Daddy's Little Princess.

[Cate]

I love the Bill Evens piece - listening to it feels like memories in the rain.

Your letters to Leonard, Violet, make me think of letters to a muse, as if you carry with you a little splinter of 'Leonard' with you.

x
cate

btw ... I'm lost with the agent longing story V ... when you do you post your next segment can you give us a quick re-cap to bring us up to speed.

[Violet]

.. ohmugod: a quick re-cap.. that will be a challenge.. [I've likened this story to The Big Sleep, after all].. but maybe I should be working on some sort of re-cap anyway to help me keep track of all the story-lines going on. [good idea]

.. yes, I'm rather taken with Bill Evans, myself. It seems he was enamored of these old standards, and then brought such inventiveness to them as well, and such sensitivity. [I just love youtube, I'm finding such great stuff there]

Dear V.

Your poem is so tender and beautiful. Maybe The Man really will see it. I hope so with my heart, for you.

Meanwhile, I see you've attracted an admirer, and (fortunately) he seems to be one who is not in great need of redemption...

XO to you Vi.

.. thanks, I.F. It's a poem of mine I especially like, and I'll always remember the circumstances around writing it. [which I won't go into again just now]

.. I hope you're enjoying your time off, the island looks stunning (!) [xx] [those are for you, too, Cate]


.. Leonard.. (my love).. I sometimes wish this exchange were a bit more private, and yet.. well, I mean, I've invented this whole thing, and so it's not really for me to complain, then. [and yet, still I do]

.. well, I'm feeling a bit better, maybe having expressed all my doubts about things. I do feel connected to you somehow, which is what brought me here in the first place, and so, well I'm going with that for now.

It's a lovely day, finally.. after just so much wet weather. It's been feeling to be dreary ol' England, almost. Oh, yeah, crazy cuz is bringing his projector, and so we may watch a film projected on the side of the bigger [extra-fixer-upper] house later on, once the sun dies down. [crazy cuz]

.. gosh, I'm actually a bit emotionally drained after some rather stressful days, I guess. If I were alone, I think I might just stare at some trees or something. [actually, if I were with you, I might just stare at you.. only, I don't think I'd be staring for very long] [ahem]

.. okay, my love.. I hope you don't mind my gushiness too much. I'll try to contain it as best I can, but you do bring that out in me, and actually, that feeling might even be getting worse. [truth be told]

.. okay, so.. my heartfelt kiss to you.. x.. (and yes, I still miss you).. (rather badly, I'm afraid).. (my love)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzWlu0Bn ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

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

[fishfishquaileye]

when will this thread end
who can say
we can only hope
like a broken contraceptive
sabotaged by the Pope

[Violet]

you know fishfish, what Leonard and I share can withstand some heckling if it has to. Now, I’d prefer if it didn’t have to.. but.. [just saying]

.. anyway, Leonard, my love.. I did just say something about needing more privacy around here, and this rather succinctly supports me in that notion. [well, at least it’s “succinctly”] [though it’s true sub fishes tend to be succinct] [now that I think about it]

you know, I was actually going to post for you something terribly romantic.. something I wrote today, after I escaped to the bedroom to scribble it down, even with guests in the house.. [yes, even with guests].. but, now.. I don’t know.. I might want to wait on that. Fishfish here has rather spoiled the mood, I think.

[sigh]

.. actually, I went on my bike ride yesterday with crazy cuz.. Yeah, I know. I wanted to keep that as our own little thing we do [as it were].. still, it was sort of fun, since crazy cuz had something of a hard time keeping up with me. He needed to take breaks too. [crazy cuz]

.. oh, and the outside projector thing didn’t pan out. Seems we had a sound problem. A pretty serious one, in fact. [c.c. forgot the speakers]

[sound effect: obviously none]

.. however, we watched a truly great movie today that I thought worth mentioning. I remember hearing about it a long time ago, but somehow I never managed to see it.. a German film called

