BEGIN THE BARRY BEGUINE PT. 3

NOVEMBER 21, 1983

Monday

This also was a terrific weekend. (Somehow, I feel that every weekend with Barry is going to be wonderful.) Things between us only seem to be getting better and better. We’ve been running around together for nearly three months now and dating for nearly two, and I never tire of him.

FRIDAY - WE WENT TO OLE’ South Garland H.S. to see Annie. Tia Cody (Dee Ann’s sister) was in it; she played Mrs. Greer, the leading maid. This is the first high school to put Annie since professional productions. I think that’s terrific. The high school production was very good. I was impressed. Of course, South Garland has always had extreme talent. Barry enjoyed the play also. I was glad!

SATURDAY - I lazed around the apartment until about 5:30 p.m., then got ready for Barry and I to go out and see Rear Window, the revised addition of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic. It was released in a first run theatre, and you would be surprised at the crowd of people there (at a 10:00 showing, and third week to run.) I was excited to see so many people wanting to see it. It’s the first time (as far as I can remember) that I’ve really seen it and remember it well. I think I had seen it when I was really young, but I couldn’t remember much. Of course, my sensitive, divine James Stewart was in it with Grace Kelly and Raymond Burr. We both really enjoyed that immensely. (Especially me.)

SUNDAY - 11:30 a.m., exactly, Barry knocked on the door to take me to his house for lunch (dinner) with his family, and two grandmothers, “Mom” and “Nanny.” That was such a lovely day. Well, without sounding conceited, I do believe I have made my mark with the whole Johnson clan. And as of right now, their son (or grandson, whatever the case may be,) is pretty crazy about me too!! I will quickly add, though, that I am not overconfident and still feel pretty insecure at times. Things seem great, feel great, and look great, but you just never know what may happen tomorrow. That’s why I’m trying to be a little careful. I really don’t know what I would do if someone asked me out. I can’t think of anyone available that I would want to go out with besides Barry.

I talked to Momma this afternoon and she made the comment “Boy, ya’ll sure are becoming a thick item.” I don't know why that rubbed me the wrong way, but it did. I just said “Well, I don’t know if I’d say that, but, it just seems that when I do things, he’s with me.” I really don’t know what I meant by that answer, but I said it anyway. I don’t like to think that Barry and I are becoming too thick, but I know I don’t want to stay away from him too long. Oh well! It really makes no sense!

I just got off the phone with Terry Randles, a dear friend that I eat lunch with, and she’s not going to be able to meet Barry tomorrow when he takes me to lunch because she’ll be on vacation. But she said the sweetest thing. She said “Well, I’m sorry to miss Barry tomorrow because if you’re flipped over him, he must be special.” Isn’t that the sweetest thing? She’s a doll. Life is wonderful, people are sooo kind to me and sometimes I wonder why. I can be a smart alecky sometime. But, I guess they can tell how much I love everybody. Because I do. Everybody I’ve ever met. TEE HEE! (2021 comment - some things just haven't changed... LOVE everyone!) AGAPE!

A letter surprised me in the mail

November 22, 1983

NOVEMBER 28, 1983

Monday

Well, the Thanksgiving holidays were wonderful! Barry is wonderful! Life is wonderful! I know I sometimes sound like the same ole’ thing. Always wonderful. But what can I say? When you feel great, everything seems wonderful to you!!

WEDNESDAY - Late that night, DeeAnn and Brian came over to my apartment very excited showing off, what is it kids?? Her engagement ring! Brian had just given it to her. Isn’t that wonderful?

THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day, I went over to Mom and Dad’s at 11:30 a.m., and visited and helped Mom as much as I could. Mary, John and Holly came about noon. Holly was especially cute this day. Everybody was there except B.C. and Therese…

DeeAnn and Brian came over and showed my family their ring and were very happy and almost bombastic. Anyway, I don’t really know why but Holly started screaming and crying and was extremely scared of both DeeAnn and Brian. I was becoming worried because Barry was going to come over later, and I would hate for Holly to be crying and upset when he came. So, I had a talk with her. I told her that she shouldn’t cry every time she sees a stranger, it’s not nice. She then told me that “Well, Aunt Janie, sometimes I get scared.” I said I understood, but the crying and screaming has got to stop. She got real quiet then said “Aunt Janie, it’s hard being three years old.” Can you believe that? Hard being three years old. I nearly fell over in my chair. What a character, sounds like her mother. (2021 comment - well there it is… knew it was in here somewhere - what a lil’ doll!)

Anyway, to make a long story short, Barry came over about 4:30 (Aunt Edna, David, Melanie and Mark had come also.) Holly was a little shy at first. But then Barry stayed away and gave her time to warm up to him. Next thing I knew, she came over to him and said “Barry (pronunciation Bare-wee) I am going to draw your picture now.” They were buddies from then on. He had her up in his lap and played games, read stories, etc. It was wonderful. Barry made a wonderful hit with the whole family. (Of course he hasn’t met the B.C. Borens yet.) But if he impressed Mary, he surely can impress Bryant and Therese. A truly magnificent Thanksgiving with my special guy.