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 Foreword from Butch:
"Mahalo" means "thank you" in Hawaiian, but cannot adequately express my gratitude to the nice people who have taken the time to send me compliments about my music or performance. Mahalo no ("Thank you very much")!
Received: 3 December 2003 from Kay McLaren
Recently I sailed on the NCLStar with old friends, Sandy (we live in suburbs of Chicago), as well as Mardell and Tom from Houston (he and my late husband had been friends since childhood and he (they) still remain close to me. The cruise was far better than I had expected (I had owned a travel agency for many years and NCL was not on the top of my list). However, one of the best things on the cruise was hearing you. At the moment I am playing 'Butch Live at Waikiki' which I purchased from you.
My list of favorite performers is rather lengthy i.e. Bob Seger, Roger Whitaker, Placido Domingo, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Josh Groban (new to my list) and now Butch O'Sullivan. I will probably order your Hawaiian CD. The first time we went to Hawaii (l970) we fell in love with the islands (our personal favorite was Mauna Kea on the bid island). Tried talking daughter #1 into attending the U of H; told her she couldn't come home for holidays because we would visit her instead. She didn't buy it but then I have no regrets because she lives less than 1 mile from me and has an adorable 5 year old boy. She is an art director for an advertising agency so marine biology was of no interest to her.
My friends had never been to Hawaii before and hopefully they will want to return some day. How can you leave on a cruise every week and leave that darling grandson? It just seems like a lonely life but reading your bio, you apparently have spent most of your adult life on the road and alone. Looking at the clock I see I have several things to do before I pick up a granddaughter to take her to her guitar lesson (another granddaughter, 13, plays the saxaphone) but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your music. If there were someone like you at a lounge in my area I probably would become a 'lounge lizard'.
Mele Kalikima and Happy Holidays,
Kay McLaren
Chicago, IL
Received: 6 November 2003 from Ann Owens
Dear Butch,
Butch, I hope everything is going well with you. We still talk about our great trip to Hawaii and meeting you and hearing you sing and play. They are memories we will never forget. I know I won't forget because I play your tape everytime I get in the car. I had to let you know about something that I think is really great. Paul for the last couple of years has wanted a Go-Cart for Christmas. But, thanks to you and the impression you made on him he has decided to get a guitar and take lessons. I can't thank you enough. Talk to you later.
Ann Owens
Atlanta, GA
Received: 13 October 2003 from Bob Haozous
Butch: I just checked out your 3D and 2D work on your website. Great stuff. I can't wait to see where the slate carvings carry you. FYI - Allan did some medals that are available on the Internet if you look (and can beat my son Sam to the draw). I remember he used a 13 inch plaster disc to carve on and had it reduced. I did one for the Allan Houser Memorial Award using one of Allan's designs to be given to artists who actually focus on Native people instead of directly on the market (concurrent with the Governors Awards for Excellence in the Arts).
I carved an actual size slate disc and had it cast in bronze for the AH Foundation. It was fun, but just an exercise. Keep doing your work in the arts, it's inspiring. I find that in my studio (my safe zone) I can go to war, make peace or love and dream - as long as there isn't any interference from the outside. I saw my Mom on Sunday and told her you wished her the best. She just smiled.
Your friend,
BH
Santa Fe, NM
Received: 3 October 2003 from Michael and Penny Herman
Dear Butch:
Just a quick note to say hello and that we hope you are still entertaining the masses on the ship.
We had such a great honeymoon that 2-months later, we are still talking about it!
While we were both disappointed to some degree in the poor quality of Customer Service displayed by Norwegian Cruise Lines' Staff, we very much enjoyed your singing and your music. The entertainment on the ship was sensational!
I especially wish to thank you for serenading my bride, Penny, with your music. As I told you at the time, it meant a lot to the both of us.
So we're back to reality, trying to make it in Showbiz here in Los Angeles. The holidays are upon us and we're looking to start our family in the next couple of months.
We hope the ship is great and that you are loving life and all it has to offer.
