Yesterday, a dear friend suggested I bring “Love and Joy” to my creative writing process. Today, I found myself bringing “Love and Lettuce” to the Food Pantry at the Germantown Neighborhood Center. Joy, however, was a missing element in my trip. Instead, I walked away sobbing.
I sobbed for the mouths I could not feed.
I sobbed for the communication barrier between myself and the Asian community.
I sobbed for the woman who looked broken hearted when I told her she was taking too much.
I sobbed for the old man in the wheelchair who said he’d been there in line since 10 last night.
What prompted me to bring the Love and Lettuce was an experience I had in June. I was walking my dog at Snug Harbor School. There was a very old Asian couple picking leaves off a tree. I had recently downloaded Plant Identification ++ app and was intrigued why they chose this tree. After much communication difficulty, I learned the leaves were edible and used in soups. My heart felt full of awe and admiration for their knowledge and resourcefulness to feed themselves. At the same time, my stomach felt sickened by the reality they did this to meet their BASIChuman needs. Eating. I vowed then I would try to provide food from my garden come harvest time.
The lettuce in my garden is now growing beyond what I can consume. I’ve given it to neighbors and friends. I’ve attempted several times to talk to the old Asian people I run into on my walks at the school. I try to ask them if they want lettuce. I try to invite them to come with me to my house and give it to them fresh. They don’t understand me. They end up shooing me away in frustration. I walk away feeling so sad because I know they would be happy to follow me if they could only understand what I was saying. So I decided I would attempt to reach them through the Food Pantry, which is only open on certain days. Today was that day.
I wasn’t sure the Center would just let me bring my hand-picked lettuce. Rather than pick it and have it go to waste, I decided to walk up and find out first. I got there around 8:30 a.m. and found people standing in line. I asked what time they opened and a nice man in a wheel chair told me 9:30. I was flabbergasted they were already in line. He told me he had been there since 10 pm last evening. With a pained look across my face, the only thing I could utter was… “WHY?” His answer was “It’s better to be there all night and be one of the first in line than to show up in the morning and wait in line for hours.” Given that today was a scorcher and there was no shade for the people, I understood him fully. I was extremely uncomfortable after a 5 minute walk in the hot soupy air. Not to mention, I am sure the pickings get slimmer the longer you wait in line.
I asked him if he thought I could donate fresh lettuce from my garden if I picked it. He assured me even if the Center wouldn’t take it that the people in line would. I thanked him for all of his information, gave him a Loving touch on the shoulder, and said “I will be right back”. I walked home crying for this nice guy who waits out all night long for FOOD.
I got the biggest tray I could find and picked as much lettuce as I could possibly fit on it. I then hand-washed and carefully placed each leaf with Love on the platter. Presentation is Everything they say! I say it is about the intention put forth behind the presentation… The Love.
I grabbed a box of Ziploc baggies so people could have something to put their lettuce leaves in and headed back to the school, all the while balancing my big tray of lettuce on top of a baby carriage. It was a feat but I was determined to bring Love and Lettuce to the people.
The line had gotten much, much longer when I returned. I realized there was no way I had enough baggies for everyone and there was no way the lettuce was enough to go around. That pained me.
I was trying to handle both the tray of lettuce and the baby but was struggling to do so. An old Asian woman attempted to help me with the tray. I decided right there and then she needed to be someone who should get first dibs on the lettuce. Rather than bring the tray into the Center, I had her place the tray down on a concrete landing step. I handed her a baggy and motioned for her to take some lettuce. I looked around at the other Asian women nearby and motioned for them to take some as well.
The woman grabbed a section that was a significant portion of the tray. I looked at her and said “too much” and motioned for her to look around at all of the other people. She did not understand me and withdrew completely thinking I was telling her she couldn’t have any at all. She looked so sad. I then reassured her I wanted her to have it and took the baggie and showed how much was appropriate to put into it and handed it to her.
The other Asian women watching us uttered sounds of understanding and their eyes lit up. They reached for baggies and took one appropriate bunch of lettuce I looked out at the others in line and motioned them to come get a baggie. I saw eyes squinting in the uncomfortable heat looking back at me with realization it would be gone by the time they reached me. They were right. It was all gone within seconds. I felt devastated. I did what I could. I should feel good inside for what I could do but somehow it was overshadowed by the pain I felt inside at what I witnessed.
I brought Love and Lettuce. Joy was lacking, but I did find Gratitude. I am grateful I finally bridged a communication gap and was able to feed people who I could tell were very appreciative for it as I KNEW they would be. I couldn’t feed them all, but maybe the lettuce got to those who needed it most. Tonight, I am Content with that thought.
I am going to KEEP bringing Love. Perhaps Joy will follow.
Tonight I attended the City of Quincy’s annual Chamber of Commerce meeting. It was essentially an opportunity for local business owners and political people to network and to honor individuals and local businesses that have contributed to innovation and economic success for our city. I am not a business owner. I am not a politician. Currently, I do not even have a job. Networking is not even my thing. In fact, social situations are extremely awkward for me. I was COMPLETELY outside my comfort zone but I was there because I am in a place of yearning. I yearn to take what is left of my seemingly insignificant life and use it in a significant way. I am reaching out and networking because I desire to learn from those who have done it or are doing it.
As an introvert, it feels like there is a billboard across my forehead that reveals me as socially inept. I was extremely grateful for the woman named Denise who made immediate introductions and shared that she too was just networking. She gave me useful information she has learned in her experiences thus far and recommended an organization for me. Already I felt a sense of promise. I reached beyond my comfort zone and answers were being provided.
I chose to sit at the table where Denise was sitting. A young girl named Anna sat down next to me. She was easy to talk to and shared she does marketing and fundraising for the Quincy Community Action Program (QCAP). I knew what QCAP was because I enjoyed the benefits of QCAP when my children were very small. A friendly woman named Rebecca from QCAP would come to my home once a week and bring either a new book or toy to help provide early education to lower income families. What a significant thing it would be to support or align with QCAP as a resource for my visionary ideas for the children of our city. Although I still have no formal plan, marketing and fundraising will be a need and I now have a friendly face to reach out to when I do.
