MJ's Hollywood Star & The Broken Heart Stone ♥

“Speak of others in LOVE lest you break their heart.” ~  Dawn Wilson

**  This is a rewrite of the 'Broken Heart Stone' article originally posted from March 2012...
  The 'Immortalization of Michael Jackson Hand and Footprint Ceremony'
spearheaded by the MJ Estate and held on Hollywood Blvd 
on Jan. 26, 2012 and the exciting delivery that day of 'The Broken Heart Stone.' **
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I have recently started listening to my Christian music again and there is a line in a song I love that goes: "I am just a tear on a crowded street." Every time I visit MJ's Hollywood Star this is how I feel. Even in the most joyous times my heart still breaks... when I'm there near his star I'm just a 'tear' on the boulevard... for the emptiness, the loss, the missing what could have been... the longing, the yearning for more of Michael Jackson seems to never leave... will last For All Time.

God can do anything, far more than you could ever think or ask or
imagine in your wildest dreams!    ~ Ephesians 3:20

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It was dark, very dark... I don’t even remember there being a moon that night. Finally and gratefully I had time off work. Just in time too as I was looking so forward to the ceremony. I had no idea what was in store on this Michaeling adventure. I have learned to just stay open to what ever God has for me. I make the plans and put the results in God’s hands. He just places me where he wants me to be. One day I may know why but for now I stand in awe of my most precious Lord and thank him constantly for he knows the deepest desires of our hearts.

Robyn and I had discussed the time... an announcement had been posted stating the earliest time to line up would be 6:00 in the morning. I am a night person, not an early riser but have trained my body clock to rise at 5:30 every day for work just like a responsible grownup. However my true heart and body clock are more that of a wild child. I’d choose to stay up all night rather than rise early. I wanted to be fresh and full of energy for this day so I forced myself to bed early in order to rise early to enjoy all the Michaelness God had in store. In mapping out our plans we decided to be on Hollywood Blvd. and in line at 5:30a.m. I needed to wake up at 3:30a.m. WHAT?

So it was for this Michael adventure in the dark of night I rose and drove bleary eyed to pick up Robyn. She hopped in the car bright eyed and far too full of energy than the hour called for. Immediately we were laughing like giddy teenagers sneaking out at night. If my grand kids are reading this: "Yes, my bad... and No, don’t even think about it!" For everyone else... Yes life does come full circle.

There we were up way before dawn, playing, thinking, singing, breathing Break of Dawn. Unable to shake that feeling of ‘If only Michael was here on this earth to sing it to us.’ I have come to accept this longing, the missing, that this empty feeling will just NEVER pass. It is part of me now. Michael’s songs, his genius music are the continual musical score of our lives and helps to fill that emptiness. I think there is a Michael song for every moment and experience in life. Now Break of Dawn plays as Michael is forever in our minds and hearts. We drive on down the 101 Freeway on to Hollywood... She’s Going Hollywood.

Hollywood Blvd deserted... 5am view from over hang
at the then Kodak Theater (now Dolby Theater)

Only the set up crew here on a
deserted Hollywood Blvd. - street level

We arrived in Hollywood in the still of the night. Hollywood to me is like Vegas - a place that never sleeps. So I am very surprised when entering the Kodak Theater parking structure to find the entire theater building and parking structure were basically empty with just a few scattered cars and workers here and there which allowed us the luxury I have never experienced to park where ever I wanted. The escalators were even shut off so we climbed several flights determined and committed to this day. Weaving our way through the empty Kodak building we emerged out on to an eerie Hollywood Blvd. The entire street was abandoned except for the workers and scaffolding as they set up for the ceremony. There seemed to be a haze hanging in the air as the bright lights from the crews cut into the uncharacteristic dark stillness of the night. It was an odd, sad sensation I’d never seen or felt on the normally bustling Hollywood Blvd. As I looked out over the Kodak balcony and down on to the street I froze. The sight and feeling took me short, as if all of Hollywood were giving a moment of silence for our fallen King. There it was again... that emptiness.

Not wanting to land too far down the line we then quickly moved down to the corner of Highland Ave. and Hollywood Blvd. across from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, the one with the dinosaur on the roof or is that Godzilla? Anyway... there they were gathered in the dark of night. The die hard MJ fans standing in line even before 5:30 in the morning. We greeted the fans. Some we have known now for the last two and half years. Michael’s loss brought us together from all different generations, religions and races. Some are brand new MJ friends. Some have traveled from other countries and great distances to stand on this corner. We shared hugs and LOVE and took our place in line. I found myself having a very difficult time standing still, so moved up and down the line talking and mingling losing my place in line several times but I didn’t care. Today I could feel the energy in the air. The unmistakable, absolute LOVE of Michael Jackson. This was a special day I could just feel it. I had felt it for weeks. It’s a power that takes over when I just know I have to be there to support something for Michael.

In the past I have risen in the wee hours many times to make the trek to the court house for the trial as one of MJ’s Soldiers of LOVE, raising my voice for JUSTICE for Michael, fighting for Conrat Murderer to be found GUILTY! I felt privileged and honored to do so, to be a part of JUSTICE for Michael Jackson. However this early day was different. This day was a celebration of Michael Jackson. A much different day in HIStory. This day we would witness Michael’s wish come to fruition as he would forever be immortalized with foot prints and handprints being placed in cement at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. His beautiful children would be here today to accomplish this and honor their father. Yes the energy was running very high on that corner of Hollywood Blvd. as we all anticipated the day and talked excitedly about Michael.

All generations love & respect Michael Jackson

We stood in line for a while and then official looking men in suits, security, showed up and said we were there too early and needed to disperse for about 20 minutes but then could line up again. So in compliance I immediately walked to the curb. Now I could have walked anywhere but I walked over to the curb... not to the corner to cross or the other way down the sidewalk but straight to the curb. As if pre-planned at the very same moment a van pulled up in front of me and a man hopped out and approached. He looked me in the eye and asked what I felt was obvious... “Are you Michael Jackson fans?” I looked at him confused wondering what planet he just arrived from as I laughingly looked back wondering if he saw what I saw and gestured to all the fans still in line with their fedoras, military jackets, Thriller and Bad jackets, some with hoodies on where Michael’s face was on the side of the hoods, which really took me back several times because in the wee morning hours my heart would jump as I kept feeling like Michael was looking back at me when they moved their heads, some in MJ shirts and some even with gold pants and sparkly gloves. As if we needed no explanation I questioningly said, “Yessssss... we are MJ fans.” Robyn and I shared a look and eyed him suspiciously as we both protectively wondered, ‘What does he want? Is he selling posters or t-shirts?’ Then I immediately asked, “Why?”

