Bob SJ August 2010 Letter

August 19, 2010

Dear Bob.

Thanks much for sending me the Land of Mystical Dreams (LMD) and the chapter about Theo Maniatis.

As I read LMD I seem to be able to see Homer’s “wine dark sea” and the “translucent moon” over your veranda. Also the small motorboat passing through the “yellowish ribbon of the sun setting across the sea” reminded me of a Monet painting I’ve seen.

I greatly enjoyed your description of Theo Maniatis. What a journey he’s been on. You’ve painted a colorful portrait of him just like you did of “The One and Only Granetta.” It seems to me that the combination of your vivid descriptions of people and the way you capture the land and landscapes means you’ve got a budding,  fine book on your hands.

Yes, believe it or not I still yo-yo but not like the old days.

Sharon Stone could stay with me too although I’d prefer Catherine.

Sure would like to see Sandy’s Venice art show.

The New York Athletic Club honored Bobby Knight last Tuesday and I attended. Bobby and I are friends and I used to travel with his Army bball team in the late 60’s and early 70’s. He won over 100 games and lost only 50 when he was there against top competition without any potential pro on his teams and no one over 6’6. I think it’s the best coaching job I’ve ever seen.

Jeri’s mom has just been placed in a nursing home in California so she’s leaving tomorrow to go out and be with her for a while. Her mom has Alzheimer’s. She’s deteriorating but surprisingly still a very content person. But it’s hard to watch.

I just completed ANNE SEXTON, THE LAST SUMMER by Linda Sexton. Your might recall Sexton was a Pulitzer Prize winning poet back in the 60’s and 70’s,  She had a highly successful but sad life and finally committed suicide in 1974.  I read it with great interest since my best friend took his life in 2001. It’s something I’ll never really get over. I still think of him almost every day.  

I’m reading now THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST by Steig Larson. A very good read. It’s the third novel in a trilogy by Larson. I cheated on the first two novels and just went to the movie versions which were also very well done

I’m starting to read the AENEID. It will be a long haul but I’m enjoying it. Some of those old guys could sure write.

And speaking of writing please send to me any of your Paros chapters which you feel like sharing. You might be getting older (like me) but your writing skills sure haven’t diminished.

My very best to you and Sandy.

Mike