FYI

For anyone who wants to know how the Man in the Mirror "gave" in proper order -- click here for OMG's take on it.

Wolfe Blitzer said that Michael Jackson is worth more dead than alive - exact quote not heard. But this to me was a very tacky, disrespectful, rude and unnecessary thing to say, especially considering the tragedy behind MJ's death.

Work awaits me.

Ciao Y'all

The Man in the Mirror (cont)

Funny how I knew Michael Jackson's passing would come up in church this weekend. From the pulpit. The pastor had a video team out on Thursday at the VA cemetery to shoot a video for the 4th of July spectacular the church sponsors. He said that they could not shoot after a whole fleet of helicopters were hovering above the are. He found out about Michael Jackson was the reason for the helicopters and decided they helicopters would be there a lot longer than they had time to wait and thought it best to move somewhere else.

Later that day - Thursday - Pastor was thinking about MJ and posted on his blog about the entertainer, asking for comments about MJ's life. He said he got comments that were good and comments that were not good, but the comments that he deemed true were the ones of those who casted no stones. The comments from those who said that we don't know Michael Jackson's reality - only God knows that whole story and judgement will be His, not ours. At the time of the harvest we will know but will be too concerned about our own souls.

We should be concerned about our own souls. The Bible tells us this, time and time again. Read it for yourself as so many a Bible teaching pastor have urged. I for one believe it to be the greatest booked ever penned. That's my truth as I look at the (wo)man in the mirror.

Don't blast MJ in these hours, that's disrespectful, because I can bet he never blasted you. Don't throw stones, because I can bet he would not have thrown stones at you. Don't speak of what you don't know for your ownself to be true - as in spreading rumors and as in gossip - because I bet he would have never spread rumors or gossiped about you. Don't fear for his lost soul that you don't truly know is lost, because it's your own soul's fate you should be questioning. Check your life. Will you be ready at the harvest?

Ciao Y'all

The Man in the Mirror (cont)

I promised to post a couple of photos that were given to me way long ago - after high school - by a good friend of mine. Markie had this crush on me in high school - I didn't give him the time of day because he was a year younger and in high school that was too young for a girl. But he waited until after high school to catch up with me. By this time, I was working on my seeming life long dream to move to Los Angeles and marry Michael Jackson. This was my goal. I was working and saving money and checking off the blocks to my goal of moving to Hollywood. Not only to marry Michael but because I fell in love with Hollywood when I was 15 and my mother brought me to this place. Not so much star struck, but everything struck. The vibe of southern Cali, L.A. LA LA land. I knew I would one day return.

Any way, Markie's father worked for Capital Records and Markie got me tickets to the Victory Tour concert - I took my cousin Kenny and a young friend of mine - Sherry. We had so much fun! I had on a short leather skirt and fishnets and the glove and we walked the wrong way in the stadium, headed to the backstage. Was told by the security guard that I looked nice but I still had to go the other way. Wasn't trying to get backstage - I was honestly lost in that big stadium with two starstruck teens. We got to our seats and the show is nothing but a blur. A screaming blur. The whole time on our feet - screaming!!! Best show I ever saw! I know it must have been because I remember everyone around me screaming and crying - even my cousin - and I thought it was phenomenal.

Still trying to win my heart, Markie gave me the two pictures and told me that when I got to LA I could contact his father, and he would definitely get me an intro to MJ. Markie had done so much for me, but hadn't revealed he had gotten married right out of high school and had two boys. His mother called me one day to inform me of this fact and that was that. I still had my dream to move to L.A. and I finally made it here. Been here now for 16 years and love it.

The photos have been in my car (all of my cars) the whole time I've lived here.

Maybe I thought that if I met MJ one day I could have him sign them. Life's funny.

Watching the special on tv while working yesterday brought lots of tears as well as laughter and joy to my heart. Lots of questions about what happened. Thoughts about prescription drugs that are so readily available and seem to be more harmful than good. Knowing that at my weight I have a hard time with prescription painkillers and don't take them. Could be just genetics because my Mother can't take them either.

Unfortunately not even in death will they leave MJ alone. The haters, the gossipers, the theys who never even met the man will spin things this way and that way. The bitter evils. But I will remember Michael as that beautiful little boy who I thought I would one day marry -- I know, like every other little girl back in the day.