I looked closer at this straw fedora, sporting man dressed in a spiffy suit and he seemed somehow familiar to me... I told him so... he smiled at me and said, “Well I am the owner of 'The Broken Heart Stone’ and I have it in the back of my van and was wondering if the MJ fans would like to see it.” Now why I would have doubted at this point with all that has happened in my life concerning Michael Jackson I have no idea... but my next words were, “Really? Well open up so we can see.” It was about this time I realized why he looked familiar. I had read about him and ‘THE’ Broken Heart Stone that MJ had made in Las Vegas at the Rivera when the hotel had plans in place to create their own walk of fame. MJ had placed his beautiful loafer adorned magical feet in the cement in a three point dance position, made his ‘heart’ hand print in the stone and signed his name with the famous star at the end. His left hand had left a heart shape which only Michael could have done. The stone had cracked while in storage and the crack ran directly through the heart but not through the entire stone... keeping the stone intact. Robyn stood next to me, we looked again at one another, no words needed to be spoken as we both moved toward the now open back hatch of the van as if a magnetic force pulled us in. There it was lovingly covered with red velvet. We were anxious as this man, Andrew Wilson, told the fans about the stone. The excitement grew in the MJ crowd as we both stood there at the back of his van looking down on the only piece of cement in the entire world that had Michael Jackson’s actual footprints, hand print and signature embedded in it. The stone that Michael himself personally made and was very excited to show the world.

We were huddled close at the back of the van as I excitedly asked, “Can we see it without the cover?  Please uncover it.” I was snapping pictures of each step. Andy, much too slowly for me, gently and carefully removed the red velvet from the stone and there in the dim light of the van was “Michael’s Broken Heart Stone” with the amazing heart palm print, there right before my very eyes. I leaned inside the van to get a closer look. For sometime after that moment it all seemed to move in slow motion, feeling alone and yet in a crowd as I heard in what seemed to be the distance, but later realized was right behind me, the high pitch sound of fans squealing, buzzing and laughing in high anticipation and pressing in. I felt the force of the fans pushing against me from behind so I leaned in further and asked in awe and respect, “Can we touch it?” Andy who was now standing at the side door looking in at us crazy fans smiled and verbally released the onslaught with an “Of course!” So I literally crawled up into the van and touched Michael’s shoe prints. I could hear Robyn laughing near me to my left and then saw her hand with the sweet turquoise nails reach out and tenderly touch Michael’s hand print. My heart paused and I took a deep breath as I knew exactly what she was thinking and feeling in that moment, Speechless. I then stretched my fingers out over the handprint of MJ’s fingers visualizing in my mind his long fingers against mine. His hand had been there where mine now rested... I didn’t want to leave that spot.

I lost my balance as the force of the fans suddenly pushing in landed me on top of the stone. I was literally laying on top of the stone! It seemed the place for me to be somehow. So I took full advantage of my position thinking, “Well I’m here now... I might as well touch every area of Michael’s fabulous three point, dancer’s pose, loafer, shoe prints.” So I ran my hands over every single inch of the foot prints and his beautiful signature, even the special star burst at the end, all the while laying on my stomach with my feet dangling out the back of the van as MJ fans crowded around me. In my mind I was alone there with Michael while he painstakingly signed his name in the wet cement. I could see his beautiful face and his hand moving slowly deliberately as he signed his name and drew the final flourish of the star burst at the end.

The clamoring and screeching of the fans burst my bubble and I reluctantly had to release my hold on the stone to let others have a look and a touch. I tried to move but the press of the fans made it almost impossible. Pushing against the flow I put my head down and forged out backwards through the crowd asking, “Hey guys please let me out.” Literally crawling backwards I popped out of the back of the van and landed on my feet, found my bearings on the solid ground once again.  Then began immediately talking with Andy who had come around to meet us as the other fans moved in to get their look. I knew who he was now and wanted to know more as I just knew he had a wonderful story to tell... and anyone who knows me knows how I simply LOVE a Michael Jackson story, my Best Of Joy. Yes, God knows the desires of our hearts.

In our conversation I learned that by God’s divine intervention Andy first became aware of the existence of The Broken Heart Stone the day that Michael died. The stone many thought was lost forever until it was discovered stored in the basement of the Rivera Hotel in Las Vegas not long before it was demolished. An amazing story of God’s hand and direction on Andy’s life as God chose him to deliver this wonderful gift, ‘the most famous hand print in entertainment history’ rightfully to the Jackson family and so doing also blessed Michael Jackson fans. Andy shared he had heard of La Toya’s story of Paris sharing the broken heart necklace with her daddy. As shared by La Toya she went with Paris and purchased a broken heart and two necklace chains. One for Paris and one for her daddy, each having one half of the broken heart. One Paris wrapped around her daddy’s wrist and the other she kept. It was this story that motivated Andy to realize that the Jackson family MUST have the stone. God bless you Andrew Wilson for following God’s leading and your heart of LOVE for Michael and his children.

Clearly even the police are MJ fans at heart, stood in awe, interested and enthralled by The Broken Heart Stone.

This day was a marvelous, high spirited celebration of LOVE for Michael.  Tito and Jackie Jackson acknowledged Andrew and Dawn Wilson for making the stone available to the Jackson family. In this statement The Broken Heart Stone was publicly back in the hands of those who deserved to have it the most, Michael’s children and the Jackson family.

The celebration that day was  beautiful. It was just so touching to see Michael’s children so happy. I  just know Michael is looking down from heaven and is so proud of them.  They are all three just beautiful examples of his amazing parenting skills. Their confidence and respect for their father and the enormous glowing smiles lit up the children’s faces and the stage just as their father used to.

