It was one of the worst periods of time in my life.

Recently separated, I had just lost custody of my 2 daughters and was forced to vacate my newly-renovated home (with 3 days notice) that contained the well-equipped recording studio I had spent 2 years building prior to selling my drycleaning business (in order to build a long-desired music production company).

Divorce - Canadian style!

Two years before, I discovered that a *friend*, a music contact I had worked with and even spent time with in Hollywood a decade prior, had stolen a song that I and my music partner had written and presented to this budding writer/producer at that time. He had since become a major player in the music business and had lifted *so much* our song, placing it on the album of a multi-million selling female artist.

After much consideration and consultation with a prominent Detroit attorney, we decided to proceed with a lawsuit against this record producer. And, as these matters usually go, we had to retain high profile legal representation in California and also sue the 'innocents', in this case the recording artist, record company and publishing company, with the hope (at least mine) that they would bring pressure upon the sole guilty party to get a just settlement.

And of course, I was counter sued for over a million dollars and had to begin dealing with that ugly business.

Now, living with friends during this confusing, dark period of time, a call came from my California attorney. I was forced to confront the inevitable - a trip to Los Angeles for a legal hearing.

I had neither the heart nor the will to follow through with this. Neither did I have the money for the flight and hotel as all my assets had been frozen by the divorce court at the time.

I recall, as if it were yesterday, how Doug somehow sensed my emotional turmoil and just matter-of-factly told me to pick up the airline ticket at the terminal and then invited me to stay with his family. This is where the real story begins.

Immediately after meeting Doug in person for the first time at the airport on a Friday afternoon, I felt so unusually comfortable. The hearing was on Monday but he had no intention of discussing the case at all on the drive to his home. Instead we talked about our families, friends, careers and hobbies. His was mountain climbing and he has since scaled the tallest peaks on the continent!

He told me about how much his wife and daughter were looking forward to having me stay with them. And, that he had planned get- togethers with some of his rather famous friends. See, we had built a rather unique friendship over the phone during the time building up to this hearing, but I had no idea Doug would be going all out during our short visit.

I arrived at his beautiful home in the Hollywood Hills to the warm hugs of Doug's wonderful wife and cuter-than-cute little daughter. If you've ever visited someone's home for the very first time and immediately, and truly felt right at home, well, this was one of those rare instances. Mi casa es su casa.

All of us had a great amount of fun getting to know one another and, as promised, we had most enjoyable Friday and Saturday evenings with Doug