]
Add a few violet petals.. and fresh raspberries, maybe. [just a few]
Oh, and garnish with the most tender, delectable kiss. [that's actually for you, my angel] [all for you, my love] [my dearest dearest dearest dearest love]

.. actually, since I hope these posts to be as educational as they are highly unconventional [for the most part].. [thanks to you, my love, since you drive me to unconventionality for some reason] [and yet you keep me in line, as well] [it's hard to explain, somehow].. but.. as to the educational aspect, I'd like to take a moment to delve into the lovely world of St-Germain liqueur, which I only found out about thanks to my dear friend, A.. [the one who gave me some very dirty pointers as concerns that difficult, in-the-back-of-the-throat, French 'r' sound] [as some of you may recall]. But, yes.. A.. [also the Meryl Streep look-alike double] [as some of you may also recall].. but she's this rather charming gal from way down South, as it happens.. and they seem to know about such things down there.. [such as St-Germain, I mean]..

.. so, anyway, here's some of St-Germain's own copy. Actually, I've had quite a few "Violet Flowers" this evening, though the champagne part is, alas, from California, and so is not truly champagne, I'm afraid.. [yes, it was a gift.. so].. Still, the St-Germain aspect more than makes up for that insufficiency. In my opinion, it gives some weight, superb taste, and even credence to that flighty, bubbly effect that champagne tends to have.

.. anyway.. here goes some more booze lore.. [I'm so glad if I'm educating you guys in this vital part of man's contribution to humanity's well being 'n all].. okay.. so:

IN THE foothills of the Alps, for but a few fleeting spring weeks, this man will gather wild blossoms for your cocktail. [see pic below]

The blossoms in question are elderflowers, and the cocktail a stylishly simple creation made with St-Germain, the first liqueur in the world created in the artisanal French manner from freshly handpicked elderflower blossoms. Our story, however, does not end there.

AFTER gently ushering the wild blossoms into sacks and descending the hillside, the man who gathers blossoms for your cocktail will then mount a bicycle and carefully ride the umbels of starry white flowers to market. Vraiment.

There are no more than 40 or 50 men such as he, and in a matter of weeks they will have gathered what will become St-Germain for that year.

TO PUT THIS IN CONTEXT, we can safely say that no men will be wandering the hillsides of Poland this spring gathering wild potatoes for your vodka. Likewise, we know of no Bavarians planning to scour the German countryside in search of exotic native hops and barley for your beer. Yes, in this day and age St-Germain is exceedingly special and rare. Consequently, we are able to hand make only very limited quantities.

AND WHAT OF THE TASTE of St-Germain?

It has been said that Paris is a mélange curieux, a curious mixture of flavors, styles and influences. So it is with St-Germain.

Neither passionfruit nor pear, grapefruit nor lemon, the sublime taste of St-Germain hints at each of these and yet none of them exactly. It is a flavor as subtle and delicate as it is captivating. A little like asking a hummingbird to describe the flavor of its favorite nectar. Très curieux indeed, n'est-ce pas?

[end product verbiage]

.. mais ouis, et très curieux indeed.

[just practicing, in case I need to talk to a French cab driver] [look, I've been there before, I know how taxing it can be]

.. so, yeah.. it seems these Frenchmen climb this mountain once a year and gather the elderflower blossoms for this one special liqueur.. that's why I thought it special enough to be included in "The Violet Flower." [Drinkification wise]

[I thought the hummingbird bit kind of cute, actually]

.. so, my love.. that's what's on your beloved's mind. Elderflower blossoms.. and.. well, your delectable lips. [if you must know].. Oh, and Paris.. even if I don't make it there.. [though with a little, uh.. yeah, luck].. [I guess we'll see what the God of All Things has in mind, as to that]..

.. anyway, I'm in terrible trouble tonight, as I'm.. well.. as I think I just mentioned, I'm thinking about you, my angel. I do hope you maybe tied one on, for a change.. or.. well, even if you haven't.. I hope you're having a lovely evening.

I did manage to get out to our lake late this afternoon, and it was rather different seeming.. all silvery, the sky was.. and so the water was reflecting that, and fairly subdued.. tenderly so. I kiss you just as tenderly, my love.. x.. and wish you all the very best for the coming year.. (my dearest dearest dearest).. (keep well)

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

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

[Violet]

Happy New Year's Day to all (!)..

.. my love, I am turning the corner on this hangover, finally. It's been a bit rough going today, I must admit. But then I suddenly started feeling better, and my will to live returned, and I even feel a bit giddy now, for some reason. You know, I do think it has to do with even just the possibility of going to Paris. I mean, even realizing that that's probably not going to pan out.. but.. still, it seems to be stirring something up in me.

.. as to last night.. okay, here's what happened:

oh, wait.. this should be..

THE MAKING OF "THE VIOLET FLOWER":

.. now, I had no intention of drinking very much last night. I knew I had some questionable "champagne," and that lovely St-Germain, so I sort of knew I would at least try that combination. But then, if you recall, I ALSO have some black currant liqueur.. [which I felt moved to buy, given--well, what turned out to be a rare, $250 bottle of Moet & Chandon Petite Liqueur I had so enjoyed].. so, anyway.. THEN I thought.. hmm.. maybe I should try the black currant liqueur I have with the champagne, as well.. [which I did, and it was quite good].. and THEN I thought.. hmm.. why not try ALL THREE together.. now THAT might taste quite nice too.. and

so, yes.. it was in the spirit of experimentation that I got soused. By the time I decided what "The Violet Flower" should be, I was pretty much gone. Although it did render some rather passionate [if a bit repetitive] prose.. ["my dearest dearest dearest dearest" I'm noticing was a favorite] [uh, my dearest]

.. actually, all the various combinations of spirits I tried last night.. [in differing proportions, too.. and with ice/or without].. but, anyway, all of them were quite good. I don't have any "ill" feelings in that regard. It's really just the "quantity" thing. I mean, it was shocking to see how much I drank just looking at what was left in the various bottles this morning. [??]

