luvgirl said:

TOB said:

The most beautiful thing about Denise is that she saw beauty in almost everything and had the ability to make you see what she was seeing. She prayed for trees, fed cats around the city, the birds and squirrels that would visit her patio. She was playful and remained a kid at heart.

She tells a story about one of her most favorite gifts. Though it was very expensive for her at the time it was the meaning that she place upon it that gave it its’ true value. When she showed me and my sons and told us about the gift it was 30 years after she receiving it, but in her telling you feel it’s’ significance remained.

She's holding that gift in a picture on the cover of the March 25, 1985 issue of Jet Magazine.

She writes:

"Back in day," and this line will always be referred to as the eighties,” Vanity 6 first toured America with Prince and the Time and were on their way to Dallas Texas. It was extremely exciting to say the least. The tour was named Prince 1999.

As we approached this magnificent city we were all on one accord, minds made up ready to shop! It was hot in Texas I recall, but when you are young no one cares especially when one has a thirst for fun. I had heard so many speak of the glamorous life of the Texans. Dallas men stood about dressed in big cowboy hats with brown, boots that clicked when they strut. Elegant woman filled the streets in racy high, heeled shoes with big, beautiful, hats and very large black sunglasses. Almost all of them were dressed in colorful sun dresses. Limos were like taxis here and we were feeling quite popular because our songs were blasting through the radio as we drove down the streets in a black stretch. And so merrily we went. Neiman Marcus I believe, to the best of my recollection, was our first stop.

I cannot hold back my feelings when describing what I saw through the looking glass window that day. I tell you this crystal purse was the loveliest piece I had ever set my eyes upon.

I was young and somewhat frivolous and I just had to touch it, I had to have it. I fell in love with what seemed to be a crystal ball of purple fire, shaped into an egg. It appeared to be an oval clutch purse, brilliant in color and extremely fragile. I could hardly catch my breath... Nothing could keep me from reaching for this delicate object at once. It was altogether royal, altogether exquisite. Without hesitation I asked to hold it in my hand. It fit in my palm as if it were designed for me. It sparkled in the light bouncing off of the ceiling all around us in every direction. I got all excited inside, I felt like a Princess. I knew it had to be mine.

It was adorned with every color of purple in the color spectrum. Lavender was my favorite color and obviously purple became Prince's. So I felt this magnificent crystal purple ball represented the love we had for each another (and the entire tour of 1999). The price was $2,500.00, Prince gave me the money. So with that said this little treasure became mine on that great lovely, sunny day. My world was filled with sparkles in my eyes and bells on my toes. It was the best gift and the most expensive purse I have ever owned. I wore it that night, I felt like an angel as together we danced the night away. It has never left my side. I have never had anything so memorably beautiful in all my life.

It is 2015 and one of my best friends, his name is Joseph has been given this royal find. He is the proud owner of this one of a kind. It has been placed in loving hands to be taken great care of for as long as this world shall last...

Thank you Joseph and Heavens blessings to you and Momma until we meet everlasting…

You might want to get a crystal glass case for it. Thank you for blessing my treasure with a new home amen...

With all my purest love Denise Matthews… formerly known as Vanity.

Wow. I shed a tear reading this beautiful story. Her excitement was palpable and infectious. It was nice to read about her in a happy moment that involved Prince. I needed that. Thank you. [Edited 2/13/17 17:51pm]

Me too - especially since it was a memory she wrote about in 2015. WOW.

Vashtix said:

pnv said:

Vashtix said:

Me too - especially since it was a memory she wrote about in 2015. WOW.

I love this story she made me feel as if I was there with her. I always admired her no matter what she was going through. I'm convinced she owned Prince's heart. Their souls and spirits were deeply connected. Its no coincidence that they parted this world within weeks of each other. In my opinion how could one exist without the other?

They existed in this world without each other for decades.

TOB said:

The most beautiful thing about Denise is that she saw beauty in almost everything and had the ability to make you see what she was seeing. She prayed for trees, fed cats around the city, the birds and squirrels that would visit her patio. She was playful and remained a kid at heart.

She tells a story about one of her most favorite gifts. Though it was very expensive for her at the time it was the meaning that she place upon it that gave it its’ true value. When she showed me and my sons and told us about the gift it was 30 years after she receiving it, but in her telling you feel it’s’ significance remained.

She's holding that gift in a picture on the cover of the March 25, 1985 issue of Jet Magazine.

She writes:

"Back in day," and this line will always be referred to as the eighties,” Vanity 6 first toured America with Prince and the Time and were on their way to Dallas Texas. It was extremely exciting to say the least. The tour was named Prince 1999.

As we approached this magnificent city we were all on one accord, minds made up ready to shop! It was hot in Texas I recall, but when you are young no one cares especially when one has a thirst for fun. I had heard so many speak of the glamorous life of the Texans. Dallas men stood about dressed in big cowboy hats with brown, boots that clicked when they strut. Elegant woman filled the streets in racy high, heeled shoes with big, beautiful, hats and very large black sunglasses. Almost all of them were dressed in colorful sun dresses. Limos were like taxis here and we were feeling quite popular because our songs were blasting through the radio as we drove down the streets in a black stretch. And so merrily we went. Neiman Marcus I believe, to the best of my recollection, was our first stop.

