That's Life

Never say Never!

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 06:24:30 GMT

So much for Good-bye?

I actually came back to get a link for another journal that I wanted to read. Then started reading some of the past entries.

It was after reading my So Cal entry that I realized I left out one very important detail. It was about Bart's Books. Yes, my dad built it, it was my dad's dream. However, he also sold it many, many years ago to move to Indiana to take care of his sick mother. The bookstore has changed hands a few times since he built the store. The new owner however seems to have a lot of interest in the history and is trying to take it back to the original conception.

Okay, that was all on that subject.

But, since I'm here! (insert evil laughter here) I might as well ...

Naw, you don't want to hear it. Or do you?!?

While here I do want to share something. I am starting another new journal. It's going to be a "community" journal for those who are interested in joining.

It's about getting healthy. Not just losing weight. That might be an issue for some (many) who join, others might be trying to give up smoking or something else. We are just trying to get healthy. Those who have accepted already are looking for a positive environment, with support.

I haven't shared this with many. Recently I was told I have some kidney failure. I can't reverse the damage already done. However, I CAN prevent it from getting worse and ending up on dialysis. That scares me! So, I've been struggling along on the road to better health. I'm to young to live like a 90 year old.

Care to join us? If so, just send me an e-mail at monicasmemoirs@aol.com.

Good bye?

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:36:17 GMT

Not really ... just to this journal. It served it's purpose and now I'm moving forward with some changes and I wanted my journal/blog to reflect those changes.

The new journal is a private journal by "invitation only" ... PLEASE don't feel you have to wait for an invitation as I will only send the invitation out to those who express an interest in reading.

I'm also excited that I will now once again have time to read journals and catch up on the lives of those I enjoyed in the past!

IF you are interested in my new journal and new happenings please e-mail me at monicasmemoirs@aol.com and I will add you to the list! I look forward to seeing you all there and catching up on YOUR lives! :-)

***TYPO caught! E-mail address is now correct. Whew.

The Return - So Cal

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 07:16:12 GMT

We have returned and I couldn't be more grateful to be back home. Cooler weather - no more melting, no more sweating like a pig! I know ... attractive, even sexy!

Seems the big question I've received is: Did I cry? Oh yes!

On the other hand, I couldn't stop smiling. I could even imagine my dad and mom smiling down from heaven. The place has been well taken care of, the new owner of three years, Dave Ray has worked hard to maintain the character of the store. He was also genuinely interested in the history of the store.

There was an outdoor fireplace at the store that Dave didn't really care for but, he didn't want to remove it because he thought it might have been part of my dad's original store. It wasn't and he seemed relieved that he had no reason to keep the distracting fireplace. But the fact that despite not liking it, he was willing to keep it in order to maintain the original vision.

Words couldn't begin to express how much I appreciated what he has done. I pray he continues to do what he is doing and that he has much success with the business.

I enjoyed the visit so much that I told Dave that if he ever knows anyone who wants to get married at the store, I would photograph the wedding for the cost of flight tickets only. Hey, I won't deny it, I'm looking for any excuse to return. Do I really need an excuse to return?

It also thrilled me that Kim and Sonny were both fascinated and enjoying the bookstore. If we hadn't been limited in our luggage we would've been willing to pick up some great books. The bookstore gave Kim a small sense of the grandfather she never knew.

Kim has always been interested in movie stars and celebreties and the fact that people like Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Noah Wiley, Larry Hagman and Anthony Hopkins take the time to shop in a place that her grandfather created left a lasting impression on her. In my childhood days it wasn't uncommon for me to play with the children of famous stars and producers. I wasn't impressed at the time, I was just happy when new playmates came around.

It was difficult for me to leave the store. While time has made it's mark it left me with a warm feeling knowing that if my dad were to walk into the store he would feel instantly at home.

You can view some of the photographs we got at my business blog here -> FAP Blogspot

*** There was an original fireplace that my dad built ... the one that the owner wasn't crazy about is the one that wasn't part of the store when it was first built. In case anyone hears that I cried when I saw the fireplace my dad built!

