Charli Armstrong

Look After Her Brother...

2012-02-11T22:12:00.003-06:00

Stick A Fork In Me....

2012-02-11T19:47:00.001-06:00

I'm done! I'm fucking DONE!

Rest In Peace...

Juggling Is Fun!

2011-12-05T22:03:00.000-06:00

I have a pretty bad habit of sitting or standing in one position for hours sometimes as I work on a project. I pay for it with the pain of a right leg that tends to fall asleep and an aching bottom. (No chair is ever comfortable enough.)

My way of combating that habit of mine is to have multiple projects going at once. It allows me to move from one project to another, letting my body move. And most fun of all? Medium juggling.

I've got three projects going right now: a Faery on wood using color pencils; A dragon on paper using pastels; and an altered book using acrylics and I don't know what else yet.

I actually do the same thing with my writing at times. Usually three different books in three different stages at three different priority levels. Now if only I could get three different computers on three desks to move between.

It's a wonder I have time to eat...

So What Is This Stage Of Grief?

2011-11-19T23:16:00.000-06:00

51 years ago today, my beloved sister Belinda was born.

Come December 4th will mark 25 years since she passed away.

And it still feels like it happened yesterday because I still remember that day. Too well sometimes. My parents coming home from the hospital to tell my other sister and I that she was gone.

I don't really remember the last birthday we spent with her. I have the spottiest recollection of the last time I saw her alive. What I mean is, I'm not sure if the memory I carry is the actual last time, or merely just another visit to the hospital.

I still cry for her. Sometimes I have to catch myself and not start bawling in front of other people. Especially these days as I am rarely alone.

As this day was approaching, I began to wonder what one would call this stage of grief I am in. I've been through most of the others...

Denial. I got over that about a minute after my parents told me she was dead.
Anger? Oh yes, that still creeps up on me every once in a while, but I haven't been full out, raging angry about this since I was 15. Now, I would consider myself a bit miffed.
Bargaining doesn't apply here as I didn't quite understand the nature of her illness. I was too young. I was just taught to pray and good things would happen. She would get better. When she died, well...
Depression. Oh yes. Big time. I would have random thoughts of hanging myself, stabbing myself, drinking poison, and jumping off of bridges. This went on for several years.

Yet it is Acceptance that eludes me. Even now.

You see, I don't really accept that she is gone. I tolerate it because I have no other choice. If there was a way to bring her back, I would. Without hesitation. And she could live a longer life, we could become best friends, and she would have the privilege to decide when she would die rather than have her body break down on her by way of a painful disease.

Tolerance. That is what this is. I had this very beautiful, witty, hilarious, smart, and talented sister. But she's not here anymore and it SUCKS because everyone deserves to know someone as awesome as she was.

I suppose the only way I'm going to accept her being gone is when my number is up. Because at that point, it won't matter anyway.

I really miss her...

GOOD LORD!

2011-10-22T16:38:00.001-05:00

Look at this!

http://dembabies.com/

I warn you though, if you have a pretty bad case of Baby Lust like I do, this site is going to make it worse!

My ENTIRE reproductive system is going CRAZY WITH LONGING right now! Lord help me, I NEED to be a mother! Like yesterday! Dem Babies just broke the snuggle adorable meter!

Thank you for sharing Nick and Mariah.

The Theatre God is in the Details!

2011-10-11T20:38:00.001-05:00

What I love about being on tour is getting a close look at some of the venues around this country. I look for details, little touches added to make the space unique. I look for those little signs of love that were added to let the artists, the crew, and the patrons know that this is a place of joy and beauty even before the curtain rises. A lot of the older theatres capture this spirit.

Outside of the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas, they have let loose the butterflies.

And inside the theatre, when you look above the stage...

Oh, could you just melt?

And here in Fayetteville, AR--outside the Walton Arts Center--the loveliest expression of love.

Never forget the details...

Where Have I Been?

2011-10-09T20:50:00.000-05:00

A little bit of everywhere!

I am on a national tour with the Dallas Children's Theatre and between performing and the ins and outs of Company Management, I have not given any time to either of my blogs or my website. Not that I wish for it to be that way. There is also a bit of unpleasantness that has occupied the bit of free time I have. My emotions are everywhere and nowhere. But I have to say, I love this show and I love performing it. Given the nature of the unpleasantness, I'm glad I have the show to take my mind of off it, even for 65 minutes.

Right now, we are in Fayetteville, AR. The complete itinerary can be found here.

I haven't drawn anything yet although I did bring some tools with me. My creative project of choice is finishing my YA Romance and getting it all ready for another journey through Queryland!

Peace! And send happy thoughts. I could use them right now.

Camille

2011-08-30T13:52:00.000-05:00

Dear God, Dear God...

2011-08-29T22:55:00.000-05:00

...Oh how I miss him...

Sea Ground Sky

2011-08-16T09:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday!

2011-08-13T23:35:00.000-05:00

Did You Know Our Brother Could Draw?

2011-08-09T09:00:00.002-05:00

Sketches by Michael Jackson and a signed portrait of him have been donated to Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

Michael's three children — Michael Jr., Paris and Prince Michael— were on hand to unveil the artwork.

Messages from his children:

From his youngest...

From his oldest...

"To the wonderful children and families who are loved and cared for by Childrens Hospital LA.
On behalf of our dear and greatly missed father Michael.
We love you all and wish you all to be in the best of health and have a very happy life,
With love from our family

Prince Jackson"

And from his Daughter...

"May the very special memory of my beautiful loving father be always in our world forever especially through his wonderful and magical art, bringing endless happiness to children everywhere.
With all my love and blessings to the kids at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

I love you Daddy

Paris Jackson"

We love you Brother Michael!

A Dollie for a Young Friend...

2011-08-07T22:50:00.000-05:00

Happy August!

2011-08-01T19:23:00.000-05:00

Because rehearsals for my next show is coming up, I decided not to commit to a project for August. However, some pretty important birthdays (at least for me) are coming up so I may do something special for that. We'll see.

Here is the July face grid!

I may do this again before the year is out. Here is another shot of the WIP in my other journal:

I'm having a blast with her!

See ya later!

And So, It's Done!

2011-07-31T16:48:00.000-05:00

I'm Determined

D to the I to the A to the M...

2011-07-30T21:49:00.000-05:00

O to the N to the D to the Pearls of Love!

Face All This...Up Until Today

2011-07-29T23:43:00.001-05:00

Missing You R.I.P Amy

Le Jazz Hot

The Three Caballeros

Green Beans In The Garden

The Old Church Yard

Material Girl

Souled Out

So What's Doing in my Other Journal?

2011-07-26T19:17:00.000-05:00

So far...so fun!

More Faces...More Music!

2011-07-25T21:51:00.000-05:00

July 17 - 22

The Club At The End of the Street

For Unto Us A Child Is Born

This month is coming to a close and so will this project. Not sure what I'll do for August.

Anyone have any ideas?

So What Have I Been Singing Since The Last Post?

2011-07-16T20:56:00.000-05:00

You Brought The Sunshine

Don't Leave Me

Do I Do

It's A Hard Knock Life

Twaaaaaaassss Brillig...

2011-07-08T20:49:00.001-05:00

*And the slithy toves*

Yesterday...Today...

2011-07-06T20:43:00.001-05:00

...More faces and more music...

Here is Yesterday's Song!

And here is Today's Song!

Enjoy them both!

And because Animal Videos are always fun, here is my Ginny! I call it "Pussy Plays Peek-A-Boo!" We were playing this game for about a minute before I thought to catch it on camera. Yes, she talks this much. All the time. Everyday. (The voice in the background is Jim Dale reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!)

Day Four...

2011-07-04T11:49:00.000-05:00

...And I'm LOVING this project! I find myself looking forward to the next day to fill up another box!

Yes, that is the Irish flag. What can I say? On this day I think about how much I want to live in Ireland. Alas, I am still True Blue!

Nature Provides

2011-07-03T21:54:00.000-05:00

My current work in progress is a little Faery on a slab of wood that I think was once a bookshelf. Thank Heaven for recycling. I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to happen when I put pencil to wood. But as I carried on, the little Faery began to draw herself, so to speak. My Faeries most often come to me without clothes so it was no surprise that this Faery came as such. At first, I had her with her hands clasped before her little Faery parts. But then I found that to be--well--wrong. She looked ashamed and there is no place for shame in the Faery world.

So I moved her hands with every intent on showing her just as she is--Faery parts and all--when I discovered that the parts I intended to "draw" were provided by the grain of the wood itself!

*WARNING! BLATANT DISPLAY OF FAERY PARTS AHEAD*

As you can see from the faint lines, that is where her hands were clasped. Still can't see it? Let me point it out for you.

Nature Provides! Perhaps she has been hiding in this old block of timber all this time! Oh the things she must have seen!

Treasure Hunting...

2011-07-03T13:19:00.003-05:00

...That's what I like to call garage sale shopping. And look what I found:

A Treasure of lovely books that I am looking forward to sharing with the children in my life. And these books are in top condition which goes to show they were much loved and honored in their former home.

