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Subj: Re: Lavender
Date: 6/21/2003 12:28:21 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: janeandmichael@msn.com
To: Xeme2003@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
You should still do the guitar, you were the best!
Thanks, but it really wasn't my choice. In the late 80's, I lost the use of my right wrist to Kienboch's disease. By the time I got enough facility back to play at all, my kids were old enough to object. My daughter consistently asked me not to play, saying that the only thing I ever sang were maudlin folk songs.
These days, my son won't let me sing simply because I am not good enough (I think it must hurt his ears -- he is a strong operatic baritone.) Both kids sing and perform (my son currently has one of the male leads in the musical Hello, Dolly, my daughter just finished a run of Romeo and Juliet), as does my wife, who also is their accompanist, when needed. We did manage to all do Revels together last year, but for me, it was the first time I sang in public in almost two decades. Of the four of us, I am far and away the worst singer and musician. I guess how good you seem to be all depends on the arena and the competition nearby.
Thanks, though, for the memories. I haven't done caned chairs in two decades either. (In 1978, I left the furniture field for guitarmaking, and was a luthier for the next 20 odd years.)
And you? Where has life taken you these past 30 years? Still in the Boston area? Still nursing?
Michael Dresdner
3303 28th St. SE, Puyallup, WA 98374
253 770-1664
janeandmichael@msn.com
www.michaeldresdner.com
Subj: Florida tales Date: 6/22/2003 11:54:55 AM Eastern Standard Time From: janeandmichael@msn.com To: Xeme2003@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details) >> These days she thinks "she knows" everything, and I am "boring." How odd that she waited so long. My daughter will be eighteen in a couple of months, but for many, many years, she has been confirmed in the knowledge that I am a complete moron. She often wonders (aloud) how I even dress myself. >> Which brought about the tale of "When Cathey Ran Away To Florida" from my Mom. (who only knows about Florida, not you.) Which brought about michael@michaeldresdner.com. Good heavens. I had no idea I was a bit player in someone's walk on the wild side. Had I known, I might have done a better job of the part. >> I'm glad that you responded to my email, I now have proof of doing "somethingcool" (all one word) in my daughter's eyes. Tell he she can come visit if she ever makes it to the Pacific Northwest, and I'll have a copy of the story notarized. >> I laughed at the description..."maudlin folk songs"(!) Was that one "Puff 'or "Take Your Finger Off It" or "Fanny" or the "Sunday Morning, Very Bright "? Absolutely EVERYTHING I played. Here's an odd turn of events, though. There is a group called Revels (you can read up about them at www.revels.org) There are about 12 in the country, and there is a Revels troupe here in Tacoma. Last year, all four of us auditioned to perform, and we all got in. To pass the audition, you must sing for the judges -- alone and without accompaniment. I was terrified. My son, who at 16 is a trained opera singer, tried to comfort and help me during a ride in the car. He had been accepted in the adult chorus of Revels at the age of 13 -- the youngest in their history. "Don't worry" he told me. "Just go out there and have fun. They are really not looking for great singers, you know. It is more important for them to see you are enjoying yourself, and in the spirit of the group." I started to feel relieved and hopeful. There was a short lull, when neither of us spoke, after which he added: "Of course, they do prefer that you don't sound like a howler monkey..." Howler monkey has been my singing related epithet ever since. So what was the point of the story? Desperate for anything I thought I could sing, I fell back on an old standard -- a Peter, Paul, and Mary song I used to do called "Marvelous Toy." (My alternate choice was going to be Sisters of Mercy, but even I could see that was too maudlin.) Whatever. I made it in, and the four of us had an incredible experience all being in the same play together. So once more in my life, a maudlin folk song made me appear somewhat desirable to someone. You have sent me on a wonderful nostalgia trip as well, and reminded me of a whole slew of songs I had long forgotten. Perhaps you should send me a list of what you remember -- it might be just the thing to inspire me to pick up a guitar again. In any case, thank you for getting in touch. I'm heading off to Florida later today (small world, eh?) to do a seminar for Rustoleum, Varathane, and Watco, and will also see my parents, who live there now. (My father is currently dying of cancer, and it will not be a pleasant trip.) I'll be back in about a week, and will try to plow through whatever email has accumulated then. I'm glad I caught your letter before I left. It will add at least one pleasant thought about Florida, a place I otherwise abhor. Thanks. Talk to you later. Michael Dresdner 3303 28th St. SE, Puyallup, WA 98374 253 770-1664 janeandmichael@msn.com www.michaeldresdner.com ladytaz222@email.com