Tags: Bart's Books, Ojai California

Going Home?

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:54:35 GMT

We left when I was in 5th grade. It was difficult to accept and I tried to make sense of why we had to leave and never go back.

Honestly, I doubt I ever dealt with those emotions.

Here I was 11 years old, leaving my home, my two best friends Adele and Sandy (best friends since kindergarten). It also meant we were leaving the store kitty. Fat cat wasn't very social for a bookstore cat or maybe he just didn't like me dragging him around. We were also leaving the beautiful mountains and my beloved beaches where we spent plenty of warm summer days.

I never returned to Ojai after that day we packed our van and moved east to Indiana. It was never for lack of desire. When I was younger, I would've moved back in a heartbeat. Last night my daughter asked me if I would move back to Ojai today. Would I, if money wasn't an object?

Tomorrow I will be seeing the bookstore again for the first time in 38 years. I was thinking I had no emotions involved where the bookstore was concerned.

Until this morning when I was looking at the old pictures of the store. The tidal wave of emotions happened. The memories that I've worked hard to repress came forward.

After the move, I struggled in school and I had a hard time making friends. I often felt like I was standing outside looking in at the different groups. I couldn't find my place.

No, I didn't have a bad childhood. No, I'm not blaming my parents for anything. They did what they had to do. They did their best to provide me with plenty of experiences in life, to value the free things in life, like a picnic at the park, a day at the beach. They took me to Europe and what an experience and cultural shock that was! I can't say if I would've had those experiences if my parents didn't move.

When I walk in the store tomorrow, will it 'feel' the same? Will I feel like I'm just visiting a cool bookstore and nothing more? Will I remember all the fun I had there? Will I remember all the sweat and tears my dad put into building his dream? Will I cry and make a fool of myself? Oh gawd, that is my biggest fear!

Oh the trauma!

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:03:04 GMT

I will never be the same again. From now on I will always use a public bathroom with a great sense of FEAR.

Last Sunday I went to use a public bathroom down at the waterfront park in Tacoma. I locked the door or I THOUGHT I locked the door. ::shuddering::

Just as I get ready to release my ... well, more details than you want to know! A lady walks in and pushes on my door. It didn't open. She pushed harder as I started to say "This is OCCUPIED" (get the *#@^ outta here)!

IF a bathroom door doesn't open with a first push, DON'T push harder on the door! Walk away and use the empty stall with the door OPEN. Grrrrrrrrrrr

Anyway, she got the door opened, she stops and looks at me for what felt like an eternity. She doesn't apologize. She turns and goes to the other open door stall. As she's turning away, I said "Can you close the door?!? PLEASE!!"

No answer. She just left it wide open and I'm not within reach of the door!

I uttered a few not so nice names/words to her. Grrrrrrr

After that experience, I found I couldn't do anything. I quickly washed my hands and left.

Sonny was on the pier photographing Jae's son, 'B' (senior portrait) and two tall ships (Lady Washington and Chieftain). I joined them. However, I STILL had to go. It's hard to think about photography when you gotta go! Grrrrrrrrr

Back to the bathroom. This time I check, double check then for safety pull on the door several times to make sure it won't open. It was securely locked. Whew. Relief!

There wasn't much opportunity to talk to Jae. I was in photographer mode - work mode. I had 'B' and my daughter Kim to photograph. She volunteered to be my female 'senior' as I've only had guys to photograph so far. I think we got some great photographs of them, if I can say so!

We've had a lot of back to back weddings to photograph. During August we were booked every single Saturday and Sunday. That's a POSITIVE thing. :-)

Soon I will have to share some wedding stories without names and when things slow down. I have no travel stories. Due to health issues I've been off work for about a month now. Mentally I don't know if I'm ready to go back! I've had horrible nightmares about my job at XYZ.

