Halloween 2007 on a bus with 9 people wearing a $0.99 hot pink mask.......WOOOPIE!!!! Someone hold me back!!
Well, I can't really complain. It's the end of a really awesome day for me. As I leave Maryland I look back at the people I have met and the things that I have learned. The one that sticks out to me the most is the guy who taught me HOW TO SHOOT A GUN!!!!
YEAH BABY!! I went shootin' me some clay pigeons today.
It all started a day ago when we pulled up to one of the nicest places I have ever stayed at .....EVER! The Pintail Point Bed and Breakfast. The good people at the Maryland Task Force have been helping GINA for missing persons set up a concert here in Maryland and somehow landed our show at Hunter's Oak Golf Course who is partnered with Pintail Point B&B. Pintail, donated the entire house, which had 5 bedrooms suites, and I think all together had over 15 rooms, and sleeps 16 people comfortably. This was a mansion to say the least.
It was build in 1934 by a Portuguese Prince, then sold in the 70's for around 125K ! In the 90's the owners decided to do some renovations and turn it into a bed and breakfast.
I thought my head was going to spin off my neck. I had no idea that these places even existed. And never thought that I would be able to stay at such a place while on this tour. What a friggin' treat.
8 am, when I woke up to Tammy jumping on top of me screaming "WAKE UP DANA!!!" I first had to warn her that if she didn't get off of me I'd have to throw her across the room, and then I wiped the boogers out of my eyes and headed down stairs where there was a lady makin' muffins and coffee. "HECK YES!!" It was the SHI*@#%!!
She asked me if I was going clay shooting and I think I said yes to her, not realizing what she was even talking about. So she said all I'd have to do was walk to the Welcome center and sign up.
Later that morning I asked someone what clay shooting was and they said " You know Dana, Skeet Shooting!?!?" Which I thought was something completely different. But nonetheless, it was described as what I learned today as Clay Pigeon Shooting.
I loaded that gun and out of 12 clay discs, I shot 1!! Not friggin' bad for a little twit like me. The gun was a Barretta, 20 gauge, automatic shot gun, that left a nice bruise on my shoulder. MAN, when I pulled that trigger I couldn't help but hoot and hauler like a back woods Betty Badass!! Don't worry mom, I don't want a gun for Christmas.
After I bonded with my hillbilly roots, We walked over to a couple of horses named Spot and Ralph, who weren't so interested in us, so of course I did my usual loud obnoxious, baby/animal talk to see if I could get there attention...... yeah they just walked away. "Hey that's cool" I said " I just shot a gun......!!!"
Big D
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
To film or not to film????
The concert at Hunters Oak last night went really well! This Maryland Task Force really know how to organize. The stories from the families all drew us in and brought us to tears once again. There are so many people affected out there and we have found more family by coming here.
We packed up and headed to the Bed & Breakfast for a relaxing evening. It is an amazing house and we all had plenty of space to stretch out. We explored a bit and tried to scare each other by making up stories of this old house. Someone screamed like a girl, but I won't say who!! Dana and I bunked together in twin beds and slept soundly. I don't think the covers even moved on my bed. I was out!! I woke up early to enjoy a little of the beautiful view before we headed off to Washington. The mist coming off the river cast a calming effect on the morning. Jannel, Gary, and I readied ourselves for the long trip to Washington, DC to visit with Representatives and share our heart for the missing. We wanted to get our voices heard and get that Squeaky Wheel making noise.
We spent three hours walking around the Rayburn Bldg. and the Cannon Bldg., meeting with various representatives from around the country. When going through Union station I was asked to quit filming....then again going through security...me and getting into trouble with cameras...there must be a trend here. Of course, Jannel had to make a scene when going through the security check point. She just couldn't walk through, no...she kept setting off the alarm. She pretty much stripped all jewelery off, and any added accessories...and still the alarm kept going off. I'm sure it didn't help that she was wearing a wire(her mic) and thus looked quite suspicious. The security guard finally gruffly told her to just come through and he used the wand on her. It only beeped at her midsection...a mere plastic button was setting it off. She got the attention she needed for the day and we were able to proceed. After roaming the halls of our capitol city for three hours toting two cameras that I wasn't allowed to use, I was ready to head back to our bus sweet bus! By this time we were starving, but we couldn't eat in town, we had to drive out before traffic got bad. We had our daredevil driver, Darlene, braving the streets of DC. Needless to say, I won't comment on her driving ability. I was asked to sign a waiver against any negative comments regarding her driving, Egyptian dance, and you go girl comments. I am here to type this blog, so I guess she did pretty well with the driving. We did run into a major traffic jam followed by a group of teens chasing another teen through traffic dodging cars and almost getting hit. I did manage to film the event just in case they started beating on this young boy, it didn't look good and we didn't know if someone was going to get hurt. They ran around cars for several minutes and finally got out of the street...it was a tense moment. I figured I might as well use some film, since the government wouldn't let me film our representatives. We finally arrived back at Hunters Oak to greet the rest of the group...we missed them so. It is hard to be apart since we have grown so close over these past 13 days. We had to bid our new friends adieu, Darlene and Cathy, so they could head home. We have found more family to love.
And now, the dilemma.....when arriving back at the bus some of us had to go to the bathroom. Upon checking out the situation we found that the clubhouse was locked along with the pub. No available restrooms....ugh!! Of course, the Bama rule is no #2 on the bus...what were we to do. Do we break the Bama rule, or do we find a spot in the woods???? What a dilemma! We started to make arrangements to get a ride to a gas station, when in walks Joe. He had been in the clubhouse using the restroom when they locked him in. Joe, our angel, has saved the day...the door is now unlocked because he had to come out. WE follow him back to the clubhouse and proceed to do our business. I finish up and wash my hands and hear someone trying to get into the bathroom...thankfully I locked the door. I'm thinking is Jannel trying to come in.....or are the guys worried about me???? I open the door and before me stands this huge block of a man...I immediately do what anyone in my situation would do...I turned off the light. Trying to act natural!! We proceed to explain our situation and he is cool with it all, and said he was just checking things out. WHEW!!! I'm glad I had already went because I might have lost it then. This is one eventful trip! I find I am constantly being told to quit filming...what is with that???? Either by gas stations, gov't security, gov't regulations, or our own security force. Maybe I should give up the dream to film, maybe it never was my dream, maybe I should just resort to a chip in my brain to save all the data needed???
Until next blog.....I will ponder that dilemma!
FYI!! Dana doesn't liked being pounced on early in the morning to be woke up....I learned that first hand this morning.
I can't wait to see what North Carolina brings!!
Tammy
We packed up and headed to the Bed & Breakfast for a relaxing evening. It is an amazing house and we all had plenty of space to stretch out. We explored a bit and tried to scare each other by making up stories of this old house. Someone screamed like a girl, but I won't say who!! Dana and I bunked together in twin beds and slept soundly. I don't think the covers even moved on my bed. I was out!! I woke up early to enjoy a little of the beautiful view before we headed off to Washington. The mist coming off the river cast a calming effect on the morning. Jannel, Gary, and I readied ourselves for the long trip to Washington, DC to visit with Representatives and share our heart for the missing. We wanted to get our voices heard and get that Squeaky Wheel making noise.
We spent three hours walking around the Rayburn Bldg. and the Cannon Bldg., meeting with various representatives from around the country. When going through Union station I was asked to quit filming....then again going through security...me and getting into trouble with cameras...there must be a trend here. Of course, Jannel had to make a scene when going through the security check point. She just couldn't walk through, no...she kept setting off the alarm. She pretty much stripped all jewelery off, and any added accessories...and still the alarm kept going off. I'm sure it didn't help that she was wearing a wire(her mic) and thus looked quite suspicious. The security guard finally gruffly told her to just come through and he used the wand on her. It only beeped at her midsection...a mere plastic button was setting it off. She got the attention she needed for the day and we were able to proceed. After roaming the halls of our capitol city for three hours toting two cameras that I wasn't allowed to use, I was ready to head back to our bus sweet bus! By this time we were starving, but we couldn't eat in town, we had to drive out before traffic got bad. We had our daredevil driver, Darlene, braving the streets of DC. Needless to say, I won't comment on her driving ability. I was asked to sign a waiver against any negative comments regarding her driving, Egyptian dance, and you go girl comments. I am here to type this blog, so I guess she did pretty well with the driving. We did run into a major traffic jam followed by a group of teens chasing another teen through traffic dodging cars and almost getting hit. I did manage to film the event just in case they started beating on this young boy, it didn't look good and we didn't know if someone was going to get hurt. They ran around cars for several minutes and finally got out of the street...it was a tense moment. I figured I might as well use some film, since the government wouldn't let me film our representatives. We finally arrived back at Hunters Oak to greet the rest of the group...we missed them so. It is hard to be apart since we have grown so close over these past 13 days. We had to bid our new friends adieu, Darlene and Cathy, so they could head home. We have found more family to love.
And now, the dilemma.....when arriving back at the bus some of us had to go to the bathroom. Upon checking out the situation we found that the clubhouse was locked along with the pub. No available restrooms....ugh!! Of course, the Bama rule is no #2 on the bus...what were we to do. Do we break the Bama rule, or do we find a spot in the woods???? What a dilemma! We started to make arrangements to get a ride to a gas station, when in walks Joe. He had been in the clubhouse using the restroom when they locked him in. Joe, our angel, has saved the day...the door is now unlocked because he had to come out. WE follow him back to the clubhouse and proceed to do our business. I finish up and wash my hands and hear someone trying to get into the bathroom...thankfully I locked the door. I'm thinking is Jannel trying to come in.....or are the guys worried about me???? I open the door and before me stands this huge block of a man...I immediately do what anyone in my situation would do...I turned off the light. Trying to act natural!! We proceed to explain our situation and he is cool with it all, and said he was just checking things out. WHEW!!! I'm glad I had already went because I might have lost it then. This is one eventful trip! I find I am constantly being told to quit filming...what is with that???? Either by gas stations, gov't security, gov't regulations, or our own security force. Maybe I should give up the dream to film, maybe it never was my dream, maybe I should just resort to a chip in my brain to save all the data needed???
Until next blog.....I will ponder that dilemma!
FYI!! Dana doesn't liked being pounced on early in the morning to be woke up....I learned that first hand this morning.
I can't wait to see what North Carolina brings!!
Tammy
DC or BUST!
Ouch, the dogs are barking after walking all day in DC in heels...
Gary, Tammy and I went with the Maryland Taskforce for the Missing to go to our Representatives offices in DC to let them know about the issues relating to the missing. There is the fact that there is a data base called CODIS used to log DNA. And the way to get this DNA processed for free is already set up for the families. Most people are unaware of this. We are trying to find ways to get this info our to the people who need it. This free service to process DNA is available if requested by law enforcement...North Texas University has a program funded by the Dept of Justice to process all of our missing family members DNA. Not only are family members of the missing unaware of this service, but many police departments are not educated about what is available out their to help identify our missing. We are hoping to find ways to educate family members of the missing re: this free service and to have a consistent system of communication to all police dept across the nation.
Additionally, we also talked with each office about the needed funding for Nations Center for Missing Adults. They will have to close their doors on Nov 5th if something does not happen. This is the only National Data base for missing adults in this country. If this closes in 5 days...it will affect many families and many other nonprofit agencies like GINA that rely on their website as a resource.
There are many issues to discuss...so many missing pieces. I am only covering a few.
We have limited computer access and I am about to get logged off, so I must hurry to finish...more on DC tomorrow.
Jannel
Gary, Tammy and I went with the Maryland Taskforce for the Missing to go to our Representatives offices in DC to let them know about the issues relating to the missing. There is the fact that there is a data base called CODIS used to log DNA. And the way to get this DNA processed for free is already set up for the families. Most people are unaware of this. We are trying to find ways to get this info our to the people who need it. This free service to process DNA is available if requested by law enforcement...North Texas University has a program funded by the Dept of Justice to process all of our missing family members DNA. Not only are family members of the missing unaware of this service, but many police departments are not educated about what is available out their to help identify our missing. We are hoping to find ways to educate family members of the missing re: this free service and to have a consistent system of communication to all police dept across the nation.
Additionally, we also talked with each office about the needed funding for Nations Center for Missing Adults. They will have to close their doors on Nov 5th if something does not happen. This is the only National Data base for missing adults in this country. If this closes in 5 days...it will affect many families and many other nonprofit agencies like GINA that rely on their website as a resource.
There are many issues to discuss...so many missing pieces. I am only covering a few.
We have limited computer access and I am about to get logged off, so I must hurry to finish...more on DC tomorrow.
Jannel
The Bikers of Queenstown
We played in Queenstown Maryland last night. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE. It is called HUNTERS OAKS. That equates to 1700 acres of lakes, flatlands, green and awesomeness.
