Prelude To A Kiss

I felt stronger and more confident.  The time of passivity was over.--Jerzy Kosinski, THE PAINTED BIRD
This “Valley Girl-type” song has everyone laughing.  It’s a bit of a rap song and it isn’t my cup of tea but the lyrics seem to be stretching the popularity of it.  It’s called BABY GOT BACK by Sir-Mix-A-Lot and it’s all about the attractiveness of a big butt.  Too ridiculous…who thinks of these things?On the other side I am feeling in touch with country life with recent cards that Barbara Reynolds sent and the ‘while at camp’ letter from Lauren Freiman.
Lauren mentioned Al Gore who is a Democratic Senator that will soon deliver a speech to accept the party's nomination to be vice president at the 1992 Democratic National Convention in New York. She also seems to have a knack for archery.  She wrote:
Dad and Mikey,My counselor has PMS.  The people in my cabin are “bitches” and Jessica needs too much attention but otherwise camp is great.I met this guy named MATT who’s going into 8thgrade.  I like him and he likes me.  So you know what that means!I’m very happy for AL GORE.  Is he good?  I’m taking archery as an activity.  It’s fun!I love and miss you both. 
Alan and I saw two movies that we really LOVED.  One was called PRELUDE TO A KISS starring Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan.  I love the melody of PRELUDE TO A KISS, too.  It’s so gentle and classic.  The story seemed far-fetched but it was actually very well done.  
Rita (Meg Ryan) had a very pessimistic outlook on life.  She worked as a bartender, falls in love with, and, marries Peter Hoskins (Alec Baldwin), a conservative employee of a Chicago publishing house.  At their wedding, they are approached by Julius, a lonely, elderly man, who requests permission to kiss Rita.  When he does, their spirits switch places, leaving Peter with an aged man's soul inside his newlywed bride. Only when he can see beyond the physical, and embrace the beautiful soul he loves, will Julius agree to return to his cancer-riddled body by kissing her again.
The other film we enjoyed was called UNIVERSAL SOLDIER.   This was one of those Sci-Fi films that always intrigue me.  Jean Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren provided inspiring physiques that made every guy yearn to aspire to that level of strength.   The film tells the story of a former U.S. Army soldier who was killed in the Vietnam War in 1969, and returned to life following a secret military project called the "Universal Soldier" program. However, he finds out about his past even though his memory was erased.  I really liked the adventure thrill of it.  I love to see and experience to performances of these actors but it must be a reawakening when the role you play comes to an end.
Barbara Reynolds “country feeling” cards were fun to read:
14, July 1992Dear Michael,I spoke with Helen Wong last week to tell her about my flame J.R.  It was great to talk to her again.  She is so focused and down-to-earth.  Helen said you are really happy in your new home and you have mentioned Alan a few times.  Am I supposing too much that you are really happy with him also?  I know what a difference it is to be involved with someone that helps you feel good.  I feel like there was such a drought for me.  This 190 degree turn ‘to be loved’ by someone who is so nice helps me to get my feet on the ground and want others to be happy, too.   It is so hard to be negative now.  That nasty old habit of negativity…It just doesn’t work.

I haven’t been to a NY play yet…only London and here (Berkeley).  In fact, Charles and I are seeing A NAME YOU NEVER GOT this Friday night.  We both have vacation days and will play together all day also.  The play is by a woman who gave up her child.  Oh here is the review…
I am on half-days for a little while.  I dropped by the DEAF AND DISABLED CENTER.  The Pac Bell Service Rep office has moved to Shattuck Ave a month ago.   They have a ‘req’ out and it sure is appealing to me to work within walking distance from home.  I filed the Transfer Request (first one since “we” transferred from Webster Street/Oakland to the SDC in San Francisco).  I made the visit this afternoon and saw Joan Lyons.  She looks as good as ever.  The office is bright with daylight and room noise is very low (especially compared to my current noisy office).  Alas, I am ready for a change.  Keep ‘my’ hopes down to earth or ‘up’ to earth. 
I’m off to the YWCA to get in-shape so Charles and I can get into dance classes.  No FATS!  And be healthy…Love, Barbara
Barbara’s postcard arrived the following day:
July 14, 1992Happy Bastille Day.  I got your lovely stationary and Notre Dame Card.  It sounds like a good trip.  Yes, I do appreciate the PARIS card.  Flying really is kind of weird.  I guess we have to expect that from going into outer space.  My next adventure may be DISNEYLAND.  I’d at least have to call you or can you put up for friends?  Just joking.…Love, Barbara
“An actor, I think, is all the parts he plays and all the ones he wants to play, plus all the things he’s ever wanted to be.  That’s hell on a relationship.”-Joan Juliet Beck, THE ONLY PLACE TO BE