DAS BOOT

released here in 1981. Oh, actually, we watched the director’s cut, which is excellent, and I don’t always say that about director’s cuts. In fact, I can’t think of a later director’s cut that I thought improved the original film.. Coppola’s much later Apocalypse Now Redux: SUCKS.. Ridley Scott’s much later director’s cut for Blade Runner.. uh.. HUH?.. WHY??.. [actually, that’s all that comes to mind just now]

Of course, I haven’t seen the original edit of this film.. still, I liked how the characters and the extremely stressful events taking place on this German submarine during WWII were articulated during this, uh, three-and-a-half hour film. [yeah: you need to make a lot of popcorn ahead of time.. or at least have a snack planned for the intermission that happens when you have to flip the DVD over]

.. anyway, it’s the kind of film that Hollywood can’t seem to make anymore since Hollywood will invariably turn such material into some blockbuster horror show, drained of anything remotely authentic feeling, and inflated with those stupid “big stare” close-up moments that amount to nothing.. [if you know what I mean by those].. and don’t get me started on the lowest-common-denominator demographics of Hollywood scriptwriting.. [it would only lead to further misery if I go on about it, so I just won't, then]

.. ANYWAY.. with Das Boot one has the feel of the characters as they no doubt were written in the novel this film is based on, which was beautifully adapted by the director himself, Wolfgang Peterson. This aspect of the war was particularly grueling for the Germans.. [and was the subject of some unbridled Fuhrer bashing].. since the virtually impossible mission of all these subs was to torpedo what must have been a massive number of Allied warships and supply vessels just off the coast of France at an exceedingly decisive point in the war. Of the forty thousand German sailors sent out on these subs, thirty thousand would perish.

But the film is notable for its humanism. There is the sense of the men on the ground vs. the Nazi war machine that this exceptional captain and his crew of young men had to endure, though without patriotic fervor. In fact, those there who were upper class officers and who bought the whole Nazi package were ridiculed. [or, at least severely brought down to size]

.. ironically, most of this particular crew--who miraculously survived this suicide mission--would be killed in an Allied bomb raid, just after returning to the German docks in France—and just after a bogus Nazi welcoming ceremony.

This film is exquisitely shot as well, and the interior submarine set is just fantastic. There is this rather brilliant “shaky-cam” effect that happens when the sub is being massively shaken by all the depth charges exploding all around them. I bring it up, as it pre-dates such effect in.. [hate to even have to mention his name].. Spielberg's Private Ryan, which [if I'm recalling this correctly] had the same camera effect, which he'd received high praise for. [actually, I admit to only watching the big battle sequence in that film, since I'm just not too keen on Spielberg.. although I imagine some day I'll make myself watch the whole goddamn thing] [just for good measure]

.. But mostly, it’s the depth of the characters that really tells this story, and that makes Das Boot so powerful and moving. I guess I should now watch the original cut, and see what I think. But I have to say, the entire [rather grueling] experience of watching the longer version I really do think has merit.

.. this scene is with the captain and the photo-journalist who is on board, and who withstood a lot of ribbing from the crew earlier on, given his wide-eyed inexperience.. only here he’s now realizing.. well, you’ll see.. [actually, I'd note that the official translation that's on the DVD is far superior to this one] [Also: I recommend watching the subtitled version, although, as far as dubbing goes, the English version is not bad, though some of the dialogue is difficult to make out]..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrDu6YkK ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

.. well, that’s all for now, my love. It’s back to work tomorrow, and I hope I get a lot done, and soon. I’m anxious to.

.. (I send again my little kiss.. x.. ).. (and that one’s in private).. (and it’s a very long and lingering one, too)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSCplj40uuY
FULL SCREEN..

