We're two sisters who are craft book publishers and found ourselves in the midst of an avocado grove. We bought this house where we planned to conduct our publishing business and in the deal got 4 acres of avocado trees thrown in. Now we're not only publishers but ranchers as well! This blog is all about avocados and anything else that strikes my fancy.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Sepia Saturday - My School Mate Has Become Famous

We were never the best of friends. We didn't run in the same circles. He was a jock and I was (actually I'm not quite sure what I was). But we were forever bound together because of the first letter of our last names. Mine was Finwall, his was Flanagan. We always had to stand next to each other in school every time we students had to be in alphabetical order. Our school pictures were always right next to each other.

Here we are as Sophomores in 1958 (Pomona High School) Pomona, California:
 




Since Pomona High School burned down, we had to enter a new school for our Junior year. So here's Mike and I as Juniors in Ganesha High School, 1959:







 And now as mighty seniors in 1960:




Now several years later (like 51 to be exact!) Mike Flanagan is one of the attorneys in the Michael Jackson manslaughter trial. He's one of the defense attorneys for Dr. Conrad Murray. I see him on the news almost everynight. And I'm always so amazed when I see him sitting there on Dr. Murray's left. He's just a kid like me from Pomona. Amazing. He hasn't changed a bit - except he and I both ended up with white hair.



You just never know what's going to happen to your classmates in life, do you? But I must say I'm pretty impressed with my classmate from Pomona. He's come a long way.

For other Sepia Saturday stories click here sepia saturday



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20 comments:

  1. Little NellOctober 22, 2011 at 2:42 AM

    That’s a very clever take on the theme. Very interesting, and how exciting to have known someone famous. You should send him the link to this post.

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  2. Alan BurnettOctober 22, 2011 at 3:32 AM

    Indeed you never know : one of the little kids in my Junior School went on to become Kiki Dee the singer. Great photos which contribute to a great post.

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  3. LindaOctober 22, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    Interesting connection! I like the last photo coming as a trick, O. Henry type ending. From crew-cut lad to serious and somber lawyer in high profile trial. Nicely done.

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  4. Karen S.October 22, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Isn't that just the funniest thing? Now are you going to write him a letter and say...hey it's been like forever, So happy to see your face again!

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  5. Sheila @ A Postcard a DayOctober 22, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    How fascinating! I'm impressed that you recognised him. I was always beside Gavin Graham but I don't think he's famous in any way. I doubt I would recognise him anyway.

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  6. PostcardyOctober 22, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    At least the white hair gives you something in common.

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  7. tonyOctober 22, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    He's Sat Next To An "M"! :)

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  8. Bob ScotneyOctober 22, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    I followed the changes in your hair style; you should have included yourself now too. Interesting connection. I may take more notice now of the trial especially as my daughter is a defence attorney in the USA.

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  9. Brett PayneOctober 22, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    What fun to be able to track him down like this in your school yearbooks. Thanks for sharing the story.

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  10. NancyOctober 22, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    Amazing! It's true: we can never tell what a person will become. I think he looks very much older. On the other hand, you, not so much.

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  11. PattyFOctober 23, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    It's always fascinating to find out where the people you graduated with end up and who they've become. Now you can honestly say, "I knew him when!" Great story ... thanks for sharing!

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  12. Oregon Gifts of Comfort and JoyOctober 23, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Wow! One of my classmates is an offensive line coach for the Oregon Ducks, and I can spot him sometimes on t.v. Love your school pictures! Thanks for stopping by to see me.

    Kathy M.

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  13. Christine H.October 23, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    He turned into a fairly handsome guy...he was a little dorky looking as a youngster - unlike you!

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  14. Helen Killeen Bauch McHargueOctober 23, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    You were darling as a teenager and of course you still are. Boy, I have to stretch to come up with anyone famous even from my high school, but Monte Hall came from Winnipeg!!! Our claim to fame.

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  15. Liz StrattonOctober 23, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    What a fun post! I loved the comparison shots over time and the ending ... superb!

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  16. AnonymousOctober 23, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Agreed what a fun post on the school idea. And to have photos to show along the way thru the years. My big sis saw a classmate of hers on a crime show he is a detective and as a result after the show she found out where he worked and made some calls and that resulted in an hour of catching up. :)

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  17. California GirlOctober 24, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Yes, some of the kids you thought would never amount to anything do a great deal in life and others peak in high school and never recover!

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  18. Bruno LalibertéOctober 25, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    do you know that I have absolutely no clue whatsoever what my classmates ever became?...
    though, they never did anything to endear themselves to me, that I would give a care at all.
    I might have to look them up, just for the heck of it.
    :D~
    HUGZ

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  19. Martin LowerOctober 26, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    What an interesting story! Your old school colleague seems to have done well for himself.
    Mind you, from what we see on television this side of the pond (England), I'd say he has his work cut out....

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  20. Megan HillOctober 27, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    HA! I didn't know that. Pretty interesting what he became. Did he go to your reunion?

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