I cannot hold back my feelings when describing what I saw through the looking glass window that day. I tell you this crystal purse was the loveliest piece I had ever set my eyes upon.

I was young and somewhat frivolous and I just had to touch it, I had to have it. I fell in love with what seemed to be a crystal ball of purple fire, shaped into an egg. It appeared to be an oval clutch purse, brilliant in color and extremely fragile. I could hardly catch my breath... Nothing could keep me from reaching for this delicate object at once. It was altogether royal, altogether exquisite. Without hesitation I asked to hold it in my hand. It fit in my palm as if it were designed for me. It sparkled in the light bouncing off of the ceiling all around us in every direction. I got all excited inside, I felt like a Princess. I knew it had to be mine.

It was adorned with every color of purple in the color spectrum. Lavender was my favorite color and obviously purple became Prince's. So I felt this magnificent crystal purple ball represented the love we had for each another (and the entire tour of 1999). The price was $2,500.00, Prince gave me the money. So with that said this little treasure became mine on that great lovely, sunny day. My world was filled with sparkles in my eyes and bells on my toes. It was the best gift and the most expensive purse I have ever owned. I wore it that night, I felt like an angel as together we danced the night away. It has never left my side. I have never had anything so memorably beautiful in all my life.

It is 2015 and one of my best friends, his name is Joseph has been given this royal find. He is the proud owner of this one of a kind. It has been placed in loving hands to be taken great care of for as long as this world shall last...

Thank you Joseph and Heavens blessings to you and Momma until we meet everlasting…

You might want to get a crystal glass case for it. Thank you for blessing my treasure with a new home amen...

With all my purest love Denise Matthews… formerly known as Vanity.

Denise is so cute! The love that she had for P was beautiful, I hope to encounter that one day. As a young woman, there's so much about her that I admire. Although I wonder if I'm alone in saying that the first thing I noticed about her was actually her hair, I'm multiracial too and it's rare to find others with my hair type. She'd probably be happy to know that I didn't know who she was as Vanity, I grew up in church! But all of the videos that I've recently seen of her during that period in her life, I see the same inner beauty as you describe here.

"My interpretation of pretty mess: I thought she was calling herself a mess on the inside and pretty on the outside. I've definitely been there...."

purplethunder3121 said:

TOB said:

The most beautiful thing about Denise is that she saw beauty in almost everything and had the ability to make you see what she was seeing. She prayed for trees, fed cats around the city, the birds and squirrels that would visit her patio. She was playful and remained a kid at heart.

She tells a story about one of her most favorite gifts. Though it was very expensive for her at the time it was the meaning that she place upon it that gave it its’ true value. When she showed me and my sons and told us about the gift it was 30 years after she receiving it, but in her telling you feel it’s’ significance remained.

She's holding that gift in a picture on the cover of the March 25, 1985 issue of Jet Magazine.

She writes:

"Back in day," and this line will always be referred to as the eighties,” Vanity 6 first toured America with Prince and the Time and were on their way to Dallas Texas. It was extremely exciting to say the least. The tour was named Prince 1999.

As we approached this magnificent city we were all on one accord, minds made up ready to shop! It was hot in Texas I recall, but when you are young no one cares especially when one has a thirst for fun. I had heard so many speak of the glamorous life of the Texans. Dallas men stood about dressed in big cowboy hats with brown, boots that clicked when they strut. Elegant woman filled the streets in racy high, heeled shoes with big, beautiful, hats and very large black sunglasses. Almost all of them were dressed in colorful sun dresses. Limos were like taxis here and we were feeling quite popular because our songs were blasting through the radio as we drove down the streets in a black stretch. And so merrily we went. Neiman Marcus I believe, to the best of my recollection, was our first stop.

I cannot hold back my feelings when describing what I saw through the looking glass window that day. I tell you this crystal purse was the loveliest piece I had ever set my eyes upon.

I was young and somewhat frivolous and I just had to touch it, I had to have it. I fell in love with what seemed to be a crystal ball of purple fire, shaped into an egg. It appeared to be an oval clutch purse, brilliant in color and extremely fragile. I could hardly catch my breath... Nothing could keep me from reaching for this delicate object at once. It was altogether royal, altogether exquisite. Without hesitation I asked to hold it in my hand. It fit in my palm as if it were designed for me. It sparkled in the light bouncing off of the ceiling all around us in every direction. I got all excited inside, I felt like a Princess. I knew it had to be mine.

It was adorned with every color of purple in the color spectrum. Lavender was my favorite color and obviously purple became Prince's. So I felt this magnificent crystal purple ball represented the love we had for each another (and the entire tour of 1999). The price was $2,500.00, Prince gave me the money. So with that said this little treasure became mine on that great lovely, sunny day. My world was filled with sparkles in my eyes and bells on my toes. It was the best gift and the most expensive purse I have ever owned. I wore it that night, I felt like an angel as together we danced the night away. It has never left my side. I have never had anything so memorably beautiful in all my life.