After two positive interactions, I felt courageous enough to get up from the table and start walking the room. My plan was to make my way around the entire outskirt and hopefully it would be time to sit down and hear the speakers and awards by the time I made it back to the table. I became conscious of that invisible billboard but pushed through and thought… “I’m going to talk to the first person I see alone because they may feel like me”. I came across this older gentlemen who reminded me of Burl Ives. I could feel a cheerful depth in his character. He shared he does video productions. Well no wonder. Creativity brings joy. He captures it. Another skillset needed for my creative visions. My heart was happy!!! Gifts of resources I could potentially collaborate with and I am ALL about collaboration!
I continued to make my way around the room. There were several people I saw from across the way who I intuitively knew I wanted to connect with. One was an older wise-looking woman who seemed familiar to me. There was another older man with reddish brown hair who also looked familiar. Then there was another a gentleman I saw on Quincy Coffee Talk the week before who was aligned with my visions and goals. Lastly, there was the man whose great easy-going smile I captured from the annual Quincy Flag Day Parade. I wanted to know the man behind the smile!
The most awkward part of this networking experience was every person asking me what business I was from and I would have to reply “I am not a business owner.”, which would inevitably be followed by the question of “Oh, what company do you work for?”, which zapped me in my gut to have to reply “I’m unemployed”, but I would follow that up with forced enthusiasm initially and begin explaining I am exploring becoming a small business. When I began to talk of my ideas for the children, my true enthusiasm would come to the surface. I could tell I was making connections with people’s synapses. Even still, I would leave each person recognizes the degrading reality that I am unemployed and had nothing to offer anyone who attempted to network with me.
The first person I could connect with from those I had scoped out was the older wise-looking woman. She listened to me and I could see in her eyes she had a vision of something… a use. She worked for the Milton Times. She told me to call her and we will have a conversation. Photo journalism and writing is an absolute my dream job of mine. The very fact this woman works for a local newspaper outfit was just another absolute miracle of a connection to be making and she is willing to talk with me!
All of the other individuals were tied up in conversations and I found myself back at the table. I refused to sit down. I went for round 2 around the room. I found a warm looking African American woman standing all by herself. She listened to me talk about my visionary creative ideas for the children and making use of the Performing Arts Center that is to be built in our City. She reminded me with good sense these are hard goals. I acknowledged that but reminded her “Miracles do Happen!!!” She said very warmly back with a loving smile “Yes, they do”. Later, when the mayor talked with pride about developing the Performing Arts Center, the woman locked eyes with me, gave me a huge smile, a big thumbs up and a wink as if to say… “You got this girl!!!” I felt HOPE!!!
I was then able to connect with the man with the smile. He was swarmed with people and all I got to do was introduce myself as the photographer of the photo and accept his business card. Somehow I have all the business cards that were given to me except his so he still remains a mystery man for me. One day, at the right time, I imagine we will make a connection again.
Then I briefly was able to connect with the man, Ian Cain, from the Quincy Coffee Talk program. He was earning an award for his contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship. I shared how much he inspired me listening to him and was able to give him a short summary of my goals. He was interested in hearing more but the speakers were about to begin. I plan to definitely connect with him at a later date and it will not be awkward for me because we have already made introductions.
As we were waiting for the room to settle down, the last man I wanted to connect with who had reddish-brown hair sat at my table. I knew I would chat with him when the presentation was over and I did. He was in real estate. I had promised a friend I would see if there were any real estate connections and here was one. Yet another gift!
Unfortunately, that conversation did not feel as good as the rest. You see… what is currently motivating me to push past my comfort zone is pain. I began to speak of my goals with this man and then I got vulnerable. I shared a bit of my personal story as to why and fell apart. I had to excuse myself and leave. I am not going to beat myself up about it. I was genuine with every person that I spoke with. I got more connections than I expected and they were the ones I needed to help further my goals. I did good. I am a human being and I have pain. It’s a GREAT motivator!
HARMONY. That’s the ONE word that expresses the world I wish to live in. Yes… I want to LIVE. I’m tired of existing in a rat-race, broken system where people want to get off the wheel, feel trapped in cages, or powerless to do anything of their own might to fix the system. It’s time to break people free of the cages, and not just the literal ones holding kids on the US / Mexico border. Yes, that’s still happening.
I SEE a world where people are happy and thriving because they are giving and caring and working toward a collective common goal: Our Re-Creation.
I SEE a world where we can LIVE in Harmony with our inner selves, nature, and humanity at large.
We’ve had the Renaissance
We’ve had the Reformation
We’ve had the Revivals
We’ve had the Reconstruction
We’ve had the Revolutions
How about we try something new? I believe it is time for our Re-Creation and our Recreation… “Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings. ~Led Zeppelin”. Yes, words matter. So do feelings.
Creation: The act of bringing the world into ordered existence.
The world exists but is so disordered. It is time to get organized. Collaboration is KEY in the 21st Century.
Recreation: (rec-re-a-tion) An act of leisure.
The need to do something for recreation is an essentialelement of human biology and psychology. FUN!!!
When I hear the word recreation, I think of a place I spent summers as a child. “Recreation” was offered for children in the town of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts to spend the day in a safe, enjoyable environment while parents went off to work or took a break from child care.
As an introvert, I do not do well in groups, but I LOVED recreation. There was something for everyone to have FUN! There was sports for the natural athletes, crafts for the natural creatives, and field trips galore to lots of fun and educating places! At the end of each day, you got to take one piece of candy from a big pail and that ONE piece was enough. I loved the root beer barrels.
I still FEEL warm and fuzzies inside when I think of those summer days in my youth playing outdoors at “Recreation”. I knew what FUN was then. It was simple things like a piece of chalk, a jump rope, or even just my hands and another willing person to play “Oh Lady Mack”. As an adult, I now find FUN challenging. We have lost focus on the things that made us FUN people. We have phased out things like music, art and sports in school budgets where the process of creating FUN and collaborative exploration of our human potential all begins.