Subj: Pan Date: 6/29/2003 7:25:40 PM Eastern Standard Time From: Xeme2003 To: michael@michaeldresdner.com How can I say this...I think I have the wrong man? You do bear a resemblance to the Michael Dresdner I once knew. When I went to your website I thought I recognized you. But the man I knew in Miami was...? Like a satyr, a small group of people called him "Pan." He did sing the "Marvelous Toy"..."xx when it moved, and xx when it? And ## when it stood still" and "Suzanne" and "Easy Chair" (tomorrow is the day my bride's gonna come?) But he was bold, I was shy. And, he was not at all shy, and capable of bursting out in song in strangers car's (he encouraged me to hitch with him) in front on people in front of a restaurant on the wharf...he sang everywhere, anytime, indoors and out, day and night. He got a waterbed, and I had never seen one, or been on one before. He would (how can I put this?) be very, very affectionate with dogs, with his tongue, oh the more I try to put this down in writing the dirtier it looks...he was all man, and HE WAS the "Marvelous Toy". He had a guitar (Fender? Vox?) with these pics for all his fingers on some songs and his fingers would play so fast on some songs that they would blur. I asked him once why he didn't watch his fingers play, and he said that they moved too fast for him to watch. He would play bottleneck, and move frets on the fretboard or strap on new ones and he would pluck notes as he did a tremolo with his wrist ... and I have never seen anyone play like that, not even Clapton. My Dad died soon after I returned home from Miami. He had NHL. I guess I tried to block out the cancer from my mind, and now I have tears thinking of your dad. I don't know if I will ever hear from you, but please remember me if you audition anywhere ever again. I'll be applauding. Cathey
Subj: getting more interesting and puzzling Date: 6/30/2003 2:03:03 PM Eastern Standard Time From: janeandmichael@msn.com To: Xeme2003@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details) Ok, let's take them a step at a time. How can I say this...I think I have the wrong man? It is quite possible. However, an awful lot of things match. Others, I am not so sure. You do bear a resemblance to the Michael Dresdner I once knew. When I went to your website I thought I recognized you. But the man I knew in Miami was...? Like a satyr, a small group of people called him "Pan." Pan was my nickname at the time, because I played the recorder while traipsing through India. He did sing the "Marvelous Toy"..."xx when it moved, and xx when it? And ## when it stood still" and "Suzanne" and "Easy Chair" (tomorrow is the day my bride's gonna come?) All songs I used to do. But then, they were all popular songs of the era, so lots of people had them in their repertoire. he was not at all shy, and capable of bursting out in song in strangers car's (he encouraged me to hitch with him) in front on people in front of a restaurant on the wharf...he sang everywhere, anytime, indoors and out, day and night. I hitchhiked all over the US, England, India -- and was inclined to sing at the drop of a hat (literally and otherwise.) He got a waterbed, and I had never seen one, or been on one before. Yes, I had a waterbed in those days. (But again, didn't everyone?) It was in a bedroom that was so small that it fit such that three sides were touching walls. You could only get into it from the bottom end. He would (how can I put this?) be very, very affectionate with dogs, with his tongue, oh the more I try to put this down in writing the dirtier it looks..he was all man, and HE WAS the "Marvelous Toy". That part lost me. Be very affectionate with dogs, with his tongue? Hmm. Scary. I hope that is two different unconnected acts... He had a guitar (Fender? Vox?) with these pics for all his fingers on some songs and his fingers would play so fast on some songs that they would blur. I never played a Fender or Vox. I played mostly acoustic guitars, and at the time had a Yamaha with a fairly fancy pickguard. (It later got stolen when I moved to NYC). I wore finger pics only on one finger and my thumb at that time, though earlier I used to play with four pics (three fingers and thumb) and may still have been doing that on some occasions. I may also have had an Aria 12-string guitar -- don't remember when I got rid of that one. I asked him once why he didn't watch his fingers play, and he said that they moved too fast for him to watch. That sounds like something I would say. Quite true, also. He would play bottleneck, and move frets on the fretboard or strap on new ones and he would pluck notes as he did a tremolo with his wrist ... and I have never seen anyone play like that, not even Clapton. Ok, that's confusing. For one thing, frets are stationary on the modern guitar. You can add a capo, but not move frets around. The left hand tremolo and plucked notes (called "hammering on") are both common enough to be called fairly typical of the time and playing styles, and also typical of my playing at the time. I did play bottleneck in those days. Mark that