It is 2015 and one of my best friends, his name is Joseph has been given this royal find. He is the proud owner of this one of a kind. It has been placed in loving hands to be taken great care of for as long as this world shall last...

Thank you Joseph and Heavens blessings to you and Momma until we meet everlasting…

You might want to get a crystal glass case for it. Thank you for blessing my treasure with a new home amen...

With all my purest love Denise Matthews… formerly known as Vanity.

Thanks TOB for sharing this with us. It's really quite special to be given this sort of insight into Denise's thoughts. It's also incredibly interesting for anyone seeking to understand further, alternative meanings to Prince's lyrics and work. It's hard to imagine, given this story, that he did not understand the significance of "crystal ball" in his writings but then again, maybe he just liked the turn of phrase.

My thoughts go out to you and Denise's family on the anniversary of her passing.

Sunny

[Edited 2/14/17 21:57pm]

CatB said:

cindyt said:

I'm not sure I think it's so great to call a relationship beautiful when denise matthews tried to leave it behind, as a Christian. Was prince into witchcraft as well? (talking about 80's and 90's) did she write about that?

There is this story of Denise having conjured up a ghost in an abandoned house and that with the help of her grandmother she found out that the ghost was her grandfather. That entity began to haunt her and she was afraid she had brought it on Prince too. She and Prince and Susan went to cemeteries at night (something I don't see P doing) to prank and scare each other. It's said that there were several ghosts, demons who haunted Prince and that they were the reason he bulldozed his houses. I don't know about all this but Prince did definitely have an affinity, fear and fascination, for the Dark. His Symbol is a merge of two alchemy symbols, he'd show up and disappear out of the blue and he had this telepathy thing going on that I have experienced myself. I think he was tuned in to the spiritual more than the average person.

I've always wondered what the source of this story was. I am reminded of his Uranus square Neptune in his natal (birth) chart...smh I will now post about it in the thread "Prince and His Relationships; Astrologically Speaking".

I've spent so much time learning the life of Denise--something I am grateful for. I think of her everyday. Denise will forever be an inspiration to my life in more ways than one can imagine. Honoring her 1-year home-going celebration, I've created this using photos from the movie she starred in: The Last Dragon. It gives me great comfort knowing that Denise has a place in heaven with God. Loving her forever.

TOB said:

The most beautiful thing about Denise is that she saw beauty in almost everything and had the ability to make you see what she was seeing. She prayed for trees, fed cats around the city, the birds and squirrels that would visit her patio. She was playful and remained a kid at heart.

She tells a story about one of her most favorite gifts. Though it was very expensive for her at the time it was the meaning that she place upon it that gave it its’ true value. When she showed me and my sons and told us about the gift it was 30 years after she receiving it, but in her telling you feel it’s’ significance remained.

She's holding that gift in a picture on the cover of the March 25, 1985 issue of Jet Magazine.

She writes:

"Back in day," and this line will always be referred to as the eighties,” Vanity 6 first toured America with Prince and the Time and were on their way to Dallas Texas. It was extremely exciting to say the least. The tour was named Prince 1999.

As we approached this magnificent city we were all on one accord, minds made up ready to shop! It was hot in Texas I recall, but when you are young no one cares especially when one has a thirst for fun. I had heard so many speak of the glamorous life of the Texans. Dallas men stood about dressed in big cowboy hats with brown, boots that clicked when they strut. Elegant woman filled the streets in racy high, heeled shoes with big, beautiful, hats and very large black sunglasses. Almost all of them were dressed in colorful sun dresses. Limos were like taxis here and we were feeling quite popular because our songs were blasting through the radio as we drove down the streets in a black stretch. And so merrily we went. Neiman Marcus I believe, to the best of my recollection, was our first stop.

I cannot hold back my feelings when describing what I saw through the looking glass window that day. I tell you this crystal purse was the loveliest piece I had ever set my eyes upon.

I was young and somewhat frivolous and I just had to touch it, I had to have it. I fell in love with what seemed to be a crystal ball of purple fire, shaped into an egg. It appeared to be an oval clutch purse, brilliant in color and extremely fragile. I could hardly catch my breath... Nothing could keep me from reaching for this delicate object at once. It was altogether royal, altogether exquisite. Without hesitation I asked to hold it in my hand. It fit in my palm as if it were designed for me. It sparkled in the light bouncing off of the ceiling all around us in every direction. I got all excited inside, I felt like a Princess. I knew it had to be mine.

It was adorned with every color of purple in the color spectrum. Lavender was my favorite color and obviously purple became Prince's. So I felt this magnificent crystal purple ball represented the love we had for each another (and the entire tour of 1999). The price was $2,500.00, Prince gave me the money. So with that said this little treasure became mine on that great lovely, sunny day. My world was filled with sparkles in my eyes and bells on my toes. It was the best gift and the most expensive purse I have ever owned. I wore it that night, I felt like an angel as together we danced the night away. It has never left my side. I have never had anything so memorably beautiful in all my life.

