New Mr. Tigerli story

Bengt:

We enjoy Letizia Mancino's new Mr. Tigerli story very much.

see Betty MacDonald fan club

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com

Dear Mary Holmes, thank you so much for the excellent translation.

As Sascha mentioned in his recent post:

Long live Betty MacDonald fan club and Mr. Tigerli!

Bengt

Betty MacDonald Gallery

Tessa:

I just visited Letizia Mancino's magical Betty MacDonald Gallery.

Don't miss it, please.

Thanks a million dear Letizia Mancino!

http://www.letiziamancino.eu/index.php?page=gallery_3

All our love to Letizia Mancino and Mr. Tigerli

http://letiziamancino.wix.com/prettycat


Tessa

New Mr. Tigerli Website

Sabrina:

It's Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's birthday today.

A perfect day to welcome two new outstanding Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honor members:

Mary Holmes who translated Letizia Mancino's very witty essays in english.

Mr. Tigerli, who has many international fans.

Enjoy the new website:

http://letiziamancino.wix.com/prettycat


A very warm welcome to Mary Holmes and Mr. Tigerli.

Mr. Tigerli, you have so many international fans.

You don't have to be jealous although you are not  'the cat in Goethe's bed'.

Enjoy the new website and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's birthday.

Sabrina

Reading Letizia Mancino's essay

Vera:

Reading Letizia Mancino's essay means lots of fun.

Thank you, thank you for writing this for us.

It would be wonderful if we could see pics of our favourites Mr. Tigerli, Camembert and the other members of Letizia Mancino's family.

Thank you so much.

Vera

Letizia Mancino's style and charme

Anna:

I can't tell you how much I enjoy Letizia Mancino's 'Camembert and I' story.

I adore her italian style and charme.

Anna

Letizia Mancino Betty MacDonald and Camembert

Vincent:

Letizia Mancino's Betty MacDonald story is the best so far.

We had to smile and to laugh while reading the story.

Golden humor!

Thank you so much!

Vincent

Betty MacDonald Essay by Letizia Mancino

Stine:

Visit Betty MacDonald Fan Club Website, please.

Read Letizia Mancino's so very witty Betty MacDonald essay and answer the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Contest question: Where did Betty MacDonald describe the experiences with her 'Camembert'?

That's easy, isn't it?

Thanks a Million dear Letizia Mancino for sharing this wonderful story!
It doesn't surprise us at all that Letizia Mancino got so many fans all over the world.
She really deserves it. What an artist and writer!

By the way we are a bit jealous that Betty MacDonald Fan Club founder and Betty MacDonald Memorial Award winner Wolfgang Hampel has the most wonderful friends.
Lucky Wolfgang Hampel!

Happy birthday dear Prof. Dr. Christoph Cremer and thank you so much for your support.
We hope we'll be able to see your photos some day.

Best wishes to dear Mary Holmes who did a great job in  translating Letizia Mancino's Betty MacDonald essay in excellent english language.

Thanks a lot.

All our love,

Stine

Letizia Mancino's Betty MacDonald Fan Club Contribution

Fabian:

Nana, thank you so much for your info.

Many Betty MacDonald Fan Club fans are visiting the websites several times a day because they want to read Letizia Mancino's new Betty MacDonald Essay.

I'd love to win an autographed book by Letizia Mancino or a new Betty MacDonald DVD.

I hope to meet you at the next international Betty MacDonald Conference.

Wishing you a nice weekend.

Fabian

Letizia Mancino's Betty MacDonald gift

Nana:

Hi guys, you don't have to be patient for a long time.

Letizia Mancino's new Betty MacDonald essay will be publish on Letizia Mancino's website very soon.

As already mentioned there will be a Betty MacDonald Fan Club Contest with several very interesting prices to win.

Use your chance.

We look forward to meet each other at the next international Betty MacDonald Fan Club Conference.

Nana

Betty MacDonald Question

Andi:

Robert, there are several very interesting prices you can win.

Among them are some autographed copies of Letizia Mancino's book and Betty MacDonald DVD's.

Don't be afraid, please. You can answer the question easily if you know Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard Jensen's books.

Andi

Betty MacDonald essay by Letizia Mancino

Robert:

Marco, great news.

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honor member, arist and writer Letizia Mancino is working on a further Betty MacDonald essay.

Letizia Mancino got so many fans because her stories make me laugh. They are very witty and wise.