Warm and fuzzies is what I want it to FEEL like as we re-create us. We don’t need to tear down and start from scratch. We just need to remember and reconnect with the goodness that we already ARE. We don’t need to race to win. We need to relax and re-focus our Vision.
Here are three examples of what I imagine is possible in a Harmonious World. What do you imagine is possible?
It looks like “Recreation” did. Learning through ALL modalities inside and outdoors, exploring through field trips and hands on experience, but better than “Recreation” because it is not about childcare, it’s about child investment. It’s about exposing children to everything we have to offer of Value so they can find their way. It’s about allowing children to discover their place of Value in our World by fostering their natural inner strengths and gifts to come forth. Every one of us has a gift. No longer will it be a misfortune that some of us never get to shine and show it.
It truly breaks my heart to think of the children who are happy, joyous and free in elementary school who later on in middle and high school, realize they do not have what it takes academically. I have watched what has happened to some of my children’s friends. It is not pretty. I believe we lose many children to their own loss of self-worth and inner sense of Value because we focus too much on academic skills. It’s an unnecessary tragedy and an expense on society in more ways than one.
In a re-created World, the joker on the playground is of the same Value as the introverted thinker. The joker does not want to get deep and serious. They want the analytical folks to handle that role. The introvert has no desire to be in the spotlight making people laugh and they SO need the jokers to help bring them out from their depths to laugh.
I see a world where the jokers are working collaboratively to create the greatest scripts to make the World laugh! I see people leaving theatres after a comedy with bellies that hurt from laughing so hard. Do you remember the last time that happened? Does it happen once a decade for you? Not even? Wouldn’t it be great if you got the Value you paid for your ticket and it happened EVERY time? Such things are possible with collective collaboration and holding dear the Value of making people laugh. Everyone knows Laughter is good for the soul!
It is not about trying to get “ahead” of the other guy. It is about showing up where YOUR Value is and serving it Completely. It is about feeling connected to a collective, co-created goal like parts of a clock needing to work in synchronicity for the clock to strike the next hour. No ONE piece is any more important than another. They are ALL necessary components for the clock to work.
When we invest in our world’s infrastructure, the engineers and the laborers should hold the same Value. No engineer wants to do the hard physical work of a laborer and no laborer wants to understand the complexity of engineering a bridge, but in order for humanity to get from Point A to Point B, both roles are essential and should be compensated accordingly.
We need to re-create what it means to be a Valued corporation, Valued employee, and Valued customer. “Earnings” calls need to become about more than “earnings”. They need to become “Value” calls. For those who may not be aware, “Earnings” calls happen regularly to update investors about the financial state of a business. We need to re-shape these calls into a more well-rounded assessment of a business where Five Factors of Value are deemed equally important, including:
Financial Health: This remains important but is no longer the primary indicator of Value. It is unrealistic to expect companies to continually be on an upward growth path. There is something to be said for consistency, and even setbacks that taught us something. We need to understand there are perhaps caps in what a company can contribute to our capitalist system and plan and adapt for it. How many business have reached their cap and then started to cut quality and increase demands on their workforce only to suffer as a result and go out of business, including companies and services we once valued?
Quality, Quality, Quality: There can be no more reducing quality in order to force numbers in an upward climb for investors. We offer products and services we Value and we Value it because Highest Quality is the expectation and NO less.
I cannot tell you how many products I’ve bought with defective packaging from top name companies whose products I value. I’ve also experienced numerous phony internet scams where I’ve been duped into purchasing products I truly would have valued that never came or were nothing like what I ordered. I’ve experienced internet services riddled with bad business practices and fraud. These things cannot continue.
Independent companies should perform audits to measure this Factor but not just to tell a company what’s wrong. They also should provide recommendations and coaching on how to improve. The audits are in no way fear-based and are entirely to help the company be all it can be. A company should have sufficient time to review and respond to the audit and their corrective action plan can weigh into the overall measurement of this Factor.
The Worker: We truly care about showing up to our roles because we stand behind our company and it’s products or services. We are motivated, productive and enthusiastic because we’re doing what makes us happiest to contribute to society. We are Valued by our employers and they compensate us accordingly.
There are ratio caps in the capitalistic pay scale for CEO to Entry Level employee. If a CEO wants to give themselves a $5 million raise next year, fabulous! The standard ratio needs to remain in effect with a raise of proportional size distributed to the entire workforce accordingly. This provides CEOs with the Best and Highest Valued workforce making their company excel and motivating employees to contribute in that shared goal.
Stock options are not a thing. Stock grants are standard annually to all employees based on the financial health of the company the prior year. Everybody wants to do more, be more and thrive more collectively.
Finally, ethics policies are something that go both ways. A company will be ethically responsible for abiding by fair compensation ratios and providing you with the best health insurance available regardless of health conditions. We are proud to work for companies and they treat us right, even when life’s challenges come our way, because we contribute our Valued time and share our Valued skillsets. We are never asked to withhold or keep secret the unethical business practices of a company for protection purposes. The “See something. Say something.” rule is followed up with action towards changing what is unethical, not sweeping it under the rug or hiding it. Transparency and Truth need to matter… even the ugly Truth. Awareness and admittance is simply adult accountability and the first steps required toward change.
We review our employers anonymously through an independent third party contractor to measure the Value companies are providing for their workers, and to allow workers to safely express if they are still doing what they Value. Growth and transitions are carefully planned for and encouraged, including transitioning to another company if you’ve outgrown what the company or position offers. There is NO holding anyone back from fulfilling their Highest dreams because achieving those dreams helps the collective.
The Customer: The customer Values us and our products. They want to keep coming back for more because we offer the Highest Quality. They experience happy, enthusiastic people who are doing what they LOVE and being compensated appropriately for it.
