a song from George Manupelli

For Cindy: A Song


When I was a young man
they shuffled the deck,
they dealt me a hand,
said, “That’s all you get.”

So I played my hand
one card at a time,
but never could figure
why the cards never rhymed.

              (chorus)

We’ll glide and we’ll swirl
till the band says we’re through,
still I will have had
my last dance with you.

Now if anyone knows
what it’s all about,
please tell me now
so I’ll have no doubt.

When they draw the dark curtain
and close the big door,
I won’t be wonderin’
if there’s anything more.

              (chorus)



Now I’m an old man,

hobbled and gray,

blind as a stone

with nothing to say



except to give you

these words of advice:

“Never look back,

never think twice.”



             (chorus)













Now there’s no light

at the end of the hall,

my memory’s all shot.

I’ve hit the brick wall.



But one cigarette

and one whiskey more,

and I’ll leave it all

on that empty dance floor.



            (chorus)



When the ashes are spread

and the last kind word said,

the committee agreed,

he made his own bed.



     (chorus variation)



We hugged and we kissed

till the music was o’er,

if I can I’ll be back

for one two-step more.



If I can I’ll be back

for one two-step more.



George Manupelli

from Pat Oleszko

she was truly a force of nature.

from Renee Baxter in Ann Arbor

Wow. I have been thinking of you non-stop since we last talked but especially yesterday. You seemed to be with me in every thought and move. I was at the studio and pulled down the box of items you gave me. I called and tried to reach you to see what glazes I should use to finish the few pieces up with. Never reached you but glazed them......as you had done others. Still I kept thinking of you....as if you were there.
I finally took a moment and looked you up on line finding that you have left that failing body (because your mind and spirit were not failing at all!) and moved on.

I feel cheated and so very lucky. I feel cheated because I didn't get more time with you. That I didn't get to hear more stories or tails of adventure. That we didn't get to work on that wall piece together. I feel lucky and fortunate to have spent time with you, playing in clay, listening to your lifes adventures, getting advice and tips. Adventures from golf, art, U of M, Ann Arobr Art Fair, California, Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico. My what a full life because I am sure those were only the tips of a major iceberg!

Cindy for such a small lady you were larger then life, you lived it to the fullest and shared so much. I know there were times when you were so tired and your lungs just won't cooperate the way you wanted yet you worked on your pieces for your sisters caregivers making sure you had something for each of them.

I will cherish the things you left me and I have displayed them proudly.

Thank you Cindy for your kindness, humor and for just being you. I will try to live up to just some of your spirit in giving and humor!

To Yoko....Thank you for caring for such a fabulous lady.

Renee
Ann Arbor, Michigan

golf w/ Cindy - in spirit

I took some of Cindy's golf balls out for 18 holes at Sharp Park in Pacifica, CA.  Jan 22, 65 degrees, beautiful day on the course.  I was hoping that some of Cindy's phenom golfer spirit (at 15 yrs)  would come to my aid but sadly, I struggled, even lost some of her balls - but I thought of her all day and had a great time!

a message from Steve Paxton

Dear Cindy, it was good.  The humor, the daring, the confidence, the strength, the style, the intelligence, the warmth, the faithfulness, and you your face your hair, indelible proportions, voice, work, depth. Good-bye, farewell, kisses, hugs, sayonara, and so long (but could it have been a little longer)
Miss You.

steve

nice pictures from Allan Schrieber

a letter from Betty to Cindy 12/1/10

Dear Cindy,

Poor communicator that I am, I am writing now because I realize that at our age and with our various disabilities, we may not have the opportunity to meet in person again, though I surely hope I am wrong.

You have been strongly on my mind, of course, since I have been witness to all your worldly possessions now in Paula’s garage. It was difficult to witness and reminds me that I don’t want to leave some things unsaid.

Your generosity to us throughout the years and to Aune and Ingrid when they were young, is much appreciated. You have always been generous, not just with things and time, but you have an incredible generosity of spirit… so thanks for that.

You have been an example to us all, and though I will never live up to your example, I have seen you live the fullest of lives and face difficulties with the greatest resiliency and good humor. I have always described you as someone who could be kicked out of the car alone in the desert and would make a life.

Not only that, but you are beautiful, vivacious, creative and a kind and dutiful caretaker of family and friends.

Some time ago, I started a poem about you that (though I have completed over a hundred) remains unfinished. I have not abandoned it, however and hope someday to be up to the task. If I live to do it, I’ll send you a copy.

Love and miss you,

Betty