one inconclusive. My Dad died soon after I returned home from Miami. He had NHL. I guess I tried to block out the cancer from my mind, and now I have tears thinking of your dad. Cathey I'm sorry to hear that. If you really want to dial in on this (and of course, it is quite possible that two such similar encounters occurred in the same city), you need to provide more specifics. What year did all this occur? And in what part of the city? I don't remember much about that time, but it would have to have been in 1972 or 1973. It was in a rather bad part of town in Miami. I lived in a little rented place that was the size of an apartment but with freestanding walls (not connected to other apartments.) I seem to remember it being fairly sleazy. I am fairly certain about the years, because after 1973, I moved in with someone and we were together for many years, both in Miami and later in NYC. Hence, if the years were wrong, the rest doesn't hold up. However, the odds of two people writing a song called Lavender Morning are slim indeed. And if you are the person I am thinking of, it was written for you. I'll add one other memory, and see if that clicks. It was fairly unusual. The scent this woman preferred was strawberry, and we once had rather an unusual sexual mishap connected to strawberry perfume or cologne. Finally, if you really want to find out, you can call. I have, and have always had, a rather distinctive voice, and people who forget what I look like often remember that. (Fair warning: these days, I share it with my son, who sounds about like I do on the phone.) Either way, you have sent me on a delightful, if challenging, nostalgic trip, and made me wonder, if it wasn't you, who that woman was and where she is now. Thanks! Michael Dresdner 3303 28th St. SE, Puyallup, WA 98374 253 770-1664 janeandmichael@msn.com www.michaeldresdner.com
Subj: It was oil Date: 7/1/2003 12:43:16 AM Eastern Standard Time From: Xeme2003 To: michael@michaeldresdner.com It was strawberry oil, not perfume. It's getting very hard to find, too. But I think there must have been hundreds of blond, nineteen year old strawberry smelling girls, running around Miami Shores in 1972. Or, 1973. Unusual sexual mishap? Hmmmmm Something is burning in my mind, but I can't quite get a grip on it, yet. And, I would not recognize you voice over the phone, unless you were singing. Let me try this. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Sunday morning, very bright I read your book by colored light That came in through the pretty window picture I visited some houses were they said that you were living They spoke a lot about you and they talked about your giving The discussion was theology and when they smiled and turned to me All that I could say was I believe in you. In passing conversation they mentioned your existence They said that you had been replaced by your assistants They passed a basket with an envelope I just had time to write a note And all it said was I believe in you My mother used to dress me up While my dad was sleeping We would go down to your house Without speaking Does this ring any bells? Do we have a match? Cathey
Biography: Michael Dresdner is a nationally known finishing and woodworking expert, the author of Restoration Clinic; The Woodfinishing Book; The New Wood Finishing Book; Build Like a Pro: Painting and Finishing; and Wood Finishing Fixes as well as four videos on wood finishing. He appeared as Contributing Editor on the masthead of Fine Woodworking Magazine, American Woodworker Magazine, and Woodworker’s Journal, and was the founder and host of a weekly online finish chat. He wrote the Just Finishing column for American Woodworker Magazine for over 7 years and currently writes a regular column for Woodworker’s Journal. In the past, he also has written byline columns for String Instrument Craftsman, The Wood Post, Vintage Guitar Bulletin, and the “Sound Advice” column for American Lutherie magazine. He has written well over two hundred articles and columns for a variety of books and magazines including This Old House Magazine, Fine Woodworking Magazine, American Woodworker Magazine, Woodworker’s Journal, The Wood Post, String Instrument Craftsman, Guitarmaker, American Lutherie, Vintage Guitar Bulletin, Readers Digest Books and Time-Life books. He is former Director of Research and Development for Martin Guitar Company, the former CEO and founder of Tacoma Guitar Co, and is a well-respected finishing consultant, guitar designer and production engineering specialist. He currently sits on the MIR Advisory Committee of Renton College, the ASIA advisory committee, the EWG board of directors, and is president of the MOA Community Board of Directors, and past Chairman of the ETAC Advisory Committee, an industry support research facility for the study of high tech finishes. Michael has taught and lectured extensively for a wide range of guilds, colleges and organizations including the Smithsonian Institution, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Seattle Central College, Renton Technical College, American Institute of Organbuilders and The Architectural Woodworking Institute, to name just a few.