We Value those customers by offering them annual stock grants or purchase incentives based on a ratio of their purchases history the prior year. This motivates customers to capitalize on their own investments in the growth of the wonderful company they Value. They’ll want to keep purchasing!
In order to get their incentives, customers simply need to provide a review. The reviews are used as a measurement of satisfaction and Value being offered to customers. It should not matter if the review is negative or positive. All feedback helps a company deliver higher quality and better service. There are plenty of great review systems already available to us. Those need to become more than informational and be deemed true Value ratings.
Philanthropic Contribution: Every company is expected to contribute in their community or to the World at large. There is so much that needs repair in our World. It is up to US to get to work. ALL of us. Every worker should have a paid volunteer opportunity to contribute their heart’s calling to the healing of our World. Even the retired can choose an opportunity to serve and receive tax breaks. I sure do miss the old lady whose only job at Walmart was to stand at the entrance and happily say “Welcome to Walmart!”
Volunteer work is where we connect to our goodness. It is where we re-connect with compassion and love by showing up where help is dearly needed and appreciated. Maybe some folks really connect to nature and can help clean up the earth. Maybe some don’t have an 8 year psychology degree but people love to tell them their problems. Their listening, compassionate, gentle-mannered demeanors might make them great people to assist with the ever growing mental health crises in our country.
Reviews should be submitted by both the volunteer and organization served to assess the Value the company provided in the volunteer opportunity. Heart Happiness should be the scale of measurement. All of us want to be helped in some way and all of us have gifts to share. When we take the time to reconnect with our selfless selves through service, we reconnect with a meaningful part of ourselves where we feel like we Matter. That makes us Feel better and Be better people and workers. It’s a simple domino effect.
Where do we start? Well for starters, I suggest we abolish our own tax loopholes. How many of you get statements from “Delaware” corporations? None of them pay taxes. That’s right. The news seems to focus on illegal offshore tax shelters, but what about the fact our first state is a tax shelter for businesses who don’t do business in the tiny state of Delaware if they incorporate there. Frankly, I’m not sure there’s even enough real estate there for them to do so. Think your BIG name companies paying ZERO taxes. All companies should be contributing at the same base tax rate with incentives for breaks solely based on how the company is performing with the Five Factors of Value. Those with the highest scores on all Five Factors of Value should receive the most tax breaks for exemplifying and making possible the Harmony we all desire.
The financial crisis dramatically exposed the dangers of what I call the lie of scarcity: the mindset that tells us we can never have enough and drives us to drive above all and against all for more and more. ~Lynn Twist, The Soul of Money
Perhaps the idea of scarcity exists because we were hell bent on super-sizing everything. I think we have confirmed “It is the Little things that Matter”. Now it’s Time to Act upon what we learned and Re-Create our disordered World into one where Harmony reigns because we desire it, deserve it, and deliberately choose to make it happen no matter how challenging the transition.
I, for one, do NOT believe in the lie of scarcity or limitations. I believe when we all contribute our Fair Value and work together, there is NO limitation in the World we can Re-Create. I see a symphony of souls moving towards a shared goal of Value in all that is Good IN us and FOR us because we are being led by our moral compass and not the Almighty Dollar. We FEEL we are Enough, and there IS enough for Everyone because we are focused on having just Enough… like ONE piece of candy. Everything is flowing like a synchronistic stream of energizing music propelling us towards a World where we LIVE for the Highest and Best for ALL.
Every one of us wants the same things deep down, and I believe that is to LIVE, not exist, in Harmony with other living beings and our planet. Matter is what we ARE. Matter we do. I desire to re-create our World in such a way that we actually FEEL like we Matter. ~Debra
They are all children in the New Earth. Wise. Compassionate. Cooperative. Ever-expanding in Expressive, Bountiful, Beautiful, Joyous, Playful, Loving Hearts. Everything Looks and Feels Magical. Just like current earth, the scene reflects the internal tempo of the Earth’s inhabitants, and the new earth is Beaming with the Joy and Love that radiates out from all of the pure-hearted children.
There is no need to know the opposite, or duality, in order to appreciate and experience all that is Good, Wholesome, Pure and Magical. This was only something we longed to experience so we could love more completely when we get here. There are no more “love stories” necessary because love is no longer a story. Love IS. There is no longing for love, only to express love more deeply and joyfully. Love is realized.
Nobody feels less than, ugly or bad. Nobody wants to manipulate, control or harm anyone else. There is a very deep and inner reverence for the preciousness of each other’s souls. Everyone knows the Magnificence of their true worth and value. Everyone is appreciated for their unique and special gifts and nobody’s gift is more meaningful. They are ALL necessary to create the cooperative community of harmony that exists on the New Earth.
There is no concept of dishonesty because there is NO fear there, only Love, and ALL dishonesty is born from fear-based thinking. In fact, we are not even mainly thinking beings anymore. We are much more feeling beings. Every thought possible here has already existed and been thought of. We have outplayed all of the fear-based records. We have travelled down every rabbit hole we could think of and boy do we have some great story tellers. They have given us a plethora of material to push us to the point where we are now. Tired. Done. Ready.
I feel, in a sense, we are at a Last Supper point of sorts. We are all just passing around the last of what remains of the delicate delicacies of fear-based experiences here that have caused our own individual feelings of sorrow, suffering, devastation, gripping fear, mistrust, anger, and rage… to the point our inner collective tempo is screaming out with all of our beings that this fucking hurts!!! We don’t want this anymore. We are Ready for a New Earth. Let it BE…. Mightily and Gently So.
This is a true, first-hand account of the innermost thoughts of Art to his beloved Lois, written while serving our country as a United States Marine during World War II. My name is Debra and I am sharing the gifts of Art’s Love Letters. Art was my grandfather and Lois was my grandmother. It was 1944 and they were 21 years old when the letters began.
The Letter Transcript
Saturday, June 24, 1944
My Dearest One,
The darn mail is again fouled up as there was no letter from you today. Worst luck! No mail call on Sunday so will just have to read the old letters for consoling purposes.
