HENRY MILLER & BRENDA VENUS

Henry Miller was my mentor, best friend, support system, and much, much more. He was a genius, the father of the sexual revolution, the reason all people can say what they want in books, movies, press, and basically all media. He fought for our freedom of speech and "won!" A hard battle, but one he believed in and stood up for, during which time, he became the world's guru, and deservedly so.

He wrote hundreds of books. A few you might recognize are TROPIC OF CANCER, TROPIC OF CAPRICORN, BLACK SPRING. Not to leave out SEXUS, NEXUS, AND PLEXUS. He also was a master painter, having painted since age 3 (only watercolors). And he was an extraordinary pianist.

Henry Miller was a patient man, a gentleman who single-handedly guided my rite of passage from a young innocent girl into womanhood. And I will always be grateful for that careful, sensitive, knowing, and intuitive venture. I thank my lucky stars to have had a man care so much for my development, give such great love, and offer the utmost understanding toward that delicate fulfillment.

Conversations with Henry were laced with literature, writers, poets, musicians, politicians, art, travel, and the human race. There was never a dull moment. Never a moment when I wasn't learning something brilliant, or something simple flowing from his lips or pen. Through the years, I've reflected countless times on this invaluable wisdom. Henry Miller and his words changed my view of the world considerably. And I am most honored for that pleasure. His unconditional love was the reason I became a best selling author.

Hence, I will share with you, the writer, the real man, the genius, and the man who taught me that without humor, you miss out on all the good stuff in life. Humor will get you through the tough times, enhance the good times, and let you sleep the night in peace. Take the Miller motto: ALWAYS MERRY AND BRIGHT,  and enjoy this extensive cornucopia of truly unique material along with great wisdom. You'll learn, you'll laugh, and you'll walk away feeling good about yourself, and the world around you.

Nobody knew more about sex than Henry Miller, not even me. . . He's definitely worth the trip!    

 

Thursday 9/16/78

Dearest Brenda ---

I'm trying out a new pair of reading glasses but so far don't see much difference between these and the old ones. Irving Stettner sent me a book of American Place Names and I have been looking up places in it like Biloxi, Pascagoula, Pensacola, Monongabela, et. etc. If it happens to be an Indian name all he says is "derived from an Indian tribal name" -- doesn't always say what the meaning of the Indian word is. I looked up Hattiesburg -- named after the wife of a man named Hattie Hardy, I believe -- town founded in 1880 -- not so long ago.

Stettner wrote me on getting back to N.Y. He found the photo copy I sent him of your water color. He raved about it. Am almost tempted to send you his letter. He certainly is an appreciative guy.

I'm still smarting from the quarrel with Tony. But it's subsiding. Beginning to see the humorous aspects of it (which reminds me -- I am going to enclose something sent me in the mail. You'll get a laugh!

Aside from your beauty I felt last night how strong you are, both physically and morally. How quickly you recover from this or that. And how even tempered you are. I don't think I'd ever want to see you fly into a rage. Have you ever noticed how ugly people look when angry. When I lose my temper I feel I have been untrue to myself. But there are people who know how to provoke one -- how to deal with this is an eternal problem. Certainly "turning the other cheek" is not the answer. Nor "fighting fire with fire." The masters of  Karate seem to know best. They either laugh or walk away without a word. If attacked they go chop-chop and their opponent is out of the picture. But primarily Karate teaches peace -- peace at any price. But only the strong, the seasoned ones, can act this way. What do you say?

You asked me last night if I thought things came to you when you stopped trying. I can repeat yes, because things are always trying to reach us, but it is we (thru our ignorance) who block these efforts on the part of God, Destiny or what you will. Faith is the great thing. Faith even when everything seems to be going wrong, Faith then especially. (This great woman Mary Baker Eddy was no fool. Faith may be useless in curing pimples and the like but it works for the things which matter.)

Does everything matter? Yes! The little things are often more important than the seeming big things. Do you follow me? If we had more faith we would not push so hard, we would be more confident, more serene. And to my mind serenity is greater than happiness. Happiness is a much over-rated word. Joy is the thing -- or bliss. That 7th Heaven feeling. Agreed?

Your infatuated inamorata - Henry V. Miller, Beloved of Brenda Venus (Miracle of Miracles)