Michael Jackson’s 68th Birthday Celebration

Today I thought I would let my photographs tell the story but then I met a lovely family from Poland as well as a few fans from China and they truly moved me. I posted the card from China at the bottom of this blog. I sincerely love it. It’s a drawing of Michael from The Way You Make Me Feel video, released on the Bad album released November 9, 1987 next to Michael from the 2005 trial instigated by Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon. It’s poignant in how the artist depicted Michael from one of his good times to one of the bad.

Here’s a lovely card from Yae Kojima in Japan. She has sent handmade cards every year that I have been going to Forest Lawn since 2010. She knows Michael loved his red long-sleeved shirts.

From Yae Kojima in Japan.
Her drawings move me every year.

Floral boat with a Peter Pan doll made by Arus.

Happy Birthday Michael With Love from Denmark and Sweden

I love the orange, yellow and red colors

This is Aria. She discovered Michael Jackson about three years ago. Children know a good soul, in their hearts.

This family from Poland has been to Forest Lawn to honor Michael 3 times.
Iwona, Marcin, Agata, Victoria, and Julia Debscy.

Bunny brought this Peter Pan figurine from China. I think Michael would have loved it.

This was brought from China from Bunny and Yuki. They gifted it to me. I really love this.
“You hate the rain? How could anyone hate the rain?

Helping Animals in Crisis in Los Angeles

There is a crisis within a crisis in Los Angeles on Skid Row with animals being abused by mentally ill and drug addicted people living on the streets. By following animal activists like Joey Tuccio on Instagram, I met Valarie Ianniello, from the group Women United for Animal Welfare, who told me about an event, LA Street Vet, that is held every three months at Skid Row Care Center.

Skid Row Care Center has laundry, showers, bathrooms and a pet area while someone utilizes services on campus. There’s a green space for naps and a safety team so people can sleep. The drop in center has movies, games and music along with three meals a day plus snacks. All of this is funded by LS care and the county. There’s an annex space where people can be paid to create hygiene and wound kits.

Project Street Vet was started by Dr. Kwane Stewart, who donates his time to help animals in need of care, who need food, supplies, vaccines and wellness appointments. The only qualification is the person who owns the animal must be experiencing homelessness.

The volunteers I met from Women United for Animal Welfare walk the streets of downtown Los Angeles, visit encampments and offer free medical care. This was a side of the crisis in Los Angeles that not only did I not know about but have never seen. These women are truly other centered.

Left to Right:
Liz Wagner – Project Street Vet
Jenn – WUFAW
Valarie Ianniello – WUFAW
Tara – Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles

This pet clinic event is worth seeing in person. These are just a few of the beautiful souls—both human and canine—who touched my heart as I listened to their stories of love, devotion, loss, and the extraordinary bond they shared with their dogs.

This is Rhonda and her dog, Toast. They found one another four years ago, when Toast was already nine years old. Some bonds begin later than we expect.

Here is Majesty Roo and Peanut. At twelve years old and just twenty-one months, they were receiving their vaccinations for the very first time. Majesty Roo has Cushing’s disease, and Debbie is holding onto hope that treatment will give her many more happy days by her side.

Here’s Debbie with her dogs: Majesty Roo and Peanut

Amber and her two pugs Willow and Abby in stroller. At around either years old, the sisters became part of Amber’s life last Christmas after belonging to her aunt. Abby has not been feeling well the past few days and Amber is hoping to get care for Abby at Project Street Vet.

Pugs in stroller
Left to right
Abby (sick for a few days)
Willow
Amber – Owner

This is Cheryl and her dog Chicka. Her father had Parkinson’s and dementia and passed away. Chicka is fourteen years old and Cheryl has been familiar with her for two years. Chicka is fully vaccinated but needs a heartworm test today.

Six weeks ago, Cheryl lost her housing, but her journey with Chicka began long before that. After spending a year carefully saving every paycheck she earned as a caregiver, the two set off to explore the world together. They wandered through Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Mérida, then spent time in Albania, where Americans can stay visa-free for a year.

Their travels eventually led them to Thailand, where unexpected challenges changed everything. Tourist living costs quickly drained Cheryl’s savings, and although entering the country with Chicka had been simple, leaving together proved far more difficult. Through every twist and setback, one thing remained constant: Cheryl and Chicka stayed by each other’s side, facing each new chapter together.

This is Jennie and her dog Minnie, who is two and a half years old. Minnie was there for her Bordetella vaccine, which protects dogs against kennel cough. It’s important for dogs who are frequently social and she was last vaccinated May 2025. She heard about Project Street Vet because of a flyer. After being given a wrist band with a number, they wait their turn.

Meet Fluffy. Fluffy’s mom didn’t want her name used. Fluffy was there to get deworming. Somebody left Fluffy on Skid Row. This dog owner used to dog sit and many times people would leave their dogs and not return for them. Fluffy gets groomed every three months. She said “I don’t let her walk on the ground, cause I don’t know what’s on it. Piss, shit, throw up, needles. But he doesn’t like the shoes I give him to wear.” She works Monday through Friday at the Care Campus making homeless healthcare kits of bandaids, alcohol wipes, gauzes, and clean needles. She said “you can get $20 a day if you stand in line and your name gets picked.”

While we were having our chat, a helicopter flew overhead and I asked the woman who owns Fluffy if they were just messing around and she said “Yes, they do that just to f*ck with people.”

Fluffy
Her mom asked not to use her name

It was heart warming to see a positive side to the crisis downtown on July 9. On the same day, Joey Tuccio, the activist helping animals all over the city, posted a photo of a dog who was on Skid Row, who had every bone in all four paws broken and infection had spread to his chest. The dog was so severely abused that their vet said she has never seen anything like it in ten years of work, his fragile body smelled like rotted flesh. There is heartbreaking suffering happening on Skid Row. Joey and Women United for Animal Welfare are witness to animals living in unsafe and inhumane conditions without food, water, medical care or basic shelter.

Feel free to call if you’d like to make your voice heard.

Nithya Raman – Council member District 4 : Nithya chairs the homeless committee 818.728.9924 or 213.473.7004

Karen Bass – Mayor of Los Angeles : 213.978.0600

Ysabel Jurado – Council member District 14 : 213.473.7014

Follow Joey Tuccio on Instagram : @joey.tuccio

If you feel compelled to donate:

Women United for Animal Welfare

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Seventeen Years Without Michael Jackson

Seventeen Years Without Michael Jackson – June 25, 2026

When we all visit Forest Lawn this year on the 17^th anniversary of losing Michael Jackson, the occasion will have a different feel from previous years. Mainly because of the success of the “Michael” movie which will soon earn $1billion at the global box office. The positive impact of the biopic means the world is waking up to who this soft-hearted genius was. When I started writing about Michael after he died, I knew I was being judged but I didn’t care. I knew the truth, in my heart, and based on research. His death had an unexpected galvanizing effect on me. What began as curiosity evolved into a deep exploration of the facts, and public perceptions surrounding his life. That experience taught me the value of rigorous research and critical inquiry; it shaped the way I approach information to this day. I ultimately came to see the huge difference between a media narrative and the truth of someone.

The iconic Neverland clock recreated from the Japanese fans

My dear friend Marty Theis was so thoughtful to bring this for all of us. It’s hot out there.

Not only did he break through barriers, such as being the first black man on MTV, Michael inspired millions across the world to embrace kindness, humanity, unity and social change, he asked us to heal the world. He gave us hope for a better world through his music. Long before algorithms dictated visual trends, Michael turned the music video into a cinematic event.

The essence of Victor Frank’s book, “Man’s Search for Meaning” was that humans need meaning and purpose in their life. Work was not meant to be a burden but rather one of the primary ways to create that purpose. Michael Jackson knew his purpose when he was 5 years old after singing “Climb Every Mountain” during a Garnett Elementary School recital in Gary, Indiana and seeing the reaction of making people happy. Imagine knowing your soul’s purpose from the time you are 5 years old.

Michael wanted to entertain, to create music and later he also wanted to stop the hatred and show love and empathy. He wanted us to stop hurting one another, take no one for granted and love from the heart.

He believed the songs were already written and he was the receiver. He was tapped into his higher power and was receiving frequency downloads. His music truly healed. I felt something when I first heard him sing in 1969. In our hearts we know the truth. His voice was a caress for the soul. Some people leave memories. Michael left a legacy of love.

Every year Tiziana Schellino from Italy makes the loveliest cards. This year she painted this. When she saw me, she called out, “Hannah” then she put her arms out to hug me and was crying, which, of course, made me cry too. We miss him.

I love these handmade cards from the fans in Japan every year.

Holly Terrace and the roses from Brenda and Siren

When he reaches out to push down the rifle aiming at him on the live version of Heal the World, that’s who Michael was. His mission was to heal the world, through his music. He wasn’t wacko, as the English tabloid loved to dehumanize him. He was a kind human who loved everyone. Healing the world was what he tried to do not only with his music but his humanitarian efforts. With the Michael movie, it feels as if there has been a fierce force of intention to continue his mission. His lyrics prove the level at which he was vibrating. Listen to his song “Cry” on his 2001 Invincible album. Watch the video showing people holding hands all around the world. That’s who Michael Jackson was: he wanted to heal the world.

Rachel handing out little photos of Michael she printed. She gave me one, which is now in my camera bag.

Tree at Forest Lawn. Reminded me of a tree at Neverland.

Tiziana and her lovely painting from Firenze, Italy

Donata and Linda from Firenze, Italy “I created this trip. Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Gary, Indiana”

Fans from Brazil
Vanessa Ficher, Lucas Ficher, Willian Botelho, Filipe Perim

This is extra special for me as it was made by Jacqui Wade for me in honor of Michael

Inside of card that Jacqui Wade made for me for Michael

Miyuki has not been to Forest Lawn in 2 years. It was nice to see her again.

I love this so much. From a fan who knew how much Michael loved orange juice and ordered a Starbucks with his name on it along with Peter Pan book.

Miyuki from Japan. She had an exhibition of her dolls in Japan 2 years ago.
She donated all the proceeds to one of Michael’s favorite charities.

I am grateful for Michael Jackson for creating music that continues to touch people’s hearts through generations. His legacy lives on through every song where we not only listen to his songs but we find refuge in them. His artistry was a constant soundtrack to my life, providing a sense of escape that no one has ever touched.

I’ve often thought of how much more music he could have created if his energy was not spent fighting the numerous grifters trying to say they wrote one of his songs or the court case in 2005, predicated on Martin Bashir’s documentary, intentionally made to look sinister.

In his life, they tried to destroy him. In death, that witch-hunt continues, via lazy journalism and skewed, one-sided documentaries. But those of us who took the time to do a modicum of research, knew the truth of his innocence. For decades, accusing Michael Jackson was a profitable business. In 2026, I sense a shift – more and more people are no longer willing to buy the same story. His life was taken but it is impossible to erase the purity and beauty of his soul that transcends all the noise. Honoring and celebrating Michael’s spirit is the redemption he deserves from the treatment he endured. Mainstream media didn’t tell the truth, they enlarged the lies. Our role, as the MJ community, is to keep fighting those lies, in defense of his name and his legacy. I am honored to have walked the planet when Michael Jackson did. He brought so much joy to my world and it’s an honor to defend him until my last breath.

Self Portrait with Man in the Mirror a fan made

Douglas Kirkland : Marilyn A Magical Dance Book

On Saturday night I went to the opening of Peter Fetterman’s Gallery to see the premiere of ‘Marilyn Monroe A Silent Life.’ The exhibition features photographs from many photographers who were witness to Marilyn’s aura and beauty. From Bert Stern, Milton Greene, Sam Shaw and Eve Arnold and of course, the magnificent portraits that Douglas Kirkland created with his Hasselblad CM on the evening of November 17, 1961.

My heart was beating a little faster as Douglas wife, Francoise, showed me the book dummy her new book scheduled for release soon. I love photography. I love books. Marilyn Monroe would have turned 100 on June 1, 2026. To this day, she remains the most alluring, charismatic and idolized move star of all time and the images that Douglas created when he was twenty seven years old remain the most iconic of all the photographs made of Marilyn Monroe.

As Marilyn requested Frank Sinatra on the record player, a silk sheet and Dom Pérignon champagne, this photo session would result in Kirkland creating some of the most spontaneous, flirtatious and unguarded images ever taken of the Hollywood legend.

Book dummy showing the design of this intimate book

I immediately recognized Douglas Kirkland’s writing as he signed all of his books that I had in my collection,
when he spent hours looking at my photography. What a generous, kind man he was.

Insert from book dummy – Douglas Kirkland next to Ms. Monroe photographed from above

What a magnificent photograph of one of the greatest photographers.

I have always loved Douglas’ handwriting.

Here’s a direct link to pre-order this gorgeous, Damani book. Release scheduled for Fall 2026

And, if you want to know more about the original book, here’s Douglas Kirkland’s An Evening with Marilyn. I am also showing the beautiful signature he signed on my copy. Douglas was not only a visionary but he was a kind man.