Last night there was a ROAR before we started and within minutes a gaggle of leather clad bikers appeared in the audience. Seems they were invited by the Maryland task force and REALLY wanted a picture taken with our bus. Kath (the ex marine who told us we were WIMPS not to ride the rail)organized them all and we heard the roar of the engines as they road their HOGS over to get a pioture with our bus. One of them shock my hand and called me "SON". His name was "SPIDER". Imagine that...me...the son of an outlaw biker named "Spider". MY biker name would be.....
GNAT.
The point of the story is that I actually fell asleep while we were playing our "hit" song "MUST HAVE BEEN". Not literal ASLEEP neccesarily. But once we atarted that song the bikers started to leave. I saw them leaving one by one and then heard the roar of the bikes over the sound of our instruments. As I was playing i went inside my head and started thinking about the bikers. Did they hate us that bad? Didn't they think Jannel and Dana were HOTTT!!!! Maybe a few of them fancied Gary and me. Wait, these are bikers!!!!
By the time I roused myself from my reverie we were at the end of the song. I literally zoned out for the entire song.
Biker have that effect on me.
Last night there was a ROAR before we started and within minutes a gaggle of leather clad bikers appeared in the audience. Seems they were invited by the Maryland task force and REALLY wanted a picture taken with our bus. Kath (the ex marine who told us we were WIMPS not to ride the rail)organized them all and we heard the roar of the engines as they road their HOGS over to get a pioture with our bus. One of them shock my hand and called me "SON". His name was "SPIDER". Imagine that...me...the son of an outlaw biker named "Spider". MY biker name would be.....
GNAT.
The point of the story is that I actually fell asleep while we were playing our "hit" song "MUST HAVE BEEN". Not literal ASLEEP neccesarily. But once we atarted that song the bikers started to leave. I saw them leaving one by one and then heard the roar of the bikes over the sound of our instruments. As I was playing i went inside my head and started thinking about the bikers. Did they hate us that bad? Didn't they think Jannel and Dana were HOTTT!!!! Maybe a few of them fancied Gary and me. Wait, these are bikers!!!!
By the time I roused myself from my reverie we were at the end of the song. I literally zoned out for the entire song.
Biker have that effect on me.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
I Love Maryland
Our little adventure to the harbor turned into quite the exciting time. The ride on the train was eventful as Jeff described earlier. We were just going to walk around the hotel and look at the sights, but then it was decided that we should actually take a day off and do some real exploring. Little did we know that we would experience Baltimore first hand by riding the train. We were the typical tourists in every way, video camera in hand, loud, and looking at the sights. Dana and I were looking at the pretty lights, and scenery when Eli and Gary jumped into action when they sensed danger. We were quite oblivious to the two guys on either side of us that made eye contact and looked like they were ready to pounce. Gary pushed Dana and I both into the street and said, "Get walking!" He then proceeded to take my camera and say, "No more filming, walk with purpose, and look like you know where you are going." I took this advice, but Dana was tooooo happy to be contained. Don't know if it was the three glasses of wine, the cold medicine, or just her happy self. The boys were trying their best to keep her contained, but they had their job cut out for them. Gary grabbed the camera in his hand and was prepared to use it if needed....it was all we had for we weren't packing heat! We went by the harbor...beautiful, and then over to the Hard Rock Cafe to get souvenirs. The scenery was amazing, but not recorded as much as I would have liked, but in my mind forever. The Legal Seafood Restaurant was amazing!!! I am not much for seafood since I haven't been exposed to it, but their crab cakes were to die for. I also had Halibut steak for the Hal-i-but. It was sooooo good! I now like seafood. Even young Eli tried Rainbow Trout and ate the whole thing. This is a huge accomplishment for him, he is not one to try new things. He likes his staples. We had such a wonderful day off. The train ride home was quite interesting, although Eli was off looking for his ticket and hugging the Maryland Task Force and almost missed the train. We managed to all board, ride safely (but not quietly..for that is not our nature), and safely get off the train. The guys were running security and figured they would probably end up taking a bullet to protect the ladies. They thought whoever came after us would not be working with fists but guns. Of course, Jeff is always looking for that hook to get media attention on this tour, so I was not feeling safe about his protection. Needless to say, we made it safely back to the hotel and had a restful nights sleep.
We are flyering this afternoon with the Maryland Task Force and just stopped at the Moose Lodge to eat. Did I say I love Maryland???? Well I do!!! This is the Road Weary Manager, loving every minute, sleeping only when the details that swarm my mind allow!
We are flyering this afternoon with the Maryland Task Force and just stopped at the Moose Lodge to eat. Did I say I love Maryland???? Well I do!!! This is the Road Weary Manager, loving every minute, sleeping only when the details that swarm my mind allow!
Bad Boys of Baltimore
Last evening Gary and Tammy organized an "adventure" into downtown Baltimore for a dinner on 1 of only 2 days off on the entire tour. We were told we would ride the "light rail" to the "harbor". My mind flooded with images of a seafood dinner seated along the bay after a short carriage ride thru the tranquil city.
Turns out the light rail was basically the inner city subway.
The ride over was unevenful but MUCH LONGER then expected. And it was clear that we were the "foreigners".
Tammy asked our waitress about the safety of riding the rail.
"Well, you know Baltimore is the murder capitol of the nations".
We were advised to take a cab back or ride in a very large group on the rail. An ex marine mother of a missing persons that was dining with us said that we should ride in front by the conductor,
"That way if you get into trouble you can alert them and they will stop at the next place and get the police".
I felt comforted. Especially as we walked to the rail after dinner at 11PM and a drunk skinhead fell into our group and stared at us maniacally while making casual conversation with Jannel. Tammy said to me, "Jeffrey, protect the ladies."
I searched my Indian heritage to see if I could recall the ancient Indian art of screaming and begging.
So the momment arrives and we board the train but we make a HUGE scene getting on because Eli is hugging and saying goodbye and the doors are closing and a man in the back is yelling "HEY HEY HEY GET ON THE TRAIN". Any chance of remainimg low key is gone and from that moment on my crew of pale faces does little to keep all eyes from remaining locked on us. We had cameras filming, Dana Woods talking loudly across the aisle to Tammy, and at one point they did a "gang routine" flipping signs and saying "Yo Yo". I calmly said to Ms. Woods "This might not be the best place to do gang signs".
In what seemed like 7 hours we arrived at our stop and Jannel saddled up next to me and said: "Guard your belongings and be aware of your surroundings." This because of the men on the train suddenly pushed to get off at our stop. Now, how would they know it was our stop? Because throughout the long, journey back, several in our party kept announcing how much further our EXACT stop was. That combined with our tourist shopping bags, loud talk of what state we were in before, and we were setup to go down.
As we exited the train (quiet for the first time) Gary took the camera out of Tammy's hands to use as a weapon.
Moral of the story: No one followed us and I will not go into the inner city with these pale faces that I love without the National Guard.
Turns out the light rail was basically the inner city subway.
The ride over was unevenful but MUCH LONGER then expected. And it was clear that we were the "foreigners".
Tammy asked our waitress about the safety of riding the rail.
"Well, you know Baltimore is the murder capitol of the nations".
We were advised to take a cab back or ride in a very large group on the rail. An ex marine mother of a missing persons that was dining with us said that we should ride in front by the conductor,
"That way if you get into trouble you can alert them and they will stop at the next place and get the police".
I felt comforted. Especially as we walked to the rail after dinner at 11PM and a drunk skinhead fell into our group and stared at us maniacally while making casual conversation with Jannel. Tammy said to me, "Jeffrey, protect the ladies."
I searched my Indian heritage to see if I could recall the ancient Indian art of screaming and begging.
So the momment arrives and we board the train but we make a HUGE scene getting on because Eli is hugging and saying goodbye and the doors are closing and a man in the back is yelling "HEY HEY HEY GET ON THE TRAIN". Any chance of remainimg low key is gone and from that moment on my crew of pale faces does little to keep all eyes from remaining locked on us. We had cameras filming, Dana Woods talking loudly across the aisle to Tammy, and at one point they did a "gang routine" flipping signs and saying "Yo Yo". I calmly said to Ms. Woods "This might not be the best place to do gang signs".
In what seemed like 7 hours we arrived at our stop and Jannel saddled up next to me and said: "Guard your belongings and be aware of your surroundings." This because of the men on the train suddenly pushed to get off at our stop. Now, how would they know it was our stop? Because throughout the long, journey back, several in our party kept announcing how much further our EXACT stop was. That combined with our tourist shopping bags, loud talk of what state we were in before, and we were setup to go down.
As we exited the train (quiet for the first time) Gary took the camera out of Tammy's hands to use as a weapon.
Moral of the story: No one followed us and I will not go into the inner city with these pale faces that I love without the National Guard.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Blah blah blah blaaaaaaaaaaag
Hey, Yo'ins,
I started out with Yo'ins as we drove through Pennsylvania today. Beautiful Pennsylvania I might add. We flyered quite a few spots in Pennsylvania this morning as we made our way to Maryland. The first 5 stops actually said no, but we perserved and we were on a streak of people that really cared about missing people. We also met a couple of sisters on their way to Florida who took a whole stack and offered to make copies along the way so they could post missing people from Oregon, California, Iowa, Indiana and more...we are picking up Gina volunteers everywhere we go. It's amazing.
Oh and by the way, our bus attracts a lot of attention...which was the point of raising money to make this happen. The more attention we attract to our cause...the more chances of bringing one home. Each new stop brings tears to the families members of the missings eyes when they see the bus that represents the Squeaky Wheel Tour. Patti Bishop was so moved it took her a few moments to compose herself so she could take a picture of the bus. I still tear up when I see the bus. This whole trip has been surreal. I am trying to be in the moment as much as I can to drink it all in...but with so much going on I am glad there are 9 of us to capture all the bits and pieces.
This is yesterdays blog from Ohio. Oct 28, 2007: I had an inspiration today as the band was talking. It is about building a data base with enough artists to profile all 100,000 active missing people’s cases in this country during the Squeaky Wheel Tour. Now, I don’t really want to make more work for myself and I don’t really want to actively pursue this at this time. However, the reality of bringing this to pass does bring tears to my eyes as I contemplate the enormity of that kind of effort and the impact it would have on 100,000 missing people’s families…it seems like a very worthwhile goal. I know there are enough Indie artists out there make it possible. I can’t believe it took me so long to come up with that idea.
The idea all started this morning when we were at a “Flying J” in Ohio placing missing person’s flyers and asking travelers to take them. Prior to flyering, I went to the back of the bus to grab a stack of flyers and had very a difficult time not taking every single one with me. How do I choose? Who am I to choose which flyers go out at any given truck stop? I felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the missing we had in our care coupled with the knowledge that they all needed and deserved that chance to be brought home. Tears welled up in my eyes with nearly each person I asked to take a flyer. As I told the story of my sister it felt like I was not reciting this story by rote but that it was the first time I was telling it….as if it just happened. That is the thing with living in this world of the missing. I try to focus on what is found in my life and keep that at the forefront of my mind…however, there are times when the walls I put up to protect me break through and I have my moments where it feels like Gina just disappeared. I never know what it is that will break down my focus of found and the walls I have built up to protect me in order to daily deal with the sadness that surrounds this work. Today the tears simply came from knowing that each one of those precious missing deserve to be found, to be recognized and brought home…to their waiting families.
Thus, the today’s tears breaking through created an idea that every missing person in the US will be profiled by at least once artists during the 19 day Squeaky Wheel Tour period. Don’t know if we can achieve it by 2008...but having the goal and focus in my mind and putting it out there…makes it SO!
All is well on Clementine Street!
Jannel
I started out with Yo'ins as we drove through Pennsylvania today. Beautiful Pennsylvania I might add. We flyered quite a few spots in Pennsylvania this morning as we made our way to Maryland. The first 5 stops actually said no, but we perserved and we were on a streak of people that really cared about missing people. We also met a couple of sisters on their way to Florida who took a whole stack and offered to make copies along the way so they could post missing people from Oregon, California, Iowa, Indiana and more...we are picking up Gina volunteers everywhere we go. It's amazing.
Oh and by the way, our bus attracts a lot of attention...which was the point of raising money to make this happen. The more attention we attract to our cause...the more chances of bringing one home. Each new stop brings tears to the families members of the missings eyes when they see the bus that represents the Squeaky Wheel Tour. Patti Bishop was so moved it took her a few moments to compose herself so she could take a picture of the bus. I still tear up when I see the bus. This whole trip has been surreal. I am trying to be in the moment as much as I can to drink it all in...but with so much going on I am glad there are 9 of us to capture all the bits and pieces.
