Seems to me that even though everybody’s communicating with everybody else all the time now, everybody’s got less to say, says it in a hurry, using abbreviations I still haven’t figured out. Does LOL mean lots of love or laugh out loud?
I miss getting mail, holding a letter in my hand, feeling close to someone who really thought about what they were writing.
I’ve saved a few letters from when I was younger, tied them in a blue satin ribbon. My boyfriend at the time wrote them by hand, so not only do I have his words, I can look at his handwriting done in the thick inky pen he used to write his college notes in, touch the paper he wrote on, touch the paper he touched.
I love those letters—and not just because I haven’t received any love letters in years.
Does anybody ever save their Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Text, Instagram, Pinterest, or whatever is the newest internet communication program? Tie them in a blue satin ribbon?
LOVE LETTERS THROUGH TIME
Napoleon to Josephine
“…Some fine night, the doors will be broken open, and there I’ll be.”
Elizabeth Barrett to Robert Browning
…”It seems to me, to myself, that no man was ever before to any woman what you are to me.”
Zelda to F. Scott Fitzgerald
…”Scott—there’s nothing in the world I want but you—and your precious love.”
Sara Delano Roosevelt to her son Franklin
“Darling Franklin, I am feeling pretty blue. You are gone…Do write. I am already longing to hear.”
Elizabeth Taylor to Richard Burton
“…I wish I could tell you of my…pure animal pleasure for you…Anyway, I lust thee.”
Marilyn Monroe to Joe DiMaggio
“…I love you till my heart could burst. All I love, all I want, all I need is you—forever.”
Patty Smith to Robert Mapplethorpe
“…of all of your work, you are still your most beautiful. The most beautiful work of all.”
1957 College Boy to College Girl
“I have always loved you—then, now, and tomorrow….You are the one object that I have been able to touch with all that I feel.”
2016 Guy on Internet to Girl on Internet
“Nice profile. U r cute. Want 2 hook up.”
MOM’s TWEETS TO DAUGHTER
Tweet
I’m looking forward to your mother-in- law’s dinner Sunday but if she’s making her faux sushi meatballs again, I might have a previous engagement.
@XO Mom #acidindigestion
Tweet
Just out of curiosity, I was looking at some of those dating sites for seniors. Do you think people lie about their age? Do I have to tell my real weight?
@XO Mom #forever21
Tweet
Do you think there is an age limit for wearing false eyelashes?
@XO Mom #extending
Tweet
Jennifer said she’d hang out with me on Saturday. Tell your daughter to leave her iPhone at home. Tell me what you’re supposed do when you hang out.
@XO Mom #ishangoutlikehookup
Tweet
I had a checkup with Dr. Fisher yesterday. He didn’t find anything wrong. Do you think I should change doctors?
@XO Mom #gonefishing
Tweet
I was just thinking, why did you go to graduate school and why did we pay for it?
@XO Mom #wasted
GRANNY’S TEXTING TO GRANDDAUGHTER
July 1:
You met him on the computer? You saw his picture? How do you know it’s his picture? How do you know he’s not a serial killer from Boston?
July 14:
You’re meeting him tonight? You’re going out with a stranger? Don’t get in his car. I’ll call you a few time to make sure you’re alright so make sure you answer. But you want me to go with you—I’ll wait in the car. I’m not doing anything anyway. I can miss watching “America’s Got Talent.” It’s reruns anyway.
July 15:
You got home? You didn’t call me yet. Sooooo? Did he buy you dinner? Who paid? You like him? He has a job—a real one not like a musician. Tell me everything. He has a mother? He lives with her or who?
July 16:
I know you’re very busy. So call me later tonight and tell me everything. Don’t forget anything. I won’t tell your mother.
Emails I Never Sent
To Jane Fonda,
I’ve never been a fan of yours. You were too pretty and too thin. But I wanted you to know that I changed my mind. I’ve been watching “Grace and Frankie” on Netflik and if you’re really like Grace, I am now a big fan. We have something in common, We both had three husbands but I still have my third one, Could you please tell me who did your face work and how many times. You look good but you’d look even better if you gained a few pounds. Big butts are in these days and yours is flat.
Your fan,
Gingy
To My Daughter,
I told you to marry the other guy.
