Greetings Friends!

Being a firm believer in the motto: "All good things are worth waiting for", I am happy to confirm, the Carpenters eagerly awaited album is at completion point!

The album is being mixed as this is being written. and the final pressing process for worldwide release is expected to take up to six weeks, so the anticipated release is set for late April.

As this letter goes to press, the album title is still under discussion. About 50% of the material is upbeat, and the balance is true Carpenters style ballads. Richard and his lyricist John Bettis have created two more masterpieces, one of which is a close contender for first choice for a single to precede the album. The title Those Good Old Dreams is a catchy upbeat song which creates an aura reminiscent of Top of The World and is certainly destined to be a chart topper.

The beautiful song Richard and John wrote for Karen's wedding Because We Are In Love is likely to be chosen for the flip side of the single. The last single Richard and Karen cut in 1978 I Believe You is to be included on the new album.

Our duo feels very enthusiastic with the results of their combined efforts, talents and dedication, and both feel this will be their best recording yet. When they met Burt Bacharach recently, he was overjoyed to learn of their intention to include one of his new songs on their album

Richard will be credited with orchestrating and arranging the larger part of the album, as well as all the vocals. Karen's expertise on percussion will also be featured in certain tracks.

A great air of elated anticipation surrounds the studios and Carpenter circles. The world is indeed hungry for their special brand of pure music.

Long photo sessions are in progress, then while the pressing process is in motion Richard and Karen will take a well deserved vacation. Tom has exercised patience and understanding during the long hours of recording which claimed so much of Karen's time, but they are looking forward to relaxing in their magnificent home in Mexico.

It is with deepest regret that I report the tragic and untimely passing of Tom's dear mother who was stricken very suddenly with a massive cerebral hemorrhage. and passed away January 21st. Although the family is deeply shocked, they are comforted by the knowledge that no pain was endured. Karen will certainly cherish the brief but very happy association she enjoyed with her mother-in-law.

The Carpenter and Burris families had spent a very happy Thanksgiving at the home of the newly-weds, where Karen helped prepare the traditional dinner. Christmas was spent at the Carpenter homestead in Downey which displayed the usual lavish decorations, delighting the neighborhood children and passers by.

Richard and Karen's wedding anniversary gift to their parents last year was to have their home completely re-decorated and re-furnished. The house has been in an upheaval ever since, but significant progress has been made, and it should be completed in time for this year's anniversary. Needless to say the transformation is developing with impeccable taste. Mom and Dad have thoroughly enjoyed their shopping spree.

During these long months of studio work, Richard and Karen realized the importance of a little relaxation, and set aside one evening each week to go bowling with Tom and friends. They joined a bowling league a and have become quite proficient at the sport. Richard has several trophies to his credit.

The possibility of a European and Japanese tour is being negotiated, but no concrete plans have transpired to-date.

The postponed television Special is tentatively set for sometime in the fall, and I will keep you posted on further developments.

As our International members are probably aware, there have been enormous increases in overseas postal rates. and we regret this must result in increases of our merchandise for future mailings. The new prices will apply to all countries outside the USA with the exception of Canada and Mexico who can for the time being use the USA forms. New forms have been printed accordingly.

As promised in the previous newsletter, the pictures of Karen's wedding have now been selected and are available from the fanclub. The set of four 8" x 10" color pictures have the following poses: Bride -- Bride & Groom -- Richard toasting couple -- B/G & Attendants. (B/G denotes Bride & Groom). The black and white set of four glossy pictures features the following: Bride -- B/G & Richard -- B/G & Family -- B/G & Attendants. Prices for USA Canada & Mexico: (Color) $X.XX each picture. Black & White $X.XX each picture.

To members in other countries: (Color) XX each picture. Black & white XX each picture.

These are superb pictures I'm sure you'll all be happy to cherish among your Carpenters memorabilia.

A new album of original Carpenters hits entitled Beautiful Moments was released in West Germany a few months ago, and Richard and Karen were delighted to learn it shot to the number one spot on that country's charts within a few days, and remained in the top ten position for several weeks.

They recently had the pleasure of meeting one of their long time idols Les Paul, who was recuperating from an illness in sunny California. The trio discussed the recording techniques of his era, and in turn Les enjoyed sitting in on a modern session of the Carpenters, and discussing theories etc. with their technicians.

Thank you all for your continued support of our musical geniuses who take a little longer than usual in order to strive for perfection they so consistently achieve.

Here's wishing them Bon Voyage on their return trip to the world of beautiful music where they belong. They have already started work on another album scheduled for later this year, so things are positively happening on the Carpenters scene once more!

Happy Listening! Rosina.

Last changed: Tue Sep 6 15:52:33 EDT 2005