This is yesterdays blog from Ohio. Oct 28, 2007: I had an inspiration today as the band was talking. It is about building a data base with enough artists to profile all 100,000 active missing people’s cases in this country during the Squeaky Wheel Tour. Now, I don’t really want to make more work for myself and I don’t really want to actively pursue this at this time. However, the reality of bringing this to pass does bring tears to my eyes as I contemplate the enormity of that kind of effort and the impact it would have on 100,000 missing people’s families…it seems like a very worthwhile goal. I know there are enough Indie artists out there make it possible. I can’t believe it took me so long to come up with that idea.
The idea all started this morning when we were at a “Flying J” in Ohio placing missing person’s flyers and asking travelers to take them. Prior to flyering, I went to the back of the bus to grab a stack of flyers and had very a difficult time not taking every single one with me. How do I choose? Who am I to choose which flyers go out at any given truck stop? I felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the missing we had in our care coupled with the knowledge that they all needed and deserved that chance to be brought home. Tears welled up in my eyes with nearly each person I asked to take a flyer. As I told the story of my sister it felt like I was not reciting this story by rote but that it was the first time I was telling it….as if it just happened. That is the thing with living in this world of the missing. I try to focus on what is found in my life and keep that at the forefront of my mind…however, there are times when the walls I put up to protect me break through and I have my moments where it feels like Gina just disappeared. I never know what it is that will break down my focus of found and the walls I have built up to protect me in order to daily deal with the sadness that surrounds this work. Today the tears simply came from knowing that each one of those precious missing deserve to be found, to be recognized and brought home…to their waiting families.
Thus, the today’s tears breaking through created an idea that every missing person in the US will be profiled by at least once artists during the 19 day Squeaky Wheel Tour period. Don’t know if we can achieve it by 2008...but having the goal and focus in my mind and putting it out there…makes it SO!
All is well on Clementine Street!
Jannel
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Tammy here, the road weary tour manager for this group of angels! We are having an incredible journey together! I am amazed at the heart of this group. Some of you know that I am Jannel's sister, while it may be a news flash to the rest of you. I am so grateful to be along on this adventure that has been an emotional journey to say the least. We have had many moments of laughter, mixed with an overwhelming need to shedd those much needed tears. That seems to be the thread throughout this journey as we stretch and grow through this time. We have had Jeff's pnemonia to deal with, Christi's knee issues, Dana's sniffles, and now some kind of allergic reaction on my eyelids. Who knows where that came from, but we all are handling life on this bus amazingly well! We have grown so accustomed to this rocking boat of sleep that when we are offered a motel bed, we choose to sleep in our tight knit bunk. We feel like the bus is our home now. To be able to help these families at each stop has been an incredible, fulfilling experience...one I shall never forget. Today we took flyers to a truck stop in Columbus, OH. The truckers were very receptive and took the flyers to post wherever they traveled. I am encouraged by the goodness of people out there, the generosity of strangers. We still have good people out there, and there are alot of them. The amazing thing about this group of musicians is how they perform. No matter the size of the audience, whether it be 5 or 500, they go out and give it their all each time. They give all their energy, all their heart, not leaving anything out. Their hearts are felt each time they perform, audiences are touched wherever they are. I am honored to be a part of this tour, and to help out in anyway I can. Jeff's favorite thing to say to me is, "You are really earning the money you raised for yourself." It always makes me laugh. I would do it again in a heartbeat, it is an adventure of a lifetime to be able to travel with such a mission as we have chosen. Even if we don't find our sister Gina, we may find someone else's sister, mother, brother, son, daughter...that is what makes us get up at 5:00 am and back to bed after midnight! It is soooooo worth it!!! Until next time....Tamlyn
Catching up with all the days gone by.....
We are almost half way through our tour and for me it's gone by so quickly. We've been to Nebraska for a couple of days where Jannel is native. Our show at the Meadowlark was a great hit. We had about 5 families of the missing attend and got some great interviews for the T.V. show.
We've been to South Dakota where we hung out with our biggest fans Kim, Arllen and Tabi, The folks over in Garreston made us a nice spread of food right before our show over at Augi. College, in Souix Falls. Christi our camera girl got injured badly while playing with some of the kids of the area. I guess she tripped over a crack in the street and fell right on her knee. She came up into the bus and there was a little red mark right above her knee cap. Not a big deal.....Yeah right!!! About 1 hour and 1/2 goes by and she comes walking up to the merch. table and lifts her pant leg up and her knee is the size of a orange!! And that little red mark above her knee cap was now green, yellow, red and a funky brown color....... gnarls!
I could see it in her eyes she was freaked out. Lucky for us there were 2 med. students there at the show that helped her out with some pain relievers and an ace bandage. Over the course of our trip she has seen a Dr. and he Rx her a soft cast and I think someone along the way had donated and old school looking crutch, so she's all hooked up and ready to go.
From there we headed to Iowa and did a show at the Moose Lodge. Somethin' was a brewin' in my system that I couldn't yet explain but I shugged it off and continued with the show and it went good.
Now.....the next morning round 6 or 7 am I felt a very strange pain in my throat and went I went to swallow, the pain threw me back to that Roubitussin commercial cira.1982 ...."It'll hurt if I swallow....It'll hurt if I swallow......It'll hurt if I.....MOMMY!!!!!"
I knew right then and there I was SICK!!!!! "SONOFA......!"
Our next show was in downtown Chicago at the Lumen Club, and we had to drive quite a bit so I got a lot of rest. When we got there and walked in to set up I was surprised at how groovy this club was considering it was in the middle of the meat packing district in downtown Chicago. It actually reminded me of the hipster clubs in L.A. on being the Mandrian Hotel off of Sunset where only the hoity of toities go......oooohhh fancy!!!
With this being said I guess you can say It wasn't the kind of place Clementine is used to playing, so I kept my mind open...
Little by little people started trickling in.
Kathy Teague came in. She is a mother of one of the missing children we profile. Vignette Teague is her daughter. On our GINA DVD she was one of the missing that I profiled and I completely remember her story and how it made me feel and let me tell you something Kathy's story touched, and moved me in such away and I believe it's from the immense energy and the love that flows from that woman.
Her daughter has been missing for 24 years and the love and support that showed up for her that night was amazing. It was an intimate crowd of maybe 40 people but it felt like 100 people where there. We handed out 100 DVD's to the people there and they all wanted more to post up in their workplaces, their churches and to their friends and family. I actually had to run out to the bus and get another box of 50 to give to Kathy so she could hand them out.
Of all the shows so far I think this one was my favorite..... I just wanted to hug everyone.
Big D
We've been to South Dakota where we hung out with our biggest fans Kim, Arllen and Tabi, The folks over in Garreston made us a nice spread of food right before our show over at Augi. College, in Souix Falls. Christi our camera girl got injured badly while playing with some of the kids of the area. I guess she tripped over a crack in the street and fell right on her knee. She came up into the bus and there was a little red mark right above her knee cap. Not a big deal.....Yeah right!!! About 1 hour and 1/2 goes by and she comes walking up to the merch. table and lifts her pant leg up and her knee is the size of a orange!! And that little red mark above her knee cap was now green, yellow, red and a funky brown color....... gnarls!
I could see it in her eyes she was freaked out. Lucky for us there were 2 med. students there at the show that helped her out with some pain relievers and an ace bandage. Over the course of our trip she has seen a Dr. and he Rx her a soft cast and I think someone along the way had donated and old school looking crutch, so she's all hooked up and ready to go.
From there we headed to Iowa and did a show at the Moose Lodge. Somethin' was a brewin' in my system that I couldn't yet explain but I shugged it off and continued with the show and it went good.
Now.....the next morning round 6 or 7 am I felt a very strange pain in my throat and went I went to swallow, the pain threw me back to that Roubitussin commercial cira.1982 ...."It'll hurt if I swallow....It'll hurt if I swallow......It'll hurt if I.....MOMMY!!!!!"
I knew right then and there I was SICK!!!!! "SONOFA......!"
Our next show was in downtown Chicago at the Lumen Club, and we had to drive quite a bit so I got a lot of rest. When we got there and walked in to set up I was surprised at how groovy this club was considering it was in the middle of the meat packing district in downtown Chicago. It actually reminded me of the hipster clubs in L.A. on being the Mandrian Hotel off of Sunset where only the hoity of toities go......oooohhh fancy!!!
With this being said I guess you can say It wasn't the kind of place Clementine is used to playing, so I kept my mind open...
Little by little people started trickling in.
Kathy Teague came in. She is a mother of one of the missing children we profile. Vignette Teague is her daughter. On our GINA DVD she was one of the missing that I profiled and I completely remember her story and how it made me feel and let me tell you something Kathy's story touched, and moved me in such away and I believe it's from the immense energy and the love that flows from that woman.
Her daughter has been missing for 24 years and the love and support that showed up for her that night was amazing. It was an intimate crowd of maybe 40 people but it felt like 100 people where there. We handed out 100 DVD's to the people there and they all wanted more to post up in their workplaces, their churches and to their friends and family. I actually had to run out to the bus and get another box of 50 to give to Kathy so she could hand them out.
Of all the shows so far I think this one was my favorite..... I just wanted to hug everyone.
Big D
merrily we roll along...
rolling into cleveland today. sometimes it seems a bit like a blur out here. keeping track of what day it is, what city we're in next. feeling the mix of excitement and exhaustion. but one thing remains constant...the mission each of us took on when we decided to get out here and make some noise...and it's what keeps us going day in and day out. it's giving a voice to the missing that keeps me going. seeing the gratitude of the families, that someone out here cares about what they're going through. every story is unique, with it's own set of hope and frustration, and knowing that we're really making a difference is what makes it all worthwhile.
the bus seems to be stopping, so i should crawl out of my bunk and begin the next step in the journey. til next time, keep the prayers and good energy coming our way. we love you all!
gary
the bus seems to be stopping, so i should crawl out of my bunk and begin the next step in the journey. til next time, keep the prayers and good energy coming our way. we love you all!
gary
Poo poo platter...
Well well well, if it isn't all of you again...
so there's no taking number twos on the bus and that sure is a disappointment when you have to go in a porta potty at some random gas station off some random interstate in ohio, instead...that was NOT a good experience. I would rather go in the woods...Let me tell you - as if that isn't enough, my emotions have been a sort of poo poo platter within itself...
This whole trip has been a odd experience for me, with emotions running high, I wasn't quite so sure how I felt about it all. My way of dealing with my mom's disappearance has just been to do my best to stay me - happy and laughable and do my best not to dwell on it. I've done a pretty good job of that - I think...but sometimes it's just too much and I see how much pain some of the families of the missing are in, and I remember where I was at the time when my mother, Gina, first disappeared.
With everyone on the bus and in the band doing so much - sometimes I felt like I wasn't doing enough...but Joe, beautiful Joe, helped me to realize that that's my own way of dealing with it and I have to leave that space for myself to feel and to not pressure myself to talk about things I'm not comfortable with, etc. I'm already doing what I can and that is what I can do.
Missing persons are an odd thing because they all have different stories. I realized yesterday that I was frustrated with this whole tour because I was only thinking about how I felt about it...but then I thought about it and because each missing persons' case is unique to their own, as well as the individual and their families, of course there will be different ways of viewing it and feeling about it. The point of this mission is not for me to see to it that I feel alright about my mother's disappearance because I've already somewhat reached my own conclusion inside of my heart - but rather to help others out there to do the same, to find their missing loved ones or to find their own type of closure...even if mine is so different from theirs. I think part of my frustration was that these people are still in pain when I just want them to find a positive way of looking at it. But that is hard. It is all hard. I can't just expect everyone to be happy all of the time - we each need our time to feel and our space to not be pressured - just like Joe said. And there are still some days when I am in pain and ache for my mother to be physically next to me. I just do my best to stay me...happy, laughable...and feeling blessed for the things I have "FOUND" in life and for the things I have learned because of her disappearance. Like I said, it's an odd thing...but we all have to help eachother - as family and work through it and keep living day to day.
We were in Indiana yesterday and I was really touched by what some of the families had to say...I remember specifically a mother of a missing woman saying that, "we are all family. we are all one." I am one to stand by this statement...and it really felt like it yesterday and not just because we each have someone missing in our lives but because we care, because we are doing something about it, and because we are showing one another love.
Even in the midst of all the poo poo on the platter,
WE ARE ALL FAMILY.
I learned that I do have respect for different ways of viewing and feeling about the missing and that it's ok to take the time to feel that you need...no matter how long it has been since the disappearance, no matter how long it takes you...it's ok. That's part of what this mission is about - to help people get through that and to help them find what they need and the strength to continue...
