Hi! I'm Marti Middleton. I have lived a rather eventful life filled with adventure, tragedy, turmoil, and a lot of love. The picture above was taken while I was waiting to go back on stage for another set. I have lived all over the country, starting in Independence, MO; then Alton, Illinois for college, then Kansas City, MO; then Sacramento, CA; then NYC; then Key West, FL; then back to Kansas City, MO; then to Sarasota, FL; then to NYC again; then to KC, MO; (always go home when you need your Mom); then to St. Joseph, MO. (arm pit of the country); then to Madison, WI; and then I said to my husband after living on the planet Hoth (think of Star Wars); get me to the Sun Belt and here we are, still in San Antonio, TX. We have been here for over 21 years.I have become a TV Junkie over the years, and fortunately my family is as well. So, we have several evenings where we gather around the dinner table and enjoy dinner together and then retire into our family room to watch different shows. Our favorites are: American Idol; Survivor; LOST; CSI-Special Victims Unit; SVU; Grey's Anatomy; Ugly Betty; and ER. I love CNN so I can hear the REAL fair and balanced news. I am very political. My mother was a press secretary for Eleanor Roosevelt and she ran the War Hospitality Room during WWII while my father was a Marine in the South Pacific. I grew up in Independence, Missouri and due to close friends, when President Truman was in town, I was requested to come visit, and sit on Harry Truman's lap and sing to him. I always wanted to sing my rendition of "Davey Crockett," but he loved "Jesus Loves Me." So, I did what I was asked. My mother, until her death played bridge in the Bess Truman Bridge Club. I worked for Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton (after he asked Gore to run with him), then I worked for John Edwards for 8 years, now I am working for Barack Obama. I sang in Blues and Jazz Bars from KC, MO to NYC. Lived in NYC most of the time, but now I am here in Texas with my family. See, even without the details -- I have lived a pretty interesting life. I have traveled all over the world, but am always happy to come home to the USA. We are lucky to have what we have. Now, I am going to put some good pictures of my favorite actors; my family who I love dearly, and my friends who I love as well. Any time you want to add something, just ask!

At the bottom of the long page of pictures are some music videos, you might enjoy.

MARTI MIDDLETON - FROM THE BEGINNING

Marti -- From the beginning	My brother & I when I had polio.	Bobby on his bike.
Dancing Lessons - yea!!!	Fourth Grade	My Dad, was a chemist, died young from working with Radio Activity for the Space Program.
My Mother - she died at the age of 93, 7 years ago. She was my best friend.	715 Proctor Place, Independence, MO, where I grew up.	My old horse "Rusty" on the farm.

NEW YORK BOUND!

Leslie, best friend in the old days. Still best friends to the end! This is an old picture, but we still get pretty wild! We were wild and skinny in those days, now we are fat and just sit around and laugh at each other.	Eileen, other best friend in the old days. Still best friends to the end! This is an old picture, but we still get pretty wild! We were wild and skinny in those days, now we are fat and just sit around and laugh at each other, and with Eileen's new liver we really have to behave ourselves.	Marti - laid back after a gig. I usually wanted to go to sleep, but those two would keep me up all night, The bad thing about it was they always made me sit in the back seat of the car because I was the smallest. Sometimes Eileen would put her Great Dane in there with me.
Doing what I liked to do best!	I loved to take walks through the Botanical Gardens during the Spring.	I always went home to be with my Mom at Christmas. Never missed a year.
There I am with an old friend, while I visited Kansas City. He visited in New York too. Good Guy, Alan.	Our house in Belle Harbour, NY. I lived in the Servants Quarters. Have you ever tried to empty out a water bed when you live below Sea Level? Takes weeks!	Our back yard.
First Husband - Kevin's birth father. I left him 3 times. Last time was due to his drug and alcohol abuse and not wanting to raise a child around him. He (to me) was a cutie. (love of my life but ----) I picked him up in a bar. Ladies - don't do that.	Eileen's first husband, Cliffie. He was a K.C. friend, and how I met Eileen. He had several issues. He was driving from NYC to California when his car broke down. He liked KC so much, he stayed!	Richard "Jake" Jacobs. First friend I had in a bar with my under age license. We still email each other. He is an old, but good guy. Jake was originally from Chicago.
Eileen doing her favorite dance, in her favorite blouse.	Brian O'Leary. Good NYC friend. Very loyal person.	This is Jimmy Zanatakus. There is so much I could tell you about Jimmy you would be laughing so hard you would ask for more. He came to NYC from Greece. Spoke in English but thought in Greek. He was and still is the funniest man I have ever known.