Love,
Mom
To Chelsea Handler,
I read you grew up in Livingston, New Jersey. I raised my children there but I want you to know I was born and grew up in MANHATTAN. ON THE EAST SIDE! Thank goodness we both got out of Livingston. You’re very pretty all over. I bet if you looked like me, you wouldn’t have your own show. Do you really use all those drugs? I read they might give you facial hair and make you bald, then what would you do?
Your fan,
Gingy
To Gloria Steinem,
I just read how old you are. Older than me by a few months. Not a big deal but it is something. You still look good. Not as good as you used to but better than me. You must do a lot of maintenance. Actually, I think you have more neck wrinkles than I have— but you’re much thinner than me. I bet you could still fit into your Playboy Bunny outfit. I’ve kept a few of my thin clothes but I can’t get them over my head or past what used to be my waistline. Well, anyway, glad you’re still here. And I am, too.
Gingy
You’re just a button click away– and I’d love to hear from you.
About your world, your family, your joys and frustrations, growing up, growing older, even recipes–even though I stopped cooking–by request–years ago.
Goodbye until next time…
Hope your day turns out as well as I hope
(but doubt) my will,
Gingy (Ilene)
Hi Ilene
I save cards and hide them in places I might not see for a while–like the top of the dryer. Being in the dungeon also referred to as an unfinished basement, the top rarely gets cleaned. But when it does, there is a wonderful card from a friend or family member that makes me happy. Today I found one in a photo album– where I had gone because neither my hubby or I could remember the year we took a trip to Portugal–and found a card from from 1995!
Marion
P.S. I wondered, was it odd for you to watch actors portray you on stage? Did you want to correct them? To say- that is not the way that happened? Or that was exactly what I was feeling at the time?
just wondering….
Hello Gingy,
You won’t remember me, I am one of many who was lucky enough to be cast as you in a reading of “Love, Loss and What I Wore” and feels some sort of connection to you because of it. Whatever role I’ve played I have torn through books and videos and now of course, the internet, searching for tidbits of wisdom, your personal reflections, any scrap, quote, insight into the ‘character’ I am about to portray. No pun intended, but your background was an open book…or books I should say, and I read them all.
Research is a different animal to actors these days……all my students’ initial reaction is to hit youtube and see how someone else played the part…until I take their phone away and insist they dig deeper. Don’t get me wrong, the internet is a wonderful source and should be utilized, but a library …holding the book in your hand and requiring your mind to conjure an image is an experience that takes you from page to stage.
But this was a very different experience for me. Not only did I get to hear experiences from the source as you the author, wrote about yourself and your life and those you’ve loved. Not only did I get this in your own voice-but you came to us and spoke to us, AND you portrayed yourself on opening night! You would think this would be a most welcome opportunity….film actors have this experience when they portray someone in a based on a true story,
made for TV film; they spend time with the ‘real’ person, discuss things with them, try to emulate their characteristics, their walk, their look.
I don’t think my interpretation of you and your work was wrong, but it wasn’t quite right either. After all, I don’t look like you…I wasn’t directed to dress like you-not even the head scarf. So I was a little intimidated, not a feeling I am familiar with or comfortable having. How could my portrayal have any merit? It would be compared with the real McCoy and not received as my own. Should I switch gears and watch how she does it? try to copy it? Should I read that line like she does? Until that time, I felt this sort of genuine connection in your writing with you….not similar background but not so different experiences either. When I knew you were coming and then playing yourself, I allowed this to interrupt my process….almost as if you the person and you the author I researched were two different people.
We had three Gingys, for three different weekends, and I luckily, did not have to follow you, but opened the second weekend. Gave me enough time to stop reflecting on how your presence affected me the actor, and time to get back to the Gingy I felt I knew in that personal way we all hold characters in books near and dear to our hearts …reading the last chapters of books ever so slowly trying to prevent it from ending.
Unfortunately, my vanity prevented me from fully seizing that opportunity to know you and talk to you, not as a character I was to portray, but as the beautiful, loving and wonderfully detailed person that you are. And I regret that.
But it was an honor to play you just the same…..and I am thrilled to be reading you once again. This time, you….the real Gingy.