MJ fans have always known it was Michael’s desire to have his footprints and handprints in the cement at Grauman’s, his beautiful children proudly and gratefully confirmed this during the  ceremony, and God used Andrew Wilson and his lovely wife, Dawn, to make this happen. Andy shared that only the day before the ceremony the contract had been finalized and signed. Leaving frantic last minute  arrangements to deliver the Broken Heart Stone to Grauman’s Chinese Theater for the 'Immortalization of Michael Jackson in the Hand and Footprint Ceremony'.

It was later in talking to John Branca at the MJIWT Los Angeles premier at Staples that I learned that the negotiations to garner 'The Broken Heart Stone' for the Jackson family on this special day had gone on for almost a year and he felt very happy negotiantions had been finalized in time for the ceremony and that every one was happy with the end result. Michael Jackson fans around the world can thank John Branca and Howard Weitzman for their loving commitment and hard work to Michael and his family which enabled this wonderful piece of Michael HIStory to go public.

Video screen pic of the Jackson family, celebs
and MJ Estate members in attendance

MJ Immortal Cirque dancers entertain the crowd

If you look carefully you can see the image of a fedora above the studded glove imprint in the wet cement.

        So like Michael to be there with his children and to make some magic.

Paris fittingly writes her father's name with a heart in the middle, 'Michael ♥ Jackson.' Watching her at the  ceremony write her father's name in the cement I see Michael in so many ways, with all three I see Michael, but here on this day I see Michael in 1984 on his knee writing his name so carefully in the cement.

A week or two later after the Grauman's cement stone had dried enough for installation both stones were installed in the center of the main Grauman's Chinese Theater patio, directly in front of the main theater doors, only steps from Michael's original Hollywood Star on the sidewalk.

The two stones next to each other center court in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater.  

HOME at last! MJ's wish comes to fruition.

Whose hands? Rachael, Gi, Nicky, Betty.
A great memory!

Fans from around the globe can now visit Grauman’s and touch a piece of Michael’s heart and history. It’s a beautiful thing! So fittingly and assuredly the most important element to Michael, as we were always so accustomed to seeing, was Michael holding hands with his children. Michael’s stone sits right next to his children's hand print stone. All their hands forever immortalized connected For All Time.

Michael’s original star, the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, with the Broken Heart Stone in the background awaiting it's presentation. The original MJ Hollywood Star where not long after Michael had received it and while in the process of writing his book 'Moonwalker' was riding in a car down busy Hollywood Blvd. with one of the editors discussing his book when suddenly he asked the driver to pull over and stop the car. He jumped out did one of his famous spins and dance moves, sang a short bit of a song and then jumped back in the car giggling and laughing as they drove away. You can read this story in the editor's notes of 'Moonwalker'.

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** Credit for top picture and several other pictures to Andrew and Dawn Wilson

 ♥ Robyn's video The Broken Heart Stone.
   Thank you Robyn. Just Beautiful!


 

If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.  Psalm 139:9-10

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Kent Twitchell's Smooth Criminal Mural ♥

♥ UPDATE: MJ fans need to know this information. There are NO donations being taken at this time to install the Smooth Criminal Mural anywhere.  The article below was a fun and exciting event for MJ fans last summer... BUT all has not worked out for this installation.

In the future it is our hope that we may see this incredible mural respectfully installed somewhere... but for now all plans for the installation via the Museum of San Fernando Valley and the Marriott are no longer in effect.

In time when the mural is finally and definitely installed it will be with respect and integrity for Michael's memory... and Kent Twitchell the artist who personally worked with MJ to create it.

*** If you are asked for donations for the mural installation give at your own risk. That money will NOT be going toward the installation of this mural on the Marriott in San Fernando Valley, Calif. 

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♥ Kent Twitchell's 10-story, Michael Jackson, Smooth Criminal mural may soon be a major new Michaeling spot near Michael’s family home. 

The installation of this incredible art piece has been a LONG time coming... since the '90s when Michael worked closely with Kent to create this one of a kind art piece. This spectacular piece of art has been rolled up and stored away for over a decade in Kent Twitchell’s Los Angeles warehouse; however to the joy and bliss of MJ fans around the world portions of this 60 ft. x 100 ft. tall mural are now on display in the galleries of The Museum of The San Fernando Valley.



Courtyard Marriott Hotel, pic of envisioned installation

Michael lived in and called the Hayvenhurst compound in the San Fernando Valley (SFV) home for many years. This bustling valley which is just northwest of Hollywood lays conveniently just over the hill from the Hollywood and Beverly Hills sound studios where he spent much time creating his master pieces. Michael also owned a condo close by Hayvenhurst which he used as a safe and private getaway, a place to store some of his ever growing art and sculpture collection, business and friend meetings and sometimes met media for an interview in the condo. In addition he established a business office for MJJ Productions near by Hayvenhurst on Ventura Blvd. He worked, shopped, visited the local Barnes and Noble book store, doctor and dentist in the SFV, and walked his pet llama on the streets of SFV... all those everyday, normal things that we do... well except walk our pet llamas. He also created his magic in the Hayvenhurst compound recording studio he had specially built. He choreographed parts of the infamous Billie Jean dance routine in the kitchen of Hayvenhurst before the 30th Motown Anniversary TV show and he wrote Liberian Girl in the home studio, after playing pinball upstairs in his room and becoming inspired raced down to the recording studio to write the song. So much MJ history happened in the San Fernando Valley that it is so very fitting that the Smooth Criminal Mural be installed in a prime location of the SFV. The chosen display wall of the Courtyard Marriott Hotel faces the 405 freeway as you enter SFV from the south. In this prime location MJ's mural will be seen daily by over 330,000 cars coming and going each rush hour... morning and night.

Simply Must Dance and Sing Along when MJ's music comes on!



Just in time for the kick off of MJ Tribute week in June the MJ fans were graciously invited to the soft opening of Kent’s MJ mural on June 19, 2015 at The Museum of The San Fernando Valley. Among the other art work from valley museum members and historic pictures from other Hollywood celebrities who also lived in the SFV over the past decades portions of MJ’s mural now hold a prime spot. Here you are able to see up close the incredible dot detail of the mural which when you step back gives the look and feel of a photograph.

