I'll Love You Forever--R.I.P. David (Davy) Thomas Jones

I have wanted to do this blog for a while now, but I just couldn't find the words, so I apologize for my tardiness.

The date was February 29, 2012.  I was looking forward to what the day would bring.  After all, Leap Day only comes every four years.  I was sure it was to bring only good things.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  At approximately 1:15 p.m. eastern, my entire world once again came crashing down.  This is when I read a tweet that Davy Jones of The Monkees had died at the age of 66.  At first, I thought it was a cruel internet hoax.  There was no way this could be true.  Then I saw that the tweet was from the Official Monkees Twitter account.  I knew immediately it was true. I was and am overcome with grief over this sad news.  Davy was the youngest of the four Monkees, he was a vegetarian and very active and athletic.  As long as I live, I will never understand this.  It's just wrong and will never make sense to me.  

My mind raced.  Suddenly, a ton of memories came flooding back.  This wasn't just the death of another celebrity.  It was also the end of an era for me.  I recalled a conversation in 1986 during lunch in the high school cafeteria with a friend who was a fan.  Before that, the only thing I knew about The Monkees was that I used to watch re-runs when I was a kid and could only remember the Monkee Men.  After this conversation, I started listening to their music and watching the TV show.  Then in 1987, I started a fan club with a friend called Monkee Lovers Unlimited.  Eventually, I took over exclusively and the club lasted for 12 years.  I saw The Monkees two times in concert, and I saw David once in a solo concert.  I met David 3 times.  All three times, he was very kind. I can recall one time I tried to talk my way back stage.  Since I'm disabled, I couldn't get into the room they were in.  Eventually, Davy came out and talked to me.  It wasn't until later that I found out that Davy was the one who vouched for me when they asked if anyone knew me.  I was shocked and surprised that he knew who I was and would do that. Then there was the time after a solo concert that I met Davy again.  My father, who was pretty much dragged there, didn't know how to work my camera.  He asked what button to push.  Davy was the one to show him!  At the time, it was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.  Now, it is one of my most cherished memories. 

Davy Jones wasn't just another celebrity to me.  He and The Monkees represented 25 years of my life.  Monkee Lovers Unlimited was the first fan club of several that I have ever run.  Since then, I have run several fan clubs, been involved in several other fan clubs and with several other celebrities in some capacity.  If it hadn't been for Davy Jones and The Monkees, I can guarantee you that I wouldn't be where I am today.  I would not have had the experiences I've had or have met the friends or other people I have met over the years.  My life changed because of Davy Jones and The Monkees.  You see, friends...Davy & The Monkees only owed me and their fans their best performance.  It is I who owe THEM everything because if it hadn't been for them, I would not be the person I am today.  RIP Davy.  Thank you for everything.  I'll love you forever. 

A Tribute To John Ingle, A Class Act

Dear friends,

Every so often, we are blessed with a gift.  Some we get to keep.  Others are only loaned to us for a specific amount of time.  Such has been the case recently with John Ingle. Mr. Ingle was one of those people you didn't expect to be an actor. I personally never remember him from anything before GH even though his credits go back to 1985. He taught Drama at Beverly Hills High until 1985 when he decided to launch his own acting career.  So when he replaced David Lewis, who I loved, as Edward Quartermaine on GH, I was a bit skeptical.  But he quickly won me over.

As much as I loved David Lewis, may he rest in peace, I became a huge fan of John Ingle.  I let him into my heart, and he and Edward were like a second grandfather to me.  John Ingle's Edward was different.  He did things I'd never expect Edward to do. I recall with great fondness the time Edward had a dream he was a rock star and was wearing a leather jacket.  Then when he did  a song from "Annie" with Emily during the Nurses' Ball.  But the most endearing, sweetest scene had to be when Edward sang "I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face" to Lila during their 60th wedding anniversary.  Oh, how I cried!

When he left GH to go to DAYS to play Mickey Horton briefly (A year?) I was devastated.  Although he gave it his all, as always, it just wasn't the same.  Finally, when he returned to GH, I posted a message online that said "Welcome home, John Ingle!"  

