Happy Birthday Johnny Depp! You're like a brother to me!

June 9, 2012

Dear Johnny,

You are like a brother to me. Let me explain why. You see, my brother, Mark McCune, looks like you…or rather, like your character, Captain Jack Sparrow.  Many people believe they have a doppelganger, Johnny, and say they’ve been told they look a particular celebrity.  (I WISH Mariska Hargitay was my doppelganger).  Once in a while someone looks similar to a celebrity and most of the time others say: ok, yeah, kinda.  Well, my brother really does look like you!

A few years ago he dressed up as Captain Jack Sparrow for Halloween.  Now it’s kind of evolved into a wonderful “gig.”  He reads to children in classrooms in the southern California. He encourages the children to read and have good values. He’s attended flag raising ceremonies, birthday parties, and of course, pirate festivals!  Children love him!  They go nuts!  Adults too!  They feel like they’re in the presence of the real Captain Jack Sparrow!  He even has the swagger down!  Now when I see you in films, Johnny, I see my brother Mark. Check out his website here: http://www.mycaptainjack.com/

Now Johnny, you’re one of the most gifted and versatile actors today.  I loved you in the early years of your career in 21 Jump Street.  My favorite of your characters is Edward Scissorhands.  You are an actor who can have a mysterious bad boy look (example Cry Baby or Fear and Loathing) but interestingly, you can also look kind and good (example Benny & Joon or Gilbert Grape). You can look creepy too! (example Sweeney Todd or Barnabas Collins).  I admire that you can work on kid movies and grownup ones, as well.

I read that you were born in Kentucky, 49 years ago today.  Kentucky?  This surprises me, Johnny.  You seem like the type of man who was born somewhere exotic like Istanbul or Bangkok. Kentucky?  However, I’m glad you found your way to Hollywood and became an actor.  People probably looked at you and said:  Now, there goes a guy who should be a star!

I notice that you work hard to keep your life private and I think that’s a good thing.  I’m glad we don’t see you jumping on couches or hanging out at The Grove in Los Angeles, just so TMZ can find you.  You’ve said:  “I’m shy, paranoid, whatever word you want to use.  I hate fame.  I’ve done everything I can to avoid it.”  I like that about you, Johnny.

Today you turned 49. You’ve said: “I’m not sure I’m adult yet” and if you keep that way of thinking, Johnny, you’ll be enjoying life a lot longer than most.  I hope you had a wonderful birthday with your family and friends.  Happy Birthday, my “brother” Johnny Depp!

Regards, Mrs Love  

My brother, as Captain Jack Sparrow, in Carlsbad, CA.

Happy Birthday Peter Gabriel!

Feb. 13, 2012

Dear Peter,

In high school a friend introduced me to your music. You were the lead singer and flautist for the art-rock band, Genesis.  It was about 1978 and until then, I was only familiar with the “Phil Collins-Genesis.”  However this friend played an album from the Genesis before that.  It was the “Peter Gabriel-Genesis.” I was hooked. You were so unique, with your distinctive music and extravagant costumes!  There was no one quite like you then, Peter.  And a flautist?  How rare it is to have a flautist in a rock band!  You, and maybe Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, are the only ones I can think of. 

You left Genesis to pursue a solo career and in 1977 you released your first solo album “Peter Gabriel 1,” which included the hit single, “Solsbury Hill.”  I heard once that it was a song about your departure from Genesis.  I thought it was about homesickness! LOL!   “…My heart going boom, boom, boom…’Son,’ he said ‘Grab your things, I've come to take you home.’”

I truly admire you, Peter.  You are not one of those rock stars who just sits around counting your millions--releasing an album every few years or so.  Not only do you produce music—even collaborating with other artists, you have your own record label, Real World Records, Ltd.  Furthermore, you are an activist.  Over the years you have worked with Amnesty International, as well as other organizations dedicated to human rights and environmental issues.  

As part of this 62^nd Happy Birthday wish, Peter, I would like to share some memories with you.  Your hit single, “In Your Eyes” is unquestionably my favorite.  It is one of those songs that I hear and a flood of memories comes back to me.  I remember when it was released in 1986 and played on the radio frequently.  It was a time when I would be driving home from a long day of work with my 2-year old daughter in the car.  Many evenings we would be sitting in grid-lock traffic on the southern California freeways.  I remember being so worn-out at the end of the day.  I would hear “In Your Eyes” and I sing along…  “I get so tired of working so hard for our survival.  I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive.”

Something else that comes to mind is the 1989 Cameron Crowe film, “Say Anything.”  Who can forget the memorable scene when John Cusak’s character stands in the rain outside the bedroom window of his ex-girlfriend?  He’s holding a boom box above his head, playing the song “In Your Eyes.”  It’s brilliant!