A new Betty MacDonald Contest. Hopefully the question is not too difficult.

I'll take part.

Robert

Betty MacDonald Contest

Marco:

Lukas, you can read Letizia Mancino's story during this month.

We don't want to tell you at this time what it is about but after publishing Letizia Mancino's Betty MacDonald essay we ask you a question and you can win several prices.

Sort of a new Betty MacDonald Fan Club Contest.

You'll enjoy Letizia Mancino's very witty story so much.

Marco

Betty MacDonald essay by Letizia Mancino

Lukas:

When can we read Letizia Mancino's new Betty MacDonald essay?

What is it about?

I have a very good advice for Letizia Mancino fans.

If you are in a bad mood, read Letizia Mancino's stories or visit her website.


Lukas

Letizia Mancino's new Betty MacDonald essay

Thea:

I'll share sone new wonderful Letizia Mancino updates.

Beloved Betty MacDonald Fan Club honour member, artist and writer Letizia Mancino is writing a new Betty MacDonald essay.

We are delighted because Letizia Mancino has so many fans.

We can't wait to read the new, very witty story.

Thank you so much.

Thea

Tigerli

Stine:

Tanja,  Wolfgang Hampel told us that Tigerli is very well.

Wonderful news.

Letizia Mancino is writing a new essay.

I'll send you a mail regarding your questions.

Yours,

Stine

Greetings to Tigerli

Hi this is Tanja again:

I forgot to send my greetings to beloved Tigerli.
I wonder how he is doing.

Thank you!

Tanja

Letizia Mancino Interview

Tanja:

I adore Letizia Mancino's artwork and books.

I wonder: Are there any interviews or documentaries available?

Thanks,

Tanja

Letizia Mancino's Betty MacDonald Gift

Lisa:

Dear Anita, Eartha Kitt II & Betty MacDonald Fan Club fans:

It's really a great pleasure and honor to present Letizia Mancino's experience with Tigerli.

Artist and writer Letizia Mancino's style is very creative and witty. Her imagination is outstanding.

Thanks a Million dear Letizia Mancino for sharing this wonderful story with us.

Mary Holmes did an excellent job in translating this story in english language.

We are really so very grateful.

Dear Mary Holmes, thanks a lot for doing this for us.

Wouldn't it be a great idea to welcome dear Mary Holmes and Tigerli as new Betty MacDonald Fan Club Honour Members?
Betty MacDonald would love both of them very, very much.

We'd love to hear your feedback.

It doesn't surprise us at all that beloved Betty MacDonald smirked: Tigerli is a real man.
It's true. We'd die to see a picture of ' real man Tigerli'.

All our love to Letizia Mancino, Mary Holmes, Tigerli and the Betty MacDonald Fan Club fans in 35 countries,

Our very special greetings to Betty MacDonald Fan Club founder and Betty MacDonald Memorial Award Winner Wolfgang Hampel whose Betty MacDonald Easter poem is the best
satirical poem we've ever read.

We adore Wolfgang Hampel's very witty Betty MacDonald biographies, interviews and excellent poems.

