I'm Beat,
We celebrate Betty MacDonald's birthday.
There will be several international Betty MacDonald birthday events today.
( see also Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter March Page 1 )
We have some special Betty MacDonald birthday gifts for our Betty MacDonald Fan Club fans from all over the world.
You'll enjoy Claire Dederer's excellent story very much.
Thank you so much for sharing it with us dear Claire Dederer!
Wishing you all a very nice weekend and great Betty MacDonald birthday events!
Beat
Claire Dederer, Author of Poser : My Life In Twenty-Three Yoga Poses
lives in Seattle and writes about books and culture for the New York Times, Vogue, Newsday, and many other publications.
Dear Betty MacDonald Fans,
I knew of the Betty MacDonald Fan Club but didn't know its activities were so extensive.
That's wonderful.
I checked in with the magazine and they said please feel free to reprint or repost. I will keep you updated if I do any more pieces on Betty.
Thanks so much for all you are doing!
All the best,
Claire Dederer
Second Read — January / February 2011 Her Great Depression
Re-reading Betty MacDonald’s Anybody Can Do Anything, on the Northwest’s bust years
By Claire Dederer
From the time I was nine or ten, I carried a spiral-bound Mead notebook with me at all times. I wanted to be a writer, felt I probably already was a writer, and feared I would never be a writer. I was constantly looking for clues that would tell me that someone like me, someone from Seattle, someone who was a girl, someone who was no one, might be able to write a book. A book that got published.
I was always on the lookout for a message, something that would tell me that this thing could be done. I realize now that what I was looking for was an influence. Influence is a message about what is possible, sent by book from one writer to another. Different writers are looking for different messages. As a child, the message I sought was simple: This place is worth writing about.
Just as I was a nobody, Seattle at that time was a non-place in literature. This was the 1970s. There were few nationally published authors from Seattle. Whenever I encountered any writing at all about the Northwest, I fell upon it gratefully. I was happy to read anything that had blackberries and Puget Sound and Douglas firs and the names of the streets downtown. I read Richard Brautigan stories; Ken Kesey’s Sometimes a Great Notion, though I didn’t even pretend to enjoy it; collections of columns by crabby old Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspapermen of the 1950s; poems by Carolyn Kizer. I read Tom Robbins and was embarrassed by the sex. I read Mary McCarthy’s first memoir, but she seemed to hate the place.
And, eventually, I read Betty MacDonald. She had been there all along, on my own shelves, in the form of her familiar, tattered Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books. Then, browsing my mother’s shelves one summer afternoon, I came upon a grown-up book by MacDonald: Anybody Can Do Anything.
I had seen it before but assumed it belonged to the dreary crop of self-help books that had mushroomed on my mother’s shelves over the past few years. Bored enough, I picked it up—and found therein an enchanted world. Enchanted because it was exactly real. Anybody Can Do Anything is Betty MacDonald’s story of how she and her family weathered the Depression in an old wood-frame house (not unlike my family’s) in the University District (just a mile or two from where I lived). And though my historical circumstances were very different from hers, our shared geography was enough to make me feel that I was seeing my life reflected in her pages.
It’s funny to think of a time when Betty MacDonald’s books were new to me. Over the years I would come to know them the way I knew houses in my own neighborhood—with a casual intimacy. MacDonald began writing toward the end of her short life, in the 1940s, when she had found happiness with her second husband on their blackberry-ridden acreage on Vashon Island in Puget Sound. Her first book was The Egg and I, set in the 1920s. This chronicle of MacDonald’s life on an Olympic Peninsula chicken farm with her first husband would become her most famous book, make her a fortune, and form the basis of a wildly successful 1947 film. This, putting aside her books for children, was followed by The Plague and I, a surprisingly entertaining account of her stint in a tuberculosis sanitarium just north of Seattle. How she created a ripping yarn out of lying in bed for a year is one of life’s mysteries. Next came Anybody Can Do Anything, which I held in my hands. Finally she wrote Onions in the Stew, about life on Vashon Island, which came in 1955, just three years before she succumbed to cancer at the age of forty-nine.
But it was Anybody Can Do Anything, with its Seattle locale and its scrappy, cheerful message of survival, which spoke most directly to me.
As the book opens and the Depression begins, MacDonald has been living on the chicken farm in damp exile from her real life in Seattle. Married at twenty, she had followed her husband to the Olympic Peninsula so he could live his agrarian dream. Now she has reached her breaking point with the rain, the chickens, the monomaniacal husband, the whole affair. “Finally in March, 1931, after four years of this,” she recounts, “I wrote to my family and told them that I hated chickens, I was lonely and I seemed to have married the wrong man.” She snatches up her little daughters and makes her long, rainy, difficult way back to the city by foot, bus, and ferry.
There she and her girls are folded happily back into her large family’s bosom. Her mother’s “eight-room brown-shingled house in the University district was just a modest dwelling in a respectable neighborhood, near good schools and adequate for an ordinary family. To me that night, and always, that shabby house with its broad welcoming porch, dark woodwork, cluttered dining-room plate rail, large fragrant kitchen, easy book-filled firelit living room, four elastic bedrooms…represents the ultimate in charm, warmth and luxury.”
The book describes life in that teeming, cozy household with her mother, her three sisters, her brother, and her two little girls, plus whoever else might be sleeping over in one of those elastic bedrooms. It also details the literally dozens of weird and none-too-wonderful jobs that MacDonald held throughout the Depression: hapless secretary to businessmen of every stripe, fur-coat model, photo retoucher, rabbit rancher, firewood stealer, Christmas tree decorator, baby sitter, receptionist to a gangster.
The author jumps from job to job, with whole industries blowing up behind her as she leaves, like Tom Cruise running from an exploding warehouse. She’s hustled along in the ever-shrinking job market by her sister Mary, who considers herself an “executive thinker.”
Mary has a job ready for Betty as soon as she gets off the bus from the egg farm, never mind that Betty is utterly unqualified. Mary won’t hear of such talk. She is quick to admonish her sister: “There are plenty of jobs but the trouble with most people, and I know because I’m always getting jobs for my friends, is that they stay home with the covers pulled up over their heads waiting for some employer to come creeping in looking for them.”
The truth of this statement is disproved throughout the book. There were certainly not plenty of jobs. The portrait of Depression-era Seattle that emerges is definitively—though quietly—desperate. But on my first read, I hardly clocked the despair. I just thrilled to the evocation of my home, captured in such throwaway phrases as, “There was nothing in sight but wet pavement and wet sky.” MacDonald describes places that still existed, that I myself knew—the I. Magnin’s at the corner of Sixth and Pine, the palatial movie theater named the Neptune. Here she is on the Pike Place Market:
The Public Market, about three blocks long, crowded and smelling deliciously of baking bread, roasting peanuts, coffee, fresh fish and bananas, blazed with the orange, reds, yellows and greens of fresh succulent fruits and vegetables. From the hundreds of farmer’s stalls that lined both sides of the street and extended clear through the block on the east side, Italians, Greeks, Norwegians, Finns, Danes, Japanese and Germans offered their wares. The Italians were the most voluble but the Japanese had the most beautiful vegetables.
Such descriptions caused a strange firing in my brain. I was accustomed to imagining locations from books; there was a deep pleasure in having that necessity for once removed. Even the food they ate was the food we ate. For special treats, MacDonald tells of buying Dungeness crabs and Olympia oysters, just as my family did.
I saw, illustrated perfectly, and in the cold light of nonfiction, the possibility that Seattle might be the setting for a book. I would not be struck so thoroughly by the possibility of a true Northwest literature until I started reading Raymond Carver in the mid-1980s.
My mother told me that Betty MacDonald had died in the 1950s, but that her niece lived in our very own neighborhood. I walked by the house, gazing at it with a true feeling of awe: the niece of an author lived therein! Of course I knew authors were real people. But Betty MacDonald was more than real; she was tangible. She was prima facie evidence that the materials I had at hand—those trees, that rain—were enough.
Other writers came and went; Betty MacDonald was among those who endured for me. This was because she was funny. No, that’s not quite right. Though I didn’t have the language for it when I first read her, Betty MacDonald was comic. As I became a writer myself, I studied her, trying to figure out just how she did it.
She wrote long, ridiculous set pieces about her various jobs. She wrote hilarious portraits of her bosses, who in her hands become one long parade of human oddity. She wrote fondly of her family’s eccentricities. But above all, she wrote with unflagging self-abasement. Her books twanged with the idea that one’s own ridiculousness was comedy enough. A good example of her rueful tone:
Until I started to night school, my life was one long sweep of mediocrity. While my family and friends were enjoying the distinction of being labeled the prettiest, most popular, best dancer, fastest runner, highest diver, longest breath-holder-under-water, best tennis player, most fearless, owner of the highest arches, tiniest, wittiest, most efficient, one with the most allergies or highest salaried, I had to learn to adjust to remarks such as, “My, Mary has the most beautiful red hair I’ve ever seen, it’s just like burnished copper and so silky and curly—oh yes, Betty has hair too, hasn’t she? I guess it’s being so coarse is what makes it look so thick.”
It almost goes without saying that she distinguishes herself in night school by being the absolute worst student in every class.
MacDonald was master of the comic memoirist’s first art: self-deprecation. Other types of memoirists value lyricism, or shock tactics. Comic memoirists are utterly dependent on knowing that they themselves are the silliest people in any given room.
I know whereof I speak—I am this year publishing a memoir about my own very, very ordinary life. Memoirists like me are writing what author Lorraine Adams has called “nobody” memoirs. As she said in a 2002 piece in the Washington Monthly, such memoirists are “neither generals, statesmen, celebrities, nor their kin.”
How, then, to proceed? You’re nobody. You want to write a memoir. Your first order of business is to let readers know that you know that they know you’re a nobody. So you must imply your unimportance as quickly as possible, and never, ever stop. By means of that simple dynamic, the memoirist makes a friend rather than an enemy of her reader.
