Another year, another Mother’s Day, has become one of my least favorite days of the year since my mother’s passing. She left us just 24 hours after her last Mother’s Day but for some reason, I am always able to forget the actual date until the season comes. A few days ago I was struck with the realization that this year, this Mother’s Day coincides with the 10 Year Anniversary of Her Death. That definitely hit differently. Ten years that she has been missed at family milestones and events. Memories that have been created without her.
As I have been processing how to go about the day, and how to feel or react, a friend of hers sent me a message on Facebook. She received a screenshot of her memories that included a comment from my mom and she thought that I might appreciate it. I love seeing old comments or memories of her so she was right, but I don’t think she knew just how special this one would be. It struck me at first because Tammy’s memory was her actually Remembering the 10th Anniversary of Her Mother’s Death. I honestly don’t think when she shared it with me, she was even aware that this will be my mother’s 10 years. Quite a coincidence, but who says God doesn’t have a sense of Humor?
The comment to Tammy from my mother, Katherine, was able to change my mindset and give me a different perspective. The sorrow remains the same but knowing her love for me soothes a little of the pain. My mother had written that “Our children are the best tributes we can leave of ourselves!” I am my mother’s Only Child, so in her words, I am her tribute to the world. As a mother myself, I understand that I have raised my sons to be the best versions of themselves and a value to the world. I just never thought about that my mother did the same with me.
I have tried to remember all the lessons she taught me over the years and the wisdom that I gained from her that I try to pass on. So, this Mother’s Day I will remember that although she is not physically here with us, her legacy is, as I am here, “her best tribute’ and her grandsons continue to carry on for generations to come.
Thank You, Mama, Happy Mother’s Day!
I hope this blog post may help you appreciate the legacy of your mother or the mothers in your life. If you have any stories or thoughts to share, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
I am an AFOL; Adult Fan of LEGO. I did not know this acronym, but I am loving that there is a term for it because it means that I am not alone in my fandom. I played with LEGO as a child but admit to finding more solace and joy in my current collection.
In 2020 the first episode of LEGO Masters aired. A competitive series following teams of two, building a LEGO creation based on a theme given in that specific episode with the hope of not being eliminated. An enjoyable family show, especially as the teams were adults with a love for LEGO, some more experienced than others but that was part of the draw. These pairs developed over the course of the show, learning from the other competitors. Siblings, parents, parent and adult child, friends, moms, coworkers the pair options are endless and identifiable. I was intrigued and ready to play too.
In 2020 LEGO also “Welcomed Adults” with their new 18+ Sets replacing the Expert LEGO Line that was intended for more advanced players. Themed LEGOS were released such as a Botanical Collection with flowers and trees that could be decorations in a room or office once built. An Architecture Line with renowned buildings around the world such as the Trevi Fountain, Statue of Liberty, and smaller scale sets of cities with a strip of their most recognizable buildings. The Las Vegas Strip, Paris with the Eifel Tower and Louver, London featuring Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. LEGO has collections to cater to adult fandom in Car Models, Movie Scenes or LEGO models of characters to again be used as decoration. There is a theme or collection to appeal to everyone on any level of building at many different price points. Architecture is my personal favorite, I started with the small-scale London city scene for my first build.
March 2020 was also the beginning of the lockdown so my newfound interest in LEGO took on an entirely new meaning for me. It became my therapy, my lifeline, a connection to the outside world. It brought me a sense of peace and well-being after a day of trying to keep five teenagers engaged in OnLine School. LEGOS have been used for mental health even in helping to prevent dementia.
My LEGO builds started to expand as my skill grew and lockdown seemed to have no end in sight. However, the LEGOS were not just for me anymore. LEGOS were bought or ordered to complete my collection, I was encouraged to continue building and the joy of completing a project and displaying was shared by my family. They would surprise me with a piece that was hard to find and take on the chore of dinner so I could build. Displayed on a hall table for all to enjoy, but many builds are extremely fragile and my family took it upon themselves to be extra careful when walking or cleaning. Even the cats were trained to not touch.
