A Love Letter

Hi F, 
 
I loved receiving your message this morning.  

I'm home now; I came home this morning because I have so much to do.

And, yes, sometimes I do fear that this has become too much of a fairy tale for you -- something to keep you grounded while you are up in your skies, both literally and figuratively. But, I can't worry about your thoughts.  My New York decision was to worry about my own thoughts, and this was a very revolutionary concept for me. So, you can go ahead and think about me and mention me all you want because it is not my business--and this the New Yorker-type-attitude I've adopted.

Speaking of New York:  I found the most amazing books on the street yesterday.  Old classics by Woolf, Lawrence, and Wharton.  I also found this great book about the love affair between Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann and Brahms.  I don't know if I've ever told you that  all my heroes have always been named Clara: Clara Bow (the magnificent flapper girl from the 20s); Clara Schumann (Schumann's wife and Brahm's lover, who was a great pianist herself); Clara Barton (who started the American Red Cross); and Clara Vazquez (my conservatory-trained piano teacher who tried to beat some talent into me). I guess that is why I named my daughter Clara, even though she has a great birth name... Natasha Trechenko; but I told her she could change her name back when she turns 18, and I've had my fill of the name Clara.
 
On a different note, I wouldn't worry too much about my photographic memory because I am a "note-taker."  You should see my back room, which is filled with books, journals, posters, movies, and articles about all sorts of nonsense.  I'm like a contemporary note-taking monk.  In my past life I must have been one of those monks who spent the entire day at the abbey transcribing all sorts of stuff before the printing press was invented (that must have been one of my happiest past lives).

When my friends come over with life or love problems I disappear into my back room to find a book, quote, article or movie that might help them.  They know to wait because I will be gone for awhile while I search for something; they don't even bother trying to stop me anymore because I always will insist on searching, even though it might take me some time.  I'm afraid you would never want me in your house because I don't think you would appreciate the brainstorm that is on display in my life.
 
Yes, that would be great if you can visit me in disguise.  What fun!!!!  Every once in awhile you can also bring over one of your deadly sins. I think we can play with those,  if we are careful.  The other night, I was watching this great movie ("Impromptu") about all that stuff -- sins and passions and all sorts of craziness.  It was actually the BBC's version of the love affair between George Sand (the woman who dressed like a man and wrote steamy romances) and Chopin. I loved the way she wooed him like a man because he was so dainty and sickly and feminine.  And, Liszt's lover advised her that the only way to get Chopin (a "woman") was to chase and hunt because a real woman will always surrender to a real man.  So, she proceeded to take this advise and win Chopin's heart.   It was hilarious. 
 
By the way, I"m so impressed to hear that you have enough range to know when to hide your range.  I think I'm adding "cool as a cucumber" to your list of attributes.  When I move to Paris, I will need eight lovers to make one wonderful you.
 
Love
 
B