Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter

Hello this is Martine,

I hope you all had a very nice Christmas.

We are working on the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter.

More Info will come soon.

Happy New Year!

Martine



Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald Community
http://bettymacdonaldcommunity.blogspot.com/

You can find more info about our Betty MacDonald projects and events in the future.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and winner of the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award founded Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society in 1983. We are the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world - with members in 23 countries. Join our wonderful international Betty MacDonald Community!
We have tons of fun!

Betty MacDonald - Fan Club of Betty MacDonald and Society of Betty MacDonald
http://bettymacdonald.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Forum
http://bettymacdonaldforum.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Society
http://bettymacdonaldsociety.blogspot.com/

Mary Bard Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/

Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Book about Betty MacDonald

Hello this is Martine,

I was reading a book about Betty MacDonald which had never been mentioned before in all the info.

I'm going to write more in the next newsletter. It's very well written and it will be one of the many wonderful surprise items for the Betty MacDonald Fan Club members in 2010.

Linde Lund creates the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald's loyal friends around the world

Hello this is Martine:

I'm a member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society.
I totally agree with Faith who said:

And among the things I'm thankful for are Betty, and Betty's loyal friends around the world!

That's it, dear Faith. Betty MacDonald and her loyal friends around the world make our life very special.
The world is such a small place. It's so fascinating to see that so many people from different cultures adore Betty MacDonald's wonderful books.

It belongs to the most positive experiences in my whole life what I learned from many Betty MacDonald Fan Club members around the world. I'm really very close with several of them.
We even visited each other and learned from each other. I still do. I'm so grateful for this chance.

I want to say thank you so much, dear Linde Lund. You do such a wonderful job.
Thank you so much for creating the Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society Blogs. You are always in our hearts.

Thank you so much, dear Wolfgang Hampel. The Betty MacDonald Fan Club project began in 1983. Wolfgang Hampel's dream came true. He did lots of hard work and we are more than grateful. I adore his excellent research and interviews and I know I'm not the only one. Among the many fans are writers, poets, actors and artists. He can be very proud and happy.
Wolfgang Hampel really deserves the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award because his Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviews have fans in 23 countries around the world.
Wolfgang Hampel founded what became the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world.

We have so many very interesting and important projects in the future and I want to say to all Betty MacDonald Fans where ever they may be: Join us and your life will be very special. You'll have the same experience I have.
We are going to reach our common goal finding new readers for Betty MacDonald's unique books. Let's do it!

I'm going to support Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society much more than I did in the past and I really can't wait to begin.

Love,

Martine


Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald Community
http://bettymacdonaldcommunity.blogspot.com/

You can find more info about our Betty MacDonald projects and events in the future.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and winner of the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award founded Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society in 1983. We are the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world - with members in 23 countries. Join our wonderful international Betty MacDonald Community!
We have tons of fun!

Betty MacDonald - Fan Club of Betty MacDonald and Society of Betty MacDonald
http://bettymacdonald.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Forum
http://bettymacdonaldforum.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Society
http://bettymacdonaldsociety.blogspot.com/

Mary Bard Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/

Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Event

Dear Betty MacDonald Fans from all over the world,

we are going to organize a Betty MacDonald Event with the most important Betty MacDonald Collectors and Betty MacDonald Fan Club members from all over the world in 2010.

As a member of the Betty MacDonald Fan Club you will have the opportunity to see the most important Betty MacDonald Collections and much more.

We'll have the most interesting new Betty MacDonald Items in 2010.

You can read all the details in the next Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter.

Let's celebrate our international Betty MacDonald Community with members in 23 countries. 2009 was a very successful year for Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society. Welcome to our many new members! We are so happy you joined us.

One of the very new members of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society is a gifted artist, poet and writer, who will contribute a lot for us in the future.

We also got a delightful message from a successful award winning american writer and we have many more wonderful news.

You'll be able to read more about these artists, poets and writers in our future postings.

As you can see Betty MacDonald has so many fans.

Thanks A Million for your support. We are so grateful for your contributions, incl. audio interviews, letters and other very important documents.


Linde Lund

Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald Community
http://bettymacdonaldcommunity.blogspot.com/

You can find more info about our Betty MacDonald projects and events in the future.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and winner of the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award founded Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society in 1983. We are the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world - with members in 23 countries. Join our wonderful international Betty MacDonald Community!
We have tons of fun!

Betty MacDonald - Fan Club of Betty MacDonald and Society of Betty MacDonald
http://bettymacdonald.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Forum
http://bettymacdonaldforum.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Society
http://bettymacdonaldsociety.blogspot.com/

Mary Bard Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/

Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Community

Dear Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society fans,

We got messages from several Betty MacDonald Collectors who will share all their info about Betty and Don MacDonald's wedding with photos.

Thank you so much for your outstanding support.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and winner of the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award founded Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society in 1983. Today we are the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world - with members in 23 countries. We are a wonderful international Betty MacDonald Community!

There are several Betty MacDonald Collectors owning huge collections. They want to invite interested fans to see their collections. You'll receive more info.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

A huge Betty MacDonald Surprise

I remember reading that Betty MacDonald once illustrated a pamphlet or booklet for one of the oil or gasoline companies. Has anyone ever been able to track down a copy of that book?

Or a copy of Sandra Surrenders?

Wouldn't that be amazing???

Peter D. Sieruta, Author of Heartbeats and Other Stories

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7046320545497573335&postID=2951173424343227853
http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=Betty+MacDonald+

Dear Peter and Betty MacDonald Fans from all over the world,

It's a wonderful feeling. You can read all the fascinating info in our Betty MacDonald Xmas Newsletter. We hope you are as happy as we are about these great news.
We can promise you many more wonderful Betty MacDonald Surprise Items in 2010. We hope you like the photos with Betty and Bob at the chicken farm.

Linde Lund

A phone call with artist and writer Darsie Beck

Wolfgang Hampel had a phone call with brilliant artist and writer Darsie Beck, son of Betty MacDonald's very charming sister Alison. We are going to post more info soon.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviewer of Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family and friends will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.
There is a huge media interest in this price and we are going to publish a DVD about the Betty MacDonald Memorial Award.

We got a wonderful mail from Darsie Beck:

Sa., 21. Nov. 2009

I really appreciated Wolfgang Hampel's phone call - it was as though the spirit of Betty was with me all night.
Please thank him for me.

I simply want to say thank you for attending last nights Essential Nature book debut. I am basking this morning in the glow, the warmth and the support your presence generated. I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did and that this new day becomes the best day of your life.

