Road Trip - Day 2 & 3 - Silver Lake

Day 2 brought us to this

darling cabin at Silver Lake. This is just off of Hwy 395, 50 miles past Bishop and right next to June Lake. While driving to the cabin we passed this awesome waterfall and planned a hike to the falls. The first part of the hike was great, mostly flat and somewhat rocky, and thanks to the 9 gallons of mosquito spray I was wearing, the bloodsuckers left us alone. It wasn't until about three quarters up the trail as I was stepping over some rocks, I saw it. IT being a SNAKE. (I always remember my brother-in-law Jim saying, watch where you step when you hike) good advice as I caught sight of it just as I was bringing my foot down, just inches away. I calmly screamed "SNAKE" (as calmly as one can scream) to Andy who was just a few steps ahead of me and then I backed away.....SLOWLY. We both just stared at it for a moment, Andy on one side of it and me on the other. It wasn't a rattlesnake, that much I knew. It was completely brown in color and that's when Andy says "its a black mamba". Very funny Mr. Moto! It remained completely still, so I took my chances and lept over the thing. I'm sure I could have walked on water at that point. My eyes then never left the ground after that. We are now at over 7000 feet elevation and I am becoming winded, exhausted from my snake watching and the sudden steepness of the trail. Mr. Moto of course is bounding up the trail. Note to self - never hike with someone who works out, trains and rides motorcross, you are way out of your league. But he was a real trooper and waited patiently. We finally made it to the waterfall and it was well worth it.

The cabin where we stayed was awesome tucked among the trees with a view of the lake and no connection to the outside world. No internet, no TV, no cell phone, no radio.....just crickets and moonlight. And oh yes, I even had candlelight because someone, we won't mention his name, thought to pack a candle. Cause that's how he is..

....Some kind of wonderful.

Day One of Road Trip

On a sunny Thursday morning, Mr. Moto and I begin our trip. His white chariot whisks me away from palm trees on the coast, to

the red rock in the desert and then up Hwy 395 to beautiful June Lake. At every gas station, we bought lotto tickets, maybe that way our vacation would never have to end. In the quaint town of Bishop, we picked up some yummy sandwiches, and then Mr . Moto pulls off on a country road and parks by a stream in the shade. He jumps out, drops the tail gate and there we sat, legs a swinging, enjoying lunch. This is the first trip in my life, that I have not had to make all the arrangements. He made all the plans - all I had to do was be the passenger and relax.

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Life is good and that's only day one.

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P.S. And he doesn't make my palms sweat, when he drives.........inside joke.

In a Pinch

My room mate, Chris and I were out the other night at a show. Unexpectedly, I kept running into people there that I knew and thought, I need a breath mint for the next encounter. I leaned over to her and asked if she had any gum or breath mints.... she hands me a tiny can out of her purse which I thought was Binaca...only it WASN'T! GASP, it was Wick Air Freshner, (New Car Smell). I almost died. Of course then the two us couldn't stop laughing and (gagging) and she continues to dig thru her purse and finds a tube of toothpaste and a cough drop. Hey, at this point, I'll use anything. And amazingly enough, just a dab of toothpaste, smeared on your tongue (while no one is watching) works wonders. Now I have Colgate breath, instead of new car smell. Anything when you're in a pinch!

Maybe this time....

My little songbird is at it again. Rehearsing for another competition with her vocal coach.

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.Her latest song is "Maybe this Time" from Caberet. ( I swear this soul was on Broadway in another life). Can't get this song out of my head....maybe cause it's so apropos right now.

Yucky

Normally I don't eat junk, I eat pretty healthy. But today I consumed, not ONE, but TWO Big Hunk bars AND a bag of swedish fish. This is what happens when my planets are not in alignment. Not too mention, it was Taco Tuesday...

i feel like a bloated goat.

I'm gonna go call my peeps for support....

Nothing but the Truth

Wondering what I've been up to? Here's a glimpse, on what has been keeping me so busy lately......click on the link below and meet my new boss. (and I thought I'd be taking some time off, LOL)

http://www.poolsideproductions.net/RONA_BARRETT/RONA_BARRETTS__NOTHING_BUT_THE_TRUTH.html

An MJ Day at Disney

Gina, Garth, Rebeckah and I accompanied Jeffrey to the MJ Fan Tribute Day at Disneyland. Jeffrey was stopped every 2 feet for autographs and pictures. Even the Disney characters wanted to pose with "Michael". We had barely made it down Main St. (that took an hour) when 2 Security guards asked Jeffrey to change his outfit. Now mind you, it is MJ day and he had permission to dress like MJ, plus there were other impersonators in the park, HOWEVER, the security guards informed us that Jeffrey was getting more attention than the characters and taking away what Disney was all about. Jeffrey had no other clothes, so they asked him to take off his make-up instead. We thought that was funny, because Jeffrey still looks like Michael with out it. Disney Security said if they saw him pose with one more guest and/or sign an autograph, they would escort him out of the park. Come on Disney, he's here to promote the Captain EO ride. Not to be dismayed by these "debbie downer" security guards, we instead had a birthday party for Jeffrey to celebrate his 23rd. You rock, Jeffrey!

And the Tribute continues

The following evening, Jeffrey Perez who is only 23 and one of the best MJ impersonators I have ever met did another tribute concert for Michael.

However, this time it was attended by several THOUSAND.

While singing, "The Way You Make Me Feel", (my personal favorite), Jeffrey brought me up on stage to dance with him during that number. It was incredible.

