Guide Dogs of America - A Michael Bush Charity

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi                                                          

Time after time this blog, "Michael's Heart" and the call from the Lord to write these Michael Jackson blog stories have been an evolving healing process for me. This morning's new adventure in Michael's memory and name is no exception. I was honored to be invited to attend my very first Guide Dogs of America (GDA) graduation ceremony by lovely, Lorri Bernson. I met Lorrie and Carter at the Julien's VIP Preview Party where she had invited me to attend the Graduation of Class 376. It was wonderful to see her and sweet Carter again. 

God bestowed a California, winter sun to brighten this special day quickly dispersing the crisp morning frost. The previous day's rain clouds had magically lifted their gray curtain giving way to brightly fresh, sunny, ultramarine skies. A very crisp, chilly bite lingered in the early morning air and frost on the roof tops along with the neighbors Christmas lawn ornaments reminded me it was Christmas time. I downed my mocha coffee and drove off to my anticipated destination. Climbing from my car, the feel and crunch of the parking lot gravel under my boots triggered the thought of how funny life is. I had spent so many years driving past this place on Glenoaks Blvd. in Sylmar and never knew it existed. Now here I stood. But then most of the past 15 years I've driven by giving only a quick averting glance toward Sylmar from the passing freeway lanes. There was a time I'd spent many a day in this area. Ironically I had not been back to this place for many years and stepping foot on this crunchy gravel after driving these streets triggered a burst of hidden memories and feelings flooding forward from the hidden crevices of my mind. Memories from a time and place in my life when I felt nothing existed except the emotional pain, struggle and loneliness of abuse. A time when just waking up each morning was a hard, reluctant push toward surviving life as I faced the humungous obstacles of an ex-husband's addictions and afflictions upon my precious family. So it's no surprise to me that I did not know GDA is housed here in this place for I knew little else but the bleak, dark tunnel vision of this daily survival for many years. 

Michael Jackson has once again given me the gift of new memories where there once was pain. 'Heal The World' was his message and once again the pathway to healing my broken heart. To heal from the negative you must replace it with postive... Michael Jackson has always done that for me. A place which represented so much pain and suffering for me is now transformed into a 'Mike Like' place of Joy, Growth and Goodness. MJJ's passing from this earth has miraculously and lavishly sprinkled LOVE, healing and restored passion for life globally. Just like Tinker Bell's pixie dust for all those who choose to believe. I am only one of the millions who have been blessed this way. Our lives enhanced somehow larger, brighter, with far reaching horizons and friendships we never dreamed possible. Just as these incredible Guide Dogs will also yield a blind or seeing impaired man or women new horizons and a much brighter future.

Noting to myself how small my world was before Michael Jackson filled my life I pocketed the memories in a new more positive way and moved on to the rather large tent which seemed to be permanently erected for graduation ceremonies. Looking out and beyond my thoughts now to this day's seemingly magical results stemming from hard work, discipline and LOVE which are about to be revealed to me. I am about to come face to face with the end result of patience, commitment and devotion in a way I have never seen before. The same excellent qualities that MJ built his life and career around, alive and large right here in this lovely little corner of the world. I am here to just observe of course but one more time MJ has brought me places I'd never dreamed possible. Coming from my introverted, isolated world four years ago I could not in a million years and beyond ever imagine that I'd be sitting here for this most memorable day.

Big boy, Guinness. I am told he is named for the
Guinness World Record not the beer. His yellow GDA jacket
decorated with tinsel for Christmas

As I find my way amidst the crowd of people and dogs wearing bright yellow GDA jackets, some decorated for Christmas with tinsel and bright Christmas materials, my mind wanders back to the first day of Conrad Murray's arraignment at the Airport Courthouse when I knew beyond all doubt that I had joined forces forever as one of "MJ's Soldier of LOVE". God is the master of restoration and on that day God's voice was Michael Jackson's voice from 'This Is It'. So clearly in my mind over the blaring MJ music which is still the backdrop of my life I heard his words telling me, "It's an adventure. We're going to go places we've never been before, do things we've never done before." So today thanks to Michael Bush, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Jackson here I sit. A most special big thanks to Michael Bush's big heart of LOVE and caring for choosing Guide Dogs of America as one of the two main charities which will benefit from proceeds from the Julien's Tompkins-Bush auction which was held earlier this month on Dec. 2, 2012 and raised over $5 million.

Jan's beautiful sweet Gideon

Gideon with puppy Winston. His head is bigger than little Winston. :) Yet he is so gentle.

My week had been filled with painful, surprising emotional landmines; yet here in this place they seemed so miniscule next to the hurdles of success I was witnessing. I was so happy I had kept this day as something to look forward to. It truly carried me through. It's easy to see how small your problems are when you are surrounded by such beautiful people. Behind me sits jovial, friendly Jan, who is blind. Smiling big she introduces me to her yellow Labrador Retriever, Gideon. We begin to talk and I learn that although Gideon is quite large he is still a puppy. They both only last month took part in a graduation together and are new companions, and all puppies who graduate continue to learn and train after being assigned their person and they become familiar with one another. Gideon is curious, interested in the other dogs and commanded to 'leave it' several times. He is a husky boy with a great temperament. Jan praises Gideon to me explaining that just the day before he proved his staunch reliability as he escorted her successfully down an extremely slippery, wet and unknown street. Clearly she is growing to trust him. A springy legged, 6 month old, black Retriever puppy, Java, comes in and sits near Jan with his puppy raiser. Then another, Winston, close in age at 4 months old who looks like Java's twin sits right next to Jan allowing Gideon a doggy close by to smell and get to know evoking many more 'leave its.' A command which the dogs all come to know as they must stop what they are doing and focus on the handler's commands. I hear this command throughout the gathering off and on from handlers. Learning also that puppy raisers will sometimes raise many puppies and then hand them over each time to new companions and/or new handlers as the need arises. Looking down at these beautiful creatures I wonder how on earth they can let go of these precious souls and move on without them. I think how difficult, painful and selfless that must be; countered with the over shadowing of great pride and satisfaction knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt your work is so purposeful and important. The training of a guide dog is long process. A guide dog's working life is approximately 10 years depending on the dog and the need.