I love each person on this bus so much...it's hard to explain, you're all such fantastic people and strong warriors...I am so thankful and proud of all of you.
And I have so much love for all of those out there missing someone in their life - and to the families of the missing that I have met...you are all strong!! Do not forget your strength to carry on. Keep loving and living!!!
WE ARE ALL ONE.
Connected. Feeling. Being. Percieving. Acting. Helping. Loving.
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
dread out.
annieSuN
so there's no taking number twos on the bus and that sure is a disappointment when you have to go in a porta potty at some random gas station off some random interstate in ohio, instead...that was NOT a good experience. I would rather go in the woods...Let me tell you - as if that isn't enough, my emotions have been a sort of poo poo platter within itself...
This whole trip has been a odd experience for me, with emotions running high, I wasn't quite so sure how I felt about it all. My way of dealing with my mom's disappearance has just been to do my best to stay me - happy and laughable and do my best not to dwell on it. I've done a pretty good job of that - I think...but sometimes it's just too much and I see how much pain some of the families of the missing are in, and I remember where I was at the time when my mother, Gina, first disappeared.
With everyone on the bus and in the band doing so much - sometimes I felt like I wasn't doing enough...but Joe, beautiful Joe, helped me to realize that that's my own way of dealing with it and I have to leave that space for myself to feel and to not pressure myself to talk about things I'm not comfortable with, etc. I'm already doing what I can and that is what I can do.
Missing persons are an odd thing because they all have different stories. I realized yesterday that I was frustrated with this whole tour because I was only thinking about how I felt about it...but then I thought about it and because each missing persons' case is unique to their own, as well as the individual and their families, of course there will be different ways of viewing it and feeling about it. The point of this mission is not for me to see to it that I feel alright about my mother's disappearance because I've already somewhat reached my own conclusion inside of my heart - but rather to help others out there to do the same, to find their missing loved ones or to find their own type of closure...even if mine is so different from theirs. I think part of my frustration was that these people are still in pain when I just want them to find a positive way of looking at it. But that is hard. It is all hard. I can't just expect everyone to be happy all of the time - we each need our time to feel and our space to not be pressured - just like Joe said. And there are still some days when I am in pain and ache for my mother to be physically next to me. I just do my best to stay me...happy, laughable...and feeling blessed for the things I have "FOUND" in life and for the things I have learned because of her disappearance. Like I said, it's an odd thing...but we all have to help eachother - as family and work through it and keep living day to day.
We were in Indiana yesterday and I was really touched by what some of the families had to say...I remember specifically a mother of a missing woman saying that, "we are all family. we are all one." I am one to stand by this statement...and it really felt like it yesterday and not just because we each have someone missing in our lives but because we care, because we are doing something about it, and because we are showing one another love.
Even in the midst of all the poo poo on the platter,
WE ARE ALL FAMILY.
I learned that I do have respect for different ways of viewing and feeling about the missing and that it's ok to take the time to feel that you need...no matter how long it has been since the disappearance, no matter how long it takes you...it's ok. That's part of what this mission is about - to help people get through that and to help them find what they need and the strength to continue...
I love each person on this bus so much...it's hard to explain, you're all such fantastic people and strong warriors...I am so thankful and proud of all of you.
And I have so much love for all of those out there missing someone in their life - and to the families of the missing that I have met...you are all strong!! Do not forget your strength to carry on. Keep loving and living!!!
WE ARE ALL ONE.
Connected. Feeling. Being. Percieving. Acting. Helping. Loving.
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
dread out.
annieSuN
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Missing Pieces to FIND the Missing...
Hey ya'll,
I have been looking for 7 years to FIND, create and put together the missing pieces to FIND the missing. Yet, here I am on a 49 foot long bus with the pieces starring right back at me day after day. I could not have put together a more perfect crew.
First of all, Jeffrey Wayne was my best friend for years and has seen the ups and downs of Gina's disappearance, her children in our lives and more...and he has been along for the ride. He taught himself how to edit film for the cause. He is not only pivital in our sound, had the initial idea for Clementine and dubbed us so, but he is great at PR and filling in holes or missing pieces that need to be filled.
Dana Woods is a naturally talented, gifted in so many ways person...brilliant...I have heard someone say. She does our hair and make-up, handles the merchandise, has been playing nurse maid to Jeffrey with his pnemonia and now Cristi with her knee injury. Dana's huge heart grows bigger with each new missing person we meet. She has also been reported as being seen straightening up the bus on a daily basis.
Joe Lamanno is the calming voice of reason and wisdom flows through his veins. He keeps track of all of our sound equipment, sets it up, loads it and fronts the equipment for each gig. His heart for this mission seems to be growing in places I did not know could be grown.
Eli Cooper my amazing son considers this work for the missing his mission. I have been going about my business all these years not knowing how it would affect my kids. Eli has been profoundly impacted by the work and his consistent helpful attitude and work ethic for what needs to be done rivals many adults. Not only is he working as much as the rest of us, but he has 3 weeks worth of homework to get done. If you were his mother...you would be proud and you might even have a tear in your eye as you were typing these words. I could not ask for a better gift in this life...Eli is incredible.
Annie Williams my precious Gina's daughter...has the depth of soul of a much much older person. Her wise way of viewing her mothers disappearance an example to us all. She chooses to be happy and look at the things she has FOUND in her life. She does not dwell on the sadness. I wanna be like her when I grow up. She is learnin' me.
Cristi Higgins is a kind soul gifted with video production. Her heart for what we do touches her tremendous effort. Even though she is injured she is constantly working to find ways to utilize the time she has by logging video or whatever. The families of the missing can really feel her care for their stories and they express their great appreciation for work.
Gary Floyd is a soul I have always felt akin to. I have known for years that one day our paths would align...I just never imagined that they would align in Clementine, a band with a mission and the Squeaky Wheel Tour for the missing. His talent is limitless and his heart seems to be the same.
TamLyn Smith...my sweet sister...is our road manager. She has never done this before in her life, but she is handling it she has been doing it all of her life. No detail gets lost with her. Our bus driver, Bama is impressed with her and thinks she is top notch. Jeffrey goes on and on about how great she is. She keeps us on schedule, washes our laundry, makes sure we have hotels, a place to park the bus, handles every detail with flair..and, and and she has to wake up first in the morning to get the rest of us up. Not a fun job. Up until the last few months she has been on the outskirts of GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation. She has had her eyes, ears and hands full with helping the missing. I am not sure how much this is affecting her, but I know that she so relates to the families of the missing and their need for what we are trying to create for them. I am so proud of her and her natural abilities. She is also a great singer and joins us on Oct 17 and Clementine each night. Besides the fact that between Tammy, Dana and Jeff...we have constant comedy routines going on in between Squeaking.
We prayed for just the right bus driver. Mike Smith is his name, but we have dubbed him Bama...since he is from Alabama...we are very creative. Anyway...he gets us. He gets what we are doing...what our mission is and whether he likes it or not he is already a permenant member of the band.
All in all. I started out with a great amount of love and admiration for everyone involved the project. Everyone on this tour is growing to be more beautiful and inspiring and mission oriented with each passing day. They have each taken on their own expanding role of this mission as if it were created just for them. It takes me aback at times as I am so used to being the one holding all of the balls. They have so taken on their roles that I have actually been able to rest in knowing I don't have to do everything...that there are angels on this bus helping to carry this load I have been carrying for so long. At times I feel a little like a mother letting her chicks go out for the first time. It's hard to let the chicks go. But if I want GINA to grow and I want to Squeaky louder with every passing day...then I have to let someone else take the reins...and thank goodness for all of the missing pieces on this bus that have fit together perfectly to make this tour an incredible experience for all.
I guess I have said enough...we are in Indiana today with In Hope and Keri Dattilo. Boy have they been working for us. We got this last minute gig put together, great hotel rooms and 6 families of the missing came to tell us their stories. Each day is emotional as you can imagine. Jeff already told you about Chicago last night. I am certain that we are all learning and growing in ways that will be long lasting. It is all happening so fast with such emotional highs and lows...that I for one will need time to assimilate it all.
Until I have time to blog...blessings...all around.
Jannel
I have been looking for 7 years to FIND, create and put together the missing pieces to FIND the missing. Yet, here I am on a 49 foot long bus with the pieces starring right back at me day after day. I could not have put together a more perfect crew.
First of all, Jeffrey Wayne was my best friend for years and has seen the ups and downs of Gina's disappearance, her children in our lives and more...and he has been along for the ride. He taught himself how to edit film for the cause. He is not only pivital in our sound, had the initial idea for Clementine and dubbed us so, but he is great at PR and filling in holes or missing pieces that need to be filled.
Dana Woods is a naturally talented, gifted in so many ways person...brilliant...I have heard someone say. She does our hair and make-up, handles the merchandise, has been playing nurse maid to Jeffrey with his pnemonia and now Cristi with her knee injury. Dana's huge heart grows bigger with each new missing person we meet. She has also been reported as being seen straightening up the bus on a daily basis.
Joe Lamanno is the calming voice of reason and wisdom flows through his veins. He keeps track of all of our sound equipment, sets it up, loads it and fronts the equipment for each gig. His heart for this mission seems to be growing in places I did not know could be grown.
Eli Cooper my amazing son considers this work for the missing his mission. I have been going about my business all these years not knowing how it would affect my kids. Eli has been profoundly impacted by the work and his consistent helpful attitude and work ethic for what needs to be done rivals many adults. Not only is he working as much as the rest of us, but he has 3 weeks worth of homework to get done. If you were his mother...you would be proud and you might even have a tear in your eye as you were typing these words. I could not ask for a better gift in this life...Eli is incredible.
Annie Williams my precious Gina's daughter...has the depth of soul of a much much older person. Her wise way of viewing her mothers disappearance an example to us all. She chooses to be happy and look at the things she has FOUND in her life. She does not dwell on the sadness. I wanna be like her when I grow up. She is learnin' me.
Cristi Higgins is a kind soul gifted with video production. Her heart for what we do touches her tremendous effort. Even though she is injured she is constantly working to find ways to utilize the time she has by logging video or whatever. The families of the missing can really feel her care for their stories and they express their great appreciation for work.
Gary Floyd is a soul I have always felt akin to. I have known for years that one day our paths would align...I just never imagined that they would align in Clementine, a band with a mission and the Squeaky Wheel Tour for the missing. His talent is limitless and his heart seems to be the same.
TamLyn Smith...my sweet sister...is our road manager. She has never done this before in her life, but she is handling it she has been doing it all of her life. No detail gets lost with her. Our bus driver, Bama is impressed with her and thinks she is top notch. Jeffrey goes on and on about how great she is. She keeps us on schedule, washes our laundry, makes sure we have hotels, a place to park the bus, handles every detail with flair..and, and and she has to wake up first in the morning to get the rest of us up. Not a fun job. Up until the last few months she has been on the outskirts of GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation. She has had her eyes, ears and hands full with helping the missing. I am not sure how much this is affecting her, but I know that she so relates to the families of the missing and their need for what we are trying to create for them. I am so proud of her and her natural abilities. She is also a great singer and joins us on Oct 17 and Clementine each night. Besides the fact that between Tammy, Dana and Jeff...we have constant comedy routines going on in between Squeaking.
We prayed for just the right bus driver. Mike Smith is his name, but we have dubbed him Bama...since he is from Alabama...we are very creative. Anyway...he gets us. He gets what we are doing...what our mission is and whether he likes it or not he is already a permenant member of the band.
All in all. I started out with a great amount of love and admiration for everyone involved the project. Everyone on this tour is growing to be more beautiful and inspiring and mission oriented with each passing day. They have each taken on their own expanding role of this mission as if it were created just for them. It takes me aback at times as I am so used to being the one holding all of the balls. They have so taken on their roles that I have actually been able to rest in knowing I don't have to do everything...that there are angels on this bus helping to carry this load I have been carrying for so long. At times I feel a little like a mother letting her chicks go out for the first time. It's hard to let the chicks go. But if I want GINA to grow and I want to Squeaky louder with every passing day...then I have to let someone else take the reins...and thank goodness for all of the missing pieces on this bus that have fit together perfectly to make this tour an incredible experience for all.
I guess I have said enough...we are in Indiana today with In Hope and Keri Dattilo. Boy have they been working for us. We got this last minute gig put together, great hotel rooms and 6 families of the missing came to tell us their stories. Each day is emotional as you can imagine. Jeff already told you about Chicago last night. I am certain that we are all learning and growing in ways that will be long lasting. It is all happening so fast with such emotional highs and lows...that I for one will need time to assimilate it all.
Until I have time to blog...blessings...all around.