It is 2015 and one of my best friends, his name is Joseph has been given this royal find. He is the proud owner of this one of a kind. It has been placed in loving hands to be taken great care of for as long as this world shall last...

Thank you Joseph and Heavens blessings to you and Momma until we meet everlasting…

You might want to get a crystal glass case for it. Thank you for blessing my treasure with a new home amen...

With all my purest love Denise Matthews… formerly known as Vanity.

Too beautiful!!

tigerlilyluv said:

TOB said:

purplegirl00 said:

TOB said:

The most beautiful thing about Denise is that she saw beauty in almost everything and had the ability to make you see what she was seeing. She prayed for trees, fed cats around the city, the birds and squirrels that would visit her patio. She was playful and remained a kid at heart.

She tells a story about one of her most favorite gifts. Though it was very expensive for her at the time it was the meaning that she place upon it that gave it its’ true value. When she showed me and my sons and told us about the gift it was 30 years after she receiving it, but in her telling you feel it’s’ significance remained.

She's holding that gift in a picture on the cover of the March 25, 1985 issue of Jet Magazine.

She writes:

"Back in day," and this line will always be referred to as the eighties,” Vanity 6 first toured America with Prince and the Time and were on their way to Dallas Texas. It was extremely exciting to say the least. The tour was named Prince 1999.

As we approached this magnificent city we were all on one accord, minds made up ready to shop! It was hot in Texas I recall, but when you are young no one cares especially when one has a thirst for fun. I had heard so many speak of the glamorous life of the Texans. Dallas men stood about dressed in big cowboy hats with brown, boots that clicked when they strut. Elegant woman filled the streets in racy high, heeled shoes with big, beautiful, hats and very large black sunglasses. Almost all of them were dressed in colorful sun dresses. Limos were like taxis here and we were feeling quite popular because our songs were blasting through the radio as we drove down the streets in a black stretch. And so merrily we went. Neiman Marcus I believe, to the best of my recollection, was our first stop.

I cannot hold back my feelings when describing what I saw through the looking glass window that day. I tell you this crystal purse was the loveliest piece I had ever set my eyes upon.

I was young and somewhat frivolous and I just had to touch it, I had to have it. I fell in love with what seemed to be a crystal ball of purple fire, shaped into an egg. It appeared to be an oval clutch purse, brilliant in color and extremely fragile. I could hardly catch my breath... Nothing could keep me from reaching for this delicate object at once. It was altogether royal, altogether exquisite. Without hesitation I asked to hold it in my hand. It fit in my palm as if it were designed for me. It sparkled in the light bouncing off of the ceiling all around us in every direction. I got all excited inside, I felt like a Princess. I knew it had to be mine.

It was adorned with every color of purple in the color spectrum. Lavender was my favorite color and obviously purple became Prince's. So I felt this magnificent crystal purple ball represented the love we had for each another (and the entire tour of 1999). The price was $2,500.00, Prince gave me the money. So with that said this little treasure became mine on that great lovely, sunny day. My world was filled with sparkles in my eyes and bells on my toes. It was the best gift and the most expensive purse I have ever owned. I wore it that night, I felt like an angel as together we danced the night away. It has never left my side. I have never had anything so memorably beautiful in all my life.

It is 2015 and one of my best friends, his name is Joseph has been given this royal find. He is the proud owner of this one of a kind. It has been placed in loving hands to be taken great care of for as long as this world shall last...

Thank you Joseph and Heavens blessings to you and Momma until we meet everlasting…

You might want to get a crystal glass case for it. Thank you for blessing my treasure with a new home amen...

With all my purest love Denise Matthews… formerly known as Vanity.

Sweet story and if this is the purse she posted on her FB, it's gorgeous. TOB, DeBorah, and all of Denise's loved ones: my thoughts and prayers to you all as you remember her today on the anniversary of her home going. As you go through your day, may you all feel a peace and comfort that surpasses understanding. Blessings! I'm looking forward to Action Jackson tonight!

What time is Action Jackson tonight. I am in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States.

PaisleyPrint said:

luvgirl said:

PaisleyPrint said:

What time is Action Jackson tonight. I am in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States.

We meet in the Chat Room at 8:00. We officially press play at 8:15.

Okay, 8:00 what time zone though. Eastern, Central, Mountain?...

Chat and movie is 8pm Eastern, 7pm Central , 6pm MT, and 5pm Pacific. If LuvGirl set it up, I'm assuming she's meaning 8pm EST. If I'm wrong, someone correct me. See you all there. It's almost 5 pm where I am.

luvgirl said:

tigerlilyluv said:

I've spent so much time learning the life of Denise--something I am grateful for. I think of her everyday. Denise will forever be an inspiration to my life in more ways than one can imagine. Honoring her 1-year home-going celebration, I've created this using photos from the movie she starred in: The Last Dragon. It gives me great comfort knowing that Denise has a place in heaven with God. Loving her forever.

