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A Thought for Today
Now and again ask yourself if you are doing enough for the people close to you. No matter who you are and how much of yourself you're giving, the answer will always be no. Don't get crazy, just do a little more. Give what you can. It will never be enough but it will be more than you gave yesterday. And probably more than you thought you were capable of giving.
A NOTE ABOUT KEN
Both Ken and I are still smarting from the time and frustration involved in trying to recover data lost when both of our hard discs went down recently. We owe it all to the same virus some well meaning (!) letter writer passed on to us. It came from "Jim Kmec" <jimk@dfc-online.com>) and the file that did the damage was entitled Navidad or something similar.
We all take our friends for granted and I'm pretty guilty of that where our Webmaster and my friend Ken Blackie is concerned. Ken really makes the difference with this website. He posts and indexes every word that appears here, covers for me when I'm late with a Flight Plan and provides you the reader with a steady stream of material when I have to be away on business.
Every Wednesday Ken writes and presides over a much anticipated weekly column he calls "This One Does It For Me"
and he's always coming up with ideas and suggestions to make A Safe Place To Land a more interesting website. As most of you know it was Ken who dragged me kicking and screaming out of a self-imposed retirement and on to The Net.
Behind the scenes he works on issues (social and personal) that concern us both and the means of finally finding a way of getting us together face to face
(he lives in far away - by air or any other means -South Africa).
Aside from ASPTL which by any stretch is a full time job he is fully employed from nine to five in his own career. My gratitude to him and his family for putting up with me (a sort of fifth wheel on their wagon) ought to be reaffirmed every day.
Recently Ken sent me the following letter with the comment: "This makes everything worthwhile, doesn't it?"
Dear Ken,
I'm writing this in the midst of a series of long nights that never seem to end. However, when I read the letter from Jo requesting the poem, "I Always Knew", and something told me I had to respond. Both you and Rod do some real life saving work, and you have got me through a few rough nights and
continue to do so still.
I was just wondering if I could have the e-mail address of this lady Jo so I could send her a word or two of encouragement, seeing as I too have been very lonely and am still looking for my soul mate. I may of course not have a prayer in the world of finding her, but at least, if I can help someone else feel better in this life, my life could be called worthwhile. Thank you so much again from the bottom of my heart for even taking the time to read this and best regards.
Sincerely, Angelo.
Ken continues:
"I know you've been getting stuff like this for the past 40 years or so but I bet you still get a kick out of it! Blue Skies, Ken. "
You bet I do, Ken, but this whole new renaissance on the web would never have been possible without you and your continued day to day involvement.
Here's some mail recovered from my iBook.
GENE POLOMBO
Dear Rod, I do not know your affiliation with Gene Palumbo, but I located his name on your website. He passed away in October, and it has only been within the last month that friends of his here in the Miami area found out.
How did you come to know him? He had a blood disease that caused him to blackout frequently. He was alone in his apartment when he blacked out and hit his head. He was found dead almost a month later.
If you have any information about Gene that you could share I'd greatly appreciate it. Sarah Guarnaccia
Dear Sarah, Your letter shocked and dismayed me. I met Gene many years ago through my old friend and manager Wade Alexander. When I copied your letter to Wade with the statement "Oh, My God" this was his answer;
"Oh my God is right...I am so upset about this. Polly Bergen who did the concert version of "Company" in Florida for him earlier in the year...which got her the role in the upcoming Broadway revival of "Follies", has done many interviews but never mentioned Gene or his death (wonder if she even
knows). This is so shocking ... another era of our lives ends. It is very, very
disturbing".
Both Wade and I knew Gene very well as do many of my fans. He was my conductor-pianist on several world tours. My favorite moment during those concerts was always that time in the evening when Gene and I improvised something together. Just piano and voice. Two such moments can be found in the album recorded live at The Sydney Opera House "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and Gene playing "Over The Rainbow" while I sang "The Beautiful Strangers" as a counterpoint. The
latter happens to be one of Michael Fienstein's favorites.
Gene was a wonderful conductor and a close friend, his talents didn't stop at conducting, he gave up music for awhile to write successful daytime television dramas in New York and Los Angeles. Gene was kind enough to interrupt his writing duties to conduct my last public concert at Resorts International in Atlantic City.
I consider his death a great personal loss and I hope you'll write again Sarah if you have any further information. Sincerely and with great sadness, Rod
THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW
Welcome back to our world. Been searching for you over the years. Was lucky enough to find some of your albums on CD.
Delighted to find you on line. Looking forward to more of your recordings on CD. Wouldn't that be the perfect Christmas gift for so many of us who long for your work.