Be well, and if you have a chance, send us a hello from Aloha.
Michael J. and Penny Herman, Newlyweds
Burbank, CA
Received: 29 September 2003 from Ann & Edwin Owens
Dear Butch,
We certainly did enjoy your music. Wish we had discovered you on the first night of the cruise. We are the owens family with the grandson Paul who had the ukelele that couldn't be tuned. He was fascinated by your playing and we thoroughly enjoyed you. We are also enjoying the CD. If you can reply perhaps we can order others. If you are ever in atlanta give us a call.
Your New Friends
Ann & Ed Owens
Atlanta, GA
Received: 16 September 2003 from Lou Mello
Hi Butch,
I am enclosing my favorite photo of you and I and the captain at the Grand Atrium. I thought you might pass the extra copy to him. I truly enjoyed myself on the cruise- the food, the entertainment, and I (and John Denver) doing what we most enjoy. I thank you for allowing me the experience. My friends and family are very impressed.
I really enjoyed you copies of Flutter Bylines which I have read thoroughly. Very interesting! I hope you will remember me when you issue your next edition. I have shared the gems of wisdom in the 2 copies you gave me. All agree that they are, not only entertaining, but also interesting and informative.
I have signed up for a course at the local library here to learn how to communicate via the internet, e-mail, etc.. It does seem, as you suggest in your bulletin (The Changing Reality Ianuali 2003) that all of us "illiterate" get with it. I have friends scattered about that I would like very much to stay in touch with. So, I'm making a start anyway.
As you may have heard, we are bracing for a hurricane here. It is expected to hit the mid-Atlantic area (where I am located) in the next couple of days.
As I write this, I have the Statler Bothers ion my CD player doing a cute song that I like. Remember Walking In The Sunshine? We'll have to put that in our repertoire! It's a happy little tune with a nice beat. I must get ready for work now. I tutor at a learning center for the luxuries of food, clothing and shelter. Hah!
I hope to hear from you from time to time.
Take care and God Bless.
Cordially,
Lou Mello
Glen Burnie, MD
Received: 12 September 2003 from Marie Shearer
Dear Butch:
ALOHA!!!!!!!! My aunt Margie Sullivan, from Alabama had the fine pleasure of your singing while on board the Star from August 24th till the 31st. Needless to say her and my Mom and dad whom were with her on the ship also, were delighted by your wonderful music. Margie wore my CD player out, and I do mean totally out, playing your CD and raving about you. She went ahead and stayed another week with us here at Schofield (my husband and I are stationed here, we are Army) If you should get a chance call us and give us some info on how to get your CD's, please do so for she will not be leaving us till Sept 11th, Margie loves your music so much that it would make her day to get the rest of your CDs plus an autograph picture would just make her day. After all you are quite some eye candy on those tight fitting jeans she says you wore, she would had gone back on the boat for another week if you would have just asked her to.
Thanks for all the memories and for making her and my parents enjoy the trip so much.
Marie Shearer
Wahiawa, HI
P.S. Lots of fond memories from Margie. Aloha!!!!!!!
Received: 12 September 2003 from Vince & Florina Diaco
Dear Butch,
I'm glad you liked the t-shirt and it was a perfect fit. The picture is a good one. Thanks for the great memories during our stay on the Norwegian. There are times when Vince and I say, we wish we were back on the ship. Our honeymoon flew by... that means it was great.
I'm glad you're doing well. Vince plays the ukulele once in a while. I hope I learn to play it soon. We're both back at school. It's been a rough and busy start. We're survivors, we'll make it. Hope to here from you soon.
Regards,
Florina and Vince
Norwalk, CT
*****
--- Original Message ----
From: Butch
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2003
I received the t-shirt and the pic. Mahalo for sending it! It's the right
size. That's a nice pic of us three too- great smiles.
I'm glad that the ukulele is a reminder of your trip. But remember, it is
a beautiful, quality, musical instrument, you should learn to play it.