In Anybody Can Do Anything, MacDonald fails again and again. It’s an entire book about failure: her own, and the economy’s. It’s also about persisting in the face of one’s own admitted shortcomings. What she wants is a job commensurate with her skills, which she presents as nil: “I wanted some sort of very steady job with a salary, and duties mediocre enough to be congruent with my mediocre ability. I had in mind sort of a combination janitress, slow typist and file clerk.”
Finally, she washes up safely on the sandbar of government work, taking a job at the Seattle branch of the National Recovery Administration, the New Deal agency started in 1933 and charged with organizing businesses under new fair-trade codes. There she felt right at home, surrounded by federal-level incompetence: “There were thousands of us who didn’t know what we were doing but were all doing it in ten copies.”
MacDonald is rarely remembered for her wry tone. When she’s remembered at all, she is preceded not by her own reputation, but that of the big-screen version of The Egg and I, starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray, which is pretty nearly unwatchable. In the film, Ma and Pa Kettle—neighbors who are fondly, if broadly, drawn in the book—have been turned into tobacco-spitting, raccoon-roasting caricatures. And the public loved them. On the movie poster, the faces of these two crackers loom huge; Colbert and MacMurray cower tinily in the corner. Ma and Pa Kettle proved so popular that nine more films were made about them and their fictional fifteen children, and Betty MacDonald lost all hope of being taken seriously as a writer.
Many years after all of this, I was having dinner with a British writer who had undertaken to write about the Northwest. “You have to be careful about using too much humor, otherwise you end up sounding like Betty MacDonald: housewife humor,” he said, finishing in scathing (if posh) tones. MacDonald has been trapped in this role of domestic lightweight. But her writing, with its quiet irreverence, has more in common with, say, Calvin Trillin or Laurie Colwin, than it does with a mid-century housewife humorist like Erma Bombeck. (Though, really, what’s so bad about Erma Bombeck?)
What MacDonald models in her writing is actually very freeing—self-deprecation as a kind of passport to the ordinary. With it, you can take your reader into the most mundane details of your life, and they will often go.
I teach adult writing students. When we work on memoir, they want to write pieces about what they’ve achieved. About their good marriages. About their sterling qualities. “Nobody wants to hear about that except your mother!” I tell them. Which is never very popular. Even so, I try to explain the Betty MacDonald principle to them: what people want to see in the memoir are reflections of their own failures and smallnesses. If you can show readers that you have those same failures, those same smallnesses, and make them laugh about it, they will love you. Or at least like you. Or at least accept you as a fellow nobody.
These simple things would be enough for me: a story of Seattle; a tale told with self-deprecating humor. But what MacDonald achieves in Anybody Can Do Anything is something more than that: a finely observed journalistic record of her time.
The ridiculous set pieces, the fond portraits of her family, and what New York Times critic Bosley Crowther called the “earthy tang” of her writing do not seem like indicators of a work of serious journalism. But MacDonald is getting down on paper what she sees happening all across Seattle, and ultimately providing us with a rough draft of history. The details of home and work life accrue, anecdotes pile up, and suddenly the reader has a real sense of daily existence in the West during the 1930s. This is a cheerful, unassuming way of documenting a socially and economically turbulent period. But it’s documentation nonetheless.
Take, for example, MacDonald’s account of one of her earliest jobs. This chapter encapsulates the uneasiness of the early part of the Depression, eerily suggestive of the economic tenterhooks we’ve been on since 2007. She’s been summarily fired from her first job as executive secretary to a miner, so the ever-resourceful Mary has found her a job at her own office, where she works for a lumber magnate. When Betty protests that she hasn’t any of the qualifications the lumberman is looking for in a secretary, Mary tells her not to fret. “‘You thought you couldn’t learn mining,’ Mary told me when she installed me as her assistant in the office across the street. ‘There’s nothing to lumber, it’s just a matter of being able to divide everything by twelve.’?”
As she makes her way to work each morning, MacDonald is nervous but glad of the work: “Now I grew more and more conscious of the aimlessness and sadness of the people on the streets, of the Space for Rent signs, marking the sudden death of businesses, that had sprung up over the city like white crosses on the battlefield and I lifted myself up each morning timidly and with dread.”
Her employer’s business is clearly failing, but MacDonald feels she shouldn’t leave her boss, Mr. Chalmers, in the lurch. She intends to stay until the end. “And I did,” we read, “in spite of Mr. Chalmers’ telling me many times that the Depression was all my fault, the direct result of inferior people like me wearing silk stockings and thinking they were as good as people like him.” Again, this blame-the-victim language recalls some of the rhetoric of today’s subprime mortgage crisis. But despite the boss’s efforts to draw a sociological line in the sand, he too is laid low by the economic downturn, and the chapter comes to an abrupt end: “Lumber was over.”
The author and her family soon lose their phone service, their electricity, their heat. Being Betty MacDonald, she makes it all sound rather jolly. She tells of endless bowls of vegetable soup eaten by candlelight. And when she complains about being broke, she does it with typical good humor: “There is no getting around the fact that being poor takes getting used to. You have to adjust to the fact that it’s no longer a question of what you eat but if you eat.”
But sometimes the details tell the story that the tone masks. When the heat and the electricity have been turned off, the family relies upon old Christmas candles for light and firewood for heat: “When we ran out of fireplace wood, Mary unearthed a bucksaw and marched us all down to a city park two blocks away, where we took turns sawing up fallen logs.” Here, despite the characteristic pluck, you feel straits getting uncomfortably dire.
This isn’t an overlay of social commentary sitting awkwardly atop a narrative. Instead, such commentary is tightly knitted to MacDonald’s own experience. When she notices that “[e]very day found a little better class of people selling apples on street corners,” she’s not making an idle observation—she’s wondering if she’s next.
When I came to write my own memoir, I was telling a small, personal story about being a mom at the turn of the millennium. I wanted to link the story to larger cultural forces I had observed, to what I saw as a kind of generational obsession with perfect parenting. In Betty MacDonald’s writing, I once again found just the model I needed. It was possible to connect the larger story around me to my own small story, without pretending to be definitive or historical. In fact, the more I focused on the details of my own very particular experience, the more I could give a feeling of the culture that I swam in.
The message that Betty Macdonald sent me, through this book, is one of sufficiency: Your small life is enough. Other writers might be looking for a message that will feed their huge ambitions. From books, they learn how far they might go with their own writing. For me, the question has always been: How close to home might I stay?
MacDonald’s qualities as a writer—the focus on the very local, the self-deprecating humor, the careful and personal observation of social changes—are modest qualities. They inspire through their very humility. The homely, says Betty MacDonald, is more than enough. This was the message I needed to hear. There’s a clue, of course, right there in the title. It’s been telling me since I was a girl, right up through the time I became a writer myself: Anybody can do anything. Even this. Even you.
Such lack of pretension doesn’t necessarily come with great rewards. There are no monuments to Betty MacDonald. No endowed chairs, no scholarships, not even a public library conference room named after her. But in the shallow green bowl of Chimacum Valley, a two-lane road leads to the chicken farm where MacDonald lived for four tough years. It’s been renamed “The Egg and I Road.” It veers west from Route 19, cutting through farmland before heading up a hill into some evergreens. It’s nothing special. It’s just ordinary. It’s just a county road.
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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 Jensen Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Betty MacDonald Birthday Forum
I'm Andrea
Let's celebrate Betty MacDonald's birthday.
Betty MacDonald Fan Club proudly presents:
The amazing, very witty, charming, intelligent story written by our brilliant new Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honor Member, artist, writer and President of Goethe Society, Letizia Mancino.
As we have so many international Betty MacDonald Fans we are very happy to offer you Letizia Mancino's story in italian and german language.
Greetings,
Andrea
Ein Katzensprung nach Amerika
mit Betty MacDonald
Copyright 2011 by Letizia Mancino
All rights reserved
Oh Betty, ich liebe Dich! Deine Bücher „Betty kann alles“ und „Die Insel und ich“ sind wirklich toll!
Ich nehme sie in die Hand und mit einem Katzensprung bin ich gleich in Amerika!
Kolumbus und das Ei: Die große Entdeckung! Dein Bestseller „Das Ei und Ich“ die größte Entdeckung. Und Du und ich! Ich kenne Amerika: Es stimmt was Du schreibst:
So ist Amerika: Haargenau! Nein, Federgenau! Die Landschaft und die Leidenschaft:
Kennst Du das Land wo die Pistolen blühen? Brava, Betty, Du beschreibst die Amerikaner plastisch, echt, unausstehlich, hingepinselt auf Papier. Ob ich gern deine Werke lese? Lesen ist kein Ausdruck! Ich kann sogar alles hören und sehen: Natur, Kultur, Subkultur. Amerika hat sich kaum verändert! Ach, die kühlen Amerikaner! Kalkül, Börse, Wall- Street, die Finanz-Krise (schon damals 1930), die Zocker, die Bankrotte der Firmen! Das Wimmeln von Schlawinern und Betrügern. Leute ohne Geld. Verzweiflung und Hunger! Ein schrecklicher „Worst Case“ (als ich noch kaum englisch konnte, dachte ich, es sei Wurst mit Käse!)
Doch wie beeindruckend ist die Anpassungsfähigkeit der Amerikaner: Lebenskünstler, Akrobaten des Überlebens! Es gelang ihnen im Nu, sich umzustellen und Pionierarbeit zu leisten: Morgens bist du eine Putzfrau, abends eine Pufffrau! No problem!
„Das Unzulängliche, Hier wirds Ereignis; Das Unbeschreibliche, Hier ists getan;“
Mary, Deine Schwester, war die Fundgrube der Arbeitsbeschaffung: Donnerwetter, was für eine Powerfrau mit unbeschränkter Phantasie! Sie hat dich überall empfohlen: Betty kann alles, auch Romane schreiben! Los, Schwester, beeile Dich! Der Verleger will Deine Manuskripte sehen! Du hattest bis dahin nicht mal eine Zeile geschrieben! Mensch! Und wenn doch alles schief geht ? No problem: When you dream, dream big! Siehe da, Du bist berühmt geworden.
Das Ei und ich
Weißt Du was, Betty? Ich schlüpfe in „Das Ei und Ich“ und komme als Gast zu Dir!