.. so.. yeah.. in the interest of science, you could say, I got quite tipsy. Oh, and thus it was that I invented "The Violet Flower." [actually, today I was surprised to see I didn't include any black currant liqueur in the final "Drinkification," as it were. Of course, to be quite honest, I don't think I really cared at that point what drink I decided on.. I was thinking more of kissing you] [!!].. [my angel]

Oh, and.. [once again]:

.. thus it was that I invented "The Violet Flower."

[the end]

.. by the way.. the St-Germain bottle is pretty exquisite all on its lonesome. St-Germain calls the style "Belle Époque," but I find it more Art Deco. It's very tall and somewhat fluted, a bit like an Ionic column.. only it curves outward at the top, and there's something of a dome shape to top it off. Oh, and its top is rather regal looking, like a small crown. So, it's really quite handsome--oh, with the color of the liqueur itself rather like the color of a hummingbird's favorite nectar.. [which I believe is somewhere between the color of a passionfruit, a pear, a grapefruit, and a lemon] [pretty sure]

[I'm getting pretty good at this booze talk, aren't I?]


.. okay, well.. I am looking forward to getting down to work this week, my love. I was nearing completion where last I left things, so hopefully I'll feel the same way once I'm back in there tomorrow.

.. you know, I didn’t mention it before, but if I do have some luck, and I wind up in Paris, it would be wonderful to hear your album for the first time in that situation (!)

okay, well, I adore you, my angel.. and here’s my special New Year’s Day kiss.. x.. and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obip96iJ ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

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

[Violet]

.. my dearest, how are you?.. I believe I may have told you this before, but I'm missing you.. [my angel].. [just so very much]

.. well.. after a day of computer "issues" [which I won't go into right now], I've been watching old movies, actually.

"Double Indemnity," with its great cast of Fred MacMurray [his best flick], Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward G. Robinson.. oh, and directed by Billy Wilder--and co-written by him and Raymond Chandler.. uhhhh.. this may be the best film noir writing ever, with that unmatched noir voice-over written for Fred MacMurray's character, Walter. Now, I'm fairly critical when it comes to screenwriting--okay, VERY critical.. and there is not one false move in this writing, which is highly enjoyable for me. Towards the end of the film--after Walter and his lover [played by Stanwyck--the best fast talkin' noir temptress there is].. but, after their murderous plans go awry, and Walter's best buddy, Edward G., finds him bleeding to death, while telling the crucial details of the whole dark saga into an old recording device.. but he winds up saying to Edward G.--"Keyes," he [famously] calls him..

well, now I know you're probably going to give me one of those long speeches of yours, Keyes, with all the two-dollar words, so.. lay it on me..

and Edward G. just says: "You're all washed up, Walter."

[although earlier you do get to hear just such a speech by him, and it's very satisfying]

.. this wonderful film I then followed up with a really sentimental and, well, ridiculous film that happened to be on cable, starring Joseph Cotton, called "Portrait of Jennie".. which, although it had some rather beautiful effects at times, has nothing to recommend it other than

well, it reminded me--but just thematically, and more in terms of what it DIDN'T achieve--but, still, it reminded of this Godard film, specifically this sequence which I know I've posted before.. but.. well, Jean Cocteau handles this "timeless" theme so beautifully in this poem, especially as combined with Godard's cinematic sensibility.

oh, and, my love.. I'm reading you're referencing quantum physics in this new album of yours.. I mean, beyond Show Me The Place.. and, as I think I mentioned already, that excites me, especially as it's something I'm going to be looking into a bit more, hopefully--in Part 2 of Agent Longing's and Violet's saga.. and so, it's rather nice timing for me.

.. okay, here's that "timeless" dimension, a la Godard's Alphaville:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHikpdf8ktM
FULL SCREEN..


.. so.. as I recall, this is from a Cocteau poem, and I do like the sound of this translation.. [it's all for you, my love]..


Your voice.. your eyes..

.. your hands.. your lips..

.. our silences.. our words..

Light that goes.. light that returns..

.. a single smile between us..


In quest of knowledge,
I watched night create day..

.. while we seemed unchanged.


Oh beloved of all,
beloved of one alone..

your mouth silently promised
to be happy

Away, away, says hate;
Closer, closer, says love

A caress leads us from
our infancy


Increasingly I see
the human form..

as a lover's dialogue

The heart has but one mouth


Everything by chance

All words without thought

Sentiments adrift

Men roam the city


A glance, a word

Because I love you.


Everything moves

We must advance to live

Aim straight ahead
toward those you love


I went toward you,
endlessly toward the light

If you smile it enfolds me
all the better

The rays of your arms
pierce the mist


.. so, yes, my love.. I'm here, still, 'neath the pines.. dreaming of you.. x

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymrzyfkdOMA&feature
FULL SCREEN..

