As one gets a little older, they start reflecting on their life, "going down memory lane". It's natural to recall the good things and times. If you've had a strange life, like myself, you probably have had more bad times than good times. You realize that your "saving grace" was that some kind soul who stepped in, gave you the needed help, pointed you in the right direction or simply became your ally, so that you didn't have to go it alone. They put no price tag to be paid, made no demands or compulsively tried to run your life. They simply wanted you to be who you were and have a happy and rewarding life. They didn't judge you, but taught you to be your own judge. My life in a way has been like a long bus ride from NYC to LA., not on an express route, but rather like a "milk train" that stops at every small town. The wonderful part about that sort of journey is that new passengers are getting on and off at each stop. If you are not afraid to put yourself out there, you can meet a lot of inspirational individuals. Some may be there for only a small portion of your venture, a few will make the whole journey with you. Below are some of memorable ones I have been fortunate to meet on my cross country bus ride. Thinking of them always brings a big smile on my face and warmth in my heart.
Those Most Influential In My Life
Started several months ago, writing about my life and in the process realized the large number of individuals over the years who influenced me and allowed me to have so many good moments throughout it. There are many who contributed, but want those that really contributed to be recognized. The following will be in a somewhat chronological order as they entered my life.
Margaret Pritchard - My sister Maggie has been the one stable factor over my entire life. We spent only a few years together when I was growing up, but she taught me more about life in those early years and still is teaching me about life today. She has always been honest and open with me and one of the most positive human beings I have ever met. She is a self-made pioneer woman and doesn't run away from any challenge. She has a heart of gold, but will smack your ass if you get out of line, no matter how young or old you are. The greatest compliment I can give her is that when around her or telling others about her, I always have a big smile on my face and good thoughts dancing around in my head. Thank you Maggie.
Richard Gillespie - Giz, the doctor, played a major roll in my early years and still influences me to keep doing my art. I was like his younger brother when I lived at his parents home. He was a very strange, but disciplined, character. Was always fascinated by his art and his life style. He lived on his own planet and was one of the most hilarious dead-pan individuals you could meet. Subconsciously, I think I fashioned many aspects of my life after him. He was one who always took the time to sit down with me and try to help me understand what was going on in life and always encouraged me to just be myself. Always took it as a compliment, when being chided by a family member, You're just like your damn Cousin Rich. You did a good job Doctor.
Donald Gillespie - Cousin Don wasn't exactly a rocket scientist, but had a heart of gold. He was the "Big Bad Black Sheep" of the family. Like Giz, he treated me like I was his little brother. He always took my side and stood up for me when things went awry. Few had any great expectations for Don, but I could sit down and talk to him about almost anything. He knew he wasn't going to accomplish major things in his life, but like Giz, always encouraged me to be just me and the hell with everyone else if they didn't like it.
William Baska - Bill from the first day he showed up to pick my sister Cass in his blue 29 Chevy hot rod, became almost like my new guardian and best friend in life. He was a quiet, but very confident guy with a devilish grin. Until I moved to Oklahoma, there would be one individual I could call on when I needed help and that was Bill. Often I didn't have to call, for he somehow, he instinctively knew and would just show up out of the blue. We had a close and confidential relationship over the years. He taught me how to drive when I was 12 and let me get behind the wheel on some of our unannounced road trips to wherever. There were times when my sister got jealous for she thought he was spending more time with me than her. Him and Cousin Don were real "bad asses" and sometimes hung out at some of the bars on Central Avenue. Was quite a common thing, that they would stand back-to-back and take on the whole bar. As gentle of a man as he was, you had to be nuts to screw with him physically. Thought I would be shoved to the side when his son Mark was born. However, when Bill made a commitment, he stuck with it unwaveringly through the good times and bad times. He did everything in his power and capability to get things heading in the right direction regardless of what he had to personally endure to make it happen. When you are 20-21 and someone is still checking up on you, most would resent that a little. However, it was something that made me feel extremely special to have such a caring person making sure I was okay. Wish he had lived longer so in some way I could have repaid him for all he did for me those many years.
Joseph Subelka - Joe was only in my life for a short period of time. However he had a minor and major impact on it. At a floundering part of my life, he was married to my sister Maggie and they were raising 7 young kids. How many people do you know that would be willing to take on another one 18-19 years old? Remember the evening at his brother Stanley's bar when he reached out to me. He asked what skills I had other than being a jock. He also knew that I was jumping from place to place, just to have a roof over my head. He offered me 2 opportunities. The first was that I could move in with his family and the second one was that he would help me get into the Carpenters and Millwright Union in order to learn a trade and some skills to provide for myself down the road of life. It stunned me, as for the first time in my life someone was thinking about me in present time and also the future. The future was something very few ever mentioned in my life. May not seem like much to others, but it brought me back from wanting to be dead after all my disappointments, to feeling as I had something to offer in this world. Enjoyed going to work with him in the morning, him teaching me on the job and us stopping at Stanley's on the way home. The best part of it was sleeping on that couch downstairs in the den with 9 caring and loving people around me, plus Babette, the St. Bernard. Nothing in life is perfect, but when you have those that care, you can't ask for much more. Another strange thing is that I learned not to just run up and down the field fast, but to co-ordinate my mind and hands into creating and building things, which in different phases of my life I would always continued to do. One thing that has amazed me over the years, is that not big moments or instances, but the small and almost insignificant moments that have the greatest impacts on our lives.
Fred Small - Fred was the one who took me under his wing, when I started working for Neville, Sharp & Simon, Architects, originally as an errand boy. Once he found out I had some minor drafting experience, he convinced Bill Simon to let me work with him doing some of the drafting on his design concepts, Fred was partially blind in one eye, smoked like a fiend and his only friend in the office seemed to be Bill Simon. He once worked for the great Eero Saarinen, had a medium size office of his own in California, did mostly modern architecture and at one time did Liberace's famous "piano pool". Like many architects he had a drinking problem. He sobered up and moved to KC and was hired by NS&S to take over Bill Simon's position as Head Designer. This gentleman was extremely talented and took the time to teach me the little things that make the difference between being just an architect/draftsman, but a designer. Didn't understand it at the time, but later really appreciated him taking the time to pass on his experience and knowledge. He also took the time to tell me about the pitfalls and frustrations of the profession. Again, didn't see it at that time, but perhaps he was forewarning me about possibilities in the future, should I choose to stay in it down the road. When I look back, he really did paint a realistic picture.
