Dru, Steinbeck and the Book of Deer

Dear Juliet That title doesn't actually mean anything, it just assembled itself in the back of my head as I started to write (but use it this evening if you want). I'm going to an event at the village hall tonight (not a drag act, at least I don't think so) but I'll be keeping an ear out for you. It looks like Toronto's only four hours behind the UK, so I guess you're already there now and will be going on stage about 1.00 am my time. Have a hug. 🤗 It's lucky I'm a night owl. So think of it this way, you've been shadowed by the Enterprise and  watched over by the Dark Knight. It'll be okay. Think of Point Lobos. I'll write again soon. Love, James

Dear Juliet Not sure what the title means, it just rhymes well! Perhaps that if as I suspect you're travelling alone you're free to choose what to do (like I suggested regarding strawberries and the Queen Mary) and I'd recommend taking a day and doing exactly like that. I suppose there's the usual concern you'll be chased around by a frightening mob of adoring fans, but I think you'll be all right. As Steinbeck said in Travels With Charley : "I was told that since my photograph was as widely distributed as my publisher could make it, I would find it impossible to move about without being recognised. Let me say in advance that in over ten thousand miles, in thirty-four states, I was not recognised even once." Kensington Market sounds like a lively and eclectic place, and Sleuth is on at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre until November 1st. The Toronto Biennial of Art is also currently showing its wares and visual arts installations are on display all ov...

Dear Juliet Yes, I know Toronto's soon. No, I don't think you're looking forward to it. All right, the only thing to do is get through it... I suggest you keep an inner eye fixed on your hotel room and just concentrate on putting your feet up afterwards and having a Radox bath . If it helps, here's that nature therapy film about Point Lobos . It'll be okay. Dru got through worse days. I think that's about all I can suggest. But you will, always, be on my mind. Love, James.

Dear Juliet Yes, I lit another candle in the Lady Chapel for yourself and Seattle the other day. I checked with Sleepless whether they'd like me to spend a fair bit coming over or stay home, send the money and more efficiently help keep them afloat. Seattle seemed very pleased I'd asked. No firm answer, so I don't yet know if I'm set fair for Chicago, Seattle or Cleethorpes. Still, in the meantime it's London and Leicester Square's lugubrious lanes. Might see if Henry Pordes wants to buy a few books... Pity you couldn't come along to the Society of Authors get-together on the 5th. You'd fit right in. It'll be the usual couple of days, finishing up with a memorial breakfast at Co-Pilots... I'll remember the days of wine and roses, stealing the Enterprise and taking flight for you. And remember there's someone out there who's alive because of you. Remember I could never have become who I was without you. Remember you brought a light into t...

Dear Juliet Sorry, I was out rolling around amidst beer and skittles , only to return to learn that someone's seemingly read The Glorious 14th eight times? Well, if that was you, what do you want to know? Okay, I'm here. Probably fairly near the floor, but here! If you've contacted James and another couple of cast members have also read it (!), good. If you'd like any further clarification and/or the updated 2023 editions, please notify me. Graveyard did need a little work, but the only vital thing to do is see if the lost story arc works and captivates anyone. Then maybe there'll be a way to take the long road back... As you know: Timshel. In other news, I'm trying to get an extra weekend off early April in order to have more time to play with in Seattle, Chicago and its environs. I've also booked one last trip to London this year, 3rd-6th November. I wish you could come to the Society of Authors get-together on the 5th, but come what may I'll get you...

Dear Juliet There is a hill far away, where men still dream of those they lost. There is a hill far away, where no one counts the cost. The winds may ravage and make you weep, but my counsel I hope you'll keep. There's never a hole into which you'll fall too deep. Don't let Toronto make you weep. There is a future far away, waiting for you, the princess in her castle or her keep. Love, James