Can You Feel It? Museum attendees and staff experienced the joy of MJ fans listening to Michael’s music as we gathered for a group photo but instead broke into a spontaneous expression of joy when MJ’s music began to play and we automatically began to dance and sing along.


♥ MJ Glittery Tattoo Meet and Greet 2015:



Also during the kick off for June 2015 MJ Tribute Week the MJFSC fans were very honored to have Kent Twitchell attend the MJ Glittery Tattoo Meet and Greet 2015 on June 21st at the Universal Sheraton. Kent kindly sat with us and shared stories about the creation of the mural and working with Michael. 



Kent and MJ go over pics at MJ's Studio City Condo in SFV

Mural Photo Shoot

Michael and Kent met at Kent's warehouse studio and Michael’s condo among other places to work on this mural. In speaking with Kent he shared that the two mulled over many different themes for the mural and when Kent suggested the '20s mobster theme Michael just loved it, his eyes lit up and he became very excited suggesting the Smooth Criminal suit. Kent confirmed and felt that the white, Smooth Criminal suit would work perfectly. The contrast with the white suit, Michael's skin tone and the many colors of blue including the azure blue California sky would really make the mural pop. As with all things MJ he wanted to make a huge statement and impact, so vivid, bright colors where chosen to contrast with the white suit. Michael and Kent personally created exclusive, MJ mural paint colors. These unique and vivid, one of a kind, paint colors were created in New York and cannot be seen anywhere else in the world... vivid blues, skin tone colors and whites special ordered under lock and key. Paint colors exclusive only to MJ and will always remain so as MJ holds the rights still today. Also Kent shared that after the installation is complete on the Courtyard Marriott Hotel wall there will be a very special, strong sealant applied which will protect the mural from smog, weather and general wear. This very same sealant was applied to Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel artwork in Italy after their recent restorations. Also the bottom of the mural will hit the top of the second floor which will also protect and keep it out of reach from vandalism.

All of Kent's murals are created from photos so several meetings took place over a span of five years, spending many hours creating together, brain storming, holding photo shoots, discussing the creation and presentation, and what building would be best suited for the mural. Kent rode with Michael in MJ’s car several times traveling around the SFV, Hollywood, Los Angeles areas looking for the right building or just going out to eat... and yes Michael drove and according to Kent did a fine job of driving. Ultimately they chose the side of the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood just across the street and down a bit from MJ’s Hollywood Star. This plan as we now know never came to fruition.

 I am a person who believes everything happens for a reason... so maybe the final installation place was meant to be in an even more advantageous place?

Kent's respect for Michael shown clearly as he told me how Michael always made everyone who worked for him feel like HE was the one working for them, always concerned if they were comfortable or needed anything, never raising his voice and always saying please and thank you. He  affirmed what so many who knew Michael have shared, that Michael was the kindest person he had ever met and was always so considerate of those around him asking over and over what he could do for them, always asking did they need him to do anything else. Fondly smiling Kent revealed that Michael had told him he envisioned himself as a sort of modern day P.T. Barnum.

Michael invited Kent to stay in the cottage at Neverland. At Neverland they spent many hours working on the creation of the mural or just talking and relaxing on the grounds. They both shared a deep love of classical music... another reason why Michael and Kent must have hit it off so well. Not only is Kent like Michael a kind, considerate, gentle human being but also he like Michael appreciates the beauty of classical music. Kent fondly recounted that at Neverland you could hear music everywhere. Michael had classical music playing for him inside and out, surrounding them everywhere, as it came out of the rocks and trees... and even the rides.

Original building choice as it would have looked
installed on the El Capitan Theater

It was fascinating to learn from Kent that the original mural installation would have included one of MJ's personally, conjured up state of the art special affects. Michael had requested a special cloud making machine which would have created a smoke affect coming up from MJ's feet. Although on the Hollywood site it would have been an incredible special affect this will not be possible with the new installation... yes I asked. ;)  However there is going to be one unintentional added affect with the Courtyard Marriott installation. On the side of the building is an elevator shaft, the wall needs to be flat to install the mural, so plans are in process for construction of wedges to be inserted along each side of the shaft on the outside of the building. This will create a slightly convex, curved feel when the mural is installed. This slight curve will hopefully create a feeling of MJ pushing his chest out.

Kent holding the little book about the mural which
is available for purchase to help support the installation

Kent signs a picture for Albert in the Netherlands via Joan

Group pic with Kent at the MJ Glittery Tattoo Event 2015

MJ Fans choosing their glitter tattoos

Kent Twitchell's website

A Guide Map to Kent Twitchell's L.A. Area Murals

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** Well worth the read!
This is a link to a wonderful Los Angeles Times article by Deborah Vankin about Kent Twitchell:

[article excerpt] As is the fleeting nature of street art, many of these works no longer exist, but more than a dozen of Twitchell's murals are still up — often seen from major freeway intersections, familiar landmarks to Angelenos traversing the city.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-ca-cm-kent-twitchell-la-murals-20150705-story.html#page=1

Another article on Culture Monster from Los Angeles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-michael-jackson-mural-at-museum-of-the-san-fernando-valley-20150618-story.html

☀ (`’·. History... The Sands of Time .·’´) ☀

                       "I'll forever be counting backwards from June 25th, 2009" ~ Betty Byrnes

How many times in your life can you say the world stopped? As humans we tend to mark time with these moments... and most are made of joy or grief.  I for one, like many others I'm sure, track time with meaningful events in my life. The joyful moments of the birth of my children or grandchildren... are the very Best of Joy. ☀

There are those moments in time too where an event takes place and the entire world stops as they process... moments that will forever mark History. The assassination of President Kennedy, then Martin Luther King... and then Bobby Kennedy... the death of Lady Diana... tragic, monumental moments creating right and left turns in history... changing the world forever. These people whose passing changed our lives so greatly the vast majority of society did not personally know them; yet the bond we felt was a tangible thing. We admired and followed them and looked to them to guide us and point the way toward a better version of ourselves and of this world.