Didn’t do much today. Spent the morning and afternoon on the beach, soaking up the sun and day-dreaming about you. Went to sleep this morning with you in my arms. What a disappointment waking up to find my buddy sleeping next to me!
In the afternoon two of the boys and myself took out a row boat. Needed the exercise as shown by the blisters on our hands now. Took the boat way out in the sound and played around, diving and swimming from the stern. The wind was fairly strong which made things much more interesting. Feel it tonight as I’m plenty tired. Some life, huh?
Thinking today about how easy I’m having it as of late and really enjoying life while those poor guys over there are being knocked off. Somehow it all doesn’t seem fair. God how I wish this damn war was over so we can all go back to normal lives again. If the war were over tonight, I’d be on my way to Washington to marry my little Darling. Wishful thinking, huh?
Nothing else much to say, Honey, with no letter so will make this one a short letter. Excused this time, Lois?
Am going to take some pictures tomorrow and will send them to you if they are okay. Your set should be here Monday. Can hardly wait to see them!
Night, Honey, going to turn in now. Be a “good girl” as I’m being a “good boy”. Even a halo is around my head, almost. Explain in tomorrow’s letter.
With Love Ever Yours, Art
P.S. I love you Darling.
Questions, Conclusions and Commentary
Comment 1: I need to research what beach and sound is near Edenton as I want to definitely take in this view when I go visit NC.
Comment 2: I see Art is suffering from a bit of survivor’s guilt. Survivor’s guilt is something that happens to people who survive horrific events. You would think we would feel a sense of gratitude but instead we feel this awful guilt as if something is just not right in our consciousness knowing we survived and an equal soul in humanity did not have the same fortunate.
Comment 3: I am so curious what Art means about having a halo over his head. Somehow or other he was being like an angel and I can’t wait to hear about it in the next letter! Stay tuned!
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This is a true, first-hand account of the innermost thoughts of Art to his beloved Lois, written while serving our country as a United States Marine during World War II. My name is Debra and I am sharing the gifts of Art’s Love Letters. Art was my grandfather and Lois was my grandmother. It was 1944 and they were 21 years old when the letters began.
The Letter Transcript
Friday, June 23, 1944
My Dearest Lois,
All smiles today, two letters from you and my worries are all dissolved. Should have known but then that’s me. Received them at noon time, just going into the chow hall when my buddy called to me and held up those long envelopes. Made my heart leap to see them I guess you know.
Your Monday letter was something, like the one I sent yesterday. No need to worry now Darling, as my going over the hill is all water over the dam. Have to stay on the base this weekend but should be able to stand it one week. Right now am fairly confident of seeing you the following weekend. How does that sound?
Lois, every once in a while it might be a good idea if you did enclose a stamp because sometimes we get short handed on them. My folks have been sending me stamps but with all the letter writing I do now well you know how they disappear. I hate to send them free as they do take so long.
Yours truly is plenty caught up on his sleep. Take a little snooze in the afternoon and hit the sack real early. Tonight I think it would be a good idea to take in a show. Still have lots of ironing to do but that can wait until Sunday.
The play of yours must be big time staff if your even broadcasting it. Guess I’ll really be missing something by not seeing it. Nice anyway just seeing you on the stage. The sailor uniform must look awfully cute on you.
Glad you like the letters, Dear, as I like yours terribly much. Hope the letters start coming one a day as it is much better that way.
Okay, Honey, will hold off till I see you again. Not nice, I suppose by letter, besides someone might see them and start seeing wrong things, Right?
Yes sir, that’s all I want, Lois, for the letters is the kisses. Plenty of payment but it would be lots better if I were coming in on the beam for them. Have to do it this way!
Darling, I didn’t find out any faults this past weekend. All I found out was I loved you more and more. Maybe your folks did say a few things in fun but then they didn’t say anything bad.
Darn it, had to lend a fellow thirty dollars. Had sixty in my pocket and was going to send forty home but now I’ll have to wait. This is the only debt out now thank heavens. This boy missed the bridge last night in his car and went into the drink. It was a brand new car so I had to help him out. Every time I send money home to the bank will send you the stub so you can see how much money I saved, ok?
So, the old flame sent you his picture, well, I don’t mind, Darling, just so long as I remain number one. Keep writing to him if you wish to, Honey, as I have all the faith in the world in you. Wouldn’t be love if I didn’t have it.
Darn, wish the bracelet was coming sooner, Honey, but it takes a little while to get it done. It sure is a nifty one and I’ll always treasure it.
I did write home and explained everything but am still waiting an answer. Been getting lots of mail from buddies in the service, also received one from brother in Texas. He sounds a bit blue after the furlough and what with getting prepared to be going overseas but that’s to be expected. Will write him next and straighten him out a bit (Daddy talking now!)
Tell me how the play comes out Lois. How you do in it etc.? Will write again tomorrow, sweetheart. Bye for now.
All My Love, Art
P.S. The poem was pretty good. I know what you’re talking about!
Questions, Conclusions and Commentary
Comment 1: Well now we now all of the fears Art had in yesterday’s letter were unfounded about Lois being sick. Perhaps one of the letters got stuck in the mail yesterday and that is why he got none since today he received two letters from Lois. It sounds like Lois also sent him a letter where she was having a bad day.
I cannot imagine having such barriers in communication since today we have the ability to send messages instantaneously around the world. If we are worried about what our partner is thinking, we text or call them and all of our worst fears are instantly dissolved. These two young lovers have to grapple with their monkey minds with no reassurance until a next letter comes to them and that can be days later since Art is reading Lois’s Monday letter today on Friday. We are so fortunate not to have these challenges. Instead, they’ve been replaced with new fears of why is the other person taking so long to respond to us when so many of us lived attached to our phones 24/7.
