My favorite take on kissing came from my grandmother. She would say, "lips that taste liquor will never taste mine". And I still remember the excitement generated by a first kiss in Larry Smith's basement playing kissing games at his birthday party. Then on the humorous side, I love the country song titled "Take your tongue out of my mouth, I'm kissin you goodbye".
She also said, "I love a good martini, two at the very most, three and I'm under the table, four and I'm under my host". There must be some kissing in there somewhere.
Hi Mardy, I’m glad you reprised this issue. You couldn’t have chosen a timelier topic for me as I am writing my memoir, which literally began with a kiss, a kiss that changed my life. Here’s the incident. In 1968, I was a deacon in the Catholic church with one year to go before being ordained a priest. I was taking a summer art course at Immaculate Heart College near Hollywood, taught by a group of liberal nuns. One week into the course as I was putting away my art supplies in an outdoor locker as evening was falling, Sister Lara came up to me and said, “Oh Michael, everyone thinks you are so special.” With that she began kissing me and kissing me as we stood there for what seemed like half an hour our lips never parting. I was confused, feeling guilty, and totally turned on. The kiss led to a summer of erotic encounters with three nuns. I went on to become a priest but lasted only two years because that kiss unlocked my passions and overrode my vows. A year later I found a woman to marry and kiss and we shared our lives for 52 years until she died of cancer in 2023.
Thanks, Michael. Wow! What a story! Can't wait to read the full memoir! And, by the way, here's hoping that it has a killer opening line. May I suggest one?
"Many people say a kiss changed their lives. In my case, it truly did."
Several of his costars said Burt Landcaster was the best kisser in Hollywood. I'm heterosexual and don't know what kissing a man is like for a woman. I only know what kissing a women are for a man. And it was said of Burt that, as a film maker, he hired many gay men because Burt was, if we can believe others, a connoisseur of fellatio and, being an ardent kisser himself, appreciated talent regardless of gender. As one who is truely passionate about cinema as an art form, Lancaster holds a prominent place in its creative history. As Viggo Mortensen said in The Green Book, "Life's complicated."
Wow Brent....this might just be TMI..........(too much information) LOL. I always liked Burt as an actor....I won't stop liking him now but I'll see him in a very different light. And yes, Life IS complicated!! thanks
As to what his costars said about him as “The best kisser in Hollywood.”, this came from the costars themselves in filmed public interviews. As to his sexuality, hearsay and speculation from people who wrote about him. Perhaps that’s a bridge too far and I have been telling tales out of school. I appreciate the question. “How would I react if they were talking about me?” My first inclination is to say “None of your business.”, and in that spirit I would apologize and amend my passing on the rumor and speculation abort Burts’ sexuality as, “I’m sorry. It’s really none of my business.” I admire him as an example of a courageous and talented artist, an example of an ethical person who fought for his and other people’s freedom of expression and success. Thanks for the question.
Perhaps, if there is any redemption in this, it would be to illustrate how inappropriate and potentially damaging for all concerned participating in rumor might be. When I think about how much Burt Lancaster’s story telling through the medium of film, and the example of his life, has made a positive difference in my life, I must admit I regret it. Disrespectful to go there, much like what many of the characters he brought to the screen illustrated. Like many of his portraits of flawed human beings, illustrating the fallibility there for all of us, I stand exposed as an example of human fallibility, and perhaps the redemption of insight and the possibility for growth.
I remember when I first learned about French kissing, told to me, not experienced yet, by friends, & I thought 'how gross!', went home & told my parents. I told my parents just about everything. I will NEVER forget the look they exchanged w/ each other as I described what I had learned. 😏I also remember seeing my dad pat my mom on her rear often as he walked by, or while she was cooking, etc.... they had a marvelous relationship; she died way too young, age 42.
Thanks for sharing your memories, dj. How neat that you were able to share such matters with your parents. Very rare. And what a tragedy to lose your mom at such a young age.
How on earth did I miss this one first time around? I'm so glad I caught it on reprise!! Mardy, I hope your problems resolve easily. Our good news is that the blind miracle cat will be coming home tomorrow....she's still blind, but now she has a knee brace but no broken bones. She survived jaw surgery and wants to come home. She will return to her former sweetness soon and we'll all be able to give and get her kisses! About kissing...I live in a culture where kissing is 'routine'...not romantic smooching, but kissing upon greeting people you know. Kisses on both cheeks and if it's a really special someone, an extra 3rd kiss. This is a very 'tactile' culture. The best kisser I ever met was the love of my life...I lost him a few years ago (after more than 50 years) but I remember his kisses.... and miss them still.