Tracking time in a lifespan capsule... truly important events over time seem to never be forgotten, yet the actual date will fade from memory. I tend to remember only the emotion, smells, sights, feelings from that moment in history. However when Michael Jackson died... that date... that moment when the news spread like wild fire around the world... it seemed as though the axis of this planet earth, shifted... every nation stopped in disbelief... trying to process the news. It was surreal. Yes the axis of earth seemed to shift and definitely the axis of my life shifted... paradigms shifted as life forever changed for me.

Michael Jackson, an old soul, had the ability at a very early age, over his entire career, and still today even after his passing via his music and artistry to reach into the psyche, soul and heart of a person... to places where most musicians and artists, if they are very good, only scratch the surface. He could reach into the collective heart of an arena filled with 100,000+ people and move them like no other, hold them captive with his magical touch. In history to this day his performace ability is unparallelled. His love for this planet and all the people on it regardless of race, creed or nationality was all encompassing. In the highest sense of the word he was a true humanitarian from an very early age, an instrument of peace in a dark and dreary world. His music infused with God given energy still today inspires, brings change and love into this world. He shared his lifetime moments via his music, expressing angst, love, frustration or awe, wonder and joy. He made it possible for us all to vent our pain or share our love experiencing MJ's music... it is like we knew him... truly knew him. His art, his music and his love for this world is timeless.

    "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." - Maya Angelou

An inexplicable need to write came over me only weeks after Micheal's death. He had touched my heart and life on so many levels. I felt guilt and remorse over how he had been treated and maligned in this world. I was truly blessed with time for my parents before they passed to their heavenly home. I gratefully spent many days and months with them sharing about our lives together... laughing, crying, talking things through, sometimes arguing as families do, sometimes just sitting in silence with nothing needing to be said. I was able to say my long goodbyes to both my mother and my father... express love to them, hug them, kiss them and hold no regrets.  When Michael Jackson passed I was shocked to feel although I didn't know him his death affected me as if he were a family member... only sadly there were so many regrets. What had I missed? Why had I not prayed more for him? Who else in my life had I ignored when they needed me most? In reality I knew as a regular average human on this planet I'd never have been able to known the super star MJ on a personal level... yet at the very least I could have prayed more, listened more, kept an ear tuned to the needs of others. I felt I had failed him... the world had failed him.

Yes my life stopped along with the world's on June 25th, 2009... yet unlike any other time in history the world joined together and collectively poured out their hearts and grief over the loss of this mega-star, human being with the heart of gold. This artist who literally believed that 'his' children were ALL the children of the world and literally took that burden on in his life... to Heal The World. The study of Michael Jackson's altruistic givings is a massive undertaking and extends itself to every continent and nation on this earth. He was a special human being led by his love of God and the human race. And God had imparted to Michael an enormous amount of talent and artistry... more than any other human could endure or encompass... for it was God's portion just for Michael Jackson. By his own admission his musicality, artistry and creativity NEVER stopped. It was both a blessing and curse when it came to sleep which led to chronic insomnia. 
 
Not long after his death it seemed this gigantic slice of creativity which Michael embodied was bequeathed over the masses he left behind. It seemed as though like a sparkly, sprinkling of artistic fairy dust entered our lives... so many found a new desire to sing, write, dance, draw, paint.... create. We were drawn together on social media forums sharing this new found desire to express ourselves. For me the deep desire to write encompassed my every waking moment. I found myself grabbing little papers and napkins which led to notebooks and scribbling down words, phrases and sentences that suddenly were in my head... I had to get them out... write them down and express myself. It felt as if I didn't voice what was filling my mind and heart I'd burst. I'd never experienced anything like it in my life. Like an assignment from God it had to be expressed... once a story or writing began I'd not stop... could not sleep until I felt it was finished which led to days and nights with no sleep. Was this a thimble full of what Michael Jackson must have felt in his life?

All I knew is I had to write. The words the stories were flowing in my veins. The end result was this blog, Michael's Heart. Through this blog and Social Media I've connected and bonded with people, soul mates, from around the globe. My tiny life which previously for many decades consisted of church, children, work and home became this vast canvas of languages, cultures and friends from around the world. We were one! Fulfilling a life long dream of Michel's to bring the world together in LOVE. No matter our nationality... we were the same... our love for Michael and his music and all he gave this world was the glue that pieced together our broken hearts.  Is this a thimble full of what Michael felt?

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.
- Rabindranath Tagore

In the process of writing my blog after Michael's death a sweet memory from my childhood came back to me... would not leave me. Like a distant knocking on a long closed door... it became louder and louder with each passing day. Once I acknowledged the memory and allowed it a stage on my heart the flood gates opened. I soon found that Michael's sprinkling of creativity had opened the door to my childhood. His gift to me opened a place I felt was inconsequential in the larger scheme of things. Life had dished large portions of difficult circumstances which I'd learned to navigate and survive. For me looking back at decades passed had been a waste of time... for after all you can not go back... so why waste your time? Like a warrior I kept my eyes and mind focused forward always vigilant for the next onslaught to come my way. Being a realist of sorts I grew to believe you must deal with what was in front of you... survival is putting one foot in front of the other and praying to get to the other side of pain... and there had been voluminous amounts of pain in my life. So why look back?

The surprise here for me since Michael's sprinkling over my life was I simply had no choice. Just as he had no choice over expressing the massive amount of talent God had served him. He was who he was. He needed to create art of all sorts and styles to be all God created him to be. I too had to write these memories down... for what reason I may never know... but I had no choice. However I do know the blessed inspiration was from God and Michael Jackson. The result was a book filled with memories of a childhood I'd long forgotten. In the beginning I felt I needed to share it for my children and grandchildren. It became my mission in my own way of completing of my father's memoirs of his time as the first Manager of NASA in Houston, Texas, to relay the family legacy of strength and brilliance my father left us. However as I delved into the memories over taking me... I realized maybe it was just for me and for Michael? Or maybe for all of us? Finally I just stopped questioning. I've learned there needs to be no real reason to convey the creativity bursting to be expressed... Just Do It! God knows the reasons... the results are in His hands!

This expression has been the most cathartic and healing excursion through my early childhood. Did I expose myself? Yes. Did I have trepidation over that exposure of such personal memories? Yes. Yet ... for me, for my dad... for my future... here it is serving as a crystal clear light into my future. For today I do not exist to survive, waiting for each new calamitous happening to arrive. Today because I was given this panoramic view into my past... I live... in the now... with joy in my heart.