This book in particular stood out to me, not necessarily because of its title or subject, but for its illustrations: cut paper.

I've always had an interest in cut paper illustration so this will be acting as a lesson book for me. Time for another trip to the Art Store!

Ginny, of course, had to find out a little more about our new treasure. I wonder what she smelled on the books.

Whatever it was, she approved!

Project entry for Today and its pretty Song!

Music of the Night

2011-07-02T11:18:00.001-05:00

A rather simple journal entry. Really an excuse to use my new sheet music stamp.

On the left, I wiped away the paint with a little water to give the effect of centuries of dirt being scrubbed off.

This cute little stencil comes from a Martha Stewart collection I used to get through the mail.

White paint pen...

...And red ink finishes the leaves.

The lyrics are a verse from The Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera.

More paint pen dots!

And here it is. Simple, but fun.

P.S:

Here is today's project entry.

And here is the song!

In Which I Steal A Lover-ly Idea...

2011-07-01T22:41:00.000-05:00

Fair Julie from Balzer Designs, who is hosting Art Journal Every Day (Sign up! It's fun and inspirational!) tried an awesome little art journalling experiment for the month of June. She drew a grid of thirty boxes and committed to drawing a face in every box for every day in June. I saw this and I was all "I am so doing that for July!" Her results were just beautiful!

MY TURN! MY TURN!

Instead of my usual Art Journal, I am using my Sketchbook for this project. I use this Sketchbook for face and body studies and experimenting with color.

Here is my grid:

And here is my first entry:

The title of this is a note to the song I was singing when I was drawing this!

Perhaps it is the beginning of a theme? We shall see! Happy July!

Sea Mess

2011-06-28T08:37:00.000-05:00

Surreal

2011-06-27T08:45:00.001-05:00

Because sometimes you just have to make a big, glittery, gluey mess!

Going

2011-06-26T15:28:00.001-05:00

Grateful For...

2011-05-14T10:50:00.003-05:00

...Pastels and Pencils.

Inkblot

2011-05-07T10:35:00.003-05:00

So, what do you think it is?

Suppertime

2011-05-04T09:41:00.001-05:00

Touch The Soul

2011-05-03T18:21:00.001-05:00

Sparrow

2011-05-02T10:50:00.000-05:00

Flutters

2011-05-01T11:26:00.000-05:00

Hearts and Scribbles

2011-04-30T10:17:00.000-05:00

beLIEve

2011-04-29T10:16:00.005-05:00

Sandy

2011-04-27T12:09:00.002-05:00

Grateful For...

2011-04-23T03:53:00.001-05:00

...Labor and Delivery.

Scar

2011-04-20T14:58:00.002-05:00

Grateful For...

2011-04-16T10:49:00.001-05:00

...Newsprint.

Birthmark

2011-04-13T20:44:00.001-05:00

Nurse

2011-04-10T00:57:00.003-05:00

I will Nurse until I'm done.
Maybe 'till I'm Five and One.
You don't decide when I'm through.
I Nurse for me and not for you.

Grateful For...

2011-04-09T11:00:00.002-05:00

...Mother.

So Last Night...

2011-04-05T19:04:00.001-05:00

I sat at my computer feeling very sad. And in my door walks my mother. Sadness gone away.

Lonely

2011-04-03T18:03:00.005-05:00

Do you see me ache for you?
Do you hear me crying?
Was I always right about you?
Were you always lying?
Did I read you wrong or right?
Are the what 'ifs' even right?

Did I know you?
Did you become a figment of my imagination?
Yet another character in my web of stories woven into
what I needed you to be in order to feel like
I knew something special.

Prove me right or wrong.

Grateful For...

2011-04-02T09:19:00.003-05:00

...Those who pave the way.

Red

2011-03-31T05:52:00.001-05:00

Remembering Michael Jackson

2011-03-29T18:32:00.003-05:00

Posted By: Pei Ling at
Remembering Michael Jackson

July 2010

A Taiwanese fan Mrs Ma Qi Zhen not only met Michael along with her family, but also became a close friends of Michael for many years. Mrs Ma had always kept a low profile of their 17 year family friendship, until Michael's sudden passing last June. She has spoken out for the first time in the media last Summer, paying tribute to how incredible kind, loving and approachable the King of Pop was. She has shared her memories of an extraordinary friend, deeply saddened by his passing and frustrated by how mis-understood Michael was.

The friendship began through a simple fax. Like thousand of others, Mrs Ma simply wanted to see Michael perform in a concert. It was Michael's first time in Taiwan on the Dangerous Tour, in September 1993, the first ever mega star to visit Taiwan at the time. However, Mrs Ma and her husband had trouble getting tickets for their nine month old twin daughters, as ticket were denied for safety reasons. Mrs Ma wouldn't settle for this so decided to fax to the hotel that Michael was staying in Taipei. Addressed to Michael Jackson and asking him directly to allow her twins to go to the concert, she didn't expect Michael to even see it. To their surprise, Michael had read the fax and responded! As soon as he saw twins's photo on the fax, he immediately sent down his secretary with VIP passes for the family to be able to come to the concert and meet him personally backstage before the concert began.

Never in a million years had they thought a fax would lead to the meeting of Michael Jackson. However, thing didn't go according to plan, when it was time to meet Michael, they were stuck in traffic, full of thousand of fans going to the concert. By the time they arrived, the concert had started.

Fortunately the Ma family was able to meet Michael at his hotels presidential suite after the concert. Although he was already changed into his pyjamas ready for bed. Unlike his super star image, he was very kind and approachable. Ma recalled that he was so fascinated by the twins and wanted to know everything about bringing up babies. The twins were crawling around in his room, at one point one of the twins grabbed his CD player and started to bite it. Michael immediately went to pick her up and softly said, 'don't bite, it'll hurt.' Ma recalled that although at the time he was not yet a parent himself, he was very protective of children. This also happened to be the darkest and lonely time of his life, as he was just being accused of child abuse for the first time by Evan Chandler, which made headline worldwide, but it didn't stop him continue to care for children.

When they said goodbye, Michael personally walked them to the lift and promised to invite them to come and visit him when he returned to America. Ma family never took his words seriously, but Michael meant it! During their 17 years friendship the family were invited 6 times to be guests at his Neverland home, they even travelled to places in other parts of world with him, even attending his wedding to Debbie Rowe in Australia. Every time they said goodbye, he would cuddle them and whispering 'always love,' and 'promise that you will love me forever.' He simply wanted to be loved.

Michael adored the twins Prety and Morly, when he returned to Taiwan for the History tour in 1996, he invited them onstage for the 'Heal the world' song. He even invited the family to follow the History Tour with him. The twins also featured in 'Heal the world' along with Michael in Durban, South Africa, which was said to be his last ever concert.

Michael had confided things about himself, like his iconic sequin glove, was first used to hide his skin problem vitiligo that first appeared on his hand. The glove become more iconic than his hat, in truth the hat was his favourite! He even referred to himself as Chinese. As according to Michael his mother Katherine was of a quarter Chinese descent. Ma never asked Katherine about it, but Michael often expressed his strong desire to perform in China.

According to the the Taiwanese concert organiser Mr. Yu, during both his Dangerous and History tours in Taiwan in the 90's, Michael asked him to help him to perform in China. Yu did his best, but at the time China was a very different country, not yet ready to open up to Western pop culture. It did not happen in time for Michael.

Ma had often seen a very sincere and caring side to Michael. During the History Tour in Taiwan, when in a car being pursued by fans on their scooters, Michael was so concerned about their safety he asked the driver to slow down, and asked her to speak to fans in Chinese. As soon as she wound down the window the fans went crazy when they saw Michael! Another fun memory was when Michael took them and other children to visit a haunted house in Universal Studios one Halloween. As soon as all the 'ghosts' realised it was Michael Jackson, they were shocked and stopped pretending to be ghosts. This frightened the children and some started to cry, Michael stood between them, blocking all the 'ghosts' away from the children, ' Stand back!' He told the 'ghosts'!

Ma remembers Michael, as pure and innocent, like a big kid, he loved surprises, magic tricks, he was very compassionate, very trusting and very caring. With Ma's observation of being a mother over the years seeing Michael's interaction with children that he sincerely loved and cared for children with all his heart, and not what some elements of the press have portrayed.

Sadly Michael's gone, by sharing her story it lets the world know the true nature of Michael Jackson, and at the same time they just feel so fortunate for all the precious memories that Michael has left them. The world had sadly lost a greatest music icon and a beautiful soul.

The video below was sent by Michael to the Ma family after the History tour. It features the twins with Michael singing 'Heal the World' in Ma's home city Kaohsiung, Southern Taiwan. Towards the end of the song, Michael made a special effort to say, 'I love you' in Mandarin to the audience. This he had asked the twins to teach him before the performance. His interactions with the twins was just so sweet.

Grateful For...

2011-03-26T10:15:00.003-05:00

...Friends Reunited.

Elizabeth, I Love You

2011-03-25T10:57:00.001-05:00

My Acting Journey Began When I Was Four...

