Please send Miss Eleanor a postcard

UP DATE: September 5, 2007 - I drove by her work, and there she was - wearing a "thank you" on her outfit. Isn't she beautiful?

How it started:

I printed the request below on my writers online community - and I have been really pleased with the positive response I've received from everyone. It is all in fun - so I'd thought I'd share it here too.


Please send Missy a postcard

---

There is a mannequin near my home in front of a restaurant-supply store (about two blocks from my house) She sits out there every day - dressed in a professional chef coat and chef hat. We call her "Missy" and ever since the kids were little, we'd wave at her every time we drove by. It all started innocently about several years ago - I told them she was a real person who was out there. We met her when I took a wrong turn on the way to school and the girls asked where I was going...

"I want to drive this way to wave to my friend Eleanor," I said and then pointed to her as we drove by. They said it was a fake person, I claimed she was real. We still call her Eleanor when we drive by and a postcard or two has her listed as Eleanor -- but later, when we wrote Ms.Mannequin on the card, we started calling her Missy.

While in Hawaii recently, one daughter said, "Lets send Missy a postcard" -- so we did and we had such fun, we have sent her cards from everywhere we have gone this summer -- Texas, Oregon, etc.

We never really say who we are, just that we are thinking of her and hope that someday she can join us or that someday she can take a trip or we just ask how she is and how the restaurant business is going, etc. Very G-rated. Nothing bad.

It suddenly reminded me of the gnome story -- obviously we can't steal "Missy" to photograph her all over the world - she's human size - not a little gnome.

But I do wonder what the heck the business owner must think every time a card comes in. We've sent at least a dozen.

So, here is my request: If you can, can you please send "Missy" a postcard from where ever you live? And when you do - let me know here so that I can keep track as to how many states are sending (sent) a card. I'd love for her to get them from all over - from California to Seattle to New York to Florida - and from other countries too -- from Canada to Mexico and across the oceans from India to Australia - where ever you all are. You don't have to write much, "hello from Alabama" or whatever state or country will suffice.

But PLEASE - if you do write something -- keep it very clean. It is nothing illegal - just sending friendly post cards.

Miss Eleanor Mannequin
C/O Handley's Restaurant Equipment
400 N. Johnson St.
Visalia, CA 93291

Thanks, everyone.
Missy (Eleanor) thanks you too!

__________________

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Does anyone remember seeing the stationary-store commercial? -- parents smiling and laughing and dancing through the store hallways, filling their cart with paper and binders and pencils and pens -- as the Christmas song plays. Then they focus on a little boy and a little girl - frowning.

1998: Jennifer and Catherine - posing for annual "First Day of School" photo - which I have taken every year on the steps of our home for the past 13 years. (Catherine is a senior this year)

BACK TO SCHOOL time!
Both of my girls were very excited about going back to school and seeing all of their friends. I am lucky my children love school as much as I did. Of course, both of my high school girls are involved in band, sports and service clubs - and both both are honor students and have been inducted into the National Honor Roll Hall in Washington D.C.


School started today. It seems as if each year it starts earlier in the year. Whatever happened to school starting the day after Labor Day?

After the traditional "Stand in front of the house" back to school photograph - which I've been taking since kindergarten, the girls were off to school -- they start at 7 a.m. and do not return until almost 6 p.m. -- Very long days for them.

And - being the studious kids that they are -- they had plenty of homework on day one! And so did I! It took me more than an hour to sign dozens of "contract" forms from each classroom. It took another hour to fill my calendar with their tennis matches, band practices, band reviews, band Disneyland and San Diego trips, etc. etc.

How do they do it? I browsed through the tennis calendar -- there are 23 matches, starting next week through October 24! Including Sept. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, skip a Sunday, again Monday. Skip a Tuesday, again Wednesday, skip Thursday, and again on Sept. 14, 15, 17...... the list went on and on. I was exhausted by the time I finished jotting down everything.

I also noticed they have band practice every Tuesday night.

"Can you girls handle all this?" I asked. They looked at me as if there was something wrong with me.