Ich will Deine Hühner kennen lernen.
- Ich hasse Hühner! Ich bin eine Hühnersklavin aus Nordamerika!
- Ach, Betty, ohne diese verdammten Tiere wärst Du nie berühmt geworden!
„Das Ei und Ich“ hättest Du nie geschrieben! Wie viele Leser hast Du glücklich gemacht!
Dein Buch ist so amüsant! Über deine witzigen feinen (beinah gemeinen) Bemerkungen über Deine Familienmitglieder und Nachbarsleute musste ich so lachen!
Du bist in eine besondere Familie geboren worden: Bequemlichkeit war nicht erwünscht: Ich kann nur staunen: Was sagte Dein Vater zu deiner Mutter?
Ich gehe übermorgen woanders arbeiten: Tausende Kilometer weit…Er schickte ihr ein Telegramm:
FAHRE DONNERSTAG FÜR ZWEI JAHRE NACH MEXICO CITY STOP MACHE DICH BEREIT FALLS DU MITKOMMEN WILLST- Das war am Montag. Mutter telegrafierte zurück: WERDE FERTIG SEIN, und sie war es auch.
Das ist Amerika! Improvisation, Wechsel, Abenteuer. Keine Schwäche zeigen: Los!
Deine Beschreibungen, Betty, über die gewaltigen Naturereignisse haben mich ganz erschreckt! Kontinent Amerika, es graut mir vor dir! Ich fühle mich so klein und bedroht wie eine winzige Fliege vor einer riesigen Klatsche!
Dein Roman ist sehr vielseitig! Der Leser kann es sogar als Kochbuch benutzen!
„Das Ei und Ich“ fängt gleich mit einem Rezept an: „Neben der Weisheit, dass Lammfleisch nur gut schmeckt, wenn es mit Knoblauch geschmort wird“.
- Schmeckt es Dir, die amerikanische Küche?
- Ach Betty! Sie ist mir zu fett und ich hasse Knoblauch!
(Betty kocht gerade Mittagessen für Bob. Sie redet ständig mit „Herd“:
Herd ist Bobs Nebenbuhler; am Anfang glaubte ich, er selbst sei es). Sie dreht sich um und sagt:
- Dann kein Knoblauch für dich.
- Auch kein Lamm, Betty! Ich esse kein Fleisch! Ich würde lieber nur Spiegeleier essen. Betty, lass mich sie allein machen.
- Dann versuche es!
- Mist! „Herd“ streikt! Ich schaffe es nicht, ihn anzumachen! Verdammt! Er ist eigenwilliger als „Ofen“ von meiner Freundin, Hilde Domin!
- Bob kommt! Er muss gleich essen!
- „Männer essen alles, die Schweine! sagt Deine Großmutter Gammy“. Stimmt es?
- Hast Du meine Hühner gern? fragte mich Bob ohne sich vorzustellen.
- Ja, Bob (Grob), ich liebe sie! Ich bin Vegetarierin.
- Willst Du morgen den Hühnerstall mit uns zusammen putzen?
-Ah, ihr steht immer so früh um vier Uhr auf!! Bob, es ist kein Job für mich!
Er schaute mich verachtungsvoll an! Eine römische Zimperliese!
- Du brauchst sofort eine Umerziehung!!
- Hilfe, Bob greift mich an! Ich wechsele lieber sofort den Roman und ziehe auf die „Insel“!
Good by, arrivederci, Betty! Wir treffen uns auf der Insel: Don, Dein zweiter Mann
ist viel, viel netter!
Betty kann alles
Verdammte Farm! Hier fehlt jede Form der Zivilisation: Nur Betty „ist“ alles!
Dieser Bob!! Ich wäre auf der Farm mit ihm gestorben! Mamma mia, che coraggio, was für eine Mutprobe für eine kultivierte Frau, vier Jahre mit dem Grobian zu leben! Zwei Kinder von ihm zu kriegen! Betty war zweimal „so“. Sie erzählt aber nicht, wie sie „so“ geworden ist. Prüdes Amerika! Der Leser erfährt nur, sie wurde schwanger! Aber über Fehlgeburten und illegale Abtreibungen bekommt er jede Menge Informationen! Ich will es gar nicht genauer wissen! Wusste Betty, wie sie schwanger wurde? Vielleicht auch nicht: Sie und Bob gingen einfach ins Bett, betrunken. Diese Unmenge von geschmuggeltem Whisky muss irgendwelche „Nebenwirkungen“ gehabt haben.
Bob ist ein schöner, starker Mann,. Es mag sein, doch viel Alkohol macht sämtliche Glieder schlapp (wer Ohren hat, der höre)!
„Der Mann wird schwach, aber der Kater stark“! sagte sogar meine kleine Autorin Kätzchen Schönkopf zu dem betrunkenen Goethe.
Betty, Dein Bob kann mir gestohlen bleiben! Ich kenne solche Typen nur aus der Ferne, Gott sei Dank, und nicht persönlich. Ach, die schönen rauen Männer! Sie schwimmen im kalten Ozean, fällen das Holz, sind wetterunempfindlich, schießen auf die wilden Tiere und bringen sie der Frau zum Braten!
Ich kann Betty verstehen! Sie war zu jung: Sie war eine kleine feine Katzendame mit Abenteuerlust! Sie hat den Kopf für einen wilden Kater verloren!
Alles für die Katz? Nein, alles für das Huhn! Denn Bob hat seinen Kopf für Hühner verloren!
Er hatte Augen nur für seine Hühner! Nun weiß ich es: Hühneraugen haben Männer, die zu den Füßen von Hühnern liegen! Bob hätte eine Legehenne heiraten sollen! Nicht eine große Schriftstellerin.
Aber warum hat Betty für seine fünfhundert „Geliebten“ alles getan? Hat sie überhaupt gern in einer Hühnerfarm (Hühnerharem) gearbeitet?
Nein, nur um Bobs Liebe zu verdienen, um dem Ehemann zu gefallen!
Ihre Mutter sagte zu ihr und ihrer Schwester: „Es sei die unabänderliche Pflicht einer guten Hausfrau, dafür zu sorgen, dass ihr Gatte sich bei seiner Arbeit wohl fühlt“
Nehmet freudig die Folgen in Kauf, die sich daraus ergeben! So was! Wie in Süditalien!
Arme Betty, sie ist in einer alten Farm fern von einer Stadt gelandet! Die nächsten Nachbarn waren zwei Meilen entfernt. Keine Kultur! Nur Krach: Gockelkonzerte statt Gospelkonzerte!
Dieser Bob war ein unmöglicher Kerl! Er hat für seine Hühner einen Hühnerstall mit allem Komfort gebaut (Geliebte kriegen immer Geschenke, man spart das Geld nur bei der Ehefrau) und für Betty nur ein Haus ohne Wasser und Toilette!
Hartes Leben auf der Farm!!! Bei klirrender Kälte auf die Toilette gehen. Um 4 Uhr aufzustehen…Kein „Herr“ Bob! Und „Herd“ auch nicht: Man spielt nicht so unverschämt mit der Geduld einer Frau!
Die Insel
Ich liebe Inseln in Nordamerika: Ich kenne zwar nur die Insel „Mount Desert Island“ in Maine und nicht die Insel an der Pazifikküste - Bettys Insel ist in der Nähe von Seattle - aber mir scheint alles sehr ähnlich: Magische Landschaft, kosmische Einwirkungen, und tausende, kleine putzige Fetzen von Land, schwimmend im weiten Ozean. Können sie wirklich schwimmen? Es sieht so aus, als würden sie eine Schwimmweste um das saftige Grün der Wälder tragen…
Das Haus von Betty und Don gefällt mir! Ich vermisse zwar „Herd“, doch eine ganz verrückte Waschmaschine macht das Leben hier interessant: Welche Geister werden wohl in ihr wohnen? (Don ist ein Schotte, ich glaube, er hat sie aus einem gespenstischen Castle mitgenommen).
Die Töchter von Betty wohnen auch hier: Es sind launische Mädchen mit Grillen! „Herd“ könnte der Vater sein! Schade, sie waren netter in dem „Ei und Ich“ als sie noch klein und süß waren! Es gibt aber nette Katzen und Hunde: Betty ist eine große Tierfreundin. Sie hat sogar eine riesige Menge von Hunde - und- Katzenfutter Kartons im Haus gelagert.
Die amerikanische Küche ist wirklich unglaublich! Wenn Betty auf der Insel kein Menschenfutter kaufen kann - es passiert bei stürmischer See, wenn die Fähren die Insel nicht beliefern können - greift sie beim „worst case“ gern dazu.
Ach, dieses kulinarische Umstellungsvermögen werde ich nie entwickeln! Esse ich vielleicht die Mäuse, die mir mein Kater Tigerli bringt? Das Kochbuch von Betty ist unerschöpflich:
Von Wildtieren auf der Farm zu Meerestieren an der Küste.
Im Pazifik leben phantastische Fische und Krustentiere: Qual der Wal! Oh, Seafood! „The King“ ist der Lobster, habe ich in Maine gelernt! Doch in Seattle scheint es „Geoduck“ zu sein! Er ist eine Sensation: Er hat einen langen Hals! Eine Meeresgiraffe? Was ist das? Betty hilf mir! Den verdammte Namen „Geoduck“ finde ich nicht in meinem Wörterbuch.
Die Britische Encyclopedia Britannica kennt ihn auch nicht… Moment! Ich suche in der „The Amerikan Heritage Dictionary“. Gott sei Dank, ich habe es gefunden: Es ist „a very large, edible clam“. Muschel, 20 cm groß. Was sind die „cozze di Napoli“ im Vergleich dazu? Miesmuscheln, schämt euch vor dem Amerikaner! Ich schaue aus dem Fenster: Betty krabbelt im Wasser mit der ganzen Familie! Ihre Tochter hat Geoduck im Wasser entdeckt. Sie packt das Tier am Hals! „Clam“ ist in die Klemme! Er wird gefangen! Alle schreien vor Freude! Was für ein Leckerbissen! Betty rennt in die Küche: Clam wird vorbereitet: Ich drehe meine Augen woanders hin, ich will nichts davon sehen. Ich höre, wie das Fleisch zertrümmert wird. Eier werden mit ihm zusammen geschlagen. Mein Magen dreht sich auch um.