When we first arrived (after driving over the 7 mile bridge in the dark) I got a job on Stock Island as a Bartender. Mostly Cubans were in the bar, which was open every night until 3:00am. We also lived in a Trailer which I had never done, and will never do again! But I had my dog Chris with me. (I have always been partial to American Huskies.)	I always had my dog Chris with me. When we first moved to KW it was cold in Kansas City, so we went to the pound to save a puppy. I was wearing a lambskin coat, all the puppies had just been hosed down and they were in open wire cadges. They were freezing, I could fit 7 puppies in my lambskin coat, and I did, and out we went. Our dog turned out to have distemper, but we took her to to my favorite vet and he gave me some medicine (I had to tell Richard they were dogie downers , and if he took them he would die, and I saved her. All the other puppies we gave to people died. She first went to Key West with us, but only after one week of being there someone poisoned her. We went to the pound, and found Chris who had been put in jail for doing 18 holes of golf on the only course they had. I had him for years.	This was our 1968 Ford Pick Up that got us down to Key West, and many more places. We could just pack it up and off we would go. I will tell you more in the next picture or two. No, I don't have a picture of this - thank goodness! There was a bar on Stock Island that was open all day and all night. My friend Valerie and I thought we would visit this bar. We had several men buying us drinks, and far be it from us to snub these gentlemen. We drank Long Island Ice Teas until we could hardly walk. People, please don't do this, because first Valerie wanted to fight me - I have always been peace, love, harmony, so no fight, but then I got into my truck and got lost, and actually drove through some marsh into the ocean.. Valerie got out and said it's fine over here - water comes to my ankle. So I hoped out only to find myself chest deep. Fortunately, we knew someone close by and he drove us home. My worst experience was explaining to Richard where our truck was, in the morning and giving him the answer, "In the ocean." The headlight on the driver's side had a little fish in it.
This was Richard's and my friend from Kansas City. He was a professional gambler. One night they went out to hustle someone at pool, but they got hustled by a real professional pool hustler. Richard got his his front tooth completely turned around sideways after getting punched. These were not terribly sober days, and I am not sure what I was trying to do in this picture. Maybe balance a cocktail on my toe?	This picture isn't even from Key West. But you can tell who was the pool shark in the family.	This was one of the best days I ever had in Key West! It was the day Bob flew back to Kansas City. Unfortunately, as we normally did, we all got loaded and hung out too long with the airport guard, and Bob missed his flight. I didn't care --- I still had enough brains working, that I sent him off to Miami on the next flight. Yea!! Nice guy, but he and Richard got into to much trouble with each other. I didn't behave either. These were some of my poor judgement days.

THIS WAS OUR WONDERFUL CAMPING TRIP -- TO THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES IN THE RAINY SEASON!! (Especially for my Survivor friends.) Richard decided it would be fun to go on an outing to the everglades, and being the dumb-ass I was at the time, I thought it sounded like fun too. The everglades were beautiful, I saw more beautiful plants, flowers, birds, snakes, crocks or alligators (who cares which - you know they can chase you on land?) and the largest and fastest mosquitoes I had ever encountered in my life. We were planning to sleep in the bed of the truck with Chris (the dog). However, we were ill prepared. At least a net would have been nice. We were both and Chris (the dog) were covered with mosquitoes bites. Because of our lack of information, we had little repellent (they enjoyed it anyway) we ended up (all three of us) sitting in the cab of a 1968 Ford Pick Up all night. We knew that mosquitoes hated smoke, so we smoked 3 packs per person that night. Richard was Mr. Golden Boy and always had a tan. I was red headed with freckles (guess who they liked the best) and I have a small bladder. Every time I ran out to pee, I was attacked. When we got home, there was not one inch of me that was not covered with bites. I went to the doctor and told him what had happened. He couldn't believe anyone would one could be so stupid so he tested me for every STD he could think of. I actually had the first known case of mosquito bite poisoning. It took me a month of antibiotics and anti itch meds to finally clear me up. Was Richard affected? NO! What a woman will do for a man. Chris didn't play with him for at least a week. Took me longer.