Comment 2: I find it interesting that soldiers could send out letters for free if they could not get stamps but they letters would simply take longer to get to their destination. It would seem fitting to me that since these boys (and girls now) are separated from their loved ones that they should have the benefit of sending letters whenever they wish for free and they should be sent timely. Seems the least we could do for our soldiers during their time of sacrifice away from loved ones in exchange for their dedicated service to our country.
Comment 3: I wish I knew the name of the play that Lois performed in. If it was broadcast, perhaps I may be able to dig into getting a copy of it. I have so many of her old films in the attic. I wonder if perhaps one of those little reels has the play on it. I am now much more motivated to fix my attic stairs so I can get up there and get to all the old films of Lois and Art.
Comment 4: I love how mature and confident that Art is in Lois. Many men would get very jealous and feel extreme emotions inside of them at hearing that an old flame was sending pictures and wanting to write letters to their new fiancé. This is the second time Art has revealed how free he wants Lois to feel in this relationship. Last time it was accepting engagements to go out. This is a very healthy aspect of their relationship and I admire him very much for it.
Comment 5: I wish I could see what the bracelet looks like that Lois gave to Art. Perhaps there are pictures of him wearing it that my mother has. It is engraved with Lois’s name on the back and has his U.S.M.C. number on the front based on what Art and Lois discussed in a previous letter. I wonder where that bracelet is today and if still exists.
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This is a true, first-hand account of the innermost thoughts of Art to his beloved Lois, written while serving our country as a United States Marine during World War II. My name is Debra and I am sharing the gifts of Art’s Love Letters. Art was my grandfather and Lois was my grandmother. It was 1944 and they were 21 years old when the letters began.
The Letter Transcript
Thursday, June 22, 1944
My Darling Lois,
This was a bad day for me for one reason. I didn’t receive any letters from my Honey. This morning didn’t get any mail from you but figured sure that it would be there this afternoon but no soap. Cannot help worrying now whether something is wrong with you. I know Darling, you would write every day if it is at all possible so that is why I’m really guessing.
The mail might be fouled up again but not likely as the other letters came from you yesterday. Maybe practice on the play is keeping you from writing but then there is the office. That leaves nothing else but you are sick. I hope to God that isn’t true Lois. I’m more than likely become worried over nothing but missing your letter is of some importance to me. Well, we’ll see tomorrow.
Lois, how is everything going in the home? Has Alice said anything? I’d like to know really out of curiosity. Say hello to them for me.
The play must be tiring on you there as I know you didn’t care too much for it all. Grin and bear it, huh?
Skipped school this morning in order to finish my laundry. I sure was in fine voice while scrubbing, so good that the fellows all said I should save my voice for a more appreciative audience. Finally am finished now, all I have left to do is starch and iron the khakis. Wish you were here, Darling, you could really have practice on my clothes. You iron from the bottoms to the knees and I’ll take it from there. Not that you couldn’t crease pants Honey, really you do a good job of that, simply too many of them.
Sorry, Darling, my mind isn’t on the letter writing this evening. Been happy as a lark till this afternoon. No letter sort of took edge of things.
Oh yes, I’ll fill out that form you sent. Looks like a lot of red tape to me, Honey. Hope they never open that package!
Every night before I go to sleep Lois, I think over the past weekend. Still seems like a wonderful dream. Makes me yearn to be with you always. Regardless of whatever happens, Little One, I’ll always love you.
Darling am going to close now as nothing seems to come out right. Tomorrow will be another day. See you in my dreams. Bye Honey.
With All My Love, Art XXXXXX
Questions, Conclusions and Commentary
Commentary: Well it sounds as if Art is not feeling very good on this particular day and it is getting the best of his thinking. This is the 4th day in a row that he has written to Lois since leaving her after their engagement on the weekend. Not receiving a letter from Lois has really affected him but something tells me Art was not feeling particularly on point even before that since he confesses in today’s letter that he has skipped school. I have discovered for myself through personal experience that when I choose to skip out on a commitment, I don’t feel good about it. It causes tension within me and I expect some sort of consequence to happen to me. Art’s mind has painted the picture that his beloved Lois must be sick even after he acknowledges two very logical reasons why she may not have written including working and her commitment to take part in a play that she does not enjoy.
Despite his mind getting the best of him, he is somewhat self-aware in that he recognizes he may be worried over nothing and ends the letter stating nothing seems to be coming out right. Art has called out his mind’s worst thinking and a burden shared is a burden cut in half. As he says… tomorrow is another day.
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This is a true, first-hand account of the innermost thoughts of Art to his beloved Lois, written while serving our country as a United States Marine during World War II. My name is Debra and I am sharing the gifts of Art’s Love Letters. Art was my grandfather and Lois was my grandmother. It was 1944 and they were 21 years old when the letters began.
The Letter Transcript
Wednesday, June 21, 1944
My Darling Lois,
Just finished writing to your Mother, hope it is satisfactory as I did try to make it that way. Thanked her and Father for the wonderful weekend they showed me.
Wonder of wonders received two letters from you today. Sure didn’t expect any so soon but were darn welcome.
Well I’ll answer your questions first. Today I talked with my “Gunner” about a weekend pass. Then I really got it. Some how or other he knew I was gone but didn’t say anything. He is a real guy and I have no kicks about him. But he told me after all the time off I had, it would be a good idea if yours truly would start buckling down to a little work. And he thought it would be nice if he seen me on the base this weekend. So that sort of puts a change on things for this one. He did say though I’d probably get to see you the following weekend. You see he knows about you too as I told him awhile back. He sort of smiles when ever I ask to go to Washington. Honey, I’ll miss you terribly this weekend but after those four days of paradise it will hold me over for a little while. The Gunner also told me we might be here for a little while longer. Good news huh?
My Mother’s name is Louise Bornemann. Am writing to my sister today and having the engagement put in the papers so as soon as I get one will send it your way, Darling. You do the same, huh?
Sorry I didn’t call Darling, the first day. Simply wrote you a letter and tumbled in the sack.
Yes, Honey, I did pick up my things at the Service club but remembered after I hit the station. My buddy asked me where the other bag was. Good thing the club isn’t far from the station. I need a woman to take care of me. It looks that way doesn’t it.
