Knowing what I've learned over those forty years -- I would love to go back 40 years and kick my own butt. For not doing more than I did.
I should have become a lawyer or a doctor. Instead, I lived for days where dreams became realities. Many did. Some died hard. A few keep pushing me on.
There are some things you just can't wind the clock on. Such as time in Vietnam or choice of a marriage partner that has put up with me for the past 40 years.
There has been plenty hands shaken over the years. Some were officers destined for glory, others were destined for an early grave. Some were movie stars, models and just plain down to earth men and women with their own stories to tell.
Seems like my 20s and 30s were filled with movie stars and with stars on their lapels. But all of that stopped after I got out in 1979. My 40s were filled with raising 5 children, working out at the refineries, taking pictures and writing articles.
Images of gold, silver, and copper skinned models -- yes, they were nude -- wound up in the men's magazines throughout the 80s and were published throughout the world. Two of those contacts were Bruce Helford and Shirrel Rhoades.
I also photographed Merv Griffin while Players International was changing the history of Lake Charles, LA. Something I had a lot to do with.
I also had my makeup on stage with Jefferson Starship.
Then there was Microsoft. I talked to Steve Balmer once. But I also talked to 3,000 people once or twice while working for Microsoft between 1996 and 2002.
My world got quiet until 2006 when I went back to work for Microsoft.
I have developed a skill in special software that nets me from $110,000 to $200,000. But no more big stars or makeup work.
Instead, my Daughter mets up with the likes of Demi Lovato while both were at Timerline going through rehab. And a special Grand Daughter by the name of Esha enters my world. Demi said she looked alot like her when she was that young.
Guess I could have done more. But I'm glad I've accomplished what I've done.
Tomorrow is another day when I can reflect on the days where dreams became realities.