Of course in hindsight there are many things I wanted to share but either spaced out or got carried away or who knows what but in the keep it simple category much if not all of what Your Essential Nature is all about is helping us create a heightened sense of awareness - of who I am and what is around me or what is my nature and what is the nature around me. It is about trying something new - doing something different - about creating good change in our lives - Author Dan Millman's new book Awareness is Power suggests "Learning is more than knowing something new; rather, it involves doing something new."

Thank you again for your attendance and your support.

Love,

Darsie Beck

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald Gedächtnispreis für Autor und Journalist Wolfgang Hampel

Wolfgang Hampel, Autor der Betty MacDonald Biographie und Interviewer von Betty MacDonalds und Mary Bards Familien und Freunden wird den ersten Betty MacDonald Gedächtnispreis erhalten, der von einer Gruppe internationaler Betty MacDonald Sammler gestiftet wurde. Es besteht ein großes Medieninteresse an diesem Preis und wir werden eine DVD über den Betty MacDonald Gedächtnispreis veröffentlichen.

Herzlichen Glückwunsch, lieber Wolfgang Hampel.

Wolfgang Hampel verdient ohne jeden Zweifel den ersten Betty MacDonald Gedächtnispreis.
Viele Fans auf der ganzen Welt sind von seiner faszinierenden Betty MacDonald Biographie und den Interviews regelrecht begeistert.

Wolfgang Hampel Gründer des Betty MacDonald Fan Clubs und der Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Famous artists enjoy Betty MacDonald Biography

Famous artists Jim Woodring and Peter Bagge from Seattle enjoy the Betty MacDonald Biography and the interviews by author and journalist Wolfgang Hampel.

http://readersvoice.com/interviews/2003/March/55/

JIM WOODRING is a painter of colorful, cartoony, surreal pictures, and the creator of the comic, FRANK (Fantagraphics).

His favorite humor book is The egg and I by Betty Macdonald.
It's the reason he first moved to Washington.

Jim Woodring, cartoonist

I'm sure Betty MacDonald was a lovely person, but in her books she didn't hesitate to lambast people- with obvious relish- for their faults. It's one of the things I admire about her.

http://www.seattlepi.com/visualart/155658_woodring08.html

Lying in bed late at night and reading under the covers, Jim Woodring was inspired by Betty MacDonald's "The Egg and I."

Peter Bagge, cartoonist:

I recently read an interview with a cartoonist friend of mine, Jim Woodring, who proclaimed Betty as a big influence on him. This I did not know! Only he made a blanket comment, that she "didn't like Indians," that really annoyed me. I'll have to ask him about that!

Betty DOES have a bit of an acid tongue (people say the same thing
about me!), though that doesn't mean she's a mean person, at least not in my opinion.
It just means she's honest and observant.

http://heyoscarwilde.com/peter-bagge-betty-macdonald/
http://www.peterbagge.com/peter/bio.php


Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviewer of Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family and friends will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.
There is a huge media interest in this price and we are going to publish a DVD about the Betty MacDonald Memorial Award.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

New parts of Betty MacDonald Biography

Dear Betty MacDonald Fans,

Thanks A Million for the huge interest in the Betty MacDonald Biography and the interviews.

We have a very special surprise for our Betty MacDonald Fans in 23 countries.

You'll be able to read new parts of the Betty MacDonald Biography very soon - many more wonderful interviews with Betty MacDonald's family will be published.
You'll receive more info about it in our Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviewer of Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family and friends will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.
There is a huge media interest in this price and we are going to publish a DVD about the Betty MacDonald Memorial Award.

Congratulations, dear Wolfgang Hampel.

Wolfgang Hampel really deserves the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award. Many fans all over the world enjoy his fascinating Betty MacDonald biography and interviews.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Peter D. Sieruta, Author of Heartbeats and Other Stories:

I am so anxious to get the rest of the Betty's bios. And yes, I would definitely like to purchase all the CD's and DVD's. Thank you for making them available!

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7046320545497573335&postID=2951173424343227853
http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=Betty+MacDonald+

Ann, writer and journalist:

Congratulations on your Betty MacDonald biography!!! You have worked hard and deserve all coming successes. I'm so proud of you!!

Janet, writer and journalist:

Congratulations on being honored to receive the Betty MacDonald award. You deserve it for all the work you have done to promote her.

Ron:

Congratulations! A most appropriate honor. Also, noted Ingrid Noll like myself was born in Shanghai.

First Betty MacDonald Memorial Award for Author and Journalist Wolfgang Hampel

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviewer of Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family and friends will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.

Congratulations, dear Wolfgang Hampel.

Wolfgang Hampel really deserves the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award. Many Fans all over the world enjoy his fascinating Betty MacDonald biography and interviews.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

New Betty MacDonald Biography and Documentary

Wolfgang Hampel, journalist and author of the Betty MacDonald Biography, had the opportunity to interview bestselling author David Guterson, who wrote 'Snow falling on Cedars'.
A fascinating new Betty MacDonald Biography and Documentary will be available on CD and DVD in 2010.
Wolfgang Hampel visited all the places and interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items - Comments