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

[Violet]

.. my beloved.. um..

okay, here's the thing. I mean, I'm not terribly surprised that.. [as I mentioned in another section].. but that this German Rolling Stone thing should turn out to be confined to Germans, as I'd been suggesting it was all along.. and yet--well.. it's funny what one is in some manner "banking" on, in a way. I mean, I guess emotionally the prospect of going to Paris and meeting you was giving me something of a lift.. and.. well.. now that I know that it's just not in the cards, it seems.. well.. I can't help but feel a bit let down.

.. so.. yeah.. hmm.. I guess I have to just not focus on that right now, and..

[bleh]

.. and it's so windy and cold outside today, my love.. and.. well, I'm wanting you so.. (my angel)

.. but, I'll be good, and just.. well, keep working.. and..

[bleh]

.. it would have been something of a rush job, of course. This whole Paris thing..

[sigh]

.. alright, my love. It will just have to be some other time, then. No doubt in that smokey [non-smoking] club in New York, where I'll be singing.. [??].. or

well, there's still the chocolate ice-cream cone you're going to owe me, once I'm done writing this next segment. Now, this might imply springtime.. I don't know. But, it might. Although I plan on being done with this section much sooner--as I mentioned, hopefully in the next several weeks.. so..

.. okay.. well.. that's all I really have to say just now. I'm..

you know, I would take wanting you, over not wanting you.. even though it hurts sometimes, my angel. Still, it's bittersweet.

.. okay, so.. back to work.. my love, and my Divine.. please be well.

.. and all my love in this kiss I send you.. x.. (on this cold cold day.. in early January)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRNA2j2_ ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

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

[Violet]

.. Leonard, my love, how are you?

.. I've been having a hell of a time tonight, just feeling plain old crappy. I even tried to post something earlier, but my mind is in a fog, and I thought it better to just go to bed.. only then I just lay there feeling sad that I'd not even said good-night to you.. (my angel).. so, here I am.. feeling a tad better, I think.

.. anyway.. people seem to be very excited about your new album, and that feels exciting to have in the works right now..

.. as for the writing I'm doing, it was reading quite well today. I just have to get my hours better, as I don't feel I'm getting much done day to day, it seems. I don't know how little niggling things get in the way of important ones, but so often they do. Anyway, I at least feel I'm holding my own interest when I read it from the beginning, and so I'm hoping to maintain that throughout the entire segment, which has gotten rather lengthy. As to just how long it is, I no longer know, since--as per the computer snafu I mentioned--I'm now on my "new".. [not that new, it's been in a box, awaiting--okay, never mind that. Let's just say, given my old computer is--okay, never mind that, either. Let's just say I am now on a new computer without the proper word processing software at the moment.. which means I had to laboriously--



[sigh]

.. as to other matters.. I still feel to be half in Paris, my angel.. and.. well, maybe I'm not disappointed that I at least thought for a moment that I might go. I mean, just to have had that feeling, even. [I haven't felt that way in a while]

[sigh]

.. anyway, I guess I should try that sleep thing, so I can get up early, and make better use of my day tomorrow. But first, I thought I'd post another of this woman's songs, as she's just so very "French".. so wonderfully passionate..

.. so is this kiss, my love.. x.. (I do hope all is well.. my perfect perfect perfect perfect dearest dearest.. ).. (good-night, my angel)

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

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

[Violet]

.. Leonard, my love.. I am so very tired.. just so exhausted lately, that I've decided I should just focus on finishing this writing.. and so keep my presence scarce in these parts for now.

I try not to tax myself too too much with writing these posts, and yet.. well, anything that one puts love and care into does have a way of taking something from one. Especially, in this case.. I mean.. what's that Cole Porter line?.. Every time we say good-bye I die a little.

.. on the other hand, it's been something of a life saver, as well.. just feeling you to be there for me.

.. anyway.. if I don't get back here before your trip, have a wonderful time in Paris!.. I'll be with you, my love. And I'm very much looking forward to getting your new album in the mail, and listening to it for the first time.

okay, I'm not going to make a tragedy out of this, or then I really will be a total mess, and not much good for anything. So.. really.. all told.. this is a good thing. I will get the writing done faster this way. And thus: all will be well, my love.. all will be.

.. so, my last little kiss to you for now.. x.. and I guess we'll see what happens next (!)

.. I know I've posted this before, but it seems

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmf1AYgYj6I
FULL SCREEN..

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

[Violet]

.. Leonard.. my love.. maybe if I just drop in here upon occasion, as I finish writing this thing.. maybe that's the compromise.. since.. well, last night, as I lay exhausted on the couch, watching a few movies.. well, I was feeling just so sad with missing you. How can this be, my love?.. and yet.. that's how it is, it seems. I was just so sad, and full of this "wanting you." And, as I've done before when I've felt like that, I even started imagining you were right there beside me.. and so I was caressing your lips with mine.. and.. well, I was just adoring you.. (my angel)

[sigh]

.. so, I guess I needed to come back here to tell you that.

[another sigh].. [my dearest]

.. anyway.. [to change the subject for the moment].. I'd written something on this filmmaker a while back, which I thought I'd post at some point, only I can't find it now. [blasted] But I was really taken with this movie when it first came out, and always thought this an especially funny scene. It's what I affectionately think of as the "spanning time" scene. [although this youtube sequence is mislabeled for some reason] This film, by the way, was shot using reversal film, and processed to have that saturated, somewhat bleached "nostalgic" sort of look, which I think looks just great..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcDL1kXy ... ure=fvwrel
FULL SCREEN..