This is beautiful Tigerlilyluv. I'll use it in the tribute thread if you don't mind. [Edited 2/15/17 3:07am]

Thank you!

tigerlilyluv said:

Chat and movie is 8pm Eastern, 7pm Central , 6pm MT, and 5pm Pacific. If LuvGirl set it up, I'm assuming she's meaning 8pm EST. If I'm wrong, someone correct me. See you all there. It's almost 5 pm where I am.

Okay. Thanks. See yall there.

Vashtix said:

luvgirl said:

TOB said: Wow. I shed a tear reading this beautiful story. Her excitement was palpable and infectious. It was nice to read about her in a happy moment that involved Prince. I needed that. Thank you. [Edited 2/13/17 17:51pm]

Me too - especially since it was a memory she wrote about in 2015. WOW.

The Purse

There are a few other pics of her with it.

I'm still lost on the middle of their (romantic) story, and even the beginning is still blurry. Solely with regard to what happen between the chaos of the Livingroom scene and their arrival in Dallas. What changed and when? What was discovered, forgiven, experienced..? What was found that bond them?

Because whatever happened it was enough to last them...

As this purse obviously remained filled with meaning... and it also once held diamond ear rings.

She entitled this story/letter "The Purple Reign Letter"

When I say "As a Poet" it usually means how I am analyzing a story, poem, song... Here I don't know enough about their story and I don't know if anyone knows enough about their musing relationship to for certain how much she influenced his creative process. He seemed to be able to easily see what she was seeing. When telling a story or being creative she often fell into a elaborate dramatic (Shakespearean) way of speech that captured your attention and filled your mind with imagery.

The more I learn and read about her back then and then listen to his music, the more I believe he was listening.

"If I was your girlfriend" was the most recent.

TOB said:

Vashtix said:

Me too - especially since it was a memory she wrote about in 2015. WOW.

The Purse

There are a few other pics of her with it.

I'm still lost on the middle of their (romantic) story, and even the beginning is still blurry. Solely with regard to what happen between the chaos of the Livingroom scene and their arrival in Dallas. What changed and when? What was discovered, forgiven, experienced..? What was found that bond them?

Because whatever happened it was enough to last them...

As this purse obviously remained filled with meaning... and it also once held diamond ear rings.

She entitled this story/letter "The Purple Reign Letter"

When I say "As a Poet" it usually means how I am analyzing a story, poem, song... Here I don't know enough about their story and I don't know if anyone knows enough about their musing relationship to for certain how much she influenced his creative process. He seemed to be able to easily see what she was seeing. When telling a story or being creative she often fell into a elaborate dramatic (Shakespearean) way of speech that captured your attention and filled your mind with imagery.

The more I learn and read about her back then and then listen to his music, the more I believe he was listening.

"If I was your girlfriend" was the most recent.

I like her use of the word reign because at that time being in that culture with those people seemed to be a time when that was an influential part of her life and remnants of it would stay with her til the end.

The mystery of their relationship is so intriguing. I must admit I was drawn to them when they transitioned 66 days apart. It was a random coincidence. I think there was a connection of the meeting of the minds/soul/spirit. It is beyond the romantic. It is why a discussion about them always garners passionate denials because It is not what is right before the eyes; relationships are not always sensual yet that can be part but the connection I am speaking is beyond that- it is when something draws you in to the other and you are in sync and you are able to see/hear/ feel what the other is feeding you. I realize they had a romance but I think it was more. I too want to know they got to the point in Dallas too. It is a definite puzzle.

I have to admit the story she wrote about the AMAs, that you had shared had me hanging and I am still waiting for the rest- (if you care to share) she stopped at getting out of the limousine. I wantit was to give the award etc. She really was a great storyteller and had a way with words.

What is it in the lyrics of If I Was Your is Girlfriend and what have you learned about her that makes you feel he was listening?

[Edited 2/17/17 18:55pm]

pnv said:

purplethunder3121 said:

They existed in this world without each other for decades.

They were joined together in spirit, in their souls, in their hearts and in love. While I know they were not a couple. I'm just saying that bond still remained. This is only my opinion!!!!

There definitely was a bond and it was beyond a romantic liason. Deeper. Spiritual.

Vashtix said:

TOB said:

The Purse

There are a few other pics of her with it.

I'm still lost on the middle of their (romantic) story, and even the beginning is still blurry. Solely with regard to what happen between the chaos of the Livingroom scene and their arrival in Dallas. What changed and when? What was discovered, forgiven, experienced..? What was found that bond them?

Because whatever happened it was enough to last them...

As this purse obviously remained filled with meaning... and it also once held diamond ear rings.

She entitled this story/letter "The Purple Reign Letter"

When I say "As a Poet" it usually means how I am analyzing a story, poem, song... Here I don't know enough about their story and I don't know if anyone knows enough about their musing relationship to for certain how much she influenced his creative process. He seemed to be able to easily see what she was seeing. When telling a story or being creative she often fell into a elaborate dramatic (Shakespearean) way of speech that captured your attention and filled your mind with imagery.