GROWING UP, GETTING A DIVORCE and MOVING BACK HOME

My Divorce Lawyer, my husband, my partner in crime for 27 years. At this point in time, he is a Professor in Business Law, Ethics and Constitutional Law. He is also a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association. This man is very very brave!	My oldest son, Kevin playing with his puppy M.J. Kevin is an Aragonist at one of the top 10 Palmer Golf Courses in the country. Right now, he is waiting to be moved to another course to manage it or to design it. I just hope it is not in Japan.	Sally, my middle child. She teaches Music Education she recently received her Masters in Music Education. Since my mother died, she has been my best friend. My other kids are wonderful, but God gave me the best when She gave me Sally!
My youngest, Patrick -- 24. This is his favorite sport, but professionally he is a builder of decks. He designs them as well, and has started his own company.	This is the back of our deck which he designed and built.	This is the East side of our deck with a privacy fence for our Hot Tub.
My very favorite picture of Patrick in motion!	Hexon - Our first rescue dog. She died in February,2009	Roxie - Our second rescue dog. She sleeps around my head. I look like I have a winter muff on my head.
Jasper is the most handsomest dog in all the land. He is older now and fat and happy. Just had to buy him a stair step so he could get up on my bed.		(She is MUCH bigger now. She is half Rot Weiler and half Doberman.) She is taller than I am!
Jasper, our third rescue dog.	Molly Moose dressed up for Halloween. She is always smiling!	M.J. our newest rescue dog. Part Doberman and Rot. She is a sweet sweet dog.
Herbie, our 21 year old rescue cat. Best cat ever. This picture was taken a long time ago. He recently died, about 2 months ago. I carried him like a baby. It is odd how even cats revert back to their infant stage.	Pumpkin Paws(aka Dextor) our 11 year old rescue cat. He is very neurotioc. (Shhhhhhhhhhhhh -- he is hiding!)	Our first rescue teenager, Davin; kissing Sally on New Year's Eve (and her birthday). Davin is much older now. He came and lived with us shortly when he was in Middle School.

Oscar, our second rescue teenager.	Tyler our third rescue teenager. We still see him often.
		Julianna Hiepa, our first Exchange Student. Julianna (J is silent) is from East Berlin, Germany and is all ready a doctor. Higher Education in Germany is free.
Martin, our second Exchange Student. Martin is from Hong Kong. He did not know how to make rice!	Natasha Repataska, our last Exchange Student. When we went to Prague, she rode the bus (16 hours) all the way from Ukraine (where she lives) to be with us.	I AM A TEXAS DEMOCRAT!
Above is my Sister-In-Law who teaches at the Missouri School for the Blind. She is a councelor. (with her PhD) With her is my brother Bob who is the very best brother anyone could ever have. I'm very lucky. Bob is an attorney in St. Louis. (I'm safe in Missouri)	This picture was taken of my mother and me on her last Christmas. She died one day following Thanksgiving at my brother's house. She was 93.	Phil's and my promo picture when we started traveling and singing for church revivals.
Billy, Marti & Phil entertaining the kids at Cancer Camp.	My cousin Mimi Basseri. She has her own bath design business in L.A. (Called "Mimi A-La-Mode") You can look it up and order something if you want!	Peri Basseri. She has her own video-grapher company. She is very good! She works out of Monterey, CA During the debates, she was the make up artist for Hillary.
Sarah Jane Burgess-Valencia with my mother when my mother visited her in Palo Alto, CA. Sarah has 3 children, and is an attorney, so I'm safe in CA too. (Sarah is my cousin)	This is my cousin Wes Burgess with his wife Diane. Wes is a "Shrink" and has written a book on Bi-Polar Behavior. They live on Venice Beach in CA, and he works at Stanford.	This is Marti (me) while working for the United Methodist Church. I was the Communications person, and I was the editor of the Southwest Texas United Methodist Church Reporter. I got to meet many people from all over the world.