.. oh, actually.. let me check som


“THE VINCENT GALLO”
12 oz. Sipsmith Gin
12 oz. Wheatgrass juice
Combine in highball glass and serve. Stir slowly.


.. okay.. so Gallo joins the "Wheatgrass juice club".. [the W.j. club, in other words].. along with Joan Baez. [thus far]

.. actually, maybe a cross comparison.. [for the heck of it].. and then I really have to get down to work, my love. You know, I think I'm going to have some blood work done, by the way, since I'm that tired.. and feel I may be deficient in something.. so.. hopefully, I'll get fortified for the New Year. In the meantime, I'm running a bit low on--well, whatever it is I'm low on. Lack of sun, and not much bike riding isn't helping, either.. though the sun is out today, thank god.. so maybe I'll forge ahead and get out to our lake later, my love.. cold 'n all.

.. okay, so.. to refresh our Drinkifying here


“THE JOAN BAEZ”
10 oz. Canadian Club Whiskey
10 oz. Wheatgrass juice
Combine in shaker and strain into cocktail glass. Serve.


.. well, first off.. [in this comparative Drinkification].. I'm thinking that Gallo is more highly regarded simply because of the type of gin he's receiving. Although, didn't Dylan have that one too?.. only

[another type of sigh]

.. but then I thought.. hey, just how IS Canadian Club whiskey [spelled with that déclassé 'e' I'm noticing] regarded among, well, booze writers?? And who would better know than some drunks over at "Drunk Man's Guide?".. [here's some copy]:

Canadian Club
Review by Matthew Coers RATING 4/5

Canadian Club Whisky may be a bit under-rated, and perhaps that's why I like it so much. It's like the shy girl in glasses
who really loosens up on the first date. You didn't know what to expect when you took it off the shelf, but this whisky
could turn out to be the best thing that's happened to your liquor cabinet in a very long time.

Canadian whiskies are known for their smooth, light taste. They are blended whiskies made from barley, corn and rye
grains. Stylistically, Canadian whisky has some of the smokey flavor of bourbon, but its smoothness is closer to Scotch.

It isn't as distinctive as either, but that is probably what most consumers like about it. It mixes well in any cocktail
calling for whiskey, and if you prefer your liquor straight or neat, then the taste won't blow you away.


.. yeah, so.. maybe Joan is like that shy girl in glasses, who really loosens up on the first date. As such, she "could turn out to the best thing that's happened to your liquor cabinet in a very long time." I'm noticing too that with Baez, there's that "strain" into a cocktail glass again.. [which recalls "THE ROSALIND RUSSELL," actually.. and so--well, let's just say that's another sore subject] Gallo, on the other hand, needs to be "stirred slowly." Now, he's known to be very, uh, "outspoken".. [would be the gentle way of putting it].. and.. well, I could see where you might not want to excite him too much--given how excitable he is, I mean.. so.. yeah.. stir slowly.

.. okay, so, in sum:

.. you have a legendary folk singer.. [about whom I could make some fairly interesting conjectures, only I won't] [for the time being, at least].. but, yes, you have a legendary folk singer.. who's shy at parties, and ranks a rather "okay" but not brilliant brand of whiskey.. [spelled, again, with that now troubling 'e'] [for those of you who have been paying attention on this thread] Now, I think we are also forced to conclude that it's due to her "folksiness" that she ranks the [nearly un-drinkable] [if you've ever tried this stuff] "wheatgrass juice".. oh, excuse me "Wheatgrass juice".. which.. [given I think we know who we're dealing with over at Drinkify, at this late stage of the game].. but yes, I think we can safely conclude that the Fab Three over at Drinkify think they're being really quite clever with this, not realizing that their humor is instead rather sophomoric, at best. [when it's not downright pedantic]

[I'm not too sure what I just said, but thought it sounded good]

Gallo, meanwhile.. given the Fab Three know he's sort of cool, and makes cool movies 'n stuff.. [oh, and of course he's a cool musician, as well--who did some of his own scoring of the film I just showed a bit of].. but, yeah, given Gallo is so cool, he gets the Sipsmith.. and the hope that he doesn't come on down to Drinkify to check out any of their nonsense any time soon. [thus, the slightly cautious: stir slowly]

in other words, Wheatgrass is to Gallo, what Baez is to, well, rather cheap dates. [let's face it].. [not with all the nice single malts out there at the moment]

[later note: I'd been pondering how it was I arrived at that last conclusion, but then realized that it doesn't at all matter]

[sound effect: Gallo saying the words "spanning time"]

actually, Gallo was given "Wheatgrass".. [which must surely be some manner of punishment].. maybe because the Fab Three over at Drinkify secretly think he "whines." [which I was too polite to mention earlier] [oh, and which rubs even more salt in this ever-expanding Drinkified wound, recalling as it does the Karen Carpenter "White whine" travesty] [if you remember]

[sound effect: baby baby baby baby, oh, baby]

[for those of you who know your Carpenters]


.. so, yes, Leonard.. (my love).. I adore you.. although I'll try to keep that fact from slowing me down too much in this race to the end of this writing thing. I'll let you slow me down a bit, maybe.. [just for inspiration].. but I really really really have to try and be a bit disciplined when it comes to you.. or.. well, you un-do me, my love. [you really do].. [which actually sounds like another K. Carpenter refrain, in fact].. ["you really do," I mean]

[actually, I got quite undone last night, in fact] [as I was mentioning earlier.. so..