Saw you in your Carnegie Hall birthday concert. Before the show I sat in The Carnegie restaurant. low and behold the limo pulls up and the sneakers stepped into NYC, and with that a smile and wave. You were wonderful that night .I waited in line to have your sign my book.
As I approached you, you flashed your grin and said "the girl in the window" You certainly make people feel special. Look forward to a concert in NYC. Any chance? Some of the women at work are already making plans for the great evening! With fond memories, Cathy.
Dear Cathy, thanks for the memories. I'm sure once the tour is booked it will include a New York venue. Like you, at the moment I'm forced to wait and see when and where.
There are quite a few CD's available at the moment and a new double disc set will be out before Valentines Day. Affectionately, Rod
POEMS ON WEB SITES
Hello, my name is Angie Berndt. Like everyone else, I love the poems that you've written and have many of your books. I wanted to ask you if it's legal to display some of your poems on my web page. I would like to have one section for Poems written by Rod McKuen. I just want to verify if this is cool or not. I don't want to break any laws, nor do I want to offend you. Please let me know the answer to this. Thank you. Angie B.
Dear Angie, I'm flattered and have no objection to the use of a few of my poems on your website, providing they appear in their original context and the correct copyright use and source is provided for each one. You might run them by me first so that I can check them out. Thanks for the interest. Warmly, Rod
STOP THE WAR
Hello Mr. McKuen, I have a question about an LP of
yours, the title I think is STOP THE WAR. Maybe 1967-1973 not sure. But the record cover is illustration/artwork. I have been looking for it but may have the wrong title. can you tell me which of you LP's
has cover artwork on it. I can't seem to find this cover. I am asking this because I collect the work of an illustrator who did
a cover for you back then. if you can guide me the right way,
all is so appreciated. thank, Joe.
Dear Joe, The only album that comes to mind that might fit that description is the soundtrack for the series "The Unknown War." If you told me the name of the illustrator, that might help.
During the Vietnam War I was involved in compiling a book that Stanyan Books released entitled "Stop The
War". It was illustrated with photographs taken by Anthony Goldschmidt at the Los Angeles Veterans Cemetery and finally there was an album of mine released in Holland entitled "Soldiers Who Want to be Heroes." The cover to 'Soldiers', however was a photograph and not an illustration. The first two items are available from Stanyan By Mail.
Hope you can find an answer somewhere in all of this. Best Regards, Rod
CD's & TAPES
We have some of your records from the past but want to know if they have ever been put on tapes or disc. Love your poems and your songs! Sincerely, Jack & Margaret Jacobson
Dear Jack & Margaret, for a listing of my available CD's and tapes click on the
Stanyan By Mail link on the Home Page under the heading Other Sites. All the best, Rod.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER
I've just found this site, and am delighted. I have loved your music and poetry for years. I was thrilled to order In Search Of Eros, had it in college and through the years wore it out. (Some great memories though)
My daughter now in college has discovered yet another thing in common with her mother. Last year in a dramatics competition she did Stanyan Street and Other Sorrows. It brought tears to my eyes to hear something that meant so
much to me given new meaning by my daughter. By the way, she place 2nd in South Carolina. Good material and lots of talent.
I look forward to checking the website often and just for a few moments feel young again. What a gift! Thanks so much.
Cindy Beier
Dear Cindy, I'm always thankful and pleased when my work passes from one generation to another, so thanks for your beautiful letter. "In Search of Eros" will be available on CD during the coming year and it will contain additional tracks. Love and thanks to you and your daughter. Rod.
WHERE IS GLENN LIVING?
Hello Rod, A bit of nostalgia that began with a search for music from the Limelighters a few hours ago. Nice to see your are still around after all these years.
I was (am) a very big fan of Glen Yarbrough, yesterday and so
long ago. I can't seem to find anything about him. I remember the album "Stanyan Street" Your melodic words from his voice of an angel. They could take me to places I had never been and make memories seem my own.
How is Glen doing and does he still perform? Where does he live If you have time, I would like to hear. Best to you and Glen.
Steve Wildt
Dear Steve, as the world's #1 Glenn Yarbrough fan I'm happy to report that he's very much alive, well and performing. I'm not sure how many concerts he does a year
but he seems to perform as much as he wants to.
He currently lives in Mexico. All the best, Rod.
A CHRISTMAS READING
Dear Rod, how are you? Hope you're keeping well and that the computer virus is soon curtailed.
My wife, Stella (who sends her very best wishes), has been asked to read a poem at our carol concert for the seriously ill patients at the Marillac Hospice in Brentwood, Essex. Have you got something special she could use, please? I've printed out your pages from Christmas Day last year and the year before.
