Letters, etc., From MaryJane #13

I would like to thank everyone who has been reading my "MaryJane" posts!  Looking through old letters, photos, and other correspondence between MaryJane and I, has really been therapeutic, as it brought back memories of the good times I shared with MaryJane.  

I'll especially miss the times we spent just sitting on a park bench in the summertime, drinking an ice-cold coffee or tea, and talking about everything under the sun...from politics to how to pickle cucumbers!  

"When it comes time for me, I am going to set sail in a canoe and row out to sea like my Indian ancestors. Bring a lot of peanut butter sandwiches, some bottles of Rothschild Merlot 1962, a couple of racy novels, and as my beloved old mother used to say, The Devil Take the Hindmost. Which was her polite way of saying - Kiss My Royal Ass" ....By MaryJane, 2/16/10, in one of her letters to me.

Sail on, MaryJane, Sail Free.

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #12

IT WAS AS IF NATURE PAUSED 

TO TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE, 

SOFTLY WISHING FOR PEACE ON EARTH

Christmas Card received from MaryJane, 2007.

"Finbar" was her Gold Fish, and 

she drew the picture of him.

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #11

For the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who passed away last month.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



"To say that I love you all seems merely rhetoric, but oh my goodness I get a good feeling around the heart when I think of you.

I have basked in the beauty of your tulips for three days and I thank you sincerely for something so lovely.

I have been reading the biography and the autobiography of Joan Of Arc.  The fourteenth century had Joan of Arc...and we have Heather Spears.

Thank God for you or I would despair of the human race."

Love, MJ

***Excerpt of a Letter written to me, by MaryJane, dated April 29, 2008.  I gave MaryJane a bunch of Tulips for her birthday, a few days before she wrote me this note.  I believe she meant to write "Britney Spears", instead of "Heather" Spears...lol.  Miss you MaryJane.***

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #10

For the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html


"Tiger Lilly,

Oh, that wretched woman.  I can't tell you the times I've watched in utter horror as she dragged that poor little dog a foot off the ground.  I think she is a mental case and I don't like her one damned little bit.

Poor little pooch.  I hope to God she never gets another one.  I can find no redeeming qualities in her and if I never had to see her again I would not miss her.

It was good to see you.  Yes, it was."

                                                                               Love, MJ

MaryJane Shields

***Letter written to me, by MaryJane, dated August 3, 2010.  The "woman" MaryJane mentions in this letter was named Ruth and used to reside in our building.  This was written after we found out Ruth's dog had died.  Ruth's dog was often seen limping, losing hair, or coughing, and Ruth would chalk it up to "he's putting on an act", or some other ridiculous excuse.  That woman really rubbed us the wrong way!***

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #8

For the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



I received MaryJane's Mass Cards today from the person who took care of MaryJane's final affairs...

Beautiful photo of MaryJane when she was young.

A beautiful quote from MaryJane is written on the back of one of the cards...

TOGETHERNESS

Remember me with kindness and friendship.  Whatever we were to each other that we still are.

Play, smile, think of me.  Pray for me.  All is well, nothing is lost.

One brief moment and all will be as it was before.

M.J.

MaryJane Shields

Front of card.

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #7

For the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



Sitting on a park bench with MaryJane, one gorgeous summer day several years ago, I noticed and admired a lady-bug ring she was wearing.  I thought it was very cute and told her so!

Now, this wasn't any kind of precious metal, or expensive ring of any kind, just three little lady-bugs sitting on the ring.  A red one, a blue one, and a yellow one!

About one week later, there was a small plastic bag hanging on the doorknob of my apartment door.  There inside the bag was my very own lady-bug ring which MaryJane had ordered for me just because I liked hers so much!

MaryJane Shields

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #6

Every evening, for the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



"In one of William Shakespeare's plays a character is called upon to say "Now there was a man!"

And now all of us who knew him and there were many of us who loved him, can say with Shakespeare "Now there was a dog!"

Well done, Mu-Mu.  When I get to where I am going, I sure wouldn't mind seeing you again.

Today, with a sad heart, but with much love,

MaryJane."