Thank you Jeffrey, for those few moments, it was like being with Michael all over again. You have no idea the gift you have.....please continue to share his memory and love!

The MJ Tribute

Last Friday was the one year anniversary of Michael's death. With a lumpy throat, I drove out to Neverland and stood with the fans at the gate. It has been a year since I was there last. In my wildest dreams, would I have ever imagined I would be on the outside of that gate looking in. I wept.

That evening I attended the tribute in Solvang and was asked to share and read the tribute I wrote for the Memorial and a few funny stories about Michael. Before several hundred guests, I shared my story and was told my voice only cracked a few times. Whew!

There were lots of hugs that night, a few tears, and lots and lots of dancing and celebrating MJ's life. It was there that I met Jeffrey Perez, an MJ impersonator. Jeffrey speaks, moves, dances and sings so much like Michael, it gave me chills. It was if he was channeling Michael that evening.

He made what I thought was going to be an unbearable day, wonderful.

My sister Gina from Sacramento and
and Mr. Moto attended the event with me. Kudos to you Andy for learning the Thriller dance. And thank you Gina for your support. Isn't that what sisters are for?

Never Can Say Good Bye...

Gone, but not forgotten

Dearest Michael,
How do we even begin to tell you what you meant to us? What a beautiful journey we had with you.
You touched so many lives and we are honored to have been one of them. How blessed are we to have been given the opportunity to see your dream of Neverland grow and flourish. What a lesson we learned in compassion, generosity and love from you.
Because of you, the sound of childrens laughter, the whistle of a steam train, or the whirl of a carousel will always bring a smile to our hearts.
You will forever be felt in the gentle breezes rustling thru the trees, in the trickling of the streams, and in the stillness of the valley of Neverland.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your dream. The enormity of what you gave and created leaves one speechless. May you sing with the angles above, our love forever.
Always,
Tracy & your Neverland family

Day Two

I received a phone call tonight from an avid blog follower complaining that ever since I quit my job, I've quit posting.....and frankly she's right! However, I must say the last 7 days have been INCREDIBLE, both professionally and personally!

On Day Two of my "joblessness" and after that PHONE CALL, I find myself on the 405 freeway heading to Beverly Hills to accompany Miss Rona (Barrett) to her World Premiere of "Nothing But the Truth" at the Paley Center for Media. This is Rona's "one woman show" that she plans to take on the road and raise funds for the RONA BARRETT FOUNDATION. This Foundation provides recognition to nonprofit organizations which address the most critical challenges faced by low income seniors.

So first stop, hair and make-up.

Arriving at the Paley Center, Miss Rona meets with the awaiting media, poses for pictures, gives interviews, does a 90 minute show and then has a reception with media, celebs and fans. She received 2 standing ovations during her show. For more info on her cause, visit http://www.ronabarrett.com/.

The following day, I went to Malibu to visit a dear friend and indulged in some retail therapy on the way home.

and that was only DAY 2 & 3.

Day 4, 5 & 6 are just plain personal. But all I can say is the "the simple things in life are the best".

Moving on

June 15th was my last day on my job of the past 3 years. It was time

to move forward. My plan was to take a little time off, regroup, go on vacation with Mr. Moto and THEN return to the work I love best as a celebrity personal assistant. I was looking forward to a few lazy days, drinking my coffee in bed watching Good Morning America, walks on the beach with Chelsea and basically getting organized! My first day of joblessness (I just made that word up, because this is my blog and I can) I was invited over to my book club buddy - Maureen's home. Aaaahhh, sitting poolside with my gal pal catching up on life and enjoying a bloody mary and looking forward to many more lazy days like this and THEN the phone rang......

Gone to Beverly Hills

and Hollywood. Pssst. More details forthcoming. Stay tuned.

Oh, and maybe Malibu too :)

Happy Trails Dakota

Dear Teri, Jim, Spencer and Morgan,

Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I was beside you. I loved you so....

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"twas heaven here with you"

....................Love, Dakota

Sadly, my sister and her family had to put their beloved Queensland Heeler, Dakota, to sleep today. They found Dakota wandering and lost during a rainstorm, 16 years ago. Dakota was an awesome dog, very protective of his family. He was very lucky to have found such a loving home. Rest in peace, my friend.

Going to the Chapel

No, not me!!!! Had you there for a moment! Last Friday night, Carla and Allen got engaged! Even Allen's daughter, Sway was involved in the proposal! Earlier that week, Allen asked Bob (Carla's dad) for her hand in marriage. Does it get any better than that? As you all know, I am
such a hopeless romantic when it comes to that kinda stuff and I just adore Allen and Sway and am thrilled to welcome them to our family. So now the planning begins, you all know how much I looove event plannning and of course, Chelsea has been asked to sing at their wedding.
Saturday night, Carla and Allen hosted a big Bbq for the family to celebrate and that we did!
Congratulations Carla & Allen!

Camera Shy

Remember when I first shared about Mr. Moto being shy, well he is CAMERA SHY as well. So (shhhh)we'll just sneak some pics on every now and then......just so you know he really does exist. Snapped these in 2 of his favorite places....

Beautiful weekend coming up, should be in the 90's, I'll see if we can sneak a few more.....LOL

Sorry, haven't blogged alot, but a lot is going on....when I can tell more, you'll be the first to know!


Happy Weekend Ya All!

I Can See Clearly Now

I can see clearly now the
rain is gone and the possibilities are endless!

A change is in the wind...