The poems thereon are ideal but I wonder whether you might
have something more special in mind that could be recited in the knowledge that it bears your "seal" and comes with your greetings for a peaceful Christmas and New Year. The concert is on Sunday 17 December, short notice I know but I feel sure you will wish to help if you can.
Many thanks in anticipation - and all you wish yourself at this special time. Ernie Hazlewood.
Dear Ernie, As you may have noticed I've been printing Christmas poems nearly every day for the past week or so and will continue to do so right through December.
Since you have last year's entries you might couple them with those printed so far this year and make a choice from the whole batch. All the best and good luck to Stella on her reading next week. Sincerely, Rod
TWO LETTERS
I have just found your web site. My heart leaps, my mind races. I am joyously happy to have finally found you. I see you have been very busy.
When we moved, and went through books to give away, I kept all my Rod McKuen poem books. I have always loved the way you put your feelings to paper. I am looking forward to visiting here often. The world has never forgotten you, and you are loved. Welcome back, Dear Friend. Sincerely, Lola Mallory
Dear Mr. McKuen: In the early '70's, I was introduced to your poetry and music. In the following years I managed to collect 19 of your books and several LPs (one being Frank Sinatra's "A Man Alone -- I'm trying to find the CD). As time passed, I, along with thousands of other fans wondered where you were and hoped you were well.
In May of 1999, I came across your website while at work. It couldn't have come at a better time. In January of that year, my wonderful companion and best friend of 8 years died very suddenly at age 52. (Interestingly enough, his birthday is April 27th). I was pretty much a lost soul.
I went into work early every morning, logged onto your site and read everything that was there. Slowly, as the weeks passed, some peace of mind was restored and the healing began. I very quickly ordered the CDs "The Sea" and "Listen To The Warm". Living in Northern Ontario, Canada, (Shania Twain country) I figured they would take forever to arrive, but within two weeks, there they were.
Every few weeks, I would put on "Listen To The Warm", (my favourite in both venues) grab one your books and re-read
it. In tow were my two other best friends - a 13 year old, rather large orange cat named Sam who thinks he rules my apartment (and probably does!) and a 5 year old, gentle, shy, grey Persian cat named Duchess who I adopted when she was 2.
That following October, I had a chance to take early retirement and did. It was time. One of your poems that has given me comfort is "Some
Traveling Music" - - especially when some kind but occasionally misguided friends feel I should spend every waking hour on outside activities. Recently, I bought myself a home computer and when it was fired up, the first place I headed for was your website and it was immediately 'bookmarked'. It greets me every morning.
The purpose of this rather long letter is to give you my deepest
thanks. Your words and music have contributed in no small measure to my peace of mind and healing. Stay well, happy and safe. Nora
Dear Lora and Nora, Thanks for the sweet letters. You and people like you are the reason this site exists. I think you owe yourself a thank you note. Luv, Rod
HELLO AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS
This is Scott M. I hope you are fine and was wondering if you were married or looking to the outer life for some one.
Bob and I were very close for over 6 years and his comfort was so much I can not explain it. I never found some one like that again. I love listening to your music when the holidays draw near and I hope to own some more of your recordings soon.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Scott M.
Dear Scott, I'm not currently married but I'm in a very committed relationship that makes all the difference in the world.
Thanks for caring about my music and I return your kind wishes for the holidays. Don't be upset if you aren't spending Christmas with someone special, remember a New Year waits just around the corner. New Year, and three hundred sixty-five new chances. Warmly, Rod
THE LAST WORD
IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?
We now live in a country where we have no President but we
do have ...
1) a dead Senator from Missouri going to Congress.
2) a fake President played on TV by Martin Sheen.
3) a new Senator from New York who used to be the wife of
the boss of the man who may be President.
4) a Governor from Florida who is the brother of the man
who may be President and son of a man who was.
5) a sitting President whose wife now will be hanging
around the same men who voted to remove him from office.
6) a senior Senator from South Carolina who, under our
current Constitution rules, could be appointed to be President in this standoff despite the fact that he is 98.
7) a potential Vice President who, because he did not take
his name off the Connecticut Senate race, could end up being
the deciding factor in how the Senate is composed.
8) a Republican VP candidate who may be barred from taking
office as he is really a Texas resident and can't serve with
a Texas president.
And finally ....
9) A state where a Republican Secretary of State and a
Democratic Attorney General try to determine the outcome of
25 electoral votes without appearing to be partisan.
(Submitted by Carol Drouyn)
Frank Sinatra was born 85 years ago tomorrow. Join me when I introduce a new poem written especially for him. Sleep warm.
RM 12/10/2000 Previously unpublished
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