***Excerpt from a letter written to me by MaryJane, dated April 28, 2006 on the passing of my beloved dog, MooMoo.  I truly hope she really is frolicking around up there with MooMoo.***

My son, Angelo, with MooMoo   2000

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #5

Every evening, for the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html



This is a painting I did for MaryJane for her little Chihuahua, Sancho, a/k/a Angus, who passed away August 31, 2006.  He was around 20 years old!  MaryJane didn't raise Sancho from a pup, rather, a friend of hers, named Tina, had asked MaryJane if she could take care of Sancho for a while, while she (Tina) found a new apartment.

One week turned into two, and two weeks turned into almost one year that MaryJane took care of Sancho, without so much as a phone call from Tina to see how Sancho was doing.  So basically, Sancho became MaryJane's dog.

"Sancho"  14 x 18  Water Colors

MaryJane told a sad, yet charming story of Sancho's demise...as she explained it...He (Sancho) woke up, stretched out, and trotted across the living room, so happy to get ready to eat his breakfast.  Mid-trot he just collapsed and never got back up.  

I think Sancho was the luckiest little dog in the world to have spent his last days of life being taken care of by a wonderful person like MaryJane!

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #4

Every evening, for the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html


"Dear Gina,

                   et al

I saw our beloved Knute this morning on Channel 2.  He was frolicking and frisking and gamboling in his lovely confines at the Berlin Zoo.

He seemed very interested and curious in everything around him and was enjoying his life immensely.  And why not?  Everyone loves him and he is a joy to behold.

He has grown into a fine big boy.

Love, MJ  &  Finbar"

***Letter written to me by MaryJane, dated 5/18/08.  "Knut" was the little Polar Bear who was abandoned by his mother at the Berlin Zoo and subsequently raised by zookeepers.  Unfortunately, Knut only lived 4 years, as he passed  away from encephalitis.  Needless to say, MaryJane and I were very distraught with the news of Knut's death.***

Little Knut in happier days...

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #3

Every evening, for the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html


"Dear Tiger Lilly.

Thanks for all the good things.  I was going to get you a little pumpkin.

Finbar said he is sick and tired of my caterwauling and, indeed, if he hears as much as another whimper from me he is going to jump out of his tank and try to make it to your house.

My arm is much much better and I have stopped taking ibuprophen.  When I finish this note I think I might take another.

After this I am always going to put my toys away, you betcha!

Of course I'll be all right for the luncheon.  I have never missed a meal.  Is Thursday all right.  Fine by me.

Betty Ann gets back today.

Haven't seen Elizabeth.

Have not seen you either, but I know you are there.

Love,  MJ"

***Letter written to me by MaryJane, dated 10/11/08.  MaryJane often called me "Tiger Lilly".  In Buddhism, a Tiger Lilly flower is presented as a flower of mercy and compassion.
Finbar was a Gold Fish she had, which grew to be enormous!  LOL.  Betty Ann is a neighbor of ours in the building.  Elizabeth was a neighbor directly across from MaryJane.***

Letters, etc., From MaryJane #2

Every evening, for the remainder of the month of November, my posts will be dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, MaryJane, who recently passed away.  I will be posting an assorted combination of excerpts of letters she wrote to me, anecdotes, and funny stories.

If you haven't already read..."Taking The Train To MaryJane", and "Visited With MaryJane Today", here are the links to do so:

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/taking-train-to-maryjane.html

http://positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/08/visited-with-maryjane-today.html


"I have finished a poem I have been working on.

I fell down with a pail of water while I was cleaning the fish tank.  I said, God do what you want to me but please keep my fish safe.  Result of the mishap...one smashed toe and two arms black and blue.  A bump on the back of my head.  Worth every bruise because my fish are safe.  I still haven't told Gide about the demise of Fruna.  Fern said to me, what is the matter with you?  You kill all your fish.

No.  I still have the two greatest fish in the world.  Wynken and little Nemo.

Barbara leaves on the twenty fifth and has asked me to feed her cats.

You are the greatest.  You don't swear.  You don't write poisoned pen letters.  You are entertaining.  You are good looking.  You are gentle with your friends.  You are one of Saint Francis of Assisi's good assistants.  And, mother of God, you live next door to me. *
Love,     MJ
*That's called a Blessing!"

