Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Where it all started

At some stage I must have mentioned that I met the Man Who Cooks at International House at the University of California in Berkeley. This is a hall of residence for U.S. and international students and "its mission is to foster intercultural respect, understanding, lifelong friendships and leadership skills for the promotion of a more tolerant and peaceful world." Well, the Man Who Cooks and I certainly did our bit for trans Pacific relations. He brought me back to Australia and here I've been ever since.

I House, as it is more commonly known, has various fundraising projects to maintain its building and programs. One of the projects really appealed to us: donating a brick with an inscription. Our brick has now been inscribed and will be installed on the cafe patio soon. Our little bit of fame.

20 comments:

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Aw, that's such a sweet tradition, Val. It should last for many years, long after you're gone. :-)

Love and hugs,

Diane

Alice said...

Oh my gosh, you are famous. I shall have to address you as Mrs Forbes from now on...lol.

What a lovely idea - the brick I mean!

Pear tree cottage! said...

O! Val what purfect wording! nothing more would ever needed to be said "happily married!" I love that.

I can now tell everyone I know some one famous who is "on a brick" how cool is that!!!!

love to you - O! are you coming up to the daffodil festival?

Lee-ann

catsmum said...

Hey you could go visit your brick in '09 for the 40th anniversary.

John Cowart said...

I've seen a sign that says:

Happiness is being married to your best friend!

From 1969 till now -- You two are off to a good start.

Jeanette said...

Hi Val, how wonderful A brick that will be there forever celebrating your wedding day.

Tammy said...

How cool is that?
:)

Carole Burant said...

Awwww how wonderful, Val! I love the inscription on the brick and how fun it will be knowing that so many people will be reading it through the years!! xox

Joan said...

You and the Hubby are now immortalized for all to see. What a wonderful way to celebrate your life together.

sonia a. mascaro said...

That is really great and romantic, Val!

Lucy Stern said...

I like your brick.

Anonymous said...

You know, whenever I passed "I" house while a student at Cal, I thought of you!!! I actually never went inside "I" House, but did live across the street at Manville Hall, the law students dorm, which was attached to Boalt Law school. They were animals, plain and simple. One of my roomates at Manville is now a Republican congressman from Idaho.

I always like looking at items noted by donors, wondering who they were, etc.

Motherkitty said...

OMG, is Robert's ex-roommate Craig, R-Idaho (was arrested in June for lewd behavior in a men's room in Minneapolis) who just announced he is resigning as of 09/30??? hmmmm

Husband and I also have a commemorative brick at the gazebo outside our courthouse. We were married 12/15/68. Long live marriage!

lindsaylobe said...

Hi Val
Berkeley has a wonderful history and unless I am mistaken I understand it was in those labs that Bill Gates and his cronies first invented the software which led to the partnership of what is Microsoft today
And now you and hubby have similarly linked with your commemorative brick to celebrate your life partnership together, also a remarkable success I gather!! Congratulations

JunieRose2005 said...

Val,

How wonderful!!! ;)

Junie

Cris said...

Congratulations Val and Mr. Forbes! All across the ocean to find true love and build a happy and strong marriage! You'll be celebrating your 40th soon!

Kerri said...

What a neat idea! Love the inscription. I enjoy the fact that you and I did the opposite to each other...you ended up there married to an Aussie, and I ended up here married to a Yank :) Two great countries...happily linked!
A happy marriage is a blessing indeed :)

Merle said...

Hi Val ~~ I like your brick too - nice idea!! Glad you went to the game on Sunday, I watched it on Fox and it
was a better game than I expected.
Felt so sorry for Lance - will he stay do you think? They sure will miss Matty Lappin, but hope we gets some goodies in the draft.Thanks for your encouraging words about my hair, it will be OK when it grows a bit.
Take care, Val, Love, Merle.

Gina E. said...

That is sooo neat, Val! Reminds me of that boulevard in Hollywood where they have the stars handprints in the footpath.

Unknown said...

Love it! Next thing that boulevard of stars in Hollywood?

Blessings and bliss