Chapter 18

I'm beginning to understand more and more how the concept of writing down a goal (and often giving it a deadline) helps you to achieve it.  By simply writing down the 28 things I wanted to achieve this year, I've realized how much action I have taken.  With the support of my parents, I am more educated and wiser, and have had more experiences in the last few weeks than I would have if I hadn't had identified and written down the goals.  I also realize that these items require time, energy, money and planning, four items that are someetimes needed before you can complete any goal.  So, needless to say, its not only about checking something off a list, but also accomplishing those things necessary to get you there.


Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, "The Pride of the Missions".  est. September 8, 1771.

Historical information on the side of the Chapel at Mission San Gabriel Arcangel.

With that being said, Dad and I gave Mom a day off, and we visited Mission San Gabriel Arcangel on August 7, 2011.  This was not only a special location, but also a special day, in that part of my Louisiana Legacy was involved.   My Aunt Ruth (my Mom's Dad's sister - my great-aunt) lived much of her adult life in the city of San Gabriel.  The Mission is located maybe 5 minutes from where she lived.  It was special to visit this place that had become her home and community for the majority of her life.  My Mom was not the only 'Storey' who landed in Southern California.  In addition, August 7 is my sweet grandmother's (Mama Connie, my Mom's Mom) birthday.  My grandmother, whom I had gotten to know even better during my time in Louisiana (despite the fact that she is deceased), was a woman of courage, fortitude, integrity and pure GRIT!  I miss her often, and look forward to this day every year to honor her memory and the great things she has done for our family.

With that, Dad and I toured Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, also known as "The Pride of the Missions"".  Mission San Gabriel Arcangel was founded on September 8, 1771, (the day apparently celebrated as Mary's, the Mother of Jesus, birthday.  #4 of the 21 California Missions, Mission San Gabriel Arcangel served the Gabrielino Indians, and also acted as one of the first wineries in the area.  To this day, the original vine is on display.

This Mission is still an active parish, and we made it there during Mass - we visited other areas besides the chapel until they had finished.  I enjoyed this Mission very much - its unique turret/castle type structure, its front, outdoor staircase (also unique to this Mission), and the community park surrounding it.  It really is a treasured piece of the community itself. http://sangabrielmission.org/

The staircase that is unique to Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, #4 of 21 California Missions.  No other Mission that I have has a staircase like this that leads to the choir loft.

This Mission marked the 11th Mission we have visited thus far - only 10 more to go until this goal has been completed.   Unbelievable that we have visited so many Missions in the span of a week and a half.  "Mission... Impossible?" does not seem so impossible after all.

La Campanaria at Mission San Gabriel Arcangel.  Notice the turrets that gave this Mission a castle-like style.

More historical information, this time specifically to California's history, about Mission San Gabriel Arcangel.

What the Mission looks like, even today.  Many of the Mission projects of local school children were displayed around the Mission - it was nice to see the efforts of these children on display.

Apparently Mission San Gabriel loses chairs to theft?  Genious.

One of my favorite pictures from the visit - inside the gardens, and living area with the La Campanaria in the background.

These were tallow vats prior to the Mexico War - the iron 'bowls' were removed after the War, and caused this space to be used less.  At one time, Mission San Gabriel Arcangel supplied most of the other Missions with tallow since they produced so much.

The depth of the tallow vats at Mission San Gabriel Arcangel.

More information about the 'factory' and the use of the tallow vats featured above at
Mission San Gabriel Arcangel (#4 of 21 California Missions).

Each Mission highlites all 21 California Missions in a unique way.  Mission San Gabriel Arcangel has the best display of all 21 California Missions in model forms, in order of their creation.  Here, I am actually standing close to Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, #4 of 21 California Missions.



Most of the Mission Models at Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, 8/7/11.



Lovely church - notice the unique shape of the alter opening. 
Apparently there are 6 friars buried under the alter at San Gabriel Arcangel.

The inside of the Sanctuary of the church.  Notice the pastor's podium, similar to Mission La Purisima de Concepcion and Mission San Miguel Arcangel.



Aunt Ruth's House in San Gabriel, CA.  Nice to remember some memories of this house (that used to be pink).