On the other hand, I've had dreams where my dad (who passed away about 20 years ago) helped with directions to get the photography business operating full time. Then I've had dreams where two different David's in my early years of life came and offered support in my photography business.

Time to go ... I have pictures to edit and review! Thanks for stopping by again, I truly miss you all.

Oh I forgot one last diddy here. On Saturday I leave for Southern California. I will be going to see an outdoor bookstore that my dad built when I was in kindergarten. It's still in business. I've only been wanting to go for ... oh about 25 years!

Tags: public bathrooms, Bart's Books, Southern California, Senior Portraits

Oh the Stupidity!

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 05:14:49 GMT

I had no intention of another entry.

Not now, not when I'm behind with photography work.

Not when I'm overwhelmed with life in general.

On Monday I returned back to work.

I'd been off about 3, maybe 4 weeks.

All I can say is that it wasn't long enough!

Today was my day for stupidity.

No, not me - though I pull my own weight in stupidity - no denying that.

Here are a few examples of calls I took today at XYZ, you gotta love these people.

I have to look at it as "entertainment" ...

Caller #1 I want to go to Or-laan-doe (pronounced very slowly) and I wanted to know if I need a passport.

Me: Are you traveling from or within the US?

#1: I'm traveling from Los Angeles.

Me: No, you don't need a passport to travel within the US.

#1: But, I'm going to Or-laan-doe. (again pronounced very slowly)

Me: Yes, I understand, Orlando Florida, correct?

#1: If that is where Disney World is located.

Me: ::heavy sigh:: Yes, that would be Orlando, Florida in the United States of America.

#1: What if I want to go to New York instead, do I need a passport?

Me: (wondering if I was being recorded and tested - this can't be REAL!)

No, you still don't need a passport as long as you are traveling within the UNITED STATES.

Caller #2: We want to book a package to Puerto Vallarta.

Me: Great, do you have a hotel in mind or are you looking for suggestions?

#2: I have it all put together here. What I need to know before booking is how old do you have to be to rent a scooter in Puerto Vallarta.

Me: (HUH?!?) Scooter? We don't rent scooters! This is XYZ, we book flights, hotels, and cars!

#2: So, you are telling me that you don't want to help me?

Me: No, I'm saying we don't book scooters and I don't have that information.

#2: Obviously you aren't interested in helping me. (slams found down loudly)

Caller #3: I was looking at a hotel online and wanted to book it for four people, when I did that, I got a rate of $44.00 per person.

Me: Okay

#3: Well, 2 people aren't going after all.

Me: Okay (at this point just acknowledging I heard and understand) Did you want assistance in booking the hotel?

#3: No, I want you to explain why you doubled the price on me.

Me: The price doubled?

#3: Yes, the site is now trying to charge me $88.00 a person and I want to pay the $44.00 a person rate.

Me: The hotel rate didn't change. What changed is the number of people in the room. With only 2 people in the room it means you divide the room cost between two instead of four.

#3: That's not right! Why should I have to pay double now just because there is only two of us in the room.

Me: The room rate is the same, it doesn't matter if you have the one person or 4 people. You take the room rate and divide it by the number of people in the room and get a per person rate.

#3: That's still not fair that I have to pay DOUBLE now.

Me: (heavy, heavy sigh) Look, if you have a whole pie and only one person is eating it, they get the WHOLE pie. If you have to share the pie with 3 others, you cut the pie in slices to share, correct? It's the same with the price of the room, the more people in the room the more you divide the price between everyone.

#3: WHY are you trying to rip me off?

Sometimes I just can't win!

Now I'm going to go relax and give Toby some attention. At least he doesn't talk back! Oh and he's rather smart ... and handsome!

Like I Have Anything to Say!

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:46:44 GMT

It's been suggested by more than one person that I update my journal.
I feel the LOVE!

Yeah, yeah, I know ... I paid those two to tell me that I was loved and missed back in J-land.

I'm fooling no one but myself.

I've actually had the urging to write.

Yet, every time I find myself sitting in front of a blank white screen.

