Dear Friends,
Can you believe the rush of this year? It is amazing how much has happened.
I have to smile at what I wrote at the end of last month’s letter:
“ We do have much to be thankful for whichever candidate wins. I guess that
we have to take into account that whatever each is saying, he is talking
about his “plans”. We do have checks and balances, and hopefully enough
“watchdogs” to keep us on an even course.” Good sakes alive. Whoever
thought that it would come to this! I’m sure as I write this
(Nov.29th) that surely all will be settled in another week or ten
days. What an interesting turn, whoever gets in. And the stock
market doesn’t seem too concerned, nor do most of the folks that I
speak to on either side of the debate. It truly seems we have
become a centrist nation, and I believe that both parties are taking
that into account. I am no expert at all in politics and trends, so I
am fascinated with what the outcome will be. Perhaps rather than
a populace that can be whipped into a frenzy by partisan
statements about opponents, we are going to be more interested in
seeing that each side watches its respective p’s and q’s, and starts
delivering to the needs of the country and its resources, both
human and environmental There are heavy issues at stake that
have not been addressed, and many platitudes have floated under
the bridge. Enough of my pontificating. As I said, I am not a
political animal, but I am becoming immune to the spins of both
sides, and I think many other folks feel the same. I just don’t
believe that things are black and white as each side spins for us to
accept.
Maggie and I are going to Colorado Springs for Christmas, and I
know it will be great fun. I sent some pictures for Debbie to put in
this letter so I can show off my little family. I’ll take some more at
Christmas. I spoke to Jane and Brian on the phone earlier today .
They are well. He decided to exercise his lungs while I was talking
to his Mom, so I asked to speak with him. He quieted for a
moment or two, and then slipped back to his “exercise” once more.
I went in for a reading for the new Jack Nicholson picture, “About
Schmit”. It was an excellent meeting, but the physical type may
weigh against my doing it. The writer /director, Alexander Payne,
was delightful and bestowed much praise, which I lapped up, of
course. He is a fine writer and a pleasure to read.
I’m getting more involved with the Santa Barbara community. I
have started reading for the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
organization. They’re quite near my home, so its an easy run.
I have been asked to start off the season of the “Speaking of
Stories” show at the Lobero theater next February. The director,
Karin De La Pena is sending some material for me to consider. I
went to their show last month which was delightful.
The November 2nd evening at the TV Academy was quite an
event. An array of very talented actresses were on the stage for a
moderated discussion about Women in Drama. Maggie went with
me. The women on the panel were Amy Brenneman, Dixie Carter,
Tyne Daly, Annie Potts, Lorraine Toussaint, Kathleen Quinlan,
Sela Ward, and Melina Kanakeredes. The producers of their shows
were on stage with them and and it was a most lively exchange
regarding the the difficulties of being a woman in the industry. I
am so pleased that these bright ladies are making a mark for
today’s women. When I was thirty five in the business there
weren’t many roles available. Because I looked younger, I
managed to hang in there for a while. I have a tape of the
Academy’s event. I want to study it for a chapter as I get some of
my writings together. At the end of the gathering, Zena Bethune
(“The Nurses”) and I (“Honey West”) were called up to receive
framed awards. The participants on the stage were standing and
applauding! What a wonderful warm experience. I was so proud
to read, “The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Honors
Anne Francis for contributing to the positive image of women on
television, and for breaking new ground as a lead actress in a
starring role on a prime- time series. ATAS recognizes you as a
Pioneer for Women in Drama.” Maggie was proud too!
Things are coming along on the Home Front. I have my crystal
chandelier up in the kitchen breakfast nook. Kitsch in the kitchen,
and a simple mantle is being made today for the brick fireplace.
Should be done by this evening! Yay!
I’m off to Palm Springs a couple of times before the Christmas trip,
and I will go to Hawaii in January to be with my aunt for her heart
surgery. Helen is my favorite aunt and the only one I have left.
My Mom’s “baby” sister. She used to sing me to sleep when I was
a baby, and I still know some of those songs by heart! She was a
teenager when she lived with us because their mother had died
young. I used to go to her room in the morning and pry her eyes
open to see if she was awake! Funny, the things we remember.
We seem to trouble ourselves about so many unimportant things,
and meanwhile, the years fly by! I demand a recount!
Have absolutely wonderful Holidays, and I’ll write you next year!
Go Well,