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html


Dear Betty MacDonald Fan Club,
I have finally finished reading and listening to the items you sent. I'm very happy with them! I listened to the CD twice and made notes to pass on to you.
It was Alison's daughter who remarked that her Auntie Betty died when she was 9. I don't think this was Alison, as I remember that Betty put in one of her books about Alison being a teenager and her friends being "locusts". Alison's daughter helped Mary with the manuscript of the third "Best Friends" book. Alison talked about the trip to New York City with Betty, and about the trip to the Vashon store and she talked about her three marriages, there was a passage about driving to Alison's home, from Arizona I believe. Alison told the story of Mary's dinner party and how she couldn't sit with the guests because she was employed by Mary as a baby-sitter.
I very much enjoyed the remarks about Dede. It is high praise indeed for Dede to be called the wittiest person in the Bard family! And the remarks about the pathetic way Dede did things were obviously made with affection and not to disparage.
I'm also glad to learn more about Gammy, and especially surprised that hat she went to live with her sisters in Colorado. Interviewer Wolfgang Hampel was outstanding. Wolfgang was so very well-prepared and seems to know a lot about the Bard family. Hopefully, he will contribute more! I am interested to know facts, such as vital statistics, marriages, children, careers, residences, etc.
The "Betty" side of the CD is priceless. To have her actual voice recorded and preserved is wonderful. I have also read "The Kettles' Million $ Egg" and they ought to be ashamed of themselves. It s clear to me that they were just opportunists. I was quite surprised that the first judge allowed the lawsuit to proceed. It was a good idea to insert book excepts, as it helps to compare them with the testimony. There are some similarities between the Kettles and them , but there are fare more differences. I remember seeing some of the Ma & Pa Kettle movies as a kid, long before I knew they were Betty's creations, and I remember liking them fine. Haven't seen them in years, though. I liked the movies of "Egg" up to a point. It was quite sanitized from the book, and the latter part about the fire and the neighbors helping out was too sentimentalized by the filmmakers and doesn't fit with the rest of the movie. However, sanitizing was to be expected at that time. I think Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray were just about perfect choices for the roles.
Here's another personal anecdote: Our town library didn't have a copy of "The Plague and I", but our high school library did, so my sister and I would alternately check it out. We did this so much that the librarian told us we couldn't check it out any more because we were monopolizing it! Keep in mind that we were teens and impulsive!
My favorite of Betty's adult books is "Anybody Can Do Anything". It is to me the funniest and has the largest amount of interesting characters. I often wonder about the "Dorita Hess" chapter. It stands out so much from just about anything else she wrote because it is almost eerie. I'd like to know the true facts about this, too.
I'd also like to know more about Madge, the adopted sister, who I believe appeared only in "Plague", and Cleve.
As for my favorite personality besides Betty, it would have to be Mary. She's so funny and vibrant and smart. None of the Bards could be caught at a loss for words, but Mary was always the best at the quick, smart response no matter what was said to her.
Well, I didn't intend for this to be so long! But it was fun to write.
Thanks again to you and all the other at the Society for all your time and effort on Betty and the rest of the Bard's behalf.
Thanks for your promptness in sending the conclusion of "The Kettles Million $ Egg". And yes, I am most interested in "THE EGG AND BETTY" and anything else the Society publishes. It is most delightful to find out so much about Betty after 35 yrs of wondering! Yes, you most certainly do have my permission to print my comment. I'm flattered that you want to!
I have just finished reading the latest installments and am amazed at the detail. What an incredible amount of research must have gone into this. I also enjoyed the comments on the geography from the residents of Seattle and Puget Sound.
"The terrible nearness of the mountains" is one of my favorites of Betty's descriptive phrases. I've never lived near mountains, but I can certainly understand Betty's feelings of how prominent they were, especially because she was in a rural area with few near neighbors. I've never been to Washington, but I feel that Betty was probably describing actual cities because she makes them seem so real. I've never known people like the Kettles, but I have seen that type of people in the small town where I grew up as well as in Southern California with so many really big cities. I'm sure they exist everywhere.
As for the reasons I like her books, FUNNY is the biggest reason. Another big reason is the warmth and genuineness that I feel from all of Betty's books. One feels that she is talking to you just as she really was. I can't think of anything that I don't like about Betty's books--unless it is that there weren't more! I reread them regularly. In fact, I keep a reading copy of each and then I have my "good" copies that I've collected over the years (various editions, paperbacks, books with dust jackets).
Which makes me wonder: Are Betty's books available in languages other than English? I have British paperback editions that I got by special order a few years ago.
Keep up the good work. It is very much appreciated.
Henry
I have read Wolfgang Hampel's "The Kettles Million Dollar Egg" parts 1-Vll and found it to be very interesting.
Who would have thought that Betty would have to go through so much trauma for the book that gave her fame and many devoted fans.
I think they were trying to ride on the coattails of Betty's success and saw a chance for easy money. Their testimony sounded weak and ill founded. No doubt Betty would have given her all in the witness box, and I am looking forward to the sequel. A million dollars was an enormous amount and I imagine that this case would have generated an enormous amount of interest. Your questions regarding slides, Seattle, mountains and Vashon I cannot answer. I have lived in the city of Sydney, Australia all my life and have no experience with such things. But that is another reason I love Betty's books so much - her wonderful descriptions of these places / things make it all so clear in my mind's eye. The first book of Betty's I read was "Onions in the Stew" over 20 years ago - I was captivated from the beginning and read it over and over again until I reluctantly returned it to the library. I was very happy to learn she had written other books and collected them all. I did not know that she wrote childrens books as well until I found them on the internet. I have ordered a copy of "Nancy and Plum" from America and can' t wait to receive it. Reading her books is like having a chat with a wonderful visitor - someone once described her as a "word painter" .Thats exactly what she does - paints images in your mind that make you feel as though you are part of it all. My favourite book is still "Onions in the Stew" - although life on a island was not exactly rosy all of the time I still wanted to go and live on Vashon island. I loved the descriptions of Don, Anne, and Joan - particularly Betty's descriptions of the trials and tribulations of adolescence. I can now understand what my own parents went through as Betty could have been describing me at times. It has actually helped me understand my own daughter as she has marched the adolescent trail. Some things never change!
My favourite personalities beside Betty? Anne and Joan for their sheer youthful exuberance. Don for his dour sense of humor, loving acceptance of Anne and Joan as his own and for providing Betty with long awaited security, love and happiness. Betty's mother Sydney for her calm approach to what ever disaster crossed their path. Kimi for her wisdom. And finally, Tudor the dog for - well, just being a real dog that fights, throws up, and hates riding in cars - not some star studded Hollywood fake!
Thank you again for sending the first part of the biography. Please hurry with the next installment!I am so looking forward to the sequels of the biography - at last I can stop wondering what happened to all the members of this wonderful story.
Yours faithfully,
Margaret

Dear Betty MacDonald Fan Club,
I enjoyed Wolfgang Hampel's books and stories so much.
I have never had any neighbors like the Kettles: thank God.
I found ONIONS IN THE STEW completely by accident when I was in junior high school (about 1960). I saw the book in the autobiography section, and thought it was a cookbook that had been misfiled. I removed it from the shelf to inspect it and, while glancing through it, became so interested in the book's contents that I checked it out immediately. As soon as I finished ONIONS IN THE STEW, I found Betty's other books and read them as well. I was so disappointed that she wrote so few books. . . I think ANYBODY CAN DO ANYTHING is probably my favorite. What I liked most about Betty's books is her honest assessments of her life experiences and the humor she shows through adversity.
I can' t wait to read more.

