"The Nightmare Years"
1966, San Fernando Valley, CA
True Confessions: I did not really live in that beautiful home - I wish. I had the keys and was there every day because I worked there. And the elegant blonde lady was not my mom - I wish. Nancy Nielsen was my employer for the 2 years I went to Canoga High. Her house was the best place I had ever been. The Nielsens were great people.
I worked in a beautiful house for wonderful people. They even took pictures of me.
What was the furthest I could get from the Southern California Pacific Coast? The North Atlantic coast, of course! Paid Medical, Dental and Vision. Such a deal - and I could bail anytime! Where do I sign?
"I looked ridiculous in short hair."
People came and went, but Barb and Jack were the best of all. Don't know what I would have done without Barb. She got me through some really bad times.
Anzio Street. After a gazillion bucks worth of dental work, I had a smile fit for a princess. Stew Hill hung the moon. Fall & Winter 1968-1969.
65-66
Bruce and Me, 65-66
high school sweethearts
Mrs. Nielsen and Me, late July '66
Accommodations weren't what you'd call 5-Star.
I couldn't afford to take care of my black lab puppy when she began to grow up into a real dog. I still remember the name of the man I gave her to. He already had one black lab retriever he was very proud of, and had been thinking of getting another, and then he heard of my puppy - just the right age to begin tagging along with a seasoned hunting dog. The man owned major acreage with marshland and had a ton of money. My puppy was born to run free over acreage and to swim, not to sit in a one-room apartment and starve. And so I let her go.
Back in the Valley! Panorama City, December, 1966
Marianne - taken 10/7/67
Me with no hair!! Aaarrrgggh!! Mari and me, January '68
Mari and me, February-March, '68
Unbelievable.
Marianne's first birthday
Barb and Jack
Marianne and me
Marianne and me, Fall of 1969
May Street. We survived from the kindness of George Gray. Many thanks, wherever you are.
Lynn and me. We did everything together!
George and me. December, 1969.
The 60's - the war took everyone and everything - a total nightmare.
NEXT