.. okay, just this little kiss, then.. x.. and I'll come here as I have to.. but no more than that. [by this, I mean to install some artificial limits here, I'm afraid].. [my angel].. [it has to be done]

.. anyway, let's just get this over with.. [sorry, my angel.. but I need to get this one out of my system.. (I love the "guitar" lines, by the way).. (I mean, they do have me thinking of you).. (baby baby baby baby, oh, baby).. (uh, my love)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWkOryYF6CI
FULL SCREEN..

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

[Violet]

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

.. I can't say I'll make it here every night, my angel.. but.. you know, I'm torn since I rather want to make the effort, even when I'm too tired to.. but if I don't, just know you're in my thoughts.. (my dearest)

.. actually, I made it out to our lake today, and I'm starting to feel a lot better. My energy seems to be returning finally, and it's just such a relief. It makes me want to kiss you all over. [actually, I wanted to kiss you all over even when I was exhausted, so I'm not too sure that's such a useful barometer]

[sigh]

.. actually, it started to dawn on me that my drinking more alcohol in one night [on New Year's eve] than I did the whole previous year might have at least been a contributing factor to my fatigue this past week. The funny thing is, I was using such a small glass--rather like a miniature champagne glass.. [actually, it's a deep ruby red, with a clear stem--I bought three of them in a vintage shop].. anyway, its size may have been part of the problem. I mean, it just seemed so small and harmless. (!)

.. anyway.. the writing is coming along. I see moments in it that I really like.. but.. (as you know).. you let all this stuff out, and then it's to.. well, find the heart of something.. the very best in it. And cut the rest. But it is getting closer and closer to "itself." [I just wish there weren't this "libel" issue to worry about.. since.. yes, I'm starting to worry more]

[another kind of sigh]


.. Oh. I thought I should finally dig up that Sipsmith Gin review, which first had me thinking about "booze writing." Actually, I found something I must have written right after finding the Dylan Drinkification..

.. but first, to refresh our


“THE BOB DYLAN”
8 oz. Sipsmith Gin
8 oz. Cough syrup
Combine in highball glass and serve.


.. and here's what I'd written:

.. I just read this review of Sipsmith Gin, which the reviewer first tried neat.. and then with different tonics and sodas. [unfortunately, he hadn't gotten around to trying it with cough syrup yet. I believe that was next] Anyway, it sounded lovely, and gave me a new appreciation of juniper. [I actually had no idea gin was made of so many roots 'n berries 'n things] [it almost sounds good for you]

.. you know, my love, I sometimes think I should read more music reviews to get a better feel for "music crit talk," but now I'm wondering if I shouldn't just excel at the hard stuff. Here's a sample by DUG at Gin Journey:

oh, but first.. let me paste in here his list of Sipsmith's ingredients, which he claims to be rather basic gin fare. Then again, it seems what distinguishes this particular London gin is that the water is obtained from the source of the Thames, at a the Lydwell Spring. Yes, and apparently one of Sipsmith's founders gets up at four each morning to "collect water for a distillation run."

.. oh, so here are those ingredients:

• Macedonian juniper berries
• Bulgarian coriander seed
• French angelica root
• Spanish liquorice root
• Italian orris root
• Spanish ground almond
• Chinese cassia bark
• Madagascan cinnamon
• Sevillian orange peel
• Spanish lemon peel

[are you noticing a lot of, uh, nationalities are involved in this?]

.. now this may be run-of-the-mill, but to me, it's an eye opener. I guess it's that I never gave gin that much thought--except that I love that line from My Fair Lady when Audrey Hepburn says.. [while trying to be upper-crusty 'n all] [oh, and when speaking of a rather dissolute aunt of hers to a bunch of upper-crusties whom she's trying to impress]:

"Gin was mother's milk to her."

["It's the new 'small talk,'" Professor Higgins explained.]

oh, and.. here's that booze talk I was talking about [from Gin Journey]:


Inhaling deeply from the bottle-top rewarded my nose with an incredibly clean scent of juniper and pine notes.
The scent was clearly gin and it held what smelled like a fair payload of juniper. There was little to complicate
it, no floral or spice notes, just clear, clean juniper. This first impression was only reinforced when I poured the
Sipsmith into a clean glass.

Sampled neat, Sipsmith gin rewards the mouth with more of the same; it is definitely a spirit, but there is only
warmth, not harshness, in the mouth. The gin carries a medium-to-heavy juniper load, firmly placing it outside
of the realms of the vodka-gin. It is super-smooth and while there are hints of citrus and spice, they are there
very subtle and serve only to support the juniper, rather than distract from it.

Adding a little water intensifies the experience again; more flavours are mobilised and some of the alcohol
disappears into the background but, critically, the balance remains true with juniper being firmly to the fore.

[actually, it sort of reminds me of sportswriting]


.. alright, let me get over to that gin site again..

[just a sec]

.. okay, below is a pic of "Prudence," Sipsmith's real beauty of a hand-crafted still. Now, to name a still "Prudence" suggests.. well, probably something that's entirely lost on the Fab Three over at Drinkify.. so.. let's move on.

or, no, actually.. let me put in one more blurb from Gin Journey explaining the miracle that is the recent [as of 2009, in fact] creation of Sipsmith Gin.. [you're all going to be tested on this, remember--which includes a "taste test," so cheer up]:


Prudence is the first still of its kind to be commissioned in London for 190 years and was hand-made
by Germany’s oldest still-makers, Christian Carl. She lives in a small building in Hammersmith where
she is lovingly tended by founders Sam Galsworthy and Fairfax Hall, as well as Sipsmith’s master distiller,
Jared Brown. The building is little bigger than a garage and was formerly the home of whisky and beer
writer Michael Jackson and a micro-distillery supplying a local pub. The whole operation was only allowed
to commence after a painful two-year quest to obtain the first new distiller’s license issued in 150 years.