Betty ruft zum Essen. Ich esse nicht das komische Tier! Es schmeckt himmlisch, sagt Betty!
Ich glaube, ich verlasse die Insel…
In un batter d´occhio in America con Betty McDonald
2011 Copyright by Letizia Mancino
All rights reserved
Oh Betty, ti adoro! I tuoi libri ” Betty sa far tutto” e “ L`isola” sono veramente fantastici!
Li prendo in mano e in un batter d´occhio sono in America! Colombo e l`uovo: la grande scoperta! Il tuo bestseller “ L´uovo ed io” la più grande scoperta! E tu ed io! Io conosco la America: quello che scrivi è proprio vero: così `e l`America: fino all`ultimo capello è così, anzi fino all`ultima piuma.... Paesaggio e passione: Conosci il paese dove fioriscono le pistole? Brava Betty , tu descrivi gli Americani in modo cosí plastico, sono tanto autentici, insopportabili, dipinti sulla carta. Se io leggo con piacere i tuoi libri? Leggere è dire ben poco! Io posso addirittura sentire e vedere tutto: natura , cultura e subcultura.
L `America mi sembra poco cambiata! Ah, questi Americani tanto freddi: calcolo, borsa, Wall-Street, la crisi finanziaria ( già nel 1930), gli speculatori, la bancarotta delle industrie!
Il pullulare di impostori e ingannatori. Disperazione e fame. Un terribile “worst case”
( quando ancora non conoscevo l`inglese pensavo che fosse “wurst casareccio”)
Però come è impressionante la capacità di adattamento degli Americani: Artisti di vita, acrobati della vita! Sono riusciti di colpo a cambiare mestiere e fare il lavoro di un pioniere:
La mattina lavori in casa e la sera in casino. No problem! Come dice il poeta Goethe,
“ l`irrangiugibile si compie qua; Ciò che è ineffabile diviene atto”...
Mary, tua sorella, era una incredibile fonte di accarrapamento- lavoro: Ammazza, che donna piena di power con fantasia inesauribile!Ti ha raccomandato ovunque: Betty sa far tutto anche scrivere romanzi! Sbrigati, sorella, l`editore vuol veder i tuoi manoscritti! Che faccia tosta, tu non avevi ancora scritto neanche una riga! Mamma mia e se tutto va a rotoli? No problem: When you dream, dream big! Ecco che tu sei diventata persino famosa!
L`uovo e io
Sai una cosa, Betty io sguscio dentro “ L´uovo ed io” e vengo da te come ospite! Voglio conoscere i tuoi polli.
- Io li odio! Sono una schiava del Nord America!
- Ah, Betty, senza questi pennuti mai saresti divenuta famosa! Mai avresti scritto “ L´uovo e io! Quanti lettori hai reso felici!! Il tuo libro è così divertente. Ho così
riso, leggendo le tue piccole fini ( un pò crudelucce) osservazioni sulla tua famiglia e vicini! Sei nata in una famiglia molto particolare: la comodità non era una cosa apprezzata. Ancora non finisco di stupirmi: cosa ha detto tuo padre a tua madre?
Dopodomani mi trasferisco per lavoro a molti mille chilometri di distanza da qui..
Ti ha spedito un telegramma:
VADO GIOVEDI PER DUE ANNI A CITTÁ DEL MESSICO STOP PREPARATI SE VUOI VENIRE
Era un lunedi. Tua madre ha risposto con un telegarmma: SARÒ PRONTA e cosí era.
Questa è America: improvvisazione, cambiamento, avventura. Non mostrare debolezza e vai!
Le tue descrizioni sui straordinari fenomeni della natura mi hanno veramente spaventato.
Continente America, “ es graut mir vor dir”! Mi sento piccola e in pericolo come una mosca davanti a uno schiacciamosche! Il tuo romanzo è molto versatile e si può usare anche come un libro di cucina. Comincia addirittura con una ricetta:
“Insieme alla saggezza, che al carne di agnello ha solo un buon sapore, se stufata con aglio.”
- Ti piace la cucina americana?
- Betty, per me è troppo grassa e io odio l`aglio! ( Betty sta preparando il
pranzo a Bob e parla continuamente con “Fornello”: Fornello è il rivale di Bob, almeno così mi è sembrato all`inizio) Betty si volta e mi dice:
- Allora niente aglio per te!
- Anche niente agnello, Betty! Non mangio carne! Mi piacerebbero delle uova al tegamino.
Lascia, che le faccia io.
- Allora prova tu!
- Che fregatura! „Fornello“ fa lo sciopero! Non mi riesce di accenderlo. Maledetto!
- È più cocciuto di “Forno” della mia amica Hilde Domin!
- Sbrigati, Bobb sta arrivando, deve mangiare subito!
- “Gli uomini mangiano di tutto, questi porci” diceva tua nonna Gammy, è vero?
- Ti piacciono i miei polli? mi chiede Bob senza presentarsi.
- Sì Bob (bel cafone), mi piacciono tanto, perchè sono vegetariana.
- Vuoi venire con noi domani a pulire il pollaio?
- Bè meglio di no, vi alzate troppo presto alle quattro di mattina! Bob non è un job per me! Mi gurdò con disprezzo:
- Eccoti una romana smorfiosa. Hai bisogno subito di cambiar scuola.
- Aiuto, Bob mi sta aggredendo. Io cambio su due piedi romanzo e mi trasferisco su
- “ L`isola”.
- Good by, arrivederci, Betty, ci incontriamo sull`isola: Don, il tuo secondo marito, è molto più gentile!
Betty sa far tutto
Maledetta fattoria, qui manca ogni forma di civilizzazione: solo Betty “è” tutto.
Quest Bob! Io sarei morta con lui nella farm! Mamma mia che prova di coraggio ha avuto Betty, una donna tanto colta, per vivere con uno zoticone come Bob. E per di più avere due figlie da lui! Betty era due volte “così”. Però non racconta, come è divenuta “ così”. Questa America puritana, il lettore viene solo a sapere, che era incinta. Però sugli aborti e le pratiche illegali riceve un sacco di informazioni! Io non voglio saper niente di preciso! Sapeva Betty come è rimasta incinta? Forse no. Lei e Bob sono andati a letto mezzi ubriachi. Questa quantità di whisky trafugato di nascosto deve pur aver avuto effetti collaterali.
Bob è un bell`uomo, vigoroso, per quel che mi riguarda! Comunque troppo alcool fa ammosciare tutti i muscoli ( chi ha orecchie per intendere, ascolti)..
L`uomo si ammoscia, dura è solo la sbornia! La mia cara piccola autrice, la gatta “ Kätzchen Schönkopf”, Bellatestina, ha osato dire questo anche a Goethe! Betty il tuo Bob può andare al diavolo! Fortunatamente conosco questi tipi, solo da lontano, e non di persona.
Ah, gli uomini belli e rudi! Nuotano nell`oceano gelido, tagliano il legno, non sono sensibili al cattivo tempo, sparano agli animali e li portano morti alle mogli, per arrostirli!
Posso capire Betty, era troppo giovane: era una micetta fine di casa con voglia di avventure, che ha perso la testa per un gattaccio selvatico! Tutto per il gatto? Macchè tutto per i polli!
Bob aveava perso la testa per i suoi polli. Adesso so: quei bei calli, gli occhi pollini ai piedi, se li beccano quegli uomini , che si gettano ai piedi delle galline. Bob avrebbe dovuto sposare una gallina e non una grande scrittrice! Perchè Betty ha fatto di tutto per cinquecento
pollastre? Perchè ha lavorato volentieri in un pollaio?
Solo per guadagnarsi l`amore di Bob, suo marito. La madre diceva sia a lei che a sua sorella:
“ È il compito irremovibile di una buona massaia fare di tutto, acciocchè il marito si senta bene al suo lavoro. Prendete con gioia le conseguenze!” Che roba, come nell`Italia del Sud.
Povera Betty, è andata a finire in una farm lontana dalla città. I vicini più vicini stavano a due miglie di lontananza. Niente cultura, solo fracasso! Concerti di polli piuttosto che di Pollini!
Bob era un tipo impossibile: ha dato ai suoi pennuti una vera residenza con ogni conforto, mentre a Betty una casa senza acqua e gabinetto. Ve lo immaginate di andare fuori a quel posticino quando è a sotto zero, e alzarsi alle quattro? Bob non è proprio un signore, ma neanche “Fornello“ lo è: non si gioca così con la pazienza di una vera signora!
L`isola
Amo le isole del Nordamerica, sebbene conosca bene solo “ Mount Desert Island” in Maine e non le isole della costa del Pacifico. L´isola di Betty è nelle vicinanze di Seattle, peró mi sembra che si somiglino molto: panorami pieni di magia, influenze cosmiche, e migliaia di piccoli ritagli deliziosi di terra, che nuotano nel vasto oceano. Possono veramente nuotare?
Quasi sembra, che portino delle ciambelle di salvataggio intorno ai fianchi verdi dei boschi. La casa di Betty e Don mi piace! Mi manca “ Fornello”, ma in compenso una macchina per lavare i panni, completamente pazza, rende qui la vita interessante. Che tipo di spiriti abitarenno mai dentro? ( Don è scozzese e probabilmente li ha portati da uno dei tanti castelli abitati da spiriti). Le figlie di Betty abitano anche qui: sono due ragazze lunatiche con grilli in testa. “Fornello” potrebbe essere il padre! Che peccato, erano così dolci, quando erano ancora piccole, nella storia: “ L´uovo ed io”. Ci sono fortunatamente gatti e cani carini, perchè Betty è una vera appassionata di animali. Ha addirittura un`enorme quantità di scatolette con il mangiare per loro, stipato dentro casa. La cucina americana è veramente incredibile! Se Betty non trova più sull`isola ingredienti per cucinare ( e questo capita ogni volta, quando c`è burrasca, e i traghetti dalla terraferma non arrivano) allora in “ worst case” usa le scatolette per gli animali! Questo tipo di adattamento alimentare non mi riuscirà mai di svilupparlo! Mangio forse i topolini, che mi porta il mio adorato gatto, Tigerli?