2011-03-24T10:38:00.006-05:00

...And I knew the kinds of roles I wanted to play: the ingenue, the princess, the sweet innocent character the audience is guaranteed to just love and adore.

Then when I was nine I saw Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and there was Elizabeth Taylor--whom I had regarded as so glamorous and beautiful--messy, drunken, loud, abrasive--and utterly captivating.

It was then that I let the princess thing go. I wasn't against playing them, but if I could get the villain, the bitch, the mean old lady, the hopeless drunk, it was all the better.

Over the years I have played everything from animals to whores to dingbats to mean girls.

I have yet to play the ingenue and you know what...I don't care.

Thank you Elizabeth. I love you and I'm going to miss you!

Forever Loved...

2011-03-23T11:20:00.004-05:00

Give Love in her Honor...

Defending Michael

2011-03-22T09:33:00.002-05:00

by Thomas A Mesereau Jr.

Forum Column, Los Angeles Daily Journal, July 1st, 2009

The Michael Jackson trial was unique. More accredited media covered these proceedings than the O.J. Simpson and Scott Peterson trials combined. When the verdicts were reached, people in every capital around the world were riveted to their radios, computers and televisions. The "King of Pop" was more popular than anyone, including Elvis Presley.

Jay Leno, Chris Tucker, Macaulay Culkin, George Lopez and lesser-known celebrities testified. Larry King testified outside the presence of the jury. The trial lasted five months with more than 140 witnesses appearing. Twenty-four-hour coverage, including actors re-enacting the proceedings, emphasized the trial's popularity.

When more than 70 Santa Barbara sheriffs raided Neverland Ranch in November 2003, I was driving to Los Angeles from Northern California. I was ending a nine day vacation and ready to resume preparation for the Robert Blake murder trial, set for February 2004. My phone started ringing off the hook with frantic requests that I travel to Las Vegas and defend Michael. I refused, because I did not think I could handle the two cases at once.

After jury selection began in the Blake case, the client and I had a severe disagreement that Judge Darlene Schemp could not resolve. Mercifully, she granted my motion to withdraw. Within a short period, Michael's brother Randy called me to, again, see if I would defend his brother. I flew to Florida, where I met Jackson for the first time.

Upon arriving, I was told by Michael and Randy that they had spoken with Johnnie Cochran in the hospital. According to them, Johnnie said I was the one who could win. I knew Johnnie, but he was not a close friend. I was quite surprised that he would speak so glowingly about me.

Three weeks later, I was told that Michael wanted me and my law firm partner, Susan Yu, to defend him. I returned to Florida and firmed up the understanding. The adventure began.

When I first met Michael, he said virtually nothing. He sat at a distance and observed others field questions. I didn't know if he was intentionally being mysterious or simply observing in his own way. At that point, I had little information from which to judge whether he could possibly have committed the alleged crimes.

My retention generated enormous media coverage. One anti-Jackson reporter immediately appeared on "The Today Show" to announce that I had an African-American girlfriend and attended a black church. The lawyers I replaced did not depart gracefully. One appeared on "Good Morning America" to say he had left voluntarily because less than desirable people surrounded Michael. Certain tabloid shows, like those hosted by Geraldo Rivera and Bill O'Reilly, criticized my appearance. I assumed they were "in the pocket" of prior counsel. This was my baptism.

Initially, Michael was very inaccessible. I scoured every used bookstore and Website for books and articles about his life and character. I read all of them, sometimes twice. My meetings with him confirmed my suspicions about these charges. He was a gentle, kind soul. Sensitive, intuitive and creative, it seemed inconceivable that he could be the monster his enemies portrayed him as.

Much has been made about the child molestation charges. Little has been said about the other claims. The prosecution alleged that Jackson masterminded a conspiracy to falsely imprison a family, abduct children and commit criminal extortion. I can assure you that Michael was not capable of even imagining such behavior. But the more I spoke with him about the alleged molestation charges, the more firm I became in my belief that they were part of a universe of money-making opportunities created by charlatans.

During my first court appearance in Santa Maria, the entire Jackson family appeared dressed in white. They were unified, exquisite and powerful in their message of innocence. I delivered my first statement to the media regarding his innocence and my respect for the court and community. My statement included words, to the effect, that this case was not about "lawyers, or anyone else, becoming celebrities."

These words were designed to change the atmosphere surrounding the defense and, of lesser importance, to hurl a barb at prior counsel. I had not liked the carnival atmosphere surrounding Jackson's defense lawyers. In my opinion, they repeatedly advertised their absolute delight at being in the middle of the circus. Their public statements were, to me, self-serving and amateurish. Michael and Randy Jackson were very suspicious of them. My anti-lawyer-like comments generated controversy. But, a new firm die had been cast. My Irish grandmothers smiled from the heavens!

The prosecutors had an enormous advantage. Two grand juries in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara had investigated Jackson in the early 1990s. Nobody was charged. A third grand jury indicted him in 2004.

During the interim, District Attorney Tom Sneddon had traveled to at least two countries, Australia and Canada, searching for victims. The Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department had a Web site seeking information on Michael.

The trial judge wanted to waste little time. The politics surrounding the defense were horrific. Numerous lawyers, most of them mediocre at best, were constantly trying to get to Michael to undermine me. The media smelled enormous ratings and revenue in a conviction. They were like a cloud of locusts, constantly descending on any weakness they spotted or created. There were numerous efforts to discredit me. Former girlfriends called to say they had been approached for unsavory information. I received calls from alleged "journalists" promising me favors for inside information. Tabloid sensationalism was at a premium.

The trial was carnival-like. Mountains were made out of molehills. For example, Jackson hurt his back one morning and went to the hospital. I informed Judge Melville immediately. His message was firm. If Michael did not appear forthwith, bail would evaporate. I instructed him to rush to court in whatever he was wearing. His pajama bottoms became a media feast. But, they had no bearing on the trial or verdict. The jury foreman later informed me that no juror even noticed Michael's pants, or lack thereof. This case was characterized by shock, crisis and confusion.

On numerous occasions, I was summoned to Neverland to handle searches, disputes and a variety of crises. Michael seemed to always have a new "guru," adviser or lawyer who virtually guaranteed a dismissal or acquittal. It was a veritable "sea of fools." But the effort it took to handle these crises was wasted time.

The trial was characterized by contentious legal rulings. For example, the trial judge allowed the following: The prosecution was permitted to start its case by showing a scurrilous, slanted British documentary that claimed Michael was a pedophile. The prosecution claimed this was evidence of "motive."

The prosecution was permitted to introduce evidence that Jackson had settled other claims of child molestation in civil court. The actual dollar amounts were not admitted (as if anyone hadn't heard them!). It was also permitted to introduce evidence of alleged prior similar acts of child molestation. Prosecutors were permitted to introduce such evidence extending back 10 years. As icing on the cake, the court permitted them to call third-party witnesses who watched the alleged acts without any requirement that the actual alleged victims testify.

During the prosecution's rebuttal, the court permitted the prosecutors to play a police interview tape of the alleged victim. Of course, this was rank hearsay. The theory of admissibility was that I had challenged the demeanor of the alleged victim and the tape was relevant to rebut.

As a measure of fairness, Melville permitted the defense to play "outtakes" of the interview footage that were edited out of the British documentary. In these interviews, Jackson denied abusing children.

Five lawyers testified. Three were called by the prosecution and two by the defense. I have always believed that lawyers are the easiest witnesses to discredit. Throw them any measure of flattery and the seeds of arrogance are sown.

We had more good days in this trial than anyone can reasonably expect. But the public never saw how many prosecution witnesses were scorched on cross-examination. The judge imposed a gag order, which I supported. While this permitted more flexibility in court, it made the trial easily distorted by self-serving pundits.

I would often return to my duplex, turn on the TV and turn apoplectic at what was being reported. Quite often, former prosecutors in New York would wax passionately about how a witness behaved. Their theatrics were totally lacking in substance or accuracy. I thought we were winning all along. But the media reported the very opposite. And, of course, jealous, shallow legal pundits had a field day criticizing my performance. To them, God help any lawyer who engaged in unconventional trial behavior. Such hearsay merited capital punishment.

From the outset, I did everything I could to remove race from the case. I immediately removed the Nation of Islam from Jackson's public persona and asked that his father refrain from commenting on race in the media. It became clear that Michael was a person who brought all races together. Unfortunately, some of the mediocrities who surrounded him wanted to profit through racial conflict. This was a constant source of tension.

My reaction to this cauldron was stoicism and a hermit-like existence. Our team lived in condominiums far from the media hotels, restaurants and bars. I was in bed at 7:30 most evenings with a 3 a.m. start. Our staff worked all night updating witness books and performing other chores. Because they had a key to my apartment, the door would open virtually every hour with updated binders appearing miraculously on my stairwell. We lived like this for six months.

In the wake of his passing, I am haunted by certain late-night phone calls I received from Michael. Childlike, kindhearted and terrified, Michael begged me not to allow corrupt enemies to co-opt my performance. He seemed skeptical about any lawyer truly acting in an honorable, professional manner. I repeatedly assured him that my background had more to do with civil rights than it did Hollywood. The world's most famous celebrity was not accustomed to honest, decent representation.