Chapter 17

The Ronald Reagan administration stood for resolve, sacrifice and hope for the greater good.  Mom and I had the opportunity to visit the Presidential Library of Ronald Reagan on our trip up the coast to the California Missions.  Spur of the moment, we realized we were in Simi Valley and opted to follow the signs off El Camino Real.  I was surprised to realize how much Mom and I both wanted to see the library, even our willingness to sacrifice some of our "Mission Time".


We visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library during the year of its Centennial: August 4, 2011.

 I can't recall ever being inside a Presidential Library.  I was glad in that I didn't have a point of comparison, but I'm pretty sure that even if I had been in another library my feelings would have been the same - sheer awe at the magnitude of items on display as well as the emotion and vigor I felt being in Ronald Reagan's legacy. Having been an 80's baby, I can vaguely recall Ronald Reagan as President.  I do recall visiting the State Capital in Sacramento, California, when I was in 4th grade and the tour guide reflecting on a picture of when Ronald Reagan was governor - it had been slashed with a knife by an angry protestor and later repaired. The unique story is probably why I remembered it.  Visiting the library as an adult gave me a greater grasp on why the times were so difficult, and why Ronald Reagan as President had made such a phenomenal difference, especially in the morale of the nation.

Most poignantly, I think that it helped me to glimpse hope that we, too, will move out of these dark days of our country and into something greater, but I must do my part.  Tightening my built, working hard, bonding together with my community and fighting like 'mad' to preserve the integrity and spirit of our country.  I guess the question is HOW will I do that?  What can I do to make a change?  Being so behind in life, I'm wondering if I'll be able to catch up, make large strides toward my own calling.  I think I just need a place to start, I suppose.

Mom and I standing with the "Gipper" himself, outside
of the entrance to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
in Simi Valley, CA (8/4/11).

Ronald  Reagan's legacy of hard work, discipline and American spirit truly challenged me to make my own differences, to follow in the footsteps of those great ones who moved the nation while I was still a young contributor.  Considering his legacy, and keeping in mind the young Americans who are just children now, it makes me want to take such strides in the direction that will preserve our nations foundation for them, so that they too will someday find my footsteps as ones to follow, as I do of Ronald Reagan.

The Library had phenomenal points of interest including an example of the Oval Office while occupied by
President Ronald Reagan.

"There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." - Ronald Reagan

The first lady, Mrs. Nancy Reagan.

Air Force 1 - the Presidential Airplane.  We were able to walk through it as well - that will probably be the closest I ever get!

Air Force 1 overlooking Simi Valley.  It felt as if you were soaring with the plane.  Cars and other pieces of the motorcade below, including the Presidential Helicopter.

Mom says that this is her favorite picture of herself.  Boo.

About to board Air Force 1 - at the Ronald Reagan  Presidential Library (8/4/11).

Underneath Air Force 1, looking out over Simi Valley. What a wonderful place to put your Presidential Library.

A view from the outside looking in.  Air Force 1 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

"Live the Legacy"

With the President - we had watched the funeral on television in 2004.  Incredible to be standing where we had watched.

Mom and I with President Ronald Reagan (8/4/11).

Looking out over Simi Valley into the gardens at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA.

Chapter 14

Only 45 minutes from our next Mission, Mom and I continued on 'Our own Mission' which led us to Mission San Miguel Arcangel, also known as "Mission on the Highway".  We hurried quickly, but when we made it to the Mission, the tour opportunities were closet.  However, our spirits were not dampened, because we were able to walk around the site and the church sanctuary was still open. 

Mission San Miguel Aracangel, established July 25, 1797 in San Miguel, CA.

Mission San Miguel Arcangel celebrated its Bicentennial in 1997, 6 years prior to the San Simeon earthquake in 2003.

Founded on July 25, 1797, Mission San Miguel Arcangel is the 16th of the 21 California Missions.  We were fortunate to see it in that it is undergoing an enormous restoration project due to disrepair as well as the result of the San Simeon earthquake in 2003.  Despite the state of the Mission, it still had quite the Old World Charm,. which is why Mom and I both were so attracted to it.

The simple front of the Mission San Miguel Arcangel church on August 5, 2011. 