In closing I’d like to quote something you said once:  “There has always been a strong relationship between music and religion.  It is because they both plug directly into the heart and can have real power for good or evil.”  I completely agree, Peter.

Thank you for the music and the memories!  Happy 62^nd Birthday!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday James Dean!

Feb. 8, 2012

Dear Mr. Dean,

In my life I have been in situations where I’ve seen many actors--"cattle-calls" with hundreds of promising young men and women, hoping for that big break.  Now and then--and it’s rare--an actor shows up who has “it.” When they walk into a room, all eyes turn and look at them.  When they audition, they do it with ease, as if they were born to do it.  I read that while at UCLA you were picked out of a pool of 350 actors to play the role of Malcolm in Macbeth.  From the start, Mr. Dean, it was apparent that you were one of those rare actors who had “it.”

Having been one of the youngest actors accepted to the prestigious “Actors Studio,” where you studied method acting under Lee Strasberg.  In 1955 you were cast as the emotionally complex character of Cal Trask in Steinbeck’s “East of Eden.” Next was “Rebel Without a Cause” and then “Giant.” Shortly after the filming of “Giant” was completed, you were killed in a car accident while driving your Porsche 550 Spyder in Cholame, California.

Oh, how I wish I had been alive when you walked the earth, Mr. Dean!  You are one of those actors I would’ve sought out and made every attempt to see in person.  Just to be in the same place as you, would have been the thrill! 

In your life you only made a total of seven films. On screen, you have been one of those actors who I can’t take my eyes off of.  Sure, there are other actors on the screen, but they practically disappear.  In whatever role you have played, I could feel your emotion…sad, happy, lonely, angry…whatever.  

In still pictures, you were perfection. No matter the pose, it was flawless.

Mr. Dean, it is hard to believe that today you would have celebrated your 81’st birthday.  However, you left us too soon.  You will be eternally 24. 

Happy Birthday to a legend!

Regards, Mrs Love

Mel Gibson turned 56 on Jan. 3rd!

Dear Mel,

This month you turned 56.  I regret to inform you that you look much older.  I suggest you cut back on the cigs.  I’ve never seen you or met you…yet.  If, and when I do, I’m going to call you by your full name.  After all, it’s quite unique: Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson. When I see you, I’m going to yell out, “Hey Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson! Can I have your autograph?!”  I understand that you were named after a saint.  Sorry Mel, but you are the LAST person I would guess to be named after a saint!  And you were born in New York?  All this time, I thought you were born in Australia.  Thinking you were an Australian made you sexier.  A New Yorker?…I don’t think so!

Recently, while waiting in line at the grocery store, I picked up a copy of People magazine.  There on the cover, it read—“Ouch!  Mel Loses $425 mil in Divorce…Highest in Hollywood History!”  Yes, Ouch!!!  Although, considering your bad behavior in the last 5 years or so, I was not that surprised.  I’m sure most movie-goers were not either.

Do I have to list all the things that you’ve done, Mel?  Certainly not!  I wish things in Hollywood were like they were in the old days.  Hollywood was a well-oiled machine. Movie stars’ images were carefully orchestrated.  They were the beautiful people with beautiful lives.  Motion picture studios kept scandals hush-hush.  It’s not like that today.  I’m sad to say that I know way more about your bad behavior than I ever wanted to know.

On a happier note Mel, after researching your life, I discovered that you and your ex-wife were generous though the years with substantial donations to many charities. I was happy to discover this. An American film critic once said of you: “I can't define "star quality," but whatever it is, Mr. Gibson has it.” Yes, you had it, Mel.  That’s why I watched your movies.  Now I watch you in a whole new perspective…because I’ve read so much “garbage” about you.  Why not have your publicists publicize some good stuff about you?  Why not DO more good, Mel?  I think your fans would appreciate it.  I know this fan would! Although a little belated…Happy 56^th Birthday anyway!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Bob Geldof!

Dear Sir Bob Geldof,

Yes, I know you’re famous for being an Irish singer, songwriter, and former member of rock band--The Boomtown Rats.  You’re famous for composing the song, “I Don’t Like Mondays.”  I sing that song just about every Monday.  Certainly, who can forget your hit “Do They Know It’s Christmas,” which became one of the best-selling singles of all-time and a popular video.

Not surprisingly, Sir Bob, you have been honored for your many anti-poverty efforts, like Band-Aid, Live-Aid, and others worthy causes.  However, what I best remember you for is your daughters’ names.  Yes, your daughters’ names!  Whenever friends ask me for name suggestions for their babies or pets, I always refer to your daughters.

