Luvsbway Posted June 23, 2015 Report Share Posted June 23, 2015 I'm working on transposing the letters Lucy wrote to Gary that I have found. Most if not all are from The Widow Morton’s auction. This first letter dates to around 1979. Question marks are me not being able to figure out Lucy’s handwriting. Gary Gary Gary What a Guy! “Just in Time” to “Make Someone Happy”- ME!-and Mine. I have always believed we get our hell and heaven right her on earth-I’ve had my share of hell I sincerely hope-and Gary’s love is my Heaven-His tempo has kept our entire family in time- and makes life worth living-especially when I was ready to give up and fade away. There is no “fading” when Gary is around-he is forever springtime and bright futures. I shall be ever grateful I met him when I did. These 18 years have been like the “impossible dream” come true and it has not been easy for him-just better for Me-and mine. His appreciation of home and his 2 cent placing has always been a joy to me and I adore him for that and many other things. Gary is all wonderful “man”- a man’s man really but very attractive to the opposite sex-which makes me very proud. Gary is sentimental sometimes cries at Ping pong matches. There apparently is not much in Gary’s life he considers he missed, family, work,health, fun, friends, females or wealth-not real wealth but more than enuf to satisfy his needs. But the one thing I believe he has missed is having his own children-and I wish I could have given him that. That really is my only ungratified accomplishment. My own two beautiful children have always been aware of Gary’s love and devotion and fairness under stress and that they will always have it. Nothing will ever change it. Gary has taken over as the head, the “real” head of our family and his own since the death of his beloved father-and he’s done a” hellofa” job. When we are interrogated in interviews etc- we find it really difficult to think of what we might have quarreled about because we’ve had so few-there have been 5 or 6- and I may add to the list soon by really giving him a hard time regarding his health-he is with older men so much he is disregarding his physique-which is my pride and joy-or was until he decides not to give a damn anymore and I’m about to give him a last nagging attempt to get the beautiful “Bod” back-much as I hate “nagging” call it what you want it is still nagging-and I respond happily to the title “Jewish Mother”-because that implies “anticipatory caring”- but I’m going into the business of nagging-proud to-on myself also-My “aliments” have ??? and I’m ready to go back into “training”. I miss looking trim and feeling strong-and I’m not going to live with it anymore!! A decision Gary will be very pleased to hear about-???- his 20lbs goes with it!!! I’ll find a way if he cooperates-I want those great clothes he dotes on to look as great on him as they always have. This was written 3 months ago but fits Father’s Day so well I decided to let him read it – so For Gary the anxious, ???, agreeable father-For Gary the beautiful son, husband and dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Kampen Tripp Posted June 24, 2015 Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 Wow.... she is something isn't she?? She really cares.... I am so glad to see this side of her. Thanks for posting this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caewi Posted June 24, 2015 Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 Very sweet and a very soft side of her. Thanks for posting I hadn't read it before. One way or another though it breaks my heart. Her only ungratified accomplishment was not having children with him? She said earlier and later than this that she only wanted Desi as the father of her children it sounds as though he did make her happy though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted June 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 I look at the children comment more as her wanting to fulfill a needed she sensed in him. Not so much as she really wished she could have his kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted June 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2015 Some more notes in her rather sassy style. Note 1 Please try to think of me more often then you miss golf- That is an order! Note 2 I’d wish you’d write me a letter-I know it’s asking you to do something you really don’t give a damn about but I’d love it. Your Wife Note 3 I’m so sorry you are away – you’ll miss Florence Henderson in Brady Bunch. And Derwood Kirby is on during the days- We’ll make it up to you somehow- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted June 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 From where it's written and what she talks about in it I put this at Feb 61' when Lucy had to take a week of from Wildcat due to exhaustion. Dearest “tall one” I have not written a letter in years-literally-have dictated a few-you know how domineering I am-but have not ever had the slightest inclination to write one in longhand. However this is my second today. Just posted an angry missile to Desi and got that out of my system. Upon arrival yesterday I tried to call you. Forget it! The British West Indies may have a clear line in a few days-they promise nothing. Getting up-getting dressed-and getting on that plane yesterday was almost physically impossible. The trip was short and pleasant but I was a zombie. Hit this humidity down here and sunk to a new low-couldn’t speak I was so tired-slept in the afternoon and dragged myself up in the evening to go to the patio with the kids and then stayed awake all nite trying to forget “I’m a night people.” Spent hours yesterday and last