Love,Kathleen

I am so anxious to get the rest of the Betty's bios. And yes, I would definitely like to purchase all the CD's and DVD's. Thank you for making them available! I can't tell you how often I listen to the Betty and Alison CD in my car. Probably at least three or four times a week. It relaxes me when I feel tense. Please extend my greetings to the interviewer Wolfgang Hampel and tell him how much I enjoy the CD.
Does the Betty MacDonald Society still hope to publish their work in book form? I hope that eventually happens. I think the best publisher for such a book would be a Washington-based university publisher. A mainstream publisher such as HarperCollins or Doubleday of course would be THE best, but I don't think there is enough interest for a big publisher to release such a book. I do think that a university press would be very interested. As you know, I work in a library and handle hundreds of books a month, so I know who is publishing what kind of material.
Have you ever seen any of Betty's artwork? I would love to see one of her homemade Christmas cards (even the ones she got in trouble for copying at work!) Also, I remember reading that she once illustrated a pamphlet or booklet for one of the oil or gasoline companies. Has anyone ever been able to track down a copy of that book? I'd love to see it. Can you imagine opening up a box and finding early typescripts of The Egg and I? Or letters Betty wrote from the sanitorium? Or a handwritten copy of Sandra Surrenders? Wouldn't that be amazing???I have received the Betty birthday CD and like it very much. I feel like I am right there in the house with the inteviewer and the two Alisons when I listen. The CD of Betty and her friends is so interesting. It's so fascinating to hear the different opinions of Betty though, isn't it? Alison talked about how shy she was, but on the second part of the CD we hear that Betty was quite gregarious.
Well, I should let you go. I can't wait to get the rest of the bio. Hope you are doing well. Please join me in saying, "Happy Birthday, Betty!"
Peter ( U.S. Writer )
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7046320545497573335&postID=2951173424343227853
http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=Betty+MacDonald+

Thanks so much for the story installments. I am enjoying them very much and am curious about the ending. I'm looking forward to the last part and to hearing the CD. Your society has done a lot of hard work and research, and I appreciate it!
Regards,Susan

Dear Friends,
Sorry to take so long getting back to you--I ended up buying a new printer to finish the job of downloading...Wow, I am impressed! You really worked hard to gather all this stuff. After fifty years it must have been quite a quest! Good for you. For years we have all had questions and you have followed through with trying to find answers. My sister (I took her ALL the pages two days ago) was the most pleased I have seen her in YEARS. She says she is STILLL reading it. So, can we expect more to come ? ? Another delighted fan, Caroline Thanks again.

What surprised me the most after reading The Kettles' Million Dollar Egg, The Egg and Betty....probably the lawsuit (I had not ever hear about that); maybe the fact that so many people believed it was a true story (it seems to me that it was catalogued and shelved as FICTION in libraries at one time)...maybe 'faction' would be appropriate...Why do I think Bob didn't appear? I've always wondered where he went..I wonder how Don MacDonald liked being Mr. Betty or "BOB" ....in some people's minds. He seemed very supportive of Betty's life and work.
I guess I read the first E&I in the 1950's -- I remember Onions in the Stew being, I think, a Reader's Digest book?? or maybe Book of the Month...living in a small town with no bookstores, my mom belonged to book clubs & that would be where I began reading about Betty. Anyway, we were a reading household..I guess I would be 12 or 13 ?? My sister is the most devoted fan--re-reads Betty books ...she was in Seattle a few years back when her husband needed medical treatment at hospital there...she went to all the second hand bookstores but said copies were impossible to find. I have said for about 25 years that someone should do what you people have done...so many so curious as to other details of her life--Betty I mean...Sad that she died so young--was she not still in her 40s?? So much talent and so long remembered.
My experiences with chickens were at my grandmother's farm as a child. Ugh. Hard work & little reward. Of course in Betty & Bob's case it was the Depression and people were scrambling just to get the basics. Certainly in our family--pioneers in USA and Canada...one of my uncle's lived a life very like Egg & I in a mountain valley a few hours from here--logging with horses, growing cherries for sale, etc. His wife was a very hardworking lady -- she probably enjoyed the E&I too at the time it was published. He wrote a book--kind of a memoir which his children had published in limited edition. Much of it probably libellous...but fun. Books are like that--even his own brothers differed on what was true and false...it is all perception, I think. I have been to the Seattle, Portland (Ore.) area and lived on Vancouver Island in several different towns....yes, it is all very beautiful. I never saw a Geoduck but certainly we dug our own clams, had free prawns, bought huge fish from the Indians (illegally even then) and this was in the 1960's...My last trip to Vancouver Island was in the 1990's I think...if one travels to any of the more remote communities (usually accessible by ferry or only plane/boat even now) you will find much unchanged. It is reassuring in many ways.
So the Egg and I life still exists out here in the wilds of Canada....

Best wishes, Caroline

Lorinda from Seattle:
I did receive the CD the day before yesterday. It sounds like the interviewer, Wolfgang Hampel, Alison Bard and daughter were having a hilarious time. It was wonderful to hear them talking and it gives me an idea of what talking to the entire Bard family must've been like. Betty's voice was very feminine and she sounded like she would've been a fun person to know.
I LOVE Betty's word pictures and how she describes a setting or situation. The Kettles were certainly among the funniest parts for me. I loved her description of Paw Kettle coming to the table wearing a coatdress and manure-covered boots. I also loved her description of Bob's conversation with Maw Kettle while Maw was comfortably seated in the outhouse, reading the Sears, Roebuck catalog.Betty is able to find humor in adversity. Also, I do think that people can see their own families and people they know in her characterizations.
My favorites are The Egg & I because her writing was so excellent and fresh and Onions In the Stew because she was happy then.I've just seen The Egg & I and 2 of the Kettle movies. My mom has all of them and I borrowed hers. The Egg & I was too idealized by Hollywood. Claudette Colbert and Fred McMurray were lovely actors, but way too perfect looking to be real life chicken farmers. It was a fun family movie though. The Kettle movies are funny but again, they are pretty sanitized by Hollywood. I watched the one where Paw Kettle wins a brand new house for the family. It was entertaining.
Thank you for inviting me to comment and for reading through my ramblings. Best wishes to you in your continued study of Betty MacDonald and her writings. You have done a fantastic job in putting together all this information and I had a lot of fun reading it. Now I will read it again and catch some of the parts I didn't retain the first time!
Regards,
Lorinda

Dear Wolfgang Hampel:

Your research has provided me with a great deal of information about the author Betty MacDonald. Thank you for making your publications and private exchange of collected materials available through the Betty MacDonald Fan Club website.

I have also read every book and article related to Betty’s sister, Mary Bard Jensen. I even tracked down information on the radio drama, Schuyler’s Square, written by their mother, Mrs. D. C. Bard.

I’d like to learn more about Betty’s professional, financial, and legal dealings, especially with her literary agent, editors, Lippincott managers, foreign editors, publicists, movie and television producers, financial consultants, and lawyers. I'd like to learn more about Betty’s Hollywood experiences and her short-lived ranch life in Carmel, California.

Mr. Hampel, thank you for sharing and publishing your research online via the Betty MacDonald Fan Club website. I appreciate the access to information which you have made possible.