Susan and Jaeger

Brie, such a sweet well behaved girl.

Inside the large, windowed tent a crowd has now filled not only the rows of chairs, a long row of the short lifted bleachers at the back but also there are others standing to the sides and around the perimeter. There looks to me to be about 150 to 200 people in attendance today. At the end of my row I meet, Missy, and her dog in training, Brie, like the cheese I am told. Clearly I don't eat much cheese because I need to ask for the spelling. Brie, a 6 month petite golden Labrador Retriever, she seems all girl in her yellow GDA coat, very self assured, simply precious, amazingly calm, and well behaved. Missy does little to speak to her and she instantly responds to each of her quiet commands or nudges. Missy's friend Susan comes in and sits next to her and holds her chubby puppy, Jaeger, who is 4 months on her lap. He has the most calm, peaceful, quiet spirit and very happily and comfortably is at home sitting in his trainer's lap. She allows me to pet him and his beautiful, doe eyes melt my heart as he looks up at me. She proudly states and I can plainly see that he is incredibly intelligent and well behaved. Behind them sit Glyn and sweet Fred who I met at the auction and Fred is his noble self, also just as calm and well behaved as he sits on the floor next to his trainer.

Then I am blessed as a very friendly knowledgeable couple, Bill and Kelly Green, who have raised 9 dogs so far sit right next to me with their new roly poly puppy, Milo. Like a rock star, Milo, is a great attraction for young teenage girls who run over to pet him. The sight and touch of Milo's sweet, perfect face and soft cuddly fur evokes many teenage oooh's, aaah's and squeals of giddy, sweet joy. I have to say I oooh'd and aaah'd myself. He too is a good boy who sits peacefully on his blanket or in his trainer's lap. He is fuzzy, round and adorable and just only yesterday had his picture taken as a poster dog for GDA. I too find I can not resist the urge to pet him as I reach out to say hello to Milo he licks me hello back. One thing I've noticed as I ask, "May I pet him/her?" is that all the trainers and puppy raisers do not hesitate to say over and over, "Yes. Of course." They are more than happy for you to pet the dogs and puppies. However asking first is only courteous, respectful and appreciated.

Bill and his wife ask why I am there at the graduation and I'm pleased to tell them I'm an MJ fan who writes a blog and am doing a follow up story on one of the charities which will benefit from the Tompkins-Bush Julien's auction. They relay to me that they had followed the auction with much interest and were very happy to hear it would benefit GDA. At that moment I feel so blessed, so very proud to be an MJ fan... even more so than a normal typical day. My heart is full. God bless you Michael Bush.

Home Schooler, Haley, and Jethro have an instant loving, affectionate bond

Christy Moon speaking, her black Lab Retriever guide dog Smokey sits calmly at her feet. 

Christy Moon and Smokey meet her family for the first time at the residence.
No matter how I took the pic this radiating bright light was present. Michael?

There is a family celebratory atmosphere in the air. No, this is not a tearful, somber event  although many are giving up their dogs to new companions today and will not see them again. Here today are 8 companions who had come to the campus of GDA to live in residence for 21 days with their guide dogs. Learning how to interact and continue the training started by the puppy raisers and trainers, building and forging a relationship with their newly assigned guide dogs. As the emcee, Chuck Jordon, the Director of Programs conducts the event I learn that all 8 people as well as 2 home schoolers are graduating with their guide dogs today. It's not just a graduation for the dogs but their new companions as well. They are a team. It is a rigorous course also including each puppy trainer who trains right alongside the new companions and the dogs for 21 days to assure a smooth transfer for both dog and companion. After all the trainers have been with the puppies for over a year and the puppies know them well. One of the trainers comments when giving their statement, "Teams clique. You can see when the dog turns to the owner and says 'You are my man/woman'." The puppy trainers/presenters escort each new team of companion/owner and their assigned matched dogs onto the stage as they 'hand over the leash' so to speak for the final time.

The home schoolers have spent a jammed packed 10 days of learning everything the residence companions learned in 21 days; however their training takes place within their own home and neighborhoods. All teams run through all sorts of obstacle training courses, speed training, street crossings, escalators, stairs, elevators where one of the companions, Christy Moon, the group elected spokes person jokingly tongue in cheek says, "Some have literally tackled the escalators."  Some of the learning activities I'm surprised to learn took place close to my neighborhood in the Valencia Paseos where they learned to walk the paths and work together in all sorts of weather including the recent rains.

Bill Hartman, the president of GDA, explains they get no federal or state funding and it requires about $42,000 to train a guide dog from start to finish. This money covers all expenses including medical, food, transportation, room and board, residency of companions, activities and materials in the full cycle of raising and teaching a guide dog. This extends from the first initial receipt of the puppy to the trainer at about 7 weeks all the way to the training and graduating of a dog to a new companion/owner at approximately 1.5 years. It is an expensive process and all expenses are paid by GDA and completely free to those in need. To sponsor a puppy yearly it runs $5,000 for a guide dog puppy. This is why donations are so important. This is why the proceeds from the auction will be so beneficial to a blind or visually impaired man or woman. Giving them the gift of peace of mind, the eyes of their guide dog, the companionship, comfort, guidance and aid for many years to come.

