Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #35

Dear KK---

Hi, sunshine! I hope you have returned from your Alaskan Cruise somewhat recharged, and with any building clouds of depression dispelled--at least for now.

I just received yesterday your two letters written before you left on your cruise...as is often the case, quite a bit of incoming mail seemed to be delayed by the July 4th holiday-an odd one this year falling on a Friday. So by the time this reaches you, I'm guessing you will have returned. That's with my totally guesswork estimate that most such cruises last 10-14 days so if you left Sun 28 JUN...return anywhere from 8-12 JUL?

Free free to share your stories of rock-climbing, stunning sights, gluttony, and sexual debauchery while on your cruise...just kidding, KK. :)

So-your letters (as always, KK, intriguing and demanding comment!) plus several articles & items to send your way... But I am most curious as to your "take"& comments on some of the very strange and hi-profile stories these past couple of weeks: The death of Michael Jackson/the governor of SC & his Argentinean "soulmate"/Murder-suicide of Steve McNair & his 20 y/o mistress.

Your 1st letter--quite dramatic gold stationary!: I completely agree with you on the therapeutic and cathartic power of writing--both to ones self in the form of diaries & journals and to others.

Will be most curious when you are able to discuss details of the "HIV" story. Sounds complicated & very New Yorkish. Trust me, Kelly, my life has nothing on yours in terms of mystery, and intrigue! And please let me know about And the Band Played On. I was serious.

I will write out more medical stories as they come up-or any in particular that might shed light on certain subjects. Or things you might ask about--not that you ever ask any questions, "Ms. Cheshire"... the smile is very sexy & provocative, but here I refer to the curiosity.

[Ed.: I have made it clear over and over to him that I am not at all interested in any type of flirtation and do not want to discuss anything of a sexual nature with him and still he persists.]

Before you left on your cruise, you mentioned several potential new clients plus job interviews. Please keep me posted. I so hope you can keep your "freelance lifestyle" --it seems to suit you so well.

Warning: possibly uncomfortable (for you) details to follow: I found your revelation of having two breast reductions most fascinating. Here's secret that is not generally recognized by many women--who buy into the "Playboy" mentality: Men will invariably comment on large breasts because it is absolutely expected. But when it comes to intimate sexual contact, normal (whatever that means..) breasts are just fine with most men. It is the shape and especially her nipples that are the true turn-on.

And a short or long-lasting intense all-giving sexual relationship. (Again-I have yet to define & discuss because it will involve potentially uncomfortable details for you..) [Ed.: He refers here to my frequent requests to keep the commentary in letters strictly to G-rated subjects. I have told him clearly I am only interested in a platonic pen-pal relationship and am eager to hear of his interests in books/films and what the prison experience is like.]

By the way, gay men find the heterosexual male obsession with large breasts to be laughable & utterly unrelated to what sex is supposed to be about.

Somewhat related topic: I read an article reprinted from the Times [would send it to you if I could--but I'm sure you can find it online] about friendships between gay & straight men. Interesting. But I always held gay men as friends-never any problems or "sexual tension". Why should there be? If straight women can have gay male friends without trying to come on to them, why should we think a gay man can't do the same? However, that old canard about being comfortable with one's sexuality does apply.

Returning to your letter, I only took a plastic surgery elective as a resident, but second reductions have to be fairly rare. Are they? Knowing you, like me, somewhat obsessive and regimented, you researched the topic thoroughly! And once gain, in that very sexy wedding photo, your entire body seems to "fit" marvelously. :) Ok-I'll stop now. God forbid I offend you or make you blush.*

*You know of course that wedding photos of the bride in her gown are inherently "hot" because of the male mind racing ahead to the wedding night...

So like you, KK: "Trying to make everything neat and perfect before leaving...to Alaska."

Describes you to a tee, does it not?! However I stand behind my earlier comment that beneath that ordered, precise, regimented exterior is an interior filled with raw, unbound passion without limits given the right circumstances...or person.

Finally: Yes, I have been following the extremely cold and wet spring & early summer in the Northeast and New England. [My lesbian activist swears it all ties in to global warming.] Like you said, hopefully summer will return to normal upon your return...

Have enclosed several local reviews, etc.

>"PUBLIC ENEMIES"
>"HURT LOCKER"
>"FOOD, INC."
>Ran across this brief article on Diane von Furstenberg, whom you mentioned a few weeks ago.

>And "MAD MEN" to premiere

I am solucky--still another letter of yours to answer! But must get this in the mail. Thinking of you KK--and welcome back. Write soon please. More form me over the weekend.

Yours XOXO [Ed.: I have asked him to stop the XOs as I feel they are inappropriate.]

P.S. Postcards from Seattle & Anchorage & the ship and all points north?!