Il libro di cucina di Betty è ineusaribile: va dalla cacciagione alla fattoria fino ai crostacei della costa. Nel Pacifico vivono fantastici pesci e crostacei. C`è grande imbarazzo della scelta. Oh seefood! Ho imparato, che il “lobster” è il re di Maine. A Seattle sembra essere invece
“Geoduck”. E´una vera sensazione: ha un collo lungo, lungo. Forse è una giraffa di mare? Betty, che cavolo è? Nel vocabolario il nome non si trova. L`Enciclopedia Brittannica non lo menziona.. Un momento.. sto cercando nella „ The American Heritage Dictionary”, grazie a Dio l`ho trovato. È un “ very large edible clam”. Conchiglia di 20 cm.
Che cosa sono mai le cozze di Napoli al confronto? Vergognatevi, figliole, di fronte all`americano!!! Guardo fuori alla finestra: Betty sta in acqua a carponi insieme a tutta la famiglia. La figlia ha scoperto Geoduck. Lo prende per il collo. “Clam” è ormai fritto!! Lo hanno catturato. Tutti strillano per la gioia. Perbacco, che leccornia. Betty corre in cucina. Clam viene preparato. Io giro gli occhi da un`altra parte, non voglio vedere il misfatto.
Ascolto come la carne viene frullata a pezzetti. Sento come vengono aggiunte alla poltiglia
le uova. A me, mi si frulla lo stomaco ( lo so, “a me mi” non si dice). Betty chiama tutti a tavola.
Io non ho nessuna voglia, di mangiare questo animale comico. Ha un sapore divino, dice Betty. Mi sa tanto, che è meglio abbandonare l`isola...
Letizia Mancino
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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
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Betty MacDonald Fan Club
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Betty MacDonald Forum
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Betty MacDonald Society
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Mary Bard Jensen Society
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Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
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Nancy and Plum Fan Club
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Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Let's celebrate Betty MacDonald's birthday.
Betty MacDonald Fan Club proudly presents:
The amazing, very witty, charming, intelligent story written by our brilliant new Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honor Member, artist, writer and President of Goethe Society, Letizia Mancino.
As we have so many international Betty MacDonald Fans we are very happy to offer you Letizia Mancino's story in italian and german language.
Greetings,
Andrea
Ein Katzensprung nach Amerika
mit Betty MacDonald
Copyright 2011 by Letizia Mancino
All rights reserved
Oh Betty, ich liebe Dich! Deine Bücher „Betty kann alles“ und „Die Insel und ich“ sind wirklich toll!
Ich nehme sie in die Hand und mit einem Katzensprung bin ich gleich in Amerika!
Kolumbus und das Ei: Die große Entdeckung! Dein Bestseller „Das Ei und Ich“ die größte Entdeckung. Und Du und ich! Ich kenne Amerika: Es stimmt was Du schreibst:
So ist Amerika: Haargenau! Nein, Federgenau! Die Landschaft und die Leidenschaft:
Kennst Du das Land wo die Pistolen blühen? Brava, Betty, Du beschreibst die Amerikaner plastisch, echt, unausstehlich, hingepinselt auf Papier. Ob ich gern deine Werke lese? Lesen ist kein Ausdruck! Ich kann sogar alles hören und sehen: Natur, Kultur, Subkultur. Amerika hat sich kaum verändert! Ach, die kühlen Amerikaner! Kalkül, Börse, Wall- Street, die Finanz-Krise (schon damals 1930), die Zocker, die Bankrotte der Firmen! Das Wimmeln von Schlawinern und Betrügern. Leute ohne Geld. Verzweiflung und Hunger! Ein schrecklicher „Worst Case“ (als ich noch kaum englisch konnte, dachte ich, es sei Wurst mit Käse!)
Doch wie beeindruckend ist die Anpassungsfähigkeit der Amerikaner: Lebenskünstler, Akrobaten des Überlebens! Es gelang ihnen im Nu, sich umzustellen und Pionierarbeit zu leisten: Morgens bist du eine Putzfrau, abends eine Pufffrau! No problem!
„Das Unzulängliche, Hier wirds Ereignis; Das Unbeschreibliche, Hier ists getan;“
Mary, Deine Schwester, war die Fundgrube der Arbeitsbeschaffung: Donnerwetter, was für eine Powerfrau mit unbeschränkter Phantasie! Sie hat dich überall empfohlen: Betty kann alles, auch Romane schreiben! Los, Schwester, beeile Dich! Der Verleger will Deine Manuskripte sehen! Du hattest bis dahin nicht mal eine Zeile geschrieben! Mensch! Und wenn doch alles schief geht ? No problem: When you dream, dream big! Siehe da, Du bist berühmt geworden.
Das Ei und ich
Weißt Du was, Betty? Ich schlüpfe in „Das Ei und Ich“ und komme als Gast zu Dir!
Ich will Deine Hühner kennen lernen.
- Ich hasse Hühner! Ich bin eine Hühnersklavin aus Nordamerika!
- Ach, Betty, ohne diese verdammten Tiere wärst Du nie berühmt geworden!
„Das Ei und Ich“ hättest Du nie geschrieben! Wie viele Leser hast Du glücklich gemacht!
Dein Buch ist so amüsant! Über deine witzigen feinen (beinah gemeinen) Bemerkungen über Deine Familienmitglieder und Nachbarsleute musste ich so lachen!
Du bist in eine besondere Familie geboren worden: Bequemlichkeit war nicht erwünscht: Ich kann nur staunen: Was sagte Dein Vater zu deiner Mutter?
Ich gehe übermorgen woanders arbeiten: Tausende Kilometer weit…Er schickte ihr ein Telegramm:
FAHRE DONNERSTAG FÜR ZWEI JAHRE NACH MEXICO CITY STOP MACHE DICH BEREIT FALLS DU MITKOMMEN WILLST- Das war am Montag. Mutter telegrafierte zurück: WERDE FERTIG SEIN, und sie war es auch.
Das ist Amerika! Improvisation, Wechsel, Abenteuer. Keine Schwäche zeigen: Los!
Deine Beschreibungen, Betty, über die gewaltigen Naturereignisse haben mich ganz erschreckt! Kontinent Amerika, es graut mir vor dir! Ich fühle mich so klein und bedroht wie eine winzige Fliege vor einer riesigen Klatsche!
Dein Roman ist sehr vielseitig! Der Leser kann es sogar als Kochbuch benutzen!
„Das Ei und Ich“ fängt gleich mit einem Rezept an: „Neben der Weisheit, dass Lammfleisch nur gut schmeckt, wenn es mit Knoblauch geschmort wird“.
- Schmeckt es Dir, die amerikanische Küche?
- Ach Betty! Sie ist mir zu fett und ich hasse Knoblauch!
(Betty kocht gerade Mittagessen für Bob. Sie redet ständig mit „Herd“:
Herd ist Bobs Nebenbuhler; am Anfang glaubte ich, er selbst sei es). Sie dreht sich um und sagt:
- Dann kein Knoblauch für dich.
- Auch kein Lamm, Betty! Ich esse kein Fleisch! Ich würde lieber nur Spiegeleier essen. Betty, lass mich sie allein machen.
- Dann versuche es!
- Mist! „Herd“ streikt! Ich schaffe es nicht, ihn anzumachen! Verdammt! Er ist eigenwilliger als „Ofen“ von meiner Freundin, Hilde Domin!
- Bob kommt! Er muss gleich essen!
- „Männer essen alles, die Schweine! sagt Deine Großmutter Gammy“. Stimmt es?
- Hast Du meine Hühner gern? fragte mich Bob ohne sich vorzustellen.
- Ja, Bob (Grob), ich liebe sie! Ich bin Vegetarierin.
- Willst Du morgen den Hühnerstall mit uns zusammen putzen?
-Ah, ihr steht immer so früh um vier Uhr auf!! Bob, es ist kein Job für mich!
Er schaute mich verachtungsvoll an! Eine römische Zimperliese!
- Du brauchst sofort eine Umerziehung!!
- Hilfe, Bob greift mich an! Ich wechsele lieber sofort den Roman und ziehe auf die „Insel“!
Good by, arrivederci, Betty! Wir treffen uns auf der Insel: Don, Dein zweiter Mann
ist viel, viel netter!
Betty kann alles
Verdammte Farm! Hier fehlt jede Form der Zivilisation: Nur Betty „ist“ alles!
Dieser Bob!! Ich wäre auf der Farm mit ihm gestorben! Mamma mia, che coraggio, was für eine Mutprobe für eine kultivierte Frau, vier Jahre mit dem Grobian zu leben! Zwei Kinder von ihm zu kriegen! Betty war zweimal „so“. Sie erzählt aber nicht, wie sie „so“ geworden ist. Prüdes Amerika! Der Leser erfährt nur, sie wurde schwanger! Aber über Fehlgeburten und illegale Abtreibungen bekommt er jede Menge Informationen! Ich will es gar nicht genauer wissen! Wusste Betty, wie sie schwanger wurde? Vielleicht auch nicht: Sie und Bob gingen einfach ins Bett, betrunken. Diese Unmenge von geschmuggeltem Whisky muss irgendwelche „Nebenwirkungen“ gehabt haben.
Bob ist ein schöner, starker Mann,. Es mag sein, doch viel Alkohol macht sämtliche Glieder schlapp (wer Ohren hat, der höre)!
„Der Mann wird schwach, aber der Kater stark“! sagte sogar meine kleine Autorin Kätzchen Schönkopf zu dem betrunkenen Goethe.
Betty, Dein Bob kann mir gestohlen bleiben! Ich kenne solche Typen nur aus der Ferne, Gott sei Dank, und nicht persönlich. Ach, die schönen rauen Männer! Sie schwimmen im kalten Ozean, fällen das Holz, sind wetterunempfindlich, schießen auf die wilden Tiere und bringen sie der Frau zum Braten!