You two have so much positive energy. Keep it up. You make the world a better place too. The world needs more of you.
I'm still on the ship and doing fine. It's Sun and always my day of less
sleep since I get off the ship to get home to p/u the mail.
Be good to yourselves. Aloha no- Butch
Received: 3 September 2003 from Carol Wilke
Alooooha from Commerce, Georgia,
Well, I'm back from the Norwegian Star and into the real world. What a cultural shockit is! It is like returning from Fantasy Island. The cruise was everything I expected it to be and more. The food was great, the shows entertaining, the scenery out of the world; however, the crew made the cruise. I have never been more pampered in my life by such friendly people from so many different places. Also, I would like to say how much I enjoyed your nightly shows. Your magnificent talent was obvious through the variety of songs you sung and your involvement with the audience by singing their requests. I also enjoyed sitting and chatting with you after the show. Mary and I have had a few rough spots on the road of life lately and people like you have made it easier to travel across them. Maybe sometime in the future will we cruise again and be lucky enough to have you on board providing the entertainment.
Mahalo for the entertainment and friendship.
Take care,
Carol
Commerce, GA
PS The Butch CDs I bought will soon have a hole in them from playing them so much. They bring back many memories of a wonderful cruise. Mahalo again.
Received: 2 September 2003 from Lillian
Hi Butch,
Just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed your music, and camlness that you give out to one. I am Lillian... the pianist, vocalist... I was traveling on the Norwegian Cruise Line the week of June 22nd, 2003. Would sure love to hear from you some time. Thanks for your lovely music and charm and sincerity.
Aloha,
Lillian
Received: 3 September 2003 from Mary Hill
Hi, Butch!
Thanks for making the week of August 24-31, 2003 a wonderful vacation. It was nice meeting you. I enjoyed your singing, music and friendship! You are a very SPECIAL GENTLEMAN! I will always remember you. You made the cruise WONDERFUL! Thanks! I listen to your music every night just like on the STAR.
My daughter, Angela, also loved your music and singing. She is my only daughter. I have the two sons. Chris, the youngest son gets married September 20, 2003 in Athens, Georgia.
Reality wasn't easy to face after such a wonderful cruise.
I am sorry that I have not written to you earlier. I have had jet lag bad.
We got no sleep on the plane coming home Sunday night. A baby cried most of the way to Atlanta. I just hope his ears were not hurting.
(...)
I like your web page. I enjoyed looking at it. The flowers on your web page, are they all in your yard? I love flowers. I have some pretty ones also.
(...)
Take care and happy cruising!
Please let me hear from you when you have time.
Mary Hill
Commerce, GA
Received: 23 August 2003 from Kris Peterson
Butch:
I was just listening to my "Butch Sings Hawaiian" cassette and feeling very nostalgic for Hawaii and the three years I was stationed there while in the Air Force. I so enjoyed hearing you sing at the Charthouse and at the Hale Koa.
I'd been meaning to look you up on the web since I recalled that even back then you were high-tech (so of course you've been on the web for ages).
I've got an old photo somewhere taken with you and your singing partner (was it Al?) at the Hale Koa. Maybe it'll jog your memory and you'll remember me although you've probably met thousands of Butch groupies over the years...
Anyway, it's been nice to view your web site and get a glimpse of an old friend.
Kris Peterson (then, Kris Shelley)
Received: 20 August 2003 from Cherrin Pugmire
Hi Butch!
When I returned from my latest fire, your CD was waiting for me. It is WONDERFUL! I love it! The trumpet is excellent! That makes one more very well done piece of artwork from you. I love your handwriting. I am going to save the mailing case for the CD because I love your script.
While I was on the fire, I thought of you often. I cannot see a butterfly without thinking of you and there was one in the area that kept coming back. It landed on one of the tree fallers. Interestingly enough it picked the one that said he wanted to be lucky. It never ceases to amaze me how spiritual life is. Just a side note about the tree fallers, they clear any trees deemed dangerous so that crews can safely walk through the burned areas to check for hotspots. We had A LOT of dangerous snags and partially burned trees.
