THE LOVE OF STRANGERS, CRIPPLED CROWS, DISNEY GIRLS, A FLOOD OF MEMORIES & THE POWER OF WORDS

Sometimes I feel like I am the luckiest person on the planet. I've managed to meet and make such dear friends -- and, thanks to the Internet and my blog I've made some whom I love and yet I've never even met! Sure, there is that sweet "secret admirer" who creeps me out a little because he/she will not reveal identity to me. But so many encouraging thoughts and friendships. I find it amazing. I also end up feeling guilty sometimes because I don't know how to return the kindness.

So, even if this embarrasses him --- Todd, thank you for all the encouragement and I received your gift today and I am LOVING it! Devendra Banhart is awesome!!! That was so kind of you! And, you're quite right -- several of the song titles on this CD are the same as those found on one of my fave Barbra albums, "A Star Is Born" --- but I think that is a mere coincidence. I can't even imagine Mr. Banhart listening to a Babs album. But, "Cripple Crow" is a fantastic CD! I highly recommend it!


On the other end of the musical spectrum I found myself fighting the urge to only listen to the Captain & Tennille today. I didn't have a great childhood. Who did, really? But, for some reason I do find a nostalgic warmth in their music. All those great songs from the Love Will Keep Us Together era make me feel good. Especially "Disney Girls" --- which is actually kind of a sad song. But, it makes me think of Patti. One of my first true friends with whom many secrets were shared --- and who loved that song. Then a couple other of C&P's songs make me think of the "J" twins. I will not name them, but this brother and sister team were a major part of my world for a few years. I loved it when I would be invited to sleep over at their house. It was such a better world than my home. The parents were so conservative (which I liked at that time) and they never yelled or hit things. And, "K" and "R" would literally argue over who was my better friend. Despite a bit of frustration from Mrs. "J" we always ended up sleeping in their "den" (yeah, they had a den!) -- the three of us on top of sleeping bags (I used one of "K"'s as I did not have one) and we would use one big cover. They would insist I sleep in the middle. I felt safe and happy. They hated Patti, tho. She was never invited. But, if "we" were good their mom would let them play the "Love Will Keep Us Together" album as we fell asleep. They were fascinated that I got to see so many of the movies of which their parents disapproved -- so as the record would play I would recount which ever movie most interested them. THE EXORCIST was a source of interest to them. Tho, I don't think I had really understood it. I remember telling them that the little girl monster stabbed herself with a cross-knife. ...I remember "R" explaining to me that a cross (which they each had in their respective rooms) was not a knife, but a cross with Jesus on it. So, we would try to figure out why the one in the movie was a knife. LOL!

Anyway, as I was sipping tea at a cafe this afternoon I got to thinking about how the tunes and words of songs can fill you with memory and feeling. And then I started thinking of all the images and thoughts seared into my brain from books. ...and not really good books. Just simple sentences from books over the years which stay with me.

Like, Ballard's "Crash" --- a book too twisted and profane for even me! I couldn't finish it -- tho, I LOVED the Croenberg adaptation of it. However, for some reason there was a really disgusting couple of sentences at the beginning of the novel that so repulsed me I will never forget them. I will not even paraphrase because it is simply too disgusting but the image involves panties, a car wreck and Elizabeth Taylor. The "Ewwwwww" factor is really high on this one!

And, then there is a book that I saw on the shelf of a therapist I saw. It was by Judith Rosner. I think it was called "August" --- I was curious since my doctor had it in his office. I bought a copy and read it. Rosner was a good writer but she ever really wrote one great book. This one was not that good but there are a couple of moments in it that will stay with me forever. Mainly some thoughts running through the head of one of the main characters that puzzled me.

And, most recently, I read an online review of the latest Joan Didion novel/book. I was thinking about picking it up. I went to my favorite book store (Clean Well Lighted Place For Books on Van Ness) and took a look at it. I read only two paragraphs and the sadness of it just ripped into my soul. ...just two paragraphs! I put the book back on the table and opted to not read that one. Brilliant writer sharing enormous pain -- not a good reading choice for me right now I should think! But, man! The power of those words.

...By the way, I suspect that "The Year of Magical Thinking" is a brilliant book. And, one should only use sites like Amazon.com or stores like Borders for browsing! Support your local/independent book stores, kids! Spend your hard-earned money where it matters. ...And that is not Borders, Barnes & Nobel or Amazon.com! ...sorry. that sound is my soap box being pushed under my bed.

Anyway, these are my Saturday musings. Now, I shall make some nachos (Milford has me "sort of" cooking to save some money!) and will watch another gift that a friend recently sent me --- I will get to see Billie Holiday perform! I've been savoring this for a while now!!!

And, I am feeling lazy. I'm not going to check this post for errors. Let's hope it makes sense! Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!

Oh, I saw an incredible film today! BALLET RUSSES ---- beautiful film!!!! I am a bit late seeing it. Had to watch it in a tiny 'screening room' at the Opera Cinema. ...they really should sell those seats at a discount. But, even still, worth every penny!