I still have several sets to build, I have missed not having that free time to do so but I also ran out of space to display them and I can’t bring myself to break them down and rebox them. That has actually become a more serious concern for me as I am looking at moving and don’t know how to move them, without taking them apart. I love puzzles too and have no problem taking them apart after completed and putting them back in the box. Is my tie to these LEGO builds because of the time spent, a memory that is connecting me to it? Honestly, I don’t know, but for now, they remain displayed with my little family of protectors to keep them safe. We have even discussed the type of shelving that we need in the future when I do build some of the bigger sets.
I have nearly completed my collection, that is until LEGO makes another that I just can’t live without. If they ever design The RMS Queen Mary, I will be first in line to buy it. (I’ve actually submitted it in their suggestion box.) If LEGO pairs with NFL and makes the 49ers LEVI Stadium, ‘Forget About It’ that baby would be on my Niner Fan Shelf by the end of the day.
A LEGO Fan Girl and proud of it. What hobbies bring you joy? Especially those encouraged and supported by your family?
It seems only fair that I warn you that this may be a blog longer than most of my others, because I have a story to tell you about the crazy adventure that occurred to my family yesterday. I have had my share of dramatic events; some could even be considered near life or death, but I can honestly say that yesterday was one of the scariest days I have ever experienced. We woke up at 5:30 am so that we could leave the house by 6:30 am to take Cristian and Alex to acting class in Studio City. This was not our first rodeo, so we prepared ahead of time with not only packed lunches, but a cooler full of water, juice, and snacks. For those that don’t know, we live 3-4 hours from Los Angeles, acting class is also only 3-4 hours, so we typically head back the same day, making it home just in time for dinner. This trip, we took the other brothers with us, but Lily was able to miss the long car trip as she stayed with her grandparents. An uneventful trip down, although at the beginning of the Grapevine on the Northside we saw traffic backing up because a Semi-Truck must have forgotten to lock their doors and their entire inventory was strewn across the slow lane. Knowing we had 5 hours before we would be headed back, we assumed that the disaster would be cleaned up. The boys made it to acting class on time, while we spent a relaxing few hours in the local library. Released an hour early we took the boys over to the local public pool with intentions of a few hours of fun but upon arriving, it was apparent that we would be leaving with a major sunburn since none of the pools were covered in any shade. Taking a minute in the park, we decided to get back on the road a little early for maybe some water fun at home. Traffic was clear, we were in good spirits a few miles before we reached the Grapevine on I-5, there was a digital traffic sign that there was a lane closure causing a 75-minute delay. Before I continue, for those that are not familiar with our California Highways, this story demands an explanation of the CA Grapevine. This is a description from Wiki “The Grapevine that starts at the mouth of Grapevine Canyon, immediately south of the community, and ascends the canyon to the Tejon Pass, which separates the Tehachapi Mountains from the San Emigdio Mountains via Interstate 5 (formerly U.S. Route 99)…… The road is subject to severe weather and closure to traffic in winter. The stretch of I-5 through the Grapevine and the Tejon Pass is sometimes closed by the California Highway Patrol, generally because of the icy conditions combined with the steep grade of the pass, and the high traffic during the winter holidays. Occasionally, heavy rains will cause mud and rockslides, closing the freeway. The Highway Patrol is also concerned, especially with a large number of big-rigs that pass through, that just one accident in the icy or snowy conditions might force traffic to slow down or come to a complete stop, leaving hundreds of vehicles stalled at once. Whenever there is such a closure, traffic must either wait for it to reopen, or endure a slow multi-hour detour running between Bakersfield and Los Angeles via CA 58.” Basically, what you need to know is that once on the Grapevine you are essentially trapped as there are only 3 or 4 places that you can turn around if necessary. I have been traveling this road for my entire life, so I rarely think much about it. That was pretty much the attitude this day too after reading the sign, I checked the CalTrans website and read that a brush fire had started a few hours earlier that closed 2 lanes, but no new reports were given. As quoted above, you should have read that the alternate route would not only mean backtracking from where we were but traveling through Mojave. Continuing on the grapevine was almost comparable, maybe adding an additional 15 minutes to the longer alternate route, but the possibility the brush fire was contained, and the other lane was open. We were enjoying our time together and decided to just keep moving forward, but just in case, we took the last exit before entering to hydrate and urinate. As we returned to the car and begin the Grapevine incline, I brought out our last snack, 3 fruit and protein snacks shared between the 6 of us. I hear arguing, as trades happen between the backseats of cheddar cheese and apples. Then the car jumps, jumps again, as I question, “What was that?” obvious answer, “I don’t know” and it happens again before the lights in the car dashboard flash and we lose all power. Fortunately, we were in the middle and crossed quickly to the emergency lane, barely coasting to the closest Emergency Call Box, because I did not know what was happening. We made it, the car stopped, we were safe, unless you are the mom that sees a line of cars on the left and a cliff down a mountainside on the right. The boys were strangely quiet, except for the ‘What Happened’ that I honestly answered with an ‘I don’t know, stay buckled.’ I knew we had roadside assistance, although, I also knew we were in more than just a little bit of trouble, that I was in a line of stopped traffic behind and in front, far from an exit ahead, but one step at a time, first needing to know how to tell anyone how to reach us. The Call Box was a new experience and not the friendliest, but they were dealing with a lot of Calls, as we found out we were only 4.5 miles into the Grapevine and we had seen several calls already on the side of the road. I called my insurance, which also had trouble determining my location, but dispatched a tow-truck. So.. everything was A-Okay, we had help on the way, people knew where we were, although phone service was sketchy, and we were in a semi-safe location. Did I fail to mention, temps were reaching 100 degrees, and we all had less than a bottle of water each, that was getting warm, traffic started to speed up and we could have been a little closer to the edge for me to feel comfortable. I know that all would say No, but I did unbuckle and only let them exit the car in our last hour because we were dripping in sweat. I felt so guilty, for so many things… colder water, a snack, entertainment, a non-broken car so I wasn’t watching to make sure we weren’t hit on the road. HAVING CHILDREN IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION CHANGED MY WHOLE PERSPECTIVE! I could not even think straight, although, I was trying to be very calm and figure things out not even knowing what was going to happen. We were literally just existing on the side of I-5, about 3:30 and I received a call at 4:30 from a tow-service. This is where it got really interesting. First, he asked where we were, I told him to the best of my ability, he told me that if we were outside of Castiac (the last stop before the Grapevine) that he could not help us. Then he asked what the problem was, I said, I didn’t know but the battery flashed and was asking for a jump. He listened to my description, and said, “A battery jump won’t help, so I can’t waste service for that, but I can tow you to your desired location.” I explained that I had no idea what else was wrong with the car, that I did not know the nearest auto service location, and the insurance agent told me that only I could go with the tow-truck driver and I was not leaving my kids on the highway. He continued to explain his reasoning for his unofficial diagnosis of the van, and that he understood my frustration and was sorry for my circumstance. Now, I need to admit that this man’s tone sounded condescending and he had initially said, he could not even come to where we were stranded so I already wanted to hang up, but good manners prevailed. Once he mentioned my frustration, I barely interrupted, but did so to say, “ I am not frustrated, actually, I take that back, I am as I am sitting in the hot sun on a freeway with 4 children and a broken car with a brush fire ahead and no way to go forward, back, or even sideways. We are trapped and I have no clue as to what to do.” He responded with, “Now, I am irritated now too because I hear your situation, and I am going to make some calls and send someone out to you. I will make sure they have room to take all of you to a location of your choosing and suggest you come here because I am sure it is your alternator. I don’t do that kinda work anymore, but think we have one here and can fix it for you tonight.” I wasn’t sure about him, or anything, but I knew we needed to be off the road.” Did I mention that during this time 8 fire vehicles passed us, and while on the phone, a CHP finally showed to check on us, as well as 5 other cars around us. Things were a mess. They thought it would take 30 minutes for the tow-truck, it took 90 minutes before he got there. The nicest guy, Hunter, and he did try to jump the battery, but it would not hold a charge, however, he looked like the driver you never want to show up late-night, again, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” He fit all of us in his truck, loaded the van and we were on our way. We backtracked, but once we saw the ahead traffic, we were not moving anywhere. The fire was yet to be contained and we had been on the mountain for 4 hours. Finally, reaching the shop, they determined it was indeed the alternator, and although it was after 7 pm agreed to work for 2 hours to fix and loaned us a car to take the boys to dinner. We were on the road by 9:30, with a discounted labor and equipment fee, plus a free quart of oil as we are due an oil change. I did a little research and it does look like received a nice discount, but we don’t have an emergency fund set up. I thank Jesus that this happened at the beginning of the month, but we have a lot of things to work out for the rest of our monthly bills.