Later, Catherine, a senior, was at the kitchen nook table.

"Oh! I love this! I actually understand it all," she said as she worked on her AP calculus. I looked at it. Looked foreign to me.

"I've joined the math club," she said nonchalantly and then sighed, "I guess that means I have meetings every day at lunch."

Math club meets Tuesdays at lunch, Wednesdays is Key Club, Thursdays is Future Business Leaders, and Link Crew meets as needed on rotating days.

At the dining room table, Jennifer worked on her homework and talked excitedly about biology and other courses.

I smiled. Inside I was beaming. These are my babies. I am so blessed.

I love Back To School time.

Eight Interesting Things About Myself

Joanne from "Write after dark" has tagged me into writing eight interesting things about myself. (AW Monday Memes) 

I am not sure just how interesting it may really be...

1. I didn't speak much when I was young. As it turned out, there was a good reason. I was tongue-tied. I was diagnosed with Ankyloglossia - my tongue was attached to the plate of my mouth. The tendon was slightly cut, making it easier for me to speak - but too late, I had already gone through much of my school life without speaking, labeled as shy. I was never just shy. I
was quiet. There is a difference. About five years ago, I had some oral surgery at UCLA Medical Center -- I quickly became a central focus as interns gathered around me to see my tongue. They suggested severing the rest of the tendon but there were some risks and I decided against it. I've gone this long and have done alright.

2. I grew up in a home that did not believe in going to the movies. But in 1970, my older sister took me to see Erich Segal's "Love Story" - I loved it. It was the first movie I ever saw at the theater. My parents never knew I went. It was on that day, I decided some day I would go to NYC and ice skate in Central Park.

3. I was a tomboy as a kid. I'd hang out with my brother, climb trees, jump fences and spend all day at the river. The river was my back-yard playground. I wouldn't change a thing if I could. 

4. I always wanted a Barbie as a child. I asked for one many times. I came from a large family and money was tight. Still, my little sister got one -- but I never did. I did however, become a Barbizon Model. How many people can say that? I didn't get a Barbie but I did look like one.

5. I loved school and rarely missed. Favorite subjects: English and U.S. History. Now I love writing and historical places.

6. In college I was a Barbizon Model, a cheerleader and ran track and cross country. I set ten school track records in college. I ran cross country and track. When I wasn't on the track, I was cheering at football or basketball games. I was a cheerleader and loved it.

7. In 1975 I wrote a letter to the editor (hometown paper) during my senior year in high school. When I saw it - with my name - I knew then that someday I'd like to write for the paper. That dream came true. I love writing and write for several newspapers and magazines - I can't believe it is my job. I love it.

8. Frank "Buck" Shaffer was the best thing that happened to me in high school. I was an Orange Blossom - a letter girl in the band. In 1976, Buck Shaffer took us on a

ten-day bicentennial tour with stops in Boston, NYC, Washington D.C., Gettysburg, Mt. Vernon, Amish country (Intercourse, Bird in Hand) and Philadelphia. I've never forgotten it and believe it changed my life forever. I was already patriotic, but even more so after that. I returned last year with the same Panther Band, now under direction of then classmate Jim Kusserow, for a similar trip. But I've actually made the trip numerous times. I love the east coast. My life is blessed.

Miscellaneous Update

Well, good news - my eyes are just a little strained - tired - need rest, etc. I've been driving a lot lately and the "reading a book for eight hours" thing didn't help.

A lot has been happening around my home. I've driven to Sacramento three times this week (family flying out to see sick loved one) - Today we had a death in the family. I will fly out Tuesday to meet up with family in Texas.

On AW - I recently entered the July contest and won "Best Short Story" for my story "Christmas 1942 - A Means to Mighty Ends." It was fun writing it.

Also - I was tagged today by Joanne - and I will return and do the tag game before I leave for Texas but I'm not sure I know eight people I can tag that have not already been tagged.
So, I will leave the tagging off this time.

