On your marks, get set …
The new Web site is nearly finished. In fact, my Web masters (my son Joe in the Czech Republic, and a great friend, who wishes to remain anonymous for now) tell me the site could go live in the next day or so.
As my daughter would say when she was 3, “I’m so exciting!”
I think about this Web site all the time. It’s a little like being in love. I can’t sleep for thinking about it. I spend a lot of time hanging out with it. I dream about it. I want only the best for it.
I hope we’ll be together for a long, long time.
But the thing is, this isn’t really my Web site. It’s yours.
Everything I post on it, everything I write for it, every profile, every recipe, every quote, every feature on this Web site is chosen with you in mind.
I mean really, how dumb would it be to have a Web site and ignore your wants and needs?
That’s why I recently asked for your suggestions regarding what you’d like to see on this Web site. Here’s a sample of your answers:
Judy Darting suggested a place where people could submit travel photos and information, along with tips about what to see and even what to pack.
Bob Thompson likes stories about local people and the area’s history. He also hopes for a civilized Web and blog site.
Deb Duryee said she likes local characters, local cooking, local history and of course, recipes. (Maybe she’ll share her caramel corn recipe with me again. It’s trapped in my old RS computer.)
Budd Hodges, bless his heart, requested stories about Don Chamberlain, my departed father. Dad was Budd’s former boss many years ago at KVIP in Redding, before the station converted to a Christian format.
Erin Friedman, whose wonderful, handsome sons I featured a while back in an RS food story about matzo balls, said she likes stories about local history and landmarks. She also likes food stories. (Hey Erin, how’d your pumpkin ravioli turn out?)
Beck R. wants profiles about local cooks, especially about kids. (Her adorable daughters joined other children for two years as subjects for RS food stories and cooking videos. They’re so cute that I think we should round up the kids again this year.)
Tracy said she’d like stories about local news and history.
Lori V. got specific and requested the memorable crab cake recipe from the former River City Bar and Grill in Redding.
I hear you all, and guess what? You want what I want. And as time goes on, we may want even more.
I’ll do my level best to deliver.
Meanwhile, my talented techie guys are putting the finishing touches on the Web site’s first phase.
Bear in mind that the day it goes live will be the day when it has the least amount of content.
From then on, it will expand in multiple directions and categories.
I’ll tell more about that later.
Thank you everyone who weighed in. And if you didn’t see your suggestion, or you have more ideas, no worries.
This is an ongoing conversation. Add your two cents any time.
Our Web site is a work in progress. Together we’re the architects, builders and interior decorators.
It’s looking good!
Erin Friedman replied:
Can’t wait to meet your new web site — your excitement is palpable.
The pumpkin ravioli was a hit (leftovers tonight) with all of us except for Joe, who is the world’s pickiest 11-year-old and wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole. That child could live on matzo balls and buttered toast.
The filling was absolutely fabulous — and since I REALLY like dishes I can prepare in advance, I’m going to tweak it next time and try a casserole-style version — maybe pumpkin manicotti or pumpkin lasagne? Will let you know how it works out.
November 13, 2007 at 6:38 am. Permalink.
andrea charroin replied:
I’m so exciting too!
November 13, 2007 at 6:40 am. Permalink.
Nanaria replied:
You know, a while back Good Morning America ran a special about working from home that featured having a google web-site with sponsors that each time they are hit you get paid. Might be worth looking into for you.
November 13, 2007 at 6:43 am. Permalink.
Ed Heffelfinger replied:
Wow! This is pretty wild! Doni, was your Dad the head honcho at KVIP in 1968???
If he was, he’s the guy who started my career…this long strange media trip I’ve been on for the last almost 40 years.
I was a freshman at the brand new Nova High School. I was a DJ spinning Beatles and Rolling Stones records at parties and dances. I went to that small building just off of Eastside Road and spoke to KVIP’s station manager about an idea I had for a radio show. He talked to me about radio for a couple of hours and said let’s give it a shot. A couple of weeks later, The Nova High Show premiered on KVIP. I was 15 years old and doing radio…very cool! The show lasted about a year during which time I learned soooo much from that man. I went on to do a television show at KIXE in 1969 (drove to Chico every week to tape “Experiment In Entertainment”) then into the Army after I graduated and The Armed Forces Network. Then college and my own production company. It’s the reason I’m in China. I came here five years ago to make two films for PBS and fell in love with the place.
I can thank that man for the last 40 years of my life. He got me so excited about media.