Tomorrow I am off to Utah to a family reunion on my husband's side and then to drop my oldest daughter off at my parents so she can go to college there. I will miss her quite a bit. She has been my errand runner and transportation assistant.
Be sure to let me know if you are planning on any more CDs. If you ever do prints of your sketches let me know. On the other hand if you just 'happen' to have one that needs a home, be sure to think of me!
Good Thoughts!
Cherrin
Snohomish, WA
Received: 18 August 2003 from Betty Stone
Our Cruise on the Norwegian Star on June 15-21-03 was the best ever. The food was great,the crew could not have been nicer, the ship was beautiful. I loved the stop on Fanning Island & all the other stops & all the shore excursions. The luau was so much fun. The entairnment on board ship was fabulous but by far the best of all was the variety solist Butch O`sullivan in the Grand Atrium. His interaction with his audiance had everyone captivated and he was so sincere you knew he really loves people and wants his music to "Make the world abetter place" which is his motto. I would eagerly go again on this cruise if given the oppurtunity.
Betty Stone, Gail & Barry Corbin, Jennifer & Timmy Nicholson
Dalton, GA
*****
(This family sat by the railing up in the Endless Summer Restaurant and watched me the whole time that they had dinner. Then they came down and sat in the Lounge the rest of the nite. After that they were in my audience every nite requesting songs. They never went to the other shows. As I rememeber, they requested "Tiny Bubbles" for their mother, Betty. They are very nice people and invited me to their house in GA- not too far from Chatanooga, TN.)
Received: 28 July 2003 from Fran Born
Hi Butch!
It is not a surprise that the entertainment is rated so high. I found the tape that Mother bought when we took the Hawaii cruise and even though I already have a copy, it came home with me. Up to the time she died, she loved listening to you sing. Thanks for being such an angel to the two of us on our trip (SS Independence, 1998).
Fran Born
Grand Junction, CO
(Another, earlier letter from Betty Stone from Dalton, GA)
Received: 11 July 2003 from Betty Stone
Aloha Butch,
Thank so much for your prompt reply to my letter. I know you stay very busy with your entertaining, family, yard work and your volunteer work at schools and nursing homes. I am impressed with that area. I do a lot of volunteering at a nursing home and the local Alzheimer's Association, that's very dear to my heart.
I wanted to let you know I received the CD's intact and promptly. Three came last Tuesday and the last one today. Don't know why they got separated but that's ok. My daughter is loving them almost as much as I do.
We have been visiting your web site when I go over to visit Barry & Gail and I've really been enjoying it. We're planning a "picture viewing party" soon to share everybody's pictures of our cruise. We'll get dressed up in our Hawaiian things we bought with leis, shirts, skirts, shoes, etc. We'll have it at the clubhouse in the condominium complex where I live. You see there were actually 18 in our group including my sister, her husband & family and extended family members. Bet you can't guess what our music will be! Yup- "Butch sings Hawaiian," "Butch...Live at Waikiki," "& "Butch...A Postcard from Paradise." Maybe even "Thoughts of Christmas," by Butch.
Well, I guess the word I really should have used about your music is "unique", instead of unusual. I've just never hear anything like it and I absolutely fell in love with the sound. Jennifer and I had discussed your vocal range before you told me you have a 3 octave vocal range. I walked in to the Grand Atrium days before you even noticed us and I was hopelessly hooked. I'd slip back in every time I knew you'd be playing and would be absolutely blown away. I guess I'm you number one fan, now. I'm like the old saying about art- "I don't know music, but I know what I like." It's like an obsession.
I was very interested in all the places where you've entertained. Couldn't imagine you'd ever be into C&W, but I'll bet you can do anything.
Susie must be your only child. She's a very lovely young wahine (I'm learning). I have five daughters all very blonde and blue eyes.