The 14 acquittals were tantamount to complete legal vindication. Nevertheless, I write this with a heavy heart. Michael was one of the kindest, nicest people I ever met. His wistful desire to heal the world with love, music and artistry clashed horribly with the barbaric way he was exploited. The world is a far better place because of him.

Source

Springtime

2011-03-20T10:14:00.004-05:00

Pretty Flowers all in Bloom
Sun is Shining in my Room
Gentle Breezes in my Hair
Happiness and Love is Always There
The Warmth and Love of Every Day
Reminds me of Momma's gentle Way
Spring gives us so much so why can't we Bring
Something gentle and Loving to Spring!

By Loni

From Loni's Poetry Book

Grateful For...

2011-03-19T01:21:00.002-05:00

...Dry Erase Boards.

Listen...

2011-03-16T23:59:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to BeGodsGlow on Youtube for your time and love in putting these videos together to continue to spread Brother Michael's message of L.O.V.E!

Bees Don't Know...

2011-03-12T11:41:00.002-06:00

...They should not Fly.

Lucky

2011-03-10T11:07:00.004-06:00

Sacred

2011-03-09T00:21:00.002-06:00

Greeneville Woman Hopes Michael Jackson's Good Deeds Remembered

2011-03-08T09:54:00.002-06:00

BY BETH ANN WALKER walkerb@knoxnews.com

Published Saturday, June 27, 2009

Leslie Robinette was 6 years old when she first met Michael Jackson.

An ailing little girl with barely any hair and a swollen stomach, Robinette suffered then, as now, from aplastic anemia caused by the genetic disease fanconi anemia, which she describes as being "like a little Pac-Man going after all your bone marrow."
Jackson was only 15. Robinette now believes he must have been more nervous than she was.

In 1973, she and her family went to Seattle, where she stayed in Seattle Children's Hospital - then The Children's Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center.

Robinette received a bone marrow transplant, which at the time was an experimental surgery. She was one of the youngest to ever have the procedure. She went through chemotherapy, radiation and an ever-changing plethora of medications.

But worst of all, she was kept in isolation for three months.

She spoke to her sisters through walkie-talkies, and only her mother was allowed in the room. Doctors told the family they had done all they could do, but her condition just wasn't improving.

"After you go through all of that, you just get tired and want to go home; you kind of give up the fight," Robinette said.

She listened to her favorite group, The Jackson 5, on a sterilized record player doctors allowed her to have.

On March 7, she received her first visitor.

"I was sitting in my room looking out the window, ironically listening to 'Looking Through the Window' by the Jackson 5, when I heard all the nurses going wild and carrying on," Robinette said.

She looked through the plate glass that was her only connection to the busy hospital and saw The Jackson 5 standing there.

"They asked me which one I wanted to see, and I said I wanted to see Michael - he was the cute one," Robinette said, laughing.

She described the teenage Jackson as obviously shy but incredibly kind and sincere. He gave her an autographed picture, held her hand and asked her how she was doing.

"It had been so long since I'd touched someone not wearing gloves, and I saw hair instead of just a green cap with eyeballs peeking out," said Robinette.

After that visit, Robinette started getting better.

"I would never say that he saved her life - that's crazy - but he gave her back a little of her will to live because she had lost it," said Trine Robinette, 49, Leslie's sister.

Leslie eventually did improve, and her family returned to their farm in Greeneville, Tenn., where she still lives with her parents.

When Leslie was 17, she met Jackson again.

The Jackson 5's Victory Tour came to Knoxville in August 1984 for a two-night concert that was extended a third night because of its popularity. Nearly 50,000 fans crowded into Neyland Stadium each night to see the concert.

Leslie Robinette received free tickets to the concerts, and on the third night, she went backstage to meet the whole Jackson gang. She brought Michael Jackson a hand-written birthday card.

"I asked him if he remembered me, and he said yes. We talked about my singing in chorus and how I was getting my back brace off soon," Robinette said.

Jackson then told his security detail that she was his guest, so she got to watch the third show from a raised VIP platform, seated right next to Jackson's mother, Katherine.

When Robinette left Seattle Children's Hospital three months after her first meeting with Jackson, doctors said she might live 10 years. Still struggling with her disease, she is less than 4 feet tall and weighs about 60 pounds, but she is now 42 and lives an active life.

Like Jackson, she has a strong passion for animals. She is involved in North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and currently is training to become an instructor.

"I've always felt that Michael and I were kind of kindred spirits, because we both grew up not being able to really go anywhere or do anything normal kids do," Robinette said.

Leslie was sitting in her rocking chair when Trine called to tell her about Jackson's death, and she was upset by the news.

Both sisters agree that people can say what they want about Michael Jackson, but he did a lot of good and they hope that is what he will be remembered for. And, of course, his music.

Grateful For...

2011-03-05T13:15:00.003-06:00

...Poly families that make it work.

Meet the Lucks!

Self Portrait

2011-03-02T10:32:00.002-06:00

Grateful For...

2011-02-26T11:05:00.003-06:00

...A cat who spreads litter everywhere.

SQUIRREL!!

2011-02-23T11:50:00.003-06:00

Enough Already!!

2011-01-23T12:47:00.003-06:00

I occasionally come upon people who attempt at speaking kindly of Brother Michael by expressing how they fell in love with little Michael Jackson, the precocious and talented kid from Gary. But then finish thier glowing remarks for the child Michael by talking about how sorry they feel for the "sad, tragic" adult he became.

Excuse me?

We're not talking about some guy who peaked at thirteen and never got it back again. We're talking about a man who not only enjoyed success in his career, but as a man as well.

Michael was a philanthropist, a humanitarian, and an environmentalist. He could have very well used all his fame and money for narcissistic purposes. Thankfully he wasn't raised that way. The sad thing is, folks would rather focus on scandal and sensationalism than what truly matters when it comes to anyone, not just celebrities: how much you give during your lifetime rather than how much you can get.

I can hear what some are saying now: But, but...What about...You know...

Yeah, I know.

I also know that no one said life was supposed to be spotless from cradle to grave. The mere fact that after being shoved to the ground, stomped on, with dirt thrown on him, Michael could pick himself up, dust himself off, and keep moving forward is a testament to the remarkable adult he was.

I suppose this bogus "feel sorry for the adult Michael" mantra is another example of our youth obsessed society who feels its best years are its child years and anything after that is not worth appreciating or even acknowledging. Michael Jackson was an amazing child. And he became an amazing man.

A man who would take time out of his busy touring schedules to visit orphanages and hospitals.

A man who gave millions of his hard earned money to many charities.

A man who expressed concern and brought awareness to our suffering environment before it became cool to be green.

A man who was a dedicated and remarkable father in a world where Black men are not often viewed as such. Who took his children everywhere with him and went out of his way to give them a magical childhood and rich education.

A man who--during a time of personal strife--still reached out in love and compassion to others.

A man who--despite how hard life got and how cruel people could be--still managed to keep a positive outlook and Faith in his God.

There is nothing wrong with loving and remembering Michael the child. But lets give love and reverence to Michael the man! He deserves it.

Stay Beautiful

2011-01-21T15:14:00.004-06:00

Present

2011-01-12T20:51:00.002-06:00

Deja-Vu

2011-01-09T19:36:00.006-06:00

What does Grandmother see when Mother is holding me...

Resolutions

2011-01-02T00:44:00.006-06:00

She brought HOPE and a HEALING touch to the PEOPLE who NEEDed HER MOST...

Ginny at 1 Year Old

2010-12-31T12:52:00.001-06:00

Snowflake

2010-12-30T11:12:00.003-06:00

Purple Passion

2010-12-30T10:50:00.004-06:00

Still Free

2010-12-29T11:45:00.002-06:00

It had been a while.

But it wasn’t long after he walked in that Jamie started right on him.

She told him she didn’t want him to come back.

He was useless to her.

And if he didn’t leave right away, she was going to call Leighton to have a go at him again!

Did he want a second beating?

More like a third. Breegan left then.

He rode about all over and late into the night. And into the last place he would have ever thought of going.

The Sunset Valley Safe House.

He had a shower.

Left a few unkind email messages to those hopeless causes.

Then went to bed.

The next morning the place was still deserted and Breegan enjoyed a nice breakfast.

He dressed and went into the main room and who should he find…

A grown up Kaylynn, there to do some volunteer work.

She was happy to see Breegan.

She told him about her plans to help all those in need.

He asked if she was single and she was.

Oh yeah, it was a happy ending after all.

…Or perhaps a whole new beginning…

THANKS FOR READING!!

Last: In Search of Sanctuary

DOWNLOADS:
Breegan the Freegan
Breegan and his Causes

In Search of Sanctuary

2010-12-29T11:39:00.002-06:00

Well, that settled it…

Breegan put on his clothes and—ignoring her shout of celebration which he thought was incredibly inappropriate…

He got himself a quick meal…

…and said good-bye to his son.

Then he went on his way in search of a new sanctuary. He rode around all day and well into the evening before he decided on…

…Here. They had that extra room with the comfortable bed. He could always go somewhere else to eat to avoid their appalling cooking.