I haven’t thought about KVIP in a long long time but it truly was the start of something big. I saw your mention of Budd in today’s post and the memories all flooded back. Hope that was your Dad!
November 13, 2007 at 6:51 am. Permalink.
donigreenberg replied:
Yes, Ed! That station manager must have been my dad, Don Chamberlain. (He left for S.F. after 1969 when my parents divorced, which sounds like around the time your show ended.)
Somewhere I have a photo of Dad in front of a KVIP microphone. If I find it, I’ll figure out some way to send it to you. (I’m so technically challenged I don’t even know how to e-mail photos. I’ll get help.)
I’m always amazed at the connections between people that sometimes takes us decades to discover.
Thanks for mentioning this. I wish you well in your job. It sounds like a great adventure.
November 13, 2007 at 7:02 am. Permalink.
Celeste White replied:
Doni, Andrea:
You ARE so exciting!
)
Well, I am looking forward to a virtual community of civil, free-speaking souls who share interests. In addition to all the above, I would love for there to be a section where people can share information on local residents who need help and those who have help to offer, the way you have done many times in your former column, Doni. I still tear up when I think, for example, about the woman who was about to be homeless, but because of your column, all kinds of wonderful people reached out with offers of help. That is the kind of community I crave.
November 13, 2007 at 7:06 am. Permalink.
Shellyboo replied:
Andrea, I love your idea..what’s the point of a community if we live to merely enhance and serve our own lives? What a powerful resource this could be…love it! Doni, I have the old pic of Dad in front of the microphone…true to Dad, it is ‘Ginormous’…so big, in fact that I had to hide it under the stairwell behind xmas stuff….it causes Levi to go into fits of fearful barking…I’ll be happy to pass it on to you..”For you, Dear”…and consider it a gift…I insist!
November 13, 2007 at 8:32 am. Permalink.
Shellyboo replied:
oops, Celeste, your name should have been included with Andrea’s…I know Andrea’s life personally reflects that philosopy…wonderful suggestion!
November 13, 2007 at 8:34 am. Permalink.
Beverly, Eastern Shasta County replied:
All of these ideas that your friends, family, and fans have suggested are wonderful. However, “we” must figure a way for you to have an income from all this effort, even if it is an effort of love. You have a huge heart, but you have to have a full tummy, too, and that requires money.
November 13, 2007 at 9:16 am. Permalink.
donigreenberg replied:
Beverly, you’re right that at some point, I’ll need to earn an income somehow with this Web site.
But right now, my focus is on developing the content to shoot for the moon and make this site a show-stopper.
My optimistic side agrees with that saying, “Do what you love and the money will follow.”
We’ll see if that proves true.
November 13, 2007 at 9:22 am. Permalink.
Joan Macrusky replied:
Doni,
Wanted to let you know how far-reaching your blog has become. While living in Redding, I found your columns and food section to be the highlights of the Searchlight. I moved from Redding to Nevada in June and a friend e-mailed me about what happened to you. I am sorry about the situation but am glad you are taking the high road. You are a touch of home for me and I too am looking forward to what the future will bring. Something important is growing from this blog and I think it’s going to be BIG. Keep on keeping on.
November 13, 2007 at 9:50 am. Permalink.
donigreenberg replied:
I still haven’t figured out a way to place my reply after a comment, unless I catch it quick before someone else has posted a comment …
Moving on.
Celeste, I really love your idea about a section on this Web site that would serve as a local clearinghouse to match solutions and needs. (Shelly is right. People like Andrea already do that on their own. If we share in the heavy lifting then the burdens will cease feeling so dang heavy.
The reason I love Celeste’s idea is that it’s absolutely crucial to me that this Web site be an exciting, interactive, constructive, helpful, safe, civilized, kind and good place where we can freely share ideas and ways to make this place we call home a better place.
P.S. Welcome, Joan – and others – who momentarily lost track of me after my sudden disappearance from the RS. I’m glad you found this blog. And I think you’re right, I think it’s going to be big. Ideas are sprouting faster than I can grab them.
November 13, 2007 at 10:17 am. Permalink.
Judy Darting replied:
I’m so exciting in a ginormous way! Shellyboo, I love that word ‘ginormous’ I have a ginormous golden retriever, who, like your dog, is scared of something silly…the barbecuer. Only if it is on though, it is fueled by propane. Once it had been moved closer to the patio door and she walked past it to come in the house, then, later she was told to go outside and this time it was on. She just sat there giving me sad doggy eyes. I raised my voice, she crouched down. I walked over to her and pointed at the door and said, “Out!” She started trembling…..then I remembered the barbecuer- and it is on-and close to the door! I felt so bad.