Like now ... what to write!

This mind of mine clanks, creaks and spits out ... nothing.

Last weekend we had TWO weddings to photograph.

Oh and two engagement photo sessions.

Meaning we had no weekend for our enjoyment, aka relaxation.

Meaning business has been GOOD this year.

We almost feel like we've made it with the big boy photographers!

Now that is the blog I've been updating.

But, that's easy ... post a few photographs and move on with life.

IF you really want to see what's going on,

the link is in the entry below.

What else?

We are going to Los Angeles for Labor Day.

I can't wait! Tourist time!

Actually, we are planning on visiting the outdoor bookstore my dad built back in the 60's.

It's still in business and going strong.

The big huge beautiful oak tree in the middle however is gone.

I also want to go to Olivera Street - happy memories there.

December has us going to Mexico. Puerto Vallarta to be exact.

I finally got my passport photos.

They look like America's most wanted photos! Ugh.

Now to get the passport.

Rumor has been spread that yesterday was my birthday.

Yes, it was. It was a good one.

The gifts and cards I got were out of love and I truly felt loved yesterday.

My boys best friend sent me a text message that had me laughing.

He wrote: "Happy Birthday Beautiful, how does it feel to be 29?"

I wrote back that I loved him and that he was POOR liar.

Ryan had duty all day yesterday.

He still managed to call and wish me a happy birthday.

Robert is now out of the navy. He's now in the Newport News Police Academy.

Yesterday he HAD to play volleyball, kayak, and swim.

It was part of some 'work' with troubled teens.

Kim took the day off from her job.

One to try for a job opening on base.

Two to drive her mom all over kingdom come.

Okay, have I worn out my welcome back yet?
I WAS welcomed back ... wasn't I?!?!

Tis the Season!

Mon, 14 May 2007 15:24:40 GMT

Yes, you read the subject title correctly and no, I haven't gone completely bonkers. However, at times I feel close!

Wedding season is here and I find myself overwhelmed once again with my job at XYZ ~ which I'm LOVIN'! I really ought to write in a notebook some of the stories I hear. I should share the madness with you.

In fact ... let me share one now!

Last Friday I received a call from a woman who told me she had been dealing with another agent and she and the faeries didn't feel that what was selected was the right travel package for her.

I had to ask, "Faeries as in Tinkerbell and pixie dust?"

YES! she exclaimed and then she tells me she is glad she finally found an agent who "understands".

Uh huh, okay ... sure.

She told me what she wanted to do, and told me that it was important that the fairies approved. And she had full faith in my abilities since I understood and knew about the powers and blessings of fairies.

Uh huh ... sure.

I created a package that was almost an exact duplicate of her original package. She loved it and booked immediately and then blessed me and went on her merry way.

Yep, I LOVE my job! I get to talk to all kinds of interesting people. I enjoy hearing fathers/mothers beaming with pride, as they create a package to take their grauduating daughter/son on a special trip.

I cried with the mom who was going to help bring her son home. He was injured in Iraq and can no longer serve. He's in a hospital near DC and is finally being released and going home.

For every call there is a different story. They might start out the same, it's for a graduation, a wedding, honeymoon, family reunion but, as they talk you learn more of the importance of that trip for them. There is something that makes each unique and special.

For only wanting to share one story from work I sure went on and on didn't I!

I came here to mention that between weddings and work, I just find that I'm too burned out to write much. I've been doing a little lurking late at night but, by that time I'm simply too exhausted to write comments.

For now, I won't be doing much in the way of writing. When things slow down, I will be writing on a more regular basis. If you are interested in what we are doing you can always visit by photo/business blog and view some of the work we are doing. :)

Just click on this link to see what we are doing -> Family Affair!

I wish each and every one of you a happy spring/summer filled with many happy memories!

Again, I will be lurking and you never know when or where I will pop up!

(insert evil laughter here as I turn and head off into the ... )

THANK-YOU!!