Best Regards,
Cathy

Dear Friends,
I am a huge fan of Betty's; I read "The Egg and I" when I was a teenager and have always loved her books. I am glad you have taken the time and made the effort to promote her memory through your society, such a personality as Betty was should not be forgotten. I'm sure there are very many of her fans worldwide who like me, have many questions and are very curious about what happened to her family in the years after Betty's death.
I did receive Wolfgang Hampel's books 'The Kettles' Million Dollar Egg', 'The Egg and Betty' and 'The Tragic End of Robert Heskett' and found them very funny and so interesting. I think Betty was caught between a rock and a hard place at the trial. Writers are allowed a certain "creative license" and she may have embellished her characters a bit to make a good story, but of course she didn't want to lose the case, either. So she claimed some of her story was fictional. But I still believe she drew those characters from her life; good writers write about what they know and experience and it is obvious to me that her richly drawn characterizations of the Kettles and other families while she lived on the chicken farm were true for the most part. Even if parts of the story were fictionalized, I will always be grateful to her for writing some of the funniest and most unforgettable books I have ever read. She will always be my favorite humorist and I only wish she could have lived longer so she could have given the world more opportunities to enjoy her unique talent. Thank you for the second installments of the story.I'm so happy to gain more knowledge about Betty's life and her experiences during the trial. Now I understand why the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce said there were still some hard feelings toward Betty by some of the people in the area. You would think that after all this time, though, it really wouldn't matter anymore. I guess some people can hold a grudge forever! I don't think Betty ever intended to malign anyone. She wrote from her experiences, and if she embellished a bit, that is her right as a creative artist. Her characterizations were indeed devastating, weren't they? And so very funny. A hundred years from now her books will still be uniquely humorous. What a personality she was. When my husband and I took the trip to Port Townsend last summer in search of "The Egg and I Road" I wondered why there was no marker. The letter from the nice gentleman who lives on the old homestead in Chimacum partly answered that question. I wondered why the descriptions of the mountains in "The Egg and I" didn't match what I saw on Egg and I Road, and that question too was answered by Betty's testimony in the trial. I believe that Port Ludlow, Chimacum and Port Townsend were exactly as she described them. She may have had to stretch the truth a bit in the trial, but what else could she have done. It's indeed ironic that the Kettles were forced to live on EGG AND I Road. http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM43RE_EGG_I_ROAD Another funny anecdote to her story. I especially enjoyed Kimi's defense of Betty in her letter. http://monicasone.blogspot.com/ In this age of "political correctness" which I find very tiresome, Kimi's letter was well thought out and well written. Betty was certainly not a racist. In "The Plague and I" Betty stands up for black people, and Kimi, who was Japanese, was her best friend. It was very different 60+ years ago but some people forget that.
It is so nice that so many people remember and care about Betty and try to keep her memory alive. Thank you for all your good works in her behalf. I agree that there should be more to commemorate Betty's life and her accomplishments, at least some kind of marker or memorial. At least they did name the "Egg and I Road" after her book. I hope you can visit Washington state someday and take the ferry over to Vashon Island. It really is a beautiful, lushly green island with marvelous views in every direction.
I don't think Betty gets the recognition she deserves in this country partly because of the unfortunate atmosphere of "political correctness" (p.c.) that pervades the U.S.A. right now. Betty was critical of native Americans (Indians) in her book and that is a "no no" in the minds of many of the powers that be. They don't stop to consider that she was writing from the perspective of over 50 years ago or give her credit for her uniquely talented style and the marvelous, timeless humor of her writing. She really is one of America's best humorists and fortunately many people all over the world do recognize this. I think her books will be read and re-read through the ages. There are so many young people that are becoming aware of her books now, and that really encourages me...they will keep her memory going.
I agree with you that "The Egg & I" is one of the funniest books ever written. I remember laughing so hard I was gasping for breath and almost fell off the couch the first time I read it! I was about fourteen years old then. I have re-read it many times and never tire of it, I believe it is timeless.
Perhaps you have heard of the town of Leavenworth? It is at the foothills of the Cascades, and is a world famous Bavarian style village, very picturesque. They have Autumn Fest, Maifest, and Christmas lighting celebrations and people come from all over the world to visit. They have many German craftsman living in the area, contributing their talents to the many shops in town. They have dancers, complete with lederhosen and full old-world Bavarian dress, performing in the open square during the summertime celebrations. Wonderful food of every description; I love their bratwurst andsauerkraut, bought from the street vendors. If you are interested in learning more about the village, you can reach the site at http://www.leavenworth.org/ It is well worth an online visit!
Betty MacDonald February 1951
"I have had letters from people all over the world - from England and from Bavaria - telling me that the Kettles lived next door to them.
I am looking forward to reading more of your society's publications about Betty and her life. She was such an unique personality, I will always love her and her books, they have given me so much pleasure and laughter over the years.
It is so good to know she has fans worldwide! Keep up the good work and stay in touch.
Yours in Betty's memory,Connie



Doris Sanders Says:
June 19, 2009 at 5:13 pm

Betty MacDonald has so many fans all over the world.
There is a Betty MacDonald Fan Club with members in more than 20 countries.
There is a CD and DVD with Betty and her family avaiable.
A real treasure.


Linde Lund Says:
June 27, 2009 at 7:46 am

I’d love to send you a special Betty MacDonald Surprise,
a CD/DVD with very witty Betty MacDonald and her wonderful sister Alison Bard , who got the same talent as her famous sister Betty MacDonald.
You’ll enjoy these two ladies very, very much. I enjoy them all the time and so do many fans all over the world.
Included are many very interesting biographical stories.


Kathy Anderson Says:
July 1, 2009 at 7:28

I’m so delighted to find someBetty MacDonald Fans here.
I recently heard Betty MacDonald’s wonderful voice and laugh for the first time. ( DVD by Betty MacDonald Fan Club)
Betty MacDonald is wonderful in her books and in this DVD.
The State of Washington can be very proud.


Linde Lund Says:
July 2, 2009 at 11:06 am

Are there any members here who knew Betty MacDonald and her family?
I’d love to hear from you.


Wolfgang Hampel Says:
July 25, 2009 at 10:05

Betty MacDonald is a beloved writer all over the world.
When I visited the very beautiful State of Washington in 1996 I really met the most wonderful people in the world.
I’ll never forget visiting with Betty MacDonald’s really brillant and so very funny sister Alison Bard all the places and houses where the Bard family lived. I only wished more Betty MacDonald fans had the opportunity to do this.
I’d like to say Thanks A Million for these delightful memories.


