Good Times

Of all the adventures Frannie and I have had together, this one was certainly one of the most exciting. After getting our car window bashed in the night before in San Francisco and my laptop and thousands of CD's stolen, along with my favorite jeans and boat shoes, we decided to fork over the $40.00 it costed to park in the structure beneath the hotel. I guess that's what it took for us to realize that paying for parking might actually be worth something.
Anyway, once the car was safe, we went out on the town with Brian and Jennifer, visiting for one of Jen's nationwide choir tours. We went to the wharf and got some chowder in a bread bowl, some fresh crab, and other goodies. We went to the pier to look at the sunbathing sea lions. We took the famous Rice-a-Roni trolley at least three times through the entire city. We went to Ghiradelli Square. We had a ball. But all of that was nothing compared to the drive home wtih Fran, the windows down (having been bashed in the night before), the wind blowing through our hair, forests and farmland to our left, the Pacific Coast to our right... it was beautiful! It was wonderful! But I must say, four hours to drive from Frisco to San Jose simply wasn't cutting it. So we hopped on the 5 and took that ugly stretch of cement the rest of the way to L.A. Beautiful L.A...

Ugly Betty

Mom and Dad,

I've been thinking about you guys since dropping Robert off at Utah St. And even I felt lonely thinking about that big 'ol house being empty! But then I thought, "that house will never be empty!" The grandkids will keep rolling in, and soon enough, they'll be old enough to raise the kind of ruckus we used to raise. The good thing about your situation now is that you'll have some days of peace and quiet in between the days of ruckus, which is something you didn't enjoy when we were growing up. Anyway, my mind was put at ease when I thought about that, so I thought I'd share.

I'd also like to share a Hollywood tale, if I may. Jason Berman, the producer for whom I'm writing my script, had a birthday party last night at El Cholo (the Mexican restaurant I took you guys to on your last day here in L.A.). Among his guests was one America Farerra, or as most of you may know her, "Ugly Betty." Frannie was freaking out when she came into the room, but thankfully calmed down when she realized she'd be sitting with us at the table. I told her she better get used to that kind of thing, cause that's what life will be like from here on out: schmoozing with the stars. Anyway, the party was great, and America was more down-to-earth than most of the other people there, which made us like her even more.

I'm at work right now, finishing up the second draft of my script. Tomorrow I start classes. Frannie starts tomorrow too. Say a prayer for us that we can finish strong!

We love you and miss you and can't wait to see you again!

Doug

My wife, the Bride's "Matron"

Frannie was a bride's matron for a few weddings this summer. I kept telling her to use the word "matron," because she's married now, but it didn't catch on. I guess it doesn't have the same ring as "maid." So anyway, her status as the bridesmaid/matron took us from Chicago (for Hannah's wedding), to Denver (for Emerald's wedding), and actually, that's it. I guess the two weddings just FELT like a few. I wonder why that would be? Perhaps it was because in these weddings, the bridesmaids are expected to remain by the bride's side, regardless of whether or not they have a husband who doesn't know anyone at the wedding. I can't tell you how many hours were spent in silent awkwardness while the rest of the table jibber jabbared comfortably all the night long. But I suppose I shouldn't be complaining. After all, I did get to dance with the prettiest girl in the building (including the bride herself) once the parties got started. And to come clean, Emerald allowed for her maids/matrons to sit and eat with their hubbies and boyfriends. Thanks, Emmy!

And because I don't want to forget where this summer took us, I'm going to list the places we went in a span of about a month and a half: Chicago, Denver, Cheyenne, back to L.A., then off to Salt Lake for Marc and Randalyn's wedding, back to L.A., then off to Florida and Alabama for Will Sharp's graduation from flight school and a Sharp family vacation in Gulf Shores, AL, situated right off the Gulf of Mexico. But we'll talk about that later...

A response to the letter...

Great letter, Dad. I, for one, can attest to the joys of growing up in the Bailey Home, as well. And if it wasn't all "peaches and cream," as you put it, it certainly was close... very close. It took me two years in the beautiful, good old land of Deutschland to realize it, and I'm glad I finally did. We are all so blessed to be a part of such an amazing, loving family, and to have been brought up by such wonderful parents. Thank you Mom and Dad. And thank you Brian, Jen, girlies, Jeff, Draya, Jackson, Colin, Doug, Frannie, Katie, Andy, Aaron, and Randalyn! You are all such great examples to me. Let us all remember how fortunate we are and what a blessing the Gospel has been in our lives.