Edward S. Fabac - Sam was so many things to me and did so many good and wonderful things for me in such a short period of my life, as he also did for so many others. Have written a lot about him, but the one thing I cherish the most was that he provided me with the time, place and necessary support to figure out who the real Ralph Vera/John Michael Dodig was. Most, I think only saw the fun and good time side of him. He was a very serious man inside once he opened the door to you. I know we shared some very heavy stuff about ourselves with one another. He was one of the first men in my life, who started talking to me as if I was a man. He was a man who deep down really cared about people.
Helen and John Verbanic, Sr. - John wasn't as endearing as Helen, However, over the years he treated me like one of his kids. He probably had in his mind what I should do with myself to fortify the Verbanic image. He bailed me out of several big binds in my life. I got the lectures like the others, but he never came down heavy on me. He never asked for anything in return, but always said, Grow up. Quit being a mutana. Make something of yourself and make us proud. You don't want to end up being just another bum on 6th Street. Helen on the other hand was the mother I never knew. Thank God she came into my life. I gloated when I got my Friday night T-bone steak after paying my rent or when she would ask one of the kids, Why can't you be more like my good son Ralphy? Over the years, whenever I was around Helen, I always felt like I was "home". When she asked, How are you son?, you know she really meant it and cared. When she passed on, Walter and I went back to KC and stayed in her condo in Prairie Village. When it was time for us to turn in that night, he told me to take the bedroom, he would sleep on the couch. With my insomnia, having to have a TV on all night, getting up every hour to have a smoke or having weird dreams when I stayed in in new places, I told him it was best for me to sleep on the couch. He kept asking, Are you sure? I overslept in the morning. He thought I had had one of my typical restless nights and had finally just worn myself out. When I told him I had conked out 5 minutes after laying down and never woke up once. Told him I couldn't remember the last time I had slept that soundly. He just laughed and laughed. He finally told me, I thought the bedroom would be better for you, because I didn't know if you knew that the couch was where they found Mom when she passed. I thought you may freak out at some point. That was my Helen, Mom, providing me with peace and comfort even when she was no longer with us. She was such a special, special lady.
Phyl and Herman Scharhag - Wrote a lot about them being the driving force in my architectural career. However, it was in my personal life where they made the biggest differences. Like Helen and John Verbanic, they showed me what a real family should be like and what it took to keep it all together. Phyl was so straight forward and blunt sometimes that it would hurt, but you knew she was being that way so life could move on and get to the happier and better moments. Remember when Lynn and I took her parents over to meet them at their home. Both of them lauded me every chance they got. At the end of the day my head was bigger than a beach ball. When we were leaving, typical Phyl asked, Well do you still think he is a bum going nowhere? Both of them made sure I got what I needed and the support I needed to get to where I was going. Herman's greatest personal aspiration was to be a "Clown" in the Ararat Shrine Temple. He was in the Foot Patrol and later the White Thunderbird Patrol, which performed in all the parades and many civic events. Phyl would always tell him, that he already was and had always been a "Clown". He finally got his wish and I know he brought great laughter and joy to many. When he retired from architecture, he became a successful watercolor artist. Phyl died of cancer in her early 50's. Herman got remarried and continued living his outlandish life. Once when I was back in KC, I stopped by his place. During our conversation, he talked about conversations he and Phyl had had over the years. They had both agreed, if one should die before the other, the one remaining would not also die, but rather live the fullest life possible with no regrets. Both were very realistic and unselfish individuals.
Walter A. Verbanic - Young Walter, Brother, and I had close to a 48 year ongoing relationship. Though it was not always perfect you couldn't talk about one of us without mentioning the other. Through much of what I have written about him and those that know us personally, you understand what both of us meant to one another. I still occasionally pick up the phone to call him or start typing an email to him. I hope I never lose that feeling to be in touch with him one more time.
Harley Marshall - Farlington/Lionel is one of those characters that is very, very difficult to define or pigeon hole. On the surface, he seems like the typical "good old boy", but what goes on in his mind, is a whole other thing. His mind, I think, never stops or slows down. Walter and I often laughed about Harley and his one-man plays. We knew he loved the spot light and would give his usual stellar performance, but we always expected that, in one, of the final acts/scenes he would include 300 other actors doing insane things, just to blow the audience's mind. When he threw his absurdity switch to the on position, you were always in for a real treat and experience. Don't think he ever thought about a normal profession, but always aspired to be a poet and an actor. He always was and will probably be his own living Theatre of the Absurd. Nothing he ever said or did was malicious, but rather a mind expanding exercise for us all to expand our perceptions and perspectives in life. Life could never be dull when Harley was on a roll. Was hard for Walter and I to keep up with him when we all worked together at Sammy's. Him and his wonderful wife, Katy, have been together for numerous years and have, as he puts it, Two normal kids. Don't understand how that happened. Respectfully and lovingly, when some have told me I was strange or weird, I always responded, Apparently you haven't met my tutor in life, Harley Marshall. Has been great getting back in touch with him over the past few years.
Edward V. Kemp - Ed was the Assistant Dean of Architecture at OU when I enrolled there. He and his wonderful wife, Marge, had 8 kids. Unlike most administrators, who concentrated mostly on academics, he concentrated on making sure the students had personal experiences and lives when working on their degrees. He often had cookouts and parties at his home, started free Friday night movies, started free photography classes and free life drawing classes, as well as, getting the Head of Physical Plant to allow architectural students to learn and use the equipment and machinery as to be able to get "hands on" experience in putting together and building things. For me, he broke down the curriculum requirements as they related to my past real office experience. He then put together a faculty review committee for my oral exams. I was allowed to "quiz out" of 40 credit hours (1 1/2 years) and only had to pay in-state tuition for those credits. After attaining my BSED and entering the graduate program, he got me on staff as a graduate assistant, which allowed me to give up a few of my part-time jobs. He also would bring me every national student design competition and encourage me to enter. I won a few of them and got citations on others. Later when he became Dean at Auburn University he would offer me a job on the faculty, as he would do later when he became Dean at UL Rustin. Know he helped all of the students, but also know that he went way out of his way to help me.