Lisa


EROTICA FELINA

Copyright 2012 by Letizia Mancino
All rights reserved
translated by Mary Holmes



“But that’s how cats are, Letizia!”
“Really? But Tigerli, isn’t quite normal, Betty!”
“Tell me the whole story.”
“Well Betty, I’ll tell you, but only you! This is how it began: I lay on the sofa and Tigerli suddenly sprang onto my leg and started to push the claws of his front paws in and out. He purred contentedly. That’s nice, I thought, he’s thinking about when he was a kitten. His mother has been gone for a long time and he thinks my leg is his source of milk! I read my newspaper and didn’t disturb him. But then he started pushing with the claws of his back paws. It became very uncomfortable. He thrashed about and moved his back up and down, his tail quivered and his eyes looked blank.”
Betty smirked! “A real man! Go on Letizia!”
“Betty, promise me you won’t tell this story to anyone!
Tigerli, I am here, I said to him, look at me Baby, and I quickly moved my leg away.”
“How mean of you!”
“I had to leave! I met Renate outside in the street, the landlady of my studio, and I told her what had happened with the cat.”
“Is she a cat lover?”
“And how! Two years ago she introduced me to Tigerli! “Such a sweet little cat”, she said to me then. “So well behaved, he has never brought a mouse into the house”.”
“So why is Tigerli with you?”
“Toby, her daughter’s cat, drove Tigerli out of the house. Tigerli stood outside in the cold. “What shall I do?” asked Renate when the winter was getting really cold. What could be done? I said that perhaps Tigerli could live in my studio. Eugen, Renate’s husband, didn’t hesitate to build a cat door into my door. He even took a day off work to do it!”
“How generous of him. A real animal lover!”
“By no means an animal lover, Betty, only a husband at the end of his tether! When I met Renate in the street, she told me that Tigerli had also played amorous games with her leg.
“Amorous games! Not searching for mother’s milk?” I asked. Renate went on to tell me how the cat had always played these games when her husband was watching. But Eugen had lost his patience and kicked the cat out of their bed.”
Betty laughed! “All husbands are jealous! My Don also would not have tolerated a lover in bed! To say nothing of Bob, the chicken farm husband. He would certainly have shot the cat! Eugen by comparison is a nice man!”
Betty was very amused that I was so naïve! “And you, a woman from Rome! Have you no idea about feline eroticism? Tell me, how did Tigerli react to being thrown out of Paradise?”
“Naturally he was offended! Perhaps Tigerli is convinced that the men by the side of a woman are only eunuchs there to protect her!”
“And Renate?”
“She remained very relaxed, because she knew that the cuddly cat would continue to visit her on the sofa in her living room!”
“What an intrepid lover, Letizia! Tigerli seems to be very well acquainted with sofas!”
“Yes, perhaps he finds them more romantic than beds. It was clear that it wasn’t a premiere with me! Why does one allow cats to do almost everything!”
“Almost? I would say more than everything!”
“Don’t you find, Betty, that cats are more fascinating than men?”
“Yes but they are no good for begetting children! And how does the story continue?”
“Well, after my talk with Renate I realized that I wasn’t the first woman in Tigerli’s life. I now saw Tigerli in quite a different light!”
“Aren’t you happy to be the new love of his life?”
“Sure Betty. But the peaceful times on my sofa are a thing of the past! I tell you Betty, now it is “The Plague and I”!”
“As bad as that?”
“Would you be enthusiastic about Tigerli’s erotic games if you were absorbed with an enthralling book?”
Betty thought about it. “Were your cats so passionate about you?”
“Tigerli is insatiable. I said to him recently, “Now stop this. You are castrated and I am not a genuine cat!”
“Castrated?”
“Yes”.
“The cat isn’t normal!”
“That’s what I have already told you!”
“Did he understand what you were telling him?”
“Naturally he didn’t understand that he had been castrated. He only understood: She not interested in me, the bookworm!”
“Poor Tigerli, when was he castrated?”
“Betty, none of us were guilty of that! He was found in that state in the wood! He was half dead. We thought it must have been dogs or other cats that were to blame. Now we are almost sure it must have been a jealous husband!”
“Anything is possible”, said Betty. “Did he really stop playing the “Erotica Felina” with you?”
“Yes, but now comes the astonishing part, Betty! He didn’t look around for another woman but he immediately found a substitute on the sofa”.
“What then?”
“A tiger cushion!”
“And how many times did the cushion have to put up with his games?”
“On average twice a day! Provided that I was lying on the sofa! Without me nothing happened. If I stood up he ended his games straight away!’
“Tigerli is really not normal!”
“That’s what I told you, Betty! In no way is he normal!”
“You should be happy! There are enough boring men in the world!”
“My problem is that I must make all the preparations for the love making with the cushion!”
“I don’t believe it!”
“But yes, Betty, it is my job to arrange the cushion on the sofa so that it is comfortable for his amorous games and I must be present!”
“Can’t you go away?”
“In no way! I have to lie down and pay attention! To put it better I have to take part. I have to support Tigerli with encouraging words. To say “Bravo” otherwise it goes on for ever!”
“I can imagine that’s very boring!”
“It is!”
“I think American cats are different! Their game is over quickly”
“That would be better. Even when I play beautiful classical music Tigerli doesn’t let it interrupt him!”
“Music doesn’t make him more peaceful?”
“Quite the opposite! He considers classical music cool. Verdi’s "Dies Irae” doesn’t take his attention but only increases his erotic feelings!”
“Sadist”!
“But his favourite is Handel’s “Solomon”!”
“What a refined cat! When I think that my Bob only reacted to cocks crowing”
“I have decided to give the name “Solomon” to the Tigerli game!
“A cat well versed in the scriptures!”
“He understands the word “Solomon” well. I ask him if he wants to play Solomon – there are certain indications – and then quickly I fetch the toy lion!”
“A toy lion? And the tiger cushion?”
“His demands have risen! Tigerli is very enthusiastic about the toy lion! He plays “Solomon” with the King of the Animals!”
“When you dream, dream big!”
“This love for another man is not normal, Betty, but the cat is very pleased with himself. “Solomon, I have surpassed you!” he thinks.