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

[Violet]

.. Leonard, my love.. so, it seems you're done with your new CD, which contains all new songs, except for The Darkness.. and so, perhaps it's rather like a fresh start, in a way.. even with its title Old Ideas, which I quite like, in fact, as it offers up more and more, the more one thinks on it. [and I'm a "title" person, I'll have you know]

.. of course, I was wishing you might use The Book of Longing, which I'm quite taken with.. so, I guess I need to accept that that's not the case this time around. [although I'm secretly hoping you will record that one some day] Then again, The Darkness has a real driven bluesy bassline to it, which I quite like too..

.. alright, well, that was really what was most on my mind. I'm plugging away at this thorny section of my story I'm working on, and I can't say this part is coming very easily, especially since I can't see the piece as a whole just yet. Or only vaguely I can. I guess at the end of all this, I can edit and re-arrange things as I need to.. but for now.. actually, I have the sense it's something like the mind.. as I wander in deeper and deeper..

.. okay.. well.. I'm not sad, exactly, but tired. Need a good night's sleep. And so.. my one little kiss to you.. x.. (a good-night kiss, I guess it is.. that you might once again visit me in my dreams).. (my love)

[Violet]

STRIPPING MORE OF THIS WINEHOUSE THING

.. well, the toxicology report is out, and it’s still a mystery as to what caused this singer’s demise. Alcohol was found, though no mention of whether this contributed to her death. No illegal substances were found, though no mention of legally obtained drugs. [I’m assuming not, or wouldn’t that be disclosed?]

An inquest is due to begin October 26th, given Winehouse died under “unexplained circumstances.”

.. so, it seems the tabloid rumors that the singer was purchasing “illegal substances” on the night before her death are likely unfounded. [does this mean the tabloids are NOT a reliable news source???] [I actually reserve judgment on that, as I’m not convinced mainstream journalism does much better]

.. anyway.. just thought I’d follow this up, given I'd already opened this can of worms..

[moving on]


Leonard, my love.. I was just so tired last night, I thought I’d write you today, instead.. but then I awoke very early this morning—before sunrise, even—and had such a heaviness in my chest, I thought I must be heavy hearted. [with missing you, it seems]

Oddly, after drifting back to sleep, I dreamt of the Chelsea Hotel. I guess given its recent demise, there was something of a fire sale—only, of vintage clothing, for some reason, which I quite liked.. some of which I planned on buying, in fact.

.. also: a woman at the Chelsea was doing my laundry. [??].. oh, and there was this rather high pile of my bikini panties waiting for me, all newly laundered and folded—only I forgot them.. and wound up at dinner [with people I didn't recognize].. only, I couldn’t enjoy myself knowing I’d left my newly laundered pile of bikini panties at the Chelsea (!)

Now, given this dream was about the Chelsea, I feel it had everything to do with you.. (my angel).. and so, I’m thinking the bikini panties had to do with you, too. After all, I couldn’t really enjoy myself knowing I’d left them at the Chelsea, which is connected to you.. and so I really couldn’t enjoy myself [or even get a good night’s sleep] knowing I’d not written you last night. There. I think that about decodes it. [for my purposes, at least]

.. anyway, my love, I miss you terribly.. only, I need to get back to work. You know, I feel like I don’t have enough hours in the day these days.. so.. need to hop to it.

.. and so, my forlorn little kiss to you.. x.. as well as all my.. [this song just popped into my head, and I do like to go with things like that]..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwHrx0r0 ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITmfn7ruzDY
FULL SCREEN..

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

[Violet]

.. Leonard, my love.. I couldn't sleep this morning, either. Nor fall back to sleep.