William H. Wilson - Bill was another of my allies while at OU. He was the genius behind many of the famous Bruce Goff's designs when he was he Dean of Architecture at OU and it was considered the best architectural school in the US. At that time 20% of the students came from Japan and every noted architect lectured there. Bill tried to do everything to help my dream come true to work in Japan upon graduation. However the language barrier was too big to overcome. He was a brilliant and down to earth gentleman from Texas. Not only was he a lawyer, but also licensed as an Architect, Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer and Audio and Communications Engineer. He had and knew it all. Along with Ed Kemp, he gave me a lot of his free time, not only academically, but personally. Lynn and I spent a fair amount of time with him and his wife and they introduced us to many creative and alternative thinking professionals in the area. Most students hated him for you couldn't kiss up to him or "bullshit" him. At faculty meetings or interviews with potential staff members, the Dean and other faculty member always knew that Ed, Bill or myself would bring up the issues or questions, none wanted to address or be asked. In his letter of recommendation for me he wrote, In Architectural Design he ranks first in his class. Mr. Dodig has rare talent outstanding among the best graduates of this school for the past twenty-five years. I must have done something good in his eyes.
Charles L. Whitley - Chuck was the one who taught me that I could have a wild hair up my ass and could be an exceptional professional at the same time. A professor at OU, whom I worked for part-time had designed his home in Midwest City. I had done all the construction documents on it. Chuck couldn't find a contractor to build it and decided to build it himself. The professor and I had a major falling out because he refused to get further involved to help Chuck. One day I drove by his lot in Midwest City and a small group was trying to figure out how to build the foundations. He recognized me from the one time I had met him in the professor's office. That was the start of another great relationship I would have for many years. I got together a group of students, with carpentry experience, some of whom also helped me with my small furniture studio. Also the contractor whom I had worked for earlier helped me line up sub-contractors to do other portions of the required work. In a way, I became his "student contractor". We also built all the furniture for the home. Most of the students who worked with me were vets of Viet Nam and had families to support while going through school. They were very appreciative to have the work and Chuck not only compensated them well, but also did many things for them on the side to show his appreciation. For many years, his home was the cover photo for Midwest City's government brochure. Chuck was an amazing man. He had only one year of education at a local Junior College, but had worked his way up to being the Head Civilian at Tinker Air Force Base. He and General Fox were the two top dogs. He loved his country and performed his duties for the government first, but would show up at anti-war events from time to time. He had been transferred to the Interior Department to run Benewah AFB in Viet Nam and headed up the final evacuation when Saigon fell. He was an avid pilot and sometimes scared the devil out of me when he did a stunt or would fly upside down under a bridge. He had once been part-owner of the "Diamond Ballroom" where Willie Nelson and other C&W singers and groups got started. From time to time a big star, like Ray Price, would show up at his home in their tour bus and set up and play for a big block party. His wife Rosemary and him and Lynn and I spent a lot of time together until I moved to California. As they say, there was never a dull moment. He developed cancer and had to retire. Quit doing the chemotherapy thing and went down to the Caribbean, where his brother-in-law had a home and was involved in a treasure hunting operation. He went back to drinking his two-bottles-a-day of vodka and smoking his two-packs-a-day cigarettes. After two months, he returned to Oklahoma and miraculously, they could find no more cancer anywhere in him. 17 years later it would appear again and he would only last a week. Him and Mad Dog visited me in Mexico and LA. Chuck also came down to Stephenville, TX for one of my art show openings and we spent a few days together. When his cancer disappeared, Northrup offered him a job in Saudi Arabia, where they were building a new air base. He wanted me to go with him and be his architectural liaison. I had to refuse and after rethinking his experiences in Viet Nam, he decided to sit back and enjoy his pension. There are so many stories and adventures associated with him, but time doesn't allow them all. Just know that he was a fascinating man and a TRUE friend.
Ronnie Lee Williams - Mad Dog was another one of those crazy characters, but at the same time an inspirational soul. He was born a week after Walter and passed on a week after Walter left us. He was one of my students at OU. He loved motorcycles and after graduating high school in Shawnee, OK became a team rider for Harley Davidson. In the off season he would work at Tinker AFB. During one of the Christmas parties, he took a tug (vehicle that tows planes) and being out of control ran into a few planes. Needless to say the 3,000 civilians and all the military personnel wanted to kill him for partying on the base got limited and somewhat restricted. At a national race in OKC over Labor Day, there was in a horrible accident. Three riders we killed, Mad Dog had his back broken in 5 places and another ended us being almost a vegetable in a wheel chair for life. They took him to a trauma center in Tahlequah, OK. He would spend one year flat on his back with the prognosis that he would never walk again. But as Mad Dog put it, Ain't nothin that's gonna beat me or put me down. After a year of physical therapy, he was able to walk with a cane, which he would for the next 10 years, until several medical facilities and doctors misdiagnosed his then conditions. When one finally did discover the problem, he was back in a wheel chair. Part of his rehabilitation after leaving Tahlequah was training him for a new vocation. He had no idea what architecture was, but to not spend a lot of time researching everything, decided to choose it, as it was one of the first few on the list. He was one of my students when I was a graduate assistant. As he was a year younger than me and a little crazier than me, we sort of naturally hit it off. After he graduated and I was working for BB&A, I hired him for my staff. Physically he couldn't take the long hours and pressure and told me he needed to move on. I introduced him to Chuck and immediately his reputation of the tug instance came home. Chuck really was impressed with him and also enjoyed his straightforwardness. He opened up a position in the Planning Department for him. The good part of that was that Mad Dog had health and pension benefits, should his conditions go South at sometime. Naturally they did and a few years later he was back in a wheel chair. Chuck made one more move in his favor. Terrorism was just starting to show its ugly head. He sent him to the CIA anti-terrorism school and made him head of the base terrorism unit. Who would ever expect that a guy in a wheel chair would be your head killer. Chuck would retire due to his cancer and Mad Dog would be forced to retire a few years down the road due to further deteriorating conditions. As he had said, nothing was going to beat him or keep him down. He would supervise the building of his home, restore his car and clock collections, plant and tend his gardens and also become a certified private detective. He had a couple of marriages in between, but always kept moving forward. He'd use those hand controls and like a madman drove across country for new experiences. He had a firearms collection that the National Guard envied and he dared anyone to give him shit or try and take advantage of him. Have a picture of him, strapped high up in a tree, when he was elk hunting in Colorado. He never allowed anyone to feel sorry for him. When I would at times feel sorry for myself or others thought they deserved great sympathy, I always thought about him or told them they needed to meet my good and crazy friend Mad Dog.