Ich kann Betty verstehen! Sie war zu jung: Sie war eine kleine feine Katzendame mit Abenteuerlust! Sie hat den Kopf für einen wilden Kater verloren!
Alles für die Katz? Nein, alles für das Huhn! Denn Bob hat seinen Kopf für Hühner verloren!
Er hatte Augen nur für seine Hühner! Nun weiß ich es: Hühneraugen haben Männer, die zu den Füßen von Hühnern liegen! Bob hätte eine Legehenne heiraten sollen! Nicht eine große Schriftstellerin.
Aber warum hat Betty für seine fünfhundert „Geliebten“ alles getan? Hat sie überhaupt gern in einer Hühnerfarm (Hühnerharem) gearbeitet?
Nein, nur um Bobs Liebe zu verdienen, um dem Ehemann zu gefallen!
Ihre Mutter sagte zu ihr und ihrer Schwester: „Es sei die unabänderliche Pflicht einer guten Hausfrau, dafür zu sorgen, dass ihr Gatte sich bei seiner Arbeit wohl fühlt“
Nehmet freudig die Folgen in Kauf, die sich daraus ergeben! So was! Wie in Süditalien!
Arme Betty, sie ist in einer alten Farm fern von einer Stadt gelandet! Die nächsten Nachbarn waren zwei Meilen entfernt. Keine Kultur! Nur Krach: Gockelkonzerte statt Gospelkonzerte!
Dieser Bob war ein unmöglicher Kerl! Er hat für seine Hühner einen Hühnerstall mit allem Komfort gebaut (Geliebte kriegen immer Geschenke, man spart das Geld nur bei der Ehefrau) und für Betty nur ein Haus ohne Wasser und Toilette!
Hartes Leben auf der Farm!!! Bei klirrender Kälte auf die Toilette gehen. Um 4 Uhr aufzustehen…Kein „Herr“ Bob! Und „Herd“ auch nicht: Man spielt nicht so unverschämt mit der Geduld einer Frau!
Die Insel
Ich liebe Inseln in Nordamerika: Ich kenne zwar nur die Insel „Mount Desert Island“ in Maine und nicht die Insel an der Pazifikküste - Bettys Insel ist in der Nähe von Seattle - aber mir scheint alles sehr ähnlich: Magische Landschaft, kosmische Einwirkungen, und tausende, kleine putzige Fetzen von Land, schwimmend im weiten Ozean. Können sie wirklich schwimmen? Es sieht so aus, als würden sie eine Schwimmweste um das saftige Grün der Wälder tragen…
Das Haus von Betty und Don gefällt mir! Ich vermisse zwar „Herd“, doch eine ganz verrückte Waschmaschine macht das Leben hier interessant: Welche Geister werden wohl in ihr wohnen? (Don ist ein Schotte, ich glaube, er hat sie aus einem gespenstischen Castle mitgenommen).
Die Töchter von Betty wohnen auch hier: Es sind launische Mädchen mit Grillen! „Herd“ könnte der Vater sein! Schade, sie waren netter in dem „Ei und Ich“ als sie noch klein und süß waren! Es gibt aber nette Katzen und Hunde: Betty ist eine große Tierfreundin. Sie hat sogar eine riesige Menge von Hunde - und- Katzenfutter Kartons im Haus gelagert.
Die amerikanische Küche ist wirklich unglaublich! Wenn Betty auf der Insel kein Menschenfutter kaufen kann - es passiert bei stürmischer See, wenn die Fähren die Insel nicht beliefern können - greift sie beim „worst case“ gern dazu.
Ach, dieses kulinarische Umstellungsvermögen werde ich nie entwickeln! Esse ich vielleicht die Mäuse, die mir mein Kater Tigerli bringt? Das Kochbuch von Betty ist unerschöpflich:
Von Wildtieren auf der Farm zu Meerestieren an der Küste.
Im Pazifik leben phantastische Fische und Krustentiere: Qual der Wal! Oh, Seafood! „The King“ ist der Lobster, habe ich in Maine gelernt! Doch in Seattle scheint es „Geoduck“ zu sein! Er ist eine Sensation: Er hat einen langen Hals! Eine Meeresgiraffe? Was ist das? Betty hilf mir! Den verdammte Namen „Geoduck“ finde ich nicht in meinem Wörterbuch.
Die Britische Encyclopedia Britannica kennt ihn auch nicht… Moment! Ich suche in der „The Amerikan Heritage Dictionary“. Gott sei Dank, ich habe es gefunden: Es ist „a very large, edible clam“. Muschel, 20 cm groß. Was sind die „cozze di Napoli“ im Vergleich dazu? Miesmuscheln, schämt euch vor dem Amerikaner! Ich schaue aus dem Fenster: Betty krabbelt im Wasser mit der ganzen Familie! Ihre Tochter hat Geoduck im Wasser entdeckt. Sie packt das Tier am Hals! „Clam“ ist in die Klemme! Er wird gefangen! Alle schreien vor Freude! Was für ein Leckerbissen! Betty rennt in die Küche: Clam wird vorbereitet: Ich drehe meine Augen woanders hin, ich will nichts davon sehen. Ich höre, wie das Fleisch zertrümmert wird. Eier werden mit ihm zusammen geschlagen. Mein Magen dreht sich auch um.
Betty ruft zum Essen. Ich esse nicht das komische Tier! Es schmeckt himmlisch, sagt Betty!
Ich glaube, ich verlasse die Insel…
In un batter d´occhio in America con Betty McDonald
2011 Copyright by Letizia Mancino
All rights reserved
Oh Betty, ti adoro! I tuoi libri ” Betty sa far tutto” e “ L`isola” sono veramente fantastici!
Li prendo in mano e in un batter d´occhio sono in America! Colombo e l`uovo: la grande scoperta! Il tuo bestseller “ L´uovo ed io” la più grande scoperta! E tu ed io! Io conosco la America: quello che scrivi è proprio vero: così `e l`America: fino all`ultimo capello è così, anzi fino all`ultima piuma.... Paesaggio e passione: Conosci il paese dove fioriscono le pistole? Brava Betty , tu descrivi gli Americani in modo cosí plastico, sono tanto autentici, insopportabili, dipinti sulla carta. Se io leggo con piacere i tuoi libri? Leggere è dire ben poco! Io posso addirittura sentire e vedere tutto: natura , cultura e subcultura.
L `America mi sembra poco cambiata! Ah, questi Americani tanto freddi: calcolo, borsa, Wall-Street, la crisi finanziaria ( già nel 1930), gli speculatori, la bancarotta delle industrie!
Il pullulare di impostori e ingannatori. Disperazione e fame. Un terribile “worst case”
( quando ancora non conoscevo l`inglese pensavo che fosse “wurst casareccio”)
Però come è impressionante la capacità di adattamento degli Americani: Artisti di vita, acrobati della vita! Sono riusciti di colpo a cambiare mestiere e fare il lavoro di un pioniere:
La mattina lavori in casa e la sera in casino. No problem! Come dice il poeta Goethe,
“ l`irrangiugibile si compie qua; Ciò che è ineffabile diviene atto”...
Mary, tua sorella, era una incredibile fonte di accarrapamento- lavoro: Ammazza, che donna piena di power con fantasia inesauribile!Ti ha raccomandato ovunque: Betty sa far tutto anche scrivere romanzi! Sbrigati, sorella, l`editore vuol veder i tuoi manoscritti! Che faccia tosta, tu non avevi ancora scritto neanche una riga! Mamma mia e se tutto va a rotoli? No problem: When you dream, dream big! Ecco che tu sei diventata persino famosa!
L`uovo e io
Sai una cosa, Betty io sguscio dentro “ L´uovo ed io” e vengo da te come ospite! Voglio conoscere i tuoi polli.
- Io li odio! Sono una schiava del Nord America!
- Ah, Betty, senza questi pennuti mai saresti divenuta famosa! Mai avresti scritto “ L´uovo e io! Quanti lettori hai reso felici!! Il tuo libro è così divertente. Ho così
riso, leggendo le tue piccole fini ( un pò crudelucce) osservazioni sulla tua famiglia e vicini! Sei nata in una famiglia molto particolare: la comodità non era una cosa apprezzata. Ancora non finisco di stupirmi: cosa ha detto tuo padre a tua madre?
Dopodomani mi trasferisco per lavoro a molti mille chilometri di distanza da qui..
Ti ha spedito un telegramma:
VADO GIOVEDI PER DUE ANNI A CITTÁ DEL MESSICO STOP PREPARATI SE VUOI VENIRE
Era un lunedi. Tua madre ha risposto con un telegarmma: SARÒ PRONTA e cosí era.
Questa è America: improvvisazione, cambiamento, avventura. Non mostrare debolezza e vai!
Le tue descrizioni sui straordinari fenomeni della natura mi hanno veramente spaventato.
Continente America, “ es graut mir vor dir”! Mi sento piccola e in pericolo come una mosca davanti a uno schiacciamosche! Il tuo romanzo è molto versatile e si può usare anche come un libro di cucina. Comincia addirittura con una ricetta:
“Insieme alla saggezza, che al carne di agnello ha solo un buon sapore, se stufata con aglio.”
- Ti piace la cucina americana?
- Betty, per me è troppo grassa e io odio l`aglio! ( Betty sta preparando il
pranzo a Bob e parla continuamente con “Fornello”: Fornello è il rivale di Bob, almeno così mi è sembrato all`inizio) Betty si volta e mi dice:
- Allora niente aglio per te!
- Anche niente agnello, Betty! Non mangio carne! Mi piacerebbero delle uova al tegamino.
Lascia, che le faccia io.
- Allora prova tu!
- Che fregatura! „Fornello“ fa lo sciopero! Non mi riesce di accenderlo. Maledetto!
- È più cocciuto di “Forno” della mia amica Hilde Domin!
- Sbrigati, Bobb sta arrivando, deve mangiare subito!
- “Gli uomini mangiano di tutto, questi porci” diceva tua nonna Gammy, è vero?
- Ti piacciono i miei polli? mi chiede Bob senza presentarsi.