.. I've finished one trouble spot in this next segment of writing, but now I'm on to the other one. As I may go to the city tomorrow, I may not meet my self-imposed deadline of this week.. [for this section of writing, I mean].. unless I have a brilliant weekend. I'm needing a brilliant patch at this point. [can't always rely on those to happen, though]

.. I'm thinking that life is really this mental challenge, and one that never really settles itself I don't think. I'm willing that things are okay so that I can continue with the work I feel I'm supposed to be doing, some of which is just trying to be well and balanced.. and sometimes.. well, especially with this amazing fall weather we've been having here in the North East--gosh, I mean [earthquakes aside], it's almost as if all is well on this blessed orb.. with all the life buzzing and chirping in the apple trees.. and with the warm sun on my face, those times I take to the yard with something to read.. and with that same sun blazing through the trees of our lake, as it says its early evening farewell.. and all amid the cool, rustling breeze of yet another perfect fall day. I mean, all can seem well with the world, then.. even if I'm rather certain that all is not well. But it's to exist in that place where all is well, in spite of it all.

.. anyway, I'm tired, but may just get on with my day, my love. You're never far from my mind, and.. well, how many times can I describe for you the color of our lake?.. or the texture of the clouds?.. can I just keep doing this for us, for our love, in a sense?.. You know, I looked at the poem I scribbled on that scrap of paper last Sunday.. the one I ran into the bedroom to write, even while guests were here.. and really there was only one line that remained interesting to me.. something about whether it were possible to measure one's longing.. though somehow I feel it's not. You come and go with the sun.. with the moon.. with your music, and.. what I know of you.. but more than that, perhaps it's that I feel your presence sometimes. Right now I'm feeling rather blank, and alone. And you are no doubt getting on with things.. all the things, large and small, comprising your life. And so all is well with that. All is well with you, and with me. But there's a part of me that wonders about that longing, again.. it comes to me sometimes when I'm trying to concentrate on my writing, or something I'm reading.. that longing for you, that you could be with me then.. that you could feel as I do in our embrace.

.. okay, my love.. I guess I'll get an early start today.. and again, I leave you with my little kiss.. x

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

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

[Violet]

.. my beloved, I'm off to Gotham early in the a.m.. so I thought I'd send you just a little good-night note.

Actually, I just ran through my Almighty Poetry File and found something unfinished that I thought amusing, especially given the name [and some of the themes] of this thread..

here goes:


far far far far far away, in a far off, far away land, far away,
there lived a princess.


.. (actually, that's the only part I like).

.. okay, my angel.. my good-night kiss.. x.. (I miss you)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5JMZkk6 ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

[Violet]

.. Leonard, my love.. actually, I'm feeling a bit better now, but it's been an upsetting day, all told.

.. I don't even know where to begin.. so.. maybe it's best I just sleep on it. I do hope the city gets through tonight and tomorrow with little harm and damage. As for up here, it's likely there will be a power outage, as that's not uncommon. Tree branches are always falling on electrical wires, and so it's the nature of things up here. But with a generator for the water pump, etc., things should be alright.

.. okay.. I guess I'm just tired. Oh, I was realizing something again yesterday.. [as every now and then I notice this].. [in this instance, as I was walking the streets of downtown Manhattan].. but I was noticing how these little letters I write you sometimes continue in my mind.. and so, it's like a letter that never really ends, as I hear my thoughts actually being addressed to you as if I were writing you another of these little love notes concerning whatever I happen to be thinking about (!)

.. oh, and.. (all the city's talk about the impending storm aside).. I did wind up sitting in this lovely park yesterday, with a print out of the latest segment of my story.. and I was rather liking just sitting there in the pleasant shade with Agent Longing and Violet.. the two people I most like being with these days. [even if they have some very serious problems they need to contend with] [as does this author in trying to adeptly lay out such things]

.. alright, my perfect angel.. I wish this were more than just this little kiss, but.. x

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T6WKdrx ... re=related
FULL SCREEN..

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

[Violet]

Leonard, my love.. There's been no power here for twenty-four hours, and I couldn't even get here yesterday on this lousy blackberry. The generator's hooked up, so at least there is water and I can at least work on my desktop, but no internet or cable or landline phone..I miss you terribly, and want you even more.. Oh--there was no flooding at my place in the city, but.. I won't get into the lead up to that, although I feel rather wounded.. such as life is sometimes.. My very special kiss to you, my love.. x

[Violet]

.. my beloved.. I love you. It's day three without power. Did I tell you what the generator sounds like? Like a lawnmower that never stops mowing. One has to discriminate as to when to have it on--when to have water and refrigeration and use of one's desktop.. and when one's shot nerves seem more important to attend to.