Kathy Anderson Says:
August 3, 2009 at 3:34 pm

Dear Wolfgang Hampel,

thank you so much for the wonderful idea to interview Betty MacDonald’s unique family and her very nice friends.
Your interviews and biographical books and stories are my favourites and I hope you will continue your outstanding work.
Wolfgang, I’d like to meet Mrs. Schwagerman and many other Betty MacDonald Fans in Seattle and on Vashon Island.
What about a Betty MacDonald meeting? I’d love to see you all.


Frank Bichler Says:
August 7, 2009 at 5:31

There should be an event where Betty MacDonald Fans could meet each other in Seattle and on Vashon Island.
I’m from Switzerland. Count me in, please.
I want to ask Wolfgang Hampel a question: How did you get the chance to interview all these great people? I tried several times to interview Alison Bard, but she refused.
You got the opportunity to meet her and the other members of this outstanding family. Tell me your secret, please. Anyway – dear Wolfgang Hampel, you did a very great job and it’s really fascinating to listen to the stories
of the beloved writers Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard and
the unique Bard family.


Sandra Martin Says:
August 8, 2009 at 8:42

This is a dream – visiting all the places where Betty and her family lived.
Frank, Wolfgang Hampel interviews lots of artists and writers.

Visit the site

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society

http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

I enjoy the Betty MacDonald CD and Betty MacDonald Biography very often.
Yes, we should have a Betty MacDonald Meeting in Seattle.
I’ll be there.


Brigitte Schneider Says:
August 11, 2009 at 10:00

There was a fascinating TV report about Wolfgang Hampel and Betty MacDonald Fan Club.
I’m totally delighted to listen to Betty MacDonald and her sister Alison Bard on CD. I hope the Betty MacDonald DVD is available soon.

How much I’d love to see Betty’s and the siblings’ houses, places and Vashon Island.



Denise Berger Says:
August 14, 2009 at 8:35

Let’s support Betty MacDonald Fan Club to organize a
Fan Club meeting in Seattle.

A dream would be to meet Betty MacDonald’s and Mary Bard’s family.

Hurry up with the new Betty MacDonald DVD, please.

Wolfgang Hampel should continue his outstanding research. More interviews, please.



Martine Didier Says:
August 19, 2009 at 11:31

I’ve read Betty MacDonald books many, many times.
The same thing is with listening to the Betty MacDonald Fan Club CD and reading the Betty MacDonald Fan Club books and stories. When are you going to publish more interviews and stories? Hurry up, please. I can’t wait.

Tell me more, please about the Betty MacDonald Conference. I’m very interested in attending!
Let’s all meet in Seattle and on Vashon Island!


Andrea Says:
August 23, 2009 at 12:17 am

I never visited the State of Washington but as i’m deeply in love with Betty MacDonald’s and Wolfgang Hampel’s books and interviews it’s time to see Betty’s paradise.

When can I order the new Betty MacDonald DVD?



Lena Svenson Says:
August 26, 2009 at 12:52

Our family and friends like Betty MacDonald’s books and all the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items especially Betty MacDonald’s and Alison Bard’s interview.
They are our favourites.
One of our goals is to see everthing Betty described in her books. So we want to come.
Thank you so much for organizing a Betty MacDonald Event.
I can’t wait to see the new Betty MacDonald DVD!


Arlette Hubert Says:
August 31, 2009 at 5:31 pm

I love Betty MacDonald’s and Alison Bard’s audio interviews
and also the biographical books and stories by Wolfgang Hampel. I would like to attend a Betty Event with two of my friends who love Betty MacDonald the same as I do.
Perhaps we could meet some members of Betty MacDonald’s family. I’d die to meet Alison Bard who is really so very witty and funny. Every time I listen to Alison Bard interviewed by Wolfgang Hampel I can’t stop laughing.
Thank you so much for your great work.


Günther Says:
September 13, 2009 at 5:29 pm

Hi,

Happy Birthday Monica Sone!
It would be great if Monica Sone could attend a Betty MacDonald Event in Seattle.


Natalie Says:
September 20, 2009 at 7:22 pm

My dream would be to meet Monica Sone, Wolfgang Hampel, Alison Bard – Betty MacDonald’s beloved sister – and all of you, of course.

As much as I enjoy Wolfgang Hampel’s fascinating books and stories about Betty MacDonald’s life, his interview with wonderful Alison Bard is my top favourite. I can listen to it over and over again and never get tired because Alison and Wolfgang had tons of fun with each other.
Do me a favour, please. Wolfgang Hampel and Alison Bard should repeate this at the Betty MacDonald Event. Every time I’m listening to this interview I realize that it’s pure Bard magic.

Alison Bard – brilliant sister of Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard
Alison Bard Fan Club and Alison Bard Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/



Martine Didier Says:
October 6, 2009 at 11:07 am

Perhaps we should found a Betty MacDonald Museum.
I have a huge Betty MacDonald Collection with letters, documents and manuscripts.
What do you think about this idea?


Peter Meyer Says:
October 8, 2009 at 12:02 pm

A Betty MacDonald Museum would be great.
I love this idea. All Betty fans worldwide should meet in Seattle and discuss this. I guess there are many Betty MacDonald Collectors and they could contribute to a fascinating exhibit.



Helena Says:
October 11, 2009 at 12:36 pm

My family, friends and I adore Betty MacDonald’s and Alison Bard’s recorded voice and wonderful laughfrom the Betty MacDonald Fan Club CD. We can’t stop laughing about these two very funny and charming ladies. The comments in the biographical books and stories by Alison Bard and Monica Sone are very witty and wise.
A dream would come true to meet Alison and Monica in person.
I know many Betty fans in my country, the Chech Republic who would like to come to Seattle.
There should be a Betty MacDonald Museum.



Donna Says:
October 16, 2009 at 9:59 am

I’d like to share this wonderful message from Betty MacDonald Fan Faith.

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/09/wonderful-message-from-betty-macdonald.html



Martine Didier Says:
October 22, 2009 at 10:56 am

Betty MacDonald Fans from all over the world should contribute to found a Betty MacDonald Museum and a Betty MacDonald Monument.
Betty MacDonald Fan Club will do it and Betty MacDonald really deserves it.


Sabrina Says:
October 23, 2009 at 5:12 pm

I support the Betty MacDonald Museum and Monument project. Let’s do it. Betty MacDonald shared her gift of golden laughter with the world. It’s time we do something for this unique author. My God! Betty MacDonald’s sister Alison Bard is so cute. Her adventures with Betty and Mary are really delightful. Thank you, dear Wolfgang Hampel for this interview. I hope more will come soon. I heard that there are so many more interviews with you.


M. Sanders Says:
October 25, 2009 at 4:15 pm

I support these projects. The State of Washington can be very proud. Betty MacDonald is unique.