If you decide to read Moon Child: Growing Up NASA and I hope you do as I absolutely LOVE to share it... I do really hope you enjoy it. You will hopefully feel transported with me to another place in history... the 1960s and '70s. An exciting yet simpler place where the Space Race was at the forefront of our lives and family togetherness took prevalence over all. Before computers and cell phones, when children played out side and were called to dinner where entire families sat at the dinner table every night for a fully rounded, home cooked meal. Where the primary form of communication was the art of letter writing and the rare long distance phone call was made only for family emergencies through a long distance operator. People were closer... communities smaller and people on the street talked to one another. Children could play freely in the city and take bus rides alone into town. Black and White tube TV had just taken it's place in every middle class home in America... and a new age had begun.

☀ Come and take the journey with me in Moon Child: Growing Up NASA. ☀

You can find more information and order a signed copy of the book website:
http://www.moonchildgrowingupnasa.com/

or you can purchase it at Amazon.com
http://amzn.to/1LjdiOr

Check out the videos I made for the book... this was fun!
Working on the 60's video now. Will post it soon.

 

♥ Michael Jackson - The Truth About MJ ♥

             

                       "SO SHINES A GOOD DEED IN A WEARY WORLD"
 ~ Willy Wonka

This is a statement, a manifesto of sorts, revealing Michael Jackson's true character. The irrefutable TRUTH... about his love for children... hopefully an illuminating look into Michael's Heart.

The main subject here was originally posted not long after Michael's death by a now grown child, the personal recipient of MJ's healing love. I remember reading the post on a comment thread on Oprah's website with tears running down my face, sobbing and praying to God that Oprah, who was one of the those in the army from Hollywood and the media that relentlessly attacked MJ's character with aspersions toward his manhood, relationships, sexual orientation and relationship to children... always leaving the implied thought of something perverse hanging in the air. I remember praying and hoping Oprah would read the post and feel deep remorse and regret over her part in the defamation of his character. I continue to pray for those spreading hate and lies about this man... a gentleman... in fact the perfect epitome of a 'gentle' man...  whose love for this world, still today almost six years after his death, out weighs all their hate and jealousy.

"If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed." ~ Adolf Hitler

In spite of crippling emotional pain from media inflicted slander, and betrayal of those lusting after the almighty dollar Michael Jackson walked as the Bible taught him. I am not saying Michael was like God or is God. I know some MJ fans literally take it too far. I truly believe that Michael would be revoltingly appalled knowing that some of his fan base actually pray TO him. He continually pointed to God, our creator, as his source... sharing many times all of his blessings, inspiration and abilities came directly from God. He never took credit... always pointing above to his heavenly Father. The reality is that Michael read the Bible on a regular basis. This fact has been shared by those who spent time with him... who personally knew him. I'm sure he'd smile down from heaven and love it if those praying to him today would get out the Bible and start reading it daily and taking it to heart as he did... instead of praying to him.... instead just go directly to the source he worshiped. He was a human being who practiced what the Bible teaches to the best of his ability, which for most of us was far beyond what we could ever comprehend or have accomplished. Given the opportunity to step into his 'loafers' and live his life I dare say not anyone on this planet could have ever lived so fully or with such graciousness and love.

"With just a little love and a little caring, I have seen kids totally turn around. Where you can't find any cancer at all anymore in their body. I've done it a lot of times. I'm not trying to say I'm Jesus Christ. We should just give a little more attention to the power of love and caring and faith and prayer."     ~ Michael Jackson, 2003

No matter the defamation or hate thrust at Michael he could not help but be his quintessential self... and this essential God given nature was all about Peace and Love. Albeit he perfected and mastered music and dance as it filled his every pore and brain cell 24 hours a day; Michael physically embodied LOVE, sharing this God given anointed treasure with those around him at every turn. He reached out to the sick and needy everywhere...  and those needy were not just children from around the world but also the elderly, entire families, communities, charities, hospitals, the environment and this planet. In fact according to Elizabeth Taylor he gave far too much of himself away... to his own detriment. This is what the media and greedy in Hollywood who clawed to become rich and famous hated and resented about Michael... not only his massive success but his humble, caring character.... for evil and darkness hate the light of love and Michael Jackson truly actualized LOVE in all he did. The worldwide bullying of Michael Jackson is unprecedented to this day and yet never once did he retaliate... this is just something those inflicting that abuse could not understand.... for evil will never understand love.

Sadly there are those in this world so tainted their blurred view of life perceives all goodness as nefarious and malicious. This is a prime example of how Michael Jackson was just too good... too loving...  for this evil world.  Those twisted by greed, jealousy and worship of the almighty dollar and/or lust for fame twisted Michael's association with children. Ironically what these tainted minds are unable to comprehend is that because of people like them Michael was most at peace with children who wanted NOTHING from him. There was nothing nefarious in his motives... just a wish to gain back a bit of his lost childhood and to spend time with humans who held no ulterior motives, wanted nothing from him and viewed him as just a fun person to be around.

Please read this truth and share it with anyone who believes the media lies spread about Michael Jackson. Although there are many who will refuse to believe nothing but the slander... all I can say to that is... some have permanent blinders on... refuse to open their minds to anything but hate... for that... well... you just can't fix stupid. In that instance... all you can do is share the truth then knock the dust from your sandals and move on.

For those who have truly experienced sexual abuse or abuse of any kind my heart goes out to you. I too have experienced this trauma and know others who have suffered the same. For me these disingenuous statements about abuse only prove to make a mockery of those who have truly suffered... and reiterate the fear of coming forward. I'm unable to express in words the massive anger I feel toward those making false allegations about child abuse for monetary gain. It is absolutely as abhorrently evil as the crime against the child.

It has been shared by those who knew Michael including his family that in Michael's mind he believed that all the children of the world were 'his' children... and that he could truly change the world.... and that he did!! There are many accounts like the one below by 'Swiftheart' from children and families around the globe who actually met Michael and experienced his giving, caring, beautiful heart of LOVE and his deep desire to heal the world, especially the children.