Jannel
Chi Town
It rained all over us in Chicago last evening. We played at this COOL little trendy dance club in the middle of the meat packing district. Because the space was so intimate we played an acoustic set with no drums or bass. AND BABY...it was magical. Kathy Teaques lost her daughter 21 years ago and she packed the place with her family and friends. I can only say that we had "CHURCH" in that place. The song "OCTOBER 17th" was like a worship song!!!! Simple an exceptional night. Afterwards we had one of the locals stalking our bus wanting food, money and the use of our cell to "Call his wife". I put my hand on his shoulder and told him he was an angel. He reponded by offering to pass out missing posters for food or money.
Now that's life in the missing lane!
Jeffrey Wayne
Now that's life in the missing lane!
Jeffrey Wayne
Thursday, October 25, 2007
More days have passed since my last confession...
Heyall,
It is difficult to get on the Internet everyday. So, I have a lot of catching up today. We had everything scheduled so that we would have time to get on the computer, blog, do homework, work on the nonprofit and more...however lack of computer access and such a packed schedule makes it difficult.
We were in Lincoln for 2 days, but it felt like a whirlwind. We stayed with Annie's grandma. They housed and fed us as well as sent food along with us for the ride. The Meadowlark Coffee House was a welcome environment and many people who have never heard me play came out for the show. Branson Perry's mother came from MO to profile her son along with Linda who is a warrior for many missing that she has never met. Nathan Anton's mother and father came to tell the story of his disappearance. Kelly Jolkowski from Project Jason came to profile her son, Jason and to meet with other families of the missing. Carolyn Pospisil came with her family to talk about Erin. Gary, Dana, Jeff and I all took one family to talk with and film the stories of the missing for FINDing Gina. It gave me a break from my usual frenzy and really created a way for them to truly be a part of the solution. The event went so well. The audience responded well and we not only distributed a lot of flyers and DVD's of the missing...but we sold a lot of merchandise.
Sioux Falls found us at Augustana College with some amazing students who slept in a van for a week to help us raise money to continue on our way. They said it was uncomfortable and cold, but it was a rewarding experince. We were able to profile 10 missing people matched up with 10 students from different areas of the country. Our sound was turned off in the house for most of the event, but I guess people could hear us anyway. We finally got it turned on by the last few songs. We don't know what the final count on the donations coming in are as the students are still waiting for funds to come in. We also had the opportunity to go to visit the town that gave us our start...Garretson. Last summer we were in Garretson, SD for Jesse James Days. The people there treated us like kings and queens and this visit was no exception. For a town of 1100 we certainly got a lot of heart, support attn and funds raised. Amazing. We are working on writing a song for them. We have a couple of versions, but are not sure which direction we will go in. Additionally, they fed us a wonderful BBQ dinner, raised more funds for us and the kids played a game of freeze tag. Cristi our videographer got involved in that game and somehow landed on her knee...which within a few hours was swollen up twice it's normal size. Pretty ugly...and we stayed up till one in the morning trying to figure out what to do about the situation. Fortunately, before we left Augie a student who had training in Sports Medicine came to our aid...gave Cristi advice and today...the swelling is down. It doesn't look pretty, Cristi is in pain and can't walk well...but she appears to be on the mend.
I got up at 545 due to Tammy's prompting for an Interview on channel 3 Mason City. Then, at 10 am I had a live hour interview with an npr station. The interview was an indepth interview about my work with the missing, my book, my life and what I have learned. A few questions caught me off guard as I was not used to being asked such indepth questions. The Interviewer Greg was amazing. I called him Gary when we started. I felt really unprofessional, but he handled it well. I knew his name was Greg, but I have met so many Gary's on the road...that I guess I had Gary on the brain. A few people emailed in with great questions. It was really a nice interview. We even talked about the trip we are planning to DC to speak with Senators about DNA issues.
We met up with Paul Davis and his twin daughters, Alexia and Kayla who were abducted when they were 2 years old. They are featured on the side of our bus as FOUND! We will be interviewing their family tonight about the abduction and the change in their lives since the girls were brought home.
The men are setting up for our show and Dana and I are doing computer work. Tammy is running around faxing our stage plot to Dallas for our Nov 4th finale event and getting hotel rooms booked. It looks like we will be in Chicago on Friday night with a congressman and the Chicago Sun Times. We continue to squeak in the best way possible.
We planned a quiet area with a sign and everything in the back of the bus that we have never used. First, Jeff used that as his recovery area. His lungs have been filled with fluid this whole time and now that we were able to get him a breathing aperatus he is doing a lot better. Cristi is now using that same area for her recovery and so Jeff is back in his bunk. Last night, Gary replaced the sign with SICK BAY.
Until I can get back on line...
Love,
Jannel
It is difficult to get on the Internet everyday. So, I have a lot of catching up today. We had everything scheduled so that we would have time to get on the computer, blog, do homework, work on the nonprofit and more...however lack of computer access and such a packed schedule makes it difficult.
We were in Lincoln for 2 days, but it felt like a whirlwind. We stayed with Annie's grandma. They housed and fed us as well as sent food along with us for the ride. The Meadowlark Coffee House was a welcome environment and many people who have never heard me play came out for the show. Branson Perry's mother came from MO to profile her son along with Linda who is a warrior for many missing that she has never met. Nathan Anton's mother and father came to tell the story of his disappearance. Kelly Jolkowski from Project Jason came to profile her son, Jason and to meet with other families of the missing. Carolyn Pospisil came with her family to talk about Erin. Gary, Dana, Jeff and I all took one family to talk with and film the stories of the missing for FINDing Gina. It gave me a break from my usual frenzy and really created a way for them to truly be a part of the solution. The event went so well. The audience responded well and we not only distributed a lot of flyers and DVD's of the missing...but we sold a lot of merchandise.
Sioux Falls found us at Augustana College with some amazing students who slept in a van for a week to help us raise money to continue on our way. They said it was uncomfortable and cold, but it was a rewarding experince. We were able to profile 10 missing people matched up with 10 students from different areas of the country. Our sound was turned off in the house for most of the event, but I guess people could hear us anyway. We finally got it turned on by the last few songs. We don't know what the final count on the donations coming in are as the students are still waiting for funds to come in. We also had the opportunity to go to visit the town that gave us our start...Garretson. Last summer we were in Garretson, SD for Jesse James Days. The people there treated us like kings and queens and this visit was no exception. For a town of 1100 we certainly got a lot of heart, support attn and funds raised. Amazing. We are working on writing a song for them. We have a couple of versions, but are not sure which direction we will go in. Additionally, they fed us a wonderful BBQ dinner, raised more funds for us and the kids played a game of freeze tag. Cristi our videographer got involved in that game and somehow landed on her knee...which within a few hours was swollen up twice it's normal size. Pretty ugly...and we stayed up till one in the morning trying to figure out what to do about the situation. Fortunately, before we left Augie a student who had training in Sports Medicine came to our aid...gave Cristi advice and today...the swelling is down. It doesn't look pretty, Cristi is in pain and can't walk well...but she appears to be on the mend.
I got up at 545 due to Tammy's prompting for an Interview on channel 3 Mason City. Then, at 10 am I had a live hour interview with an npr station. The interview was an indepth interview about my work with the missing, my book, my life and what I have learned. A few questions caught me off guard as I was not used to being asked such indepth questions. The Interviewer Greg was amazing. I called him Gary when we started. I felt really unprofessional, but he handled it well. I knew his name was Greg, but I have met so many Gary's on the road...that I guess I had Gary on the brain. A few people emailed in with great questions. It was really a nice interview. We even talked about the trip we are planning to DC to speak with Senators about DNA issues.
We met up with Paul Davis and his twin daughters, Alexia and Kayla who were abducted when they were 2 years old. They are featured on the side of our bus as FOUND! We will be interviewing their family tonight about the abduction and the change in their lives since the girls were brought home.
The men are setting up for our show and Dana and I are doing computer work. Tammy is running around faxing our stage plot to Dallas for our Nov 4th finale event and getting hotel rooms booked. It looks like we will be in Chicago on Friday night with a congressman and the Chicago Sun Times. We continue to squeak in the best way possible.
We planned a quiet area with a sign and everything in the back of the bus that we have never used. First, Jeff used that as his recovery area. His lungs have been filled with fluid this whole time and now that we were able to get him a breathing aperatus he is doing a lot better. Cristi is now using that same area for her recovery and so Jeff is back in his bunk. Last night, Gary replaced the sign with SICK BAY.
Until I can get back on line...
Love,
Jannel
Sioux Falls or Bust
LAst night we played to some LOYAL, LOYAL friends from Garretson!!! We had a special dinner and got to eat REAL FOOD!!!!! What a night. What a night. What a night. We now have personalized pillow cases made by Kim and Tabby (you know who you are).
Today we are in Mason City IOWA getting ready to go to the venue. My lungs? Cristi brought me a 'Neubulisor" and the infection is leaving.I am getting stronger everyday.
Now, let me tell you that we cannot use our bathrooms on the bus for certain functions of the bodily kind so we are all learning the acient indian art of clutching and holding.
"RELEASE YOUR CRINGE".
Love you all.
Jeffrey Wayne
Today we are in Mason City IOWA getting ready to go to the venue. My lungs? Cristi brought me a 'Neubulisor" and the infection is leaving.I am getting stronger everyday.
Now, let me tell you that we cannot use our bathrooms on the bus for certain functions of the bodily kind so we are all learning the acient indian art of clutching and holding.
"RELEASE YOUR CRINGE".
Love you all.
Jeffrey Wayne
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Internet within my reach...
Hey...
The first 5 days of The Squeaky Wheel Tour we the "Clementine Band" started off in our bus at the world famous Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA for the kick off event on Oct 17th. Artists and families of the missing are meeting face to face for the first time. Each day that passes more events are gaining press for the missing who have never received press before. Then, it was off to Napa on the 18th at Downtown Joe's with Saul Kaye. On Oct 19th we were in Ashland, OR. 5 families of the missing came to tell us their stories and profile their loved ones. One of the family members actually had a tip about another families missing daughter that brought everyone to tears. Without the Squeaky Wheel Tour would that particular tip have been received? Everywhere we go we meet new people who have missing loved ones who need our help. In Ashland, OR the DJ at the radio station has a brother who has been missing for 5 years. She did not know where to turn for help and now she does. On Oct 20 we traveled for 22 hours from Ashland, OR to Denver to get to CBS 4 Denver in time for a LIVE TV interview. On our way when we stopped at truck stops in Wyoming we not only flyered the truck stops, but we went up to truckers as they were getting ready to leave and asked them to take flyers of the missing wherever they might go. Today at the "Unity Church" one man was visibly shook up when he realized we were profiling his friend who was a missing person. We all think that missing is something that will never touch us and yet everywhere we go we are meeting people who have been directly affected by a missing person in their lives. As the Nielson ratings use a statistic of over 200 to represent each family they interview if we multiply the 100,000 active missing persons cases in the US the numbers are staggering. The Chicago Sun Times is on a week long series to profile missing people, then we arrive in Chicago on Friday for the tail end of their series. We have radio, print news and TV News everywhere we are going as well as press via 100's of other artists throughout the world during the Squeaky Wheel Tour. Oh and all the while we are filming our reality TV series FINDing Gina every day all day long...as we continue to Squeak as loud as we can. If we miss a few days it's because Internet connection is spotty. We sleep when we can on the bus. It's a great time all in all...with great connections and an amazing group of talented people with hearts all the way to the moon and back...until the Internet is within my reach. Jannel
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The first 5 days of The Squeaky Wheel Tour we the "Clementine Band" started off in our bus at the world famous Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA for the kick off event on Oct 17th. Artists and families of the missing are meeting face to face for the first time. Each day that passes more events are gaining press for the missing who have never received press before. Then, it was off to Napa on the 18th at Downtown Joe's with Saul Kaye. On Oct 19th we were in Ashland, OR. 5 families of the missing came to tell us their stories and profile their loved ones. One of the family members actually had a tip about another families missing daughter that brought everyone to tears. Without the Squeaky Wheel Tour would that particular tip have been received? Everywhere we go we meet new people who have missing loved ones who need our help. In Ashland, OR the DJ at the radio station has a brother who has been missing for 5 years. She did not know where to turn for help and now she does. On Oct 20 we traveled for 22 hours from Ashland, OR to Denver to get to CBS 4 Denver in time for a LIVE TV interview. On our way when we stopped at truck stops in Wyoming we not only flyered the truck stops, but we went up to truckers as they were getting ready to leave and asked them to take flyers of the missing wherever they might go. Today at the "Unity Church" one man was visibly shook up when he realized we were profiling his friend who was a missing person. We all think that missing is something that will never touch us and yet everywhere we go we are meeting people who have been directly affected by a missing person in their lives. As the Nielson ratings use a statistic of over 200 to represent each family they interview if we multiply the 100,000 active missing persons cases in the US the numbers are staggering. The Chicago Sun Times is on a week long series to profile missing people, then we arrive in Chicago on Friday for the tail end of their series. We have radio, print news and TV News everywhere we are going as well as press via 100's of other artists throughout the world during the Squeaky Wheel Tour. Oh and all the while we are filming our reality TV series FINDing Gina every day all day long...as we continue to Squeak as loud as we can. If we miss a few days it's because Internet connection is spotty. We sleep when we can on the bus. It's a great time all in all...with great connections and an amazing group of talented people with hearts all the way to the moon and back...until the Internet is within my reach. Jannel
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ain't it true what they say about a squeaky wheel...