Blurry Vision

I have always loved to read and am an avid reader - educational and entertainment values. There was a time when I used to read a book every weekend. But I hadn't done that in a long time.

Today, I literally spent all day reading - from the moment I woke up until one hour ago - stopping only long enough to make coffee and lunch. Never even made dinner. Luckily my kids can fend for themselves.

The book I read was "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold. The story is told from the point of view of a murdered 14-year-old girl who was raped and killed. She tells the story herself - from heaven - or her version of heaven. I liked the setting of the story because I knew the places -- Fairfax, VA; Valley Forge, Philadelphia -- places recently visited. When they talked of the woods, I felt as if I had been there.

I was a bit disappointed in the ending. I kept reading because I wanted to see if they would ever catch the killer or find her missing body. I won't say if they did or not.

But one thing happened .... now I have to go see a doctor. I struggled to read - and my eyes got so tired. Now, everything is so blurry. I put the book down an hour ago and my sight is still blurry. I guess I will have to make an appointment to see an optometrist in the morning.

My father was blind. I can't imagine going through life without seeing. I keep telling myself I overdid it. I hope that is all it is.

Ralph "Sonny" Arbitelle

I love feature and human-interest stories. (story below)

I just spent a couple of hours with a very interesting man -- Ralph "Sonny" Arbitelle. I honestly could have stayed there talking with him all day. He was so interesting. He is not only a former (38 years) professional illusionist (has been on Johnny Carson show and numerous other shows) and a member of the Academy of Magical Arts but he is also an artist, a member of the clergy, a published poet and writer and -- he believes strongly that one man can make a BIG difference. He's ready to prove it too.

Today is his 75th birthday and I can't believe I had the honor of spending the morning with him - interviewing him. I feel as if I were the one treated to a great birthday present.

Mr. Arbitelle will be riding cross country -- motorcycle -- to raise awareness and funds for the Susan G. Kommen Breast Cancer Foundation. He had such a wonderful outlook on life - so positive. You couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement of how he looks at life.

He leaves next week and will ride to Connecticut, down to Florida, across the panhandle and across the southwestern states back to California -- 7,500 miles in all. His journey will be made into a Discovery Channel documentary and the motorcycle he is raffling off along the way may be featured in "Deal or No Deal" on television.

When we were done with our interview, he surprised me by autographing two of his books and giving them to me - "The Bingo Farm" and "The Letter." I was so honored.

I am always amazed as to how many interesting people live right where I live -- whether artists, writers, musicians or athletes.

I love my job! And after my story on this man prints, I can come in and share it. But in the meantime, be forewarned - if you happen to hear of this man stopping by your town - go out and support him. He's amazing.

************************************

Esther Avila / Special To The Bee

Ralph "Sonny" Arbitelle, 75, will travel about 7,500 miles to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. The "Pink Lady"motorcycle will be raffled off after the ride.

Visalia man takes cancer fight across the country on motorcycle

By Esther Avila / Special To The Bee

07/27/07 04:44:32

Editor's note: This is an occasional feature in the South Valley Bee in which we profile members of our various communities. We hope readers will provide suggestions for possible profiles, and while we are at it, a name for the feature. Please send those suggestions to southvalley@fresnobee.com or call (559) 622-2420 or fax to (559) 733-1825.

VISALIA -- Believing one man can make a difference, Ralph "Sonny" Arbitelle said he is ready to prove it.

"I used to think one person could not make much of a difference. But I was wrong," Arbitelle said. "You don't have to live a long time to do something and leave a legacy."

Arbitelle, who turned 75 on Saturday, will be making a 7,500-mile round-trip motorcycle journey from California to Connecticut. He plans to raise significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, while celebrating breast cancer survival and honoring those who have lost their battle to the disease.

Having lost his father, mother, sister, two aunts, an uncle and cousins, including one who was only 18 years old, to cancer, Arbitelle was still stunned when his daughter, Melanie Roth, developed breast cancer three years ago. After chemo and radiation, she was declared a survivor. But recently, Arbitelle said he learned her cancer had metastasized to her bones. Miraculously, it was ruled out. That is when Arbitelle said he remembered a promise he had made her.

"She was a fighter and I saw how tough it was for her," Arbitelle said. "I told her that one day I was going to get out there and do something."

Arbitelle said he intended on keeping his promise. After brainstorming ideas, he decided on a road trip. He purchased and donated a new 2007 Yamaha V Star 1300.

After dubbing the bike "Pink Lady" for its pink and white custom paint job by Darwin Ward, Arbitelle has been asking for a donation of $25 each per ticket, or five for $100. The bike, on display at D & E Yamaha, 1745 E. Mineral King in Visalia, will be raffled when he returns. And because of Arbitelle's professional connections, it may happen on television's "Deal or No Deal" reality show.

Arbitelle, a 38-year professional illusionist, author of numerous books, a poet and ordained minister, started planning his trip last March. He will leave Visalia on Tuesday and plans to return Aug. 31 or Sept. 1.

But that is just the beginning. Two cameras will be installed on Arbitelle's motorbike, and he has been collaborating with Brooks Wachtel, a writer and producer of the Discovery Channel, for a documentary on the road trip.

With the support of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the journey will begin in Visalia, with stops scheduled for Reno, Nev.; Salt Lake City; Davenport, Iowa; Louisville, Ky.; Cleveland; Scranton, Penn.; and Hartford, Conn. -- where Arbitelle has scheduled a few days of rest.

On the return trip, he will stop in New Jersey, North and South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Las Vegas before returning to California.

"I will limit my riding to an average of 310 miles a day, six hours a day -- with four layovers built in," said Arbitelle, who recently broke a couple of ribs during a fall. "Everyone has been so supportive."

Along the way, several bikers from each region will join him for some portions with the motto: "We will not give up, be turned back, nor stop riding hard until breast cancer is history."

Still, Arbitelle is also asking for the public's support, locally and on the road. All proceeds from the ride, excluding meals, gasoline and occasional paid shelter, will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Esther Avila / Special To The Bee

The "Pink Lady" motorcycle, above, on display at D & E Yamaha in Visalia, will be raffled, with proceeds going to fight breast cancer.

Happy Fourth of July

I was looking through some old photos and found this one when my daughter Jennifer won Tulare County "Little Miss Fourth of July" - 1999
That was a very special day in her young life.

Jennifer had heard about the contest and kept asking me to take her to the mall to sign up. I did not want her to because I knew there would be many little girls trying for the title and I didn't want her disappointed when she did not win. One day, while at the mall, she got a little form and was filling it out herself. My heart broke. She really wanted to try so I decided to let her enter the contest but I kept reminding her that she may not win.
But she knew - she was confident. And she won!

Back from vacation

Kailua Beach is so beautiful. It is located on the windward side of Oahu island and has been voted "the most beautiful beach in the United States" - it literally is picture-perfect. White powder sand, clear turquoise waters and turtles swim with you! I love sea turtles!

Cathy, Jennnifer and Marisa - Hawaii 2007

Anyway -- I am temporarily back. I was gone for two weeks and it was nice coming home. But, I had a great time in Hawaii and at a couple of other places I visited. Though I must admit, traveling 10 hours on the plane from Hawaii to Pennsylvania - and then another flight to West Virginia - was very exhausting. I met the Fabulous Studio Band on tour at Shinnston, W. Virginia - Buck Shaffer's hometown. I had the most beautiful, amazing time.

And it looks like I am not done. I'll be sending my children to Oregon to visit family while I take care of some more business travel....heading east to New Jersey next.

But not all travel is business, once the girls return, we will have a little fun before school starts in August. Catherine is a senior in high school and we will be visiting a couple of schools this summer - UC Santa Barbara and Pepperdine University - we'll stay with my sister in Camarillo - so that'll be fun. We also plan on traveling north to see San Francisco State University and UC Homboldt.

If there is time, I will take my mother to Phoenix to visit my sister for a few days. I took her two years ago and I guess it is time to go again.

As to writing - I'm still writing news stories here and there, but I hope to get back to my "fun" writing soon.

Until then - aloha. (I'm still wishing I were back on Kailua)

Take Out Your Mont Blancs - "Table for Eight"

I'm very excited! -- I made the Readers' Choice category.

Readers' Choice, 1st Runner-Up -- ESTHER AVILA, Table for Eight (story below)

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2007

Entry #31

Table for Eight

by Esther Avila

“Perfect,” Emma said to herself as she placed a small vase with a handful of daisies in the center of a small round table. Eight veneer dessert plates were already carefully placed – each on a pretty paper doily.

Emma glanced at the clock before smoothing her blue dress down with both of her hands.

She loved the color of the dress – and the matching blue ribbon keeping her long ponytail in place. It reminded her of the robin eggs she had seen while on a picnic with her mother.

“Look here, Emma,” her mother had said as the 9-year-old child peeked into the nest. “New life will begin soon.”

Emma tried to remember what they talked about. But she couldn’t. She missed her mother and she tried not to think of the day her mother left.

Emma peered out the large window. Her mother had called and promised to join her for tea. But there was no sign of anyone coming.

“Emma Johnson – a most interesting case,” said Dr. Jason Sanders to three young psychiatrist interns as they watched the little girl in the blue hospital gown through a two-way mirror. “Child Protective Services picked her up from a filthy home. Her mother had been dead for two days – alcohol and overdose. Poor kid. As they took her from her home, she ran to the sink and salvaged those little dishes. She sets that table every day and waits.”

April 29: Winners announced

1st Place--TREVOR RECORD, Sleep
2nd Place--SEAN FERRELL, Talking Down the Flames
3rd Place--REBECCA HENDRICKS, Superstar
4th Place--JAYE WELLS, Werewife
5th Place--KATHERINE NAPIER, Reality Bytes
Honorable Mention--JUDE ENSAFF, Case #453
Honorable Mention--BRILLIANT DONKEY, Its All Relative
Honorable Mention--BETH, Things We Cannot Say
Honorable Mention--G. LI, Afterglow'
Honorable Mention--JOHN MCAULEY, Steak & Pork Brains
Readers' Choice--JAYE WELLS, Werewife
Readers' Choice, 1st Runner-Up -- ESTHER AVILA, Table for Eight (story above)

ALSO - I want to let you know about another writing opportunity. My blog friend, Bhaswati, has posted about a project about an author calling upon other writers to help compile and publish a book to raise funds for a young child who suffers from apraxia. Check it out.

Jim Kusserow and Fabulous Studio Band to visit Shinnston

Porterville Panther Band Concert

If you're in the Porterville (California) area, and you want to catch some great music, Jim Kusserow's Porterville Panther Band will be performing Saturday, May 5 at the Frank "Buck" Shaffer Theater inside the Porterville Memorial Auditorium.

You won't be disappointed. His concerts are amazing. They really are and you are in for a treat if you attend.

I will look around for my newspaper story on last year's concert and return to post it. (I'm not sure I still have it.) But I did blog about the concert - click HERE to read - and scroll down to the May 13 posts. OR to read lots of band stories, CLICK HERE.

Prom night - two down, one to go

For the second time in my life, I helped one of my little girls get ready for prom. I have three girls. Jennifer is a freshman in high school this year - but she is already picking out prom dresses and she is hoping she can attend next year.

2001: I remember helping Marisa prepare for prom. Even though Marisa is Down Syndrome - when it came to preparing for prom - she was like any other teen girl. She was excited. She loved her dress - loved getting her hair and nails done - loved going out to dinner and loved dancing the night away. It was a very special evening. And, yes, I cried when I saw her. I took her to my sisters house. She cried. I took her to my niece's house - she cried. It was a beautiful night to remember.


Tonight it happened again. My second daughter prepared for prom. And yes, I cried. She looked like an angel. She looked beautiful.

I never went to prom. My father did not allow me to date in high school. I never had one date or attended one dance.

[Catherine at home before leaving for prom]