My point in sharing, is my gratefulness for our safety, for realizing our reliance on others in times of need, and the genuine good of strangers. I also learned not to be so judgmental, although I never thought I was, and to be better prepared. Maybe a better or added Emergency Kit, definitely Emergency Food and Fund, because now I have a whole different set of stressors as I look at how to cover such a fee. But I am most grateful for how well behaved the boys were, with not one word of complaint, only jokes, and sentiment trying to keep the mood light and being understanding of the situation. From now on, I will look with more compassion to those on the side of the road and if there is something, I can ever do for them.
Remember these….. this app was popular for a month as it would take your picture and convert your face into that of a Cover Model. Several of my friends and family used it to share what they “Could” look like, some even made it their social media profile pic for a while. I was curious and played around with it too, but didn’t post any of these. Yesterday was #NationalSelfieDay and I did take a selfie to post on my facebook page in order to make a point for today’s blog.
When I took the above images, I kept them because I had a thought about how focused many of us have become with our image. A desire to appear more than what we are in our physical appearance. I know that I am guilty of it, as proven in my selfie post yesterday. I took atleast half a dozen photos with different angles and lighting so that I would look more attractive. I did not use any filters such as IG, snapchat, or an editing tool, but I didn’t need to because there is a selfie softening filter automatically. I was actually unaware of this until it occurred to me that I always looked better when taking a selfie then if someone took a picture of me for an event.
The pictures in the app used above don’t make me feel more beautiful, they actually cause my self image to feel lower because I fear that I should be doing something different in order to achieve model status. I should learn better make up techniques, drink more water, have more facials…. maybe even think of using injections or sculpting. This is not who I want to be or what I would want to promote to anyone who may look up to me. I do not ever want to be so vain that I would be willing to undergo a knife just to be “Socially Acceptable” in today’s day and age. To fit what the world as decided a middle aged women should look like.
I don’t let the world choose how I should live. I tend to lean towards the conservative, I am stricter than most in how I raise my children, I hold high morals and values that are certainly not popular in society, so why do I worry so much in how my physical appearance may be rated?
I guess in writing this, I realize that I don’t have an answer or solution so much, as it is just my observation. However, with realization, I can and will make an effort to change my thought process so that I may live easier. Be carefree enough to not avoid the camera, although I tend to be the one in the pictures with the closed eyes, or laughing too big. I want my children to know that it is okay to be themselves and not strive to be what only “some” consider perfect. I will still take Selfies, but I hope that now I may be happy with that First shot and not need to Filter every photo.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I know that I am made in “His Image” and in knowing that…. I know that I am Beautiful just being Me, and so are you!
This week I had the opportunity to attend a competition between Graphic Designers. It was put on by DesignProof at Bitwise Industries. I must admit to being impressed from the moment I arrived. Met at the door by two students that are welcoming as they place a wristband if over 21 yrs, for “complimentary” beer, and ask if you are familiar with the facility. Being my first visit I was offered a tour to of Bitwise. Walls are covered in an eye catching graffiti style, there is a cafe, meeting space, Fed Ex, a small shop to repair screens and offer accessories for digital needs. Arrays of outlets in various seating locations, to catch up on homework for the many classes offered on site. It is a great location with so much to offer. You can read more about them here, and you should… http://bitwiseindustries.com/story/.