Jack Bedingfield - Jack in his earlier years had been one helluva designer. However the profession has a way of brow-beating one down and turning them into a kiss-ass or yes men if you want to keep their job. His greatest asset down the road was that he could identify talents and keep them enthusiastic. Over the years he recognized the best designers in the area and brought them aboard at BB&A. Unfortunately the company didn't afford him to retain many for the long term if profits didn't stay above a certain level. I mentioned in earlier writing about my 3 different terms of employment at BB&A. I am thankful to Jack, to this day, for him bringing me through the front door on each of those occasions. I once asked him why he didn't just start up his own firm. He told me, I'm like you. I'm a designer and the business side of this profession bores the hell out of me. I like the big rushes of the process, but hate hustling the work. It's also hard to do the dirty work and then to give a kid the opportunity to do the things that you want to be doing and make sure they have a paycheck. All you kids that come through here haven't opened up your own office, but in your own ways provide me with a paycheck. Know that when I had my problems with "Buffy", Jack always would say, Don't worry, we'll get the prick out of here one way or the other, always with a smile on his face. Jack was one of those people who could stare you in the face and say, Fuck you very much, and most would think he was giving them a compliment.
Fred Orr - Fred is probably the most talented individual I ever met in the architectural profession. He was not only prolific, but like Herman Scharhag suggested, pulled out all the stops on anything he did. He had worked at Lukman, Becket and all the major firms in LA. I often thought he looked like the porn star, John Holmes. There was no aspect in architecture that he hadn't designed something for and his designs had been built on numerous continents. I would loved to have his resume, but Fred looked at each project as just being another project and doing something different and new. As I mentioned in earlier writing, I was hired by Maxwell Starkman and Associates to replace him. Humbly, I say that no one was capable of replacing Fred. When we got on the same track together, producing great projects for the firm, I felt like a neophyte next to him. Is strange, but along the road we became confidantes to make good things happen. He was a very reclusive individual, but we had a relationship that allowed the both of us to honestly and openly relate to one another. The guys at Starkman were shocked when he showed up at the Red Onion with me for happy hour. I quit wearing my three piece suits and a new bond was formed by all the designers on the 3rd floor overlooking Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills. Even after I got out of architecture, Fred would come to my art shows and encourage me to chase my new dream. I owe the man a lot. How do you not appreciate and be thankful for a person that was far above your league that gave you so much? Just wish at times, I had 1/3rd of his talent and maybe I would have stuck around a little longer in architecture.
Stanley Cohen - Stanley was this short little individual, almost unassuming, but a true GIANT. He was originally a psychologist that worked with actors to get them to believe they were the characters they were portraying. Along the line he became a real estate developer. Working out of Newport Beach with only him and his secretary, who made a guaranteed $300,000 a year, he only involved himself in only one development a year. He never worked more than 6-9 months a year. He'd put a total package together and then would sell it to an investor or investment group. He then took the rest of the year off and went about enjoying life. He taught me a lot about business, human nature and believing in oneself. Over the years I have repeated to others his mantra, Ralph, there are only two kinds of truths in this world, real truth and perceived truth. Your job is to find out which one is which. Won a competition with Stanley for a major high-rise development in Long Beach. He knew that I was at my breaking point in architecture and told me if I chose to walk away from things, to do what I had to do, but he would like for me to work with him on a hotel development next year in New Orleans. He also told me, With your talent, money is easy to make. Take it and use it for yourself and enjoy life. He was probably the best client I ever worked with.
Susan Zada - Susan and her husband Tibor were fortunate to survive the ovens in a Nazi concentration camp. They were fortunate to be some of the first to be relocated in the La Brea settlement area in LA after the war. She took full opportunity of her new chance at life. She wasn't a bitter woman, but a realistic and hard-ass woman. She got trained at Estee Lauder's School in Beverly Hills doing facials and skin treatments. One of the women who came into their salon was Nancy Davis, later Nancy Reagan. They developed a very close relationship over the years and she would be by Nancy's side after Ronald had been shot and she and Tibor were guests at many State functions at the White House. Nancy helped her open her own facial salon in BH and sent many A-List individuals her way. Tibor wasn't exactly the most motivated individual and got into the real estate business. Maybe he sold 3 properties over the next 20 years. Susan always had had an appreciation for art. Nancy helped her open a small gallery, which really wasn't that successful. They combined their talents and their contacts and Susan became an artist representative. Her salon produced enough income to allow her and Tibor to live in the hills in Benedict Canyon. With Nancy's help, she would be able to represent some of the best artists in the LA area. I met her through Marion's "personal shopper" Iby, who also had been in a concentration camp. Susan had helped her to open a small dress shop on the Westside and sent many clients to her. From my hedonistic side, I had an 8:00am appointment at Susan's salon every Monday. When she found out I was trying to be an artist, she honed in on me and went out of her way to make me her first big discovery. It was through her that I got into a big group show at LACMA, also several pieces into noted galleries and had 3 pieces of art in Wolfgang Puck's, Spago's when he opened the place on Sunset. Even though the public didn't understand or really want to purchase my art, she stuck with me. Always was included in her private shows in her home or when she worked out an exhibition with some of the better galleries in LA. She tried to convince me to ease up on my subject matter and also my drinking. I defied her on both and she walked away from me. Know that Walter and I always said we would do things the same way again, but I often wonder what may have been, for me as an artist, had I not been such a "hard headed hunkie". She said to me, something that still haunts me today, You don't really want to be a real artist, but want to be a drunk who uses art as the unfortunate reason you are a drunk. Maybe I should have looked at those tattooed numbers on her arms a little closer.
