Writing #1 May 05, 2025
Unexpected Happenings
Life can turn on a dime, as is sometimes said, and a dime was a lot of money in my day. Then, the expression was more commonly ‘turn around on a five-cent piece’. Anyway, things can change unexpectedly.
I was in an urn at Elternal Hills in Oceanside, California last month but now my spirit has been transported. Apparently, my beloved daughter-in-law, whom I lived with for twenty-six years, has bequeathed my name to a piano that will live at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theatre in downtown Oceanside. I am currently in residence with an artist by the name of BJ Lane. I have included a photograph. She is giving me a much needed makeover as I was over one hundred years of age when I passed in 2024.
It is all quite exciting! Especially for a workaholic woman who grew up poor in an age of pin curls and scarves.
I will write more later but for now I’m getting settled in and looking forward with much anticipation to my existence. ~ MM ~
Writing #2 May 10, 2025
Beauty and Show Biz
A state of chaos ensues as all my piano panels are being dismembered for refurbishment and beautification. No one ever said external beauty is easy. Not too many imperfections a few coast of high quality lacquer cannot cure.
I am thinking about my early life. I was the original Darla in the Our Gang television series. Tap dancing my heart out in 1927 as a three year old child! I was adorable and loved it so. But my family moved from Los Angeles to San Francisco, and a a small child you do have any say in such matters. So that was the end of my stardom and show biz career. Another lucky young girl went on to become known as “Darla” on the show.
Destiny pulled me in other directions. And now a life at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theatre in Oceanside, California. Who would have thought? My heart is filled with so much love, gratitude and joy I fear it shall burst. Discomfort and repress pass. True beauty is eternal. I will write more later. ~ MM ~
Writing #3 May 15, 2025
Family
I am part of a family. One that has much history and is so very accomplished!
My eldest brother, Henri, live at the Oceanside Museum of Art. His namesake spirit is very much alive and well and is a world-renowned pianist by the name of Henri Herbert. He is very busy touring around the world and being famous now but had humble beginnings as a dock worker as well as other positions. His piano is so very handsome I sometimes wish we were not related.
My sister Laurel resides at the Oceanside Civic Library and I am beyond delighted that we will be neighbors when I am at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theatre! Laurel was a cultural phenomenon. Laurel Burch. Her artistic designs appear all over the world. She was a deep thinker. Very spiritual. I admired her for being a Haight Ashbury hippie. Laurel always said ‘I’m going to live in color, with music!’ Her dream came true not once, but twice.
I also have another sister and a new brother. I will write about them later. But now I need to think back on my own career. ~ MM ~
Writing #4 May 20, 2025
Glass Ceilings
Glass. It’s a material easily broken. One that you can see through to the other side of. I find the term ‘glass ceiling’ a bit humorous as in my career this supposed ceiling was more like concrete.
It is when we are in the most difficult, the hardest of places, that we become the most resourceful and creative. The memories and hardships of growing up poor were certainly a driving force for me to work hard.
With diligence, and a tough nut for a head, I managed to work my way up in the 1940s to the position of head of treasury for the Southern California Gas Company! So I earned a living and was independent.
It is quite flattering, and yes, actually comforting, to be getting some much attention at of late and I am enjoying the company immensely. When I whisper to all those working so hard on my creation these are the words they hear. ‘Remember to see through to the other side. Life is a circle and glass is only, well, glass.’ ~ MM ~
Writing #5 May 25, 2025
The Usher
An usher is a person who often greets patrons, welcomes them to the theatre and guides them to their seats. I was an usher for many years. In fact, I was still performing that function well into my nineties at theaters from San Diego to Orange County. I loved it.
I would always arrive early to sit alone in the audience to observe and ponder. There is something about the quiet of a theater before anyone has arrived. The way it smells. The seats so many have been guided to. The stage so many have shared their hearts and talents upon. It was my joy and my solace in a life that was at time very difficult. A warm embrace with the expectation of a show to present itself shortly.
It is looking like ‘my show’ will come to fruition! I am including a photograph of my seat, so to speak, that many will be guided to as well as discover on their own.
I find it remarkable that I am now the one being ushered into the start of something new. ~ MM ~
Writing #6 May 31, 2025
Tickle My Keys
I have caught a few glimpses of my newly fashioned self. My oh my.
Having worn my hair in the same style for most of my life, this is now like wearing an updo, as if appearing at a cotillion or as a member of a wedding party. Only everyday.
I am going to bask in this new existence bequeathed to me by my daughter-in-law Michelle who has always been a true daughter to me. She has brought me to a place where I will be so very much at home. A place she knew would bring me comfort and joy.
As I have reminded myself before, I have a growing family that needs my attention as I am the eldest sister, but for now I will take a brief respite from my writings as preparations are being made for my new introductions into society.
One does not stop living because of the years one has lived. Or stop feeling. Or loving. Or Longing. So please. Come tickle my keys. ~ MM ~