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Author
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Topic: Spinoza Story
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jambo
Junior Himmelfan
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posted 08-21-2001 03:39 PM
  
Hi, Peter!
I'm a therapist and a performing songwriter. I've been a fan of your music since the mid- 80's when I first saw you perform in Madison, WI. "From Strength to Strength" got me through some rough times, and I sent cutout copies from the Boston closeout bins to friends in need while I was in grad school there 10 years ago (all the while wondering, "What are these merchants thinking? This is the Rubber Soul of the decade!") But the story I've always wanted to tell you and all those who love you is this:
During my first few years of practice, I had the opportunity to work with a very sweet and lovable little girl who had already suffered multiple emotional and physical wounds before bouncing around the foster care system during most of the years I knew her. After hearing from a colleague about a therapeutic teddy bear called "Spinoza" that played recordings of stories and songs to help children with loss and change, I managed to locate one to try out with her during a particularly difficult time in her life. Of course, she fell in love with the bear - and especially the songs - immediately, and became so attached to him that I eventually wrote a letter to a local charitable fraternity and persuaded them to buy her one of her own. However, the transcendent moment for me arrived one day during a session when I realized why the bear's singing voice sounded so familiar to me. A quick look at the label on the bear-belly-housed cassette confirmed my suspicion (and demanded a closer listening on on a better quality stereo so I could learn the child's favorite song - which, by the way, kept her hope of finding her way to a real home and family alive through most of her adolescent years.) When I last heard from the young woman she's become about a year ago after being our of touch for quite some time, I told her about my discovery for the first time and referred her to the body of work that most of your listeners already know about. I don't expect she'll be disappointed. Thank you, Peter, for the difference you've made in her life . . . and in mine!Jim Vick IP: Logged |
peterhimmelman
Administrator
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posted 08-21-2001 08:32 PM
Jim,Thanks so much for sharing that with me.I'd like the people at Spinoza to read your letter as well. Best Wishes, peter IP: Logged |
jambo
Junior Himmelfan
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posted 08-21-2001 10:05 PM
By all means, please do share it with them.
Forgot to mention that your show at the Tractor Tavern earlier this summer made for a very memorable evening - especially the set on the street outside the club! I rarely miss a show, but that one was extra special. My daughter attended with me that night and really enjoyed her first PH concert. Did you hear the 2 of us singing harmonies with you on a few of your songs? (She knows most of them.)Thanks again,
Jim IP: Logged | |
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