He let himself right in and was confronted by the dreaded Brother-in-Law who was not happy to see Breegan.

And let him know it.

Breegan left immediately.

Feeling exhausted and hungry, he made his way to the next stop.

Neither Leighton, nor the Hag’s cars were there. Good. He could slip in, have a nice meal, a good rest and probably be out before they knew he was there.

He was greeted by Sam who happily let his mentor in and offered him a nice meal.

Things were fine until Leighton showed up, furious to see Breegan there.

And he also let him know it.

There were all new frustrations now.

Including the fact that the Hag had died.

The one person that cared most for Leighton was gone and now Breegan was in his house! The house she left him.

Breegan left for his next option. But after learning that the Hag was dead, there was one thing he wanted to do.

Dance on her grave.

After that burst of happiness, Breegan went on his way.

To his surprise, Pauline was actually home!

He asked if he could crash here for the night. (He would save his proposition for the next morning)

She happily let him in and let him stay…

The next morning he found a plate of burnt waffles to eat. He could see he would have to teach these two how to cook.

He asked to move in and was rebuffed.

The selfishness of this world was beyond description.

There was only one place left to go…

Final: Still Free
Last: The Other Man

The Other Man

2010-12-29T11:34:00.003-06:00

Breegan was startled awake by a disturbance in the house.

WTH! Erik. The oft missed, much lamented, overly sobbed over Erik! The one that got away. The one that Breegan knew his Aggie was thinking about when she would stare broodingly out into space. Bloody Erik for whom Aggie would not redecorate the nursery for Otis because it had been Erik’s project. This wanker who lurks around the house causing trouble.

Breegan cornered this intruder and demanded that he leave.

Erik fumed that he was here first, last, and always.

Breegan told him that he ought to go back to the hereafter because you snooze (apparently in a pool by the looks of him) you lose.

Erik took offense. Apparently Breegan just couldn’t handle the competition which Breegan thought was a stinky thing to say.

After all, what did a ghost have that he didn’t have.

Plenty, was Erik’s response, with which Agnes was completely satisfied.

Breegan found that to be a crazy ghost lie.

Erik told Breegan he wouldn’t know given that he wasn’t always there. Breegan told him he didn’t have to be there to know. Erik was merely mist and vapor. How could Agnes possibly be satisfied with something she can’t even feel.

Did you feel that? Erik asked.

Ghost or not, Breegan declared Erik a nemesis.

Morning was on the horizon, but Erik assured Breegan he would be back for another tussle.

Then he disappeared.

Breegan stormed up the stairs and woke Aggie.

He told her of the humiliation he suffered after being thrashed by a ghost.

She told him Erik was an easily offended hot-head in life. It was completely understandable that he would be that way in death. And instead of hugs and sympathy, she went to the bathroom to begin her day.

Breegan followed her in there to complain about Erik and his threats of coming back in the night to wreak more havoc. He wanted that transparent blob of tyranny gone from his sanctuary.

Aggie only gazed at him.

Breegan tried again: it was either him or the ghost. Aggie only gazed at him. Then she told him she had to go to the bathroom. Stunned, Breegan went back to bed to get the rest that had been interrupted the night before.

But it was interrupted again by Aggie and her soap operas.

Breegan went to turn off the television to which Aggie protested.

He told her she was being selfish by interrupting his lost sleep; sleep he lost fighting with Mist man.

If only he could flush him!

And Otis! What about Otis? Having to live in an incomplete room, with a misty blob and a mother who stares at soap operas all day! She tried to bring up his being connected to the telescope all day. That was different, he told her. That was WORK! She glared at him. She loved Erik too much to move his grave, she was thrilled that he came back to her.

If Breegan hated it here so much, she said, he could just leave…

Next: In Search of Sanctuary
Last: Watchdog

Watchdog

2010-12-29T11:28:00.004-06:00

And so the shock to his system led Breegan into a new routine in the hideout. A new job. Watchdog. With the use of Aggie’s high powered telescope, Breegan observed the world. He saw…

Two betrayers Snuggling.

A “man” flirting…

…With his wife’s sister.

His little girl growing up without him.

The violent and ungrateful parasite…

Apparently moving on after the unnecessary fuss and act of violence.

Pauline still not home.

Okay, back to Zelda looking especially fetching in those shorts.

Just look at that slimeball…

…watching her dance while his wife is away.

Drew growing up…

And looking like his mother.

Another day: Get up…

Make breakfast…

Eat Breakfast…

Get Otis, Change, Feed…

Back to work…

Oh the disgusting things Breegan saw…

Blatant Materialism…

Drew making friends…

Naked Ladies…

Filthy acts of nature…

Violence…

Naked old guys…

Aggie was concerned. Since Breegan came back, he had been behaving so unusually, attached to that telescope.

Felipe growing up…

And looking like his mother…and speaking of her…

Oh yeah…

No focus, remember the betrayal!

Before bedtime, he got a text message from the betrayers about his sons’ birthdays. Yeah, whatever. He already knew.

Another day: Get up…

Eat Breakfast…

Skip taking care of Otis, back to work…

A few examples of minimalism…

More acts of nature…

Something beautiful…

Something Naughty.

Aggie’s concern was mounting.

Breegan didn’t notice.

And she was sure he didn’t care. No matter. At least she still had…him.

Next: The Other Man
Last: Comfort

Comfort

2010-12-29T11:23:00.003-06:00

And so it begins…

Next: Watchdog
Last: Confrontation

Confrontation

2010-12-28T12:43:00.006-06:00

Next: Comfort
Last: When It Comes To Three Day Old Drake...

When It Comes To Three Day Old Drake...

2010-12-28T12:38:00.003-06:00

Breegan didn’t even know where to start. He couldn’t figure out which one of these broads betrayed him most. The engagement wasn’t bad enough, but to befoul his home with this sick display of materialism.

And even worse is to raise three innocent children in such a place. One of those children he had yet to meet.

Jamie hadn’t bothered to tell him she had the baby or that he had become a toddler. Oh the selfishness of it all.

But Jamie’s behavior was to be expected. Breegan decided it was Holly who betrayed him most. He told her she was supposed to be the good one, the sweet one, the most devoted to him. What happened to that?

She told him to calm down which only angered Breegan further. After he rescued her from that miserable home she was living in!

Then she told him to settle down which didn’t help matters. She was avoiding the subject, refusing to hear the truth about herself.

He asked her why. Why Jamie? Holly said it just…happened.

Yeah, Breegan heard that line before. Especially since he has used it. Holly went on to talk about how angry she was at first and that she and Jamie wouldn’t talk to one another. Then Jamie had the baby in the bathtub and it was such a beautiful thing to witness and her feelings for Jamie deepened.

Breegan thought that was a load of tosh. He had seen Jamie give birth before and it wasn’t pretty.

She made awful faces and made horrible sounds. But Holly wasn’t listening.

According to her, Jamie had never been more beautiful to her.

There was no getting through to her.

Holly told Breegan he was the one that was horrible. He was a jerk and selfish.

He told her she was a llama.

She screamed at him. She was not a llama. He told her again that only a llama would say she wasn’t a llama.

They fumed.

Holly told Breegan that she was going to be an artist and take care of Jamie and their children.

Breegan reminded her that she couldn’t draw a straight line with a ruler. Besides, an artist needed to be compassionate and honest and she was not.

Plus a real artist would not be this materialistic. He stared at all the furniture and fixings—clutter as he saw it—in renewed disgust.

Holly went to see about one of the babies who was crying in his crib. It was the new one. Breegan’s heart melted at the sight of his son. Breegan asked Holly what his name was.

Not that it was his business, she said, but his name was Drake. She also told Breegan to leave and don’t bother coming back. Breegan told her not to talk to him like he was a piece of Broccoli. First off, this was his house. And second, he had the right to know his son’s name. Holly screamed with derisive mirth. He was not the father of Drake.

Just as a stunned Breegan was about to ask who Drake’s father was, the door opened.

And Leighton--Drake’s father--walked in.

Next: Confrontation
Last: The A Word

The A Word

2010-12-28T12:35:00.002-06:00

Angry…

Aggrieved…

Aroused… (No, no, focus Breegan!)

Annoyed…

Astonished…

Agog…

Abashed…

A Chump…

Next: When It Comes To 3 Day Old Drake

Last: Suspicions

Suspicions

2010-12-28T12:30:00.003-06:00

He arrived just as she was coming home from work.

She apologized for running him away like she did. And invited him to make himself at home.

Which, of course, he did.

Much to certain people’s chagrin.

The next morning he woke up to see Zelda’s sister holding a little surprise.

Breegan was stunned. Her name was Tricia…his first daughter.

She was a squealing, happy baby with bright eyes and soft skin.

Breegan—of course—loved her right away. He held her close, ignoring the Brother-in-Law who was standing by watching Breegan like he was a criminal or something. He spent the whole of the morning talking to and playing with Tricia while the Brother-in-Law hovered over them practically growling. He followed Breegan into the guest room where Breegan had a quick nap…

…Or tried to at least.