There was so much to do, see, and read, but with only thirty minutes until the start of the competition, I was inclined to partake of the refreshments especially after learning that it was accompanied by a Polish Sausage wrapped in a homemade bun, with the most delicious fresh relish provided by Mabel’s kitchen, where everything is made fresh sweet or savory. I heard stories about their homemade cinnamon buns and triple chocolate brownies, so I know I will need to make another visit to experience their decadence. Menu items, hours, and more can be found on their website…. http://mabelskitchenfresno.com/.
People watching, talking, sharing in food and drink, I was fully satisfied and happy that I had come out to experience a new locale that I must have driven passed too many times to count. I was then reminded that there was still more…. the competition… my reason for attending, free entertainment. With minutes to spare, I made my way to the theater for a good seat. Yes, there is a theater with stage, stadium seating, and screen within Bitwise. It just kept getting better and better, especially after being stopped on my way in by another student that invited me to play a game of Plinko. Let a golf ball roll down a decline and if it lands in the middle lane, I may choose a prize. To my delight, I now had dessert too as I settled with ease into my seat and was introduced to the contestants.
The competition was a timed event of sixty minutes between three designers. Casey Peck, Konnor Cantrell, Michael Vasquez that were chosen from many applicants that submitted five design pieces to the host DesignProof. Their mission was to be the one with the best portrait at the end of sixty minutes only being allowed to use one stock photo, three brushes and three fonts. The design program was Adobe CC Design Suite and their computer screens were shared on the main large screen for the audience. During the time there was a series of raffles and trivia questions to keep us engaged with the opportunity to win more prizes. Time passed quickly, a short lull as four judges deliberated before making the final call to determine the winner. 1st Place was won by Konnor Cantrell, @lithium_is_salty who used a mannequin photo, manipulating it into a bright gradient piece that screamed abstract, definitely patterned after the trend for 2018. The 2nd place spot was delivered to Michael Vasquez, @mikeysart840 for is take on Paco the dog. You can see more of his Aztec style on his attached Instagram page. Casey Peck, @eyecandydesigns inspired by her apparel and accessory designs that delight women and little girls alike took home the 3rd place prize.
It was a fun event, one that I would definitely attend again. This was only the second competition of what we hope will continue to be an annual event held by DesignProof. I was intrigued by their desire to inspire not only the artists but the community. When asked Who Is Design Proof? Their statement is simple, “We are a group of designers, web designers, and digital artists who want to up the creative notch and see talent flourish in California. DesignProof seeks to bring together creatives that have a passion for design, eye for creative expression, and are generally awesome and see what happens.” Why a Tournament? It was their response to this question that made me not only a fan but a supporter, “We want to celebrate the people who make things pretty. They are tinkering, deliberate minds who work late nights lit by little more than the glow of their computer monitor. We look for the best emerging talent and showcase artists and their creative process for the education, excitement and inspiration of an onlooking audience.” More on DesignProof and the Tournament can be read here, http://designproof.org/.
As a creative myself, I love knowing that there are more people out there working hard to help others showcase their best selves and their passions. It is up to all of us to work together to make our community, our world beautiful and live a life inspired that sustains us to be able to continue to create. Please Like, Follow, Share and lets continue to work together to spread beauty in all forms.