My sincere thoughts of peace and love are sent with my prayers to the Jackson family. Michael Jackson will always be the greatest performer there ever was! RIP Man in the Mirror.

Ciao Y'all

The Man in the Mirror

Like many of his fans, I am in shock and completely lost for words. I will post a personal photo that I was given of Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, by the son of a music producer, tomorrow. I will have more to say tomorrow. I hate this foggy feeling inside my head -- and hopefully that will go away tomorrow.

My heartfelt prayers go out to the Jackson family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Please tell someone you love them.

Ciao Y'all

My Favorite Little Leaguer

They grow way too fast. Time flies when you're having fun - that's for sure. Gregory once called this kids the best looking person in the house. He's been called the president since he was very young - around 3. Even a complete stranger called him the president and she knew not the family secret. The nicest person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

The photographer who took this photo once remarked that all he had to do was stand there to get good shots. Whenever working as an 8x10 (actor) he always gets the close-up, without asking. Anyone who has ever met him think highly of him, simply adore him, or can't get enough of his winning personality. Once a director made us wait around for 3 hours after he had wrapped just to say a warm goodbye, (I thought we were being punked.) He's my biggest fan - my greatest ally - and my hero. God has truly blessed my life because I know him.

There's more --

One season his batting average was 486. That year he also had the most stolen bases, and the most RBI's. This year he was walked 25 times in 16 games. One coach commented that he would love to have 20 just like him -- someone who can take directions, and make adjustments.

Gregory calls him "the boy". When he was a baby, Gregory announced to everyone in the department store that "the cat peed on the baby's blanket!" Gregory also realized and put it in the most memorable way "I used to be the baby". Hence when the gregorysms began - Gregory's the used to be the baby.

Ciao Y'all

Photo courtesy of Robert Kazandjian -- Kazandjian Photography (the only photographer I trust my 8x10's to). Find him in Burbank, CA. This is a silly fun photo, Robert took - my baby doesn't wear glasses, but he's as cute as a bug

Happy Birthday!

To someone who I love very much -- today is his birthday and may I say -- best wishes for many more birthdays to come. May you be always blessed.

Ciao Y'all

"We all owe God a death"

When asked what The Taking of Pelham 123 was about I simply answered, Denzel Washington and John Travolta. To me it didn't matter what the film was about because the two brilliant actors starring would be worth the price of the free ticket to see this film. Don't hate - I got the free admission due to a mess up the first time I tried to see this movie. Any way, I was bound and determined to see this movie yesterday, a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

WHOA! Not sure if it compares to the original (never saw it), but this remake can stand all by itself. The story is good. I'm not buying the motive, or it's very unclear. So convince yourself - it is what it is. The acting is worthy to be used in an acting 101 class on this is how you do it. The cinematography is amazing. Sometimes I was not clear what I was watching. Some of the shots were out of the ordinary and hard to believe the way the intercuts were so perfectly cut. A man movie with a certain something - gorgeous men - for the woman.

I say go go go to see this movie. Make sure you get the right ticket to the right show though.

Ciao Y'all

movie poster courtesy of imdb.com

When They Can Reach You...

I think Big on Sex in the City was on to something when he complained about his lady interest being able to reach him but he was never able to reach her. That point which he vented to his ex Carrie and her new boyfriend Aiden was a whole other story.

But truly y'all -- what does it mean when they can reach you and you can never reach them? One sided. One Way. Una Via. Or maybe, take your as... you know on. IDK people. IDK. Probably just living the dream or a new one from Gregory - getting a ticket to a festival. One ticket please.

Ciao Y'all

It is True! Baseball Matters

True BLUE! Dodger Blue! As Gregory says, the fastest way to get back your ethos is to admit you have no ethos. I have no ethos. YAY! Now I can get it back.

After the past few days of dealing with a bipolar personality (I survived - no applause just throw money) I was calmed by this fact -- I LOVE THE DODGERS! I am true blue. I thought my Mother's adoration for football's Washington Redskins ran too deep, but home safe and sound I watch the faces of my boys in blue and I know all of them - I love all of them. Anyone can be up to bat and I could sit in the chair next to the veteran announcer - Chick - and tell you something about that player.