[uh.. I wonder what sort of payola may have been involved]

[just wondering]

you know.. I had no idea Michael Jackso

just a sec


“THE MICHAEL JACKSON”
8 oz. Red Bull
Serve on rocks. Garnish with nutmeg.


.. okay, to you brits 'n other euros who may not realize.. Red Bull is rather like Buckfast, only without the alcohol content. [which to you brits begs justification, I know] [nevertheless, R.B. might have explained Michael's sometimes frenetic dance moves]

[actually, Red Bull is having me just now realize what the Phil Spector cocktail might be


"THE PHIL SPECTOR COCKTAIL"
1 Bottle Buckfast
12 oz. Red Bull
And about twenty years, with no possibility of


oh. Okay, but that Michael Jackson was a booze writer???.. [thought I'd move on from Phil]

.. let me see if I can find some of M.J.'s copy, then.. let's see, now

.. gosh.. I always thought this was about a rat.. oh, and that someone else wrote it.. but, I guess I was wrong.

okay, this version is still my favorite on youtube, maybe in part because it suffers from poor image quality, poor sound quality, and is out of sync--and so is a bit trippy seeming.. especially with the "live" lyrics bringing this trippiness "firmly to the fore." [to borrow some booze talk]

.. in any event.. all told.. it moves me somehow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3OSTXuEjgA
FULL SCREEN..

[yeah, I could have sworn that was about a rat.. but


okay, my love.. tomorrow I may try to get to the city to do some art viewing [for a change].. de Kooning.. at the Modern. It will be quite a scene, as it's the last day, I'm afraid.. but it's a show I've been meaning to see.

I do miss you, my love. I want so much just to kiss you.. but.. this will have to do for now.. x

.. okay, I just found this on youtube.. (after quite a search, my angel).. it's rather fun to watch her.. where she goes with this song..

.. so, all my love to you.. and another kiss.. x.. (and please be well).. (my dearest)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRqI5R6L ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx xx.. xxx xxx .. xx.. xx..

[Violet]

NEWS IN BRIEF: EMERGENCY UPDATE

.. okay, this news item involves:

1. an old SAAB that.. yes, it has a small oil leak problem.. and so some, well, smoke was involved--some smoke, I said [not that much];

2. a State Trooper [jerk];

3. a missed train--by about 2 seconds [thanks to said State Trooper];

4. a detour involving a bus [with the bus station being on the opposite side of town than said State Trooper had said it was in] [by the way] [jerk];

5. distinct moments of self doubt and existential dread while at the Modern [that's sort of a different story, though];

oh, and later.. [after the show, I mean]..

6. a "teller" person at Penn Station who misled me as to the train that was SUPPOSED to stop at Secaucus [yeah, Secaucus], where I was to switch to another train;

7. my "realizing" while on that train [oh, and with that sense of dread I believe I already experienced at the Modern], that this was an EXPRESS train that had just PASSED Secuaucus [yes: passed it];

8. my getting off at Newark, then boarding a train heading for [you guessed it] Secaucus.. where there was "bonding" with other passengers who were very nice, and who commiserated with me [this isn't the first time this has happened, it seems].. and--well, one woman told me what time it was.. [oh, yeah, since my blasted blackberry needs a new battery, and so, had run out of juice, even though I'd charged the thing the night before].. [sigh].. so, yeah.. I had exactly three minutes to..

okay:

a. get to Secaucus;
b. get up a very long escalator;
c. run down the promenade.. through a turnstyle [that asks for your ticket].. then FIND the board.. [that has the track number].. THEN run down another long escalator to where the track is, so to board the [hopefully] CORRECT train [heading for FED UP Mountain] [where I now reside]

.. and if I DON'T succeed in these things??

.. well, the next train is 9:40.. [followed by another few hours to get home]. Oh, and it is now 6:25.

[this is why I prefer driving into the city] [by the way] [but with my present car "issues".. well

oh. So..

.. I get to Secaucus.. I run up the escalator.. I run down the promenade.. I get to the turnstyle, where I ask this employee-type person what track my train is on.. and she impatiently tells me to "just make a right".. so I go through the turnstyle.. I make a right.. I run down a million stairs.. I get out onto the platform.. and

my train is JUST PULLING OUT as I get there.

.. I frantically knock on the windows, imploring the passengers to tell the conductor dude to stop the train for me. They just smile at me, as the train continues on its merry way, leaving me in--yes, Secaucus.. for another three hours.

[END: NEWS BRIEF]



.. so, yes, my love. Those were a few of the events concerning your beloved Violet flower yesterday.. Sunday. [the day of rest, for some] [actually, there are a few additional items I could add here, but feel you probably get the gist]

.. luckily, though, there was a magazine store.. [at "Secaucus Junction," that is].. and so I now know what the 1% really think of the 99%.. [thanks to Town and Country]

[it seems they are being very polite about things, and probably (secretly) wish the whole thing would just blow over].. [I'm pretty sure].. [secretly, at least, they're hoping]

oh, and there was an amusing piece about the near criminality of being a smoker these days.. [which I quite liked reading]

[a very maligned group, I have to say]

.. anyway, my angel--

oh!.. I forgot. Something about being at the Modern.. and standing before ALL THOSE DE KOONINGS.. and--well, somehow the whole experience of being around art yesterday hit me the wrong way.. and

well, it was as if every single painting I looked at had JUST ONE THING to say to me yesterday..

yes, basically it was:

YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE, PENTULTIMATE FAILURE
DO NOT PASS GO; DO NOT COLLECT EVEN ONE LOUSY DUCAT
YOU [really really] ARE TOAST
[just give up, why don't you?]