Bea Wain & Andre Baruch - Bea & Andre lived in the same building in Beverly Hills when I moved back from NY. They were an extremely dynamic and enthusiastic older couple. Andre was about 10 years older than Bea, but you would have thought the were both in their 40s. Bea started out in the music business as a back ground singer, moved up to a group singer and then to female band singer with many of the noted Big Bands. (One really needs to click on the link below and listen to and interview they gave in about 1988 or so.) She continued to perform over the years until her death. She later helped found the SOCIETY OF SINGERS to aid those from that era who had fallen through the cracks. Here favorite attire were the many "poodle skirts" and "saddle shoes" which Andre had painted for her. She caught a lot of eyes when out in the public. Andre, would later be inducted into the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame. During the 30s, 40s and early 50s, he was the announcer and voice for many of the biggest shows on radio. My personal favorite was The Shadow. During WWII, in Northern Africa, he started what was later be known as Arm Forces Radio. He also was the announcer and voice-over for all those Pathe News-Movietone news reels we saw in the movie theatres in between films. He even was a play by play announcer for the Brooklyn Dodgers for a few years. When radio was phasing out to television his voice allowed him to make the transition and he found substantial work in the movie and advertisement industries. During that period, he and Bea hosted a daily radio show, and were known as Mr. & Mrs. Music, in NYC. When they moved to Palm Beach they did a combination music/interview show 5 days a week, 4 hours a day for several years. Those they interviewed were just not from the music world, but included national political figures, activists, the power moguls who socialized in PB, authors, sports figures and the likes. They were always on the go. When they moved to California, they started a radio revival of the old Your Hit Parade. They syndicated it and it was heard weekly on over 300 stations across the US. They put together revival concert tours that included many of the singers that had appeared on Your Hit Parade's 25 year run on radio and television. They would afford my wife and I to participate with many wonderful people. One of the big treats for Marion was that at Morey Amsterdam's monthly card game, I didn't like playing cards, so she could sit in with the boys. I meanwhile, would swap recipes, got first hand scoops of the latest Hollywood dirt and be in on planning the next fund raiser or charitable event. One of the most entertaining individuals at the card games or every other week gathering at a Chinese restaurant in BH, was Milton DeLugg. He is one of the most knowledgeable individual about television and has had such and outstanding career as song writer and musical director. It would be an injustice, not to click on the link below to find out about his life. At 93, he is still the musical director for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Andre tried to teach me to play golf for a year, but finally got smart and realized it was a futile. He assigned me a new position as his caddie and cart driver. You had to be a two-some to get on the course. I would take my clubs so we could qualify. His instructions to me were simple. When you've been out whacking a golf ball around, you end up in the deep rough, the trees, out of bounds, every sand trap or every water hazard. Don't think of this cart as a golf ball. Just try and keep it on the cart path. We don't have another one in either one of our bags if you drive us into the drink. He was a 3 handicapper normally, but when I just drove and caddied, he was almost a scratch golfer. He was a very dear man. It was always a pleasure to participate with Bea and him. You always learned something new, met all these wonderful and accomplished individuals and never were expected to be anyone, but yourself.
http://www.speakingofradio.com/interviews/baruch-andre-announcer/
( The interview with Milton has 3 Parts. Scroll down below the video screen and click on "Interview". The click on Part 1, and then Part 2 and Then Part 3 after each part is finished.)
Ed Simmons - Ed was about 70, wore this horrible leather jacket, had this white hair and unkempt white beard, wore size 14EEE shoes, had a deep robust voice that could carry any room and was looking for any dog in heat. One evening at La Magnette on Sunset we were both half toasted, sitting next to one another. He was hustling this young wannabe honey lauding all of his connections and accomplishments. Unfortunately, but fortunately, I opened my mouth and asked him, Sounds great old man, but what have you done lately? He forgot about the chick and started an assault and interrogation on me. After a minute or two of his lambasting, I asked the bartender for a pen and paper and wrote down my name, address and phone number and said, Mister Big Shot, if you want to know about me, come over to my place for dinner tomorrow at 8:00. Now just leave me the f.... alone. The next evening, my wife, Marion, came home and there was this strange man in our condo and a wonderful meal in preparation. She always expected the unusual from me, but this one kind of pushed it. That evening started a wonderful relationship between the three of us, even after Marion and I got divorced. We learned about each other that evening and everything that Ed expounded to those young ladies was true. He came to Hollywood with his writing partner Norman Lear. They worked together for Red Skeleton, Martin and Lewis and numerous other hit shows. Later, they went their separate ways. We know where Norman Lear went after that, but Ed was never very far behind and they remained close friends and confided in one another over the years. Ed would later write and produce the Carol Burnett Show and its spin-offs. He would garner 5 Emmys and numerous Writers Guild Awards. Fortunately for me he would take me into the inner circle of the comedic and sit-com world. Again, there is not enough time to tell all of the experiences he afforded me. The one I cherish the most, was the evening at La Magnette, when we were sitting in a corner booth with 5 other writers from other network sit-coms, discussing what is the difference between a right and a privilege. Gene Perret, another almost giant, who was writing for Bob Hope and numerous shows, asked me for my opinions. I responded, I'm not in your guys league. Ed in that robust and infuriating voice came back with, If we didn't consider you in our league, you wouldn't' be sitting here. I got initiated into the Breakfast/Dinner Club. Ed was one that didn't abandon me when I hit bottom. He also quit drinking shortly after I did. He afforded me the fine meals at Geo's or Jean's Blue Room and always encouraged me to never give up on myself. He once flew me into New Orleans where he was writing a pilot for a comedy on the Canadian Broadcast Network. He simply said, You will enjoy the food, it's wonderful and it's free. I was fortunate a few times to go over to CBS and see how the show was actually written and produced. It kind of reminded me of architecture in a way. There were all the writers, costume people, make-up people, set designers/builders, stenos, runners, accountants and others working behind the scenes. On set there were the camera people, booth engineers, editors, lighting and sound people, runners, again stenos and the directors and executives. It was almost a mad house for a week trying to produce 5-6 skits for a one hour a week show. As I had seen in architecture and had experienced the stress and pressure to produce, I understood why many, after a long grueling day would go to The Farmer's Daughter, La Magnettte or some other watering hole and get "toasted". People like Dick Clark and Bob Hope had over the years signed contracts with the networks that included yearly development money. They made sure that a lot of the older writers and producers maintained a decent lifestyle and their dignity. Those, like Ed, who developed "pilots" would not only bring in former peers and associates and spread the "good tidings", but would also bring in younger and aspiring individuals so that they could gain experience and pad their resumes. One thing I learned about Hollywood, It wasn't what you knew, but who you knew. It is THE NAME DROPPER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. He later would write a fictional satire "Who's Killing The Networks?" and a few books of poetry. The City of Beverly Hills even named him their "Poetic Attaché". He also taught classes in writing and brought in numerous speakers at OASIS, a city funded creative center for the elderly. For me he wrote a script for one of my series of art, Time Measure and Philosophy. Unfortunately life didn't allow us to complete it. One thing we did together, almost religiously, was to do the Sunday LA Times crossword puzzle. We would start at 9:00am, with no references, try to complete it by 10:00am. If one completed before, the other would have to buy the other a sandwich at a local deli. If neither completed it, we just worked together to solve it. Taped a few of his poetry readings at the BH Civic Auditorium and occasionally watch them. Still get impressed and humbled and think of how fortunate I was to have such an overly outstanding individual like Ed in my life.