“What does the lion say?”
“He can’t defend himself against this passion. But after a quarter of an hour of “Solomon” I try to protect the lion. I say: Tigerli, that’s enough!”
“And does that have any effect?”
“No! He always takes his time: He begins with cooing and purring. He climbs on the arm of the sofa and then on the toy lion. If the lion falls down from the chosen position I must always put it back in the right place. I encourage him with calls of “Bravo Solomon” and lie on the sofa until the game is over otherwise it has to start all over again. I have become as wise as Solomon! It is better to see it through than to start again! But there are all sorts of side effects”
“And what are these?”
"Dirty hair, Betty. Because I was deeply involved with my book it was only later that I discovered that the “sweet little cat” needed my hair to feel amorous.”
“So what do you do?”
“Nothing. I keep still. Tigerli makes me understand: Woman, you are my aphrodisiac. I leave your leg in peace but not your hair. Your hair smells so good after it is washed and it has a good but different smell beforehand.”
“Is there anything one wouldn’t do for one’s cat, Letizia?”
“I have taken some Eau de Cologne to the studio to suppress the smell of Tigerli’s salmon terrine. But this doesn’t work. Christoph recently asked my why my hair always smells of fish?”
“What do you do when you go away on holiday?”
“Tigerli consoles himself with Renate when I am away. When I came to visit you in Seattle last summer, I found a beautiful Russian girl to look after him.”
“And?”
“When I came back Tigerli was quite content!”
“And the Russian girl?”
“We didn’t talk about it!”

THE END


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/

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/

Eva Vargas, Eva Vargas Fan Club, Eva Vargas Society, Künstlerin, Autorin, Komponistin, Sängerin, artist, author, composer, singer
http://evavargas.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 35 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/

Letizia Mancino's art and literature

Karin:


I like Letizia Mancino's Betty MacDonald story so much. Thanks a lot for sharing this .
I recently visited Letiza Mancino's website and I adore her art.

Karin

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/

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/

Eva Vargas, Eva Vargas Fan Club, Eva Vargas Society, Künstlerin, Autorin, Komponistin, Sängerin, artist, author, composer, singer
http://evavargas.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 35 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/

Betty MacDonald Essay in german

Hi this is Svenja,

Artist and writer Letizia Mancino's great Betty MacDonald essay is such a gift for so many Betty MacDonald fans in 5 continents. We are very happy and grateful to present Letizia Mancino's delightful contribution for our german speaking Betty MacDonald Fan Club fans.
Read and enjoy.

Thanks a Million dear Letizia Mancino
We can't wait to read more of Letizia's great literature.

Yours,

Svenja


Auf Betty MacDonalds Spuren nach Seattle - oder ein kleiner Small Talk mit Betty MacDonald

Copyright 2011 by Letizia Mancino
All rights reserved

Wenn wir im Sommer in Edmonton, Kanada, sein werden, sagte ich zu Christoph Cremer, dann machen wir einen Katzensprung nach Seattle! So war es.

Wir stiegen in Edmonton Airport in ein Flugzeug ein und landeten nach zwei Stunden in der Stadt, wo Betty gelebt hatte. Ich war so froh, endlich Seattle zu sehen, und auf Bettys Spuren zu gehen!

Wolfgang Hampel hatte Bettys alte Freunde in Seattle über unsere Ankunft informiert. Sie waren freudig bereit, mit uns einen kleinen Marathon durch Stadt und Umgebung zu organisieren. Wir hatten nämlich nur wenige Tage zur Verfügung. Wolfgangs Fähigkeit, Menschen schnell sogar in der Ferienzeit zu mobilisieren, ist nicht zu unterschätzen! Zwischen Heidelberg und Seattle wurden E- mails ausgetauscht, und bald war ein ausgereiftes Programm für uns geplant. Kurz vor meiner Abreise überreichte er mir auch Geschenke für die Freunde. Es gelang mir in aller Eile, die schweren Gaben in den Koffer noch einzupacken, doch musste aus meinem Gepäck- wegen Übergewicht - ein Schlafanzug rausfliegen!