One can’t get much sleep when there is a guy with a wrench growling at you. Besides, Breegan had to leave anyway. There was somewhere he had to be. And now that he had baby Tricia, Zelda probably needed to come with him after all.

He went to Zelda to pop the question: Would she and baby Tricia move in with him.

Not only did she say no, she balked at the idea. Breegan noticed the Brother-In-Law smirking at them.

Breegan tried for a kiss, but she backed away. She was staying here, she said—in her home. Breegan reminded her of the fact that this same family was trying to kick her out only a few, freaking days ago. What was up?

Then the Brother-In-Law and Sister rounded on him. Kaylynn told them all about Breegan, they said. She was sorry for trying to get rid of Zelda, the Brother-In-Law said, especially since Zelda was so beautiful and wonderful and…his voice trailed off and this twinkle came to his eye. A very suspicious twinkle.

Breegan reminded this jerk that he was Tricia’s father and he wasn’t about to let his daughter be raised by a bunch of snobs who couldn’t cook. The Brother-In-Law shook his finger in Breegan’s face. Biology didn’t make a father, he fumed. He was going to be Tricia’s father from now on and he would do a much better job!

He ran Breegan out of the house with his wrench. A fuming Breegan mounted his bike. What was wrong with the world? Forget it, he was going home. Enough time had passed. The angry text messages had stopped. The furious calling had ceased. His most precious Causes were at home waiting…Faithful…Committed….

…

Next: The A Word
Last: Not Now

Not Now

2010-12-28T12:25:00.004-06:00

Breegan got out of there fast, sped past his house and went to his hideout.

He had a nice rest…

…And a nice bath. All he needed now was a little affection.

But Aggie wasn’t having it. She was still in her odd mood, brooding over the dead guy in the yard. He was wondering when this was going to end. So back he went into Domestic God mode.

Playing Otis to sleep…

Using the bed for sleeping… (Where is the fun in THAT!)

Cooking…

Fathering…

A call on his cell phone finally broke the monotony.

It was Zelda. Feeling a little stunned that he didn’t check to see who was calling before answering, he braced himself for one of her usual interrogations. But she simply asked him to come for a visit.

Well, it would be a nice change from the Domestic drudgery. And maybe he could let out some of his pent up anxiety.

He’ll just slip away before she got too chatty again.

Next: Suspicions

Last: Mentoring

Mentoring

2010-12-28T12:17:00.004-06:00

There is nothing like being a joy to others to take your mind off your troubles. And mentoring is one of those joys.

Cutting his Vacation short, Breegan went to meet Pauline. She was a musician and gorgeous which Breegan quite liked.

And she had a cozy little home, not too flashy. So it shouldn’t be too hard to free her from so little. But she had her flaws.

She didn’t fawn over his flattering.

And she was always rushing to work every time Breegan started to really talk to her about Freeganism and Charities and Donations. She was certainly going to be more difficult to free.

A hopeless wage slave…

…with a husband. Thinking of Leighton and Jamie, Breegan wasn’t so sure about Freeing Pauline from this guy. This was a Cause he would have to let go.

But not before having a quick meal.

As he left, he noticed the alarm system on the wall. He shook his head. Materialism was one thing, but a blatant attempt at keeping people away? Was there hope for this world, for these people?

Breegan headed for a better student. This person was in a more desperate situation than Pauline’s. After all, if Breegan doesn’t teach him, there will be another selfish, materialistic person in this cruel world.

He couldn’t help that he had to live in a home with two of the saddest people in the world. And besides, it would serve them right to have a more enlightened person in that home.

Sam let Breegan right in. He asked why things went so bad between Breegan and his father. Breegan explained that human connection is important and his Dad just lost the connection. Sam told him that Leighton and the hag said that Breegan was a mooch but he didn’t know what that meant. Breegan told him a mooch was someone who gives friendship and love. Sam smiled. He wanted to be a mooch too.

Sam was happy to share with Breegan his love of music and how he too wanted to be a musician. Breegan told him when he was old enough, he would teach him to play guitar. Sam clapped in delight. Breegan told him he would also teach him to be a Freegan and one day he could spread the message of sharing.

The hag walked into the room. She thought she heard Breegan’s voice. She shot him a look and went to get Leighton. It was time he open a can of whoop ass on this nuisance. Breegan smiled. He was going to save these people and the little child would lead them. Sam told the hag he was happy to have Breegan around. He was certainly a lot more cheerful than Daddy had been lately.

Breegan taught Sam about the universe providing food by way of the abandoned picnic basket.

And recycling movie ticket stubs by changing the dates and names of films on them and seeing as many films as you want without giving too much money to heartless, big corporations. Sam wasn’t so sure.

All of this sounded illegal. Kind of like stealing or something.

Breegan was stunned. Just what were Leighton and the hag teaching this poor boy?

He heard Leighton coming into the room then and gave Sam a hasty good-bye. But he would be back. That poor kid needed a real parent.

Coming Next: Not Now
Last: Smothering

Smothering

2010-12-28T12:15:00.003-06:00

It wasn’t long before Zelda started killing the mood…

She asked him why he left as suddenly as he did. Why did he stay away for so long? Was it something she said? Was it something she did? Did she make him angry? Why did he come over here now? Was it just to Woo Hoo? What did it mean, what they just did? Was it just woo hoo or did they make love? Did this mean she was his girlfriend now?

Was it good for him? Was she a good kisser? How would he rate her as a kisser over any other girls? Did he kiss any other girls? Did he kiss any girls while he was away from her? If he did, was it because she wasn’t as good a kisser?

Did he like the soup? She opened the can all by herself. Did he like homemade soup? If he did, she could learn to make it for him. Did he like sports? Because if he did she could like them to if he wanted her to. Did he have a house? Because if he did she would keep it clean if he wanted her to. Or if he wanted to move in here, he could. She would be whatever he wanted her to be. She would do whatever he wanted her to do.

Did he want her to wash his back? What about his hair, could she wash his hair? She would do that for him if that’s what he wanted her to do. He didn’t have to have a shower. She would have run him a bath if he wanted her to. Did he want to take a bath next time? Did he want to woo hoo in the bathtub? Or the shower? Or both?

Vacation over…

Next: Mentoring
Last: Vacation

Vacation

2010-12-28T12:11:00.002-06:00

This disappointment with Leighton was really stressing Breegan out. And as much as he loved his Benefactor, he needed a little break from her as well. Absence makes the heart grow fonder he told her as he was leaving and she started crying about the dead guy buried in the front yard. Breegan thought she needed a little alone time. And he longed for a vacation.

It had been a while since he went to Kaylynn’s house, but he was sure enough time had passed so they got the idea of him taking Zelda out of their collective heads.

He approached her as she was coming home from work.

She immediately invited him in. He felt bad the poor girl had to become a wage slave. She was too. But she couldn’t make enough money with her music and the Langeraks were threatening to kick her out. She tried calling Breegan but his phone was off and she couldn’t leave any messages.

Breegan explained that he had been doing a lot of charity work. He noticed the stalker listening in on their conversation and quickly changed the subject. Breegan encouraged her to stick with her music.

Zelda felt so thrilled that someone understood her situation.

She took him to her sister’s and brother-in-law’s bedroom which she said was the most comfortable in the house.

Breegan had to agree.

Next: Smothering
Last: The Truth Will Out

The Truth Will Out

2010-12-28T12:07:00.003-06:00

Exhausted and cranky and tired of being run out of the houses of people who he is trying to free, Breegan decided to turn around and march back to Leighton’s house and tell him the truth about himself and the whole situation.

Sam answered the door again although he tried to discourage Breegan from going back inside. But the truth needed to be told.

And Breegan let him have it…

Breegan told Leighton he had an attitude and lack of gratitude is worse than a pile of trash in the the street.

Leighton was a Llama—he smells like a llama, he sounds like a llama, he acts like a llama, he looks like a llama, he makes love like a llama.

Yeah! Breegan couldn’t wait to tell him that. He told him all about how much Jamie hated making love to him. Llama man. Leighton was shocked. His only defense was to think about his job promotion.

Then he began to bore Breegan with talk about his son. What kind of role model was Breegan being subjecting little Sam to all of this. Breegan suggested another Charity—Liberate Sam…

…then asked for funds to support it. Leighton exploded and demanded that Breegan leave.

And the hag smirked.

Exhausted Breegan mounted his bike and headed in the direction of his hideout. He was not going to free people that insisted on being enslaved by their own nonsense. He sped past his house so he would not be seen.

He went back to his hideout and found his toddler son Otis fast asleep in his bed. He felt awful for missing his birthday, dealing with nonsense. He went to bed then to get plenty of rest so he could celebrate Otis’s birthday—just the two of them and an big plate of waffles.

Life in the hideout was good…

…And peaceful.

Next: Vacation
Last: End of the Bromance

End of the Bromance

2010-12-28T12:04:00.003-06:00

Life with Otis was as sweet as it could get.

It got him thinking about Drew and Felipe and the new child to be. And how they were missing out on cuddles and whispers and lessons about living a free life.