Thanks for your kind words, Arlene. Glad to hear the cat is doing well. I'm just happy to learn that you had a great kisser in your life--and for such a long time. If you're anything like me, you get to re-experience some of them in your dreams!
ahhhh, hugs & kisses out to you & your kitty! My now gone kitty once had an awful accident w/ his paw, we thought he would lose it w/ most of his leg. He was kept at the vet for 3 months while healing. Side note, the dog at the same time had something going on when she needed to be kept for a few days, towards the end of the cat's healing. They had NEVER done this before, but agreed to put the 2 of them into the same cage (dog was small 13 lbs). They were best buds & were a hit at the vet. The cat healed purrfectly; the dog later had to have her leg amputated, but she, too, healed & lived another 8 yrs, as a tripawd.
Mardy, you are the Maven of Quotes! Of course you knew about Parker's poem. BUT...here's something so typical of my life.... While mentioning my 'captain' ( love of my life ) earlier, I was surprised to accidentally bump into this song while avoiding 'news' ...This song was 'our song'... No one does it better than Andre Bochelli.... Besame Mucho... perfect song for today's retro topic!! ENJOY https://youtu.be/fTxcrjBGves?list=RDfTxcrjBGves
I think your vet was smart. Good for all of you. That's amazing. Hope you will consider accepting another furbabe into your life. Good for you and good for him/her. In addition to 3 blind cats, we also have a 3-legged outdoor cat and had (years ago) a Boxer mix with a missing paw. she never knew she was handicapped. Nice to find yet another animal lover here.
Mardy, you are right. I missed the Dorothy Parker quote ... I need to stop trying to do a 'first read' while still in bed on Sunday mornings. Using my mobile phone doesn't let me appreciate your efforts fully....small screen. I usually re-read it from the PC in the office later with my morning cuppa... This time, I got caught up in the memories of the theme.
Dr Mardy,
My favorite take on kissing came from my grandmother. She would say, "lips that taste liquor will never taste mine". And I still remember the excitement generated by a first kiss in Larry Smith's basement playing kissing games at his birthday party. Then on the humorous side, I love the country song titled "Take your tongue out of my mouth, I'm kissin you goodbye".
Best
Jamie
Ah but what about Dorothy Parker's poem that starts - 'lips that taste of tears, they say, are the best for kissing.' (from 'Enough Rope')
Thanks, Arlene. If you read through to my collection of quotes this week, you will see that Parker quotation prominently featured.
She also said, "I love a good martini, two at the very most, three and I'm under the table, four and I'm under my host". There must be some kissing in there somewhere.
Thanks for weighing in with all those delicious tidbits, Jamie.
Hi Mardy, I’m glad you reprised this issue. You couldn’t have chosen a timelier topic for me as I am writing my memoir, which literally began with a kiss, a kiss that changed my life. Here’s the incident. In 1968, I was a deacon in the Catholic church with one year to go before being ordained a priest. I was taking a summer art course at Immaculate Heart College near Hollywood, taught by a group of liberal nuns. One week into the course as I was putting away my art supplies in an outdoor locker as evening was falling, Sister Lara came up to me and said, “Oh Michael, everyone thinks you are so special.” With that she began kissing me and kissing me as we stood there for what seemed like half an hour our lips never parting. I was confused, feeling guilty, and totally turned on. The kiss led to a summer of erotic encounters with three nuns. I went on to become a priest but lasted only two years because that kiss unlocked my passions and overrode my vows. A year later I found a woman to marry and kiss and we shared our lives for 52 years until she died of cancer in 2023.
Thanks, Michael. Wow! What a story! Can't wait to read the full memoir! And, by the way, here's hoping that it has a killer opening line. May I suggest one?
"Many people say a kiss changed their lives. In my case, it truly did."
Several of his costars said Burt Landcaster was the best kisser in Hollywood. I'm heterosexual and don't know what kissing a man is like for a woman. I only know what kissing a women are for a man. And it was said of Burt that, as a film maker, he hired many gay men because Burt was, if we can believe others, a connoisseur of fellatio and, being an ardent kisser himself, appreciated talent regardless of gender. As one who is truely passionate about cinema as an art form, Lancaster holds a prominent place in its creative history. As Viggo Mortensen said in The Green Book, "Life's complicated."
Wow Brent....this might just be TMI..........(too much information) LOL. I always liked Burt as an actor....I won't stop liking him now but I'll see him in a very different light. And yes, Life IS complicated!! thanks
I can always count on you for an eye-opening tidbit, Brent, but this week, you've outdone yourself! Where did you get your information?
As to what his costars said about him as “The best kisser in Hollywood.”, this came from the costars themselves in filmed public interviews. As to his sexuality, hearsay and speculation from people who wrote about him. Perhaps that’s a bridge too far and I have been telling tales out of school. I appreciate the question. “How would I react if they were talking about me?” My first inclination is to say “None of your business.”, and in that spirit I would apologize and amend my passing on the rumor and speculation abort Burts’ sexuality as, “I’m sorry. It’s really none of my business.” I admire him as an example of a courageous and talented artist, an example of an ethical person who fought for his and other people’s freedom of expression and success. Thanks for the question.