night thinking about you. You came out just fine! Kinda chuckled all nite at some of your wonderful humor. Miss you Gary so much. I’m very grateful to have this time with my children and DeDe-but I do miss you every minute-and this big black telephone sitting here like a lump of molten lava unable to jingle is a pain. My God! I just realized I do not know your address! You are quite well-known and very well-liked but I do not think – Morton- W 57th 3K will reach you. Never dawned on me I didn’t know where you tune in your hi-fi exactly. I’ll have to decide how to get this to you- Hotel 14- Copa-? The cottage is in 3 parts-2 bedrooms, 3 baths-living room between-3 verandas. A sparkling breeze nearly blows you out of bed-no windows with glass-just blinds and jungle people gliding about with trays on their heads-and thousands of gleaming white teeth shining at you. Crisp toast and damp linen-tropical fruits and flowers in abundance and lottsa “squares” from Minneapolis and New Jersey who just want to take your picture and have you drop over for a Bullshit! Little Desi isn’t feeling well today so I’m sitting guard over him right now-forcing him to take a nap. He thinks of this as a gross insult-claims he’s too old to take a nap-Lucie has two girlfriends from Conn she is trying to drown in the pool and DeDe is deciding if we can afford $8 for a car so she can go to the village. $155 per day – and she still thinks twice before she sends something airmail. I remembered what you said-so got into my bathing suit yesterday upon arrival and am in it today-walked the length of Half Moon today. White skin-black and blue marks, skinny legs and all. My hair “gave up” as I stepped from the plane into this humidity. I look like a red mop on a white handle. Don’t know if I can stand two more days alone here after the family take off-its isolated down here at this end-and boring as hell at the other end. But also-do not know if I can get reservations out with them-every one is leaving this weekend-taking off like war was declared in the vicinity. Tonight a beach BBQ is to be endured-the food isn’t too good here-and I don’t think sand in it is going to help. And the damned thing doesn’t start until 9:30. But rest I’ll get this week that’s for certain. Of course if you were with me the place would take on a whole new aspect-but you’re not-so that’s the way it stacks up. A big banana boat just paddled by-almost swam out to ask them if they had a phone that didn’t crackle. The water skiing seems to be a myth-but I haven’t looked into it as yet. I just checked my first days burn-I am not going to give Lena Horne a run for her money-but I do have some nice red steaks-and a whole new set of freckles-I’m such a doll. Paula said if she got into trouble she would let me know and perhaps drop down. But I think they’ll make it this time. I’ve _____ them both if they wanted to come down ____. Don’t know whether to extend the invitation or not. Jack would claw himself to death down here-its that dull. Especially if you are not in love-and he isn’t. You and I could love every minute of it-but what a place for Jack and Milton Berle to commit suicide. Little Desi finally fell asleep and lunch is on it’s way-This is the of __ guava. Wish you were here. Love you Lucy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caewi Posted June 26, 2015 Report Share Posted June 26, 2015 From where it's written and what she talks about in it I put this at Feb 61' when Lucy had to take a week of from Wildcat due to exhaustion. Dearest “tall one” I have not written a letter in years-literally-have dictated a few-you know how domineering I am-but have not ever had the slightest inclination to write one in longhand. However this is my second today. Just posted an angry missile to Desi and got that out of my system. Upon arrival yesterday I tried to call you. Forget it! The British West Indies may have a clear line in a few days-they promise nothing. Getting up-getting dressed-and getting on that plane yesterday was almost physically impossible. The trip was short and pleasant but I was a zombie. Hit this humidity down here and sunk to a new low-couldn’t speak I was so tired-slept in the afternoon and dragged myself up in the evening to go to the patio with the kids and then stayed awake all nite trying to forget “I’m a night people.” Spent hours yesterday and last night thinking about you. You came out just fine! Kinda chuckled all nite at some of your wonderful humor. Miss you Gary so much. I’m very grateful to have this time with my children and DeDe-but I do miss you every minute-and this big black telephone sitting here like a lump of molten lava unable to jingle is a pain. My God! I just realized I do not know your address! You are quite well-known and very well-liked but I do not think – Morton- W 57th 3K will reach you. Never dawned on me I didn’t know where you tune in your hi-fi exactly. I’ll have to decide how to get this to you- Hotel 14- Copa-? The cottage is in 3 parts-2 bedrooms, 3 baths-living room between-3 verandas. A sparkling breeze nearly blows you out of bed-no windows with glass-just blinds and jungle people gliding about with trays on their heads-and thousands of gleaming white teeth shining at you. Crisp toast and damp linen-tropical fruits and flowers in abundance and lottsa “squares” from Minneapolis and New Jersey who just want to take your picture and have you drop over for a Bullshit! Little Desi isn’t feeling well today so I’m sitting guard over him right now-forcing him to take a nap. He thinks of this as a gross insult-claims he’s too old to take a nap-Lucie has two girlfriends from Conn she is trying to drown in the pool and DeDe is deciding if we