It is hard to believe that it was a year ago, February 12, 2011, that we all lost our dear dear Betty.....I cannot believe that a whole year has actually gone by....I miss her more than I can put into words. We all do. 
Betty was a rare and special person in every one's life who knew her and in the lives of all those who loved her work as an actress, too.....There are so many times I want to pick up the phone and call her---especially in the wee hours of the morning when I knew she would be up....She was a 'night owl' and it was one of the things we had in common. Just about 2:30am or so, I might be calling her, or she might be calling me. I think I miss those phone calls more than anything else......When you reach a certain age, there aren't that many people around who not only knew you, but who knew your family, too...I mean your mother and your father!
That's Betty over on the right side next to Joyce Van Patten, and I'm next to my father with the scarf on my head---We were at my father's house for lunch---it was 1963, the group from "Spoon River" on Broadway---Joyce and I are the only one's left from this picture..... 
My mother and me, in Betty's Dressing Room at the Belasco Theatre, during "Spoon River", 1963-64.....My mother was quite ill at the time........
My friendship with Betty went back a long way, and before we met and became friends, she was in my life as a performer on Broadway, 1946, "CALL ME MISTER" (above).....Our actual friendship began in 1962 and lasted till the day she died.....Almost 50 years.....I've been thinking about her a lot these last few weeks---just as her boys have, too....her 'boys', who are such wonderful men....so devoted to her...such wonderful sons and such wonderful daughters-in-law, too....and than there is her very special granddaughter. 
I know Betty is much on all of their minds these days, and of course, always in their hearts.....Mine, too.....And speaking of Hearts....Betty loved Valentines Day and would always send these very dear cards to many people, which were always different from each other and very personalized....So....Here is a Valentine to you dear Betty.....And to all of you out there in the Blogesphere---my dear blog buddies.....A Very Happy Valentines Day to each of you and to all of you......Cherish those you love and hold them very close.......
More To Come.........
- had this to say:
Wow I can't believe it's a year either. How time flies. I love all the photos, and how lovely that she sent beautiful Valentines cards like that too. What a very special lady she was. I love the photo of you with your mother too.
Happy Valentines day to you!!! Although we don't celebrate until the 14th, I'll say it early to you!!- Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 12:20:00 AM PST
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beautiful memories Naomi..it's so hard to believe when someone we love is gone.. we keep expecting to turn around and they will be there ..and we could go on living again.
- Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 2:12:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
everyone should have a friend like you
to be so loved when alive and so missed after moving on
to be so appreciated
you're a dear, kind heart Naomi and I can imagine how much Betty loved you
it's been a tough year for you and yet you move forward and honor all around you
I adore you
Hope sends hugs
I'm always awake, you can always call me
I don't know your old days but I am amusing and ridiculous- Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 3:48:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi, I also can't believe it's a year either. I know how hard it have been don't have Betty near you anymore... I am so sorry for you and for Betty's family too.
I remember so well all your posts you did with Betty, all your photos of the lovely "Ladies Who Lunch"... Looks like I knew Betty too...
So precious memories you have of your dear Betty! So moving and beautiful tribute you did to Betty here.
So lovely cards, Naomi! Happy Valentines day to you too.- Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 9:35:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
How time passes. She was a very special person so it is no wonder you miss her. You have so many dear memories of your friend so I hope you find some comfort in these. Sending much hugs from across the ocean.
- Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 12:13:00 PM PST
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It can't have been a year. I know it has been so hard for you. This is a wonderful post about a once in a lifetime friend. One you can easily call at 2:30 in the AM is a rare blessing.
My bestest ever friend passed 15 years ago and I still think about her. As time pass, the memories bring so much more joy than pain. Hope you are there or soon will be.
I had just read about Whitney. Such a shock.- Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 3:42:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Does it get a little easier as time passes? I hope so for all our sakes. Betty is still alive in so many people's hearts. You were both blessed to have found each other.
I am lucky enough to have two friends from age 2 and every time I speak to them on the phone I'm a kid again.
As Joey says Happy Valentine's Day and thank you for the lovely photos and cards.
Your choice for Whitney was simply beautiful. I hope she is now free.- Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 4:04:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I'm listening to Whitney as I type, and i'm going to watch the Bodyguard tonight.
- Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 8:07:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Wonderful post, dear. I know Betty is smiling.
Cheers.- Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 11:06:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi, if you go to my blog and go back a couple of days there are some photos of the birds in my garden.
- Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 12:34:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
A year? hmmmm Time does pass too quickly!!!! What a lovely memory you have made for us!!!
- Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 6:05:00 PM PST
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Where did the year go? It doesn't seem like it was that long ago. My thoughts are with you.
- Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 7:07:00 PM PST
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So hard to believe that it's been a year already. Doesn't hardly seem possible. You were blessed to have known each other and to become such good friends. So wonderful that you have your lovely memories of all the good times you shared.
I was saddened to hear of Whitney passing away at such a young age. Such a voice she had! I remember seeing her on TV for the first time back all those years ago, and I thought to myself that some people can sing, but this woman can "SING!"
Hope you are doing well Naomi. Big hugs to you!!!- Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 9:29:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Happy Valentine's Day, Naomi!!!!!
I was single for most of my life and just hated this holiday. It always drove home the idea that I was alone. This would be the day I would most likely get drunk and curse every host in every restaurant that asked if I was dining ALONE. Ha! And then life turned on a dime, as it often does, and I would find love after 40. A truly delightful mid-life surprise.
Whitney! I am beyond sad and a little angry. She was so beautiful, had such poise, and that VOICE!!! I nearly wore out my cd of "Waiting to Exhale". Such a loss for all of us. And all of us were powerless to help her. It had to come from within her, and she just couldn't do it. But how lucky are we to have had her for the time that we did....which leads me to Betty. How blessed are YOU to have had her so close for 50 years!!!
And now take it one step further....how blessed are WE to have YOU?! You are just a keystroke away for all of us. I think that I can speak for everyone who follows you that we just adore you!!!
Now let me digress.....The BAFTAs....Meryl won and I would think the Brits would know better than us Yanks just how well she portrayed Ms. Thatcher. And "The Artist" winning so many awards. Wow. My personal opinion is that Octavia and Christopher will win Oscars, but everything else is up for grabs. Christopher was terrific. I did not like the film as much as you did as my father died of cancer and we had to use restraints on him as he was constantly pulling his oxygen out of his nose. The film made me relive it again and it was really painful. It was just a momentary scene but it packed a terrible punch for me.
I'm feeling chatty tonight, can you tell? Haha!
I just love you, dear lady of the hills and I hope that you have a lovely Valentine's Day.
Stan
XOXO- Monday, February 13, 2012 at 9:51:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Such a sweet memorial to your friend.
Pearl- Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 8:01:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Betty was quite a woman, mother, friend...and a wonderful and talented entertainer! I'm sure she is missed by so many people, and I love those cards she sent on Valentine's Day! What a special lady and I know you enjoyed a long and beautiful friendship. I had no idea how far back you actually went until I saw the picture of her with your father in the early 60s. Wow!
Happy Valentine's Day to you, Naomi!! ♥ Hope your heart is full of joy today.
PS - I just received "Midnight in Paris" from Netflix. Can't wait to watch it. You know I'll be thinking of you when I do. :)- Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 8:46:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
so true, the heart does remember
- Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 9:15:00 AM PST
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It's crazy how fast time goes by.
Happy Valentine's Day!- Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 12:42:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Lovely post.
- Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 3:43:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
thinking of you, sugar. xoxoxox
- Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 3:32:00 AM PST
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I agree with you, what a wonderful and singular voice! It was so sad....Thanks for the beautiful videos of the great Whitney Houston.
- Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 7:33:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
A very touching post, Naomi. You have us all missing her even though we haven't met her. The loss of those late night phone calls you speak of really hit me. I am forever trying to wrap my head around death, how a life can just stop.
It's so sad about Whitney Houston. She was one amazing talent, for sure.- Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 9:54:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I 'met' Betty on your blog and more through the reading of her book, and I am better for it. That is the beauty of such a person. When I read this post originally (my email account betrayed me horribly--I can no longer access it!), I suddenly remembered Feb 12---my great aunt Violet's birthday. It was very early in the day, but she has only been gone two years and it hit me hard at that moment. She would be 105 on Feb. 12th...I miss her so; but, I rejoice at having known her. Such is life.
PS--Jennifer Hudson did not hit that high note and Hudson is a fantastic singer, but no one hit it like Whitney. Such is life that I KNOW how that note exists so perfectly in that song.- Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 11:08:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I'm glad you have such wonderful memories Naomi, and I hope you had a sweet Valentines day. xoxo
- Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 3:06:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi, this is such a beautiful and touching post and such a heartfelt memorial to a dear friend. It's hard to say goodbye to a friend; I think most of us have, and it hurts for a long, long while.
You have been in my thoughts lately. We've talked about our dear cat-children. My Gypsy is nearing his time, and like you, I am so very sad. We're grabbing the moments we can. I'm very grateful you reminded me of the movies. I have one, and I know that in due course, I will cherish it. Sending love this day-after Valentine's DAy.- Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 7:25:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
No one ever had a better friend than Betty had in you.
- Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 10:53:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I absolutely agree with Lydia.
- Monday, February 27, 2012 at 8:13:00 AM PST
x4
