(This was written to you when I was in Seattle, too, J. Dove. Ever get the feeling I abhor talking to you?)

 

1:31

I was overtaken tonight by a power higher than myself. Late night, drinks with Magdalen before she heads back to Alaska for good. - me with my Manhattans made by Demetre. I wore my new jeans skirt cut just above the knee with my garter underneath - Yvonne Bodine is beginning to fuse with E. Ash....

Boy, can you tell by my handwriting that I’m a wee bit TOASTED? Well, interview tomorrow blah-blah I love you J. Dove.

 

Next morning 2:30

Well, I’ve showered and had my morning cup of coffee + I’m off to my interview. Going to put this in the mail on the way. By the way, no more late night phone calls to South America. Got the phone bill - one hundred dollars - save up enough calls + I could fly down HEE - HEE. Write more soon - I will. Very good. Carry on. Love Estrelica

3:29

The buxom babe bound for Ballygrand just finished reading a letter from tall dark poet on a soap box and as she warmed up the typewriter for a reply she searched madly for an AC/DC tape to set the mood for what she was about to say. Unfortunately, she had to settle for the next best thing, some obscure Judas Priest tape and now her short introduction is finished.

My most humble apologies for the inconvenience that the content of my letters cause you, my dear, but worry no more. "I can see clearly now the rain is gone..." Say no more. And as far as article number 3, oh, excuse me, Article #2, which reads, and I do quote: DO; I see this image of me in your thoughts lounging in bed all day wallowing in self-pity, a condition cured only by a quick trip to the land of plenty where you presently reside. Please let the record reflect that it was three long years between Berkeley and Montevideo, so sir, if it isn’t too much to ask: Your understanding and at least two more years of patience?

Realize also that I feel a certain connection to this particular geographic region, regardless of family. I have yet to begin to discover this wonderful city and since I have only been down here 2 short months I have yet to even come close to seeing the tip of the iceberg.

As for my writing, besides letters to you and Dionne bimonthly, not much has been done. For this I make no excuses, nor do I apologize. After 2 years of brainwashing, subservience and neglect of my soul I consider that perhaps I need some time to lick the wounds, get angry and then hopefully start up where I left off before the tragic battle. I suppose the tone of this letter so far has brought back memories of someone you once knew....

Roxy and I get together once a week and we are planning a trip to Mississippi for a weekend. Yes, indeed, the sun has begun to shine and I have begun to realize that it does shine for me.

Jobwise, things are going well and I plan to move out the beginning of December with a gal friend that I knew up in Bellingham. I have completed my first sewing endeavor: A red and white dress. Not something to impress anyone, least of all myself, but we can’t expect much from a virgin venture.

I just finished Of Human Bondage and enjoyed it immensely, especially the ending. I’m slowly overcoming my fears and am more able to not take things so personally.

In other words, J. Dove: I’m Pulling My Head Out Of My Ass. If this isn’t Doing something, I don’t know what is.

There now, I feel much better and now I too shall get off the soap box and perhaps we may retire it or burn it in the literal sense since it is only a metaphor.

Well, I don’t really feel like writing much more at this point. I’ll write more when I’m a bit more mellow.

Love always

Mildred

 

 

 

4:28

Hi Dove - Gave up trying to do the New York Times Crossword Puzzle. Somehow, my brain just doesn’t agree with them. I’m sitting at the YMCA in the Young Adults in Transition Office. I work on Sundays from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM for $6.52 an hour. Benefit package includes a free membership to the YMCA’s PE department which I have yet to obtain.

Life is going smoothly these days - no real complaints. Dionne called this afternoon, she’s busy as a bee working hard for the Laddie. Just got done talking to Jim the maintenance man who can get into ANY door in this building.

AH, yes, this building. Six stories with four different stairwells that have seen many late night/early morning escapades. And now at 4:45 AM I hear the seagulls as the city wakes up. Another overcast day - the automatic sprinkling system just went on over across the street as I work trying to clean this office becoming obsessed with old Scotch tape on the file cabinet.