Fifi Trixibelle, Peaches Honeyblossom, Little Pixie, and Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily.

Your youngest daughter, who now goes by Tiger Hutchense-Geldof, is actually the daughter of your ex-wife Paula Yates and Michael Hutchense (of INXS).  How notable that you fought for her custody after both parents had committed suicide. You said it would be best that Tiger be raised with her three half-sisters.  

Sir Bob, I must tell you that I admire your for your courage.  After all, I think it took some courage to name your children with such “creative” names.  My husband and I, on the other hand, were not nearly so brave.  With the surname Love, we chose simple and unassuming names for our children-- Julie, Stacy, and Todd.  Perhaps, if I had had more children I would have been braver!  How do these sound?... Fifi Love, Peaches Love, Little Pixie Love, and Tiger Lily Love.

I hope that you were able to celebrate a very happy 60^th birthday today with all your daughters.  However, I hope it wasn’t too elaborate, Sir Bob.  One magazine has reported that you are worth 30 million pounds.  I don’t know how that translates into American dollars but it sounds like a lot. Why not contribute it to one of your many anti-poverty causes?   Mmmmm, just a thought.

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Gordon "Sting" Sumner!

Dear Gordon,
I first heard you in 1981. I was in a grocery store in Jaèn, Spain. "Every Little Thing" came on over the store's sound system.  I asked someone: Who is this? What song is this?  
I was told it was The Police and I've been your devoted fan ever since.  I knew the first time I heard that song would be forever etched in my mind.
I have a beautiful sketched portrait of you hanging in my sewing room. One of my daughter's gave it to me for Christmas. One day a woman came to see me about some sewing and she noticed the portrait hanging on the wall. She pointed and asked,  "Is that your husband?" I laughed and answered, "Ha! I wish!"
Thank you, Mr. Gordon Sumner, aka  "Sting", for who you are and for sharing your talent with the world. You will never be forgotten! {{and there will always be much rejoicing!}}
Happy 60th Birthday!
Regards, Mrs Love

Happy "Belated" Birthday Princess Diana!

‎7/1/11
Dear Princess Diana,
I think you were an absolutely remarkable person. You were a lovely girl brought up in a very privileged and sheltered background. Then, as Lady Diana, your life became that of a fairytale princess. The day you married your prince and became “Princess Diana,” I was in a Missionary Training Center, studying Spanish and preparing to serve a mission in Spain. I was not able to watch television and therefore, I was not able to see you walk down the aisle at watch the royal wedding along with millions of viewers all over the world. I remember feeling a bit left out. However, my sister Vanette watched every second of it and even woke up early with her college roommates to watch it live. They held a wedding reception in your honor in their apartment and invited all their friends. My sister loved you! She even cut her hair like you and dressed in the same style of clothes that you did.

You found joy involving yourself in numerous charities and used your fame for good. Royals typically involve themselves in charity work; however, with you the media followed your every move and recorded every moment of your work. You seemed very kind and genuinely caring for children, the elderly, and the sick. You said: “I want to walk into a room, be it a hospital for the dying or a hospital for sick children, and feel that I am needed. I want to do, not just to be.”

My heart ached for you as your marriage to Prince Charles fell apart. Like most of us, you had a number of human frailties which made you the “people’s princess.” Even though you were royalty, we felt we could relate to you in some way. It was apparent that your joy was with your sons. They’ve grown up to be wonderful young men as a result of the foundation you gave them. You’ve said: “Family is the most important thing in the world.” I read once that when your boys were young you would climb in a big bed and cuddle with them and have fun with a huge bowl of popcorn and watch movies…just as any mother would do! I’m sure to this day those are cherished memories of your sons.

When I learned you had been tragically killed in a car accident, I was shocked. I remember being so stunned I couldn’t speak. I was very upset along with the millions in the world who admired you. I cried for your children. Your boys were so young! Then I thought of my sister, Vanette, who I told you about earlier in this letter. She admired you and perhaps was one of the first to greet you in heaven. She had gone to heaven ahead of you by just a few years. I’m sure she looked up to you even in the life hereafter.

Diana, there has never been a woman like you since. You will not be forgotten and I’m sure your sons will make sure of that! How wonderful that William gave his bride, Katherine your beautiful blue sapphire ring! I’m sure on their wedding day, you were there in spirit.

You’ve said: “Carry out a random act of kindness; with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day, someone might do the same for you.” Although we never met, I know I have this same belief along with you. It is an excellent principle to live by! On July 1st, you would have celebrated your 50th birthday and I know you would've spent it with your family. :)
Regards, Mrs Love