here we are. five days in. rolling all over the country, making the loudest noise we know how to make. nine people from varied backgrounds...one heart, one mind, one mission. it's been a magnificent adventure so far...from the kick off concert at the coach house in orange county, to the warmth of unity church in denver, in the midst of the first snowfall of the season, we have all begun to realize just what the squeaky wheel is all about. stepping outside yourself. leaving your comfort zones behind.
staying open and willing. i don't think any of us was sure exactly what to expect on this journey. i know i wasn't. but when i met the family of "thatcher" in ashland, oregon, it became a little clearer. thatcher's mom told me the story of her son... a keyboard player, songwriter, and musician, just like me, who had disappeared seventeen months ago on mother's day. he left shady acres rv park, where he lived, on may 14 around 5pm on his bicycle, and never returned. her pain and grief were undeniable, and all i could do was hug her and let her know that we were doing everything we knew how to do to help bring awareness and attention to people like her son. vanished without a trace...no leads...no sensational story...just missing. one day here...the next gone.
that's why i'm here. to use whatever gifts i have been given to bring a little hope to people like thatcher's mom. and i belive music is a great healer in our world.
so come along on the tour with us. make some noise wherever you are. we're all in this together. and remember, the squeaky wheel always gets the grease.
staying open and willing. i don't think any of us was sure exactly what to expect on this journey. i know i wasn't. but when i met the family of "thatcher" in ashland, oregon, it became a little clearer. thatcher's mom told me the story of her son... a keyboard player, songwriter, and musician, just like me, who had disappeared seventeen months ago on mother's day. he left shady acres rv park, where he lived, on may 14 around 5pm on his bicycle, and never returned. her pain and grief were undeniable, and all i could do was hug her and let her know that we were doing everything we knew how to do to help bring awareness and attention to people like her son. vanished without a trace...no leads...no sensational story...just missing. one day here...the next gone.
that's why i'm here. to use whatever gifts i have been given to bring a little hope to people like thatcher's mom. and i belive music is a great healer in our world.
so come along on the tour with us. make some noise wherever you are. we're all in this together. and remember, the squeaky wheel always gets the grease.
Somewhere in Denver...
So...the wheels on the bus go round' and round. Well, except for right now...as we sit stationary in a parking lot next to a hotel and starbucks on the other side somewhere in Denver, waiting to get goin. The tour has been going well so far, and I don't think that any of us are at eachother throats...except for Jeffery and I, cuz well let's face it...it never ends with us. (He thinks he knows everything.) ANNIEway, I really enjoyed the church we went to this morning that Clementine played at and I am definitly NOT a church person. We went to the Denver Unity Church and everyone was very kind and open, I felt very welcomed there. They gave us such a generous donation and even fed us some wonderful food, and I am so appreciative of that. It was a good show and we're all livin it up.
Our next stop is Lincoln, NE. and I am very excited about that since I get to see my family and friends and in a way chill out for a couple of days - there will still be much work to do however. We should be arriving sometime in the middle of the night if everything goes to plan and it's snowin out here!! So we'll see, but Bama says he has a nack about these things and that we'll make it according to schedule.
I'm learning a lot about camera work, never thought I would be a "camera person" for anything but there's definitely an art to it and it has been very fun. Especially following "friggin" dana around. Sheesh...that girl!
Might go frolic in the snowy snow while I have the chance...
dread out.
<3 a.dub.
Our next stop is Lincoln, NE. and I am very excited about that since I get to see my family and friends and in a way chill out for a couple of days - there will still be much work to do however. We should be arriving sometime in the middle of the night if everything goes to plan and it's snowin out here!! So we'll see, but Bama says he has a nack about these things and that we'll make it according to schedule.
I'm learning a lot about camera work, never thought I would be a "camera person" for anything but there's definitely an art to it and it has been very fun. Especially following "friggin" dana around. Sheesh...that girl!
Might go frolic in the snowy snow while I have the chance...
dread out.
<3 a.dub.
Snow is falling on my face
Day 5. We were up at 5 am to get ready for our BIG channel 4 news spot, in Denver. We arrived at the channel 4 CBS building around 7 am and it was cold but tolerable. The second i walked into the filming room I couldn't get that movie Anchorman out of my head..... all I saw was BIG hair and BIG smiles....... it was creepy, and their voices were pretty big too...... I was scared.
The really awesome thing was that we were LIVE and got to play 2 songs and talked about the GINA FOUNDation. They showed the weather and it didn't hit me that they were forecasting SNOW, until I walked out of the CBS building and saw........SNOW.......FRIGGIN FALLING ALL OVER THE PLACE!!! I swear I thought it was Christmas and wanted to know where the hell all my presents were. It was a very memorable moment in my life.
From there we headed to Unity Church to do a service by 10 am. The band seems to do a lot of church services with reason of course, since the church population continues to support our cause.
The last couple of days were travels days for us from Ashland Oregon, to here Denver Colorado. Nevada in my opinion was a land of " not a whole lot". and Utah was cool I guess, I was sleeping most of the time. But Wyoming, was friggin' butt cold.
We stopped at a flying J truck stop and Jannel and I passed out flyers of missing people to truck drivers. That itself was something I would NEVER do if I wasn't apart of this project and to be honest It made me feel uncomfortable. Not only was I freezing cold, but I was told that "working girls" go truck to truck knocking on the doors of truck drivers to give services and that was the LAST thing I wanted anyone to see me as. I mean I could service them with a hair cut..... and trust me these drivers looked and smelled like they needed more that a haircut. They did however take our flyers and said they would keep an eye out and post them on the road.
I sit here in Denver on the bus watching the snow fall outside while "Bama" gets his 8 hours sleep. I plan on walking around and taking lots of pictures.
I miss my parents, Faustin and my friends Elicia, Leah and Dave. I wish you could be here so I can throw a snow ball at all your heads!!!!
Love and Rockin'
Big D
The really awesome thing was that we were LIVE and got to play 2 songs and talked about the GINA FOUNDation. They showed the weather and it didn't hit me that they were forecasting SNOW, until I walked out of the CBS building and saw........SNOW.......FRIGGIN FALLING ALL OVER THE PLACE!!! I swear I thought it was Christmas and wanted to know where the hell all my presents were. It was a very memorable moment in my life.
From there we headed to Unity Church to do a service by 10 am. The band seems to do a lot of church services with reason of course, since the church population continues to support our cause.
The last couple of days were travels days for us from Ashland Oregon, to here Denver Colorado. Nevada in my opinion was a land of " not a whole lot". and Utah was cool I guess, I was sleeping most of the time. But Wyoming, was friggin' butt cold.
We stopped at a flying J truck stop and Jannel and I passed out flyers of missing people to truck drivers. That itself was something I would NEVER do if I wasn't apart of this project and to be honest It made me feel uncomfortable. Not only was I freezing cold, but I was told that "working girls" go truck to truck knocking on the doors of truck drivers to give services and that was the LAST thing I wanted anyone to see me as. I mean I could service them with a hair cut..... and trust me these drivers looked and smelled like they needed more that a haircut. They did however take our flyers and said they would keep an eye out and post them on the road.
I sit here in Denver on the bus watching the snow fall outside while "Bama" gets his 8 hours sleep. I plan on walking around and taking lots of pictures.
I miss my parents, Faustin and my friends Elicia, Leah and Dave. I wish you could be here so I can throw a snow ball at all your heads!!!!
Love and Rockin'
Big D
Thursday, October 18, 2007
I woke up in a van down by the river.
We played the coach house last night in san juan capistrano and ended the show at midnight. We were on a very tight schedule and had to get going because we had a 7 o'clock radio interview in the morning. So, Mike form Alabama our bus driver, drove all night to try and get us there on time.
We tried to sleep during the night but it's not like sleeping in a car while driving, it's like trying to sleep on the top of a tree in a wind storm.
I have the top bunk in the bus and the whole time i was sleeping i thought i was going to friggin' roll out of the bed and fall flat on my face.
6 in the morning came real fast if you know what i mean. But, Bama, our bus driver wasn't quite at our destination yet. We forgot about traffic.
8:45 am we finally arrive at KVON in Napa, with Kellie in the morning, and had a whole 15 mins to do an interview and play a song live in studio. Even with our froggy voices we did a pretty awesome job.
She plugged our show for tonight and Gary has been walking around the town of Napa passing the word around about our band playing, in hopes that we get some people to support.
So far so good. I already miss all your faces.
We tried to sleep during the night but it's not like sleeping in a car while driving, it's like trying to sleep on the top of a tree in a wind storm.
I have the top bunk in the bus and the whole time i was sleeping i thought i was going to friggin' roll out of the bed and fall flat on my face.
6 in the morning came real fast if you know what i mean. But, Bama, our bus driver wasn't quite at our destination yet. We forgot about traffic.
8:45 am we finally arrive at KVON in Napa, with Kellie in the morning, and had a whole 15 mins to do an interview and play a song live in studio. Even with our froggy voices we did a pretty awesome job.
She plugged our show for tonight and Gary has been walking around the town of Napa passing the word around about our band playing, in hopes that we get some people to support.
So far so good. I already miss all your faces.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
POOH Monia
When you to a Doctor one day and they tell you that you have a viral infection and to tough it out. Then you can't sleep because your lungs hurt and catching your breath is tough so you go back to that same doctor and they run an x ray and pronounce that "You have pnemonia and you should miss the first 10 days of the tour".
"So Doc, did you miss the first 10 days of your through examination 101 class?"
Because this FLEMBASED monster was in my lungs 4 days earlier during my first appointment and we would be will into 5 days of the 10 day treatment by now. So the only thing that is being "missed" around here is a correct diagnoses.
But what is done is done and "what" can I do with this? We.... I have instructed to avoid all strenuious activity".
I thought, " it a good thing I'm not a drummer in a band going on a 20 city tour!"
So what I can do is hit the road with the band, catch my breathe and avoid doctors.
"So Doc, did you miss the first 10 days of your through examination 101 class?"
Because this FLEMBASED monster was in my lungs 4 days earlier during my first appointment and we would be will into 5 days of the 10 day treatment by now. So the only thing that is being "missed" around here is a correct diagnoses.
But what is done is done and "what" can I do with this? We.... I have instructed to avoid all strenuious activity".
I thought, " it a good thing I'm not a drummer in a band going on a 20 city tour!"
So what I can do is hit the road with the band, catch my breathe and avoid doctors.
Details wake me up again
Dear All...
The details continuing to swim in my head and find a way to be completed as they keep coming around until I get them done. My mind won't let me not complete the task at hand. First of all, I am humbled by the dedication of the band and their willingness to sacrifice their time and their lives for not just this 3 weeks...but this preparation has been going on for months. Making this happen with no budget has been a feat that has challenged us all and created a hole that only faith can fill. The strength and hope this has personally brought into my world is new muscle and wrinkles that I did not know I could possess. As you can imagine the details of something like this are so important, yet, I personally walk a daily tight rope to not let weight of the details take away the focus of this mission and the joy of being with such amazing people 24/7 for over 19 days.
I only have a few hours before everyone else is up and the details are calling. Tonight we are at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA. We did our best to promote and sell as many tickets as we could...God, Fate, the universe...however you believe...knew we would be here at this time with these circumstances and that we would have this dance of commerce meeting mission and...the drive, desire and calling...if you will... to go forward remains stronger than the drive to turn tail and run...
Tomorrow...
Jannel
Loved the girls blogs...
The details continuing to swim in my head and find a way to be completed as they keep coming around until I get them done. My mind won't let me not complete the task at hand. First of all, I am humbled by the dedication of the band and their willingness to sacrifice their time and their lives for not just this 3 weeks...but this preparation has been going on for months. Making this happen with no budget has been a feat that has challenged us all and created a hole that only faith can fill. The strength and hope this has personally brought into my world is new muscle and wrinkles that I did not know I could possess. As you can imagine the details of something like this are so important, yet, I personally walk a daily tight rope to not let weight of the details take away the focus of this mission and the joy of being with such amazing people 24/7 for over 19 days.
