Of Lilacs and Languages

Dear W,
I swear, as I opened your letter, the lovely aroma of lilacs permeated my room. You were so dear and thoughtful to remember - and sent the little blossoms. I immediately went to my poetry books to see what the poets had to say about lilacs. I especially like Amy Lowell:

"Heart leaves of lilac
all over New England,
Roots of lilac under all the soil
of New England
Lilac in me because I am
New England..."

Do you know Amy Lowell? She was a Cambridge gal (my hometown). She was a fine poet, but an eccentric lady. For instance, she smoked cigars (and in public!) before women were smoking cigarettes. She lived in the last quarter of the 18th century and the first quarter of the 20th. And her brother was President of Harvard University.

Now about foreign languages. I'm so happy you asked me, for as you know, I've promised not to "butt in" my opinion unasked. Please, please, dear W, take any and all languages you are offered. Rejoice you are offered French in highschool. That will leave you Spanish (and Italian) to take in college where time will be scarce. Spanish is a cinch, and, after you learn that, a few months will give you Italian - very much like Spanish. If I had my way, French would be introduced into all schools in Grade 2 (that's two). I took all three languages, and while I like Spanish the best, there's no question that French is the elite language - especially in diplomatic circles, in restaurants, with designer clothes, etc. While I was in Italy and, later, Mexico, if I couldn't think of the word I wanted (or needed) in Italian or Spanish, I could in French. Same when I was in France. I usually spoke a combination of all three languages (it had been years, remember).

Well, you have your Michael Jackson (thank heaven it wasn't Boy George). And I have my Jesse. (His picture is in this mess of stuff). Also articles of Menudo and a final hurrah of Men At Work. Tell me, do you prefer records or cassettes? How did your oboe solo "Memory" go? I'd love to see "Cats". In fact, I'd love ten days in New York in September to see all the new plays and musicals.

Thank you again for the lilacs.

Love,
E