Springtime at Neverland

I just finished reading for the 3rd time "In Search of Neverland".  The journey to Michael finding and buying Neverland by the realtor, Gloria Rhoads Berlin.  It is a quick read and sweet.  The sale was signed on February 28, 1988.  What a wonderful time of year to have taken ownership of this beautiful property.  The green, rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley remind me so much of Calabasas when I moved there over 20 years ago.  It wasn't unusual to see goats and sheep grazing on the hillsides.   That was one of the draws for me in choosing this city. 

A few weeks ago, after the rains came, the hills around Calabasas have turned green again.  So that means the hills around Neverland are green again.  It is a magnificent sight to see.  In the summer, everything turns brown, but in the spring there is so much green.  The hillsides are dotted with wildflowers in white, purple, yellow and orange for starters.   The California Poppies were in full bloom.






No visit to Neverland is complete without a visit to the magical little nursery in town. As you pull up to the gate of the store, a gentle breeze blows the huge windchimes that hang from the tree out in front.  I can imagine one or a few of those chimes at Neverland.  If only Michael were still there, it would be a perfect gift. :(   It seems I always need something from this little store, a couple of pretty plants, a glass heart, a heart bracelet, and this time 2 Easter Egg stakes.  One for me and one for Lola.  I placed them at Neverland while I was there and they will go to Forest Lawn with me on Easter. 

One weekend was devoted to hanging the Valetine hearts and another I just brought some roses to hang on the fence. 
bloom.  As I made  my way on the road to Neverland it is easy to see why Michael chose this place to be his sanctuary.  His heaven on earth.  You really are closer to G-d when you are out in nature to see the wonder of Him.  Michael being a spiritual person would naturally pick such a place for his home.

Each time I arrive at Neverland, I get a little nervous as to what I might find.  There are not many fan gifts there anymore as I think they get cleaned up pretty quickly.  I am worried about the day when we are told we can't hang anything on the fences anymore.  Until that day, I will continue to travel to Figueroa Mountain Road and hang the tokens of love from all over the world for Michael.  It is an honor.  

Michael Jackson 1973 Interview with Charlie Tuna

I just heard the sad news of Charlie Tuna's passing.  I remember listening to him on the radio on KHJ when I was a young girl and then a few other radio stations when he moved over to them.  He had a great voice. So perfect for the radio.  While I was reading of his passing, I came across this little gem.  An interview Charlie Tuna did with Michael in 1973.  Great picture.  I love Michael's shirt and the great comment Charlie said about it while captioning this picture.  It is nice to see that he remembered that about Michael oh so many years ago.

Enjoy the audio.  I love to hear the honey tinged accent in Michael's voice  and his great personality shining through.

(This photo above is captioned by Charlie Tuna, the man who is in the picture with Michael )

"The photo to the left is 14 year old Michael Jackson with me in 1973, at my Woodland Hills studio, for my first interview with Michael. Michael came alone that day with no entourage or publicity team, and notice the word “Love” on the front of his T-Shirt. That’s what Michael was all about from the beginning!"

The transcript from the video
"My sit down interview with Michael Jackson when he was only 14 years old. One on one in studio, no entourage surrounding him and we talked about everything including: "

Charlie Tuna: How many years had you put in prior to Diana Ross discovering you?

Michael Jackson:   Before?

Charlie Tuna:  mmm huh. Before she discovered you?

Michael Jackson: About uh...2 years
Charlie Tuna:  Had you had a lot of long hours or work or..
MJ: Yes
CT: did it all just kind of fall into..
MJ:  Yes, we'd come home from school and head to the instruments.  People would look in from the windows and watch. Like in that area everybody they tried to make a group. But a couple of weeks later they would break up. We were the main one that stayed together.

Charlie Tuna: A 14 year old Michael Jackson and I were talking about possible career alternatives , other options in case he wasn't a singer.

Michael Jackson:  Showbiz I guess or or run track

Charlie Tuna: You like track?  What are your events?

Michael Jackson:  I don't have any events.  I just know I'm fast!

Love him!!!  

 http://kearth101.cbslocal.com/2012/06/25/remembering-the-death-of-michael-jackson-with-a-1973-interview/