As I find these accounts I will add them to this blog post.... to get the truth out there because even today... six years after his death there are still those lying about Michael Jackson for monetary profit. It's much easier to sue Michael Jackson or his estate, hoping for a huge settlement rather than work an honest job. Or there are those who launched so called 'news' careers by spreading slander about Michael. Most of these repugnant individuals have fallen by the wayside. Karma dishing out it's just rewards on them as we, thankfully, rarely hear from them anymore. If only that could have happened while Michael was alive... but then most assuredly he is freely and happily dancing in his heavenly bliss and doesn't even give them the slightest Billie Jean fedora nod. They in the end as with all hate and lies... are absolutely meaningless in the bigger picture of all that Michael Jackson gave to this world.

"He was just so genuine and so warm and so caring.  All of the time I knew 
Michael, almost 20 years, I never ever heard him raise his voice at 
anybody.  Never happened.  He was just such a good person.  Just a 
really deep-down good person." ~ David Nordahl

The lies are being exposed... although you will not hear any of this in the media. The fact that the father of the original accuser committed suicide after Michael's death and the boy forced to say those things against Michael by his parents so they could garner a rancid $20 million removed himself from their care... is no where touted in the media. They do not share that the boy sickened by his parents actions gained full emancipation from both his parents and his step father as soon as possible and has since denied Michael Jackson ever molested him. Nor today will you read about the back story of these sad 'out of work' choreographer/dancers/singers whose bitterness and greed expose their motives and belie all accusations they have made against Michael Jackson. It only takes a bit of research into the character of these accusers and the trail of failures in their careers, which over the years relied heavily on Michael's propping them up, to see the motives behind their lies. After Michael's death those who banked on any sort of income from association with MJ or from hanging on to his coattails over the years have suffered. The free ride has come to an abrupt halt for those who depended on association with Michael as career flotation in the entertainment industry, and there are many. If they had not over the years worked to build their own careers based on real talent, built on their own merits... if they had not learned the needed lessons from Michael's incredible work ethic and example... then with his death their careers and lives took a catastrophic dive into oblivion. They scrambled after his death to garner spots with the MJ Estate based MJ shows and were found lacking, did not fit the bill, or measure up to the task, coincidentally after this bitter rejection was when they vindictively made a desperate last minute move and conjure up the false stories about Michael Jackson molesting them. Clearly if they can't work with the MJ Estate then they will sue them! I will not delve into the names of these unscrupulous, desperate people or the accusations still being made against Michael. I will not give them power here... evil and deception will not be given a place on this site. Shared here... only the truth of Michael's Heart. 

Truth always wins... Michael shared this message as he rose up and walked with dignity and continued to LOVE children globally as Jesus told us to LOVE. May each of us by Michael Jackson's example of Jesus' love for the world and... especially the children help us to strive to be more like him in all we do.

May he rest in peace and may truth continue to be his vindicator! 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

User Swiftheart posted this in the discussion on oprah.com (Lisa Marie Presley speaks about the death of her ex-husband Michael Jackson) on October 18th, 2010:

I was diagnosed with a rare form of child bone cancer in 2000 at the age of fifteen. I was to start chemo therapy in August of that year. Not many people know this but Michael opened up Neverland several times each year for anyone to come and enjoy the park. Everything was free. Rides, games, food. A friend of mine who was a regular at Neverland called me one night and told me the park was going to be open for two weeks at the beginning of August that year. I asked my parents if they would take me the week before I was scheduled to start chemo. My doctors all advised against saying they feared I was too weak but I eventually talked my parents in to it. We had to drive what seemed like several miles after we went through the front gates of Neverland to get to where the actual park was with the rides. As we were driving down the winding road something came over me that I can't explain to this day. It was almost a feeling of peace.

When my family and I stepped out of the car we weren't sure if we should check in with someone or really what to do. A man finally walked over to us and introduced himself and then explained to my parents how everything worked. We signed in with our names and other information and were given matching wrist bands and told we could ride anything we wanted, eat anything we wanted, play any of the games, etc. The man mentioned that on occasion Michael would come outside and say hello to everyone there. My parents thanked the man and within minutes I was at the top of the ferris wheel with my Dad. We rode it three times in a row and then it was on to the swings. We rode the rides for hours before getting in line to get some cotton candy and popcorn. As we sat down at a table with our snacks we noticed a crowd of children running all in one direction. I stood up on the seat of the table we were at but couldn't see anything. Several minutes later the crowd began moving towards us and it was then that I saw Michael. Standing under a huge umbrella and laughing as children were pulling at his arms, legs, and hugging him.

My Mom then grabbed my hand and we made our way over to him. We introduced ourselves and my Mom told him what a wonderful time we were having. She then told him about my cancer and that I would be starting chemo the next week. When she said that Michael put one hand on my head and said, "God Bless you." When he touched me I felt the same feeling of peace and comfort that I did as I had when we drove through the gates of Neverland. He stood there and talked to us for a couple more minutes and then he left. I continued riding rides with my family and the other children but I couldn't stop thinking about meeting him. As we were leaving that night the man who we spoke to when we arrived stopped my dad and handed him a note. The note was from Michael and it was inviting the three of us to have dinner with him. Without hesitation my Dad accepted the invitation and the man then directed us to through another gate which led to the main house. I was surprised once we were in front of the house. I expected it to be this huge mansion but it wasn't. It wasn't small but it certainly wasn't huge. Several people who worked for him greeted us when we pulled up outside. We had dinner with Michael and his children that night and to this day it was the best night of my life. After dinner he asked my parents if it would be ok if he prayed with us and of course they said yes. I had never and still to this day have never heard anyone pray the way he did. At fifteen years old it made me cry

After he finished praying I opened my eyes and looked to each of my parents who were in tears as well. Michael was gracious enough to give us a tour of some of the things were weren't able to see earlier in the day. He showed us the arcade and the movie theatre. The movie theatre at Neverland was not your typical theatre. Not only were there seats like a real theatre, there were also beds for the children who were too sick to sit up. After showing us around we said goodbye to Michael and thanked him for everything. Imagine my Mother's surprise when she received a call from him several days later! We assumed he had obtained our number from the sign in sheet that we filled out upon arriving at Neverland. He asked her how I was doing and she told him I would begin chemo on Monday. He then gave her a number in which to reach him directly and asked her to please call him and let him know how I was doing around the middle of the week. She agreed. I went that Monday morning to the hospital prepared to begin chemo. When the doctor walked in the room he asked both of my parents to sit down. The three of us feared he was going to say the cancer had spread. They had run blood work and some more scans on me two days prior which is typical prior to beginning treatment. When the doctor began to speak he looked at my parents and said, "I don't know how to tell you this. I don't know how to explain this but Danielle no longer has cancer. There are no signs of it on any of the scans we just took."