.. yeah.. so, I was having a rough time in there, for some reason. [actually, it seems I have Post Traumatic Art World Syndrome, I believe it's called].. [which I also believe is incurable]

.. so, yes, my love--

oh.. but I was thinking of you all day long.. and having that ongoing conversation with you that I sometimes have when I go to the city. And I was telling you how bad I felt.. and

well.. then something pretty, uh.. okay, I'm going to say it [cautiously, though]: great happened.

wait--to back up a minute.. because.. well, here I was.. feeling extra extra bad, as I was reminding myself that NOW.. [after my whole art world debacle].. [oh, and film world debacle] [can't forget that one].. but, yes, NOW I'm spending all this time writing something that I won't even be able to do anything with because of this damn "libel" issue.. and.. so, yeah.. here I am.. at the Modern.. looking at ALL THESE DE KOONINGS.. [actually, the "Woman" paintings that he's most famous for are really a trip to look at--even at this late date. They are still his most powerful works, and stir in you all sorts of feelings as you're viewing them.. so.. yes, I was glad (in that respect) that I made it to the show].. [it's given me something more to chew on, in other words]

.. but.. yeah, so... I'm looking at all these de Koonings, and thinking I am a total failure.. and thinking that here I go again--I'm shooting myself in the foot, for some reason.. [it must be some kind of self-defeating familial pattern I'm stuck with--which is what I was thinking, actually].. only THEN..

yes, my love.. I THINK I came up with a solution to this "libel" issue [!!].. It's rather "rad" as in "out there".. so.. it may even add another layer of--well, who knows what to what I'm doing.

anyway, I'll keep it a mystery for now. Just know, my love, that I may just have a very very very good solution. [thank god]

oh, which means I can:

a. do something rather inventive with this thing, and
b. protect myself from being sued

and so.. yeah.. even though I FAILED at mass transit yesterday.. and even though.. as I looked at those [at times] hideous feeling paintings.. and I was likewise seeing square in the face my hideous, train-wreck of an artist's past.. [oh, which also involves mass transit] .. but, even given all that..

[sigh of relief]

.. oh, and I'm just so glad that I at least have some good news to tell you! [for a change].. And.. okay, it makes me want to kiss you all over. [this seems to be my reaction to a lot of things these days] [seems like]

[another kind of sigh]

.. well, I guess I should get down to work.

.. but first, I'm gonna get you nice 'n comfortable.. and.. well.. just kiss you all over. [since, first things first, as they say]

.. okay, well.. [if that's not possible right now].. then, I can at least send you this tender and passionate little kiss.. x.. (my love).. and tell you that I miss you.. (my angel).. (just so very much)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIdIqbv7 ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

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

[Violet]

.. Leonard, my love.. my angel.. I just wrote a post that got erased. It seems I left it unfinished for too long, and when I went back to writing it, and pressed "preview" so that I could look at it, I lost it.

[whimper]

.. anyway, I'd asked how you were, my love.. and said I hoped that all is well with you. I assume it is, but I worry sometimes.. I don't even know why.. but I send my well-wishes to you, my angel.. my very best and warmest wishes and thoughts.

.. well, I won't stay long here this evening, as I'm going into the city again tomorrow--by car, this time. [sore topic]

.. I did make it to our lake today, amid all the cold grey bleakness. At least there was a touch of gold, which was peering out from beneath a dark bed of clouds.. but just a touch, my love.. no more.




STRIP-ISH

.. well, I'm still plugging away at things with this writing, and this realization I had doesn't really change the amount of work I need to do, as that part comes in later. Although, it does rather change what I'm thinking of including.. so.. actually, I guess it does add a bit of work, then. But, at least I can now work knowing there is hope for this thing. (!)

oh, and.. maybe because I do mention her in this writing, I thought I'd post the music video of this song, as I'd not done that before. [I'd not seen this before, in fact]

[you know, the more I look into Amy Winehouse, the more disappointing it is to me that she's no longer around. I would really have liked to see where she was going musically.. so.. it's.. well, just bad news all around with that..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUmZp8pR1uc&ob=av2e
FULL SCREEN..

oh, and here is just a sampling [it seems] of Amy doing a Donny Hathaway song. [the soul singer she mentions in her Rehab number] This footage is not the best quality, but I sort of like it anyway.. [sadly, Hathaway also met a rather early demise, which also gets discussed in the writing I'm doing]..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT-jjsdX ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..


.. my love.. something that occurred to me today is that.. well, if that German contest had it right, you'll be in Paris in a couple of days--as in this weekend, no?

[sigh]

.. well.. Paris now seems like this very sweet, far away dream of mine.. [especially our cozy Montmartre apartment in all that snow].. [my angel]

.. so.. I guess I'll leave you with a singer whose voice I really can't leave out of this romance I've been having with you in Paris, my love.. and visually this seems.. (appropriately enough).. something of an homage to the.. x

(I miss you)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSf64TIA ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

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

[Violet]

BACK TO BLACK.. DARKLY

http://soundcloud.com/leonardcohen/leon ... n-darkness

.. uh, my love.. you are a very very sexy man. And really, the coolest abstainer I think I've ever heard.