Fondly,
Paula Brannon
Dear Gingy, I am just seeing this. I love it so much. I feel the same about letters as you do. I have letters from my best friend who died 15 years ago, starting when we were separated during our college years, complete with her illustrations and I treasure them. I had a lengthy email correspondence with a friend who moved cross country 15 years ago as well. We went through my Diane’s death, her father’s death, and tons of fun and happy times as well. Though they were typed out emails I printed and bound them so we’d each have a copy and they’re wonderful to re-visit. Your texts made me giggle. I found out long ago that LOL is really just one thing– laugh out loud — when I inadvertently used it in response to a friend whose brother had passed away. What I am especially crazy about are hashtags, Gingy. They make everything better. #OldAF, Carol
Love the tweets. I’m gonna have to get a cell phone…The love letters are so interesting, insightful, and fun! I have my love letters in a shoebox. Tying them with ribbon sounds like a great idea. Now I’ll have to go on a mission to find the perfect ribbon! Arlyne, I love to knit and to a lesser extent crochet and embroider. Knitting keeps me sane. I make baby blankets for everyone I know from close family members to my hairdresser. Next up, my co-teacher’s daughter. I don’t have grandchildren yet, but I work with 4 year olds. Just sang 5 Little Monkeys 2 days ago! It sounds like you live in a beautiful place in the country. I’m a city girl, so I would go crazy in a week if I lived there, but I would love to visit a place like that (no, I’m not inviting myself to your place!). Gingy, your drawings fascinate me. You say so much with just a few lines. April
Thanks Miftolo but I’m my own rewriter…and I’ll try to be more unique and fresh.
Ilene/Gingy
I wish I could respond to everybody individually but I don’t have the computer
skills (or funds for apps or whatever they are called). So please keep commenting
and sharing. I’m so happy to hear from everybody. XO Ilene/Gingy
IF my hands aren’t busy doing something creative then I’m munching on something. I’m on my 14th neck scarf this winter, and it has lowered my anxiety 100%. So, if your reading my reply, and have never knitted before, and have anxieties, I challenge you to take it up. It’s so relaxing & the yarns today come in so many fabulous colors as well as glittery ones..which I love the best. Soft and glittery..
Being a grandmother of an almost 4 year old boy is another of my highlights in my life. He loves to come to our cabin and jump on the bed (I sing the monkey on the bed song & then he jumps into my arms), nothing like love in action..of course I feel the pain after he leaves.
Gingy, what age did you begin to write & draw? Any insights on being a grandmother of a 4year old boy? Do any of your children or grandchildren write or draw?
The sun is shining so I need to get my hiking boots on and then head out to the trail. Another highlight of my day. I don’t ever want to loose sight of where we live and all the beauty it holds..everywhere there is beauty all around, make the time to discover something new. I promise you it will renew you & inspire you.
Love you very berry much, glad we connected again!☘️
i want to read the missing parts of the old love letter!!
and i think you should tell Jane fonda to listen to “I’m all about that bass” by Megan Trainor. And i looooove everything you blog.
Ilene: So glad you let me know about your blog. I love it! Keep up the good stuff, I’ll be watching!
Best to you, Karen
Dear dear dear Ilene, I was thinking of you just last week. Love the blog!
Now I know at least one other person who’s kept all her old boyfriends’ letters. Alas, mine are wrapped in rubber bands. Now I’ve got a reason for my ribbon collection and i can put the bows to a better purpose.
Love the blog and thanks.
Thanks for comments…and Peggy, terrific way to start the day. Your Blue Purse
Walmart story and your adorable son. You did a great job with both.
I found out you can respond to individual comments but it’s too complicated
for me to do. But I love reading the comments about people’s lives and adventures and I’m sure others do too. Please, everybody, keep sharing.
Hope life is being good to everybody.
Ilene/Gingy (same person)
Dear Ilene. You probably will not remember my name, though we met at the Erma Bombeck Writers Conference. I was initially attracted to you for three reasons:
1) You were very entertaining on the panel discussion.
2.) You were the only person there who was older than I.
3.) Our identical (Kipling) purses bonded at one of the workshops. Since that bonding, my purse has had an amazing adventure. Her story has gone viral on the internet, reaching well over 100 million people, worldwide. Perhaps your purse would enjoy hearing about it.
http://mikerowe.com/2016/09/mondays-with-mother/
And now I have a fourth reason to like you: Cool blog!
Peggy Rowe
LOVE LOVE LOVE this LOL…Lots of Love!!!!
Holly
Thanks so much for sharing with me and I am forwarding it to our Love Lost Cast!!
Hello and Hugs to Stanley!!