The more I learn and read about her back then and then listen to his music, the more I believe he was listening.

"If I was your girlfriend" was the most recent.

I like her use of the word reign because at that time being in that culture with those people seemed to be a time when that was an influential part of her life and remnants of it would stay with her til the end.

The mystery of their relationship is so intriguing. I must admit I was drawn to them when they transitioned 66 days apart. It was a random coincidence. I think there was a connection of the meeting of the minds/soul/spirit. It is beyond the romantic. It is why a discussion about them always garners passionate denials because It is not what is right before the eyes; relationships are not always sensual yet that can be part but the connection I am speaking is beyond that- it is when something draws you in to the other and you are in sync and you are able to see/hear/ feel what the other is feeding you. I realize they had a romance but I think it was more. I too want to know they got to the point in Dallas too. It is a definite puzzle.

I have to admit the story she wrote about the AMAs, that you had shared had me hanging and I am still waiting for the rest- (if you care to share) she stopped at getting out of the limousine. I wantit was to give the award etc. She really was a great storyteller and had a way with words.

What is it in the lyrics of If I Was Your is Girlfriend and what have you learned about her that makes you feel he was listening?

[Edited 2/17/17 18:55pm]

Excellent question in the bold! TOB: What did she say in her writings that led you to make a connection to the song?

[Edited 2/17/17 20:16pm]

TOB said:

luvgirl said:

This is truly a beautiful picture. Her purple ensemble does justice to her treasured crystal ball purse. Even her lipstick jumps out at you. In regards to yogur comment about about being lost on the middle of their romantic relationship, are you saying she skipped over parts of information about their relationship? [Edited 2/19/17 3:41am]

Yes and no... Hard to explain... It's obvious that she was on an emotional rollercoaster, and she describes each up, down, twist, turn and the stomach turning and heart stopping Loop-De-Loop. But how he is, who and what he is to her is sometimes almost left to be implied.

As if she is expecting the reader to simply just know... as she knew.

As if she had been condition to understand what he meant with a glance, otherwise... it would be allow or invited.

I still haven't read all the versions and looking through them all at one time can get confusing when I go back to find something I knew I had read.

Vashtix said:

TOB said:

The Purse

There are a few other pics of her with it.

I'm still lost on the middle of their (romantic) story, and even the beginning is still blurry. Solely with regard to what happen between the chaos of the Livingroom scene and their arrival in Dallas. What changed and when? What was discovered, forgiven, experienced..? What was found that bond them?

Because whatever happened it was enough to last them...

As this purse obviously remained filled with meaning... and it also once held diamond ear rings.

She entitled this story/letter "The Purple Reign Letter"

When I say "As a Poet" it usually means how I am analyzing a story, poem, song... Here I don't know enough about their story and I don't know if anyone knows enough about their musing relationship to for certain how much she influenced his creative process. He seemed to be able to easily see what she was seeing. When telling a story or being creative she often fell into a elaborate dramatic (Shakespearean) way of speech that captured your attention and filled your mind with imagery.

The more I learn and read about her back then and then listen to his music, the more I believe he was listening.

"If I was your girlfriend" was the most recent.

I like her use of the word reign because at that time being in that culture with those people seemed to be a time when that was an influential part of her life and remnants of it would stay with her til the end.

The mystery of their relationship is so intriguing. I must admit I was drawn to them when they transitioned 66 days apart. It was a random coincidence. I think there was a connection of the meeting of the minds/soul/spirit. It is beyond the romantic. It is why a discussion about them always garners passionate denials because It is not what is right before the eyes; relationships are not always sensual yet that can be part but the connection I am speaking is beyond that- it is when something draws you in to the other and you are in sync and you are able to see/hear/ feel what the other is feeding you. I realize they had a romance but I think it was more. I too want to know they got to the point in Dallas too. It is a definite puzzle.

I have to admit the story she wrote about the AMAs, that you had shared had me hanging and I am still waiting for the rest- (if you care to share) she stopped at getting out of the limousine. I wantit was to give the award etc. She really was a great storyteller and had a way with words.

What is it in the lyrics of If I Was Your is Girlfriend and what have you learned about her that makes you feel he was listening?

[Edited 2/17/17 18:55pm]

Sarcasm and asking hypothetical questions are ways of speaking the truth without admitting the truth. The same could be said of poetry and or lyrics, in the taking of “poetic license” as a disclaimer in defending what influenced a particular poem, song (movie)… or a meaningful phrase within a write.

I’m trying not to read more into what I’m hearing, but as a poet I hear someone composing a letter about shared memories and experiences to remind and affect the heart of the other. I say this because my first poems and songs initial began as letters.

Was his house purple before she moved in or before the purchase of this purse?

Seeing each other again at the 1985 AMAs in January, her holding this purse on the cover of Jet soon after, and him later suddenly giving interview seems to be all related, and related to how they privately played and communicated.