I only have a few hours before everyone else is up and the details are calling. Tonight we are at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA. We did our best to promote and sell as many tickets as we could...God, Fate, the universe...however you believe...knew we would be here at this time with these circumstances and that we would have this dance of commerce meeting mission and...the drive, desire and calling...if you will... to go forward remains stronger than the drive to turn tail and run...
Tomorrow...
Jannel
Loved the girls blogs...
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Introduction of the dread..."head" - that is!!
Well ello there all! Annie here.
I've come from the distant - and not so distant forests of the United States and from being on the road myself for approx. 8-9 months, to join Clementine on their adventure and their mission to tour the country in effort to help families of the missing and to help find their missing loved ones. I know first handedly what it is like to have someone close to you go missing in your life, actually the person "closest" to me in life. My mother is Gina Bos, (Jannel's sister) who disappeared Oct. 17, 2000 - the ispiration of Jannel's missing persons foundation and the Squeaky Wheel Tour. I am so glad to be able to be a part of it all. I wasn't quite so sure what I was getting myself into but I somehow knew right away when my aunt gave me the phone call asking me to help that it was just something I needed to do - be here to help and support.
Everything has been so crazy and a bit of a struggle for us all these past few days trying to get ready for the tour. Personally, it's hard to know if I'm actually helping at all yet by being here. I try to keep up but sometimes it's hard to even know what the heck is goin on, especially with my own emotions about the whole thing -not to mention missing my beloved boyfriend extremely a lot - a lot as he could not be here with us at the time - being thrown into the mix. Doing my best to not let it effect our work to be done and somehow I'm just doing it! (I get that from Jannel, "I get all my good stuff from her...") - however, I know that I am needed and have been doing my best to be of service and support as much as possible.
The bus came about an hour ago - - ...that's niiiice...our bus driver, "Bama" (haha) is waaaay chill...man. This will be fun!! - - and until now, the night before we leave, has it really hit me what an absolute crazy time we're all going to be having as Dana described below - shoving us all into a bus for 20 days and such. Anyway, her and I talked a bit about it all last night and we were thinking what a crazy yet collaborative group of people we all are being all different ages and coming from all different backgrounds, each of us with our own things going on in our lives yet being able to come together for one specific purpose - this mission for the missing!! I love all these people and once again, am so glad that I am able to be here, that we are ALL here together to do this. It's amazing. This tour is bound to be filled with blood, sweat, and tears!...ohp!...and don't forget the LAUGHTER!!!
I wrote this last night thinking of everything that's going on with the Squeaky Wheel Tour (with thoughts of my missing mother and the sacrifices she made for me) and how many people are sacrificing so much to be able to do this, to be able to help, and to be able to continue:
"People aren't perfect. But I think we are imperfectly perfect. Yet, the sacrifices we make are beyond any of that, "perfection/imperfection" talk...sometimes I feel like it's the way we sacrifice for one another - no matter what's going on - that truely let's us show love and feel the love that we have for one another. It is in the struggle of life - and in caring and loving one another during that, that we find the truth of sacrifice."
I came to realize last night why I think one of the main reasons I am here which is...to sacrifice and give back like my mother sacrificed and gave so much to me, she is the first reason, I feel - that we are all here.
Onward now to my next cup of tea,
dread out.
<3 a.dub.annie.love
I've come from the distant - and not so distant forests of the United States and from being on the road myself for approx. 8-9 months, to join Clementine on their adventure and their mission to tour the country in effort to help families of the missing and to help find their missing loved ones. I know first handedly what it is like to have someone close to you go missing in your life, actually the person "closest" to me in life. My mother is Gina Bos, (Jannel's sister) who disappeared Oct. 17, 2000 - the ispiration of Jannel's missing persons foundation and the Squeaky Wheel Tour. I am so glad to be able to be a part of it all. I wasn't quite so sure what I was getting myself into but I somehow knew right away when my aunt gave me the phone call asking me to help that it was just something I needed to do - be here to help and support.
Everything has been so crazy and a bit of a struggle for us all these past few days trying to get ready for the tour. Personally, it's hard to know if I'm actually helping at all yet by being here. I try to keep up but sometimes it's hard to even know what the heck is goin on, especially with my own emotions about the whole thing -not to mention missing my beloved boyfriend extremely a lot - a lot as he could not be here with us at the time - being thrown into the mix. Doing my best to not let it effect our work to be done and somehow I'm just doing it! (I get that from Jannel, "I get all my good stuff from her...") - however, I know that I am needed and have been doing my best to be of service and support as much as possible.
The bus came about an hour ago - - ...that's niiiice...our bus driver, "Bama" (haha) is waaaay chill...man. This will be fun!! - - and until now, the night before we leave, has it really hit me what an absolute crazy time we're all going to be having as Dana described below - shoving us all into a bus for 20 days and such. Anyway, her and I talked a bit about it all last night and we were thinking what a crazy yet collaborative group of people we all are being all different ages and coming from all different backgrounds, each of us with our own things going on in our lives yet being able to come together for one specific purpose - this mission for the missing!! I love all these people and once again, am so glad that I am able to be here, that we are ALL here together to do this. It's amazing. This tour is bound to be filled with blood, sweat, and tears!...ohp!...and don't forget the LAUGHTER!!!
I wrote this last night thinking of everything that's going on with the Squeaky Wheel Tour (with thoughts of my missing mother and the sacrifices she made for me) and how many people are sacrificing so much to be able to do this, to be able to help, and to be able to continue:
"People aren't perfect. But I think we are imperfectly perfect. Yet, the sacrifices we make are beyond any of that, "perfection/imperfection" talk...sometimes I feel like it's the way we sacrifice for one another - no matter what's going on - that truely let's us show love and feel the love that we have for one another. It is in the struggle of life - and in caring and loving one another during that, that we find the truth of sacrifice."
I came to realize last night why I think one of the main reasons I am here which is...to sacrifice and give back like my mother sacrificed and gave so much to me, she is the first reason, I feel - that we are all here.
Onward now to my next cup of tea,
dread out.
<3 a.dub.annie.love
Monday, October 15, 2007
Everybody is here and it's starting to smell...
.... like a bus full of musicians.
Gary, Joe, Annie, Christi, Jeff, Jannel, Eli and I are are just about ready to emabark on a 20 day journey into the world of touring. I'm a bit nervous for a number of reasons, not because I think we will suck, but because of the weight of this project and wanting to be able to fulfill the task at hand in a respectful manner.
The other reasons would be the fact that 9 people are going to be on a bus driving cross country, with the furthest point being Maryland, eating, sleeping, brushing teeth, reading, breathing, stinking, singing, working, telling jokes, recording, playing, and I have NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE!!!!
I come from a little big town called Whittier, and work as a hairstylist full time and most of the time overtime, where my clients pretty much have a heart attack the second I say vacation. I think the longest I have ever taken off of work would be a week, and it took it's toll on my business. I guess what I'm trying to say is, that I have worked 10 years building a foundation for a finacial homestead and now I could say that I have reached a nice postion in my life business wise. Leaving for 20 days in a career like this has got to be the scariest thought that goes through my head.
With all of that said you might be asking yourself "what the hell is this chick doing this for?"
For me, there wasn't any thinking if I should be apart of this project. I knew that Jannel was in my life for a reason, and vise versa. With all of the nervousness that I'm feeling and all of the sacrificing that we all have had to do to be apart of this project, nothing, in my opinion, is more important, more fulfilling than helping these families find closure with their missing love ones. The work that gets put into a project of this size is a total family effort. Mix with in with love, struggle, hopes, sacrifice, determination, lack of sleep, lack of time, DETAILS, and lots and lots of SUPPORT!
My foresight on this trip would be that we are going to play amazing shows, Create so much attention that you will have no way to turn your head, and to stay focused and true to our mission.
So, stay tuned to find out what happens and don't be shy, we wanna know what you think about this animal we're creating.
AND I'M SPENT!!!!!
P.S. I will try not to cuss while the camera is rolling.......Shi!##*
Dwoods
Gary, Joe, Annie, Christi, Jeff, Jannel, Eli and I are are just about ready to emabark on a 20 day journey into the world of touring. I'm a bit nervous for a number of reasons, not because I think we will suck, but because of the weight of this project and wanting to be able to fulfill the task at hand in a respectful manner.
The other reasons would be the fact that 9 people are going to be on a bus driving cross country, with the furthest point being Maryland, eating, sleeping, brushing teeth, reading, breathing, stinking, singing, working, telling jokes, recording, playing, and I have NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE!!!!
I come from a little big town called Whittier, and work as a hairstylist full time and most of the time overtime, where my clients pretty much have a heart attack the second I say vacation. I think the longest I have ever taken off of work would be a week, and it took it's toll on my business. I guess what I'm trying to say is, that I have worked 10 years building a foundation for a finacial homestead and now I could say that I have reached a nice postion in my life business wise. Leaving for 20 days in a career like this has got to be the scariest thought that goes through my head.
With all of that said you might be asking yourself "what the hell is this chick doing this for?"
For me, there wasn't any thinking if I should be apart of this project. I knew that Jannel was in my life for a reason, and vise versa. With all of the nervousness that I'm feeling and all of the sacrificing that we all have had to do to be apart of this project, nothing, in my opinion, is more important, more fulfilling than helping these families find closure with their missing love ones. The work that gets put into a project of this size is a total family effort. Mix with in with love, struggle, hopes, sacrifice, determination, lack of sleep, lack of time, DETAILS, and lots and lots of SUPPORT!
My foresight on this trip would be that we are going to play amazing shows, Create so much attention that you will have no way to turn your head, and to stay focused and true to our mission.
So, stay tuned to find out what happens and don't be shy, we wanna know what you think about this animal we're creating.
AND I'M SPENT!!!!!
P.S. I will try not to cuss while the camera is rolling.......Shi!##*
Dwoods
Saturday, October 13, 2007
On our feet, on our backs and on a long distance run.
Hello,
All is moving forward in preparations for the Squeaky Wheel Tour. Dana Woods, Clementine vocalist and bass player has been working 10-12 hour days on her feet cutting hair. She has also been in charge of organizing artwork and merch. Jeffrey Wayne, Clementine drummer, has been on his back with a high fever he is determined to kick by Monday. Even though he is under the weather he finds moments where he can email radio to let them know we are coming and schedule interviews. Prior to being on his back he was contacting radio and working on editing video and mixing music for the tour. Gary Floyd, Clementine vocalist and piano player, has been working 3 jobs, organizing the finale with his friend Denise in Dallas and raising funds. Joe has been running around looking for cases for our instruments, selling tickets and various errands. Carey Colvin our webgoddess has not been feeling well herself and yet she is doing her best to be on top of getting the events up on the website along with the missing that coordinate with the events. She also has to add anything new that we have to add on a daily basis. It is a big job. Keri Dattilo is working 2 jobs and fitting in volunteering for us in between. She has the task of matching up local missing people with events and organizing an event for us in Madison, IN. Rocia and Celia are over the top busy with their regular jobs and families and they have put a data base together so we can access contact information at a moments notice. Our new friend and film maker Neal helped us with bus artwork design and a new GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation Logo. He showed up just at the right time and the right place. I think he is an angel. Not sure if he is a real person. I have not tried to pinch him yet. Annie, has been emailing artists and individuals to get them involved in the states and countries where we don't have events on the books yet. Tammy, has been coordinating information back and forth to artists and gathering information from the families of the misisng...oh and fundraising, working her full time job and and and...Peter Finlayson created artwork for our Giveaway DVD. Andrew created artwork for the Clementine CD and the FINDing Gina Logo. Gigi and John Maidlow are helping to organize our kick off event in OC and overall helping to manage the bands operations. Artists from all over the country are earmarking their gigs and working press for their events to gain more attn for the missing. Families of the missing are coordinating with the events and coordinating press whenever possible. Vicki and Tom Kelly of the Tommy Foundation, Patti Bishop of In Hope, Kelly Jolkowski of Project Jason, Monica Caison of the Cue Center, Abby Potash of Team Hope, Darlene Huntsman of Maryland Taskforce for the Missing and Unidentified, Unity Church of Denver, John and Gary Croshaw, Go Girls Music, SongsAlive, 99 Years, Corrine of Al Yad, Kris Cropin of Struzzin Back Stage and Paul of Sports Talk Network are all helping to organize local events. Artists like Stan Dewitt, Jim Anderson, Peter Brandon, Clementine, Molly Zenobia, Chris Valenti, Micheal Finnerty and Tim Moyer are all working to sell tickets to create an amazing kick off event in OC. Also, to the media for seeing the story and putting it out there to help extend our reach to the public. There are so many people helping to make this possible. I could go on typing for days to give everyone credit.