But it wasn’t time to go home. Not yet. The girls still needed some time. Especially after he chanced to turn on his phone and found that his inbox was completely full.

But he knew it was time to deal with Leighton. Jamie will have told him it was over between the two of them and why. Leighton had to understand why it was better for Breegan to handle Jamie rather than him.

It was Leighton’s son Sam who greeted him at the door. The little guy was glad to see Breegan. His father had been in a really bad mood and Sam knew that a visit from Breegan always seemed to lift his father’s spirit. Perhaps his mood would improve now.

Of course he was wrong. Leighton was not happy to see Breegan.

But no one was happier than the hag. She smirked in delight as she listened to Breegan trying to reason with an infuriated Leighton. It was almost worth it to see Leighton hurt if it meant getting rid of Breegan once and for all.

Breegan tried to get Leighton to see the bright side of things. Jamie would no longer be a problem for Leighton. He could distress and be free.

Leighton wasn’t having any of it. Jamie was the love of his life—so he thought. Just like he thought Breegan was his best friend. This was the most painful thing to happen to him—second only to losing Sam’s mother.

Seeing as how he wasn’t going to get through to Leighton while he was this emotional and sappy, Breegan asked for a donation for his new Cause—namely the one involving the two women and two and a half children living in his house. He called the Cause Share and Share Alike. Leighton couldn’t believe Breegan’s nerve.

To think this Mooch was actually asking him to donate to a “Cause” that involved a woman he stole from Leighton. Leighton turned and walked away to save himself from the strong desire to slap the sh!t out of Breegan.

Breegan rounded on Leighton, calling him selfish and close-minded. Leighton tried to walk away again but Breegan followed him, determined to tell Leighton the truth about himself.

The hag came to Leighton’s defense. She told Breegan it was he that was selfish and uncaring which Breegan strongly disagreed. These people just had no idea of the fact they were the ones with the problem.

He helped himself to some soup…

…which was the final straw for the hag. She ran him out of the house.

He looked off in the distance at his house.

No, it wasn’t yet time to go home.

Next: The Truth Will Out
Last: Hideout

Another Part Of My Childhood...

2010-12-26T22:16:00.003-06:00

...Gone Forever.

WE LOVE YOU TEENA!

Hideout

2010-12-25T22:48:00.004-06:00

Breegan thought it was best to let his girls get to know each other without him in the way. He turned his cell phone off for a while given that they were both ringing him and leaving some rather unfriendly audio and text messages. He headed straight for his sanctuary, his hideout, his Agnes…

His beautifully blossoming Aggie…

His warm and nurturing Aggie… His sweet, precious benefactor…

Even though Aggie is a loner, she still enjoyed having Breegan around.

Breegan found himself becoming quite the Domestic God, nurturing and pampering his sweet Aggie.

It was the kind of domestic bliss that Aggie had been praying for ever since…

The sudden puddle on the floor brought the bliss to an abrupt end.

Breegan helped her to the car where she drove them to the hospital.

Breegan hesitated at first. After that video Jamie shared with him, he wasn’t sure he wanted to witness another miracle. But Aggie gave him a look that said she wasn’t about to go through this alone.

So he swallowed his anxiety and followed her in.

That evening they were rewarded with a beautiful baby boy they called Otis.

And Breegan told her he loved her more now than ever…

And Bliss was restored…

Next: End of the Bromance
Last: Simplify

Simplify

2010-12-23T10:46:00.003-06:00

For a minute, Breegan thought she was going to throttle him.

Her answer was a deep kiss.

Seeing how that went well, Breegan went off to put the second part of his idea into action.

Jamie looked around the empty house. It was time to make some changes.

Breegan joyfully sped towards Holly’s house.

He met her outside as she said good-bye to guests from Felipe’s birthday party. Yet she didn’t admonish Breegan for being so ridiculously late. Especially after he told her he had something very important to ask her.

She giggled as he followed her into the house. A proposal perhaps?

He spent some quality time with Felipe…

…Then found Holly in the dining room to pop the question: Will she and Felipe move in with him?

It wasn’t the question she was hoping for, but it was better than nothing. She gleefully told him yes.

She packed a few of her belongings and scooped up her son.

She headed out of her childhood bedroom for—she was happy to say—the last time.

Breegan handed her a key and told her to go on ahead, that he would meet her at the house later. He had some business to take care of.

Holly headed happily to her and Felipe’s new home where she found it not only a little furnished…

…But a little crowded.

Next: Hideout
Last: Decisions

Decisions

2010-12-21T09:40:00.003-06:00

After a wonderful night with Aggie, Breegan decided he was refreshed enough to go back to see Leighton.

And just in time too as things were getting tougher for Leighton and his girlfriend. She told Leighton that she as getting music lessons from a talented musician.

Leighton was sure this mysterious musician may be the man she was seeing behind his back. Leighton was desperate to keep her. He even thought that by moving up in his career that things would be better. Nothing was helping and he didn’t know what else to do. He was getting so depressed. Breegan couldn’t watch the guy suffer anymore.

He knew what he had to do.

He went to Jamie’s house.

He told her she now had an opportunity to improve upon her Charity. The emotional health of a very delicate person was at stake. The time had come for her to make an important decision.

Leighton was losing it big time and it was time she let him go.

Jamie stared at him a moment, then ran off to the bathroom.

Breegan could hear her tossing her cookies. He knew his ultimatum would be shocking to her. After all, she seemed to really feel something for Leighton. Especially since she had a habit of screaming his name out at the most inconvenient moments.

He followed her into the bathroom when she was finished unloading her guilt. She told him that she would dump Leighton for him. He was getting on her nerves anyway with his constant whinging and sub-standard love-making. Plus he was really emotional which Breegan already knew. Breegan figured he’d better take another break from Leighton once Jamie broke the news to him.

Breegan was pleased...

...But Jamie wouldn’t sleep with him.

She slept in the guest room with Drew…on the floor.

The following morning, Jamie told him he would have to make this break up worthwhile. After all Leighton had a job and she was pregnant again. (So it wasn’t guilt.) Breegan pleaded with her to stop bitching at him.

She reminded him again of her reasons for being less than warm and cuddly. Breegan thought again about his idea from long ago and decided that it was time to bring it to fruition.

He invited her over to his house again and asked her to move in with him. Her, Drew, and their new baby.

Next: Simplify

Last: Benefactor

Benefactor

2010-12-20T10:13:00.003-06:00

Someone very unpleasant was there when Breegan woke up.

He became very concerned that he was being stalked by Holly’s father who again was after Breegan about responsibility. Not to mention Kaylynn’s mother just happening upon him and Jamie the other day.

He needed a little calm. He would usually head to Leighton’s but he still needed time. He needed a different kind of calm. He needed someone gentle…older…motherly.

He went to see Aggie.

Agnes was thrilled to see him and gushed openly like a school girl. Breegan was a little put off by this behavior from a woman of her age and social status. She’s loaded, of course. Under normal circumstances Breegan would take her under his wing and help her. But he wasn’t looking for a Cause right now. He needed something for just for him. He needed a Benefactor.

He needed a nice place to escape when the pressures of Charity got to be too much. And this was the place.

And he needed someone to escape to that wasn’t so desperate and needy. And Aggie was that someone.

Aggie, being a hopeless romantic, was so giddy that this handsome young rebel was taking such an interest in her. It had been so long…so dreadfully long since she had someone’s hands to hold…

…Or someone to rub her back…

…Someone to look after her…

…Someone to whisper sweet nothings in her ear…

…Someone to hold her close and kiss her tenderly…

…Someone to tell her she was beautiful…

…And make her blush like she was sixteen…

…Someone to warm the other side of her bed…

And she was happy…

…She was just so happy to have someone to hold her at night.

Next: Decisions
Last: Field Trip

Field Trip

2010-12-16T08:22:00.005-06:00

Exhausted from the birth, Holly went to bed after that bit of snogging…

…And Breegan took care of Felipe.

After settling the baby down to sleep, Breegan had a quick dinner…

…Before having a short nap on Holly’s couch in her bedroom.

After waking, he played video games until the early morning…

…Then went to sleep in her parent’s bed.

Holly’s mother was infuriated to see him there. She wasn’t having it. She called Holly and told her she needed to get her lazy boyfriend out of her bed. Holly could have cared less what her mother had to say. She had more important things to discuss with Breegan seeing as how their Cause was so deep now.

She waited for him to wake and spoke to him while he was relaxing in the bath. What about his responsibility, she asked him.

She stood over him as he had his cereal. It just wasn’t proper that her son had to be born out of wedlock, she told him. It wasn’t proper that her son did not live with his father.

As he put his cereal bowl into the dishwasher, she asked when they were going to get married.

Breegan ran out of the house. This was the first time he ran out of the house without being chased. The pressure was just too much.

He decided to head over to Jamie’s to see Drew who just had a birthday.

For some reason Jamie was feeling less than warm at the sight of him.

She went after him about the same things that Holly was bitching about earlier. Responsibility, marriage, co-habitation. Blah, blah, blah… It was obvious. The reason why Jamie and Holly felt he needed to be more responsible was because they were too focused on consumerism. It was time for another lesson in Freeganism. It was time for a field trip.