Joy and Charlie Chaplin - No, not the Chaplin of the movies. However, in a secret little closet off of their living room, there was one of his weighted trick canes and a pair of his exaggerated shoes. Like many of the noted people I met in LA, they were really down to earth, open and fun-loving. Like many of the others, they had access to all of the glitz of Hollywood, but mostly entertained in their home or dined with friends in simpler places where they didn't get instant tans from all the paparazzi flashes going off. Joy had been married to a big football star at USC and had a son with him, who later Charlie would adopt. Joy had grown up in LA in a more comfortable and better lifestyle. Living in Albuquerque, and her husband selling radio time for a small Country and Western station, just didn't fit into her future plans. Charlie met her when he was doing some work for an advertising agency, wooed her and they were married close to 45 years until he passed. She was no slouch. She was an executive secretary at J. Walter Thompson Advertising in LA and worked closely with Haldeman and Ehrlichman of "Watergate" fame. She would tell me stories about the many phone calls she had with them joking about flying by the seat of their pants in the White House. They had offered her a position there, but Charlie, though a Republican, despised Nixon and the marriage was over if she chose to go. She was a prolific reader, usually 2-3 books a week, swam 50 laps in the pool every day, refused to cook anything, but canned soups and grilled sandwiches, everything else she had delivered, they ate out or Charlie cooked. She had a separate freezer in the laundry room for her close to 50 brands and flavors of ice cream. She had a 1965 MBZ 180LS, which the original hard top had never been removed. Charlie had purchased it for her on one of their trips to Europe. He hated to drive, so when they went places she always drove. They extended their European trip until the MBZ could be imported back to the US, as a used vehicle. It stayed parked in the garage most of the time until Charlie passed. As Charlie's company filmed the Ford T-Bird commercials, he worked out a deal to get her a new convertible each year, which were parked in the driveway, not the garage. Funny but she had a large assortment of scarves and sunglasses ala Isadora Duncan. She hated shopping for clothes and being in clothes that just weren't quite her. She designed her own things and made them herself. She was one helluva seamstress and could do simple things, gowns or fully lined suits and coats that were comparable to the items in the finer shops on Rodeo Drive. She also had this little room (lab) off of the laundry room, where she made her own make up, cosmetics and creams. When I first saw it, I thought she was some kind of a drug dealer. Also, she took care of all their personal finances and investments. Though a bit eccentric, until you got to know her, she was a dear and wonderful friend. Charlie was a man's kind of man. He loved smoking his unfiltered cigarettes and Cuban cigars. He liked his beer in a freezer-chilled mug and his Black and White Scotch on the rocks. Do know that for a number of years they always had a pair of Scotty dogs, one white and one black. He loved playing cards and was a pool shark, even later in a wheelchair. He loved all kinds of sports, debating political or current issues, art and loved doing crossword puzzles. He was a very well rounded and informed man. The only thing he wouldn't discus with you was him being the youngest USA Lawn Bowling Champion, when he was 12 or 13. His father would make him go with him and Charlie would have to compete against all those senior citizens. Guess he got a lot of razzing from his friends and classmates and a lot of sneers and jeers from many of the seniors for intruding into their beloved game. His father was also a very well rounded man. He was an artist, writer and worked for newspapers, magazines and promotional companies in NYC. Might be why Charlie was always open to new things throughout his life. While attending Fordham he became close friends with one of the Mara family who owned the NY Giants NFL football team. His friend got him a paid internship there, doing simple assistant help, until he graduated the following year. Upon graduation, they hired him as a full staff member. In those days, there were at most 10 people that ran the entire operations of an NFL team, far different from today where hundreds are involved. Charlie was assigned to producing a weekly magazine about the team, doing press releases marketing the team in NYC. This allowed him access to all of the other teams in the league and by simply doing his job got him notoriety within the league, but also those that covered it, invested in it or wanted for vanity to be involved with it. In the off seasons, he travelled the country talking with college coaches about future talents and even was a part of contract negotiations of new players. He also was a part of planning the next season and what was necessary/mandatory to make it financially successful. In 1937 the Detroit Lions went belly-up. A friend of the Mara family purchased the team. All of the then NFL owners knew that they had to keep as many teams playing and really worked closely with one another to keep the league afloat. The new owner of the Lions was a big football fan, but had no knowledge in how to run such an operation. Mr. Mara suggested he hire Charlie as his business manger, similar to todays GMs. This teenage lawn bowling champ became the business manager of an NFL franchise. He would direct operations for the team from '38 through '41. Unfortunately a health issue would sideline for 6 months and naturally any organization can't survive with out a leader that long. Charlie told me that in a way, it was a blessing in disguise. For the next few years he was advised that he couldn't go out there and get emotionally and physically involved as in the past. He was forced into seeking out alternatives to stay in touch with what he loved doing and with those involved in it. He would write sports articles, do scouting for various teams and work with all the owners on how they could better promote their league. Before the Sabol's, he was "the man that pushed the NFL". In the mid '40s professional teams were trying to capture the untouched West Coast market. Charlie moved to LA and associated himself with the LA Dons of the AAFC. A few of those AAFC teams are now members of the NFL. When the team folded after the '49 season, he went to work for the LA Rams doing team and players promotions. One thing about Charlie was he always observed and thought out of the box. In doing some of his promotional work he ran into an animator, Howard Swift, who was head animator on one of the segments of Disney's famous Fantasia. Personally, they really had little in common, but both wanted to grow from where they were at the time. They started Swift-Chaplin Productions, one of the first companies to do animated/film commercials solely for television. Many leaders in that industry today got their starts there. On the animation side, in the earlier days the did the "stop motion" ads for Speedy Alka-Seltzer, Campbell's "Mr. Tomato", Planter's "Mr. Peanut", Egg Industry's "Mr. Egg" and many others. Also they did the animated ads of The Jolly Green Giant, Hamm's Bear, Tony The Tiger and other Kellogg characters. They also did animated ads for numerous national companies, including the tobacco and auto industry. On the film side they did ads for all the auto companies, tobacco companies and major product manufacturers. Charlie would only accept work that would totally be done in-house, in their studios and no outside consultants. Neither would he do on-location ads. Guess he had spent enough time travelling and doing make-shift productions earlier on in his life. After his stroke in the early 90's, putting him in a wheelchair, him and Howard decides to relinquish their control of the company and let those that had served them well over the years run it and reap the harvest of their efforts. I met Charlie and Joy shortly after the Northridge earthquake in '94. Was working next do