There is so much that goes into this. I sometimes get so caught up in the details and the stress of that that I have to step back to focus and remember what the goal here is...to educate the public about missing people who have no story and in so doing bring one home...
It is obvious that I cannot do this alone. It is obvious that it takes all of us working together to make this all happen. Instead of cheers all around...I like to say Blessings...all around to all those above mentioned and those working behind the scenes that I may have forgotten or that I may not know about.
It's cold and rainy in Southern California and I think I will go take a nap to ready myself for the task at hand.
When something happens in your life good or bad, easy or difficult...don't ask why...ask what can I do? Asking what gives the bad and difficult things meaning and immediataly puts you on a path to taking advantage of your pain. Asking what good and easy makes you remember to be grateful and elevates the goodness and opens your mind and heart to accept more good into your life.
When in doubt...ask WHAT CAN I DO?
Jannel
All is moving forward in preparations for the Squeaky Wheel Tour. Dana Woods, Clementine vocalist and bass player has been working 10-12 hour days on her feet cutting hair. She has also been in charge of organizing artwork and merch. Jeffrey Wayne, Clementine drummer, has been on his back with a high fever he is determined to kick by Monday. Even though he is under the weather he finds moments where he can email radio to let them know we are coming and schedule interviews. Prior to being on his back he was contacting radio and working on editing video and mixing music for the tour. Gary Floyd, Clementine vocalist and piano player, has been working 3 jobs, organizing the finale with his friend Denise in Dallas and raising funds. Joe has been running around looking for cases for our instruments, selling tickets and various errands. Carey Colvin our webgoddess has not been feeling well herself and yet she is doing her best to be on top of getting the events up on the website along with the missing that coordinate with the events. She also has to add anything new that we have to add on a daily basis. It is a big job. Keri Dattilo is working 2 jobs and fitting in volunteering for us in between. She has the task of matching up local missing people with events and organizing an event for us in Madison, IN. Rocia and Celia are over the top busy with their regular jobs and families and they have put a data base together so we can access contact information at a moments notice. Our new friend and film maker Neal helped us with bus artwork design and a new GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation Logo. He showed up just at the right time and the right place. I think he is an angel. Not sure if he is a real person. I have not tried to pinch him yet. Annie, has been emailing artists and individuals to get them involved in the states and countries where we don't have events on the books yet. Tammy, has been coordinating information back and forth to artists and gathering information from the families of the misisng...oh and fundraising, working her full time job and and and...Peter Finlayson created artwork for our Giveaway DVD. Andrew created artwork for the Clementine CD and the FINDing Gina Logo. Gigi and John Maidlow are helping to organize our kick off event in OC and overall helping to manage the bands operations. Artists from all over the country are earmarking their gigs and working press for their events to gain more attn for the missing. Families of the missing are coordinating with the events and coordinating press whenever possible. Vicki and Tom Kelly of the Tommy Foundation, Patti Bishop of In Hope, Kelly Jolkowski of Project Jason, Monica Caison of the Cue Center, Abby Potash of Team Hope, Darlene Huntsman of Maryland Taskforce for the Missing and Unidentified, Unity Church of Denver, John and Gary Croshaw, Go Girls Music, SongsAlive, 99 Years, Corrine of Al Yad, Kris Cropin of Struzzin Back Stage and Paul of Sports Talk Network are all helping to organize local events. Artists like Stan Dewitt, Jim Anderson, Peter Brandon, Clementine, Molly Zenobia, Chris Valenti, Micheal Finnerty and Tim Moyer are all working to sell tickets to create an amazing kick off event in OC. Also, to the media for seeing the story and putting it out there to help extend our reach to the public. There are so many people helping to make this possible. I could go on typing for days to give everyone credit.
There is so much that goes into this. I sometimes get so caught up in the details and the stress of that that I have to step back to focus and remember what the goal here is...to educate the public about missing people who have no story and in so doing bring one home...
It is obvious that I cannot do this alone. It is obvious that it takes all of us working together to make this all happen. Instead of cheers all around...I like to say Blessings...all around to all those above mentioned and those working behind the scenes that I may have forgotten or that I may not know about.
It's cold and rainy in Southern California and I think I will go take a nap to ready myself for the task at hand.
When something happens in your life good or bad, easy or difficult...don't ask why...ask what can I do? Asking what gives the bad and difficult things meaning and immediataly puts you on a path to taking advantage of your pain. Asking what good and easy makes you remember to be grateful and elevates the goodness and opens your mind and heart to accept more good into your life.
When in doubt...ask WHAT CAN I DO?
Jannel
Saturday, October 6, 2007
The Morning After. The Missing Words
So I woke up this morning to e-mails from Jannel indicating she spent another lack of sleep night pouring over the details of all of this. Her e-mails(YES.more the one...time stamped 12:30am) were lists of things she need me to "have done already". Yesterday I spent about 10 hours researching, working, e-mailing and calling radio stations in the areas Clementine will be performing all along the tour. At some point Jannel walked into the room late in the afternoon, heard the radio on and exclaimed "Is that all you have been doing all day, watching a webcast?"
I worked in the distribution end of the music biz for many years back when I had a POMPADOUR muti colored styled hairdo (actually, it was more of a HAIR DON'T). The owner of the company was such a tyrant that to this day I will have dreams I have gone back to work for him and he is terrorizing his "MAGGOTS". He was fond of getting on the speaker system that boomed throughout the office building and giving motivational speeches:
"Attention all maggots. I want to thank the kind person who was kind enough to leave a urine sample in the bathroom in the warehouse. I am sure your fellow employees appreciate it, I know I appreciate the little gift you left for us...."
He was famous for walking in at the exact time I was having a casual conversation after completing work tasks, the EXACT MOMENT I IN FACT WAS NOT WORKING ON HIS BUSINESS and giving an infamous motivational speech:
"If you've got nothing to do perhaps I can find you something to occupy your time MAGGOT".
The strain of supporting Jannel and her workaholic tendency to get the band on the road and pay the ever increasing debts is formitable. Jannel communicates her emotional conflict. She wrote what I can only describe as a bare to the bone, gutwrenchingly honest expose in her book. I think the book is just shy of a masterpiece because of its articulate wisdom and wllingness on the part of Jannel to reveal herself so honestly. I have read few "motivational books"in which the author was so willing to expose what exists beneath the mask. So she communicates the burden and the struggle that has become her "lifes work", in songs, in books and now...in BLOGS.
For me, the primary thing I would be doing is building the band and all things surrounding it, but most moments it is the last thing I feel I should be doing with pressing financial challenges. So now I will ONE UP Jannel and use the BLOG to pinge and purge the emotional strain.
Except I am at a loss for words....
JW
I worked in the distribution end of the music biz for many years back when I had a POMPADOUR muti colored styled hairdo (actually, it was more of a HAIR DON'T). The owner of the company was such a tyrant that to this day I will have dreams I have gone back to work for him and he is terrorizing his "MAGGOTS". He was fond of getting on the speaker system that boomed throughout the office building and giving motivational speeches:
"Attention all maggots. I want to thank the kind person who was kind enough to leave a urine sample in the bathroom in the warehouse. I am sure your fellow employees appreciate it, I know I appreciate the little gift you left for us...."
He was famous for walking in at the exact time I was having a casual conversation after completing work tasks, the EXACT MOMENT I IN FACT WAS NOT WORKING ON HIS BUSINESS and giving an infamous motivational speech:
"If you've got nothing to do perhaps I can find you something to occupy your time MAGGOT".
The strain of supporting Jannel and her workaholic tendency to get the band on the road and pay the ever increasing debts is formitable. Jannel communicates her emotional conflict. She wrote what I can only describe as a bare to the bone, gutwrenchingly honest expose in her book. I think the book is just shy of a masterpiece because of its articulate wisdom and wllingness on the part of Jannel to reveal herself so honestly. I have read few "motivational books"in which the author was so willing to expose what exists beneath the mask. So she communicates the burden and the struggle that has become her "lifes work", in songs, in books and now...in BLOGS.
For me, the primary thing I would be doing is building the band and all things surrounding it, but most moments it is the last thing I feel I should be doing with pressing financial challenges. So now I will ONE UP Jannel and use the BLOG to pinge and purge the emotional strain.
Except I am at a loss for words....
JW
12:40 in the morning and nowhere to think...
Morning all,
It's October 6th. I fell asleep for an hour or so and then, wide away with thoughts of details swimming around in my head. We have 11 days before we leave on our US tour to gain attn for missing people all over the country. It has been months of very long hours planning this tour...not just for Clementine, but to enlist the cooperation and community of artists, press, nonprofits and families of the missing all over the world.
Last year, at this time I was working on the same thing...the Squeaky Wheel Tour. Also, falling asleep for a short while only to wake up to details swimming in my head. I said, that I would not put myself through it again and yet...here I am...making it happen again. It's not that I don't believe in what I am doing or that there are no rewards...it is that the work load is enormous....the hours are long...and it's really like trying to climb Mount Everest without working up to the task, without the tools...flying blind nearly every step of the way. However, I remember so vividly those first few days, weeks and months when Gina disappeared. The level of trauma to my family and those around us like nothing I had ever experienced.vThat memory drives me to climb without the tools, the skills, the money or the man power...because I know what I see as missing in this world of missing is a HUGE need. What is missing are avenues to gain attention for people who are missing regardless of their age, lifestyle, gender, media friendly story, looks, family etc...I just can't stand the thought of another family waiting endlessly for an open door. Having the media doors slam in your face with the lie that your loved one is not important. That people only care about finding the missing with the media ready stories. So, I just go for it and, hope, pray, climb and dream for the best.
Adding Clementine, the band to my life...such a blessing and a dream come true. Adding FINDing Gina, the TV series to a project for GINA for Missing Persons...such a blessing and a dream come true...and yet...the work load has exploded off even last years charts and I thought last year was an enormous undertaking. Be careful what you think...is the watch word here. I can only surmise that God, or fate...knew I would be where I am today and had confidence that I could handle it all. ; )
With all the details, organizing, money needs, press needed to support this effort, contacting artists and the families of the missing and and and...most times the only way to get to sleep is to imagine that I remember everything I need to remember when I need to remember it and to focus on the end result...that the missing we are profiling are matched up with the right artist who draws in the right eyes and ears to bring someone home. That's really all I have to do...focus on that...bringing one home...bringing one home.... For the love of Gina...for the love of Gina...for the love of Gina we focus on.
Blog at you later...blessings all around,
Jannel
I
It's October 6th. I fell asleep for an hour or so and then, wide away with thoughts of details swimming around in my head. We have 11 days before we leave on our US tour to gain attn for missing people all over the country. It has been months of very long hours planning this tour...not just for Clementine, but to enlist the cooperation and community of artists, press, nonprofits and families of the missing all over the world.
Last year, at this time I was working on the same thing...the Squeaky Wheel Tour. Also, falling asleep for a short while only to wake up to details swimming in my head. I said, that I would not put myself through it again and yet...here I am...making it happen again. It's not that I don't believe in what I am doing or that there are no rewards...it is that the work load is enormous....the hours are long...and it's really like trying to climb Mount Everest without working up to the task, without the tools...flying blind nearly every step of the way. However, I remember so vividly those first few days, weeks and months when Gina disappeared. The level of trauma to my family and those around us like nothing I had ever experienced.vThat memory drives me to climb without the tools, the skills, the money or the man power...because I know what I see as missing in this world of missing is a HUGE need. What is missing are avenues to gain attention for people who are missing regardless of their age, lifestyle, gender, media friendly story, looks, family etc...I just can't stand the thought of another family waiting endlessly for an open door. Having the media doors slam in your face with the lie that your loved one is not important. That people only care about finding the missing with the media ready stories. So, I just go for it and, hope, pray, climb and dream for the best.
Adding Clementine, the band to my life...such a blessing and a dream come true. Adding FINDing Gina, the TV series to a project for GINA for Missing Persons...such a blessing and a dream come true...and yet...the work load has exploded off even last years charts and I thought last year was an enormous undertaking. Be careful what you think...is the watch word here. I can only surmise that God, or fate...knew I would be where I am today and had confidence that I could handle it all. ; )
With all the details, organizing, money needs, press needed to support this effort, contacting artists and the families of the missing and and and...most times the only way to get to sleep is to imagine that I remember everything I need to remember when I need to remember it and to focus on the end result...that the missing we are profiling are matched up with the right artist who draws in the right eyes and ears to bring someone home. That's really all I have to do...focus on that...bringing one home...bringing one home.... For the love of Gina...for the love of Gina...for the love of Gina we focus on.
Blog at you later...blessings all around,
Jannel
I
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