can afford $8 for a car so she can go to the village. $155 per day – and she still thinks twice before she sends something airmail. I remembered what you said-so got into my bathing suit yesterday upon arrival and am in it today-walked the length of Half Moon today. White skin-black and blue marks, skinny legs and all. My hair “gave up” as I stepped from the plane into this humidity. I look like a red mop on a white handle. Don’t know if I can stand two more days alone here after the family take off-its isolated down here at this end-and boring as hell at the other end. But also-do not know if I can get reservations out with them-every one is leaving this weekend-taking off like war was declared in the vicinity. Tonight a beach BBQ is to be endured-the food isn’t too good here-and I don’t think sand in it is going to help. And the damned thing doesn’t start until 9:30. But rest I’ll get this week that’s for certain. Of course if you were with me the place would take on a whole new aspect-but you’re not-so that’s the way it stacks up. A big banana boat just paddled by-almost swam out to ask them if they had a phone that didn’t crackle. The water skiing seems to be a myth-but I haven’t looked into it as yet. I just checked my first days burn-I am not going to give Lena Horne a run for her money-but I do have some nice red steaks-and a whole new set of freckles-I’m such a doll. Paula said if she got into trouble she would let me know and perhaps drop down. But I think they’ll make it this time. I’ve _____ them both if they wanted to come down ____. Don’t know whether to extend the invitation or not. Jack would claw himself to death down here-its that dull. Especially if you are not in love-and he isn’t. You and I could love every minute of it-but what a place for Jack and Milton Berle to commit suicide. Little Desi finally fell asleep and lunch is on it’s way-This is the of __ guava. Wish you were here. Love you Lucy So much effort to transcribe so thanks again I love the humour running through this. Perhaps she sold herself short when she said she didn't think funny? This would be great to own for all the mentions of the many different people. Their relationship seemed quite far along for only Feb 61. Wasn't the divorce only finalised in Nov 60? I didn't even know she'd met Gary this early. It's too soon for the feelings she's expressing. She just needed time for herself and kids with no one else in the picture to work out what she wanted. The missile comment shows some anger and feelings are still there for Desi, why in the world jump into a relationship with so much unresolved? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted June 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2015 Back in another thread (I have no idea what one) we tried to put together a timeline of late 60’ through 61’. With some help from other members here this is what I was able to figure out. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. I pulled this from a few books and articles. May 60’- divorce is granted but not finalized as that takes a year. Mid Dec 60’- Wildcat opens in NYC. Mid Dec 60’- a few days later Lucy has her first date with Gary. Feb 61’- A week off from Wildcat while she is in Jamaica. April 22, 61’- According to a story from Frank this is when Gary proposed May 61’- Divorce is finalized. May 61’- Article in the paper about the ring being returned June 61’- I think this is the month Wildcat closes. Nov 19, 61’- Married It’s documented in 2 books about Desi coming to NYC often for business involving the show but to also see her. They are said to have had long dinners out, then that previously reported Frank quote. Desi is of course is there at the opening. I think the proposal may have been around Jan 61’. Lucy bought him a Vicuna coat for the winter to wear when he came but ended up giving it away. Even in her book Lucy mentions about being very lonely, not having someone to lean on and even though it wasn’t good she just missed being with someone. I don’t know how different things would have gone if she never met Gary at this time. As stated somewhere else on here the proposal and ring being returned story seem to come months apart. If the Gary proposal and the ring return dates are correct it seems like she may have moved on. But her statement about thinking about calling Desi then doesn’t make sense. Maybe she had second thoughts with Gary. It’s all very messy but what I think we concluded she truly was juggling 2 men and I think her heart was very torn. I do think she got into a new relationship too fast. She needed time to sort her thoughts out, to help her kids, to just be single for a while. I’ve brought this up before though, I think she just could not be without a man for long. She was looking to fill that void anyway she could so she just didn’t hurt anymore and prove that she was a woman who still could be desired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleRickyII Posted June 26, 2015 Report Share Posted June 26, 2015 Thanks for transcribing all this for us! That's a lot of work. A couple that caught my attention: "I’m so sorry you are away – you’ll miss Florence Henderson in Brady Bunch." What's that all about? Lucy watched The Brady Bunch??? I can't see that. And this one just made me laugh: "My hair 'gave up' as I stepped from the plane into this humidity. I look like a red mop on a white handle." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted June 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2015 Some more from varying years. Sat nite 2:00am Dearest Gary I’m going to miss you –so much. More than you know. We have not been separated this long before I don’t think-and I’m really unhappy about it. Not once in our years together have we been so far apart. Please take good care of yourself. Gary baby-have fun but don’t forget how much I love you and how much we all depend on you. Guess I’m really a little worried about you this trip. I’ve been unable to think of little else for days, except how far away you’ll be- You’re such a guy! Hurry home to your wife Have I ever thanked you enough for being such a great father to my children? No I haven’t enough. You’re really something! And I have so much to thank you for. Love you Sunday You’ll never know how much I love and need you-appreciate how loving and good you are- You really are special and adored- The Mrs. This one I don't have the other page. I want to know where she is taking the kids. You’re not tired of our life together are you darling Gary? I hope not because I I like it more everyday. And I really do think it’s going to be even better. You must admit. I’m taking the kids…. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caewi Posted June 27, 2015 Report Share Posted June 27, 2015 Some more from varying years. Sat nite 2:00am Dearest Gary I’m going to miss you –so much. More than you know. We have not been separated this long before I don’t think-and I’m really unhappy about it. Not once in our years together have we been so far apart. Please take good care of yourself. Gary baby-have fun but don’t forget how much I love you and how much we all depend on you. Guess I’m really a little worried about you this trip. I’ve been unable to think of little else for days, except how far away you’ll be- You’re such a guy! Hurry home to your wife Have I ever thanked you enough for being such a great father to my children? No I haven’t enough. You’re really something! And I have so much to thank you for. Love you Sunday You’ll never know how much I love and need you-appreciate how loving and good you are- You really are special and adored- The Mrs. This one I don't have the other page. I want to know where she is taking the kids. You’re not tired of our life together are you darling Gary? I hope not because I I like it more everyday. And I really do think it’s going to be even better. You must admit. I’m taking the kids….[/size] I found the bottom one, it reads: You're not tired of our life together are darling Gary? I hope not - because I like it more every day - and I really do think it's going to be even better. You must admit I'm taking the kids (that damned pen) -> 'growing up' much better than you expected. Better than I expected really - and I am 'getting to see the light' ahead for our fun together. i'm looking forward to more than you think. Just this next year - and I think you will be pleasantly surprised with Lucy - Love. PS My blue pen conked out - & you're sleeping beside me - This is Sat nite - Sun. AM really 2:30 Desi's still out." The letter sold on eBay for $531 I get why she wrote it, but I hate the father comment. Kids only have one mum and dad and I certainly new saw mine as replacement parents. Judging from her interviews Lucie felt that Gary was a step dad and not a replacement either. But that's probably just my past making that hard for me to read. Lots of reassurance about being loved and special. I wonder if she was reassuring Gary or herself? Much happier notes than with Desi but just so different.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caewi Posted June 27, 2015 Report Share Posted June 27, 2015 Letter as she wrote it: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caewi Posted June 27, 2015 Report Share Posted June 27, 2015 Here is the rest of it: http://www.ebay.com/itm/LUCILLE-BALL-HANDWRITTEN-SIGNED-LOVE-LETTER-TO-GARY-MORTON-3-PGS-AUTOGRAPHED-COA-/261117229744 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted June 27, 2015 Report Share Posted June 27, 2015 -----"you’ll miss Florence Henderson in Brady Bunch. And Derwood Kirby is on during the days-"---- Maybe she's trying to be funny. I can see Florence, I guess, but Derwood (actually spelled Durwood) Kirby?? He had fans? And what was he on "during the days" simultaneous to Brady Bunch? ----"Lucy bought him a Vicuna coat...."---- I imagine a scene where Gary decides on a camel hair; thenand a slimy salesman brings him the Vicuna, gets right in his face as says "It's a little more expensive, but......as long as the lady's paying.......".....Remember this scene from "Sunset Boulevard"? Next time you see it, watch how close Bill and the salesman get after this line. They're virtually nose to nose. As close to Lucy and Bill over the booth at the Derby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted June 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2015 Every time I ever hear of a Vicuna coat all I think about is Sunset Boulevard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted July 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Dec 19 Dearest Darling I’m so unhappy I can hardly ??? down Melrose because I just absolutely forgot to say Happy Birthday this morning- I didn’t get Dec 19th registered on my brain. I’m so embarrassed. I love you and I know I must have hurt you so much this morning. Please forgive me-and accept this gift for your new office. These are 230,000,000 year-old stones-from a depth of ten thousand 50 feet, from New Mexico- Now you can compare my love with the two hundred and thirty million year old stones and the depth of my love with the 10,050 feet down. I guess you get the message- I love you-Lucy Nov 19, 1969 Gary darling, About 9 years ago you worried me for about 8 minutes. About 9 years ago I fell in love with you. About 8 years ago I married you. I hope you like me about. Your Wife Dearest Gary