As at least the weather is lovely, I did go to our lake yesterday, and yes, some manner of tree carnage did occur, but it was nowhere near as bad as it might have been.

.. my love.. I am a bit disheartened, as well I had just the worst night.. and even with my generator off, there's always one neighbor who won't comply!.. but maybe I'll finally get the hang of this blasted blackberry.. (to try to look at the bright side of things).. You are always in my thoughts, and I do hope all is well with you.. this kiss is all I know to say, now.. even as I wish it were more somehow, my perfect perfect specimen of a human being.. my perfect angel.. my reason to even get up in the morning.. (my love).. x

[Cate]

What?!!!
. . . sorry Leonard - shove over

Three days without power!

one day could be exciting, two days' - an adventure ...
...Three days!!!! That's ridiculous.

I have no doubt that people are trying their hardest - but wtf

[Violet]

.. I know it. It's the pits!

[Violet]

.. Leonard, my love.. I want you so badly these days.. it's as if my body were no longer mine somehow.. nor my heart and soul, and.. well, just everything, my love.. an occurrence which is both this utter marvel to me, and in that way wonderful.. but also, it's just misery not having you, then. But that such things should seem like something new is also a marvel.. (my angel)

.. the good news is that the little faeries responsible for giving us electricity, I think it's called, came to my little cottage last night and restored the twinkling lights 'n things.. however, the bad news is that the other faeries.. (who I believe are Irish).. went on a bender and left me without cable or internet service or phone.. THUS this lousy blackberry still.

.. but yesterday you would have been proud of me, my love, since I had charged up my laptop, and so was able to work peacefully, without having to keep the noisy generator going. Once on line again I may just post a substantial portion of this section I've been working on since it's gotten so long, it might make more sense to break it up a bit.

.. well, the lovely fall like weather continues, and our little lake is as beautiful as ever. Oh, and the grumpy man who drives the lake's patrol vehicle has started to smile and wave hello to me, so it seems my presence is now more accepted in those parts. Oh, another property name I noticed that irks me: "Ashored".. (not too ashored by that one)

.. okay, my love, my kiss... and all that goes with it.. x

[Violet]

.. alright, here's the story, my love. As you can see.. [by this smaller font].. the drunken Irish Faeries told me that if I bought them another round, they might help me out.. so, here I am: newly restored to the doubtful, yet hopeful Princess Violet Flower I was before all this hurricane nonsense. Well, except I need to go to Gotham tomorrow, and check things on that front. Then I'll be done with it. [hopefully]

.. my brother will be up this holiday weekend, but I plan on forging ahead with the writing anyway.. [can't let guests deter one--or at least not entirely].. so.. we'll see how I do.

.. anyway, I'm up at the crack of dawn tomorrow, so I guess I need to get some zzzzzzzzzz's. I did go to our lake again, and once again, as the weather has been just wonderful this week, it was quite a lovely sight.. all sweetly bright with that last quiet blaze of early evening. [oh, and of course, I was thinking of you.. and hoping I'd have a phrase like that to describe it]

oh, I wanted to talk about something from your Book of Longing, as I looked at it again last night. You make me laugh out loud sometimes.. but now I'm forgetting what it was..

.. alright, well.. that will have to wait. I miss you.. and offer you my little

OHMUGOD, I FORGOT: YOUTUBE.. I GET TO GO TO YOUTUBE AGAIN (!!).. [there is a God, after all]..

[quite a bit later]..

.. okay.. this one's pretty, I think.. I'm so tired.. I wish I had just the perfect thing to say, but I've just this little kiss, again.. x.. (my love)

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

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