An Open Letter to Clark Kenneth Jones

First of all, let me express my most sincere love and appreciation to those of you who have already purchase a copy (or three) of Simply Bret. Thus far, I have sold 144 copies, and I am still climbing—thanks be to God.

Today’s blog is a little different, as it is simply a letter that Ms. Vivian wrote ten years after her husband Clark passed away, and here it is:


Dear Clark:

Well, my love, here it is—ten years to the day that you went home to Glory. I guess that I don’t need to tell you how much I still miss you down here. Let me first of all thank you for taking good care of me in the 34 years that we were married. I didn’t have to want or need for anything, because I prayed for a good man who could TCB… and Darlin’, my prayers were sho’ answered; you went above and beyond the call of duty. I want you to know from the bottom of my heart, that I’m still gonna get you for leavin’ me down here with the rest of these hellions (ha-ha-ha)!

Even though I’ve managed this long without you, Darlin’, I still have flashbacks. Every so often, I’ll call your name, or I’ll run upstairs to get you. Hell, I’ll even call up at the school sometimes. Old habits die hard, you know, but yet and still, I know that you are okay… and at the same time, I still miss you like crazy, Darlin’. I sho’ can’t wait ‘til my name gets called when it’s my time, but in the meantime in between time, I’m gonna keep on livin’. Oh, yeah—while it’s on my mind, Bret and Susie have been taken such good care of me over the years, and so has Ted the mailman… God bless their hearts.

Well, my love, I have nothing else to write about, but then again, you know everything that goes on down here on account of your special heavenly room with a view. I’ll be talkin’ to you again in my heart, but just in case, you still better be good while you’re up there… ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Love You Much,
Viv



Side Note: Ms. Viv wrote this letter on August 31, 2006.

Bret & Susie: 30 Years in the Making

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, here are the photos from Bret and Susie's 30th wedding anniversary celebration, which took place Saturday, July 17, 2010 in Hermosa Beach, California.

The lovely couple give a toast to 30 more years. Don't worry, y'all-- they were drinking apple cider... LOL!

These are the results of 30 years-- three beautiful children (L-R): Nikki, Sarah, Bret, Susie, Howard

Bret and Susie pose with their parents, Roger & Sylvia Douglas (left) and Ralph & Charlotte Gosinheimer (right)

Bret and Susie's lovable neighbor, Ms. Vivian-- y'all know she gotta get a picture with the cute couple, Baby!


This is the kiss that has proven within 30 years that they still got it.

Happy Birthday To A Princess of Promise

In today's blog, we celebrate Sarah Elizabeth Douglas, who turns 26 years old today. Here is her story.

Sarah Elizabeth Douglas is the middle child and firstborn daughter of Bret and Susan Douglas. Born in Culver City, California, Sarah has been given the reputation of being "the kinda gal that every man wants to be with, and every woman wants to be like." She is respectful and respected; she carries herself in the way that a woman should. Sarah had a high school sweetheart, but only after graduation did she realize that the guy she was dating was a bit obsessive, so she called it off. Since then, Sarah has decided to stick with her true love—writing.

Sarah is a graduate of Cal State Northridge, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Print Journalism. It is said that Sarah is an excellent writer, and that she has a way with words. She is currently working on a series of children's books featuring a self-made character that she created since junior high school. Aside from this wonderful gift, Sarah is totally oblivious to her silly side. She has been known to make googly eyes and funny faces, just to get a good laugh.

Sarah also has a secret admirer in one Kevin Frazier, a young lad who lives across the street. He fell for her ever since he saw her dressed like Cinderella one fateful day, and the fact that she kissed him on the forehead was icing on the cake for him. Sarah was flattered by Kevin's crush on her, so she became his Valentine, despite the fourteen-year age difference.

Sarah knows that she is incredibly gifted, yet she feels stuck in a job that is going nowhere. She has constantly dealt with blatant politics in the office, and each time she voices her opinions, she is told that she is jumping to conclusions and is overly sensitive. One incident took place at her job where a female co-worker pushed Sarah in front of the supervisor, and once Sarah retaliated, the supervisor reprimanded Sarah. Obviously frustrated, Sarah reported this incident to Human Resources, but after witnessing how callous her co-workers acted, Sarah decided to step out on faith and quit her job. Since quitting her job, Sarah is now enrolled at graduate school. She also has taken a shine to one Duane Anoai.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:
Turning in my two-week notice at a seriously mundane and very depressing job.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:
I was writing a letter for my mom, and I accidentally wrote “Oh, Hell!” as the greeting.

FAVORITE ACTOR: John Henton

FAVORITE ACTRESS: Kim Coles

FAVORITE SINGER: Amy Grant

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Living Single

FAVORITE MOVIE: Hitch

FAVORITE ATHLETE: George Foreman

FAVORITE CARTOON: Tale Spin

FAVORITE COLOR: Orange

FAVORITE FOOD: Fried Chicken Salad (I like the way my dad makes it! )

FAVORITE ICE CREAM: Orange Sherbet

SECRET TALENT:
It has been said on more than one occasion that I am a natural born comedian.

IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO:
Write in my journal and hang out with my friends.

IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:
I probably would’ve attended UC San Diego

MY ROLE MODELS GROWING UP:
Outside of my mother: Ms. Vivian, Auntie Sandy, Auntie Cattie, Auntie Tabbi, and Auntie Angie, even to this very day.

THE BEST ADVICE GIVEN TO ME:
You don’t ever have to beg for your own stuff, especially when you know it’s yours.

SOMEONE WHO SHARES MY BIRTHDAY:
Melanie Griffith, Kurtis Blow, Whitney Houston, and Deion Sanders

MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:
Write and publish my very first book.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:
Sweet, Smart, & Silly

MY BEST FRIENDS (ACE-BOOM-KOOMS)
Nattie Marcellia, Melissa Roberts, and Candi Jones

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:
Santa Monica Pier

IF I HAD ONE WISH:
It would be for others to have the same joy as I have.

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:
I am the spitting image of my mother, sans the glasses. Also, I am in the process of writing my very first book.