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:05:12 GMT

I have to thank everyone for the suggestions that were provided. I will definitely send Meia little cards. They had bought a cheap web cam but, it never really worked. I think I will invest in a nicer set for both of us, especially now that she's getting older. I also liked the idea of sending one of those children's tape recorder and me recording some bedtime stories for her and just letting her know that I love her. AWESOME ideas, thank you! It cheered my heart up considerably.

Work is having several incentives with some great prizes - one is a $2,000.00 trip. You pick where you want to travel and they pay up to that amount. OMGosh, wouldn't that be the greatest thing to win! I'd take the money and book a trip to Orlando with ALL my children and of course the sweet girl MEIA. I'd want one of those vacation houses we offer.

Yes, I'd LOVE more than anything to go to Europe but, that is one I will slowly save for as I don't plan on doing that trip for a couple of years yet. After all I want the vacation time when I fly that far from the west coast! LOL, I just realized I was talking like I WILL win that prize! Such confidence and for someone who has been struggling for the past few weeks. ::sigh::

Other news, this last Tuesday I won a three night stay at

Marriott Mexico Beach Resort | Casa Magna Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort They are giving me an ocean front room. :-) Sweet! We are already planning on WHEN to go and take advantage of this free stay. We'd love to go for more than 3 days but at this time, Sonny just doesn't have any vacation time. But, I'm thinking of this as a sampler Mexico visit! In other words - the appetizer with more to come!

Seems a lot of my callers want to dicker over the prices. They just don't grasp the concept that I honestly have no control over the prices! They want the most desired flight times with the fare for the undesirable flights. Or they want to fly out of some small city and they want a NON stop flight to another small city across the country. ::sigh:: It's just not happening and I can't make the airlines change the routes.

ALL my powers were removed when I left the support department. Besides, my powers weren't for the good, remember? I was the one who caused flights to be delayed, or I convinced the airlines to change the flight times to an inconvenient time for the customers, I caused major snow storms and of course hurricanes too. Only when I felt like it, I could use my powers for the good - those were rare occasions. Now I am powerless and I'm rather enjoying it! Oh to be a mere human mortal. :-)

One last call to share then I want to read some journals.

A young woman called last night wanting me to get her and her three friends to Las Vegas this weekend. She was giving her best friend a bachelorette party there. She stated she needed the air and hotel this Friday for the weekend. They want to stay someplace like the MGM or Mandalay Bay for 2 nights. Oh wait, she forgot to mention, she only has $500.00 to spend on the ENTIRE package for FOUR people! Uh huh sure, let me wrap that up for you! GET OFF MY PHONE! (Mean huh?)

Again, I want to thank everyone who has been around with your support and encouragement. You have no idea how much it has meant to me lately. Again, THANK YOU friends!

Updates at: http://familyaffairphotography.blogspot.com/ (if interested) After this weekend I will have photographs from the Tulip Festival to share. :-)

*** Tonight I won ANOTHER trip to Mexico for 3 nites! This time to Cabo San Lucas. How cool is all this? I have another ocean front jr suite at the Solmar. I was told it was really beautiful even though it's older from a coworker who won that last year. :-)

Does Anyone Remember ...

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:41:38 GMT

When I became a first time grandma a year ago? It seems like another lifetime ago.

Nor do I feel like a grandma. She's all the way in VA and I've only seen her when she was one month old. They have no plans to visit me anytime in the near or distant future. I can't do all the trips as I have very limited vacation time, Sonny has none right now as he just started a new job.

It saddens me that I have no relationship with her. I know nothing of her personality, her likes or dislikes. What kind of grandma does that make me?

Very few of you are even aware that my DIL is expecting another baby. They want to name it Jack Gregory (after my son's dad) I feel as if they are pushing away from me. Another little fact that saddens me terribly. My middle son and I had always been close now I feel as if he too is a stranger.

Anyway, this little one turned one recently. I've yet to see pictures or hear about her birthday. As my daughter said, if you aren't a friend of theirs you aren't included in Meia's life.