Bil Keane

As a kid my favorite comic strip was Family Circus. Growing up with such a large and extended family I appreciated Bil Keane's sense of humor. We only had three channels when we lived on the indian reservation and that was on a good day. Reading his comics were light, comforting and a great quick escape. I remember writing Bil Keane quite often starting in the fourth grade and he always responded. He used several of my ideas in his strip and he made the point to send me the artwork. I called him on the phone a few times, yes I was 10, and his wife always answered the phone. "Luv, your friend Charlie from California!" I loved her beautiful Australian accent. I love how she called him Luv. He explained the entire process of how he worked from home, how he got his ideas and the process of publishing a nationally syndicated cartoon. I was never much of an artist but Bil Keane truly planted those writing seeds. A delightful man that I never met in person but he always took my call and whose letters I cherished receiving and saved.

Blue Bayou

I remember the day the beast of the 8 track Magnavox stereo you bought at Walker Scott's on your modest salary as a seamstress was delivered to the second story of the Mission Village Apartments. I was your DJ on the wooden console when company came over and how I loved pulling the tapes in and out. Oh how I hated listening to Mexican music but you would be happy to know that now when I am driving I look for Mexican stations and this makes you feel so much closer.

Listening to Linda Ronstandt today reminds me of your love for time with family and friends. We left a world behind when we left Pico Rivera. We left friends and a house you were so proud of buying with my father but I know your emotional safety was more important than anything material that money could never buy.

I thnk the lyrics to your favorite Linda Ronstandt song spoke to you.

Saving nickels saving dimes
Working til the sun don't shine
Looking forward to happier times
On Blue Bayou

I'm going back someday
Come what may
To Blue Bayou
Where the folks are fine
And the world is mine
On Blue Bayou
I'm going back someday

Mom, I know you are enjoying your Blue Bayou. Tomorrow will be seven years since you left us and how we miss you but until we go, you taught us to love, laugh and live. Because in the end what really matters the most when we are here is how we love ourselves, how we love our family and how we love our friends. Love is all we have to give. And always remember in living never forgetting to laugh.

Suede Vans

I never understood how my father could wear a pair of sneakers that looked brand new and were at least a decade old. I think it was the year of my first job when I first took notice of the fine condition of some of my own sneakers.  When I became a parent I fully understood the importance of buying quality and long lasting shoes.  

Carlos Ulloa, Sr.

My father proudly carried faded pictures in his wallet of his kids and grand kids. He was married seven times. His swagger was reminiscent of Clark Gable and his parenting that of a Disneyland Dad. He manufactured mufflers and glass packs for race cars and low riders. I don't ever recall pissing him off. I learned to always be on my best behavior around him. I just wanted to be with him, near him. I don't ever remember hearing him complain or talk negatively about anyone including my mom. He loved living, woman, drinking, traveling, gambling, driving, his business, his kids, his pets, fishing, hunting, pool, baseball, the horse races and singing a ballad or two. "Martha" was his standard song after a few drinks. Compadre Leo was always close by to play the piano my sisters resented. My father left home at age 8 when his mom moved to London to become a nanny to an ambassador.  My father sold newspapers throughout Latin America. Meeting him you would never know he was on his own at such a young age. A resilient man who lived a colorful life. I have a ragged collection of his writing that he left with his aunt for safe keeping. She lost most but held onto his first poems. My father the lover. I see him in my sisters, my brothers, nieces and nephews. I even see him in my son. A complex man but I definitely know this old man was my father.

Lane Marie

This afternoon I got to meet a good friend's first born.  A delightful and beautiful baby girl with big eyes and spiky hair. I know in a past life I had to have been a wet nurse since all I wanted to do was hold her and talk to her.  Kids slow you down in a good way.  Great to see the positive effect a child has on a family.  Signed a collection of my books in Spanish for her so she can become bilingual.

Chalee

Yesterday my father would have been 85. I had coffee, something sweet and a few beers in his memory. It has been over 16 years since he departed. I will never forget his smile, how he called my name or the way he made me feel.