Certron Stock – 8 shares For you on our 8th-Just a little “fling” like our romance- I love you Lucy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caewi Posted July 4, 2015 Report Share Posted July 4, 2015 Cute ones. I love the 8 shares, I wonder how much money they would bring Gary in dividends lol. Please keep going if you can find any more, I love reading them. Do you think all the Lucy/Desi ones are with Lucie Arnaz? You never read any. I remember her saying that before the home movies she had never read any of them. I just can't figure out why she wouldn't want to read them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted July 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2015 The story on the Lucy Desi letters is the ones shown in the home movies were found after Lucy died. Lucie and Lee were going through bathroom drawers cleaning them out and they pulled out a large manilla folder. Out fell a whole bunch of letters written by both of them. I don't know if they were only the war years letters or more. Maybe Lucy was the only one to know where they were for years. We have speculated on here before if Gary found them during the surprise bathroom remodeL during Mame. I would kill to read all these letters in book form. Here's my money, just make it happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted July 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2015 I came across a few more notes so I'll work on transcribing them this week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caewi Posted July 4, 2015 Report Share Posted July 4, 2015 Much obliged Now that's an interesting thought! That would mean though that she always kept them in the bathroom or at least has kept them there for many years. Surely not? What a really strange place to put them. I can't think of one good reason to keep them there. Especially not to keep them there for many, many years. I would love to know what she was thinking by keeping them there. A locked cabinet or her scrapbooks yes but a bathroom? And a Manila folder? So very strange. I see your point though, if Gary had known you'd think he would have moved them before Lucie looked over the house? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted July 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2015 First Lucy was very practical so that might explain the location. I think they were too personal for the scrapbooks. Also the woman was frugal so that explains the manila envelope. I wonder if she put them in the bathroom to have close at hand. Who would think to look there for something like that. Sort of like putting your jewelry in the freezer for safe keeping. I would just be afraid due to temp fluctuation in bathrooms they would get ruined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneaLady Posted July 4, 2015 Report Share Posted July 4, 2015 Much obliged Now that's an interesting thought! That would mean though that she always kept them in the bathroom or at least has kept them there for many years. Surely not? What a really strange place to put them. I can't think of one good reason to keep them there. Especially not to keep them there for many, many years. I would love to know what she was thinking by keeping them there. A locked cabinet or her scrapbooks yes but a bathroom? And a Manila folder? So very strange. I see your point though, if Gary had known you'd think he would have moved them before Lucie looked over the house? The reasoning is simple... It's a proven fact husbands never change the toilet paper role, so she knew Gary would never find them lol. Being in the bathroom though, I bet Harriet ran into them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caewi Posted July 6, 2015 Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 I'm thinking maybe she moved them in there after Desi died? I doubt it was h permanent place. I see your point Lubsway but I'm still not sure it was a practical spot. Did she sit on the floor and read? So very uncomfortable... Maybe as GeneaLady suggested it was more about finding a spot Gary didn't go. Perhaps his wallet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted July 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 From what I have read they had separate bathrooms so I think it could be a good hiding spot. I really think those letters ended up there post remodel. Also if you’ve seen the pictures of the bathroom it looks fairly comfortable and spacious. Also I believe it had carpet in. I would not place it above her to secretly lock herself in there to read them when she was having a particularly low point or just needed to see his words again. If you think about it, it’s the only room in the house a family member is not going to think it’s weird to lock yourself in for a long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvsbway Posted July 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 Sunday 5:15pm Dearest darling Gary I’m just sitting here thinking how much I love you-admire you-really appreciate all you have done and are doing-how well you have learned so much that makes it possible for us to do our work-which we both love and –need. Then we can know we have earned our vacation- and thank goodness you have your haven of rest and I have mine-almost-because really I always feel the lose of you when I’m away without you-but we do have that worked out satisfactory. I do find it hard to even plan anything without you, though, even going up to Colorado-but I do love and need the air and change. You are a real special “guy” Gary and “my guy” Bless you-“You’re Missus. “ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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