Subj: "Thank you kind Sir, she said." Date: 7/4/2003 2:27:49 PM Eastern Standard Time From: Xeme2003 To: michael@michaeldresdner.com Dear Friend: Thank you. I walked around grinning like a chersire cat for days. Florida was a time when I did what I wanted to do. And I also, have lovely memories, although strawberry oil was not one of them. Until now. Of course I have the words to "Lavender Morning" and I think I have the circle song. I've keep a journal for years. But wait. If I may borrow from the master... No, I don't play guitar at all anymore, and I don't remember that song, though the name is slightly familiar. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX My daughter consistently asked me not to play, saying that the only thing I ever sang were maudlin folk songs. These days, my son won't let me sing simply because I am not good enough (I think it must hurt his ears -- he is a strong operatic baritone.) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX reminded me of a whole slew of songs I had long forgotten. Perhaps you should send me a list of what you remember -- it might be just the thing to inspire me to pick up a guitar again. Michael, Why would you want the words, if you no longer sing or play the guitar? (smile) OK, how about a trade? A copy of a story from one your books, for LM words? I remember meeting him, was it Dell? You brought me to work and I caned half a chair. I was very impressed by your "Bio" To think that I once anointed you with scented oil, a famous author! Do you have a question and answer period in your lectures? Someday I may stand up, and ask if you know the effect of scented oil on a very large piece of hard...wood? Stop me! I am on my way to a cookout, and I'm having a wine cooler. Get serious. I just realized that I have never had to submit a resume. Pure serendipity. Here we go- Catherine V. Simons Usually goes be her initials CVS. She has a CCS and RHIT credentials, and has over twenty years experience in both government review of Medicare (CPRO) now know as "Qualidigm". And, Hartford Hospital in CT. For the last ten years she has been doing ICD-9 and CPT-3 coding at UCONN Health Center in Farmington, CT. She is a AHIMA member. THE END Got to go, my family awaits! Your turn, how did you start writing? CVS Subj: Yep, a match indeed Date: 7/1/2003 12:31:00 PM Eastern Standard Time From: janeandmichael@msn.com To: Xeme2003@aol.com File: Bioblurb.doc (23040 bytes) DL Time (52000 bps): < 1 minute Sent from the Internet (Details) It was strawberry oil, not perfume. Unusual sexual mishap? Hmmmmm Something is burning in my mind, but I can't quite get a grip on it, yet. Yep, you're right. It was strawberry oil. Hence my misguided assumption that it would make an acceptable phallic lubricant. I always thought that scene should show up in a book if I ever take to writing something more entertaining than finishing books. Sunday morning, very bright... Does this ring any bells? Do we have a match? Undoubtedly. And I can't believe you remember all the words to that song. I learned it from my college roommate, Ralph Stoner, who played a wonderful old Gibson B-25 12-string guitar. I loved the song and imagery, though I, myself, never went to church. Truth be told, I had sung it about a hundred times before I discovered that it was about religion. But since you have such a crackerjack memory, perhaps you also remember the words to Lavender Morning. Since you first emailed me, I have been struggling to remember. I've got the tune, and the first few words ("You came to me on a ...") and the tag line ("on a lavender morning") but little else. I remember vaguely that the first canto alluded to you being somewhat innocent/naive. I also remember you having some issues about leaving the lights on in the bedroom, but that did not make it into the song. I think one of the other songs I was hung up on about then was Circle Game. ("Yesterday, a child came out to wonder; Caught a dragonfly inside a jar. Tearful when the sky was full of thunder, and fearful at the falling of a star. And the seasons, they go around and around, and the painted ponies go up and down. We're captives in a carousel of time. We can't return we can only look behind from where we came, and go round and round and round in a circle game.") By the way, two of my books contain stories, (to break up the horrid monotony of reading about wood finishing) and several of the stories are set in shops in south Florida. One is about the man I was working for when I met you. I assume I must have spoken about him a bit, or did we simply concentrate on the pleasure? If you'd like, I'll send you a copy. So -- tell me what you have been doing these past 30 years, and who you are now. Time does have a way of recreating what we were, and molding it into something more complex, though no less delightful. To be fair, I am attaching a rather impersonal but succinct copy of my bio blurb (not a resume or CV, but rather a short blurb used for advertising purposes whenever I teach seminars or lectures -- which is quite often these days. I just got back from one in Florida.) The attachment is a Word file. Hope you can open it. It will tell you less who I am than what I have done lately, but that is a start. And since we've established that it really was you (me, us -- whatever), I will tell you that your unexpected but all too short visit into my life three decades ago was without a doubt the high point of my five years in Florida. If I don't remember to tell you later, let me say it now: Thanks for a divine memory. It is one I replayed again and again for years afterwards, and to this day, the scent of strawberry can send me reeling back to that place and time. Michael Dresdner 3303 28th St. SE, Puyallup, WA 98374 253 770-1664 janeandmichael@msn.com www.michaeldresdner.com