This past Sunday, January 7th was the 75th anniversary of the Golden Globes. Surprisingly there was not a lot of fuss made over the fact that it was a significant anniversary but I believe that was due to the attention given to the #MeToo and #TimesUp campaign. The acceptance speeches typically filled with gratitude and thanks were instead used to advocate women equality. Although inspirational, that is not what I found most interesting about the awards. What really impressed me were how many nominations there were for feature films and television shows that are paying tribute to people and events of the past. I have a passion for educating our future generations about the details of our rich history and to have these characters and stories be recognized as some of the best in entertainment is very exciting to me. Some of those that were nominated were Darkest Hour, Dunkirk, The Crown, Handmaids Tale, and Mudbound. All are based on true accounts of real people and events. To imagine the extraordinary circumstances that people lived through puts my life into perspective. I am forced to realize that my daily struggles fail to compare to those that have had such an impact that their stories are still being told years later. The likelihood of me ever doing anything remotely as influential as those shared in these few stories is pretty much non-existent but I do hope to contribute in my own way to our world. As a writer that strives to Keep History Alive, I also use real events and people to influence my work. Creating characters of those that have already lived through the remarkable and are just waiting to share their experience. Actor Gary Oldman won a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama with his portrayal of British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill in the film, ‘Darkest Hour’. In Oldman’s acceptance speech he stated; “I’m very proud of ‘The Darkest Hour’. It illustrates that words and actions can change the world.” I will continue to write, to share my words with the world so that however big or small, I too, can make an impact to create change in our world.
With the New Year upon us many people find themselves making a resolution to better themselves. We’ve all read them, we’ve all made them and most have broken them. Eat Healthier, Exercise, Quit Smoking, Make More Money, Save More Money, Spend More Family Time…… the list goes on. Trying to be a better person for ourselves or our loved ones is essentially the goal, but I challenge that in order to fully maintain these lifestyle changes one needs to Impress, Accept, and Love Yourself. Give credit for your accomplishments, such as achieving certain life goals but realize that the happiness in that milestone achievement is not sustainable, because in order to feel fulfilled we need to progress. This means a lifetime of constantly learning, growing, and changing. Daily Self Improvement so that we may become the best version of ourselves. It is when we are really focused on our-self that we find are true potential and it is only then that we can give of ourselves to help better others. I use a hashtag in most of my posts; #BeInpiredtoInspire, if I am not positive, motivated, inspired then I am unable to bring those attributes into the lives of others. My desire is to be my best self as a model for my children and encourage them in all aspects of their life. It is the simple Law of Attraction, good brings good, so Refresh, Recharge, Refocus on You and make a Soul Resolution for ME Time, your Future Self will Thank You. Water Your Soul and make all 365 days count!
“Our truest life is when we are in dreams… Awake.”
I heard this quote by Henry David Thoreau just the other day and couldn’t help but ponder on how brilliant a statement it was and wonder why we, society, fail to realize how truly “good” life really is. We are headed into the New Year of 2018, so like most I am reflective as well as focused on the future. I would like to say that this year has been unusual for me, but I tend to live my life on the road less traveled; however, I can admit that this was an unexpected Christmas. I was not focused on the holiday because my boys were going to be with their father this year, until 3 days before Christmas and plans changed. I was rushing around like a crazy lady, trying to create Christmas Magic in our home to give a memory to remember. What I failed to realize was that I was so focused on the commercial aspect that I didn’t stop to give real meaning to the day. Please don’t misunderstand, I only gave the boys two gifts each and the continual reminder of why we celebrate Christmas, but as a mother, in not planning on them being here with me, I felt stressed and uneasy on not being prepared. (It’s a Mommy thing) Christmas came and went, the boys seemed to be grateful and happy.
The feelings for me have carried over as we prepare to celebrate the upcoming New Year. Always a difficult time of the year because my cousin, Sarah, passed on that witching hour, what I have come to realize was 5 years ago. She holds a special place in my heart as my first girl cousin, and we had recently began to reconnect as I made plans to move back to Fresno that same year. She was too young, too beautiful, and her children are only raised by the great memories we share so that they may know and remember their mother. Then I think on my mother that passed a short year later and how I was blessed with having her for my entire childhood. This weighs heavy on my heart and then I read through social media to find friends suffering the same burdens. Many are grieving for past loved ones, some fresh and new. The hands of time do not stop for the holidays, life is an unexpected blessing and we need to cherish it as such.