John Ingle was more than an actor.  He was a loving, caring human being.  He really loved and cared about his fans, co-workers, and other human beings in general.  That is what made me loyal to him.  I remember writing to him with a question about something that concerned me about daytime television.    He wrote back and genuinely cared about my concern enough to tell me who to write to and then actually told me to let him know what I found out. 

Mr. Ingle had health problems in recent years, and had been on GH off and on for quite a while.  His last appearance was September 11, 2012.  He never spoke a word, but just his presence spoke louder than words ever could. On September 16, 2012, he left this world to join his beloved wife, Grace-Lynn, who died Feb. 11, 2012. He left behind 5 children, several grandchildren, and many fans who love him dearly.

R.I.P. Mr. Ingle.  Thank you for your years of love and devotion. You are loved and missed by all of your fans. You gave us love, and we felt it.  You were and will always be considered a class act.  

Jen Lilley

For those who don't know me, I have been a soap opera viewer for 30 years.  I know the characters on my shows inside and out, and I detest recasts because most times, they don't seem to fit the role.  I'd rather see the character killed off than have them recast.  However, there are those rare gems that make recasting tolerable. One such actress is Jen Lilley, who took over the role of Maxie Jones on "General Hospital. It was originally supposed to be temporary, but turned into a more permanent gig.  

Let me first say, I have never been a Maxie fan.  The last time I loved her, she was 6 and had a heart transplant.  After that, she turned into a hateful and very annoying character.  Enter Jen Lilley.  I was skeptical at first.  However, this woman has done the impossible.  She has made me a Maxie fan.  She is that good!

Jen Lilley clearly understands every aspect of her role.  She does the troubled Maxie who always screws up and who people love to hate (or just hate, period) very well.   But she also brings a new side to Maxie that makes you care about the character.  Now, THAT is talent.  Trust me when I say I am not easily won over.  I have seen many characters that I, as a viewer, am supposed to love, but end up going "I hate you (insert the rest of the rant here)!!!" If you had told me before Jen Lilley took over the role that I would actually like Maxie, I would've told you that you were nuts and pointed you in the direction of the nearest psychiatrist.  But Jen makes Maxie actually likeable.  This is what makes Jen Lilley unique. Since she was originally a temporary recast, I made sure to enjoy every single second of her scenes and tried not to think about the day I'd have to sit through her last scenes.  I prayed that GH would find a way to keep her, but I wasn't holding my breath because I'm never that lucky.  But someone must love me because the day finally came when it was announced that her once temporary role was now permanent.  I couldn't have been more thrilled!  I now live for the Maxie scenes on GH.

In addition to her incredible talent, she is beautiful, both inside and out.  She truly loves and cares about her fans, and it shows.  With her talent, beauty, big heart and sparkling personality, Jen Lilley is sure to become a superstar. 

Excuse me for reading!

Books have always been a big part of my life.  I am actually sitting here as I write this, looking at my book shelf and the number of books I have read---and even the ones I haven't yet.  I am not always in the mood to read.  I can't just pick up a book and start reading.  So I have books from at least ten years ago that I haven't read yet.  I also have books that I won't give up for anything because memories are attached to them.

When the Kindle came out, I rebelled against it.  I wanted the feel of the actual book in my hand.  I'm all for technology, but this was going too far.  Added to this was the fact that our local mall no longer had a book store. I was horrified at this discovery!  I mean, really....What mall doesn't have a book store?  People still read after all.  But nope...no book store here.

The Nook followed the Kindle.  They were both very expensive, so I didn't even consider buying either one.  Then one day, the Kindle came down in price to where I could afford it. I bought it, and it was love at first sight when I got it.  I was reading again, something I hadn't done in years. I don't know why, but I find it easier to read books using the Kindle.  I mean really...What is more intimidating...A hand-held real copy of War and Peace or a Kindle version of it?  I don't know about you, but I find a real live book more intimidating than a book I see one page at a time. All was well with the world at this point.  And then....