Betty MacDonald is the best writer – very funny, intelligent, very wise. What a lady! I can read her books a million times and have to laugh out loud every time.

It’s sad that Betty MacDonald’s wonderful sister Alison Bard never wrote a book of her own but she is really so cute in this interview.

Wolfgang Hampel’s books and stories are very well done and our family and friends enjoy them so much. Thank you for all your excellent research! We all hope, dear Wolfgang, you can continue your great work. Please do!

Thanks a lot!


Jana Says:
October 29, 2009 at 3:30 pm

Hello dear Betty MacDonald Fans,

I just visited the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Page
and found two messages from Betty Fans.
We also have some depressing weather here. The sky is so grey but Linde is right if you receive mails like this everything is ok.
I will do the same as Faith does. Drinking coffee and reading Wolfgang Hampel’s wonderful books. Afterwards I’ll listen again to the interviews. The sky is grey but who cares if you have unique storytellers like Betty MacDonald and Wolfgang Hampel. Thank you so much for your great work! Not to forget Betty MacDonald’s witty sister Alison Bard.

I’d like to make a long boring message short. I’m very interested in a Betty MacDonald Meeting. Count me in!


Daniela Says:
October 31, 2009 at 6:25 pm

Good morning,

November is my less favourite month.
What can I do to change my mood?
I’m reading Betty MacDonald’s or Wolfgang Hampel’s books or like now I’m listening to Betty MacDonald’s sister Alison Bard. Alison shares so very funny and witty stories with us that I have to laugh all the time – whether I want or not.
I just have to. She is terribly witty. What I adore is that you can feel that Alison Bard and Wolfgang Hampel had lots of fun. I can imagine sitting in Sydney’s house in the University District drinking lots of coffee and listening to these wonderful storytellers.


T. Werner Says:
November 3, 2009 at 1:33 am

Alison Bard is a word painter in this great interview with Wolfgang Hampel. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy this interview and the biographical books and stories written by Wolfgang Hampel. I hope more interviews, books and stories will be published in the future. I would be happy to meet you in Seattle and on Vashon Island.


Karin Says:
November 6, 2009 at 3:03 pm

I hope the Bard house in the University District is still there when we meet each other in Seattle.
Alison Bard describes family life in such a wonderful way in this interview with Wolfgang Hampel. My family and I would like to see this house and the other places where Betty MacDonald lived. Alison tells many delightful stories about the houses in Laurelhurst and on Vashon Island.


Dana K. Says:
November 8, 2009 at 8:17 am

Dear Betty MacDonald Fans,

I saw a television report about Betty MacDonald and guess who are the contributors of it: Tatatataaaa our dear Linde Lund and Wolfgang Hampel.
Thank you so much for all your great work.
My family, friends and I love you both!



Elisabeth Says:
November 9, 2009 at 10:35 am

I got this info about the TV report in the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter. Linde Lund and Wolfgang Hampel did a great job. I hope Betty MacDonald Fan Club is going to publish more interviews and stories. I enjoy everything, my favourite is the story about Betty MacDonald’s friend Mike.

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items and Comments

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html

Peter Says:
November 13, 2009 at 5:24 pm

The TV report is really fascinating. Congratulations!
I hope we can read the mentioned story - Betty MacDonald in California – very soon.
Are there any other interviews available Wolfgang Hampel did with writers and artists? I’m very interested in his interview with David Guterson, author of Snow falling on Cedars. I know some interviews Wolfgang Hampel did for example the one with Truman Capote. I enjoy the interview in the newsletter so much

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html

Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone, Wolfgang Hampel Links

http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
Betty MacDonald - Fan Club of Betty MacDonald and Society of Betty MacDonald

http://bettymacdonald.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Fan Club

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Forum

http://bettymacdonaldforum.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Society

http://bettymacdonaldsociety.blogspot.com/

Mary Bard Society

http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/

Nancy and Plum Fan Club

http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club

http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone

http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society

http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club

http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society

http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday dear Monica Sone

Copyright 2009 by Wolfgang Hampel

Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter and Betty MacDonald's wonderful friend, described as Kimi in Betty MacDonald's The Plague and I, celebrates a very special birthday.Today Moncia Sone is 90 years old. Congratulations!
Happy Birthday dear Monica Sone and many more of them!

Monica Sone has fans all over the world. She wrote Nisei Daughter and many authors adore her book for example David Guterson, author of Snow falling on Cedars.We got so many comments from our international fans. They learned so much after reading Nisei Daughter.To us it's one of the most important books we've ever read.Thanks A Million dear Monica Sone in the name of your many fans for writing this fascinating autobiography. It's so important to know history and to learn from the past. We can understand everything much better because of your book Nisei Daughter.

Monica, you are so very bright, brave, wise, witty and you have the most beautiful voice ever just the way our beloved Betty MacDonald described you as Kimi in The Plague and I.Nobody wants to be ill and stay in a hospital but with you I bet it would be like in paradise.

Monica, I just love and enjoy our phone calls so much. To me it's such a gift.

Lots of love and kisses and hugs and many greetings to you and your family on your very special day today especially to Susan, because she does a great job and every time I talk to you you sound younger and younger.
You are a miracle, a genius but very human and warm!

Remain strong and healthy, please, dear Monica! The world needs wonderful personalities like you so much.

Many hugs and greetings from Master Peter to great Lady Monica!

Thanks A Million for your outstanding friendship!

We are with you and your family and friends in our thoughts.

Wishing you a very wonderful birthday!

All our love
Wolfgang, Angelika and Peter -
your old Wolf and your many fans worldwide

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Dear Monica Sone,

Happy birthday dear Monica Sone.

What can I say after such a statement?

Wolfgang Hampel did it well, didn't he?

Dear Monica Sone, we all adore your writing skills and your brilliant personality.I'd like to say thank you so much for writing this very important work of literature because I among others had no idea about this dark part of history.Therefore Nisei Daughter is so important and after reading it nobody will ever forget it.

Best wishes,

Linde Lund

Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

We'd love to hear from Monica Sone fans.Send your birthday wishes to lindelund2000@yahoo.com, please.
Thank you so much!