This is my Second Family - I was adopted.

I was adopted, but at age 30 I located my Birth Mother - this is Shirley.	This is my half sister, Sally with me.	This is my other half sister, Susan. (She and Sally are twins)
This is my half brother Don.	I didn't get to meet my other half sister Clair that day because she was in Washington State, where she lives with her husband. I also have another half brother on my Birth Father's side that I have not had the pleasure of meeting.
		This is the Randy Swetnam Family. (He has the beard). He is my half brother on the other side of the family. He has a beautiful family.
This is my Uncle Wayne wearing his MU Jacket. My parents went to MU too, and I bet I watched him play football! He is the best! We are on oposite ends politically, but he welcomed me into the Swetnam family right away. He is a good uncle.	This is a very old picture. My Birth father Ralph is on the left and my Uncle Wayne is on the right.
This is my Dad's Danish Crest		Meet Steve Middleton. Phil's younger brother. On a motorcycle? Would you say ... "Midlife Crisis?"
Amanda on her Croatch Rocket My niece.	Helping design the new SWTX Conference Communications Office	Kevin clearing out a pretty big rattle snake off the golf course.

Grandma Middleton, lives in Springfield, Missouri

Texas Hill Country

The Colorado Middletons. (lft-rght) Kyle, Cara, Amanda and Brandon.

This is our little house in the woods before we had our landscaping done. We downsized so I wouldn't have to walk up stairs any more - then all 3 kids came home! Will it ever end?

OUR FRIENDS

This is drB. and Frankie in Hawaii in 1988. It is amazing- Seriously she could be my sistah!	Barack (Barry) Obama Don't forget to vote! Make sure you are registered. No matter who you vote for, please register!	Ashleigh with Phil after a presentation on Different Cultures and Politics. She is 24 and will graduate soon with her Masters. This girl is SMART!
Dustin & Crystal on their wedding day.	Crystal Hawthorne, living in California with Dustin and baby due to the Army.	Dustin & Nathan Hawthourne
Craig, our next door neighbor - fun guy!	Daryl, our good golfing friend.	Jennifer Evans another Political Science Graduate Student. She is really a special friend to me.
Rev. Harry Kahl & wife Belia (not in picture) my best friends.	Jonathan Vela my favorite Hillary friend.	Rev. Jim Roberts, my closest friend. This is an older picture, as with most men, he has lost some hair.
		Jim (above) and Jan's wedding. I love them
Our Christian Rock Band - "Cross Connection" (I am second from the left, standing)	Bill & Eva Jo with their "Pug for Peace"	(Left-right): Becka, Hannah, Jan the Bride, Sarah and Shannon.

Rebecca lives in Austin now. She has a twin - Kim, who lives in Florida!	Nancy Cox - moved to Colorado. I miss her.	Another picture of Daryl Bruns dressed up for Father's Day.
Mike & Karen with their Grand Boys. Why do I only have Grand-dogs?	Mark, Ryan and my Sally, some where enjoying life!	Cory & Amanda - they are so in love!
Melissa (Mom); Brett (Dad); Christian (little blonde) and Collin (missing teeth). I've known Melissa since SHE was in High school.	Bishop Robert Schnase - Missouri Bishop for the United Methodist Church. God called him to this, he never asked or Politicked his way to this very prestiges position. This picture was taken during his Ordination.	Liz Hughes, probably the best woman I have ever know, next to my mother. She is a wise, wise friend and I love her.
The Hulk in my life: Ernie Cardenás He lives in LA and we are internet friends. He is very funny!	Gloria Querry - My good friend from Survivor Wiki. She is one of my heros, and I love her.	Clint, my friend on the Survivor Wiki. He is from Alaska. Look at that beautiful trout he has.
Fred Mayfield working on his HOG.	He got it done!	He is leaving?