.. lyrics wise, it is a pretty dark report on things. And, once again [with you], it's interesting how.. I don't know.. how the "you" of the song subtly changes somehow. I mean, as I'm listening to it, I'm put in mind of the parameters of its subject, which can be both expansive and intimate, at the same time.. Actually, I think I'd have to

[let me listen again]

yes, so.. "winning you was easy.. but darkness was the prize".. I think exemplifies what I'm talking about. It seems to exist between a love interest, and life itself.

.. also.. I like the beginning--how that driven bassline is sunk inside that, well, "Spanishie" thing you're doing, guitar wise. [I did say I needed to bone up on my music-speak] Anyway, someone here said it put him/her in mind of Avalanche, and I'd have to agree. [the "Spanishie" thing, I mean] .. and it's definitely unexpected just there, given the bluesiness of the song, which I also quite like. [I like how unexpected it is, I mean] [as well as the bluesiness, of course]

.. oh, also, music wise.. I'm grooving with the organ on this. Truly grooving. [definitely "firmly to the fore," to borrow some booze talk]

.. okay, just as a side note.. [and again, Dear Readers, please give Leonard and me a bit of privacy, for a change].. .. anyway, my love.. (speaking more personally now).. I would very much like to help you out with at least one of those items listed in your "Darkness report".. (I'm pretty sure you know which one).. (just thought I'd mention)

[a very big sigh this time]

.. oh, also.. even given the subject matter, I find this song something of a pick-me-up. It must be the infectious bassline.. [actually, I thought that clever of me, given the "contagious" lyric] [ahem].. oh, and given the overall orchestration.. and your voice, too.. the voice of.. well.. maybe it's that in "naming" the thing, it can become bearable.. [but mostly because it's you who are naming it, my love] [which is something I could never entirely qualify].. [my angel].. [it's that je ne sais quoi sort of thing].. [pretty sure].. [my perfect perfect].. [with that casually held "knowingness".. and your deep, sexy voice].. [another 'ahem']


.. okay, so.. given I'm still on something of a Winehouse kick, I thought I'd put her "darkness" number astride yours.. (my angel)

.. by the way.. [ya'll].. the bassline on this number is held with the piano largely, as opposed to the bass guitar.. [as per my beloved's number].. and on this she hangs the lyrics in various ways.. and in this her musicality is quite exceptional here, I would say..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw7bDw6- ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..


.. well, my love.. I was going to add a bit more to this "BLACK DARKLY" post, but it's late.. and I had a full day.. (in which, yes.. I was thinking of you).. (a lot)

.. oh, speaking of black.. I went to my tailor to pick up this great black 50's cocktail dress that had belonged to my mother, and which I had--okay, shortened. [yes, shortened] It looks great, and--oh, and I bought some nice, sheer black stockings [on sale].. so.. anyway, it's good to do some "girl" things sometimes. [keep the darkness at bay, as it were]

.. alright, my angel. It just seems wrong that I won't be with you in Paris, but maybe there will come a time when that will happen.

.. anyway, let me see if I can extend this loveliness of you and I in Paris, just a bit.. (my beloved)..

[be right back]

.. you know, I think maybe you should record a song like this, my love.. in French.. with your deep, [terribly terribly] sexy voice..

.. (good-night, my dearest.. x.. je t'aime)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08VCTCwr ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

.. xx xx.. xx xxx .xx.xxx xx..

[Violet]

.. my love.. I wrote you just the loveliest letter in my mind today.. while out at our lake late this afternoon. Only.. well, how can I ever recount it?

.. it snowed last night.. and when I saw it on the ground this morning, I wondered if there were snow in Paris. Here it's very wet snow, and so the roads are clear. And as I rode, all was grey again.. the lake and the sky.. and there was a fine spray of rain on my face.. only, it felt nice.. I felt refreshed by it.

.. oh, and I thought.. maybe given The Darkness.. I thought about love.. I thought.. well, it's funny.. there's that line in one of the songs I sing--Cole Porter's Every Time We Say Good-bye.. but there's that line

When you're near there's such an air of spring about it

.. and it's true, my love. It's how merely the thought of being near you makes me feel.

.. and I've been feeling just so much better today, too--and then I remembered how I went to my chiropractor/healer person yesterday for the first time in a while. When I go regularly I don't notice as much the effectiveness of what he does.. but when I've not gone to him in a while, my god.. I just feel so much clearer today. And full of possibility, somehow. I mean, who knows what can happen.

.. so, all was refreshed feeling, even in the gloom.. even with the cold drizzle on my face.. all felt fresh and new, like spring.. (like you)

.. well, I won't stay here long, as I'm tired, and have some things to do before bed.

.. but.. well, not only given its title, but I've been thinking of the movie Black Orpheus [which I believe I've mentioned here before].. [it's a wonderful film, if you've not seen it, or maybe not for a while].. but I thought of it because I bought a CD at the Modern on Sunday that has jazz on it from various films.. and Black Orpheus was one of them.. and although this song is by Luis Bonfa, Antonio Carlos Jobim is quoted in the liner notes.. [I can't find the CD at the moment].. but.. he said something about love being.. I don't recall the words he used, until he added "restless".. and, yes, I can see that in this song.. so full of sad longing.. with a touch of restlessness. But, you know, my love.. if I feel restless.. it's to be with you.. (my angel)

.. I'll leave you with this good-night kiss.. x.. (and all my love)

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

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