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November 3, 1971 Dear Ref and Lila: I have been meaning to write ever since Ref's nice letter came months ago, but the days vanish one by one and I don't accomplish it along with many other things. I hope you both are recovering and finding some satisfactions in your lives. One thing I must as Lila to do if she can possibly manage it: somehow, Laurie Leviton didn't get asked to the reception. His feelings were badly hurt since he feels (Evie too) very close to you. Could you write them a note and make them feel loved again? I did write a note to the USSR consul, as you suggested. However, he never acknowledged it and seems very busy on the society page so I guess he doesn't need me after all. Holland brought Valerian Nesterov here to see the Rivera paintings, however, and found him a charming guy. He is sending my photographs of the paintings by diplomatic pouch (this always makes me see in my mind's eye a diplomat looking like a kangaroo) to mascot so they'll get to the Pushkin or the Ministry of Culture or wherever. A letter from the Pushkin says that they are indeed interested in buying the paintings. I had my hysterectomy at Kaiser three weeks ago come tomorrow. I'm recovering more quickly than most, but still have very little energy. I did get my portrait of Frederick Douglass done in the time for the Art Festival, where it won purchase prize. As soon as I have enough energy to go out and scrounge a mailing tube, I'll send you a copy. My printing press has arrived, but is still in the crate. Are you going to be in Mexico this winter? Pele and I are trying to think of ways to escape Christmas, and flying to Mexico was one of them. I still haven't been able to cope with the Rivera material. If I were more energetic (and a writer) I'd do a book. But so far I've done nothing. Let me know what's doing. love, Emmy Lou