Across The Way Thread #22472
| For Barry |
| Created By | ReporterGirl |
| Created Date | Wed, Sep 17, 2008 |
| Created Time | 11:33PM GMT |
| User | Date | | ReporterGirl | 9/17/2008 11:33:11 PM | | BARRY | 9/23/2008 11:32:31 PM | | ReporterGirl | 9/24/2008 12:12:52 AM | | tanja | 1/4/2009 8:58:10 PM | | BARRY | 2/22/2010 2:45:00 AM | | BARRY | 3/1/2010 10:47:51 PM | | dogpaddle | 5/8/2010 4:51:05 PM | | dogpaddle | 5/8/2010 5:06:12 PM |
| Total Messages For This Thread: 8 |
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| Author | Message #66880 |
| ReporterGirl | Subject | For Barry
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| Posted | Wed, Sep 17, 2008 11:33PM GMT | Method | Web-Site |
| Dear Barry:
I am 46 years old. About a month ago I saw a movie called "Into the Wild" with Emile Hersche. I was so impressed with the young actor that I did an internet search on him. I read that he reminds some of "River Phoenix." So I decided to do a search on River Phoenix. I have heard his name over the years, but never knew the specifics of his story. I haven't been able to quit since then. I have read everything I could online, ordered all his movies (the only one I had seen was Stand By Me).
I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me until I received your book in the mail last week. I read it in two days. I am so happy to find out that I am not a crazy, obsessed person, but rather one of many who are so intrigued by this vulnerable, loving, enigmatic young man.
I have only lived in Gainesville for two years and was shocked to find River's connection here. I found myself compelled to walk through Sun Center last week where it seems River spent so many happy times. It appears to me the Hardback Cafe has been torn down, and that Kesl's is no longer there. However, as I walked past another cafe, the Madonna song was playing over the speaker that was playing in the cafe in MOPI. I drove past the Micanopy ranch and like you, I don't know what is driving me.
I have a son who is 20 years old and struggles with drug addiction. So much of my fascination with River could be because of the similarities between he and River as far as physical appearance, and the fact that he is, not unlike River, torn between the desire to be drug-free and the friends to which he cannot say no. My son has been called "Hollywood handsome" and has so many talents, a person with endless potential. But he has spent many a time sobbing on my shoulder because of his frustration.
None of us, not even he can find the root of his pain.
I told him about River Phoenix and gave him the book. I feel like I am being driven by some force. I know this sounds crazy, but maybe knowing what happened to River, a beautiful, talented, and well-loved person, just like my son, will enable him to find the strength to beat this.
I have my own ideas about River's deep pain. I do not think that John Phoenix is his father and that he was struggling with that sense of identity, among other things.
Thank you for writing the book. I have some questions to post later. Karen
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| Author | Message #66892 |
| BARRY | Subject | Re: For Barry
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| Posted | Tue, Sep 23, 2008 11:32PM GMT | Method | Web-Site |
| Hi Karen, first off I would like to say that I hope your son is able to perhaps gain some insight into himself by reading my book about River. I hope he in any case will be able to free himself from drugs. Be there for him and watch over him and always tell him that you love him. If there is something in his life that is missing, or he is missing (ask him) and help him to find it.
I send both of you my best thoughts.
I am glad you liked the book and was wondering if you have gone to any of the other places mentioned there in Gainsville?
Do you know if Jim Kessel and Bill Perry are still in town?
Thanks for posting
BARRY
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| Author | Message #66901 |
| ReporterGirl | Subject | Re: For Barry
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| Posted | Wed, Sep 24, 2008 12:12AM GMT | Method | Web-Site |
| Dear Barry:
Thank you for your kind response. Where is the Hyde and Zeke you refer to? Is that where Bill Perry works? My other son, age 19, is a musician and he has never mentioned that place. Is it on University Avenue? I might look for it this weekend and will let you know. Might be kind of crowded downtown this weekend. (Gator football)
I walked around the Sun Center trying to find the places you mentioned in your book. Like I said, I believe that the Hardback Cafe is no longer there (torn down). There is no such address and the brick wall behind the building in the book's picture is now painted. There is now a Starbucks and apartment building across from the Sun Center. And I still can't figure out where Kesl's was located. I'm wondering if it is where the "Liquid Ginger" is now. I am going to ask one of the "Gainesville natives" next time I have the opportunity.
In doing an internet search on Hardback Cafe, it seems a lot of Gainesvillians were upset when it was closed. There was actually a riot, complete with riot squad. I work in the new criminal justice center (built in 2004), which is just across the street from Sun Center on Main Street.
Every Wednesday there is a little festival of sorts in the Sun Center. I hate to say it, but there are a lot of hippies, tie-dyed shirts, fresh vegetables, and other items being sold. Usually, there are acoustic guitarists playing some mellow music. It really is cool. I think RP would have enjoyed it, and I have a feeling that is why he liked the epicenter so much.
I wonder if the Gainesville Fitness Center where River and his friend Josh belonged is the location on Newberry Road. I also belong there. I figured it was a new center, but maybe not. Let me know about that. Many young people in this area are vegan (including my daughter, age 17).
I went to get my hair done. The person who does my hair is 23. She told me she is from Micanopy so I asked her if she had ever heard of River Phoenix. To my shock and surprise she told me her mother was a huge River fan and had told her all about him. She wrote me out clear directions to the family homestead. So I drove out there. I am still not sure which house it is. I found one that has a brick security gate so I assume that it is. The security gate is on Whiting. Does that sound familiar to you?
I found Liberty's store called "Indigo" that is just seconds from the Sun Center. However, there weren't any available parking places so I decided not to go in. I wasn't going to say anything, just take a look. It was also fun to see that Joaquin actually received a speeding ticket here in Alachua County!
I hope I can tell you a bit of trivia that perhaps you don't know. The movie "Devil's Advocate" with Keanu Reeves mentions several times "Gainesville" and "Alachua County." Coincidence? Supposedly, Keanu's character is a lawyer from Gainesville, Florida. I don't think the movie was shot here, but the town mentioned several times throughout the movie.
Thanks for writing the book. Now that the family and close friends have seen that you did not exploit River's memory, perhaps they would cooperate with a sequel. Then you can come back to Gainesville and I be your apprentice!!!
Have a wonderful evening.
Karen
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| Author | Message #67200 |
| tanja | Subject | Re: For Barry
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| Posted | Sun, Jan 04, 2009 08:58PM GMT | Method | Web-Site |
| Hey,I also watched "Into the wild" and I was fascinated of the movie and Emile Hirsch too.He reminded me in some ways of River.I was also very touched when I read about your son..I hope he will manage to stay clean and find his way..
Best wishes
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| Author | Message #68569 |
| BARRY | Subject | Re: For Barry
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| Posted | Mon, Feb 22, 2010 02:45AM GMT | Method | Web-Site |
| Hello again Karen, Hyde and Zeke was on University ave. But I have heard it has closed. I thought I would include some pictures I have that might interest you 'specially in finding their driveway.
Here is their gate and driveway, note the sign, I don't know if that is still there.
Next photos of Montezuma CR
last pictures of Johns driveway.
BARRY
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| Total Messages: 8 |
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