Let me end with a quote from the new film, "Stardust," which could be a risk, considering Mom and Dad didn't think it was the greatest movie (which is perfectly ok), and our well respected film ciritc, Douglas Wade, as yet to see it. But I think the quote says it well for me: "I imagine a life which is everlasting would be a very lonely one... Unless, of course, you had someone to share it with... Then I could imagine it being very wonderful..."

How sweet it is to know that life IS everlasting, and that we'll all be sharing it with the greatest people in the world...

I love you all!
Marcus

A letter from the patriarch of the family

This is a picture of the parents, Henry F. Bailey Jr. and Sandra Adele Bailey, when they came to visit me for my graduation from USC's the School of Cinematic Arts. I graduated "cum laude," whatever that means, but more importantly, Clint Eastwood was there, recieved an honorary degree, gave a wonderful speech, and hung around to hand out diplomas and shake our hands. It was a wonderful experience.

I wanted to post this picture, however, for a different reason (not to talk about graduation). These are the two that made it all happen, that gave us Bailey kids all that we have in life. What follows is a letter from Dad that will illuminate what I'm trying to say here:

Not surprisingly, there will be no Vale vacation for the Bailey clan this year. Just too much going on to squeeze our annual getaway in. 'Draya is days away from bringing little "Henry III" into the world. Or is it Colin. Colin? The only Colin I know is Colin Whitehead. And that strange actor who made that strange movie. Hope this one has different height genes! Anyway, 'Draya can't get caught in the Eisenhower Tunnel with an emergency delivery. Having watched 8 of them myself, I think I could get it done, but neither she nor I want to find out! Also, Aaron will be leaving home for the first time next week and he wants to stay here until that happens. We'll all be a little teary eyed when "Robert the George" leaves home and so we'll delay the departure as long as possible. Don't know about Marc's and Randalyn's schedules, but they are probably equally busy. Addison may be too little to take off to the mountains of Colorado, and Jennifer is still recovering. And of course Andy is a little tied up right now too. So . . . we'll postpone Vale until next summer when Andy's back, Colin is old enough to chase Jackson, Addison is eating table food, and then maybe we'll be able to have everyone go down together. Now THAT would be fun!

I love you all. Mom and I will soon be empty nesters and I can promise you there will be some tears. We love each other and will survive just fine, but our greatest joy has always been living with and loving you all. Her photo albums attest to that fact. My how you have blessed our lives. I look at the picture of you in my bedroom often - Aaron's about 2 and Brian's about 16 - and I recall so many, many wonderful memories. I know growing up in the Bailey home was not always "peaches and cream," but I also know you all made it so much more than it ever could have been without you. As I look back on the accomplishments of my life and look forward to what I would yet like to do I realize that nothing has been more important to me or ever will be than each of you . . . and now my grandchildren. I am so thankful for the Gospel and the binding power of Temple covenants. May we all live to keep those covenants strong and firm and ever lasting.

love, dad

Surfing at El Porto

Surfing at 5:00 in the morning has become a weekly activity for me. I'm getting better, but I'm no Tyler Wilson. 'Ol Tyler can get out there and paddle around for hours without getting tired, like a little sea otter, but my shoulders don't last more than fifteen minutes. It's much more tiring than I ever thought it would be, and getting up on the board is a lot harder than it looks. BUT, I AM getting better, and I think I'll have it down after a few more times. I certainly don't mind going out there to crash and burn in the meantime, because the ocean itself, the sunrise, and the surf are enough to keep me happy. And then there's the occasional pod of dolphins that swim 25 yards off that adds to the whole experience. So yeah, I'm willing to put up with being thrashed a few times by the vicious waves to partake of the beauty of this Earth.

Correspondence with Elder Andrew D. Bailey

Dear Family

Well, another week has come and gone for me here in Jamaica (and Grand Cayman). It was great to hear from all of you again this week. I especially loved the report on the trip to San Fran. It's interesting that you'd talk about how much people there need the gospel. The topic came up in a lesson while I was in Cayman of why God doesn't destroy places anymore the way that he did anciently. We came to the conclusion that the spiritual destruction that people heap upon themselves is far
more devastating than any bolt of lightning, or raging flood, or tumbling mountain. We're the only people that can save them from that destruction, pretty amazing.