First try on the street.	See ya later Freddy!!

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Steve Pickett, my Boomer Sooner Survivor Friend	Stefan, our faithful LOST Leader!
Rick from Kentucky-My Survivor Friend WHAT A FISH!!	Billy and Gina Ivens Two of the most caring people we know.

MY FAVORITE SPORTS-MEN (and WOMAN)

Ozzy from Survivor - my favorite!	James from Survivor - he's just cool!	Ethan and Jenna, both won Survivor and are spending their money on the poor in Africa.
		Dive into a watery world of theatric brilliance. One part lavish opera and one part aquatic spectacle, O delivers a stunning mix of circus acts, performing arts, and choreography—all of it set in, on, and above 1.5 million gallons of water.
Apolo Anton Ohno Gold Medalist Speed Skater	Maksim Chenerkovskiy Dancer	Mad Maks in Vegas - working for Cirque du Soleil:
San Antonio Spurs NBA Champions	Tim Duncan - 12 Years on NBA All Star Team	Tony Parker, Point Guard; All Star Champion
Manu Ginoboli, MY personal favorite! Also 2008 winner of Sixth Man Award of the Year.	Bruce Bowen, the best defender in the NBA! And he IS NOT a dirty player!	Brent Barry, Manu Ginoboli and Tony Parker (A great three-some)
Coach Popovich - Best Coach of the year - AGAIN!	Timmy: You don't want to fool around with Timmy! One of our neighbors, and is a BIG HUGGY BEAR.	Don't mess with Tony's wife! Eva Longoria-Parker

The Best Mascot in the business! THE COYOTE!!	Like I said - my favorite! Manu Ginoboli.	I'm done for tonight - time to go home! Oh, Manu, Manu, Manu!

Tim Duncan - the only player to get thrown out of a game from laughing on the bench at one of Bruce's jokes.	Ouch!!! Shaq sat on my head! Poor Tony!!	The line up! Duncan, Parker, Ginoboli, Bowen and Barry

MY FAVORITE MEN (BESIDES MY HUSBAND)

James Denton - Desperate Housewives	Harrison Ford

Johnny Depp - the best!	Naveen Andrews - LOST
Josh Holloway - LOST	Panoramic View of Josh Holloway (I must like bad boys)
Tony Davolini - Dancer	Jeffrey Dean Morgan - But I will always remember him as Denny
Michael Johns from American Idol #7 - Bring back Michael Johns - he can sing Blues!	John Stewart - Funny Man, Brilliant Man, Great Jewish Man.
Bo Bice from American Idol #4	Taylor Hicks, winner of American Idol # 4
Matt Damon	Patrick Dempsey -Dr. McDreamy

Ben Affleck - good looking and a great director.	Jesse Metcalf - Desperate Housewives
Cameron Matheson	Caliber - Model (one of my friends)
	This man can do anything! He can dance, he can sing, he can act. You name it - he can do it!
Steven Carell - Very Funny Man!	Taye Diggs
Zachery Levi - "Chuck"	Mario Lopez
Maksim Chenerkovskiy Dancer	David Cook

The Best Looking Man on TV Josh Holloway - Sawyer

Alec Mazo - Dancer

Tony Dovolini - Dancer

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Jeff Probst from Survivor	Patrick Dempsey (again - because I really like him!)
David Cook, Winner of American Idol
Richard Alpert on LOST	The old hippie in me loves Jason Castro. This could make me a dirty old wonan!
Dourdan Littleblue - Dourdan on CSI (was on CSI)	Ethan Zohn won Survivor #3 in Africa