This brings me back to the quote. Our Truest Life…. I love that word True. What is it that makes or gives you, your truest life? For me it would be Love. I fail in so many ways every day, but as long as I can put my sons to bed knowing that they feel secure in my love, then I feel accomplished. Certainly, I want to provide more for them; to Live our Dream, Awake, but until that day, I need to learn to Cherish Every Moment. To quit focusing on the details, to see that every minute I spend stressing the small stuff, they are growing older and days are passing me by.
With this New Year, I want to make a Resolution or an Affirmation, that I will See the Bigger Picture, Focus on the Dream, but take Time in the Moments! If I only live for a brighter future, I may miss the journey it took to get there and that is really where the greatness lies. For these boys, I am their world and for some reason, I never understood what a true blessing that is….. I always felt that this responsibility was often an overwhelming burden more then blessing. Some may read that and find me callous and shallow, but I also know that there are plenty of mothers for which that statement will ring true.
For 2018, I challenge each of us to take on our burdens and bare them as blessings. To achieve our dreams wide awake, so that each day may be joy unto itself. Take pleasure in all things, big or small, positive or negative….. because in this life the only thing certain is the uncertainty of each day. It can always be better or it can always be worse…. Essentially it is what you make it, so make it the best it can be!
I pride myself on being able to write articulately, concisely, and resourcefully but today I admit that I am at a loss of words as I have been overwhelmed with humility and gratitude while reflecting on the details of the weekend.
The past two-three years of my life have been such a whirlwind full of incredible introductions, amazing events, and iconic moments that I feel blessed to have been a part. I began working on a story idea in 2015, that became a completed novel in March of 2016. During the research of the book I spent many hours, days, weeks aboard RMS Queen Mary and am now privileged to call many that I met aboard a friend. It was through this work that I was invited to attend the 80th Anniversary of the Queen Mary’s Maiden Voyage in May of 2016. A short two months after I finished the unedited version of the novel, I was rewarded with the opportunity to meet so many of the people I had researched or only corresponded with by email or phone. I also had the opportunity to meet Randolph Churchill, the great grandson to Sir Winston Churchill as he gave the ribbon cutting speech in an exhibition on RMS Queen Mary of Churchill’s paintings. It was at this event that I was encouraged to pursue an opportunity that I had been given to engage with a Screen Writing partner in creating the ‘Brides Aweigh’ novel in to a feature film script.
Fast forward to March of 2017 and I am posting about the now completed, but still raw version of the screen play. Took off a few months for other projects until Fall of this year, where I can now say we have a locked script and are in Post-Development, entering Pre-Production. It is in this phase of my life that I was again blessed with an invitation to attend another anniversary for my favorite Ocean Liner, RMS Queen Mary. December 9th,1967 she arrived in Long Beach, California completing her final 39-day voyage from Southampton under the command of Captain John Treasure Jones. An iconic landmark for Long Beach and all of California for the last 50 years, RMS Queen Mary continues to fascinate, inspire, and educate all she encounters in her current state as a hotel and museum.
In the collage above are pictures that we gathered on the short 36 hour trip we made to attend this historic occasion. As always, the Queen Mary did not fail to impress but it was the people that attended that made it so very memorable to me. I was surrounded by current lovers and supporters of the RMS Queen Mary, Sir Winston Churchill, and past passengers and crew. The first event was a dedication of “Their Finest Hour” Churchill Exhibition by Sir Winston’s great granddaughter, Jennie Churchill. The exhibit showcases several original set pieces from the new film Darkest Hour, used to recreate secret War rooms used by Churchill in WWII. When you step below the rooms are so supremely done that it is impossible not to feel a part of history and truly understand how daunting was the responsibility held by so many to plot the defeat of Hitler. The somberness was quickly replaced by the festive and jubilant spirit to the 50th Anniversary Gala held above on the Verandah Deck. It was here that I had a better opportunity to reconnect with June Allen, one of the first War Brides of the Queen Mary, that I have grown so close to in our many interviews in research for my novel. The revered Commodore Everette spoke as historic gifts were bestowed in the new partnership between RMS Queen Mary and the International Churchill Society, even a moment shared by the daughter of the last Captain, Treasure Jones. This night also included a brief meeting of the Last Stowaway, and author of book by the same name, who hid aboard the Queen Mary as she left Southampton for the last time. Fun fact; he believed he would be going to New York, unknowing it was a trip all the way to California.
