BakersfieldWelcome to the special place called Bakersfield, California I hope you'll appreciate the personal history.
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Linda's Personal Bio
You can now get to know a little more aboutMe
My Grandparents: Charlie & Lorene Smith lived in Tupman for over 60 years. There weren't many who didn't know the parents of 7 girls. Although 2 of the daughters died early in life. My grandpa worked for a major oil company near Tupman. Oxy? He did quite well. Every week he'd drive my grandma into her meetings then go get grocerys. Several years before passing away at 88, he started going to the kingdom hall with her. It made my mom so happy. Then four days after being Married 63 years on August 9th, 98, On August 13th,1998- Charlie Smith passed away leaving 5 daughters, & 13 Grandchildren; plus many who loved him. You were always welcome to come in & sit 'a spell' as he'd say. Even if you were a stranger, you didn't stay that way for long. My grandma Lorene was lost without him, & eventually alzheimer's took over her life. But like great daughters, each one took care of her. We were very blessed to have the time to share.
I decided to move back to Bakersfield after my grandpa's passing because I didn't want to lose valuable time left with my grandma. And my mom as well.
I always felt a special connection to my grandfather. Perhaps it's because of the chaotic upbringing of my own father & no real stability. My Grandparents were my rock of stability. I always knew I could count on them.
My grandfather was born on a reservation in Oaklahoma. Of what I know he was more than half Cherokee. He found his way to Kern County, After meeting my grandmother who came from Texas & getting married. Many wonderful qualities included his favorite food "Chili" & homemade cornbread. As well as my grandma's own Cheese Noodles. Somehow I just can't get used to boxed cheese noodles because she made them so good. He loved tinkering. Cutting glass bottles into chimes. And just appreciating life.
A year before he passed away he asked me to come visit. I was just getting out of a bad marriage, learning how to drive on the freeway so this was no small thing to overcome. But I met the challenge & made the trip. The morning he died, I woke up crying ,I was half asleep & wasn't sure what was happening. I found out a few hours later that my grandfather had passed away. I was blessed to see my grandparents when I was growing up. They were my rock in life. I couldn't have asked for more.
Here are some special People I've met in person as well as their links.
I met Hank Decato by accident..but I always feel when something like this happens its for a reason. I ended up creating a webpage for him, as you'll see below. I feel fortunate to have made a friend in him & his lovely wife Beverly.
Hank was recently in the GO Senior's magazine in May 2000. It was so neat to see this, it had the website I created for him mentioned as well. Since writing this in 2000 or 2001 ; its now 2011 Hank lost his wife to an illness & he's doing well. Its been a few years. We are still friends. I'll try to update this more soon. Update Hanks health has been quite challenging, I've not heard from him in a while. I think he may have moved back to NC. to be with family.
I met Keith Urban ...by accident also...hey best way to meet... I went to the Crystal Palace with my mom & grandma for a "ladies night out". Well turned out they were having a Free concert...although I would have definitly PAID to see Keith. He was awsome. And so very nice. He even surprized me with a hug. You can see my new Tribute to keith urban
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Starting with my Grandparents
Special Friends
A rising new couple in the Country Music field made their debut at BuckOwen's Crystal Palace Feb. 23, 2001. I was honored to be invited & to meet Annie & Don Kidwell. They just released their 2nd CD "River of Nightlife" Your welcome to check out there 
Heres a guy to keep an eye on, Rick Reno Stevens performed Feb. 23 after Don & Annie and will be making his debut sometime in May. So keep a listen for KUZZ announcement. He's an excellent singer.