"Baby Brenda"

Here I am. A little older than 'a Baby' - but that is what was written about me, when I first saw this picture.

This photo was in a beautiful album that was put together for my Mom - by my Dad's cousin, Shirley. It has been many years since I've seen Shirley (my second cousin) ... but she was like a wonderful surprise to me - when I viewed that album ... and saw the entries that were written about me.

About my earlier years, she wrote: "Brenda was a baby and we ... sisters fought over her. She became our baby doll. .... We sisters fell over each other trying to get to Brenda first."

Years later, my family went to Tennessee to visit Shirley's family. About that, she writes: "We were so happy and I was the first one to get to baby, Brenda. I guess I gave her a hundred kisses."

When I read these words - at 55 years of age - I was warmed inside. I had a wonderful childhood and have very special memories of my growing up years. I knew that I was loved ... and never questioned that. Though, until I read those words, I didn't really understand the extent of how far that love had come ... and that it went way beyond just our immediate family.

Thank you, Shirley! For bringing that love to me again ... over 50 years later!

Happy Family!

The Early Years. From the above mentioned album - pics of My Mom and baby sister (the real baby - at that time), Patty. My Dad. And bottom right - my older sister and brother - Sandi and Howard. I have one other brother - Wesley - who was not born yet. Howard was 8 years older than me ... Wesley was 10 years younger.

My parents provided a loving and stable home for us ... and I had an amazing childhood. My parents are still married - over 60 years later. A tribute to their love for each other. They eloped and got married when they were very young ... and they are as loving now - as they were then.

Some of my favorite memories come from times with my brothers and sisters. I think that Howard and Sandi treated me like 'a doll' too (like my second cousin Shirley) - because I remember seeing videos of them as they cracked Easter eggs on my head ... pulled me around the yard in a little red wagon ... and pulled me through the woods - hiding me in tree stumps - so that I could pose for the camera. They were fun years ... and I was very lucky to have such a great family!

Whitewater on the Chatooga

Wayne, Brenda, Jody and Matt. Last trip with Matt - 16 years old.

Appalachian Trail - First Hike

First time on the Appalachian Trail! What an incredible Hike! Starting at Springer Mountain ... across Beauty Spot (running through the grass and singing 'Sound of Music' songs) ... then four miles up Big Bald Mountain (Elevation 5,516 feet) - one mile above the tree line. Back down to Wolf Laurel ... the Nolichucky River ... and off at the Nanthala River. Five days ... four nights ... on the AT. First words off the Trail: "I made it!"

In the marketplace - Belize

Here I am - part of a fundraising project! We took our youth group to Belize - on a Mission Trip. To raise money - we 'sold' photos of us doing crazy things ... riding donkeys ... holding conch shells ... snorkeling ... things like that. My $50 photo was to be taken with me holding four Iguana's. Unfortunately - there were no Iguana's to be found ... so we substituted four Hammerhead Sharks. So ... here is the pic. Amazingly, several people paid for this photo. The big money maker was the 'whole group' photo - which ran for $100 each. It was a great trip ... to Belize City ... Belmopan ... into Guatemala to see the Mayan Ruins ... and snorkeling on the Barrier Reef.

Hills of Judea ... Israel

Fast Forward ... into my career as a Producer/Director. Career Highlight - traveling for 11 days to London ... then Israel - to do research and shoot video - to tell the story of St. John's Ophthalmic Hospital, Jerusalem.

On this morning - me and my crew were up at 3:00 a.m. - to travel out to get the sun rising over the hills of Judea. From this hilltop, I recorded a video message to my boys ... and collected rocks for Chris (my little 'collector') - from this very spot.

Video Shoot in Jerusalem

Here I am - with Videographer, Bob Porter ... and our Guide, Hadar - shooting footage for the St. John's Ophthalmic Hospital video.

At the Dome of the Rock - Jerusalem

We had special permission to shoot at the Dome of the Rock. Here I am, with our Guide, Hadar. He took great care of us - and a highlight of the trip was going to his home, on the West Bank, and being served Turkish Coffee, by his wife and family. He was a good friend to us!

Sledding in Farnham, in Surrey

With Porter's wife, Jo, and their son, Bradley ... and his big dog.

London - Abbey Road

Was cold and bitter in London ... but had to get a shot of me on Abbey Road. Unfortunately, the traffic was awful ... so this was the best I could do - without being run over.

Will try to post clearer pics later

La Napoule, France

Crew in La Napoule, France for Sea Ray Show

Will try to post better pic later

Cruise to Cozumel

Shannon and Me! At Port in Cozumel!

Directing Shoot of Dennis Banks - on his Dock

Dennis Banks Interview - Leech Lake Reservation, MN

Writer, Burt and Producer, Brenda

Poster of Dennis Banks

This was on the wall - in Dennis Bank's office. Dennis was one of the founders of the American Indian Movement ... and hearing his life story was very inspiring.

Safely Home from Iraq!!

Our Hero - Chris - after arriving home from his tour of duty in Iraq.

Chris still serves with the Army's - Florida National Guard - C Company / 2nd Battalion /124th Infantry - out of Orlando, FL ... and is frequently called up for 'Hurricane Duty'.

Waiting for Chris ...

Tie a yellow ribbon ...

On the morning of Christopher's return home from Iraq ...

My Boys!

Marshall and Chris!

Last Show - July 2005

Last Show

Last show produced ... many more to come ...

In production ...

Not the most flattering shot ... but how I honestly look when I am in the middle of a show (wiped out!). Here I am with our Stage Manager - during rehearsals for our own 'Idol' show.

The morning after ...

After the production is over ... really wiped out! With another 'Survivor' ...

Give Kids The World Event - June 2005

Stage set for event at Peabody Orlando

A little bit of name dropping ...

Had the pleasure of working with Jon Voight and Charles Durning at the Florida Holocaust Museum Event in Tampa, FL. Jon was wonderful to work with ... and is a great supporter of the Museum. This is me with the Project Manager, Keith ... and Jon Voight.