Although the Gala was coming to a close, there were many that made way to the Observation Bar to finish out the night. I am so glad that I went along because it was there that I was able to be sing along and dance on the sidelines as Jennie Churchill joined in the Karaoke fun, singing ‘Sweet Caroline’, by Neil Diamond. It made the whole night, as did sharing a few dancing turns with Jennie Churchill’s companion, Laurence Geller CBE, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE), by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in 2011.
The next morning, I was back on the Verandah Deck for the Remembrance Ceremony and Salute to Long Beach from the Queen Mary. There did not seem to be a way to top the events from the night before but I was wrong. Waiting as on the Starboard side, I was privileged to sit with June Allen, which gave us a little more time to catch up. It was here that I was introduced to Maureen, a Southern California native, that was not only a passenger on the Queen Mary’s last cruise, but claims she was the very last passenger off the ship 50 years ago. I wish I had more time to hear Maureen’s adventurous story but the boats were before us in the water. Jennie Churchill and WWII veteran, Ray Deveau, one of the 810,000 Allied Personnel Queen Mary Carried as the Grey Ghost in her service as troopship, laid a ‘Wreath of Remembrance’ on the water to recognize those who went to war or returned from conflict aboard the Queen Mary, observed by a moment of silence. This was followed by a Fire Boat Water Cannon that gave a Splendid Anniversary Salute to the Queen Mary, that resulted in cheers and claps as we were graced with a full rainbow, a symbol of Peace. It was a sight to behold and a perfect ending to a perfect weekend.
Below are links for more pictures and facts in relation to the Queen Mary’s 50th Arrival in Long Beach, California.
In the last few weeks we have been suffering with multiple tragedies as a Nation, many disastrous events in our own Country. For some of you these were literally in your own backyard, or like me, you had loved ones that were affected or involved so it hits closer to home. I had friends trapped by the flooding in Texas during Hurricane Harvey, and family in Florida forced to endure days without power during Hurricane Irma. My Aunt and Uncle were among the mass of people at the Route 91 concert in Las Vegas, fortunate to escape. I am grateful that everyone I know personally is safe by all accounts in all these situations; however there are many victims and families of victim’s still enduring loss, fear, pain. Scrolling through social media the posts were at first full of shock and wonder at how the world could be so evil, but quickly escalated to an uprising in anger, judgment and condemnation. Close friends are literally posting hateful posts with words like “Delete Me, If you don’t like my Opinion” and/or the equivocal “Our opinions differ; I am right so you must be wrong!” Or a few have gone on a rant, spewing expletives and casting blame, all which is unnecessary. Instead of coming together as a people, we divide, taking sides in a controversy that will never be won. Political Agendas, Conspiracy Theories, Protests for Social Injustice, and a fight for Amendment Rights has caused such a rift amongst friends, brothers, co-workers, that we are literally creating the groundwork for another civil war. The animosity tears at my soul so that I actively seek out the good to balance myself, to restore my hope in humanity. Let the benevolence of the helpers, professional or community driven, outweigh the disheartened. Take comfort in the patience of those that stood in line for hours to donate blood for the victims. Literally giving the Gift of Life, because when it comes right down to it, WE ALL BLEED THE SAME BLOOD! When donating or receiving there is no box to check for race, ethnicity, nationality, or political affiliation. We are simply a Blood Type and all humans share that common factor. Our world is built on diversity and inclusion, meaning differences and embracement; it is why we are proud to be Americans. Yes, there are race relations and social justices, all deserving of their own discussion, but for now, let’s learn how to embrace our diversion with dignity. In the wake of the horrific events that are still unfolding, let us be kind to one another. Mr. Rogers says it best, “It’s very dramatic when two people come together to work something out. It’s easy to take a gun and annihilate your opposition, but what is really exciting to me is to see people with differing views come together and finally respect each other.”
― Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember
