Jean Gleason at 90 & a happy new year to all...

Posted by Stephen Phillips (San Francisco, United States) on 1 January 2009 in People & Portrait and Portfolio.

Here is my dear friend Jean Gleason -

Yesterday - at The Hillside Club in Berkeley, California - I had the pleasure and privilege to share in a celebration of this wonderful lady's ninetieth birthday.

The very short story: I met Jean through her oldest daughter, Bridget. It was April 6, 1970 - and I'd just arrived in California for the first time. A three week vacation to visit a friend in Sonoma County. I met Bridget that day and we've been friends ever since. Bridget and I were always just good friends - but I fell in love with California. I found a couple of jobs and decided to stay. When it was time for me to come to the San Francisco Bay area, later that year - I met Bridget's parents, Ralph and Jean. They welcomed me to their home in Berkeley. The same beautiful home where Jean still lives to this day.

I stayed with them for two weeks while finding my footing in town. For the next many years - Jean would never let a Thanksgiving go by without inviting me to spend it with them. Beyond opening their home - I was their guest at the Monterey Jazz Festival and I was always welcomed at their vacation house in Stinson Beach.

Ralph passed away in 1976. Jean and I remained good friends. My story with them is far from solitary. At this birthday party, over a hundred people were in attendance. I had the opportunity to speak to the assembly at one point. I asked, "Who here has spent at least a night under Jean's roof?" Nearly everyone raised their hand. "A week?" - half the hands remained aloft. "Two weeks or more?" - fully 30 hands were in the air, including mine.

I've no idea how many meals I've eaten at Jean's home. And then there were all of the parties.

There is so much more to tell - but that will need to wait.

Thank you for indulging me with this rather unusual salute to 2009. Happy Birthday, Jean Gleason!

...and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all !

© copyright 2009 by Stephen Phillips Photography / San Francisco / www.joyoflight.com
please respect these rights - do not copy or use these images without permission

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Comments (19)

Calusarus from St Sorlin en Valloire, France

Happy new year.
And a very interesting text about this nice person…

1 Jan 2009 8:00am

@Calusarus: This is the first comment to my AM3 blog for 2009. Good morning and Happy New Year Calusarus!

dobbino from Cape Town, South Africa

A wonderful tribute to what you describe as a very special friend indeed! I wish you, your family, and, if I may, this lovely lady, the most Marvellous and Happy and Healthy New Year.

1 Jan 2009 9:52am

@dobbino: You certainly may dobbino - and I will pass your good wishes to Jean. Happy New Year to you and yours - in Cape Town and beyond.

chrissy from London, United Kingdom

a lovely tribute to a very dear friend. Best wishes for 2009 and many more incredible pictures

1 Jan 2009 10:31am

@chrissy: Thank you, chrissy - and 'golden' best wishes back to you and yours from San Francisco. Cheers!

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

Expressing your love and gratefulness to this beautiful woman, is a wonderful way of starting a new Year, bravo Stephen, may 2009 bring you tons of good stuff :) x

1 Jan 2009 10:42am

@Lorraine: Blessings to you, your friends, and family, Lorraine - Happy 2009.

yz from Budapest, Hungary

Nice portrait. Happy birthday to her and happy new year to all of you!

1 Jan 2009 11:29am

@yz: Thanks, YZ - so far, things are looking brighter already. Happy New Year.

JJ from Jersey City, United States

Wonderful portrait, and Happy Birthday to jean, she sounds an amazing lady
Wishing you, your Family, jean and hers all the best for 2009

1 Jan 2009 2:25pm

@JJ: Thanks to you JJ for the comments. I'm looking forward to your images-to-be in the New Year. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2009.

Mike from Lichfield, United Kingdom

A lovely tribute and nice portrait. Happy new year.

1 Jan 2009 3:59pm

@Mike: Thank you, Mike - and Happy New Year.

Walter from Watkinsville, United States

Happy New Year. What a great tribute to someone dear to you.

1 Jan 2009 4:59pm

@Walter: All the best to you, Walter. I look forward to whatever mischief our cameras might lead us to.

Eleftheria! from Athens, Greece

Thank you! Happy 2009!

1 Jan 2009 6:04pm

@Eleftheria!: Good morning from San Francisco - and welcome to our brand New Year. All the best to you and yours, Eleftheria.

Margie from Auckland, New Zealand

What a great story to go with this wonderful portrait. Happy New Year!

1 Jan 2009 6:49pm

Judy from Brooksville-Florida,, United States

God bless your dear friend Jean, her daughter, Bridget, all her friends and YOU for sharing her with us.
You asked a wonderful question of the assemblage ... friends flock to her because she IS the ultimate friend.
Happy New Year to you and those you love.

1 Jan 2009 9:55pm

@Judy: Amen to friendship, Judy - and thanks.

djedfre from schaumburg, United States

a great recounting of a very special person!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

1 Jan 2009 10:02pm

Evelyne Dubos from Le Mans, France

Kind dedicace and great story of frienship.
Happy new year full of happiness and it is with pleasure that I hope our roads will cross again during all this year through this photographic link that is so precious and through AM3

1 Jan 2009 10:38pm

grant from kansas city, United States

a fine portrait and a remarkable woman!

2 Jan 2009 12:11am

Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom

Firstly, I'd like to wish Jean a Happy Birthday, she sounds like a loving person. Secondly, very best wishes to you Stephen, and all your family..!

* Best wishes for 2009 *

2 Jan 2009 12:22am

EYES WIDE SHUT from United Kingdom

You couldn't ask for a finer, more personal portrait in words and photograph. Wonderful

2 Jan 2009 4:53am

willow from Chelsea, United States

Thank you for sharing Jean and her story with us. She sounds like a wonderful friend. Happy Birthday Jean!

4 Jan 2009 12:59am

@willow: Indeed - she truly is - thanks willow...

dj.tigersprout from San Bruno, CA, United States

just beautiful Stephen -- the sentimental bonds, the history & friendship -- and this stunning portrait! faaabulous work, happy 2009!!!

5 Jan 2009 3:40am

Shari Harter from San Francisco, United States

I was among the throng at Jean's 90th celebration. She is truly a great lady! I was also among those who have spent a few nights in that fabulous house (so much history there!) and many wonderful memories. Thank you, Stephen, for capturing the fabulous photo. I look forward to the rest of your pix. It was great seeing you again, and meeting up with many that I have known and met through Jean/Bridget over the past 32 years (you included! :). May 2009 bring you health, happiness and prosperity! Shari ^i^

7 Jan 2009 4:07am

@Shari Harter: Thanks beyond words, Shari ^i^ - your post is a most pleasant surprise. It is nice to see you here at Aminus3 - - - Happy New Year !

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