Both Michael Jackson and Michael Bush would be beaming and happy to see the children who then entered the room. Several from a local Girl Scouts of America troop open the event with a color guard presentation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. We are told with the pride of engrained patriotism this is how all graduation ceremonies begin. My past years of Girl Scout leader pride well up in me. Somehow I feel MJ, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush would be nodding yes along with me, sensing similar pride, smiling as big as I am at this moment.

As the graduation moves on we learn some of the companions are getting matched with their 3rd or 4th dogs and also learn a bit more about each person as the presenters/trainers and the companions each speak. It is moving, touching and joyous. There are tears; albeit cushioned with much applause and cheers. One of the puppy raisers comments, "As puppy raisers we know that the dogs are not our dogs and wish them many happy miles as a team." Some enlist the help of local school children to help train the dogs. Each dog and each raiser or handler is different with distinct personalities yet each with the ultimate goal to graduate on stage just as the 10 dogs being presented today.

Kim and Porter

One new companion, Kim, a very cool, laid back biker lady was thrilled with her new guide dog, Porter. She and Porter like many have heartily bonded already. It was touching when she spoke of herself and Porter saying, "Music soothes the savage beast and music, motorcycles and Porter soothes and calms Kim."

Denali and his new companion Rachele along with
the presenter a member of the Hart Family who trained Denali

Each companion and presenter/trainer touched my heart with their stories but none for me more so than a young man in his early twenties from the Hart family. He so like MJ is very shy but through his experience with puppy, Denali, has grown into a confident young man. Denali teaching him to reach outside his shyness and interact at new levels. He reads eloquently from a paper, his words flow across the room touching hearts, relaying that his family (as it sometimes takes a village to raise a guide dog) named their dog, Denali, after the highest Alaskan mountain peak, meaning "Great One." He clearly loves this animal beyond measure and very well expressed something his mother told him:
                  
                            "Some gifts have to change hands to change lives."

He then said, "I never dreamed she [Denali] would change my life. I was quiet, shy, introverted... me talking? I have even been able to talk to girls who have come to talk to her on the end of my leash... I saw her future was up to her. I spent 18 months training her and then realized even without her leash in my hand I stood a little taller. She has touched every person who has come into her life." Then summing up the entire process he shared this by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."

This could not better express not only the lives of these wonderful people, these noble animals but also the extraordinary life of Michael Jackson. Yes God gave us the gift of Michael Jackson and then he took him back. In the process of time he spent on this earth sharing his gifts he changed and blessed millions of lives and although God reclaimed this gifted, gentle man he continues to give, continues to change and Heal The World. Thank you Michael for all you gave.  Thank you Michael Bush for your big heart of love and continuing to honor your dear friends, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Jackson in this most special way.

Michael Bush is a man of such sweet character. He is kind, gentle and in spite of many recent unwarranted and shameful attacks just like MJ he has remained generous in spirit. Clearly you can certainly see why Michael Jackson and he worked so well together for almost 25 years. Whenever I meet him in person immediately I feel comfortable... like I'm with an old friend. Many other MJ fans have made the same statement. He is always welcoming, open, patient and so easy to talk to. Being around Michael Bush makes me wonder if in a way this is how MJ's dancing loafers felt for him... just like an old friend. Yes Michael Bush was the dresser and designer for Michael Jackson but in the years he spent with him it's not an accident that he's also so much like him filled with a kind, generous, loving heart and spirit. Yes you can certainly feel and see how he fit so well working along side Michael for so very long.

Recently Michael Bush shared his heart about the Guide Dog puppies and the donations in Michael Jackson's memory: “Not only did MJJ give me the tools to write the book but to raise money for people that can't pay medical bills or for medicine and to be able to support the seeing eye dog foundation affording puppies for blind human beings that did not get the gift of sight that I did and have every morning I wake up. The people that will never get to see Michael dance and entertain them. These people struggle through out life on a daily, hourly basis. I hope the first puppy we get, we can name him 'Thriller', not only in MJJ's honor but the 'thrill' the person will get indirectly from MJJ's gift of music and dance." ~ Michael Bush

Last but not least on the way back to my car was this beautiful German Shepard guide dog in training puppy. I failed to get his name, he was the only Shepard present this day. In asking his trainer what qualities set the German Shepard breed apart from the Labrador Retriever guide dogs I am told the German Shepard breed is well suited for those companions who do office work or professionals in the corporate or security world. They are alert, focused, multi-task easily and because of their stereotypical police dog reputation work well in the business world helping to keep a more dauntless appearance while still being loving and attentive to their companion.

In Michael Jackson's memory if you too would like to join in and donate towards this worthy charity to help enable a blind or visually impaired person to lead a more fulfilled life via Guide Dogs of America please give freely knowing that your donations are going directly to a wonderful cause in MJ's memory. They are very familiar with Michael Bush. Just state to them you are giving in Michael Jackson's memory at Guide Dogs of America: http://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/1/

Or if you would like to donate to the Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas to help the terminally ill and suffering to help defray their medical costs or medications and supplies, please go to this link: http://www.nah.org/

Also you can find and purchase Michael Bush's book "King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson" at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_13?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=king%20of%20style%20dressing%20michael%20jackson

Thriller Studio Tour - June 28 & 29, 2012

 
There had been communication for months with the president of Westlake Studios where MJ recorded Thriller. All I wanted to do in the beginning was take a walk through tour with a couple of friends. I had heard a group of fans had gotten in a few times and thought I’d check into it; however like all things MJ in my life since his death my interest and request took on a life of it’s own. Soon I had a Face Book page and was quietly putting the word out requesting others to take the tour with me. In the blink of an eye two tours were booked but with no definite tour happening. I had about 30 people patiently waiting for final tour details. Honestly I sometimes was not so patiently waiting as I didn’t want to let them down, although these MJ fans were fabulous every time I relayed there was a glitch or postponement they totally understood. 'If it worked out... fine... or if it didn’t... then it wasn’t meant to be' was their response over and over. Always thanking me for just trying.... for caring. For many it was a dream, never a reality. I simply LOVE these women so much. The support of these fabulous ladies during this 3rd anniversary was such a huge blessing to me.

Finally I heard back and was ecstatic to let everyone know it was a GO! Not only that but 'Thriller Studio Tour' as it was now called would be running for an entire week to accommodate even more MJ fans with our two days set at the end of the week.

Steve Burdick and Al Machera both friendly, savvy business men who own Westlake Studios were there to greet us and shared stories about MJ recording in the studio. Westlake is a working recording studio still in full use today. Many stars such as Quincy Jones, Neo, Rhianna and many more record here along with many up and coming groups and future stars. Michael’s place in history with this studio is a big draw for artists.

Corey Sheppard, one of two tour guides, was a joy and immediately he was included in the MJ fan fold. An MJ aficionado who shared his very first memory at two years old was of none other than Michael Jackson in the Dangerous concert as he explosively popped up out of the toaster onto the stage and then stood strong in his shiny military costume for what seemed like forever. Then ever so sharply and slowly removed his sunglasses. The anticipation of MJ’s entrance, his explosive appearance, his stance, his movement, his presence worked the audience into a frenetic state of hysteria for at least 15 minutes before he ever sang a note. Then he blasted the audience with JAM. Corey freely and energetically shared this and other MJ memories of songs and trivia winning our hearts over completely. We all volleyed MJ trivia about, heads nodding in agreement. MJ fans know the real deal and the Thriller Studio Tour IS the real deal from start to finish. 



 

Mike Salisbury Album cover Off The Wall - pic credit to Chris Tal

Ray Brown the main tour guide whose eyes twinkled while sharing wonderful MJ trivia and facts led us on a guided shuttle tour through the streets of Los Angeles between the Beverly Studio and the Santa Monica Studio. I am a Michaeling fool... always searching for new places to visit where I can follow in Michael’s footsteps and although I had been on Melrose to other Michaeling spots the previous day was introduced to two new places on this journey.  One being the ‘Off The Wall’... wall... where the album cover was taken by photographer Mike Salisbury. Adding now to Michael’s history with alleys... Michael and Mike the photog were traveling around looking for a place to take the cover album pic when they turned the corner and saw the brick wall, spontaneously jumping out to shoot MJ in his tux with the brick wall as the background. This cover was the last time MJ ever wore a ‘Fro’ and although it was adorable he didn’t like it. He changed it up to the gorgeous Thriller era Jheri curl hair which was how you saw him for many years after that Off The Wall album pic was taken. Never wearing the Afro again. Thus only the legs, white socks and shoes on the album cover were shown on the general release of the album. Then again.... that’s all you need to see and immediately recognize.... Michael. Ohhhh those feet.

On the right was Motown West Studios where many Motown artists including Jackson 5 recorded after leaving Hitsville for L.A. and just across the street was the park that MJ talked about. The one where he would become so sad while looking out the window watching the children play while he had to stay in and work on the music. Although apparently there are many pictures of MJ playing with Berry Gordy’s children and J5 in this park. I’m still looking for these. If any of you find them let me know. We all know just by Michael’s statement the long hours of work throughout his childhood clearly took a huge toll on MJ.

All this and the tour had not really begun! None of us knew what to expect but already the day looked to be fun and Thrilling. A three hour tour that goes by in the blink of an eye. The first studio was the Beverly studio an inconspicuous place I had only the day before and many times previously driven right by, never realizing that Michael recorded Off The Wall and Thriller here. This fact made me feel a bit unnerved as I live in Los Angeles and wondered how many times in my life had I been so close to Michael Jackson while he was on this earth and never known it.

Stepping into the lobby we are greeted by MJ decor.... everywhere is Michael. Pictures, platinum records of many artists several of which MJ was close to, wrote for or recorded with including Donna Summers, Van Halen, Quincy Jones and more. There is a wonderful video ending with a great clip of Michael speaking... or maybe that was the image I wanted in my head at the end... not sure. There was so much to take in.

We moved on to the very studio where Michael and Quincy worked together. Sitting center of the room is the sound board where mix of the magical music and sound happens and here we received a lesson from the best in adding the layers of sound.

 
I won’t give every detail of this tour but suffice it to say my mascara was gone... blissful joy of MJ's magical music and then tears streaming. I was very grateful that Westlake kept a good supply of Kleenex tissues. Oh speaking of Kleenex... near the end of the tour the president of Westlake, Steve Burdick, was so kind to bring out a personal possession he obtained while working at Westlake as a runner in the 90‘s. He proudly shared a signed MJ doodled Kleenex box. Only MJ fans could be so excited over an old Kleenex box. This box was doodled on by MJ in his down time while recording. Steve was a runner and part of his job was to run for food and to clean up after sessions. After MJ’s session he came across this Kleenex box signed by none other than Michael Jackson. He also shared a precious memory of being a young intern and meeting MJ briefly when he was there working and recording. Of course we all had to touch the Kleenex box and take pictures of it. For me it was so interesting to look at MJ’s innermost relaxed art expressions on that box. The symbolic doodled arrows reminded me of how MJ used to sign his name with the arrow and circles. 


 

Studio D was Michael's private studio where Quincy and Michael spent 8 years recording Bad and Dangerous. In both studios the sound boards and speakers were the center of attention. We were given a chance to see how the sound is mixed and hear how layer after layer is added. I couldn’t help but think of Michael talking in several interviews about the layers of his music or sitting at similar sound boards in other interviews. This studio was like home to MJ and Quincy for many years. It was just simply beyond amazing to be standing there where his creativity had flowed so freely. I was over come when MJ’s voice acapella came through those magnificent speakers. Even more so when the sound of just his shoes in Bad was played and then his hand claps. Having heard the record so many thousands of times I never realized the sound was his feet. I could have listened to just his voice and shoes all day. The sound of his shoes sliding literally took my breath away. Visually there is something so spiritual in Michael's heavenly gift of movement but then to hear the sound of Michael’s movements so close... Michael’s God given gift of dance isolated and recorded for all time was just utterly astounding. I closed my eyes to hear his voice so clear as if he was standing right in front of me so close I could reach out and touch him. The sound of his voice wrapped around me then I opened my eyes blinking over and over as I wanted so badly to see him standing there or behind the glass at the mic. It was my first visit to a recording studio and the sound quality of the studio speakers was absolutely breathtaking just as if Michael were standing right there in the center of the room singing directly to me. We all felt the same way. Then we were shown the smaller speakers that both Michael and Quincy spoke of when they would record. Ultimately creating their perfectionist best and then changing it down to listen to it on smaller speakers to see if it held up for everyday folks.
There were also speakers in the mirrored ceiling which were installed especially for Michael for Thriller recordings. In a video shown at the start of the tour Rod Temperton talked of the time that Van Halen played for Michel and the speaker literally caught on fire... which for me gives a whole new meaning to "Let it burn!"

We were all still reeling from this experience when we were led into the next room to sit in the very sound booth chair Michael sat in and sing MJ songs into the very same mic that MJ sang into. I have to say it was unnerving and my heart skipped several beats to be so close to where his lips had been. LOL This is the same room Neo always records in as he says he likes the vibe and sound quality and it is the same recording studio that both he and MJ worked in which must have enormous wonderful memories for him. 

Also to our complete surprise was the shower that MJ showered in and where he recorded his hand claps for Bad. The acoustics and echo in the shower made the perfect hand clap and finger snap sound MJ wanted. Yes ladies MJ showered after long sweaty days and nights of dancing, singing and recording at Westlake Studios. We all took our turn standing in that shower... some even clapping their hands. LOL

picture credit to Chris Tal

To our delight we are shown the lounge where Michael hung out in down time with Bubbles. The room and low window in the room were built with MJ in mind so Bubbles could always see Michael. He would get very upset if he couldn’t see Michael and nothing would calm him. So to help Bubbles keep Michael in view a low rectangular window was installed over looking the recording area enabling him to freely watch Michael while he worked. This successfully kept Bubbles calm.

MJ Stage - Pic credit to Chris Tal

Ray Brown on MJ's stage with MJ's mirrors - pic credit to Chris Tal

The end of the tour was absolutely captivating. A beautifully edited montage of many of MJ’s videos is shown and then the curtain rises and lights highlight ‘THE’ piano that Michael and Paul McCartney used in The Girl Is Mine along with a mic stand, fedora and white studded glove on a stool. We are blown away when we are all invited to stand on ‘THE’ stage and look into the same mirrors where MJ danced, created and recorded. The same stage Bruce Swedien spoke of. It was built especially for Michael because he always danced when he sang and they needed to raise him up off the floor to get better sound quality for his voice while he was moving. I can’t even begin to put into words how it felt to stand on this stage and look into these mirrors and picture MJ practicing. 

Thriller Studio Tour Staff - picture credit to Face Book Thriller Studio Tour 

 

The MJ fan community is hard to impress when it comes to Michael tributes and with this tour we held them to it and expected high standards. I have to say this is not just a tour but a true tribute to Michael Jackson, his legacy and genius. Only the very best is fitting for Michael Jackson and Steve, Al, Jacqueline, Ray, Corey and all the staff at Westlake Studios, Thriller Studio Tour have done an absolutely phenomenal job of honoring and paying tribute to Michael. This tour is a class act done with the utmost of respect and dignity for Michael.

I want to thank each and every one who work at Westlake for your time and kindness. A special thank you to Jacqueline for all your hard work and patience in scheduling. Thank you so much to all the staff at Westlake for your hard work in creating a standout tribute to Michael and especially for greeting me with arms open wide. I truly felt like family when I was there with you.

I’m looking forward to more tours and maybe even special event type tours!!

If you are interested in booking a reservation for a tour please contact Westlake Studios at ‘Thriller Studio Tour’ on Face Book at:  
https://www.facebook.com/ThrillerStudioTour


** After writing this I realized that many of the highlights mentioned are not in order as the tour presents them...which is fine... let it be a surprise when you take the tour yourself! There is much I did not mention. The Thriller Studio Tour is an absolute MUST SEE and personal experience for any and all MJ fans when visiting L.A. 


Steve Burdick and Me.
Such a great tour! Thanks Steve!

June 28th Group

June 29th Group

Michael's stunning pop-up toaster appearance as in the History Tour. This performance is from the Royal Concert in Brunei 1996. I could picture this so clearly as Corey described it on the shuttle.
Just had to share it! Amazing and Spectacular Michael!!

Bubbles and MJ - This pic is not at Westlake but shows the bond of love

My Face Book picture album of Thriller Studio Pictures from June 28 and 29, 2012:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4251483248172.177448.1318489535&type=3&l=aa18fefeac

Icons & Idols - Michael Jackson

It had been a long week at work already, although it was only Wednesday, and I was feeling a bit down, tired and already stressed. The holidays just have a way of doing that sometimes. Feeling the pressure of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the twist commercialism puts on Christmas is just wearing sometimes. This is the time of year when we should be filled with the most joy and celebrate the birth of Jesus, his LOVE, his peace. I was just leaving work and contemplating the bah-humbug Christmas poem a friend had shared with me about working our tails off, running here and there to keep up with the Joneses, shopping, parties, functions, dinners and on and on with stress as the main course served up daily for the last month of the year. It was then my cell rang and on the other end I heard the high, excited exuberance of my dear friend telling me “Betty, You just HAVE to go to Julien’s Auction House in Beverly Hills. They have SOOO much Michael stuff on display. YOU JUST HAVE TO SEE IT!!” She went into detail about her day seeing MJ’s belongings and suddenly, magically as Michael has done so many times I felt my whole being change. Michael just has a way of doing that to those who love him. I most certainly couldn’t deny I wanted to see anything… simply ANYTHING… that belonged to Michael up close and personal, but there was a gnawing in the pit in my stomach. My heart began to ache, like so many times before, as I thought of what Michael endured over the last two decades of his life. Those that wanted what was his, those that used him, the hangers on, the opportunists, the greedy, those that plotted, planned and put into motion schemes that would lead ultimately to Michael’s death. In that process many items which belonged to Michael had vanished, apparently showing up at auctions and then disappearing again.There has been so much controversy and speculation about where Michael's belongings have gone.

Holding a private conversation with the main man in my life I prayed, “Dear Lord, are these some of those items and if so what gives me the right to go and gaze upon them?” Encouraged by my friend’s exuberance I simply felt I needed to go and see for myself the next day. One of Michael’s gold fencing shirts from the Dangerous Tour was on display. That in itself was the final straw… the magnet that drew me toward Beverly Hills. I placed my desire to see MJ’s items, my car and the California freeways in the Lord’s hands and asked Him to guide me there, as I set out on my Michaeling mission.

Once the car was parked which was an adventure in itself and I might say to the inexperienced here, be forewarned you need to take a fist full of bills to park in Beverly Hills, I made my way to my destination, as I opened the doors and entered from the cold, dark night into the warm, bright light of the showroom, it seemed as though I stepped into another time zone. Yes in fact it was the Julien’s Auction show room zone. The nicely suited attendants greeted me and an invisible force drew me to the display of the “Beat It” jacket, the sequined glove, make up case and so much more than I can list. Most all items signed personally by Michael Jackson. I looked at his famous signature and thought of Michael’s hands, and seeing each item the thought that he had touched, used or had worn almost every item there suddenly hit home. An attendant walked with me and I asked the burning question in my heart, “Where did all these things come from?” As I looked around and witnessed with my own eyes he assured me “Almost every item here was signed my MJ and given freely to people as gifts or to auctions by MJ, to be sold to raise money for charity because that is just how Michael Jackson was. He was always giving away his things to make people happy.”

Now I was drifting from display to display effortlessly, no more stress, or holiday pressures… what holiday? I had now entered the world of Michael Jackson’s closet as I gazed at his jackets, jumpsuits, hats, “The Belt” he wore on his 45^th birthday, this belt along with many other items designed and tailored by Michael’s very good friends, Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins, a sequined white glove, and YES the gold fencing shirt... which… oh yes indeed… I smelled! Up close and personal I sniffed this outfit. YES… that’s right, I freely admit it... I smelled MJ’s fencing shirt and I have to say… but can’t be sure… I may have detected a hint of Bal a Versailles. Ok… I know only a die hard MJ fan would go sniffing for traces of MJ’s sweat and cologne, but then how many times does someone like me get to see up close and personal the stage costumes or clothes of Michael Jackson?! Was it just wishful thinking… another sniff… No I really think it…

I took many, many pictures. I asked to see the secret backroom. The Executive Director, Martin Nolan, who was lovely to me and so much fun to joke with, wanted to know how I knew about the secret back room. I told him I couldn’t reveal my sources… only that, “Fans just know these things.” He shook his head at me, not for the first time that night, rolled his eyes and we laughed and then he asked one of the attendants, Allen, to escort me to the back room. Others, Julien family members, who were working there also came along as they were surprised to learn about the back room items as well and wanted to take a gander. To my surprise on display were full sized, soft rubber, wax looking statues of Indians and cowboys, which MJ had set up in the Indian Village at Neverland near the train tracks. I must say the Indian sitting cross legged with the peace pipe made me step back. He was a bit scary looking but I am sure in the outdoor, tee pee setting he fit quit well. They were simply amazing to view, like a secret peek into Michael’s longing for his boyhood and his wonderful childlike, fun imagination.


Returning to the main floor the pedestals outfitted with MJ’s jackets were being strategically placed for Saturday’s auction, a world wide event where anyone, any where can bid on items by phone, online or in person. The chairs were in place, the sound system was being set up, podium at the ready, display cases lit and organized, computers were up and running. There were many items from other iconic legends like Marilyn Monroe, Rock Hudson, Madonna, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, The Beatles and many, many others. The jacket… I mean “The Jacket” that John Lennon wore on the Sgt. Peppers album was on display and was later to sell for $240,000. It was amazing to see this piece of history from my teen years up close and personal…and did I detect a hint of Marijuana, good ole’ Mary Jane on this one? So many cool and interesting items… yet I continually was being drawn back to MJ’s things.

John Lennon's Sgt. Peppers Jacket:



My friend who had raced against time and rush hour traffic to arrive before closing popped in the door and I greeted her with a big hug. The stress of the road melted from her shoulders as we began to peruse the displays together and take more pictures of one another. We posed grinning from ear to ear next to MJ’s “Beat It” jacket. I was so thrilled to see a jacket from the world’s BEST Super Bowl half time show EVER signed by Michael and a game football signed by both Michael and Troy Aickman, an original Michael Jackson doll from the 80’s with the original price tag of $14.95 on the box, gold records, platinum records, J5 memorabilia signed by all the Jackson 5, The original Motown contract the J5 signed as children, This Is It tickets, Victory Tour memorabilia, a signed Smooth Criminal hat, a Hungarian military hat signed with a written note from Michael saying “Thanks for your support. All my love, Michael Jackson, 1994”, there were 3 black, stage worn, signed fedoras with Michael’s name printed inside, and the Julien’s Auction catalog from April 25, 2009 signed in gold by Michael Jackson. This one stopped me short and my heart sunk, as I read the date and realized, two months later to the day Michael lay dead. I felt a wave of nausea come over me and I felt the anger rise. Still there is NO justice! God hear our prayers!






The Julien’s director, Martin, allowed me the privilege of roaming the displays with the catalog in hand. I was juggling the camera, the catalog, my purse and sweater when I realized the other catalogs were chained down and then asked how much they were. He smiled and said “For you, $100.” I laughed and then made my way back to the desk and gingerly put it back on the stand like I didn't want to break it. As I set it back on it’s easel he said to me, "I have one just for you." I thought again he was joking and meant if I paid the 100 bucks. Later just before I left he handed me a catalog with both hands and slightly bowed like he was handing over the crown jewels to the queen, royally presented me with a catalog. I felt very much honored and thanked him. Later the next day checking online I realized he wasn't joking they really do cost $100. All I could say was “Wow!! It was definitely my night!!” If you are reading this Martin, again I thank you for your generous kindness.

I had taken 100's of pictures, a fact that Martin did not miss and approached and commented in his Irish brogue, “Well gone are the days when the Instamatic took 24 pictures and that was it and you had to take them into Rite Aid or the drug store for development.” I realized suddenly maybe I was crossing boundaries saying “Oh I’m sorry! Do you want me to quit?” He laughed and said “No you go right ahead and take your pictures. I guess then all that photography we worked so hard on in the catalog is not good enough?” I then revealed “Well I write stories and like to use my own pictures.” He laughed out loud and shaking his head again gave me a jovial, “Oh! NOW you tell us!”

MJ fans are still fiercely protective of MJ, his children and mother, so after checking out every last item including the back room three times I went to the main desk where Martin was working and where Darren Julien was standing close by and again voiced my concern about the source of all the MJ items, with an ache in my heart for MJ I inquired of Martin, “Please answer this question for me. I need to know, are any of these things taken from MJ? What is the source of all these items? What about the family?” He assured me saying “All items are donated and they were gifts from MJ to fans and friends. Some were items MJ donated, when he was alive to other auctions to raise money for different charities and causes. They did not sell and were returned to Michael Jackson and are now in this auction. Some are from the family, the estate and Katherine and the family all gave their blessing, all except Joe. The items belong to others and were freely given on consignment for this auction.” There have been many false rumors and it felt good to hear the family had given approval for this auction, well all except Joe, so for me it was the majority. I believe it is just like that in large families, not all members agree on everything or join in each venture. It was also very clear that the vast majority of items displayed for auction were clearly signed and had been given to others by MJ and that supported Martin’s statement.

Then Martin began to tell me about the previous auction at the old Robinson’s May in Beverly Hills where Michael’s beautiful, ornate Neverland gates were being offered, as well as many other items from Neverland. I had heard several media rumors about these items. I felt so blessed to hear from someone who personally had witnessed these very gates being restored to their original home at Neverland. Martin assured me that “The Gold Gates” were reinstalled at Neverland. That he personally was present on the property at Neverland to witness the restoration, sadly and ironically the very weekend of the week Michael died the gates were reattached to their original place of honor at Neverland. They are there and working just as they did when Michael lived there.

A sudden burst of hope leaped in my heart spurring me on to ask, “MJ’s Carousel?” Martin’s response filled me with even more hope and again put to rest yet another untruth as he assured me, “You know MJ himself hand painted some of the horses on that carousel. It has special meaning. MJ made sure to dismantle it and store it carefully in a warehouse on Neverland where it still is today, untouched.” My heart was over flowing and like the unashamed MJ fan that I am I blurted out, “Really? Oh my God! It’s STILL there? Really there? At Neverland?” which elicited Martin to reveal, “Yes, there is a huge, massive warehouse on the property at Neverland where MJ’s things are stored. Safe and protected.” Astounded I slapped the desk happily and heard myself exhale with great enthusiasm, “Thank God! Another rumor put to rest! There are so many false rumors!” I then thought about the other Neverland treasures that had also been on auction like the train and all the bronze statues MJ so lovingly collected and had displayed about Neverland. I had read they were all gone now, just a memory of past glory days. I needed to know, “What about all the bronze statues that had been on auction? Were they sold? I read they are all gone now.” Martin’s quick emphatic response dispelled all previous stories as he said “No, NONE of them were sold. They were returned to Neverland and are also in storage.” In a ‘Need to Know’ voice I added, “And the train? What about the train? Michael would not have wanted to sell the train!” He again emphatically replied “No. The train was never on auction. You know Michael named that train after his mother, Katherine?” I shook my head up and down as he continued, “He would never sell that train. It was special. No, it too is stored away.” So many rumors went…puff… up in smoke, vanished in one short conversation. Maybe the one positive rumor of Neverland being restored is not so impossible after all. Yes in my heart and mind there is definitely hope now. I do not want to think about the people who partially own Neverland now or how they were involved in anything horrible that happened to MJ… yet that thought looms large in my mind. My hope and prayers for MJ3 are that all that is rightfully theirs will be restored to them.

