Dear Friends:

First, I want to thank Debbie (my Web Master) for letting you know that I had to leave in haste to be with my ailing Aunt Helen in Hawaii. After two and a half weeks, she passed, after both of us went up and down the Hospital roller coaster ride. I am sure many of you will relate to that. Many doctors were involved, and there was not a main General Practitioner that took care of her on a regular basis. It is water under the bridge now, and I will not rehash it for you. I am going back in a few days for the graveside funeral with her ashes and a Memorial that her golf buddies want to give her at her club. Then I will tend to cleaning out her apartment and disposing of her things so it can go on the market. These are all the material things that we must do for those loved ones who have preceded us on the trip from birth to death. Funny, it takes us nine months for our arrival, and usually seventy to a hundred years for our departure. A great deal of that time I have found is lived in utter bewilderment of the vicissitudes of Life Itself, and of all the different renditions others try to sell us of It’s “meaning.” At any rate, the lady who sang me to sleep when I was a child said she was very tired. Strange, I sang to her as she went into her deep slumber. I pray she now rests in peace.

I have received so may lovely letters lately, and I do appreciate the kind things you have said. Life is very fleeting, as we all know, and more and more I am grateful for kindnesses. Small things mean much. How deeply I understood this once more, as I witnessed the selflessness of some of the wonderful nurses who patiently attended to Helen, compared to those who were just “doing their job.” When I left Hawaii I had a commitment for a Film Festival outside of Albany, New York, for the resurrecting of The Glove Movie Theatre in Gloversville, New York. They were celebrating Glenn Ford’s work. Glenn was not able to go, so I met Peter (his son) and his wife Lynda at the American Airlines gate in Los Angeles. Glenn and I did two movies together. “Blackboard Jungle” and “Don’t Go Near The Water.”I did not fly straight home from Hawaii, but took the extra day I had to rest at The Marriott Hotel near the Airport before the next leg of my journey. Lots of pillows and sleep, and room service work wonders.

Tom Suydam, and his lovely wife Karen, were our hosts for the Festival, and they met us with the biggest white limo you can imagine and whisked us to a late night supper at a late night restaurant, and then on to Gloversville and our lodgings.

The next day, along with other commitments, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit an inspirational site called “Keepers of The Circle.” It is an Indian Society for American Natives and to educate others in the talents of Native American Arts and Crafts. There is teaching at this center for those who are interested in being proficient in these crafts. A very wise man, Dr. Virgil January, is the leader of this group, and love and acceptance are the two rules abided by there. Dr. January (whose Indian name is “Wind Chaser”) is a highly spiritual Human Being, and I enjoyed our visit immensely. He gave me a beautiful piece of red coral which was hanging from his neck, which symbolizes the blood of Mother Earth. I was most moved by this deep gesture and the gentle and simple way he greeted his guests. I was told that he is also a Medicine man, and I believe teaches the healing powers of herbs. Next to the Mohawk River, this 29 acre site offers recreational activities as well. It is in Rotterdam Junction, NY.

The festival was busy with numerous gatherings beside screenings, including an auction of posters and such. All to raise funds for the charming Glove theatre. The white beaded“Honey West” gown and jacket (trimmed in ranch mink) was at auction as well, bought from eBay by Tom, and when the bidding didn’t meet his reserve, he decided to return it to me! I was thrilled, because many years ago I had loaned it to Nolan Miller along with the black beaded gown and jacket that he had made for “Honey” for a show he was taking around with clothes he had designed for different TV series. Aaron Spelling had given me the wardrobe from “Honey” which was most dear of him. I have no idea how the gown got on eBay, but I am pleased to have it back! So, Tom Suydam has become a hero to me!

So, I’m packing to go back to Hawaii. The spirit there is still loving. Speaking of spirit, and a wonderful soul, James Dillet Freeman, the poet laureate of Unity Village just passed on at the age of ninety one. I had the pleasure many years ago of meeting him. His poem, “I AM THERE,” was planted on the moon by our Astronauts. Since mortality has been on my mind lately, let me quote words from another of his poems that mean much to me:

These are my sentiments as well. As I speak of in my book, “Voices From Home”, I have a memory of that beauty and love before my birth. I know that Helen is there now.

Aloha

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