- Sì Bob (bel cafone), mi piacciono tanto, perchè sono vegetariana.
- Vuoi venire con noi domani a pulire il pollaio?
- Bè meglio di no, vi alzate troppo presto alle quattro di mattina! Bob non è un job per me! Mi gurdò con disprezzo:
- Eccoti una romana smorfiosa. Hai bisogno subito di cambiar scuola.
- Aiuto, Bob mi sta aggredendo. Io cambio su due piedi romanzo e mi trasferisco su
- “ L`isola”.
- Good by, arrivederci, Betty, ci incontriamo sull`isola: Don, il tuo secondo marito, è molto più gentile!
Betty sa far tutto
Maledetta fattoria, qui manca ogni forma di civilizzazione: solo Betty “è” tutto.
Quest Bob! Io sarei morta con lui nella farm! Mamma mia che prova di coraggio ha avuto Betty, una donna tanto colta, per vivere con uno zoticone come Bob. E per di più avere due figlie da lui! Betty era due volte “così”. Però non racconta, come è divenuta “ così”. Questa America puritana, il lettore viene solo a sapere, che era incinta. Però sugli aborti e le pratiche illegali riceve un sacco di informazioni! Io non voglio saper niente di preciso! Sapeva Betty come è rimasta incinta? Forse no. Lei e Bob sono andati a letto mezzi ubriachi. Questa quantità di whisky trafugato di nascosto deve pur aver avuto effetti collaterali.
Bob è un bell`uomo, vigoroso, per quel che mi riguarda! Comunque troppo alcool fa ammosciare tutti i muscoli ( chi ha orecchie per intendere, ascolti)..
L`uomo si ammoscia, dura è solo la sbornia! La mia cara piccola autrice, la gatta “ Kätzchen Schönkopf”, Bellatestina, ha osato dire questo anche a Goethe! Betty il tuo Bob può andare al diavolo! Fortunatamente conosco questi tipi, solo da lontano, e non di persona.
Ah, gli uomini belli e rudi! Nuotano nell`oceano gelido, tagliano il legno, non sono sensibili al cattivo tempo, sparano agli animali e li portano morti alle mogli, per arrostirli!
Posso capire Betty, era troppo giovane: era una micetta fine di casa con voglia di avventure, che ha perso la testa per un gattaccio selvatico! Tutto per il gatto? Macchè tutto per i polli!
Bob aveava perso la testa per i suoi polli. Adesso so: quei bei calli, gli occhi pollini ai piedi, se li beccano quegli uomini , che si gettano ai piedi delle galline. Bob avrebbe dovuto sposare una gallina e non una grande scrittrice! Perchè Betty ha fatto di tutto per cinquecento
pollastre? Perchè ha lavorato volentieri in un pollaio?
Solo per guadagnarsi l`amore di Bob, suo marito. La madre diceva sia a lei che a sua sorella:
“ È il compito irremovibile di una buona massaia fare di tutto, acciocchè il marito si senta bene al suo lavoro. Prendete con gioia le conseguenze!” Che roba, come nell`Italia del Sud.
Povera Betty, è andata a finire in una farm lontana dalla città. I vicini più vicini stavano a due miglie di lontananza. Niente cultura, solo fracasso! Concerti di polli piuttosto che di Pollini!
Bob era un tipo impossibile: ha dato ai suoi pennuti una vera residenza con ogni conforto, mentre a Betty una casa senza acqua e gabinetto. Ve lo immaginate di andare fuori a quel posticino quando è a sotto zero, e alzarsi alle quattro? Bob non è proprio un signore, ma neanche “Fornello“ lo è: non si gioca così con la pazienza di una vera signora!
L`isola
Amo le isole del Nordamerica, sebbene conosca bene solo “ Mount Desert Island” in Maine e non le isole della costa del Pacifico. L´isola di Betty è nelle vicinanze di Seattle, peró mi sembra che si somiglino molto: panorami pieni di magia, influenze cosmiche, e migliaia di piccoli ritagli deliziosi di terra, che nuotano nel vasto oceano. Possono veramente nuotare?
Quasi sembra, che portino delle ciambelle di salvataggio intorno ai fianchi verdi dei boschi. La casa di Betty e Don mi piace! Mi manca “ Fornello”, ma in compenso una macchina per lavare i panni, completamente pazza, rende qui la vita interessante. Che tipo di spiriti abitarenno mai dentro? ( Don è scozzese e probabilmente li ha portati da uno dei tanti castelli abitati da spiriti). Le figlie di Betty abitano anche qui: sono due ragazze lunatiche con grilli in testa. “Fornello” potrebbe essere il padre! Che peccato, erano così dolci, quando erano ancora piccole, nella storia: “ L´uovo ed io”. Ci sono fortunatamente gatti e cani carini, perchè Betty è una vera appassionata di animali. Ha addirittura un`enorme quantità di scatolette con il mangiare per loro, stipato dentro casa. La cucina americana è veramente incredibile! Se Betty non trova più sull`isola ingredienti per cucinare ( e questo capita ogni volta, quando c`è burrasca, e i traghetti dalla terraferma non arrivano) allora in “ worst case” usa le scatolette per gli animali! Questo tipo di adattamento alimentare non mi riuscirà mai di svilupparlo! Mangio forse i topolini, che mi porta il mio adorato gatto, Tigerli?
Il libro di cucina di Betty è ineusaribile: va dalla cacciagione alla fattoria fino ai crostacei della costa. Nel Pacifico vivono fantastici pesci e crostacei. C`è grande imbarazzo della scelta. Oh seefood! Ho imparato, che il “lobster” è il re di Maine. A Seattle sembra essere invece
“Geoduck”. E´una vera sensazione: ha un collo lungo, lungo. Forse è una giraffa di mare? Betty, che cavolo è? Nel vocabolario il nome non si trova. L`Enciclopedia Brittannica non lo menziona.. Un momento.. sto cercando nella „ The American Heritage Dictionary”, grazie a Dio l`ho trovato. È un “ very large edible clam”. Conchiglia di 20 cm.
Che cosa sono mai le cozze di Napoli al confronto? Vergognatevi, figliole, di fronte all`americano!!! Guardo fuori alla finestra: Betty sta in acqua a carponi insieme a tutta la famiglia. La figlia ha scoperto Geoduck. Lo prende per il collo. “Clam” è ormai fritto!! Lo hanno catturato. Tutti strillano per la gioia. Perbacco, che leccornia. Betty corre in cucina. Clam viene preparato. Io giro gli occhi da un`altra parte, non voglio vedere il misfatto.
Ascolto come la carne viene frullata a pezzetti. Sento come vengono aggiunte alla poltiglia
le uova. A me, mi si frulla lo stomaco ( lo so, “a me mi” non si dice). Betty chiama tutti a tavola.
Io non ho nessuna voglia, di mangiare questo animale comico. Ha un sapore divino, dice Betty. Mi sa tanto, che è meglio abbandonare l`isola...
Letizia Mancino
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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
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Betty MacDonald Fan Club
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Betty MacDonald Forum
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Betty MacDonald Society
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Mary Bard Jensen Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Friday, March 25, 2011
Betty MacDonald greetings from Alexandra Boiger
Hello, it's Daniel,
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle illustrator Alexandra Boiger, born in Munich, was sending this message to Betty MacDonald Fan Club founder Wolfgang Hampel:
The grave situation in Japan touches me very deeply. I have friends whose families live there and so it is even more real to me.
I know, the Japanese people have an incredible spirit and strength that will help them come through this.
But I also ask anybody who can to help and support Japan in these hard times.
There are a number of trustworthy organizations. I have a post on my blog that will lead you to one of those.
http://give2asia.org/artistshelp
Best regards,
Alexandra Boiger
We'll have a very special day on Saturday. Do you know what I'm talking about?
Have a very nice day.
Bye for now,
Daniel
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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 Jensen Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle illustrator Alexandra Boiger, born in Munich, was sending this message to Betty MacDonald Fan Club founder Wolfgang Hampel:
The grave situation in Japan touches me very deeply. I have friends whose families live there and so it is even more real to me.
I know, the Japanese people have an incredible spirit and strength that will help them come through this.
But I also ask anybody who can to help and support Japan in these hard times.
There are a number of trustworthy organizations. I have a post on my blog that will lead you to one of those.
http://give2asia.org/artistshelp
Best regards,
Alexandra Boiger
We'll have a very special day on Saturday. Do you know what I'm talking about?
Have a very nice day.
Bye for now,
Daniel
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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 Jensen Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Betty MacDonald described by William Cumming
Good morning, this is Bengt:
it's William Cumming's birthday.
William Cumming, famous artist in the Pacific Northwest School, was born in Montana on March 24, 1917.
In 1940, Betty MacDonald headed the National Youth Administration Division of Information in Seattle.
William Cumming became Betty's assistant. His regular salary was $25 per month.
William Cumming described Betty MacDonald's personality:
Betty MacDonald's humor wasn't kindly, nor homey, nor friendly. It had the malicious edge of a scalpel, and it could cut. Betty MacDonald saw the flaws of the race as vicious. The fact that these flaws generally ended in hilarious pratfalls didn't make them any less lethal in her eyes" (Sketchbook: A Memoir of the 1930s and the Northwest School)
In 1942 William Cumming entered Firland Sanatorium with tuberculosis. Betty MacDonald, who had served her own time in Firland (The Plague and I), drove him there.
William Cumming was a good friend of Wolfgang Hampel, Betty MacDonald Memorial Award Winner and author of Betty MacDonald biography.
William Cumming's outstanding artwork, letters and documents are included in the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Memorial Collection in Switzerland and Scandinavia.
William Cumming died of congestive heart failure on the morning of November 22, 2010. He was 93 years old.
More info ( see Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter April 2011 )
Take care,
Bengt
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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 Jensen Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
it's William Cumming's birthday.
William Cumming, famous artist in the Pacific Northwest School, was born in Montana on March 24, 1917.
In 1940, Betty MacDonald headed the National Youth Administration Division of Information in Seattle.
William Cumming became Betty's assistant. His regular salary was $25 per month.