Excuse the way the writing is travelling up the page, Lois, as I’m writing this while lying down. Worked this morning teaching classes and am still washing clothes. Have a bucket full now soaking. Have so many now that I hate to think of it. Haven’t told you I don’t think, but my luggage came in from Norfolk this morning. Sure am tickled happy with the world now.
Really, Lois, I’ve never been so happy in my life. At home people asked me if I ever smiled but since knowing you life has become wonderful. Seems like everything is going my way. Love sure is grand!
I wish you would write to my sister, Lois, but hold off till I hear from home. Should be hearing tomorrow or the next day. I’ll send the address up tomorrow, okay?
Had a nice surprise today. My buddies all paid me back what they owed me. The Gunner gave a talk awhile back saying none of us should borrow from each other. Instead we are going to have a fund, pitching in a little each month and then when ever one of us gets short we can borrow from the fund.
So everybody liked the ring? Glad to hear it Darling for you deserve nothing but the best. I’d still like to know what you’d like for your birthday. Give me a little time to get it then as its impossible to buy a darn thing down here.
Lois, there is still something I’d like to know, pertaining to our talks. May I ask it is or is it forbidden?
Now that I have my camera will take some pictures this weekend and I’ll bring them up with me. Hope our pictures come real soon. Promised all the fellows I’ll show them the prettiest girl in the world.
Time to close, Darling, must continue with my washing. Wonderful wife I’d make for some girl. Expect a letter tomorrow. It gives me something to look forward to. Bye Darling.
With Love Ever Yours, Art
P.S. I love your kisses.
Questions, Conclusions and Commentary
Commentary: I have just two thoughts after reading today’s letter. The first is about the laundry. I am guessing Art couldn’t just pop into the laundry room on base set up with commercial laundry equipment based on the fact he states his laundry is sitting in a bucket. I know my grandfather is not one to shy away from hard work but no wonder he hates the task of laundry so much if he has to use an old fashioned wash bucket.
My second reflection is Art stating that he barely smiled when he was at home. I believe that. Art didn’t have an easy life at all. I have no doubt that Lois was a fresh breathe of heavenly air that Art seems to convey she is.
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This is a true, first-hand account of the innermost thoughts of Art to his beloved Lois, written while serving our country as a United States Marine during World War II. My name is Debra and I am sharing the gifts of Art’s Love Letters. Art was my grandfather and Lois was my grandmother. It was 1944 and they were 21 years old when the letters began.
The Letter Transcript
Tuesday, June 20, 1944
Dearest One,
Feel much better today after that night’s sleep I had. That is physically not mentally. This morning while teaching class your beautiful face was constantly in front of me. The words I spoke were from practice. The class probably wondered whom I was speaking to.
Yesterday when I came in the barracks the fellows all thought I was married. A big grin on my face and eyes just a shining. Of course, I told them all about the entire weekend except for what is going to remain between the two of us. Usually when a fellow tells about his girl being so sweet and clean there is quite a number of comments to the contrary. But, Darling, when I showed them your picture they agreed I was a pretty lucky guy. Also told them about our drinking promise and took a kidding as they don’t think I’ll last at it, but we’ll see. Will tell you each day and so far I’m a “good boy”.
I sent the bracelet back this morning first thing so I’ll get it back so very soon. Darling, that was the best present I’ve ever received. I showed the boys it too and they all thought it was really neat. Yes sir, my little girl sure can’t be beat. Honey, as to the way the serial number and U.S.M.C. I’ll leave it up to you. The way we agreed on would be okay but I was wondering how it would look if it was like this.
U.S.M.C. 348754
Now, Darling, it is entirely up to you as it is your present and besides your taste is taps. And remember your name goes on the back. That is the most important part anyway, as far as I’m concerned. Honey, I hope you don’t think I’m being selfish, making you do all that, but Lois, it is a lifetime present and it is something I’ll always have from you.
Lois, no trouble came out of it at all. In fact, very few people even knew I was gone. Not many know me anyway, which sometimes is a pretty good thing. That telephone call you sent down here came to this barracks as the fellows told me somebody in Washington was calling me. It still thrills me to think of the way things turned out. That last Monday’s letter you sent was something on the order I sent you and then walking in on your place was sort of a climax. My heart was pounding so hard when I knocked on the door I could hardly think. I knew I’d be speechless when we saw each other again. You’ll never know my true feeling when I saw you again. It was something like flying in the clouds. “You’ll never know how much I love you.” (sing it pretty Lois)
There isn’t any news as to when we’ll be leaving Lois, not for a little while at any rate. Hope I never leave but even if we do go to Cherry Point we’ll still see each other. Already found out my train connections to Washington from there. Get a train at Rocky Mount and it takes 8 hours to get to Washington. Not bad huh? Not only that but Cherry Point we can get lots of plane rides. Starting next month we get flight orders and that means we have to fly at least four hours in a month. Pay goes up to 150 which should help matters considerably.
My clothes from Norfolk haven’t come as yet but W.R. says they’ll be in today. Better be or yours truly is going to get riled up. Washed some clothes this afternoon and how I dislike it. Has to be done, though, so grin and bear it for a while.
Hope those pictures we took came out okay as I’m dying to see them. And, Darling, make sure the whole set comes down here. Should fix up my wallet really swell.
Honey, going to tell you something now, and please don’t think I’m being conceited as that is far from the truth. Thought maybe you would like to know as I already told you something about that “Bam”. After finishing your letter last night the “bam” that wanted to marry me called up and wanted to see me. So I put a stop to it in one big hurry. Told her I was married in Washington on the weekend. Bang went the receiver so that is that.