The week here went pretty darn well. As you all know, I got to spend the weekend in the Cayman islands. Wow, what an incredible place. This is about as tourist a destination as you will ever find. It's absolutely beautiful, and it's maintained (it's got Jamaica beat there). The average income is higher there than in America. Most people don't live there for more than 7 years. It's hotter than Jamaica. There are extremely elect people to be taught, and extremely elect people being taught. They're educated, and in many cases humble. They come from all over the world. There are members of the branch from
Honduras, The Philippines, America, Cayman, Jamaica, Guyana, Canada, etc. etc. And the branch, oh the branch. I was absolutely blown away. They have about 40 members come each week, and about 20 tourists, and it functions. It functions well. I don't think I can really capture the difference between it and the branches in Jamaica. It ran every bit as well as a ward, and it was possibly the most edified I've ever been at church (that has a lot to do with lack of effort on my part before my mission). I also had a lot of fun doing missionary work with Elder Hugentobler and Elder Spencer. As you may remember, I trained Elder Hugentobler, so it was cool to see him again. Oh yeah, they had American products at the grocery store (yes, I did buy Goldfish, and yes I finished it in one sitting). Now, with all that being said, when we were sitting in the Cayman airport waiting to head back to Jamaica I found myself feeling homesick. I realized (perhaps fully for the first time), how
much I love Jamaica. It is my home. I know it doesn't last forever, and so now I need to savor every minute I have left.

This coming week is going to be hectic. We have meetings all week, and we're preparing for transfers. In about three months, at least 75% of our mission is going to have under a year of missionary experience. We've lost tons lately, and now we're getting tons. We are scraping the absolute bottom of the barrel to find trainers. It reminds of something Brigham Young said. I don't know the exact quote, but he said something to the effect of when the trials get the hardest you know
you're about to break through. This cycle we're in right now is a great trial of our faith as a mission. If we choose to approach it as a blessing and a learning opportunity and receive it with thanksgiving, we won't have any problems. Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies.

I wish I had more time to write, but we have to get out and teach (we don't get too many chances to do that anymore). I love you all so much, thanks for all that you do.

Elder Bailey

Great letter, Elder Hindu.

Sure brings back memories of my own mission,especially the part about being homesick. It's aninteresting thing to feel like Ukraine is my home,considering I spent only two short years there. Butthat's the way it is. It'll always feel a bit like home, or a second home at least. I suppose it'sbecause that's where I was closest to my real Home, or because that's where I was nourished and raised in a way that I hadn't been before. When you go through those kinds of experiences in a place, the place takes hold of you. So I guess that's why I remember Ukraine. That's why I miss it. And that's probably why you were
missing Jamaica.

I'm glad you're back there now though, with a new appreciation of your "home," teaching the people about Jesus, about his life and his gospel. Keep taking advantage of your time down there. Work hard. You won't regret it.

Love you, buddy.
Douglas

PS Gulf Shores, Alabama was good times. It certainly doesn't compare with what you're doing right now, which is why I'm leaving it in the "PS" section of this letter. But I did want to tell you that three days in the southern heat, soaking up the rays,
inhaling the humidity, lapping up the waves of the Gulf of Mexico, was about as relaxing a vacation as I'll ever have. It was like three days in a sauna. A big, beautiful sauna. If anyone would appreciate this, it'd be Jeff. I thought about him every day...

PPS oh yeah, and I got stung by a jelly fish. that was quite unpleasant, but still pretty cool. I've never been stung by one of those little guys before...

Writing a Screenplay

I've been writing a screenplay. I've been working really hard on it, as you can see here. It's called "The Untitled Joe Chidester Project" right now because we don't have a name for it yet. We call it that for now because it's about a guy named Joe Chidester; a teacher. He started this school for dyslexic children back in the 70's when the disease was just beginning to be diagnosed and treated. He ended up being quite the force in many kids' lives in overcoming the problem, inspiring them to become whatever it was they wanted to become, and teaching them in ways that would connect to their minds unlike any teacher before or after. The story I'm writing is about the passion Joe had for teaching, and how that same passion was able to both lift a child from no hope and no possibilities, and at the same time, separate Joe from his own family - his wife and three kids. We're exploring the dichotomy of those two worlds in this script, and as you can see from the picture, it's a strenous mental exercise. But no worries. I'll "get 'er done!" I just had a meeting with the producers about the first draft, and they liked it. They like the direction it's going. They gave me some great suggestions that I'm now working on implementing, and once that's done, we'll have another meeting. And after that meeting, there'll probably be a couple more changes, at which point, the script will be complete and we'll be ready to take it out to the market and get some actors signed and shoot it and get it in some festivals and sell it!

Wouldn't that be sweet...