Nach der Landung in Seattle fuhren wir mit dem Taxi zum Hotel in der Downtown. Aus Neugier drehte ich meinen Kopf in alle Richtungen, wie ein hungriges Huhn aus Betty`s Farm auf Nahrungssuche! Zum Glück war die Strecke kurz genug, sonst hätte ich ihn wie eine lockere Schraube verloren! Unser Hotelzimmer war im 22. Stock und blickte direkt auf den Highway mit 16 Spuren- sie waren sogar mehr, aber es wurde mir zu schwindelig! Es war ein höllischer Blick! Und dies ist Seattle? fragte ich mich. Ich war entsetzt! Die Raserei machte mich rasend: Der Verkehr rauschte und brauste Tag und Nacht.

Am nächsten Morgen plante ich allein meinen ersten Ausflug auf Betty`s Spuren. Ich breitete die „Seattle tourmap“ aus: Ach, stellte ich fest, die Olympic Peninsula ist viel zu weit für mich! Betty nickte mir zu! Sehr umständlich, Letizia, ohne Wagen.
Ich hätte Deine Hühnerfarm so gern gesehen!
Meine Hühner sind weg und die Berge kannst du aus der Ferne bewundern! -

Mamma mia, wie steil sind die Straßen von Seattle! Ich rannte nach unten, ohne es zu wollen! Warum habe ich keine Bremsen an den Schuhen montieren lassen? Ich schaute die Autofahrer an: Wie verdammt gut, dachte ich, müssen sie sein, wenn sie an den roten Ampeln wieder Gas geben! Mir entgegen aufwärts- liefen die Fußgänger schnell wie flinke Lachse! Donnerwetter, diese Amerikaner! Ich versuchte, mein Gleichgewicht zu halten - die Gravitationskraft ist unerbittlich - hielt mich an Gegenständen fest und stieg hinunter. In Kanada hatte mich ein Bekannter davor gewarnt, ich würde in Seattle sehr viele Menschen mit Krücken sehen!
Betty lachte: Kein Wunder, Letizia, Lachs-Fußgänger fallen nicht direkt in das weiche Maul eines Bärs!
Betty, hör mal auf mit deinen gruseligen Bemerkungen! Wir sind nicht im Fichtenheim!
Ich ging weiter. Wie eine kleine verwirrte Ameise am Fuß von Palast- Ungeheuern kam ich zu einer Unterführung.Der Lärm war unerträglich: Gerade über meinem Kopf fuhren auf der Autobahn “ Alaskan Way Viaduct“ Autos, Busse und Trucks in Lichtgeschwindigkeit. Ihre giftigen Abgase pusten sie unbekümmert in die offenen Loggien und begrünten Terrassen der luxuriösen Wolkenkratzer. Amerika! Du bist crazy!
Betty, sind alle Menschen taub in Seattle oder ist es vielleicht ein Privileg für Wealthy-Leute, gegen Langweile Autos so nah vor Nase und Augen zu genießen?
Wenn der Nebel demokratisch alles in das Nichts verschwinden lässt, ist das doch eine kleine Abwechselung, Letizia!!
Deine Ironie, Betty, ist unverbesserlich, aber sag mir, Seattle soll eine wunderschöne Stadt sein, aber wo?
Ich bin endlich am State Ferry Terminal angekommen.
No Madam, die Fähre für die Insel Vashon startet nicht von hier, sagte mir einer am ticket office. Nehmen sie einen Bus und fahren sie zu der Anliegerstelle bei West Seattle.
Betty erklärte mir: Die Insel liegt am Puget Sound und nicht in der Elliott Bay! Sie ist gegenüber dem Airport! Bei der Landung muss du sie gesehen haben!
Betty, bei der Landung mache ich die Augen zu und bete!