I have a friend in the computer business and she's coming up with the components I'll need to send and receive e-mail and web sites, that I can afford. Her company also provides inter net access and she's been after me for sometime to get on line and tells me I'm missing a lot by not having it. So I'm gibing in. I'll have it all set up by august so I can see the pictures you have of Fanning Island. We also took lots of pictures way over here where we are the other side of the mainland. We don't hear about places way off in the Pacific much except on the Travel Channel.
Oh, yes, I loved the story about the butterfly on the "Butch sings Hawaiian" CD.
Always, Betty "Peke"
P.S. I hope your little grandson's party was a huge success and he jumped a lot in the "ball pit". Sounds like loads of fun.
Received: 6 July 2003 from Wilma Edmonds
Aloha,
What a pleasure to hear from you. It is also a pleasure to listen to
your CD, "Postcard," almost every day.I enjoy all the songs on this CD, however my two favorites are Maria Elena and the Moon/Bali Hai medley. WOW! How smooth. Each time I hear your voice I remember how warm and kind you were as my friends and I listened to you nightly in person.
I appreciate your encouraging words about taking care of myself, and
staying busy. I just returned from a mission trip to Virginia. where I had the opportunity to help construct a building to house food and clothing for the needy in that area. I came home a changed person. Our group plans to go back before school starts and take school supplies.
I noticed that one of your fan letters was from Diane McKelvey. At the time I met her on the cruise, I did not have an E-Mail so I did not ask her for her address. If you could help me acquire it I would appreciate it. She and Bob were so nice. I'd like to correspond with her.
I DO hop some day you could come to my beloved South Carolina... And it goes without saying that I desire to come to Paradise again. Don’t forget to keep looking for the song, "You Belong to My Heart"
It's truly a great one for you.
Mahalo for your time,
Aloha,
Wilma Edmonds
Greer, SC
Received: 5 July 2003 from Aiko Kusaba
Hi Butch!
We are back home in Culver City, CA. We had a great time on our
cruise and it was so nice meeting you.
Mike and I wish you most success on the Norwegian Star!
Bye now. Stay well.
Aiko Kusaba
Culver City, CA
Received: 1 July 2003 from Mary Fong
Hello Butch:
Yaye (Yayeko Nishino) tells me, I missed seeing you because I did not disembark with the group. My flight was at 3:20 p.m. so I stayed on board for awhile. I asked the front desk for your telephone, however, I was informed that entertainers and employees do not have phones in their rooms. I thought it would have been fun to go to the Halekulani for brunch - since I am familiar with that hotel.
I hope all is well with you and the current cruise is pleasurable. I realize you are working but joy and satisfaction is there for people like you who have the capability of seeing goodness.
I arrived home very late Sunday, actually early Monday morning. For me it was business as usual, without missing a step. My girls were busy and the usual "I have so much to tell you...!" No rest for the wicked, however I love to see my family reasonably contented and productive.
On a another note, I had two real good people looking out for me, at the airport. I left the port area in plenty of time to get to the airport. However, it appeared everyone else had the same idea. The line was a mile long. A very kindly Hawaiian lady was in line with her two daughters. She says to me, "You are first going to see the Sky Cap, then you will have to return to the back of the line to clear your ticket,
however if you look for me and my daughters we'll save you a space." I felt that was not right and headed for the back of the line. The kindly lady found me in the back of the line and said, "Where were you, we thought you were lost, come on we've saved a space for you." She pulled that off so smoothly, I hugged her and played along and said, "I couldn't find you." The whole incident was a little deceitful but I really appreciated her for doing that good deed. The second heart warming incident was from the Sky Cap who took my luggage, ticket and my ID from me and said get back in line and I'll take care of your luggage. This was a bit scary to be separated from my valuables but he took care of my luggage and came to look for me. I felt Buddha was looking after me at the airport.
Be happy, keep smiling, stay well and your handsome face and your wonderful singing will continue to bring pleasure to cruisers like me.
Aloha,
Mary Fong
Culver City, CA
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