:-{
I hugged her and soothed her and didn’t make her go outside until the barbecuer was off.
November 13, 2007 at 10:20 am. Permalink.
jonessa replied:
Hi, Doni…You were the only reason I read the darn newspaper. And if I had had a subscription, I would have canceled it!
I’m glad to find this. Looking forward to reading some gossip, news, etc. from Doni’s world.
Thank you!!
Jonessa
November 13, 2007 at 11:09 am. Permalink.
Debbie replied:
Hi Doni, I’m happy to see your blog site and where we will be going in the future. I should be a fun and interesting ride. I loved your recipes and ideas in the kitchen. I am making Thanksgiving for 18, love the thought, but worried about what to prepare. Maybe we can do a Holiday Helper Hotline column and get ideas and recipes from each other? Thanks!
November 13, 2007 at 11:20 am. Permalink.
Celeste White replied:
Thanks, Shelly and Doni! Delighted you resonated with my idea. I must say, the energy building here is so heartwarming and hopeful!
Also, I don’t know if this is something you and/or your webmaster have considered, Doni, but maybe you could include a button or link on your new website for those who want to make a donation to your efforts via Pay Pal while you’re getting up and going and figuring out more long term funding.
November 13, 2007 at 11:22 am. Permalink.
Darcie replied:
I fel like the women in the commerial looking into Mervyns.
OPEN, OPEN, OPEN,
I can’t wait.
November 13, 2007 at 12:03 pm. Permalink.
Budd Hodges replied:
Hi Doni and Shellyboo: I’m looking forward to your new web site. It’s going to be big with Humugious hits to be sure. Yeah, I think Don was around until 1969 when he went to the City. Young Heffelfinger must have been inspired by him as were many people. I remember his “California Girls” show shortly after his arrival in SF. I believe it had a slick magazine as well.
I auctioned with Don on the public TV station, KIXE, after he started that show.
I remember your mom, Jo, as well and enjoyed her company. She was always in my daily hellos to the VIP’s.
I’ve always enjoyed your and Mike Mangus’s memories of early Redding. One of mine was of the Redding Theatre on California Street. She was on her way out and fast becoming a relic among a bunch of saloons and pawn shops when I was around.
I’ll talk to you later Doni. Have a wonderful day!
Love, Budd Hodges bdg741@aol.com
November 13, 2007 at 1:16 pm. Permalink.
Kerri replied:
Ooh… in addition to the fabulous idea about cooking for Thanksgiving, maybe you could share some of your tried-and-true party recipes, including some that can be done in advance so you can enjoy your guests instead of being the crazy lady in the kitchen.
I love, love, LOVE the fact that we get to hear from you daily. Great vibes popping out of my computer screen today… and I love the little smiley at the bottom.
November 13, 2007 at 1:35 pm. Permalink.
Carolyn replied:
I’m back again from the coast. My Mother lived many years in Morro Bay and her wish was to have her ashes scattered in the ocean near Morro Bay. Anyway, I too, am so glad to “hear” from you everyday, and you can be more open then when working for the paper. I’m VERY new to blogging, so please bare with me if I am too wordy. Looking forward to many great recipes!
Carolyn
November 13, 2007 at 4:47 pm. Permalink.
Leon C. Nelson replied:
Hi, Doni…
I love the way you’re encouraging ideas from those of us who now – on the eve of the birth of your website – will have yet another reason to be thankful as we observe Thanksgiving Day on the 22nd!
HOPE THIS SPARKS YOUR INTEREST: “Eager anticipation” nicely describes how everyone feels as a fortune cookie is opened…correct? And isn’t it with “eager anticipation” that we drive east on Placer St. past the Presbyterian Church marquee to see the uplifting saying that’s always there, frequently with a message that’s perfect for “what ails us!” How about having “eager anticipation” be an apt description of how everyone WILL FEEL each-and-EVERY time your website is opened? That could be assured were you to have an easily accessed “Quotable Quote” or a “Thought for the Day.” To see how a Thought for the Day was used with remarkable and very, VERY heartwarming results by a grocery store bagger, check this out: http://www.stservicemovie.com/
Glad to help. Leon C. Nelson
November 13, 2007 at 9:01 pm. Permalink.