I cherish my copy of this book that Douglas signed for me in his home in the Hollywood Hills on June 19, 2014.

Thank you to Francoise Kirkland, for continuing to let people around the world know about the art and genius of Douglas Kirkland. You have continued his legacy. Douglas was definitely a case of wanting to meet one of my heroes and he did not let me down.

“Michael” Movie Takes Us on a Magical Ride

I have been listening to Michael Jackson since 1969 when I first heard his falsetto voice sing “I Want You Back” with the Jackson 5. I followed his career from the group to solo albums. By the time he released History in 1995, after being falsely accused and extorted two years earlier, he was no longer holding back what he felt. He was fed up and released songs like “Money” which was interpreted as being directed at Evan Chandler, who was caught on tape demanding 20 million or he threatened to ruin him and “cause a massacre if I don’t get what I want.” “Scream” with lyrics about injustice. “You Are Not Alone” about isolation and “D.S.” where there are lyrics about a “cold man” named Dom S. Sheldon. This song was aimed at Tom Sneddon, the District Attorney of Santa Barbara, who falsified records in a court of law in the bogus 2005 trial where Michael was cleared of all charges. Sneddon was hell bent on getting Michael Jackson out of Los Olivos. “This Time Around” declares he was “falsely accused.” On “History”, Michael is singing and screaming his anger at the injustices he suffered. He was singing and screaming his truth. And isn’t that what art is supposed to be?

Michael Jackson studied Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Charlie Chaplin. He said “study the greats and become greater.” Michael studied the masters. He knew exactly what he was doing and he was setting goals as he watched five masters from four different eras. He studied the Silent Film Era, the Golden Age of Hollywood, the rise of Rock and Roll and Soul and the mid-century nightclub/Las Vegas era.

Michael released Thriller in 1982 and the album was being purchased by one in five American households. This is and remains unprecedented.

The times have certainly changed. Artists now have to deal with fragmented attention spans where thirty seconds is the sweet spot. Michael held everyone’s attention with his dancing and short videos. Thriller was fourteen minutes long and broke all records. Michael Jackson, the boy from Gary, Indiana decided when he was a teenager that he would be magic. In an interview at his family home of Hayvenhurst with his sister LaToya in front of a fountain in the early 80’s, he said “magic” twenty-one times.

Black artists were not shown on MTV in the 80’s, that is until Michael Jackson’s videos were shown in heavy rotation. Not only did he revitalize the music business, with “Michael” he is bringing people back to the movie theatre.

I was at the premiere for “Michael” in Hollywood on April 20. There was a palpable energy in the line, where we waited for our reserved tickets. The Dolby Theater was buzzing with anticipation. It’s not as if I didn’t know anything that was going to be in the movie. I do. But I was still blown away by Jaafar’s embodiment of Michael. Jaafar’s role felt less like acting and more like channeling Michael. I saw the movie again a week later and found myself crying many times. Crying about this kind soul who was raked over the coals for being different.

The movie took me on a ride of the late 60’s where I first heard Michael Jackson sing “I Want You Back.” The soulful ballads like “One Day In Your Life”, recorded in 1975 but released March 25, 1981. Back to the 80’s with Thriller and Bad. Michael’s music marked time. It’s really impossible to explain the impact that Michael had on those of us who grew up in the sixties and seventies and watched him continue to soar into the eighties and nineties.

Let’s think about it. Michael never knew a normal life. He had no friends in school because he could only go briefly and then had to have a private tutor, Rose Fine. He was sheltered from the time he started singing at five years old, raised with a strict religion and an abusive father, and was then thrust into unprecedented fame. By the time he released Thriller at twenty-four years old, he could not go out into public without being mobbed. He had a bodyguard from the time he was eleven when Bill Bray was hired to protect him and his brothers. When people make comments about him, they fail to understand that this was a young boy who grew up in a different reality which naturally led to a guarded personality and a different perception of what normal is. People forget this context when judging him.

The movie showed the price of fame, his loneliness, the pressures and the very real physical pain that began with the Pepsi accident on January 27, 1984, when he suffered second and third degree burns to his scalp. The boy who didn’t like to take an aspirin began taking pain killers.

Michael was the perfect embodiment of both female and male energy. Those with a similar archetype to Michael will understand. Even though they tried so hard to character assassinate him, he kept his heart open. He was a protector of animals and children and his goal was to heal the world. He didn’t just entertain. His kindness impacted the world. He donated hundreds of millions of dollars to several charities worldwide. Through his Heal the World Foundation, he was responsible for sending 43-46 tons of aid into besieged Sarajevo, which was valued at approximately $2.1 million USD. Michael described the mission as “a message of hope for the children of Sarajevo.”

Yet legacy media ramps up the same old smear campaigns in light of the biopic release because they were able to get away with it when Michael was alive. But times have changed. The media doesn’t control the narrative anymore. Those of us that did the research know that he was always innocent. The media made a sport out of destroying his life. We had the crucifixion, now it’s time for a resurrection. Remember that judging Michael Jackson says nothing about him and everything about the need to judge another for being different.

One of my favorite books about Michael is You Are Not Alone Michael Through a Brother’s Eyes by his brother Jermaine. He knew the smear campaign would start when the biopic was released, and that’s why the book has been reissued in the UK and US. This updated edition, including a new introduction about Jaafar’s casting, prep and the pressure to do his uncle justice, tells the rest of Michael’s story, beyond the movie’s scope which is limited to 1960-1980’s. It means there is now something back out there that offers the truth regarding the allegations from 1993 through 2005.

“Michael” is not just a movie. It’s a cultural event. The movie takes us on a magical ride that reminds us of MJ’s genius. Michael Jackson is not just a memory. He’s a movement all on his own.

The Magic of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

The last two times I visited San Miguel de Allende, I flew into Mexico City and overnighted at my favorite hotel, Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico and then took the four-hour bus from the north bus station directly to San Miguel de Allende. I thought I would try something different for this journey and flew into Querétaro, only an hour and a half to shuttle into SMA. My flight arrived at 4:30am so I knew I would need somewhere to eat as breakfast would not be served that early.

My decision was intentional by choosing not to pack a digital camera with me on this journey, only my 1989 Nikon F4S film camera and half a dozen rolls of expired in 2015 Kodak Portra 400, Nikon 50mm f1.4 and Nikon 28mm f2.0.

One of the owners at the bed and breakfast recommended Raíces restaurant, which was about a 20 minute walk from my hotel, Antigua Capilla Bed and Breakfast. This was exactly what I needed after sitting on the three hour flight : a long, quiet walk followed by food prepared with love. One of them also met me at the crack of dawn at the hotel without a complaint.

Estrellados montados en tortilla frita, con salsa rota, rajas poblanos con cream, queso gratinado, acompañados con frijoles de la olla. Sunny side up eggs on fried tortilla, red sauce, sour cream, melted cheese, poblano chile, pepper slices and beans.
They added avocado without me requesting it.

This bed and breakfast is about about a twenty minute walk from the center of town. From the custom tile in the bathroom to the bóvedas de piedra (stone vault) ceiling, no detail is missed. The ceiling is part of the Spanish colonial Baroque/Neoclassical architecture which is prevalent in the area. The daily breakfast with homemade granola also made fresh daily with almonds, pecans, oats, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pipitas, Linaza (flax seeds), honey and raisins to the kindness of the small staff including Rita who kept the space utterly clean with a smile on her face. What’s especially unique is when the couple who runs the hotel bought the piece of land, the only building on it was a 17th century church. Capilla Antigua is a truly magical place to stay in San Miguel. It’s the perfect distance from Centro to have peace and quiet and close enough to walk into the main square for a plethora of restaurants, coffee shops and see the landmark church, La Parroquia with its pink spires.

Entrance to *gua Capilla Boutique Bed and Breakfast*

Courtyard Antigua Capilla Boutique Bed and Breakfast– San Miguel de Allende

Clivia plants at *Antigua Capilla Boutique Bed and Breakfast*

I noticed three women walking together and immediately knew that it was three generations. I have seen this many times in Mexico. I asked them if I could make a photo. One of the women told me her mother was 84 years old. I shared with her I lost my mother just two months shy of her 84th birthday only three years ago.

Tres generaciones de familia
Three generations of family

While I was eating at Raíces, I noticed a woman across the street selling something. I walked across the street and found her a few blocks down and she asked me if I would like to buy some of her seeds. I wanted to support her somehow so I bought some to feed the birds. I asked if I could make a photo and she said that she was ugly and I told her she was not. She took off her mask for me and I made a photo.

Lovely woman who told me she wasn’t beautiful.

Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel is the main church, originally built in the 17^th century with the addition of the pink façade later between 1880 and 1890. I love the 15 minute interval bell ringing and found myself sitting in the park, hearing the sound of the bells while feeling a part of a community that sits in the evenings and talks to one another.

Parroquia en la noche
Parroquia in the evening

Mujer joven vendiendo flores.
Young women selling flowers.

I saw this woman standing at her window daily, looking outside.

I bought some of this plant that this woman was selling for a friend as she explained it helped with arthritis.

If you like historical fiction, here’s a good read by Barbara Kingsolver. Harrison Shepard was born in the United States, raised in Mexico, but lacks a real sense of home in either place. He learns from housekeepers who put him to work in the kitchen and from errands that he runs in the streets. He discovers a passion for Aztec history and becomes a lifelong friend of Frida Kahlo after working for Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera.

Truly a sweeping tale and I love how we are gifted with Kingsolver’s ambitious way of bringing us into two worlds with her passion for writing and literature.

I spent Friday night at Chabad San Miguel de Allende. What a lovely community and here’s a photo of the homemade challah.

Being in San Miguel de Allende slows me down. The overall feeling is quiet even with the periodic noise of fireworks, if that makes sense. When someone says “buenos dias” as we pass each other on the street, I always smile back and return the greeting. I’m looking forward to my next return.

Perro tomando la siesta
Dog taking a nap

Michael Jackson’s 67th Birthday

On this day in 1958, singer, songwriter, dancer and philanthropist Michael Jackson was born. Michael would have been 67 years old today.

Michael Jackson saw other people’s pain but didn’t look away because of his own. When he was here, he made the world a better place by his actions. We need Michael now, more than ever. I’m grateful I discovered his magic instead of being one of the people who believed mainstream media headlines and judged him.

In 1969, I first heard his soulful voice sing “I Want You Back” with his brothers in the Jackson Five. I loved his voice, music and dancing since then.

67 years ago, on August 29, 1958, the King of Pop was born. In honor of Michael, let’s celebrate him. I was moved by so many fans today that flew from Germany, India, and London to pay their respects to Michael. I am always moved by the creative flower arrangements, handmade cards and how fans remember Michael with their expressions of love.

Manuela Zimmerman came all the way from Germany, Riya and Safiya from Mumbai, India moved to Los Angeles to study music. Riya said “Michael inspired me to study music. I am studying at Los Angeles College of Music.” Hika came from Hamburg, Germany, Alison and Elisa Tidswell from the UK and our own Christy Sandoval made the lovely MJ board below. Pictures below.

Missing Michael Jackson on what would be his 67th birthday. His kindness and humility were his strength. He had the biggest smile and the warmest heart. In a world of phonies, Michael was the real deal, a true activist. He used his fame to help others and despite what people did to him, he never stopped. One of the greatest references in the music industry, his spirit of love lives on.

From “Give a Smile Projects” in Germany. Thank you, Sandra Mazur.

The sun was beating down so hot that the roses were wilting.
Happy Birthday Michael
We Love You Forever

With L.O.V.E. from Denmark and Sweden Oh, I love this so much with his shoes and toes!

Happy Birthday Dear Michael, We Will Always Love You. Gabi & Hartmut

Manuela Zimmerman – from Germany “This is my first time in California. It was always my dream to come here to the cemetery to lay down flowers in person. I made it to American by myself finally. I flew in on August 26 and leave next Tuesday, September 2.

Insert of card from Manuela Zimmerman – from Germany

I always love Tiziana Schellino’s handmade cards from Italy!

One of the fans in Japan made this card. I love it.

From the fans in Japan. Rita, Eiko L. Majao, Ikuko Ogawa, Harumi, Yae Kojima. I recognize Yae’s cards every year.

Riya and Safiya from Mumbai, India.
Riya moved to Los Angeles a year ago to study music. She said “Michael inspired me to study music. I am studying at Los Angeles College of Music.”

Michael’s final resting place – Holly Terrace

Divina from Santa Monica brings cupcakes every year for the fans.

Christy Sandoval created this art to commemorate Michael Jackson

The fans from Iran created this. Beautiful in person!

This year I photographed the entrance to Forest Lawn as I was leaving. It’s sad to leave Forest Lawn and feel the presence of all the love for Michael Jackson.

My MJ Beat It Doll on one of my favorite flower arrangements. I love the color combination and it includes Michael’s favorite flower: the sunflower.