Recently, our local ABC affiliate ran a story about the effects of the Kindle and Nook on our economy.   Apparently, the Nook and Kindle have attributed to major job loss locally.  Hey, thanks!  Nothing like making those of us with e-readers feel guilty.  Don't get me wrong. I do feel for those who lost their jobs.  But how is this our fault? We are only the readers.  We didn't ask for this new technology.  But there it was. Something easy to hold, easy to read, and less intimidating than a book since you only read one page at a time.  Personally, I find that I read more since I got the Kindle. Isn't that a good thing?

Yes, I love going to a book store and looking for books to read.  And it is definitely better for my pocketbook.  That Buy button when you have a Kindle or Nook is WAY too easy to hit.  At least when you go to a book store, you have to decide what you really want to buy.  I do feel for those who have lost their jobs locally. This is not a good time to become unemployed.  But please don't punish or criticize the reader with e-readers, even if it is unintentional.  We are mere victims of technology, after all. And the way I see it, if you are reading, any format is acceptable. After all, isn't reading the most important thing?  So yes, people may be out of work but don't blame the reader.  It gives reading a bad name. Reading in any form is good, and don't let anyone tell you any different.   

Grammy's Stove

Maybe it's because I've been sick, but I've been very emotional this week.  Tuesday was an especially emotional day because it was the day we got a new stove after the one we had died about a week or so earlier. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal.  But this stove belonged to my grandmother, mom's mom.  

My grandmother, Grammy, as we called her, died in 1972 when I was 4, so I have very few memories of her.  I remember making homemade noodles and beef with her, and my job was to roll out the noodles.  However, to this day, I don't know if that is a real memory or just something I think I remember because the story has been told so many times.  I do have two clear memories of my grandmother, though.  One was of me outside her hospital window when she and my grandfather were in the hospital together shoving pictures I had colored through the window crack.  The other was when I decided to walk for her when she was on her death bed.  That may not seem like a big deal to most, but I never "walked" until then. And by "walked", I mean on my crutches and braces.  I was always too scared to walk because I was afraid of falling.  But that day, I decided I would walk for her. I even remember asking my father to take me out back so I could practice walking. Then I came back inside and walked over to her bedside.  Family member have told me that me walking was the one thing she was hanging on for.  She died soon after that.  

It's funny how you think you are over something, and then years later, something happens to bring it all back.  And just as weird, how an object can bring back memories.  That's what happened with the stove.  I couldn't believe it when my mom told me it wasn't working.  I kept praying that it would start up again, but it didn't. Then the day came when they were delivering the new stove and taking the old one.  I decided to take pictures of the old stove.  I don't think they came out very well, but at least they're something.  The stove was the one connection I had to my grandmother, and now it was gone, so I now at least have something to remember it by, even if the pics came out lousy.  I cried the whole day.  Especially when they came to take away the old stove.  I don't know why.  I was so young when she died, that I barely remember her.  But it was as if my grandmother had died again.  Then it occurred to me.  Since I was so young when she died, was this her way of finally saying goodbye to me at a time when I can remember it?  Or maybe that her spirit had finally found peace? Maybe it was a message...that I should let go of the past and things that didn't matter anymore?  I don't know.  I just know we have a new stove that is working.  If anyone has any thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

One Life to Live--Thanks for the Memories

This week marks the end of an era.  "One Life to Live" aired it's last show on ABC on January 13, 2012.  It has been an emotional one for "One Life to Live" viewers/fans.  Not only have we had to say goodbye to our beloved "One Life to Live", but also to many of the actors/characters who have made it a joy to watch the show for 43 years. I, myself have been watching for 30 years.

The build up to the finale started last week with the prison break, although they brought back a couple other favorites before this like Erin Torpey and Tonja Walker (@Tonjawalker on Twitter).  Fans were treated to the brief return of many favorites in the last two weeks, including the very talented Catherine Hickland (@cathickland on Twitter) as Lindsey, Roscoe Born as Mitch, Ty Treadway as Troy, and Barbara Garrick as Alison Perkins. Can you imagine if all four of these people were in the same scene at the same time?  WOW!  The screen would explode from all that talent!  This week, we were treated to another visit to Heaven with Viki and got to see some of our kinder, gentler favorites such as Megan, Gabrielle (Yes, I said Gabrielle.  She actually made it to Heaven), and Luna.  And while Viki went to Heaven, Clint took a brief trip to...umm....well, I'll just say it--Hell.  Normally, I wouldn't be happy about that, but hey.  If that was what it took for us to get to see Stacy, played by Crystal Hunt (@Crystal_Hunt on Twitter), I'm all for it!  That was such an unexpected surprise!  