She even writes as if she was still withholding or reserving the most intimate things between them; such as this purse. And I see the purse as a clue for me, us and those who are honestly interested or just curious and like the mystery of her, him or them

TOB said:

Vashtix said:

I like her use of the word reign because at that time being in that culture with those people seemed to be a time when that was an influential part of her life and remnants of it would stay with her til the end.

The mystery of their relationship is so intriguing. I must admit I was drawn to them when they transitioned 66 days apart. It was a random coincidence. I think there was a connection of the meeting of the minds/soul/spirit. It is beyond the romantic. It is why a discussion about them always garners passionate denials because It is not what is right before the eyes; relationships are not always sensual yet that can be part but the connection I am speaking is beyond that- it is when something draws you in to the other and you are in sync and you are able to see/hear/ feel what the other is feeding you. I realize they had a romance but I think it was more. I too want to know they got to the point in Dallas too. It is a definite puzzle.

I have to admit the story she wrote about the AMAs, that you had shared had me hanging and I am still waiting for the rest- (if you care to share) she stopped at getting out of the limousine. I wantit was to give the award etc. She really was a great storyteller and had a way with words.

What is it in the lyrics of If I Was Your is Girlfriend and what have you learned about her that makes you feel he was listening?

[Edited 2/17/17 18:55pm]

Sarcasm and asking hypothetical questions are ways of speaking the truth without admitting the truth. The same could be said of poetry and or lyrics, in the taking of “poetic license” as a disclaimer in defending what influenced a particular poem, song (movie)… or a meaningful phrase within a write.

I’m trying not to read more into what I’m hearing, but as a poet I hear someone composing a letter about shared memories and experiences to remind and affect the heart of the other. I say this because my first poems and songs initial began as letters.

Was his house purple before she moved in or before the purchase of this purse?

Seeing each other again at the 1985 AMAs in January, her holding this purse on the cover of Jet soon after, and him later suddenly giving interview seems to be all related, and related to how they privately played and communicated.

She even writes as if she was still withholding or reserving the most intimate things between them; such as this purse. And I see the purse as a clue for me, us and those who are honestly interested or just curious and like the mystery of her, him or them

You have the ear of a poet. It serves well when looking at these two people who are poets themselves. I know you do not want to embelish or add something that is not there but the song is about a close relationship between 2 people. The wanting, yearning - IF we could be closer.

I immediately felt the purse was a clue. You mentioned diamond earrrings- did he purchase diamond earrings along with the purse or at a separate time?

The way she wrote that memory I felt as if I was along with her seeing that beautiful purse for the first time. As a woman that conveys much to me . He wanted to please her and give her something she desired very much. He wanted to be the source of that gratifcation for her. I may sound silly the way I worded it but there is such a sweetness to it in her description.

Everything seems to mean something with these 2. They seemed to have their own way of communicating via the media (Pics, interviews, gestures when dancing) . I immediately thought the crystal ball purse , her picture with it on the magazine cover was a new piece to the puzzle. I am more than intrigued with them and it is beyond curious because I think it does all tie in together. Many of us have used the songs, videos, and interviews to piece things together and learn about their symbolism. It has been fun. It is nice to hear you note they indeed had a way of communicating that would not be for the casual observer. It was for them alone .

She still has me on the edge of my seat from the AMAs story - I am still in the limo with her waiting to arrive. She was a great storyteller.

Which interview did he give at this time?

TOB said:

Vashtix said:

I like her use of the word reign because at that time being in that culture with those people seemed to be a time when that was an influential part of her life and remnants of it would stay with her til the end.

The mystery of their relationship is so intriguing. I must admit I was drawn to them when they transitioned 66 days apart. It was a random coincidence. I think there was a connection of the meeting of the minds/soul/spirit. It is beyond the romantic. It is why a discussion about them always garners passionate denials because It is not what is right before the eyes; relationships are not always sensual yet that can be part but the connection I am speaking is beyond that- it is when something draws you in to the other and you are in sync and you are able to see/hear/ feel what the other is feeding you. I realize they had a romance but I think it was more. I too want to know they got to the point in Dallas too. It is a definite puzzle.

I have to admit the story she wrote about the AMAs, that you had shared had me hanging and I am still waiting for the rest- (if you care to share) she stopped at getting out of the limousine. I wantit was to give the award etc. She really was a great storyteller and had a way with words.

What is it in the lyrics of If I Was Your is Girlfriend and what have you learned about her that makes you feel he was listening?

[Edited 2/17/17 18:55pm]

Sarcasm and asking hypothetical questions are ways of speaking the truth without admitting the truth. The same could be said of poetry and or lyrics, in the taking of “poetic license” as a disclaimer in defending what influenced a particular poem, song (movie)… or a meaningful phrase within a write.

I’m trying not to read more into what I’m hearing, but as a poet I hear someone composing a letter about shared memories and experiences to remind and affect the heart of the other. I say this because my first poems and songs initial began as letters.