Regards,

Linde Lund
Interview with Monica Sone - author of Nisei Daughter
http://rhankins.blogspot.com/2008/10/daughter-with-author-monica-sone_16.html

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday, Monica Sone
http://blog.densho.org/2009/09/happy-birthday-monica-sone.html

Betty MacDonald Research

After doing extensive worldwide research, including visits to places and people important to Betty, we are still looking for interesting and important information about Betty MacDonald and the Bard family. Our interest includes any interviews, articles, radio and television appearances.
We are also looking for more people who knew the Bards personally. If you have information to add to our research, please email us. Please also let us know your requests -- what kind of subjects interest you most about the work and life of Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard?
Your information will help us in our research and work to create and preserve a living portrait of Betty MacDonald's brilliant personality and her wounderful family. Please join us in this treasure hunt for more stories!
Do you have or know of an interesting sites with material about or related to Betty? Please send us the URL address. Thank you so much in advance for supporting our activities, and for your suggestions and help! Send us you research, suggestions and support to Research Department lindelund2000@yahoo.com.
Your information will be posted to the site promptly. Thank you!

Betty MacDonald Discussion

Linda Buffalo, NY

I have a question I'd love to find the answer to! In chapter 2 of Betty's book ANYBODY CAN DO ANYTHING, she describes how she suddenly packed her bags, grabbed the children, and made a dash for the bus back home, after receiving her sister Mary's telegram. It sounds almost like a prison break. She says that she left her husband Bob a note, and then hurried away. I have always been curious about this. Was their relationship that strained by that time? Did he ever come looking for her and the children? She never mentions him again after she returns home.

Linde Lund:

Linda, there are several Betty Fan Club Items where you can find all the info entitled THE KETTLES' MILLION DOLLAR EGG, THE EGG AND BETTY and THE TRAGIC END OF ROBERT HESKETT. You'll enjoy these e-books and stories very much. Betty had many serious problems with Bob - and the Kettles!

Marilyn:

HELLO!
I AM A BIG, OL', FAN OF BETTY. I WOULD LIKE TO ACQUIRE THE ABOVE-MENTIONED BIOS, AND WILL APPRECIATE YOU LETTING ME KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT IT! AND I WOULD LIKE THE JOIN THE SOCIETY!JUST GIVE ME THE WORD, AND I'LL DO IT!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH,

Linde Lund :

I'll send you all the info.
If you need further info feel free to contact me, please.
My email-address: lindelund2000@yahoo.com

Julie:

Hi There I have been a fan of Betty MacDonald since I was a tiddler and now in my latish 60's was so delighted to find that they had republished the books and moreover had all copies in the local library so I have had a read fest. I already have 'Onions in the Stew' and 'Anybody can do Anything' but my 'Egg and I' had disintegrated over the years and many moves... It was most refreshing to read that and the 'Plague and I' again..and then I find your website so can I join please? and what does it entail? I live in Tasmania Australia...

Linde Lund:

It's always wonderful to hear from Betty MacDonald Fans. If you join you'll receive new info all the time and a special birthday and christmas surprise. Many greetings to Tasmania in Australia!

Linda from Oregon

Count me in!

Linde Lund:

I will. By the way we have lots of Lindas and Lindes here. It's a nice name, isn't it.

Maryanne:

I have been reading the messages at the Betty MacDonald Site. Several people have asked what Betty died of, and I just check her bio in Current Biography, vol. 136. (available at most libraries). It says she died of cancer, although it doesn't say what type. Several of the web site messages said tb, but I think she fully recovered from that nearly 20 years before she died.

Linde Lund:

Betty MacDonald died of cancer. Wolfgang Hampel wrote five stories about Betty MacDonald's illness. He found out the most interesting facts because he could use many letters and documents for these stories for the first time ever. Don't miss them, please. Betty was really very brave, indeed. She did everything to win the fight against this illness. The Betty MacDonald fans are always very moved after reading the stories. So am I. I'll post more info about this important subject in the future.

Sue:

I enjoyed the trial story, and I really want to get the other ones, I would love to see pictures of the actual place and of Ma and Pa. Was Betty's first husband really handsome? Which one is your favorite of the e-books?

Linde Lund:

Betty MacDonald's first husband Bob was really very handsome. There are several photos of Bob in our collection.
I like all of the e books and you'll enjoy them very much. Among our fans are several writers and journalists and all of them enjoyed the items very much. My favourite is perhaps the one about Betty MacDonald's friendship with Mike entitled Betty and Mike. I adore the story and especially Alison's and Kimi's comments.To me it's a real treasure. And I enjoy the CD with Betty and Alison so much. I can listen to these fascinating, very funny and witty ladies all the time.

Lisa:

I first read Betty Macdonald's Onions In The Stew in a reader's digest. It was so good I sought it out in a local library. I checked it out so many times I ended up buying it from the library along with the Egg and I, which I now own on DVD. To say I am a fan of Betty Macdonald is a gross understatement!! I think her writing is some of the best there ever was or ever will be and I was thrilled to see so much info on her in Google. Even though I own Onions & Egg I am planning to buy all Betty's books new so I can read them over and over again. Where is the best place to purchase Betty's complete collection? I saw a reader's digest with onions in it and I may buy that as a reminder of how my love affair with her works started. I am also very interested in purchasing Betty's autobiography. Any info you could send on that would be greatly appreciated as the ones I've found are very expensive.Thank you so much for your time! Send all info on joining Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society.

Linde Lund:

If you are interested in finding books let us know, please. We'll do everything we can do to support you. Betty MacDonald's autobiography Who, me? doesn't contain any new stories only portions of her four autobiographical books The egg and I, The plague and I, Anybody can do anything and Onions in the Stew. Don't miss the DVD Interviews with Betty and her sister Alison and the biographical stories, please, for example THE KETTLES' MILLION DOLLAR EGG, THE EGG AND BETTY, THE TRAGIC END OF ROBERT HESKETT, BETTY AND MIKE and BETTY MACDONALD'S ILLNESS plus many bonus items incl. interviews with Betty MacDonald's family and friends. You can read so many fascinating stories Betty MacDonald didn't mention in her books.

Alison:

Many thanks for the blog and DVD information! Wishing you every success with the new venture!

Linde Lund:

Thank you so much dear Alison! We'll keep you posted. More DVD interviews will come!

Betty MacDonald Forum

Welcome dear Betty MacDonald Fans!

Let's discuss life and work of our beloved writer Betty MacDonald, author of The Egg and I and The Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle-Series.

We'd love to hear your ideas for new projects.

Join us! Send your message to lindelund2000@yahoo.com please.

If you know any persons who knew Betty MacDonald and her family in person let us know, please.

We are always looking for important documents, books, letters, collections and other important items.
Our goal is presenting a Betty MacDonald Collection in a Museum. Do you have any ideas?

What about a special Betty MacDonald Meeting in Seattle? Betty MacDonald Fans, who are interested in such an event send a mail to macdonaldsociety@aol.com, please.
Some of our fans had the pleasure to visit with Betty MacDonald's sister Alison Bard all the places in Seattle and on Vashon Island where Betty and the family lived.