Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #29

Dear KK--

Beginning this letter late on Monday so it will undoubtedly extend into Tuesday. Fascinating short story by Kurt Vonnegut. "Wry" is the word that comes to mind! I guess persistence paid off in the end...though one wonders what became of the couple a few years later.

Before returning to your letters, must comment on the other most interesting items you've sent recently: "KK and non-KK":

Dating in the Age of Spanx: Definitely an "ick" factor here for all readers! Great line about "our grandmothers": "They were married young and were less promiscuous than we are in our older years." Really? Imagine that!

And as always, Kelly, you educate the reader. Pregnancy Spanx/Spanx porn? I love your imagination and inventiveness.

Ah yes, that iconic Seinfeld episode. My favorite part is when Kramer and Mr. Costanza are having that discussion with Sid Farkas, the bra salesman. "Summer Nights!" Classic.

And the David Sedaris story about his perceived missed opportunity on a middle eastern train. Not at all what I expected when the story began. Sedaris is an excellent writer. By the way, is he by any chance related to the wacky but talented actress, Amy Sedaris?

Now back to your letters: What's this, more questions?!:)

You asked about that intriguing puzzle posted by the "LOST" episode THE CONSTANT. If several persons has been "there" in all time periods (as with Desmond) then the answer would be a profound yes. Perhaps we an discuss that in more detail at another time. The real question is, what makes a person a "constant?"

to expand a bit on the two comments at the end of my previous letter:

>Again, I find it remarkable that anyone even knows the name or the "case"! Again--a lifetime ago in our popular hi-speed, internet-driven culture. Be that as it may it is unavoidable that any opinions or attitudes will be shaped by the sensationalistic news coverage & "net facts" from 8-9 years ago. People have no idea that life goes on--often very fully and that time and solitude can change many things.

>I think I answered your other question about the EMTs. and by the way, I don't think your questions are "retarded"--actually they are extremely insightful. I could definitely see you as a counselor or a therapist/say a LCSW with her own practice. And don't tell me you couldn't do it. I know better.

Finally, in your letter you touched on one of the great gulfs that divide men & women--the fact that women bear children. It is something that is so obvious that we rarely think about it. I have always been very interested in women's attitudes & viewpoints on having a child--and have made it a point to discuss it with quite a few; much as we discuss [yes, in loving and intimate circumstances] how men & women react and respond within relationships and sexually/sensually. again--I thin most men & women take these things for granted and never explore the rich nuances & much more. There is so much to discuss here & when you feel comfortable doing so.

***

It took less than 24 hours for the byline "LOST" to be applied to the vanishing & crash of the Air France flight over the Atlantic. An unbelievable tragedy whose cause may never be known.

The local paper here reprinted part of a long article from the NY Times about your show "IN TREATMENT". It focused on the actress Allison Pill and the writer Sarah Treem. Interesting exploration of the creative process on that show. Apparently Ms. Pill had a role in the film, "MILK."

The paper also mentioned a promising clinical trial on a new migraine treatment: LEVADEX- a new orally inhaled version of dihydroergotamine, which is currently given intravenously. Just wanted to mention it. Seeing the story made me think of you, of course...

As always seems to be the case, I could write more but want to get this in the mail. I'm sure my next letter will be coming very soon.

So good to talk to you and hope to hear from you again (and again!)very soon. Want to know everything going on in that beautiful mind. Take care & stay safe, KK.

Yours,

Michael