Es ist Zeit für das Mittagessen. Das Wetter ist herrlich und warm. Wer sagte mir, es würde hier immer regnen?
Sicher ein neidischer Kerl, der dich von Seattle abschrecken will. Die Stadt ist wirklich schön, du wirst es sehen. Bleibe an der Waterfront, wähle das beste Restaurant mit Blick auf die Elliott Bay und genieße es.
Danke, Betty! Ich nehme Platz auf der Terrasse.
Der Blick auf die Inseln ist herrlich: Sie liegen in der Sonne ruhig wie grüne flauschige Kissen auf dem blauen Wasser.
Betty spielt auch mit meinen Worten: Vashon Island ist ein großes Kissen, noch größer als Bainbridge, die du vor deinen Augen siehst, Letizia! Die Inseln sehen auch sehr ähnlich aus. Sie haben gepflegte Häuser und entzückende Gärten.

An der Waterfront stand einmal das Hotel von den Eltern von Monica Sone!
Ah, von Deiner Freundin, Kimi! Leider vergesse ich, Betty zu fragen: Wo genau? - Ich bin zerstreut und denke an meine Bergtour zum Hotel! Warum gibt es keine Esel für Touristen? -Betty lacht: Du schaffst es bestimmt zum Hotel zurück zu laufen: „Letizia kann alles“. - Ja, Betty, ich bin „mein“ Esel! Ich konnte mich aber nicht daran erinnern, dass auch San Francisco so steil gebaut ist. Egal, ich sitze. Der Kellner kommt und bringt mir die Speisekarte: Ich falle fast vom Stuhl! - Was, sie bieten hier Geoduck an! Ich muss es unbedingt essen! (Ich gestehe, ich hasse den Tierbrei- schon Betty`s Rezept mit der Zertrümmerung hat mir Ekel verursacht)
Ein Beweis, dass du mich liebst, sagte Betty begeistert zu mir! Geht nicht die Liebe durch den Magen? Ich bestellte Geoduck. Der Kellner schaute mich an: Er will mir Austern empfehlen. Geoduck: No god for you! Hat er vielleicht meine tiefsten Gedanken gelesen? Schicksal! Dann kein Geoduck. No good for me. Weder Geoduck noch Schwindsucht in Seattle, flüsterte Betty mir ins Ohr!
Ach Betty, beste Freundin, du bist so nachsichtig mit mir! Ich bestelle Feldsalat mit Lachsstücken.- Welche Lachse? die die im Wasser schwimmen, oder die durch Seattle rennen?- Betty, ich glaube, du willst, dass ich deinen schwarzen Humor koste.
Dann guten Appetit, Letizia! Beim Mittagessen unterhielten wir uns über die Schwindsucht, und das war gerade nicht appetitanregend!
Hast du mein Buch „The Plague and I“ schon gelesen?
Ach, Betty, eigentlich habe ich das Buch zweimal angefangen, zu lesen und zweimal die Lektüre unterbrochen. Ich wurde immer so traurig!
Warum? fragte Betty: Turberkolose hatte fast jeder! Ich bin ziemlich bald gesund geworden und habe 20 Pfund zugenommen! Von Schwinden war keine Rede! Und wie findest du meine Witze im Buch?
Gerade das, antwortete ich, hätte mich veranlasst, ein anderes Sanatorium zu wählen. Ich hätte Angst gehabt, auch Opfer von Deinem Humor zu werden! Ich hätte sicherlich von Dir einen Spitzennamen bekommen! Du hast immer so komische Namen erfunden!
Betty lacht! Stimmt! Ich hätte dich „Römischenase genannt. Ich hätte den Leute „ Urbi et Orbi“ erzählt: „Heute früh ist in Fichtenheim Römischenase eingeliefert worden. Sie spricht ein gebrochenes Englisch, isst kein Geoduck, aber sie liebt Katzen“.
Ach, Betty, ich hätte mich auch geschämt, zu husten! Husten in deiner Anwesenheit? Wie peinlich! Du hättest erzählt, wie ich huste, wie viel huste!
Auf das „wie“ kommt es an, Letizia!
Bitte, lass Goethe Zitate weg! Geräusche zu unterscheiden, hast du sicher von den Indianern gelernt! Unglaublich, wie viele verschiedenen Hustensorten Du unterscheiden kannst! Mindestens 10!
Nur so wenig?
Und Deine Beschreibung der Patienten und Krankenschwestern war auch erbarmungslos: Eine künstlerische Rache! Nicht mal der kleinste Pickel auf der Haut ist deinem scharfen Blick entgangen! Sagenhaft.
Erbarmungslos war ich auch gegen mich selbst! Vergesse nicht meine Selbstironie!
Betty schweigt. Sie denkt an Kimi, die „Prinzessin“ aus Japan! Nein über Monica Sone, die beste Freundin, hat sie nur Gutes im Buch „The Plague and I“ geschrieben! Eine rührende Freundschaft, die im Sanatorium entstanden war: Die Perle, die aus der Krankheit gewachsen war.
Ist es nicht wunderbar, Betty, dass eine Muschel im Meer aus der Überwindung eines fremden Korns, das in sie eingedrungen ist, ein Juwel in ihrem Leib entwickelt?
Betty schaute mich an.
Betty, die Freundschaft zwischen Dir und Monica erinnert mich an Goethes Gedicht Ginkgo- Biloba. Du kennst es sicher! Betty nickte mir zu. Ich begann es zu rezitieren:

Dieses Baum`s Blatt,
der von Osten Meinem Garten anvertraut,
Giebt geheimen Sinn zu kosten,
Wie`s den wissenden erbaut.
Ist es Ein lebendig Wesen?
Das sich in sich selbst getrennt,
Sind es zwey?
Die sich erlesen,
daß man sie als eines kennt?

Die Freundschaft mit Monica ist wie das wunderbare Blatt des Gingo-Biloba, des Baumes aus dem Osten.
Betty war bewegt.
Es war ein tiefes Vertrauen zwischen uns. Sie zerreisst nie, gerade weil sie in der Not, in der Gefahr einer tödlichen Krankheit entstanden ist. Wir haben uns verstanden und ergänzt: Wir waren wie eine Lunge mit zwei Flügeln, eine von Westen und eine vom Osten!
Ein schönes Bild! Betty! Ihr wart wie zwei rote Gingo-Biloba Blätter!
Betty wurde traurig und sagte: Auch wenn Monica, die Japanerin, vor der Bekanntschaft mit mir dachte, sie sei auch eine Amerikanerin. Doch sie wurde in Amerika interniert, Letizia, während des Zweiten Welt Krieges mit Japan, ist es nicht furchtbar?
Betty, ich habe sie nicht persönlich kennen gelernt, ich habe nur eine Videoaufnahme mit ihr gesehen, aber welche Würde in ihrem Gesicht, welche vornehme Haltung in der Sprache und in den Bewegungen! Das Schicksal konnte Monica nicht verändern!
Ja, Betty, auch der Gingo-Biloba in Hiroshima hat nach der Atombombe als einziger Baum wieder geblüht!

Die Rechnung kam und ich bezahlte schnell. In Amerika wird man vom Tisch vertrieben, wenn das Essen verspeist ist. Wenn man weiter plaudern will, muss man wieder etwas bestellen.
Darum werden die großen Schwätzer am Tisch so fett! Sagte Betty!
Hast du nicht gesehen, wie viele unglaubliche riesige fleischige Mülltonnen in Amerika auf Strassen spazieren gehen und nie geleert werden!
Mit diesem typischen unsentimentalischen Satz endete Betty das Gespräch.
Ciao, Meisterin der Wechselbädergespräche, ich winkte ihr zu und wollte auch mich ein bisschen bewegen!

An der Waterfront war es noch so schön, zwei Schritte zu machen! Wenn ich nun wieder in Heidelberg daran denke, dass Bettys japanische Prinzessin am 5. September diese Welt verlassen hat und ich noch im August in Seattle mit Betty über sie sprach, werde ich auch sehr traurig.

Die Leser, die sie gut kannten (jeder Autor und Protagonist eines Buches ist uns näher als der flüchtige Nachbar im Haus), ja wir, die sie als unsterblich empfunden haben, können nicht glauben, dass sie auch mit 92 Jahren sterben würde. Wie unvermutet und überraschend kam ihr Tod nur 4 Tage nach ihrem Geburtstag am 5. September. Gerade am 5. September war ich auf dem Weg in die Türkei, wieder himmelsnah, rückschauend auf die unvergesslichen Tage in Seattle. Ich flog von Westen nach Osten, wo die Sonne aufgeht.

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/

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/

Eva Vargas, Eva Vargas Fan Club, Eva Vargas Society, Künstlerin, Autorin, Komponistin, Sängerin, artist, author, composer, singer
http://evavargas.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 35 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/