Mr. Jet-Set
“You can’t go through life NOT listening to music.” --Graeme Simsion, THE ROSIE PROJECT, a novel
It was piano recital time for Carrie (Alan’s youngest daughter). And it was held in Malibu. I caught a few photos. One of them is a favorite because I caught her right on-stage, playing the piano. Jack and Gloria attended, as did Susan and her current beau, Gary Laff. Carrie's piano teacher was named BOND. I was kind of envious of that name, given my envy for Mr. Jet-Set Agent 007.
Actress, Lindsay Wagner, was there—in the audience with us-- as I guess her son, Dorian (a year older than Carrie) was playing piano also. Actor, Robert Conrad, who I loved in that 60s series called THE WILD, WILD WEST was there, too. I guess one of his kids was playing piano, too. Anyhow, it was a special event. I am so envious that Carrie plays the piano. I always wished I could play piano. Just like I always wished I could have been a ballet dancer.
That song by TAKE THAT has caught my ear called BACK FOR GOOD. I like when they mention ‘coffee cup’ in the lyrics. And Dorothy Rua, is back, too. She sent four cool cards recently: Coffee cups; a cool, unusual guy riding ice-blocks in Paris, a mermaid girl with a dolphin chasing the light and a couple from yesteryear, enjoying a cup of coffee under a shady tree (or was it afternoon tea?).
Dorothy reminded me that Alan and I saw a cool Broadway Play in NYC last month called INDISCRETIONS (I mentioned it to her in a postcard). Kathleen Turner on-stage was cool to see. She played opposite some unknown actor named JUDE LAW. He actually stood on stage completely naked! That was a surprise--but I guess most actors will do what they need to do to get noticed, right? I was close enough to tell you that he was not circumsised. Ha-ha...
May 6, 1995
Dear Michael,
How quickly time seems to pass. I wanted to reply to your letter and cards a lot sooner and here it is, almost time for your flight to the Bay Area! Hope this reaches you before you board your next plane—Mr. Jet-Set is constantly in-flight these days. Will I be trying to get my next card out before you ‘take off’ for Miami? What a life. We should all be so free...
As I mentioned on the phone, I loved the Black and White card you sent of the girl and guy in the field. Funny, I don’t remember seeing a photographer around when I was leaning over the truck engine and who is the guy lying on the log, watching me from under his hat? I do love the card and wish I had the guts to put it up in my cubicle. I also appreciated the sentence you underlined on the back. I wish all those things were a part of my immediate world. Life can be so simple, why can’t all people allow it to be?
You’ll have to tell me all about Kathleen Turner in her Broadway play, INDISCRETIONS, when we get together. I really enjoy her acting. I’m sure you had a great time in NYC and made sure Alan enjoyed his BIRTHDAY weekend. Sounds like Alan travels even more than you do, is this possible? Ha!
Regarding my personal side, we’ll talk a bit when we’re together, okay? We do have some catching up to do...
Rosemarie and I have been so busy with everyday life. We haven’t had time to get together for fun lately. We are planning a fun evening in about 2 weeks, so that’s something to look forward to. I haven’t even had time to go to Pismo Beach with Jan yet. Let you know when I do.
By the way, Chez Panisse is located on the north side of the University at 1517 Shattuck Ave, between Cedar and Vine. Only the café is open for lunch. How appropriate for us. REALLY looking forward to seeing you. Until then, Keep it Cool...Much Love, Dorothy
Another couple of cards from Dorothy two days later:
Oh Michael,
I would like to see MURIEL’S WEEDING before next weekend, so we can discuss it. I have heard it’s a great movie and, of course, you confirm it. Guess I’ll force myself to watch MERYL and CLINT in Bridges of Madison County when it comes out. I don’t know if I’ll be able to sit through the entire show if they screw up the characters really bad. We’ll see.
As far as things with me, my job is basically just a job. The cast of characters are okay, but I know they all go home at night and crawl back into their pods until morning. I don’t know who they think they’re fooling, but they’re not fooling me. My main concern is that I’ll forget and fall asleep one night and then it’ll be all over for me, too. If you hear a pod is growing in my patio, please head up here and shoot me...or drag me out of there before my eyes shut completely. I had a look at CRIMSON TIDE, mainly because I really like Gene Hackman. Having grown-up with the military all around me I found a few of the scenes unrealistic—other scenes were a bit too predictable. But all in all, it was okay. Funny how I go for long periods without watching a movie at the theater, then I see several in a short span of time.
Anyway, this is the weekend Jan and I are planning on our trip to Pismo Beach. If you feel like surprising me on the beach, that would be wonderful, I’ll keep the CALLA LILLIES fresh, but I’ll have to hunt down that chick that stole my body! I don’t have Jan’s address there but her phone number is 805-773-2023, listed under J. M. Kaiserman.
Also, the toll-free number at my office is 800-624-6094, X2826. Please try it again, it’s supposed to work all over the country, including California. Otherwise, I’m at 510-256-2826.
P.S Your card thanking me for the framed picture of us smelled great. Was it your after shave?
Love, Dorothy
Dorothy keeps me entertained. The others who write me also keep me on-top-of-things. I like to read what’s going on in other parts, down yonder. Life is boring---what?---No Way...only if you make it boring. Everyone has a story and if they don’t--they can make-up a story.
Stories are a way to preserve one’s self. To be remembered. And to forget. Stories come in so many forms: in charcoal, and in song, in paintings, poems, films. And books. --V.E. SCHWAB, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