My Mom, my Dad, and I sat there and just stared at him and finally my Mom burst in to tears. We left the hospital and the first thing my Mom did when we got home was call Michael. I was embarrassed because she was crying on the phone but then she handed the phone to me to speak to him and it was obvious he had been crying as well. Through the years Michael remained in touch with my family and would call us several times a year on the phone to say hello. He would sometimes send us gifts and cards. I have been cancer free for ten years now. I can't explain what happened when I went to Neverland. It's defies explanation. I want people to know that I am not the only one who visited Neverland very sick only to become well after my visit. There are hundreds, if not thousands of us. Our stories were never made public because Michael didn't want that. He was a wonderful man. I have never met anyone who cared so deeply about not just children but people in general.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

"When children listen to music, they don't just listen. They melt into 
the melody and flow with the rhythm. Something inside starts to unfold 
its wings, soon the child and the music are one.
I feel that way, too, in the presence of music, and my best moments of creativity have often been spent with children. When I am around them, music comes to me as easily as breathing."
                                                                                           ~ Michael Jackson "A Child Is A Song"

Kenny Ortega, Michael's Art Director, choreographer and friend for decades speaks about the true character of his friend, Michael Jackson.

1988, United Negro College Fund, Michael Jackson is presented with the Frederick Patterson Award.
Beautiful Elizabeth Taylor speaks about her treasured friend, Michael Jackson, and his true character. How he gave so much to this world... to the point of hurting himself. She speaks of the anonymous help and charity given to so many and how even the receivers many times did not know the help came from Michael Jackson.

One Rose for Michael J. Jackson 2015 .இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—

One Rose for MJJ at Forest Lawn 2014

The One Rose 2015 official total 15,537 Roses .இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—
Loving MJ fans from around the world will again blanket Michael's resting place with beautiful red roses for the 6th anniversary of his passing.

♥ Michael, you will be remembered Always! ♥

♥ Once more thanks to the commitment of loving, caring MJ fans who have worked diligently to make this a reality for Michael Jackson and Michael's loving fans around the world, we will again be honored to blanket Michael with LOVE in the form of a sea of red Freedom Roses.

♥  Each year this has proven to be an amazingly beautiful and vibrant statement of LOVE to the world that Michael is still LOVED beyond measure and will ALWAYS be in our hearts, NEVER forgotten. 

♥  Thanks to Robyn and Sarrah for all their incredible, hard work in making it possible for MJ fans around the globe to continue to show our LOVE to Michael in this most spectacular way on the June 25th anniversary each year since his passing.

One Rose for MJJ at FL 2013

Robyn posted on March 8, 2015

"It gives me great pleasure to announce for the 6th year the opening of the One Rose for Michael J. Jackson, Roses for June 25th 2015...

Every rose represents a fans heart from all over the world, but together we are a blanket of LOVE celebrating his creative genius & legacy and come together worldwide to show our love & gratitude and to pay that love forward in his name.

A paypal account has been set up by One Rose for Michael J. Jackson

To purchase your roses for this years June 25th anniversary send your money via paypal to: onerose4mjj@gmail.com

- The price is $3.00 per long stem Freedom Red Rose

PLEASE NOTE: Every year the calculated cost per rose includes fees, money conversions, trucking costs, taxes and other costs. Once the mentioned fees are deducted any left over balance will go towards the purchase of additional roses.

On June 26th in keeping with Michaels message we pay it forward, a large % of the roses are donated to various charities as well as being placed for the children at Babyland and Lulabyeland in Forest Lawn.

Thank you all for your love & continued support...
Be a part of this beautiful tradition which grows every year...
Will your Rose be there?"

YES!! We Are!!!

.இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—

♥ Please join One Rose for Michael J. Jackson on Face Book at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/OneRose4MJ/186649991448123/

View a video of last Michael's roses in 2014!
https://vimeo.com/121316040

Purchasing your rose(s) with Paypal:
(copied from the One Rose for Michael J. Jackson website)

A paypal account has been set up by One Rose for Michael J. Jackson's admins.

If you already have an existing PayPal account:

1. Go to www.paypal.com

2. Log into your account.

3. Click on ‘Send Money’

4. In the box that says ‘To (email or mobile phone) enter: onerose4mjj@gmail.com

5. In the box marked ‘Amount’ enter the total amount in USD you are sending. Each long stem freedom rose is $3.00. To calculate the total amount of money needed to purchase your roses, multiply the number of roses you’d like to purchase by 3. You may also refer to the chart below:

1 Rose= $3.00
2 Roses=$6.00
1 Doz(12)=$36.00

6. Select ‘This is a purchase’ and click on ‘goods’!

If you would like to purchase your roses with a debit/credit card instead of a PayPal account please go to the link in the One Rose for MJJ website. Click on the payment button at this link:

http://onerose4mjj.blogspot.com/2015/03/annual-one-rose-for-michael-j-jackson.html

*** Translation to Spanish, Russian, Dutch, Japanese, Filipino and French translations are on this One Rose for MJJ blogpost link above. Just open and scroll down. ***

** This year, One Rose for MJJ will not be doing personal confirmation emails for purchases. Upon completing your transaction, PayPal will send you receipt. If you do not receive a receipt email us at onerose4mjj@gmail.com. We will verify upon request.  - Onerose4mjj Admins

** Regarding badges, please stand by as We finalize the finished selection.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.   - Onerose4mjj Admins

*** Add a red One Rose for Michael to your Face Book Profile pic with PicBadges. It's easy just go to this link:
https://www.picbadges.com/community/553d6c06844a9d6e760ad87f

Note: Purchases of roses for our June 25th Rose Event will close on June 18th.