On The Road With Fastfreta...Back in California

So here I am back in California, I would say home, but that appears not to be the case, because at this point I don't know where home is. I'm actually in Loma Linda for a spell, with my "adopted son", Terrance, ( he adopted me, more about him later), and his sister Pat. Loma Linda is the primary home of the Seventh Day Adventist religion, so Saturday here is pretty much closed down.

I'm enjoying the scenery, even though I've lived in Southern California for over 40 years, I've never spent this much time this close to the mountains. These mountains are called the San Bernardino Mountains. Such lovely views.

Yes I said day, because I only spent one whole day here this time. Oh, I did do a quarter of a day too. Well, in the vernacular of the day, "it's all good," I enjoyed it nevertheless. My one full day began with my customary things. I bought the turkey leg, curly fries, and lemonade. Being alone, I knew that I could not eat all of that food, so I invited some new "friends," to sit and eat with me, so I wouldn't have to throw the remainder of the food away. Take a look at my dinner "friends." Not only did they help me eat all that food, they provided a little comic relief. All in all this was a fun dinner break, very nice group.

One of the most interesting sights I saw this time around was the, Our Body, exhibit. They exhibited actual real bodies, I mean real live, dead human beings, (oxymoron I know), but I was struck by the fact that once living humans were actually on display. Pictures were not allowed, you know if they were, they'd be here now. Anyway, there was this one man that they sliced like bacon,(BIZARRE), and displayed in bacon like slices in glass, standing. Now, these were not just skeletons, they displayed humans in various stages of development, or life. There was even a piece of skin that looked like leather, showing every part of the person, from which the skin was removed, like eye holes, ears, etc. Virtually every part of the human body was on display, I mean inside and out. I was thinking as I saw this display, "I'll bet when the person donated their body to science, they never thought they'd be on display like this." Okay, enough of that now, although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I didn't think I would, but I did.

Oh, take a look at that giant teddy bear the little girl is holding. Those very large stuffed animals were some of the prizes that could be won in the arcade section of the fair, this year.

Here is another reason I had to come back to California during this time of the year. This is the 6th annual Taste of Soul in L.A. I have not missed this event from its inception. The Taste of Soul is a street festival, showcasing the various "Soul" foods around Los Angeles. Even though that is the original intent of the festival, that's not all it entails. The event also showcases the various small businesses in and around L.A.

There's also entertainment. This year, the entertainment included, Eric Benet, Tyrese, Al B Sure, Deniece Williams, to name a few. There were at least 6 major stages, featuring Gospel, Comedy, Jazz, R&B, and various radio stations from the area, all vying for our attention. Of course, the politicians were out in force, as usual at such events.

This year the boast was that there was over 200,000 people, and I believe it. To say that I didn't enjoy it as much, this year, is an understatement, because my main reason for going is to eat, and I could not get a "taste" of all the foods that were featured. So, yes I was disappointed to say the least. Oh well, I can say I was there,( ho-hum)!

As I always do while on my journey, I attempt to meet and talk to interesting people, so let me tell you about a few of them. (pictures included)

The first was a very nice young author of children's books, who goes by the name of David Hollaway. David not only writes the books but he also illustrates them. By my standards he does a really good job. I always try to support enterprising young people, so with my limited funds I purchased one of the books. Being that I have five grandchildren that could benefit from them, I'll have to keep this one for myself, because one book won't do for them, and anyway he autographed it for me. I encourage all to support David, and while you're at it you can also encourage a child to read, and enjoy doing so, using David's books. His website is, www.quackenworth.com go over and take a look.

The next was a very nice gentleman name Kelvin E. Fossett. Mr. Fossett is also an author. His book "Off To a Bad Start," looks like it will make an interesting read, so when I can I'll purchase it. His website is, www.kelvinefossett.com.

However my favorite encounter of the day was a very nice family, the Williams' Albert, (not Fat Albert either, LOL, his words, not mine), Felicia, and Danielle, very beautiful people. I'll tell you why I say that. As always, before I take a picture of anyone, I explain to them who I am, and what I'm doing, letting them know that I'm putting these pics on the Internet, and asking their permission. Well, anyway this family was so sweet, and encouraging. They genuinely had my best interest at heart, I say that because Felicia continued to hug me, wish me well, and showed genuine concern for my safety, and well being. Now these are people that I would welcome into my circle of close friends. (See pics below). They also took the only pictures of me at the festival, because they were the only people I felt comfortable handing my camera to.

Have you ever heard of Anime, Cos Play? Well, neither had I until I met this young lady, Dawndee. Dawndee lives in the complex where I'm temporarily staying, while in California.

Because of Dawndee I got a real education in both. Anime, is a style of art usually referring to Japanese cartoons. Some of the most popular are, Speed Racer, Yugioh, Pokemon, Naruto, and Bakugon.

Cos Play is short for Costume Play. In Cos play the participants chose a story, cartoon, or any play, book etc, dress accordingly, and act out the play, book, etc.

Dawndee's favorite form of Cos play is Anime. She's so into it that she spends her free time totally immersed in the art form. She makes all of her costumes, mostly by hand. She travels wherever to participate in various events surrounding her hobby. I don't even know if I should call it a hobby, because Dawndee seems to have made it her lifelong pursuit. She's participating in a convention in San Francisco this weekend, (October, 20, 2011). Before I close this out, I've got to tell you that Dawndee, and her Cos Play partner won their event, (first place). As I knew she would, just look at that costume.

Warning: Some forms of Anime may have questionable content, so do your research before watching or reading.

Okay, since I'm obviously still here in California, and frankly don't know when I'll be heading back to Georgia. I'll have to do my California "adventure," in two parts, as this is getting a little long. So until later, as I always say, "stay tuned, more to come."