Michael, We want you back.

Sixteen Years Without Michael Jackson

Today, June 25, 2025 is the sixteenth year anniversary since we lost Michael Jackson. Here in Los Angeles, there is a heavy feeling with the ICE raids going on all over the city and families are being torn apart. I’ve been feeling down and knew that going to Forest Lawn Glendale on the anniversary of the day Michael Jackson left his physical body, would make me feel better.

The handmade cards, flower arrangements and drawings always bring a smile to my face and sharing my blog with Michael Jackson fans around the world who cannot be in Los Angeles in person and love helps so they can see all the love pouring in for Michael, all these years later.

Darkness falls across the land but the love Michael Jackson spread around the world is testament to the power of caring about someone else, being kind, generous, gracious, loving, heart centered, and never forgetting the endless possibilities of grace available as a human being. Michael lived his live as a masterpiece, bringing the world together as one. Michael’s consciousness was elevated and that’s what we tuned into and made him loved, more than anything.

The flowers from Japan are always outstanding. So much love and care go into each arrangement, every year.

I love this tiny, handmade card from Irede in Atlanta

We Hope You Found Your Neverland With L.O.V.E. from Denmark and Sweden

I love all the detail on this handmade card.

Amparo and her momma, Darlene. Heart centered beauties. Originally from Guatemala, just like my momma. My heart aches knowing people are being deported, after being here as citizens for decades.

I love the detail in this hand created card.

I always love Tiziana Schellino’s cards from Italy

This amazing piece of artwork by Izzy @peacelovemjj of names and countries in this giant circle! So amazing to see in person!!

The tiny hearts, colors, colored foil. What a beautiful card.

The artistry of Michal Jackson fans never ceases to amaze me.

Someone placed flags from every country in the world to show how Michael brought the world together in unity and love.

Michael with flags from countries from around the world at the front of Forest Lawn Glendale.

Self Portrait Forest Lawn – June 25, 2025

I went back to Forest Lawn Glendale on June 26 to photograph my Michael Jackson Beat It doll with film. Of the 3 dolls I had including Thriller and Billie Jean, the Beat It doll is the only left that isn’t completely worn out.
Brenda donated these roses and I brought them to the nurses at the Jewish Home for the Aged, where my mother lived for the last 8 years of her life. This is a good way to end the blog.

No Kings Protest in Woodland Hills June 14, 2025

A week ago I documented the Anti-ICE protest in Downtown Los Angeles. When the police started to throw pepper bombs, I knew it was time to make my way out of the crowds. Frankly, I don’t need to lose an eye or damage my Fujifilm camera equipment that I love, so when I heard there was going to be a protest in Woodland Hills, I figured it would stay safe.

What I didn’t expect was how large the turn out would be and I was able to document some signs that truly stood out. What truly struck me was the humanity. People had set up a booth to pass out water. A woman was handing out apples and oranges. Another woman reached out to me with a Gatorade, my discomfort from the heat so apparent.

There were young children and what impacted me deeply was how many elders were there that were fighting angry. These are the people making a difference. When we look back on this time in history, we will know we stood up and made our voices hear. Now is the time. Now is the moment.

3 generations with their signs. The child’s sign says “This is my future. Your hate.”

One of my favorite images I created at the protest. I feel shame that in our country, we now feel the need to hide our faces.

Read books. Read books! Study history. Not just Tik Tok University.

“If you give more power to power, they will come after you harder.” My translation would add they are going to f_ck you.

BTW, when they say “so we can hit your mother,” it’s an idiomatic expression meaning hit you where it hurts or where it will do the most damage.

Anti-ICE Protestors in DTLA on June 8, 2025

The traffic was heavy as I made my way to Downtown Los Angeles on the 101 freeway. As I gathered my necessary camera equipment and made my way to the crowd in front of City Hall, this was the first sign that caught my eye and for those of you who know me, as the daughter of an 8 camp Holocaust survivor, you can understand why.

When the pepper bombs started going off, many of us ran away from the police. The military presence was heavy and I knew that the protests were only going to continue to clash with police officers as the tension became more chaotic by the minute.

President Trump activated nearly 2,000 guardsmen which is the first time since 1965 that a president has deployed a state’s National Guard without a request from that state’s governor. Governor Gavin Newsom said the deployment was “not to meet an unmet need, but to manufacture a crisis.” The immigration raids have increased across Southern California in the last week.

We are in dangerous territory.