God Bless America

Frannie and I took a vacation to Castroville, Texas, a little town outside of San Antonio, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Grandma Sharp. It was hard to believe she was 90 from the way she got around and partied from dusk till dawn, and there's no way you would have known she was 90 if you'd talked to her on the telephone. Her mind is clear and her wit's still sharp as I'm sure it was fifty years ago. It was good to meet her and spend time with her. And it was great to see the town of Castroville, especially great to see signs like this posted all over the neighborhood. It was clear to me that these people understood what this country stands for, and because they understood it, they were able to appreciate it, be proud of it, and display it. Too many people don't understand Who built this nation. They don't understand the principles upon which it was founded, and they don't understand the purpose for which it was founded. And because of that they don't appreciate it. They don't appreciate the sacrifices that have been made to preserve it, because they don't understand what needs to be preserved or why. They don't understand the principles worth fighting for, dying for, and therefore can't cope with the fighting and dying.

After having been surrounded by these people, and bombarded by their faithless ideology for so long on the liberal campus of USC, it was a breath of fresh air to be in a place where people both understand and appreciate that God blessed this nation and must continue to bless it...

Addison

Frannie and I took a little vacation a couple weeks ago. We went to Cheyenne by way of Chicago. Chicago was blistering hot - felt like a sauna - but eating deep dish pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner three days straight made it worth it. Oh yeah, and Frannie got to be in one of her best friend's weddings, so that made it worth it for her. I was ready to get out of there though, and when we made it to Cheyenne, we were welcomed by a cool breeze and afternoon showers. What? Afternoon showers? In Cheyenne? Yeah, I didn't really get it either, but they were there, and so were the green rolling hills, which made for a beautiful, pleasant stay in our little hometown.

What's more, we were welcomed by a new addition to the family! That's what this picture is all about. Jennifer decided to time her delivery on the day we came into town, so along with the cool breeze and showers, we were welcomed by little Addison Bailey, the newest member of the Bailey clan, the fifth girl for Brian and Jennifer. When we heard the news, we piled into the car and headed for the hospital. Here we are in the elevator, just moments away from meeting the new member of the fam. 'Twas a grand occasion!

You know, for kids!

In 1835, Wilford Woodruff began his first journal, “believing it to be beneficial to review our past life and not only our privilege but duty to keep an accurate account of our proceedings.” He wrote, “It is to this intent that I shall endeavour henceforth to keep a journal of my travels, that when required I may give an account of my stewardship." And so, it is with this thought that I begin my journal, in this the Two Thousand and Seventh year of our Lord, giving an account of my travels through this life, with the hope that it will be beneficial to me and my posterity...

Jackson Hole

This is me and my beautiful wife, Frannie. We had just taken a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with one of my missionary buddies from Ukraine. Brantley Oakie is his name. And sales is his game. He's the team leader for a group of guys out in New York City right now, and he's teaching them all how to sell security systems. It was this job that brought Frannie and I to Jackson Hole that day, by way of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Brantely wanted me to join his team, I having had some experience in door-to-door sales from the previous summer, selling Dewey Pest Control to the good folks of the San Fernando Valley. I made about $4,000 in three weeks and was one of the top ten salesmen in all of California for one of those weeks. The job was simple enough. Knock on doors and ask people if they want to get rid of the ants and the roaches, the spiders and the gnats. Chances were, if they didn't have pest control already, they needed it, and they were more than happy to see me standing there in my Dewey cap and khaki shorts, clipboard in hand, ready to solve all their pest problems. And I was more than happy to sign them up! Each contract I turned in to Corporate tallied up to be about $130.00 for my bank account. Not too shabby. It was a little nerve-racking though. No base pay. No salary. We worked purely on commission. So I was a little worried after my first week when I ended with ZERO sales. But perserverence and prayer got me through those next two weeks, and I ended up doing a lot better than I ever thought I would, and learning a lot about myself in the process. And this is what 'ol Brantley saw in me as well. So he wanted me on his team. I told him I was more than likely going to be taking an internship for a small film company that summer and it wouldn't be worth his time to waste effort trying to recruit me, but he wasn't having any of it. He offered me two free round-trip tickets to Idaho and two free nights in a nice hotel to listen to his proposition. So I took it! Frannie and I boarded the plane and flew out to Idaho! We spent two wonderful days with Brantley and his wife, one of those being spent in Wonderful Wyoming, all expenses paid, and sure enough, I turned down his generous offer to sell security systems in New York for the internship in North Hollywood.