Was his house purple before she moved in or before the purchase of this purse?

Seeing each other again at the 1985 AMAs in January, her holding this purse on the cover of Jet soon after, and him later suddenly giving interview seems to be all related, and related to how they privately played and communicated.

She even writes as if she was still withholding or reserving the most intimate things between them; such as this purse. And I see the purse as a clue for me, us and those who are honestly interested or just curious and like the mystery of her, him or them

Thank you for your reply! It's interesting that you bring up the purple house and whether it was that color before she moved in or did he have it painted as such after the purchase of the purse. With the exception of the Little Red Corvette video, where he is wearing a purple jacket, I don't see much of hint of purple in any of Prince's videos prior to Purple Rain. Denise was around in that time frame. He isn't wearing purple in "I Wanna Be Your Lover" or "Dirty Mind" era. I don't even see it in the Controversy era album covers or videos. Maybe I'm missing something? Interesting thoughts to ponder..

[Edited 2/19/17 15:59pm]

TOB said:

Morgaine said:

TOB said: Hello TOB; For the most part, I am a lurker here but I felt the need to express my gratitude for your posts. For myself, as a 13 year old girl, she was beautiful. Today I know her beauty was not merely physical, it was spiritual in nature. Your poem, which I internalized as the subject (I have been there) truly moved me and I thank you so much for sharing it here. Furthermore, what you have shared of Denise has given me so much more comprehension of who she truly was. Prayers and blessings to you and yours.

The most beautiful thing about Denise is that she saw beauty in almost everything and had the ability to make you see what she was seeing. She prayed for trees, fed cats around the city, the birds and squirrels that would visit her patio. She was playful and remained a kid at heart.

She tells a story about one of her most favorite gifts. Though it was very expensive for her at the time it was the meaning that she place upon it that gave it its’ true value. When she showed me and my sons and told us about the gift it was 30 years after she receiving it, but in her telling you feel it’s’ significance remained.

She's holding that gift in a picture on the cover of the March 25, 1985 issue of Jet Magazine.

She writes:

"Back in day," and this line will always be referred to as the eighties,” Vanity 6 first toured America with Prince and the Time and were on their way to Dallas Texas. It was extremely exciting to say the least. The tour was named Prince 1999.

As we approached this magnificent city we were all on one accord, minds made up ready to shop! It was hot in Texas I recall, but when you are young no one cares especially when one has a thirst for fun. I had heard so many speak of the glamorous life of the Texans. Dallas men stood about dressed in big cowboy hats with brown, boots that clicked when they strut. Elegant woman filled the streets in racy high, heeled shoes with big, beautiful, hats and very large black sunglasses. Almost all of them were dressed in colorful sun dresses. Limos were like taxis here and we were feeling quite popular because our songs were blasting through the radio as we drove down the streets in a black stretch. And so merrily we went. Neiman Marcus I believe, to the best of my recollection, was our first stop.

I cannot hold back my feelings when describing what I saw through the looking glass window that day. I tell you this crystal purse was the loveliest piece I had ever set my eyes upon.

I was young and somewhat frivolous and I just had to touch it, I had to have it. I fell in love with what seemed to be a crystal ball of purple fire, shaped into an egg. It appeared to be an oval clutch purse, brilliant in color and extremely fragile. I could hardly catch my breath... Nothing could keep me from reaching for this delicate object at once. It was altogether royal, altogether exquisite. Without hesitation I asked to hold it in my hand. It fit in my palm as if it were designed for me. It sparkled in the light bouncing off of the ceiling all around us in every direction. I got all excited inside, I felt like a Princess. I knew it had to be mine.

It was adorned with every color of purple in the color spectrum. Lavender was my favorite color and obviously purple became Prince's. So I felt this magnificent crystal purple ball represented the love we had for each another (and the entire tour of 1999). The price was $2,500.00, Prince gave me the money. So with that said this little treasure became mine on that great lovely, sunny day. My world was filled with sparkles in my eyes and bells on my toes. It was the best gift and the most expensive purse I have ever owned. I wore it that night, I felt like an angel as together we danced the night away. It has never left my side. I have never had anything so memorably beautiful in all my life.

It is 2015 and one of my best friends, his name is Joseph has been given this royal find. He is the proud owner of this one of a kind. It has been placed in loving hands to be taken great care of for as long as this world shall last...

Thank you Joseph and Heavens blessings to you and Momma until we meet everlasting…

You might want to get a crystal glass case for it. Thank you for blessing my treasure with a new home amen...

With all my purest love Denise Matthews… formerly known as Vanity.

Beautiful story. I would like to know more about those days during that tour. It sounds like fun and adventure before Prince became the mega, international star. I take it purple was not always Prince's color and wonder if Ms. Matthews influenced that aspect of choice.

In 2015 she gave it away. What prompted her to let go of such a gem? She and Prince both have such special items floating around.

Whoever Joseph is I hope he is treasuring that gem.

I want more on their romance because it seems one of a kind.