William Cumming described Betty MacDonald's personality:
Betty MacDonald's humor wasn't kindly, nor homey, nor friendly. It had the malicious edge of a scalpel, and it could cut. Betty MacDonald saw the flaws of the race as vicious. The fact that these flaws generally ended in hilarious pratfalls didn't make them any less lethal in her eyes" (Sketchbook: A Memoir of the 1930s and the Northwest School)
In 1942 William Cumming entered Firland Sanatorium with tuberculosis. Betty MacDonald, who had served her own time in Firland (The Plague and I), drove him there.
William Cumming was a good friend of Wolfgang Hampel, Betty MacDonald Memorial Award Winner and author of Betty MacDonald biography.
William Cumming's outstanding artwork, letters and documents are included in the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Memorial Collection in Switzerland and Scandinavia.
William Cumming died of congestive heart failure on the morning of November 22, 2010. He was 93 years old.
More info ( see Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter April 2011 )
Take care,
Bengt
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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 Jensen Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Monica Sone is hopeful
Hi this is Pascal,
We got so many mails from our international Betty MacDonald Fan Club fans.
Thank you so much for your outstanding support.
We want to share a very special message with you.
First Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honor Member Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter and Betty MacDonald's friend described as Kimi in Betty MacDonald's The plague and I, is sending this moving message:
To the Betty MacDonald and Monica Sone Fan Club fans from all over the world.
I am eartbroken over the devastation in Sendai and the continuing anxieties about the nuclear plants.
When I see the concern and the desire to help from all over the world, I am deeply moved.
It is always individual human beings who care and reach out to others who give me hope.
I am so grateful to them.
Love,
Monica Sone
Thanks A Million dear Monica Sone!
Next Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter includes the info of the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Japan Support!
Pascal
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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 Jensen Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
We got so many mails from our international Betty MacDonald Fan Club fans.
Thank you so much for your outstanding support.
We want to share a very special message with you.
First Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honor Member Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter and Betty MacDonald's friend described as Kimi in Betty MacDonald's The plague and I, is sending this moving message:
To the Betty MacDonald and Monica Sone Fan Club fans from all over the world.
I am eartbroken over the devastation in Sendai and the continuing anxieties about the nuclear plants.
When I see the concern and the desire to help from all over the world, I am deeply moved.
It is always individual human beings who care and reach out to others who give me hope.
I am so grateful to them.
Love,
Monica Sone
Thanks A Million dear Monica Sone!
Next Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter includes the info of the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Japan Support!
Pascal
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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 Jensen Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Betty MacDonald Fan Club flower to Japan
I'm Svenja,
The Betty MacDonald fans, friends and people from Japan are always in our hearts.
Remain strong, please. We know you are!
Thank you so much, dear Wolfgang Hampel for suggesting Letizia Mancino as a Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honor member.
Wolfgang Hampel, Betty MacDonald Memorial Award winner and author of Betty MacDonald biography, admires Letizia Mancino's artwork and books.
Letizia Mancino, President of Goethe Society, created a Betty MacDonald Gallery with her magical artwork.
Letizia Mancino's artwork is beloved around the world, but especially in Japan and other countries in Asia.
We got many mails from our friends who told us that Letizia Mancino's artwork is like a candle in the dark and sunshine in the hearts. It's so very important, especially in these days.
Thank you so much, dear Letizia Mancino in the name of so many Betty MacDonald Fan Club Fans.
Letizia Mancino is sending a great message to our Betty MacDonald Fan Club fans in Japan. You can read Letizia's text in german, english and italian language.
Love,
Svenja
Liebe Betty MacDonald Freunde in Japan,
in diesen Stunden richtet sich meine Sorge auf das schwere Schicksal, dass Ihr alle und Eure Familien und Freunde im Land durchmachen müssen.
Mit Staunen bewundere ich Eure Geduld und Würde in dieser unermesslich schwierigen Situation. Das Licht wird die Finsternis vertreiben und das Leid wird sich in Liebe verwandeln. Ich glaube, dass Eure Opfer der ganzen Welt helfen wird: Aus dem Boden der Schmerzen wird eine leuchtende Lotos-Blume der Versöhnung für Menschen und Natur entstehen.
Auch meine Gemälde, die in so leuchtenden Farben erscheinen, sind aus der Überwindung dunkler Erfahrungen entstanden: Mögen sie mit ihrer Harmonie den Augen, die so viel Verwüstungen sehen müssen, Trost und Hoffnung schenken.
Dear Friends of Betty MacDonald in Japan,
In these hours my concern is the heavy fate which you, your families and friends are suffering.
I greatly admire your patience and dignity in this situation of utmost difficulty. I am sure: The light will drive back the darkness, and suffering will be converted to love. I believe that your sacrifice will help the whole world. The soil of suffering will generate a lotus-flower of reconciliation for Man and Nature.
Also my paintigs which appear in such splendid colors, have their origin in the overcoming of dark experiences. I wish that these images with their harmony will give you consolation and hope.
Cari amici di Betty MacDonald in Giappone,
In queste ore le mie preoccupazioni e timori sono diretti al grave destino, che voi tutti dovete sopportare nella vostra terra insieme a parenti e amici.
Con meraviglia osservo la pazienza e dignità che voi mostrate in questa difficilissima situazione. Io credo, che il vostro sacrificio sarà di aiuto all`intera umanità.Dal terreno del dolore crescerà un fiore di loto della comprensione tra uomini e natura. Anche i miei quadri, così brillanti nei colori, sono nati dal superamento di oscure esperienze.
Spero che essi possano ,con la loro armonia, dare speranza e consolazione, ai vostri occhi, che ora vedono tanta distruzione.
Letizia
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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 Jensen Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
The Betty MacDonald fans, friends and people from Japan are always in our hearts.
Remain strong, please. We know you are!
Thank you so much, dear Wolfgang Hampel for suggesting Letizia Mancino as a Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honor member.
Wolfgang Hampel, Betty MacDonald Memorial Award winner and author of Betty MacDonald biography, admires Letizia Mancino's artwork and books.
Letizia Mancino, President of Goethe Society, created a Betty MacDonald Gallery with her magical artwork.
Letizia Mancino's artwork is beloved around the world, but especially in Japan and other countries in Asia.
We got many mails from our friends who told us that Letizia Mancino's artwork is like a candle in the dark and sunshine in the hearts. It's so very important, especially in these days.
Thank you so much, dear Letizia Mancino in the name of so many Betty MacDonald Fan Club Fans.
Letizia Mancino is sending a great message to our Betty MacDonald Fan Club fans in Japan. You can read Letizia's text in german, english and italian language.
Love,
Svenja
Liebe Betty MacDonald Freunde in Japan,
in diesen Stunden richtet sich meine Sorge auf das schwere Schicksal, dass Ihr alle und Eure Familien und Freunde im Land durchmachen müssen.
Mit Staunen bewundere ich Eure Geduld und Würde in dieser unermesslich schwierigen Situation. Das Licht wird die Finsternis vertreiben und das Leid wird sich in Liebe verwandeln. Ich glaube, dass Eure Opfer der ganzen Welt helfen wird: Aus dem Boden der Schmerzen wird eine leuchtende Lotos-Blume der Versöhnung für Menschen und Natur entstehen.
Auch meine Gemälde, die in so leuchtenden Farben erscheinen, sind aus der Überwindung dunkler Erfahrungen entstanden: Mögen sie mit ihrer Harmonie den Augen, die so viel Verwüstungen sehen müssen, Trost und Hoffnung schenken.
Dear Friends of Betty MacDonald in Japan,
In these hours my concern is the heavy fate which you, your families and friends are suffering.
I greatly admire your patience and dignity in this situation of utmost difficulty. I am sure: The light will drive back the darkness, and suffering will be converted to love. I believe that your sacrifice will help the whole world. The soil of suffering will generate a lotus-flower of reconciliation for Man and Nature.
Also my paintigs which appear in such splendid colors, have their origin in the overcoming of dark experiences. I wish that these images with their harmony will give you consolation and hope.
Cari amici di Betty MacDonald in Giappone,
In queste ore le mie preoccupazioni e timori sono diretti al grave destino, che voi tutti dovete sopportare nella vostra terra insieme a parenti e amici.
Con meraviglia osservo la pazienza e dignità che voi mostrate in questa difficilissima situazione. Io credo, che il vostro sacrificio sarà di aiuto all`intera umanità.Dal terreno del dolore crescerà un fiore di loto della comprensione tra uomini e natura. Anche i miei quadri, così brillanti nei colori, sono nati dal superamento di oscure esperienze.
Spero che essi possano ,con la loro armonia, dare speranza e consolazione, ai vostri occhi, che ora vedono tanta distruzione.
Letizia
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's website
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/
Letizia Mancino, beloved artist and writer, Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://letiziamancino.blogspot.com/
Letizia Mancino's Homage a Betty MacDonald
http://www.letizia-mancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery
Hilde Domin Fan Club
http://hildedominfreundeskreis.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter, Betty MacDonald's friend, described as Kimi in The Plague and I, honour member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/
Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/
Gwen Grant's website
http://www.gwengrant.co.uk/
Gwen Grant, beloved writer and Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Member
http://gwengrantsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Ma and Pa Kettle Society
http://maandpakettlesociety.blogspot.com/2010/05/betty-macdonalds-ma-and-pa-kettle.html
Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/
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
Alison Bard Burnett, Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's brilliant sister, beloved all over the world. Her very funny and witty interviews with Wolfgang Hampel about her famous sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard are real treasures.
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610
Betty MacDonald Interviews on CD and DVD
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 30 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 Jensen Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/
Alison Bard Burnett Fan Club and Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/
Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/
Darsie Beck Artist and writer of Your Essential Nature - A Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony - nephew of authors Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard - Honour Member of Betty MacDonald Society and Fan Club
http://darsiebeck.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Society
Wolfgang Hampel, winner of first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award, author, journalist, artist, poet
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel, interviewer of Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
http://wolfganghampelsociety.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel Fan Club
Wolfgang Hampel interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends and many other famous artists and writers. Wolfgang Hampel is also famous for his satirical poems and stories.
http://wolfganghampelfanclub.blogspot.com/
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