Then the day of the show....The day started with a one-hour tribute to the show on "The View".  It was a little fast-paced but it couldn't be helped.  You can only cram so much of 43 years into one hour, after all.  At noon, I tweeted "Two hours until the execution".  And I was being serious because it felt like one.  I saw a tweet from someone recently saying that the cancellation is like watching someone die and you can't do anything about it.  Yeah, I'd say that is pretty accurate.  Over-all the last show was great.  Sure, there were people I wanted to see and things I wanted to happen that didn't.  Am I complaining about it? NO!  Because as I said before, 43 years is A LOT to cram into one hour.  Ron Carlivati (@carlivatiron on Twitter) did an AMAZING job with what TIIC of ABC/Disney left him to work with--Time-wise that is. I honestly don't know how he did it. I'm glad I wasn't in his shoes.  My compliments, also to the ENTIRE cast.  I could tell your tears were real.  Especially Robert S. Woods, who was so choked up, he could barely say his line.  I got choked up right along with him.

I have always said that "One Life to Live" was the most well-written soap opera with the most talented actors. That's why this cancellation came as such a shock to me.  For months now, I have been trying to figure out how they could cancel such a great show.  They certainly can't use ratings as an excuse now. Not after the ratings have been better than ever recently.  Lack of fans?  Um...no.  Definitely NOT. They said it was to save money.  I'm not buying that one either.  Sure, it may be true, but the thing is they could have found a way to save the show if they wanted.  A lot of people have come up with very logical ideas.  I, myself, said that all they have to do is get rid of one of the high-cost prime time shows, move "The Revolution" to prime time and keep OLTL. If viewers and other people in the media can come up with ideas to save the show, WHY can't TPTB?  I just don't get it. 

I'm used to the lack of respect from TPTB.  What I find just as distressing is the lack of understanding and respect for our feelings over OLTL being canceled from our friends and family members, who are supposed to be supportive of us.  Case in point:  My own mother.  She doesn't get my passion for the show or why I'm so upset over the show being canceled.  She thinks it's silly to get that upset over "a show".  She knew I didn't want to be disturbed the last two days, but talked during the show Thursday.  I had to tell her I was going to be incommunicado from 2-3 on Friday, and to my surprise, she didn't give me an argument and let me mourn in peace.  What people don't get is that our favorite soaps, whichever ones you watch, are not just "a show" to us. It's a way to escape.  And when you've watched a show like OLTL as long as I have (and the many others who watched from Day One), the characters and actors become like best friends or extended family to us.  When a show comes into your home 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year for 43 years, that is bound to happen.  How can it not?  So please...I beg you.  You may not agree with us or understand our feelings, but please at least respect them and don't treat us like our feelings are silly and don't matter.  After this experience, I know I will be more tolerant of other people's feelings when THEIR favorite show gets canceled. 

Another thing that has me completely baffled is that some fans continued up until THE DAY BEFORE the last show aired to complain about the show.  And in one case, when I responded to a person's comments and gave my own OPINION, I got my head bit off.  *That* is seriously messed up!  The show has been canceled and all people can do is complain about how certain characters are acting?  Really?  Now is not the time to complain about things like that,  people. We need to ban together and be positive.  It's not over yet!  I refuse to believe that!  As long as we're breathing and fans want their show back and are willing to fight for it, there is always hope.

As for the media...Overall, they have been very supportive of our fight to save OLTL and AMC.  However, Friday morning I wake up to a half-page article in our newspaper.  I was horrified to see that it wasn't about OLTL like it should've been. NO! It was a HALF-PAGE article about "The Revolution"!  The same day the last episode of OLTL airs?  Are you kidding me?!!

One final comment.  My compliments, respect, love and gratitude go to the cast and crew of "One Life to Live". I have had many wonderful experiences as a result of being a viewer of the show that I wouldn't have had otherwise.  Thank you for 43 years of love, laughter, tears, and most important, memories I will cherish forever.