For the first time ever, he asked Jamie over to his house. She wasted no time calling a sitter and a cab. Finally things were moving in some kind of direction. As Breegan climbed into the cab, who should show up but Kaylynn’s mother. Was she following him?

She started asking Jamie all kinds of questions like who was she and did Breegan live there. Breegan nervously called Jamie into the cab. She found the strange woman rather rude and invasive and followed Breegan into the cab without another word.

Jamie was surprised to see how close Breegan lived to her. She must have passed this house dozens of times on her way to and from work. Breegan led her inside to give her a tour.

All Jamie could think about was how she could make the house better.

He explained to her that it was a Freegan’s responsibility to be free.

But Jamie could not stay long as she had to go to work.

He immediately called Holly over for her lesson. She couldn’t get there fast enough.

As Breegan gave her her lesson, Holly started thinking about the ways she could improve upon the house, barely listening to word he was saying.

But she took his hands and smiled at him and told him it didn’t matter where they lived, so long as they were together. And that she could make this little house a home with beautiful furniture and paintings on the wall. And an appliance or two.

Breegan could see she didn’t quite get it. But she was just so cute. They did a fair bit of snogging in that dimly lit house, but Holly refused to romp on the floor and went home. It didn’t matter. Breegan thought the field trip went rather well.

He treated himself to a nice meal at the park…

…And a nap at the beach with the ocean as a lullaby. Ahh, to be free.

Next: Benefactor
Last: Aggie

Aggie

2010-12-13T11:21:00.005-06:00

The pressure at Kaylynn’s house was getting to be too much. Surely they didn’t think he was actually going to take Zelda with him. Breegan’s charity work is very delicate and well, having someone in his face 24/7, that just wasn’t going to work. He was already spreading himself quite thin.

For a second he thought of stopping at Leighton’s, but he thought the guy still needed a little time away from him. The Bromance thing was really starting to creep him out.

He decided to go to the library instead. It was quiet there and he needed some time to think.

And there he met Agnes.

He had seen her around town before, but she usually kept to herself.

Yet Breegan could not help but be intrigued by her.

He followed her into the unisex to talk more.

He talked to her about his charity work and she was interested. (Who isn’t?)

She was totally feeling him and he was feeling her.

He followed her out of the unisex and talked to her more.

They exchanged numbers and gave a warm goodbye.

For the first time in forever he went back to his house to see a stack of old newspapers and a couple of notices from the Repo man. Just as he was figuring out who he was going to spend the evening with…

He got a phone call from Holly. He was the father of another baby boy.

He immediately went to see him.

Holly’s exhausted mother was there to greet him at the door. She reluctantly let him in, infuriated that there was now a forever bond between her and this ragamuffin her daughter is punishing her with.

He was happy to meet his baby son Felipe.

But Holly was even happier to see him…

Next: Field Trip
Last: Z is for Zelda

Z is for Zelda

2010-12-08T12:02:00.004-06:00

Breegan didn’t waste any time leaving. You see, he was a lover…not a fighter! (R.I.P MJJ) Besides, the hag was over 100 days old. If Breegan kicked her tail—which undoubtedly, he would have been able too—he would have looked like a jerk for beating up a 100 day old hag. If the hag had managed to beat his tail, then he would have looked like a wimp for getting beat up by a 100 day old hag! It was a no win situation.

He thought of Kaylynn and went straight for her house. Between Drew and Jamie, this child to be with Holly, the mysterious Pauline, Leighton becoming so co-dependent, and the hag threatening violence, life was becoming way more complicated than Breegan felt comfortable with. He was a Freegan after all. Why couldn’t people share without getting so—attached? He decided he was going to get things right with Kaylynn.

He was greeted by a gorgeous “blonde” who introduced herself as Zelda, Kaylynn’s aunt. She hugged him…

Breegan was a little surprised but very pleased. Apparently Kaylynn told her all about Breegan and she had been looking forward to finally meeting him.

She talked about the fact that they were both musicians and place great value in the sharing of others with those who had less.

She could hear her nephew Parker mutter to her brother in law wondering if Zelda was going to tell Breegan how childish she was. She ignored him and looked deeper into Breegan’s eyes.

Just then, Kaylynn came home from school, pleased to see that they had met.

She walked by muttering something about Zelda finally leaving.

Zelda shot her a look.

She whispered to Breegan how handsome she thought he was and how she looked forward to getting to know him better. Then his phone rang.

It was Jamie calling. Zelda thought it was rather rude of him to be talking to another woman while she was flirting with him. He told Jamie he would call her back. Not because of the look Zelda was giving him…

But because Parker made dinner.

Kaylynn took that time to talk to Zelda while Breegan went to get something to eat.

Zelda told Kaylynn she thought Breegan was cute and said she would like to get to know him better. Kaylynn promised to arrange it so Zelda went to bed.

Kaylynn told Breegan she needed his help.

He reminded her that Charity isn’t free.

She told him she would work that out somehow but first she wanted to share something with him. Zelda. Perhaps if Breegan could take her off the family’s hands, she would work for his cause. Zelda was impossible, Kaylynn said. Immature and messy and Kaylynn had been cleaning up after her—not to mention the rest of the family—ever since she was a child. It was exhausting work.

Please, she begged him, please take her off our hands!

Breegan smiled and told Kaylynn that was not how sharing worked. But he was happy to demonstrate if she would let him have her bed.

Kaylynn slept in the living room. If letting Breegan sleep in her bed meant he might take Zelda with him the next day, then sleep in the living room she would.

The next morning the smell of burning waffles woke Breegan. Not exactly what he was used to or what he particularly enjoyed, but he got a plate anyway and sat with Kaylynn’s parents for a meal.

Kaylynn’s mother was curious to know more about Breegan, like, where did he live?

Breegan wouldn’t speak.

So she asked again. But Breegan continued to stuff his face. Given how much Holly’s parents hated him, he wasn’t in the mood for another set of obstacles stressing him out.

Then for some odd reason she started asking him about his feelings. Now it was getting weird.

Breegan was getting tired of her questions and the fact that no one in this family could cook.

When Parker came over to lick his plate, Breegan was through.

He went to say goodbye to Zelda and ask for a donation but she didn’t have any money to share.

And they expected him to take her? No deal!

Next: Aggie
Last: Bromance

Bromance

2010-12-05T10:43:00.003-06:00

Another genius for Freegans! Breegan rubbed her belly and told her she was beautiful. And Holly talked about taking the baby to the park and teaching her or him to enjoy all of nature.

They had a picnic and talked about the future. This baby could bring Holly closer to her freedom.

Holly smiled. She loved Breegan dearly. He was the man of her dreams. He was tall, handsome, and he made her parents absolutely crazy. She told him it wouldn't be proper if she were to have a baby out of wedlock. Hint...Breegan nearly choked on his food. He started to speak but lucky for him, Nick called him over to play him at chess. Breegan jumped at the chance, telling Holly that it was a great opportunity for them to get to know one another and possibly be friends.

Holly didn't like the idea. After all, how was she going to be happy if her parents were pleased? But Nick did not call him over for just a game. It was also for a little talk. Just what was Breegan planning to do about this blessed event. Breegan told Nick that as a Freegan, the best he could do was teach his son or daughter what it meant to be truly free.

Then he won the game and that did not make Nick very happy, not to mention his avoidance of the subject at hand. Once again, Breegan found himself running away from Nick.

He went to Leighton's house which was just as well as he was having relationship problems again. He had a sneaky suspicion that his girlfriend was cheating on him but he had no way of proving it. Breegan told him it was probably all in his head. Leighton was thrilled to have a friend as wonderful as Breegan to talk to.

Once again, he offered his bed to Breegan that evening.

Then decided to share it with him.

Breegan was a little surprised to see him there when he woke up. But Breegan didn't mind. This Bromance had potential for his Charity work. Another teacher along with baby Drew and whomever it was cooking in Holly's oven.

Leighton made breakfast. He did not sleep well despite the company and wished to talk more about his problem. He loved this woman and was hoping she would be a mother to his own son.

Leighton asked Breegan what he planned to do now that he had a baby on the way. Breegan told him he was planning to merge his causes into one.

He thought about putting both women together in his home. Leighton almost choked on that one. Breegan couldn't possibly think that was going to work.

Leighton asked about the condition of the house since Breegan hadn't been there in a while. Breegan wasn't worried. They could take care of it. Leighton still thought it was a bad idea.

Breegan decided to have a shower. For some reason, Leighton followed him into the bathroom. It seems he didn't want to be alone.

Breegan stepped out of the shower to let Leighton know that the Bromance didn't have to extend to the bathroom. Then the hag showed up. Breegan was hoping to get out of the house before she knew he was there. Her energy was stifling. Leighton let her know that he was no longer going to have her getting in the middle of his friendship with Breegan.

The hag demanded that Breegan leave, ignoring Leighton.

He had five seconds or it was going to get ugly...

Next: Z is for Zelda
Last: Girls, Girls, Girls