Hi Ilene,
Love your stuff, so very much enjoying it. I think it was a fantastic idea for you to do this. Keep firing it out!
All Best,
Macheis
Love your blog. Wish I had something clever to say. My family members are all well and busy, thank God, so I have learned to make my life full and busy. Love your letter to your granddaughter. My granddaughters answer me in short texts. I hope we have a country to leave to our grandchildren. My women friends have become so important to me. They are smart, active, and caring about each other. And always ready for a good time, whatever that may mean at our age! Love, Phyllis
Hi Ilene,
So fun. Thanks for doing this. I can almost forget the national nightmare. We need to laugh more these days, your writing is a big help. If you send me your address, I will send you an almost love letter.
Love,
Maggie
First, Gingy, you are brilliant! Second, I hope you copywrited this blog- and that you learned something from your experience with “Show Business people” like Ms. Ephron. Your writing belongs to you- and its benefits should go to you.
LOL- now I know it means “lots of love”, “lots of laughs” and “lots of luck” even though my grandchildren say I am wrong.
I am your BFE !
I love your sense of humor. Laughing is better than crying, frowning, or kvetching, isn’t it?
Love your blog, Gingy! You’re a brilliant writer.
Hi Gingy, Larry’s granddaughter here. Barbara sent me your blog and I love it (same for your books). I enjoy reading about your life and your clever and humorous take. I hope you continue and look forward to reading more. Regards, Kim
Gingy,
Thank you first for writing a second blog! Your first one was brilliant and now this one is brilliant at times two! The first when I was sitting in my hairdresser see when I read it and I just know you are someone so special to me, far away in miles but close in heart. Always and forever, love Lisa
And now I’ve read your second blog as I just finished writing my son each and every day for six weeks plus. Handwritten letters and he wrote me back! I’ve saved each and every one of them and will tie them in a satin bow! Thank you for the idea. I wish I could write him tonight but alas he is in Germany training and I don’t know where he is exactly. However, I can write to him and save it and that is what I’ll do thanks to you. Hugs and love Stormy Lisa
Yo Gingy;
You rite very good. You shud make more kartoons they are funny.
Keep up the cool stuff. You are my BFF, from foreve.
JMWP
Your blog site is so cool. Your voice rings through these excellent posts. The layout delights my eyes. You are a wonder. When I read what you write, it makes me happy.
Hi Gingy,
Another niece of Larry’s here, sister Barbara sent me the link to your blog which is delightful in every way. Your writing and your drawings are so clever, unique and so true. The photo of you in profile with your hair in a braid is how I remember you! I saw LL&WIW on Broadway, and I was thrilled that our local Actor’s Theater presented it in 2015 & 2016 as an encore run by popular demand! It was FAB at both venues. Sometime will you write about what it was like to collaborate with Nora Efrom and her daughter? I look forward to your next posting. All best to you.
Hi Gingy,
Love tour blog!
I was a widow for four and a half years, and one day woke up, and realized that ai was the only one who could change my unhappy existence. I went on Match.com and Jdate. I met my handsome, sexy, amazingly wonderful second husbAnd on Match. He was my first date! So I found love on the Internet!
What a delight and nice ending to my day. I made a hot cup of tea just to nestle down and indulge in your newest entry. Love your perspective and philosophy!
Oh my, I feel like Sally Fields when she was given an Oscar in 1984 for “Places in the Heart”and said in her acceptance speech, “You like me. You really like me.” Had I
known I could get such a response from a Blog, I wouldn’t have needed years of
therapy. Everybody should write a Blog!
Ilene/Gingy
Love, love ,love your blog. So on target, fun to read, humorous and adorable! Keep it up Gingy, I love it! Barbara (larry’s niece )
Hi I.B.,
I hope this message reaches you since I do have my limitations communicating through any kind of social media. Love the blog……love reading everyone’s comments….love the graphics…..love you!
You continue to amaze me. I think you should have your own talk show. It could be called “Fun With Gingy”. I would watch it all the time and say…I know that lady. We used to work together. Then I would feel very important and tell everyone.
Thanks for keeping in touch. I will follow along. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Love,
Joyce
great…i was told by someone who was there, that when elizabeth was asked what she loved about or why she fell in love with richard burton,
she replied. ” do you know that if he doesn’t know a word her looks it up”
AMAZING! so proud!