on another client's, Budd and Carol Frietas' home doing some repairs. They told me this wonderful elderly couple next door needed some help with their damages, but didn't want to get ripped off or used. My friend Carol expounded on my honesty and integrity. What really got me in the door was my little, fat-assed Chinese pug "Dudley-Do-Wrong". When Joy answered the door on our first meeting, he sniffed her and then ran into the dining room, sniffed Charlie in his wheelchair and then made his way into the kitchen and sat down in front of the refrigerator almost asking, What do you have for me in there? We took care of their needs and in the process got to know one another a little bit better at a time. Joy every day would take Charlie to his various therapists and occasionally they would have lunch at Musso and Frank's with those from his company. Charlie could have all those therapists come to him, but he wanted for life to go on as normal as possible. He didn't want to be confined like a caged animal in a zoo. After the earthquake repairs were done, Joy had us rework the front of their residence, so she could get him into the car more easily to take him to his therapy. As I said, they were both strong-willed individuals. They drew a line in the sand, debated and expressed their views and feelings. When done they almost flipped a coin to determine the winner, gave each other a hug and moved on, as though nothing had happened. When Charlie passed, Joy contacted me about making some changes in their home, that they couldn't do while Charlie was in that wheelchair. In my opinion is was a great home already and if Charlie had still been around it only needed some handicap elements put in place. Think the real issue in Joy's mind was Charlie had always viewed her, treated her and loved her like his "princess". She really missed Charlie and often when I would show up before the workers, and find her crying in the living room or at the dining table. I did the best I could to lift her spirits to help her get through the day. Over the next several months, as we remodeled almost every room in the house, you would see her out of the corner of your eye observing the work in progress. You got a feeling that she was subconsciously talking with Charlie, asking his opinions, likes, dislikes and what should be done next. After we completed all of the interior, exterior and landscape work, I would try to always stop by and spend some time with her 2-3 days a week. Her son Alan, who lived in San Jose, seldom visited her, except when he needed something. I on many occasions took her to Burbank Airport so that she could visit him and his family for 3-4 day. Almost on every trip she would call me up and request I pick her up the next day at the airport. Don't mean to demean anyone, but the most insulting thing I ever witnessed, was Alan driving around Hollywood and the Valley, in that 65 MBZ 180SL, with the hard top removed, while she was in St. Joseph's hospital and the prognosis what that her time was limited. My friend Nik spent a lot of time with her, going over photos, art and other memorabilia to be framed and displayed in the home. Though there was 50 years difference in age, I think they had great times together. We all age and get to the point, where we can't provide what is necessary for ourselves on a daily basis. Family, friends or other good souls will step in and help. Alan, decided to have, live-in assistance brought in, as not to have to be involved. I tried to keep my involvement and contact with Joy. However, I always thought they blocked me at the door from seeing her a before her passing. It hurt deeply, that no one ever contacted me about her passing. The one thing they could never block or minimalize, was the great times I shared with Joy and Charlie.
Carol and Budd Freitas - Here's another couple that has made a great difference in the past 25 years of my life. I met them through their son Keith, who was a plumber and whose home I had finished up and also done work relating to his plumbing company. He had one brother and two sisters. He had originally purchased a small home in the hills, which was on large parcel of land that he wanted to build his dream home. However, his business started to really take off and instead he decided to do a major addition to home which was closer to his business and wouldn't require as much personal involvement. He convinced Budd and Carol that the hill property would be a good investment, as property in LA was reaching new highs every day. They hired a supposedly reputable architect, who also belonged to the Jonathan Club, who did this grandiose design. Unfortunately, they hired one of those "travelling Irish contractors" to build it. Keith did get the sub-contractors that were working on his home, to do a lot of work on his parents home. "The Irish Crew" did a horrible job framing and enclosing the residence, which led to many delays and cost increases. Budd and Carol decided to finish it by themselves. Though they had owned numerous apartment and residential properties over the years and had done a lot of remodeling, this house, however, was out of their league. Keith was having problems with dealing with them and finally asked me if I would bail him out and give them a hand in completing the place. As I recall, my guys and myself, spent about 3 months getting the place together to be put on the market. They had expected to get $1.5 million with $1 million investment, however the housing market collapsed and they only got $850,000 for their $1.3 million costs. Thank God they didn't tie their Pacific Palisades home or their two apartment properties into this venture. From that original job I continued doing work for them the next 20 years while in LA and went back to do things for them after I moved to Las Vegas. Did minor/major renovations to their home, almost every apartment unit in their two rental properties and work on the kids home. Besides doing designs and plans for their property, I also designed special pieces of furniture for their specific needs. Budd had a company, LA Tubecraft, which provided commercial display and casework fabricators with metal components. I designed several displays and accessories for his clients and often was involved with installations. Carol often tried to convince him to take me into the business to deal with the design, fabrication, installations and technical aspects. However, I understand the business was also a major part of his social life and his overall self-identity. He was a great salesman, a great storyteller, who loved the interaction with others. He was an avid reader of Western paperback novels and military history, as well as, books on tape. Until his knees finally gave out he played beach volleyball every possible chance he got. He could be hard-headed or politically conservative at times, but basically was a good-hearted, caring and giving person. Losing him, Walter and Mad Dog within a few months was really a huge blow to me. Carol had been an absolute mind-blower to me in the 25 years I have known her. She is a totally eccentric person. This lady has one of the most brilliant minds, self-discipline and drive, determination, creative awareness and is a most honest, real and supportive FRIEND anyone could ever have. Some chide her, saying she is a "control freak" or an over zealous "perfectionist". She sees things in her mind and craves to make them a reality. Often tell people she is one of the finest residential interior designers I have ever met. The great thing is that she has no formal training or education for it. She does everything simply by sight and feeling. Questioned her a few times, but in the end, everything just turned out "perfect". Our relationship hasn't been only about our design/building collaborations. She has always treated me as a close and confidential friend. She has done so many wonderful things for me over the years and I know that it has caused some jealousy from others at times. Always have appreciated unexpected and timely gifts, the souvenirs from her and Budd's many trips and most of all, the 3" stack of postcards sharing the experiences on those trips. What a dear and special lady.