***Excerpt from a letter from MaryJane written to me, dated 8/13/09.  Pretty much self-explanatory.  MaryJane tried to maintain a 10-gallon fish tank, but I think it was getting to be too much for her.  She loved those Gold Fish though...Fruna, Wynken, and Nemo.  Gide, Fern and Barbara are all neighbors of MaryJane.  I really miss these letters from MaryJane that she would slip under my door!***

To All the Dogs I've Loved Before

I grew up with dogs.  And each one added his or her own unique and lovely piece to the puzzle of my life.  The least I can do is dedicate a blog post to...all the dogs I've loved before.  Enjoy!

ME WITH LUCY

Dear Lucy:
You were my grandmother's dog, but I quickly grew to love you.  I remember playing with you, and how you used to watch me and my brother, Joe, when we used to play with spinning tops and board games.  The firemen rescued me, my brother, grandmother, and you, too, out of the fire at 31 Oliver Street.
(please read Tenement Life, Part 1) for background info on the fire):

http://www.positivelygina.blogspot.com/2012/06/tenement-life-part-1.html

The American Red Cross put us up in the President Hotel for a while, and we couldn't take you with us.  My grandmother said that she had to put you in a shelter.  I was so sad and lost without you in that strange hotel room, but my grandmother assured me that it was only until we found a real apartment.

Unfortunately, we received that dreaded call from the shelter while we were still at the hotel, that you had passed away.  You were the first dog that broke my heart.  Did you die from a broken heart in the shelter?  I think you did, and I'm so sorry that we had to be separated under such tragic circumstances.  Farewell, dear friend.

LUCY

**********************************************************************

ME WITH FRISKY...I was 10 or 11 years old.

Dear Frisky:
Thanks for your loving companionship and staying by my side through hard times.  You were the cutest puppy and had a unique black-colored nose.  You were better than any human friend I could ever find, and comforted me through the tears, and rejoiced with me when I was happy.  Lucky for you, I went through a tom-boy stage at this age, and often played with you by throwing a baseball or a football...yes, inside the apartment.  I hope you enjoyed your time on this earth with me.  Farewell, dear friend.

ME WITH FRISKY...I was around 13 years old.

  *************************************************************************

ME WITH RUSTY...I was 14 or 15 years old.

Dear Rusty:
My happy, playful puppy.  My grandmother got you for me when I started High School...or maybe my Sophomore year.  It was quite a sad time for me (yet another "sad" time) when my grandpa, Joseph passed away.  I think my grandmother thought she could replace "gramps" with you.  Well, Rusty, you did an excellent job in cheering me up!  I'm sorry for the times I was grouchy and maybe didn't want to play with you.  I was probably going through teenage stuff.  

I still feel guilty, to this day, for moving out of the apartment when I was around 19, and leaving you alone with my grandmother.  I know she took good care of you, but I'm sure you missed playing with me.  You died several years after I moved.  I still hope you enjoyed the time we had together.  I know I did.  Farewell, dear friend.
*************************************************************************

My son, Angelo with MooMoo, 1999

MOOMOO  1997-2006

Dear MooMoo:
Like Dorothy said to the Scarecrow... I think I'll miss you MOST of all!  I was handed pure love, in a fur-suit...that day on the streets of Astoria, NY, when a man approached me and had YOU in his arms.  He asked me if I wanted a pit bull puppy, and I said - Yes!

It was towards the end of 1997 and I had just begun dialysis.  You were so special to me, dear MooMoo, and the first dog I had since I was a teenager.  My son, Angelo was crazy about you, but you already knew how much he loved you.  We will always remember your charming personality, strong character, playfulness, and how much you loved stuffed animals.

Most of all, I will remember you as the dog who came into my life when I needed you most.  Strangely enough, you passed away three months after I received my transplant...almost as if to say..."Goodbye Mom, my work is done here."  You may be happy to learn I now have another pit bull...a little girl named Shadow.  I know if you were here, you'd love her.  Farewell, my dearest friend.

Me and Shadow