Thanks for your response, Brent. I have a feeling you did go a bridge too far.
Perhaps, if there is any redemption in this, it would be to illustrate how inappropriate and potentially damaging for all concerned participating in rumor might be. When I think about how much Burt Lancaster’s story telling through the medium of film, and the example of his life, has made a positive difference in my life, I must admit I regret it. Disrespectful to go there, much like what many of the characters he brought to the screen illustrated. Like many of his portraits of flawed human beings, illustrating the fallibility there for all of us, I stand exposed as an example of human fallibility, and perhaps the redemption of insight and the possibility for growth.
Glad to hear that things have panned out well, Mardy.
An excellent choice for a topic and Loreena’s voice! Take care and have a good week. All the best, John.
Thanks, John. Loreena's voice is hauntingly beautiful, isn't it?
I enjoyed the video/music - thanks
also have enjoyed! kissing for many years!
I remember when I first learned about French kissing, told to me, not experienced yet, by friends, & I thought 'how gross!', went home & told my parents. I told my parents just about everything. I will NEVER forget the look they exchanged w/ each other as I described what I had learned. 😏I also remember seeing my dad pat my mom on her rear often as he walked by, or while she was cooking, etc.... they had a marvelous relationship; she died way too young, age 42.
Thanks for sharing your memories, dj. How neat that you were able to share such matters with your parents. Very rare. And what a tragedy to lose your mom at such a young age.
How on earth did I miss this one first time around? I'm so glad I caught it on reprise!! Mardy, I hope your problems resolve easily. Our good news is that the blind miracle cat will be coming home tomorrow....she's still blind, but now she has a knee brace but no broken bones. She survived jaw surgery and wants to come home. She will return to her former sweetness soon and we'll all be able to give and get her kisses! About kissing...I live in a culture where kissing is 'routine'...not romantic smooching, but kissing upon greeting people you know. Kisses on both cheeks and if it's a really special someone, an extra 3rd kiss. This is a very 'tactile' culture. The best kisser I ever met was the love of my life...I lost him a few years ago (after more than 50 years) but I remember his kisses.... and miss them still.
Thanks for your kind words, Arlene. Glad to hear the cat is doing well. I'm just happy to learn that you had a great kisser in your life--and for such a long time. If you're anything like me, you get to re-experience some of them in your dreams!
Both sleeping dreams and 'day dreams'... it was the most unusual relationship... Thanks for being the catalyst for today's flash-back.
ahhhh, hugs & kisses out to you & your kitty! My now gone kitty once had an awful accident w/ his paw, we thought he would lose it w/ most of his leg. He was kept at the vet for 3 months while healing. Side note, the dog at the same time had something going on when she needed to be kept for a few days, towards the end of the cat's healing. They had NEVER done this before, but agreed to put the 2 of them into the same cage (dog was small 13 lbs). They were best buds & were a hit at the vet. The cat healed purrfectly; the dog later had to have her leg amputated, but she, too, healed & lived another 8 yrs, as a tripawd.
Mardy, you are the Maven of Quotes! Of course you knew about Parker's poem. BUT...here's something so typical of my life.... While mentioning my 'captain' ( love of my life ) earlier, I was surprised to accidentally bump into this song while avoiding 'news' ...This song was 'our song'... No one does it better than Andre Bochelli.... Besame Mucho... perfect song for today's retro topic!! ENJOY https://youtu.be/fTxcrjBGves?list=RDfTxcrjBGves
Thanks, Arlene, I've always loved that song!
I think your vet was smart. Good for all of you. That's amazing. Hope you will consider accepting another furbabe into your life. Good for you and good for him/her. In addition to 3 blind cats, we also have a 3-legged outdoor cat and had (years ago) a Boxer mix with a missing paw. she never knew she was handicapped. Nice to find yet another animal lover here.
Mardy, you are right. I missed the Dorothy Parker quote ... I need to stop trying to do a 'first read' while still in bed on Sunday mornings. Using my mobile phone doesn't let me appreciate your efforts fully....small screen. I usually re-read it from the PC in the office later with my morning cuppa... This time, I got caught up in the memories of the theme.
No problem, Arlene, Memories will do that!!!
Thanks for a great post, Dr. Mardy. I spent several hours ruminating on it and its ancillary inclusions,
Gratefully,
Jerry M.
Thanks, Jerry, so happy to hear you enjoyed the post/
I hope you are getting well past the problems of last week. Sending good thoughts!
I really enjoyed the comments here. Such great stories. It's been fun to think about the special kisses in my life. :-)