According to Mission San Miguel Arcangel's website (http://www.missionsanmiguel.org/), many of the paintings as well as the wall murals are all original to the Mission.  In addition, Mission San Miguel Arcangel's sanctuary boasts the largest 'All Seeing Eye', a symbol that is on our USA currency, and was symbolic to Indians that they now had a God that saw all, and kept His eye on them. While that may sound 'Big Brother-ish', it served as comfort to the Indians.   Following secularization of the Mission, and exile of the Salinan Indians and the Franciscan Monks, the Mission was purchased by Petrinillo Rios and William Reed, who (after the death of family members) used the Mission almost as a mini-mall (hotels, retail centers, saloon, etc.).  The Mission was returned to the Catholic Church in 1878.

The corridor facing the front highway of Mission San Miguel Arcangel, #16 of 21 California Missions.

More of the corridor with the famous arches that are so traditional to many of the Missions.

The beautiful and rustic fountain in front of Mission San Miguel Arcangel, "The Mission on the Highway".

While Mom and I were unable to tour the entire complex (which was surrounded by a wall), we were able to see the La Campanario, the first stone one I had seen and rustically beautiful.  I'd say it was my favorite part of the Mission.  Hopefully, we'll be able to return to this sweet Mission in the future and tour the entire thing.  It not only represents the Mission heritage of California, but is also representative of our 'Wild West' history.

The best way to spend a birthday is doing what you love with who you love.  Outside of my favorite La Campanario of all the Missions I've visited yet - Mission San Miguel Arcangel.

Mom and I were suprised that we could simply walk into the cemetary.  Rich with history on the Mission's inhabitants, including the Salinan Indians, the cemetary was most interesting.

Thus concluded my Mission tours for my birthday - 7 Missions over two days, up the California Coast.  It was a most wonderful two days and so special to share with my Mom.

The original painting on the walls (and the Padre at the front) in Mission San Miguel Arcangel.  Notice the 'All Seeing Eye' at the front of the Sanctuary over the alter.  Apparently, this is the largest 'All Seeing Eye' of the Missions.

Simple, bright, beautiful and ORIGINAL.  The podium where the Padre stands (on the right) is very similar to the one at Mission La Purisima de Concepcion. 

The lovely sign that greets you immediately when you get off El Camino Real.  Notice how 'deserty' this site is  - that is why Mission San Miguel Arcangel reminds me so much of the Wild West.

Chapter 13

Historical information for Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, est. Sept. 1, 1772.

We had anticipated that our final stop would have been Mission La Purisima de Concepcion, but, having extra time during the day, we opted to continue our journey to San Luis Obispo where in the heart of the city is Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.  After a few turn arounds, a McDonald's Coca Cola, and a quick view of the Historic Madonna Inn, we made our way to the Mission.  Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded on September 1, 1772, and was the 5th of 21 California Missions.  Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa ("The Mission in the Valley of the Bears") gained its nickname in two ways: first, the area was surrounded by bears and second, it was in this valley/area that an expedition was sent to retrieve enough bear meat to save the northern Missions from starvation. 

On the front steps of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, #5 of 21 California Missions,
on my 28th birthday, August 5, 2011. 
Notice the year above the front entrance, similar to that at Mission San Buenaventura.

The Mission is still an active parish, so besides the lovely gardens, church and smaller museum, there wasn't much to tour; however, unique points of the church include its collection of bells in the garden area and the "L-shaped" sanctuary, which is unique to Mission San Luis Obispo. 

If you had asked me how I would spend my 28th birthday,  I never thought I would be able to experience history in such an experiential way.  My parents were most generous to give this birthday gift to me!

The Mission in 1772, located in the "Valley of the Bears".

The beautiful gardens at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

The inside of the sanctury in Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, exactly where the "L-shaped" building curves.

The fountain and the other side of the Mission's sanctuary.

This picture gives a good idea of how Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa's sanctuary is in an "L-shape", the only Mission in the 21 California Missions that is built this way.



Down the aisle and with the choir loft above at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. 
Woops, looks like another wedding!



Though not original, these three Mission bells share the history of why each bell is different and how each has a
special purpose.

The Mission Bells - information about the Joy Bell, the Gloria Bell, and the Sorrow Bell,
at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa on 8/5/11.