Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #65

Dear KK,

OK, one-eye Wolverine--with a bit more time than my rushed letter on Thursday, let me more properly answer your most interesting letter. I'm actually starting this on Saturday--your "sacred" Saturday--so you're already in my thoughts...

In the latest episode of that quirky FX series, "The League", I noticed that Mr. Schaeffer was not only creator and producer, but also director. So this series truly is his baby.

Another topic, before I forget: Anyone with a life, let alone a busy one like yours (despite your protests to the contrary) could not possibly see or follow a fourth of the shows on television. Even I can't! But I'd thought I would mentioned some of the other good television I've noticed the past few months:

[Ed. He lists: The Mentalist, The Good Wife, Sons of Anarchy, & Mercy.]

To your letter, m'lady: (in order/ so I don't miss anything):

>Love Chinese food, Kelly. Actually their version here is pretty good. As is all the food for the most part.

>In Africa I probably ate native foods much more than most other Westerners. Where we might to a pigroast here, in Zimbabwe they would slaughter & roast a couple of goats. Their African preparation is marvelous. No question you would be a fan.

Maize (corn) on the cob is a stable. You can buy them from vendors on the street--cooked to order over a fire. Until the economy collapsed and the farms were decimated, Zimbabwe was renowned for its beef. We're talking super-prime rib & cuts of all kinds. And incredibly inexpensive by our standards.

>I am of course not surprised that you are familiar with and fascinated by the Bernardo/Homolka case from Canada. I absolutely wnat to know more myself. My offer regarding one of those paperbacks remains open---IF you are willing. So much to discuss...

Just based on my limited knowledge, I think Karla was under Bernardo's control to some degree. Her low self-esteem plus Bernardo's ultra-"charmer" personality...were certainly part of it. I mean, they killed her own sister.

Do not underestimate the sexual power that Bernardo held over her. Again--a subject worth much more detailed discussion.

KK--Have the Canadians make any documentaries and/or films on the case? AND: Can you find out the latest on Ms. Homolka? Are the Toronto columnists still railing against her plea deal?

>The Universe hasn't said S___! You weren't chosen for one interview for one fellowship. The Universe is MUCH larger.

>Yes, the "abortion doctor" story was not pleasant, but I can tell you taht there are those rare but critical times when such procedures are medically imperative. and all women should know that the current politician du jour--Ms. Palin--if she had her way--would outlaw abortion even for rape and incest. Stunning.

Wow-that's about half of your letter: a good thing that came in a small package.

>I apologize for my "cryptic comments". Along with my OCD underlining, it is (I suppose) part of my effort to make our letters more like face-to-face conversation. My bad. No, nothing about a song or anyone else. Howver-it has been my experience that one of the best ways to know someone (in such circumstances as these) is by knowing the music or books or songs or interests that truly move them.

i.e. -- lay in dark room and listen to Ravel's "Bolero" or the first movement of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A.

OR Jeff Buckley's aching version of "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen and Sara McLaughlin's "In the Arms of an Angel."

KK--This is one reason why I would love to read a book or article or story that is particularly close to your heart---to understand and know you better.

Something about all four of these pieces of music touch something inside -- more than the average of such things for most people, or so it seems. and many more. Strange as it may seem for someone with my history, music is deeply, intricately, & intimately a part of me.

Isofar as my "willing & open partner:" I sense that you keep much of yourself separate from your letters. And that is, of course, perfectly OK. Unusual though, in that I may have mentioned that most people who have written want to discuss anything and everything. Remoteness & written word seem to foster a degree of openness and frankness.

But in so many ways, you are quite special--and I hope that as we continue to write and exchange thoughts & ideas we will grow closer and more free in our many discussions!

And I will try to avoid such cryptic comments in the future. Promse.

Must wrap this up so it goes out in the mail this evening. There will be, unfortunately, enough mail delays with the many holidays, especially on this end.

So briefly:

>Not surprised at all that your idea of a great Thanksgiving is cooking for one plus TV! You & I would get along just fine on holidays, KK! Since I was in college, I've worked virtually ever holiday of any consequence in some medical capacity. Some great holiday stories when we get to them...

They serve holiday meals here.

>A final note on music: It is rare that a pop song gets my attention: Mercy by Duffy was one in 7/08.

But--forget her bizarre get-ups & makeup: Lady GaGa's "Bad Romance" is hypnotic & brilliantly done. I can see it playing non-stop in the dance clubs. Add "Gossip Girl" and "Twilight/New Moon/Vampires" and I guess I"m 1/4th teenage girl!

You take care and stay well. Thinking of you. Have a safe holiday.

Yours,

Michael

P.S. OMG! KK-Fantastic!

As this letter goes out on Monday, I just received your most recent letter. In which we hear of Kelly's very potential NYC Teaching Fellowship after mistakingly being told "NO". Now you're at the final interview stage.

As mentioned earlier, I told you the Universe had not spoken, F___ no!

AND you are going ot the Far East for the holidays! Postacards for moi from everywhere!

Wow--So much good news--I am truly happy for you.

Must mail this now--Will discuss abo ve & more in next letter(s).

XOXO