It was a great evening at Julien’s Auction house in Beverly Hills. Every one of the people who work at Julien’s are wonderful, warm, friendly and accommodating. I smiled all the next day every time I thought about MJ’s belongings still safely stored away and that I was able to be so close to so many items MJ owned, wore, performed in and gave to others in love. It’s a funny thing when someone dies how their belongings become so much more important. It was like that with my mom…just a piece of her near me. MJ’s generous giving heart was so apparent in many of these items, and in every signature I saw. The thought of how many thousands of times he must have signed his name to make others happy just makes me love him all the more. Of course thoughts of how wonderful it would be for the MJ3 to be able to acquire Neverland and all of their father’s belongings, which really should rightfully be theirs anyway, allowed for hope to spring anew. I know Michael was so crushed at Neverland and expressed his deepest hurt about that when he said “I won’t live there again. It’s a house now. It’s not a home anymore”, but this was the children’s first home with their father and in protecting them MJ never let them see his broken heart and spirit while living there. For them I am sure there will always be many wonderful Neverland family memories.

Two days later I contemplated if I should attend the Saturday auction personally or take part from home on the computer. I opted to save the headache of parking and stayed home. As I watched and listened I wondered how the auctioneers were able to get so many words, facts, and details out so quickly. Although the internet auction was full of energy and moved quickly through thousands of sales I thought Michael’s section would never come, finally the time arrived. His section was last and certainly the most exciting. Even over the internet I could feel the mood become very much energized as the auctioneer’s voice rose and he exclaimed, “Now we have Michael Jackson’s items. Michael Jackson had a relationship different than any other entertainer in the world with his fans. MICHAEL JACKSON, the greatest entertainer of all time and he will NEVER be replaced! Michael Jackson who transformed music! You see why he transformed music and why he was the KING OF POP! Nobody will EVER be like him! Everything he did he did to be the best!” Although I have no idea if this man is an MJ fan, even sitting at my computer I felt he was a kind person who truly loved MJ and who also knew my heart and the heart of fans around the globe. I felt a rush as I witnessed the first flurry of bidding on the 4^th item, a signed black and white, 8x10, glossy picture of the Jackson 5, soared quickly to sell for $10,625.

I thought, “Ok… Heerree we go!” I was not disappointed. I simply couldn't resist and bid on several items but was out bid which my wallet and budget thank God for. My MJ love wishes so much I would have won. I about died as I noticed the gold fencing shirt was coming up just two more down on the list. I reached for the key board to be ready, grabbing it randomly I hit a key and suddenly the screen read in bright green, “You are the top bidder” and I realized in shock I was now accidently bidding on a 2^nd Neverland Golf Cart. The 1^st one had sold for only $1,200 so in my clumsiness I just put myself in the running for the 2^nd one at $2,250. Quickly realizing the other one went for less, I prayed “Dear Jesus, please let someone else bid. I really don’t need a golf cart!” In slow motion the auctioneer began to say in a parent “Peanuts” voice “Theeee… wiinnnner… issss…” then my prayer was answered and someone else bid, with many others jumping on board, a flurry of bids took place making the winning bid $8,750. Of course it could have been much worse and I could have accidentally bid on a $40,000 item. I would have just fallen out right then and there with no one around to revive me, in the end though, once the shock wore off, I actually felt sort of sad as I thought about taking the grand kids and friends on rides in MJ’s Neverland golf cart. How cool would that have been?
I was shocked to see that the gold fencing shirt only brought in $37,500 as I had really expected to see it sell for much, much more. The highest item sold was the white, sequined glove which was sold to an international bidder for $330,000, chills covered my body as I watched the flurry of bids on this one. Not to demean MJ’s love for mankind or in anyway compare dollar signs to love but I just couldn’t help but see in all this the love and attention from fans all over the world for Michael.
Oh how I pray MJ sees how much he is loved and thought about as he watches down from heaven. It was all very interesting but several times I could not help but think about how MJ would feel about this auction. I just kept feeling like maybe MJ would have wanted all this money to go to charity…. as Allen, the attendant said, “…because that is just how Michael Jackson was.” Yes the facts prove Michael Jackson was one of the kindest, most generous, caring humans on this planet. We will be missing you forever MJ!

A random sample list of great items with end sale prices:

3 black, stage worn, signed fedoras:

1 - $53,125

2 - $31,250

3 - $72,000

White Smooth Criminal, stage worn fedora, signed: $72,000

Hungarian military hat, signed: $8,960

MTV award statue: $72,000

Helmsley Palace doorman’s jacket which MJ wore many times, signed: $31,250

Bubbles’ MJ matching racing outfit, signed: $9,500

Beat It Jacket, signed: $96,000

Beat It sheet music signed by MJ, signed: $6,500

Studded, Bad, black leather arm guard: $31,250

Military style jacket MJ wore when he met Nelson Mandella, signed: $60,800

Gem encrusted football bag, gift to MJ by Katherine Baumann, with MJ’s name: $1,750

MJ’s make up case, signed: $5,760

The belt MJ wore for his 45^th birthday party: $12,800

Promotional Invincible sign, signed: $1,664

Neverland Valley T-shirt, signed: $1,500

Michael Jackson doll, original box, signed: $1,625

I am so thrilled to know that two wonderful Michael Jackson fans were the winners of the both of these amazing items. The Neverland T-shirt signed "Love, Michael Jackson" and the studded belt Michael wore on his 45th birthday!! It is so wonderful to know these treasured items will be cherished for all time by people who love Michael Jackson!!!!

Deborah Soroky from Glendale, California wins the Neverland T-shirt signed by Michael!!

Final winning auction price: $ 2,100

Debbie Jackson from Auckland, New Zealand wins the studded belt
Michael wore to his 45th birthday party, final winning auction price: $12,800!!