How did the office go the next day? Were you very tired Darling at work? I suppose everybody saw the ring and the comments flew around the office. Has Alice said anything else to you about the two of us? Not that it matters, Honey, simply a matter of interest. Give the girls my regards. Sorry I forgot to say goodbye to them. My little girl had my mind in a whirl. (that rhymes doesn’t it)
Well, my Love, must write home now. Curious as to what they say. Will send you their letter as soon as I get it that is how sure I am it will be good. Let’s see, have I told you in this letter that I love you as yet, well I do, Darling, love you and love you and love you. Bye Honey, should hear from you tomorrow.
Your love sick Honey, Art XXXXX
Questions, Conclusions and Commentary
Comment 1: I am moved by how deeply Art feels things. I am also quite impressed that he was teaching a class while his mind romanced her face. Then he goes on to describe how his heart was pounding in his chest when he knocked on her door. I can totally imagine that kind of heart-pounding sensation. He also attempts to describe the feeling when he finally saw her again being like something in the clouds. Heavenly!
I also can picture Lois singing that song that Art references. She absolutely loved music. I can still recall her voice now singing songs while she played her accordion or her piano or electric keyboard. I researched the song “You’ll Never Know How Much I Love You” and found it came from the 1940s movie the Shape of Water, which became a 1940s anthem due to all the couples separated during the war.
Comment 2: I am wondering if Art will remain in Edenton, NC or if he will move along to Cherry Point, NC. I may need to add both of these places to my bucket list. I can visualize Art on an 8 hour train ride to Washington dreaming about seeing Lois. If these train rides do show up in future letters, I may also have to add a train ride to my list of voyages to take when I go revisit all of the places that show up in these letters.
Comment 3: I was a wee bit disappointed to see dishonesty show up in my grandfather when he told the “Bam” he had been married on the weekend when, in fact, he only had become engaged. However, I am going to cut him some slack for that as I highly respect the fact that he wanted to close that door right away. In his mind, perhaps his act of dishonesty was warranted to insure that the door would be closed. If he only said he had become engaged this “Bam” person might have been the aggressive type to still see an open door, a door he wanted to be sure did not exist in her mind. I also respect that he was honest with Lois about it.
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This is a true, first-hand account of the innermost thoughts of Art to his beloved Lois, written while serving our country as a United States Marine during World War II. My name is Debra and I am sharing the gifts of Art’s Love Letters. Art was my grandfather and Lois was my grandmother. It was 1944 and they were 21 years old when the letters began.
Letter Foreword
Well folks! It’s official!!! Lois and Art have become engaged from the last letter that I read. The engagement took place on Saturday, June 17th.
Today’s letter takes place after Art leaves Lois to return back to his duties as a U.S. Marine. His next assignment is to report to Edenton, North Carolina in the Marine Operational Training Group 81, where he will follow up his training completed in Englewood, California with additional training and instructing on B-25s bombers.
The Letter Transcript
Monday, June 19, 1944
My Darling,
Finally arrived here in Edenton at 2 o’clock this afternoon. Had a bit of trouble getting rides but finally made it. Am writing to you right away so I can retire early as I’m dead tired.
Three letters from you, Dear, and also the package. Gosh, Lois, the present was really letter perfect. Much better than the other one I have. You have a perfect taste for things I can see. Hate to part with it for awhile but want you to have it finished for me and then send it back right away.
No trouble as yet and I don’t expect any. Haven’t seen anybody as yet, tomorrow morning will be the test anyway. Keep your fingers crossed with me Darling and I’m sure it will all be okay.
Lois, Dear, it hurt me terribly to leave you last night. What a wonderful world it would be if the two of us could always be together. After this past weekend, the two of us understand each other so perfectly that I’m sure we would always be happy. Now all I’m praying is that I’ll be stationed at one base so that we can get married. I love you so much, Darling, that nothing matters anymore except you. You know that without me telling you but I want to tell you it over and over again, I love you, I love you, I love you.
Your mother and Dad were simply wonderful. Couldn’t imagine things would turn out so easy. It would suit me just fine to be able to call them Mother and Dad and I hope that day isn’t too far away. In fact, everybody was so swell from Margaret to all the relatives. Maybe we’ll be able to see them all soon again together.
From Left to Right: Lois’s Dad, Mother, Lois, Art, Lois’s Sister Margaret
There were countless things that happened during those four days and each one of them will be remembered. From the time I knocked on your door till you kissed me goodbye. The biggest thing was buying the ring and that was a big moment. I’m happy, Darling, that you’re satisfied with it. That’s all that matters.
Then our first down to earth talk and wasn’t it ever a blast? We really took in just about everything except for the real thing and that is reserved for marriage, right? I’m going to have to learn a bit more self control after that last evening but then you can control things better than a man can. That I will leave up to you as I don’t want it to happen again not in those circumstances anyway. By the way, it does stain the trousers but it will wash out. Noticed it when I took the pants out of the bag.
There is still a question I’d like to ask you but you didn’t answer it up in Washington. Maybe one of these days I will find it out.
Darling, tomorrow’s letter will be much better as right now I’m dead weight and hanging on my eyes. You know how tired you were last night and then I’ve been traveling since then. My buddy and I didn’t get a ride from Washington till late last night.
Will write my folks tomorrow and also your Mother. Have quite a bit of writing to do at present but my little Darling comes first.
So, Sweetheart, will close for now till the morrow. Think of you constantly, simply can’t get you out of my mind as if I wanted to do that. You have me, Darling, heart and soul. Night.
With all my Love, Art
P.S. I love you – XXXXX
Questions, Conclusions and Commentary
Commentary: I was simply overjoyed that my mother had pictures of the special engagement event and even had the ring that Lois picked out. It was more intricate than I would have imagined. I had envisioned a very simple one stone setting given the difficulty of the times and was surprised to find a multiple stone ensemble.
I also received an answer to a question from a former letter about who is this mystery Alice person that Art often inquires about who has been away sick. My mother found a picture of Lois with a group of other girls who perhaps served with her in Washington and one of those girls is named Alice McCullin. Here is a picture of the group of girls.
Lois Ritchie, Dorothy Ritchie, Mary Palmasani, Alice McCullin, Florence Thompson
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The Calling 