Oh to be a well off entrepreneur -- I will own season tickets - the best I can get. One day soon boys. One day soon.

Ciao Y'all

"I don't know how that works"

Jamie Foxx deserves another academy award for this film - The Soloist. His portrayal of this more than gifted musician dealing with schizophrenia is remarkable. Robert Downing Jr. is at his best - in his element - back in the saddle - ready to roll -- and everything else that keeps him on screen for us to marvel over. He's kinda cute too. I look forward to seeing him in his upcoming movie about Sherlock Holmes.

His character comes full circle from being a selfish out for himself award winning reported, to being a unconditional loving friend to Jamie Foxx's character, his on-screen ex, and himself. Just learning to love himself. As I hear it, the friendship depicted in this film still carries on today, patiently one day at a time. As is life.

I saw this film a while back - but writing about it was not something I wanted to rush. I am still taking it in, and I am not sure if it's still playing. What I am sure of is buying the DVD when it's released, to have to watch whenever I feel like I am losing my mind. It's a beautiful flick. Not sure what was up with the constant change in the release date - but yes, it was worth the wait.

Ciao Y'all

movie poster courtesy of imdb.com

"Matt Lauer Can Suck It!"

That line spurted out of the mouth of Will Ferrell's character - Dr. Rick Marshall - in "Land of the Lost". I had to go see it. My brother even went to see it and he took my 9 year old niece. Not really kid friendly but my niece catches bugs for a hobby, has been watching the CHUCKY movies since birth, challenges "do you want a piece of me!", and although very light complected, the spawn of an African American and a Latina, announces "I am not white!" She is something. But back to the movie --

I went to see this movie because the tv series was one of my favorite. Word from the wise - if you're going to see it because of the nostalgic tv series memories -- DON'T! I went to a very late show and the theater was half full but the laughter was plenty loud - it's Will Ferrell, what do you expect? The silliness is worth the ticket stub, if you've had one of those long weeks. Thinking though that summer gets way better from here.

Matt Lauer is kinda cute in his cameo and his hair is looking a bit thicker these days. Cool.

Ciao Y'all

Movie poster courtesy of www.imdb.com

SUMMER HEAT

This should prove to be a hot one.  Gregory had a new crush and has completely lost all his ethos.  He watches  shows like "The Hills" and "Gossip Girl" to learn to appreciate them as he puts it.  Says it's "good crap" - an oxymoron if I ever heard one.  

Even in the business of my day I'm sure to catch a new word or phrase or just the intonation changing the meaning of a word or phrase from Gregory - the graduate - for gregorysm day.  That's today!

Ciao Y'all

Andre the Giant Dodger

Baseball indeed matters to Andre Ethier - click on his blog from this page.  Friday's game ended in the win column thanks to Mr. Ethier, who hit a long double, ripping in 2 RBIs.  The end result after a hard fought game against the Phillies was 4 to 2.  

And if that wasn't a thrill of victory moment, Ethier than comes back tonight and in extra innings powerhouses a game ending homer!  The end score still against the Phillies was 3 to 2.  

NICE HOME STAND BOYS

Ciao Y'all

A Life Wasted - Follow up

A few post ago wrote about my sister-in-laws nephew from Charles County Maryland who was stabbed to death.  His funeral was held this past Tuesday.  The school he attended held a car wash to raise funds for the family.  The fool who stabbed Antonio was 17 as well.  A thug who came up from Florida to play football in Maryland - his uncle took him in.  This dude played on the same football team as my all state quarterback nephew who graduated to years ago.  The killer said the motive was robbery -- so now he's under arrest for murder and attempted robbery.  Dummy.

To me it's senseless.

Ciao Y'all

"We're graduating from junior college -- we don't know jack!"

Because we love Gregory and gregorysms - let me announce that this beautiful young man is graduating from College of the Canyons.  Yes as he has noted, it is a junior college.  But no, they don't know jack.  They know much more after these two years - one of which, for Gregory, was completed while still in high school.  Gregory is vocal, talented, caring, and beautiful.  I salute him as he completes this chapter and moves to a new one at Cal State Los Angeles.  

Leave your comments and congrats for him right here.

Ciao Y'all