Robert N. Clark - Mr. Clark was not only a pal and confidant to me, but also, almost a father figure to me until he died at 93. Perhaps that is why I often tell people I am going to live to be 93. He showed me the map and the necessities to get there. Was looking for another studio in 1990. On my way to my friend Keith's home and business, I passed a vacant store front on Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood, CA. A For Rent sign had been in the front window for over 6 months. My Bandit Builder operation was doing quite well at the time. I had a need to get back into my art, but where I was living at didn't afford or allow me to have a semi-studio there. Finally decided to call the phone number posted in the window and met Mr. Clark for the first time. On a Saturday morning, I met this late 70's, lean and hardnosed, gentleman in khaki pants, plaid shirt, buttoned at the collar, and a non-logoed ball cap. One of the few people that didn't let me get a word in until he demonstratively made clear his rules and expectations if he were to rent me the space. The Benedictines had taught me to look positively on others and not run away from discipline. You will always be tested in life, but if you are humble and do not give up self-dignity, doors will open to you and the trove of treasures will carry you beyond your dreams. This old SOB, every Saturday morning would come into L.A. from his home in Thousand Oaks, CA and sweep and maintain his properties on Magnolia and Cahuenga. He understood my Bandit Builder side, but had no clue about my art side. After about 2 years, he knocked on my door one Saturday and discovered my craftsmanship/renovation capabilities and what I called art. Though he was skeptic, our relationship grew over the years. He hired me and my crew to add a bath and shower to one of the warehouses on the property and then to do maintenance on his residential and commercial properties. During gardening season he would bring me in fruit and vegetables from his gardens. He once said, Wish I had met you earlier. We could have done a lot of good things together. My kids aren't interested in taking over what I have tried to do and leave them. Didn't realize it at the time, but they were his wife's, Ruby, kids by a previous marriage and were at the age of retiring. His daughter-in-law later told me that he respected and looked at me more as a son than his adopted sons. There was an arson fire in one of the duplex units at the back of the property on Magonlia. Mr. Clark offered me the opportunity to rebuild it or to have it raised. He told me the amount that the insurance company would pay to restore it. He gave me the option to tear it down or to put it back into a viable income producing entity. Bandit Builders accepted the challenge. We brought the renovation in under the insurance company's estimate by $7,800. This meant that both units could be put back on the market to produce future income. A few days after getting Building & Safety approval to once again allow occupancy of the units, Mr. Clark showed up with a check for $7,800. He expressed that we had done a good job and he would be appreciative if I not only maintained all his LA properties, but also managed them. He also later took me into confidence as what to do with his other California, Hawaii and South Dakota property. At first, I didn't want to sign on, but at the same time, wanted to have his dreams and efforts fulfilled. He sold me his primo 87 garage-parked Caddy for $1,500 cash, not a penny less, which was actually worth $3,500- 4,000. Every time I got behind the wheel, I thought of him trying to make a difference in others lives. Most of his tenants had leased/rented from him for years. He helped them grow and expand their businesses and lives by adding on to their rented property and giving them time to expand, before they got back to paying the rents. He always wanted others to be successful and sided with those that put out the effort, much to Ruby's dismay. In the process, he would almost always appear to be gruff, but you know he was always hoping they would win in the end. One of his greatest compliments to me was when I visited him at a retirement home. Don't remember the actual conversation, but he said, When I saw those pieces of art, you did, on Magnolia I knew you were different, but so am I and I knew we could be a good team. He was an honorable sly fox and my eyes tear up when I think about him, but at the same time get a big smile and an inner warmth overtakes me. Others called him Bob, but I only can think of him as Mr. Clark. Thank you for what you taught me and brought into my life.
The Koprivnica Konnection - The Jazvecs - Ivica, Milka, Nikolina and Baca Sava. These wonderful human beings transformed my life in so many ways. I met Nikolina (Nik) when she was attending FIDM studying interior design in LA. Her and her roommates, Stacey and Carol, lived down the street from my art studio and all would stop by from time to time. Was a big surprise to discover that Nik was Croatian. When she graduated, she was having some problems finding work and a firm that would sponsor her for permanent visa. Until she finally found a Korean architectural firm to accommodate her needs I did what I could to help out to keep her from being discouraged. She did various small jobs and projects for some of my remodel clients and also helped with my remodel business and aspects of my art from time to time. She was very reliable, thorough and allowed my life to be a bit less stressful. In a way I hated when she finally got the permanent job. We stayed in touch and were there for one another when needed. When her folks could finally able to visit her in the US, I think they were relieved that their only child had someone to look out and after her. That started a wonderful relationship. When they discovered that I had been so close to Croatia so many times, but had never visited it, they urged me to be their guest and would help me find my grandfather's birthplace and any remaining relatives. That didn't happen until two years later when my nephew Mark and his family and I journeyed to Croatia along with Nik, who was going back to attend a class reunion and visit family and friends. We would find my grandfather's village, discover unknown relatives and be treated to the greatest of hospitality by the Jazvecs. The following year, I would return to Croatia by myself and with their assistance meet my long lost family, and wade in the Kupa River as my grandfather had done as a boy. They took me on tours of Croatia, introduced me to many wonderful people and made me feel as if I was truly home at last. Recently when one of my other nephews was in Croatia they replicated their hospitality and enthusiasm by extending to him, that which they had extended to me. They will shortly be visiting Nik again and I hope I can get down to LA and spend some time and reciprocate their good deeds. It is always wonderful to get their cards, communications and trying in my broken-Croatian to communicate with them on Skype. They are loving and caring people who take immediate action to do the right thing and don't need to be prodded or asked. Can tell you for sure, you will never have a dull moment when with them. The only bad thing is that your lips and cheeks will hurt so much from smiling all the time.
Marion J. Starr - Cissy, Miss Starr, Sissy to many. Do not want to relegate others importance to me, but no one can replace her as the most influential and meaningful person in my life. From our first meeting and to this day, she has always stood by me, in good times or bad. We've gone down so many different roads together over the past 30+ years. There are so many different kinds of perceived loves in the world, but there is only one, TRUE LOVE, one can have or experience for another. Would take 218 pages to try to explain this wonderful woman and the kindness, sincerity and hope in her heart. Will leave it at that and those of you that have been fortunate to meet her, will understand what I am talking about.
Now as they say "it is time for me to lay down and sleep". There are many others out there that I am thankful for. So many have helped me over the years of being that salmon struggling to get up stream. I thank you all. Many blurt out the cry of victory "I did it". I blurt out the cry of victory "We did it and thank you for helping me"!