Saturday, May 9, 2009

The Mojo Hand

I would like to take a moment to formally introduce myself to everyone. Its something I should have done to start the blog, but I then again I do things differently. I was born  Jay Ghazleh on  11/05/1975 inside the slot machine lobby of Cal Neva in Reno Nevada to Bill, and Elanna Ghazaleh. The story goes that Mom hit big on the slots, and  at 9 months pregnant went into labor. She refused to leave until the attendant returned, and gave birth to me right there on the floor. I was raised on a poker table, and learned how to count at the Horseshoe. I guess its safe to say I come from a gambling family. My father spent his entire life chasing the pot, and threw his life away as a result. In the long run he lost everything he owned including his family. He passed away at a very young age, and I vowed to never take the same path as he did. My grandmother practically lived at Fitzgerald's, and  after 16 years of service they awarded her with a 3 million dollar jackpot. She was kind enough to send me through collage with some of it, and a week before my graduation died of a heart attack on the same machine she won it on. Her picture still adorns the wall at Fitzgerald's, and I'm convinced  her spirit still pulls there. My  Mom pretty much had the task of raising me, and she did a wonderful job. She taught me the belief that luck is a direct result of kindness, and generosity. I started The Mojo Hand in hopes that I could incorporate this belief into a hobby that to often is based on the opposite. I have been A cardboard dreamer for over 17 years , and  hopefully can continue to collect until I die. I am happily married to my beautiful wife Carrie, and we have six year old daughter named Grace. We  currently reside in Dunkirk NY, and both enjoy professional careers.  I'm also the frontman for the local WNY rock group  Band of Brothers.

Thanks

The Mojo Hand

4 comments:

  1. Quite a story there, man.

    Dunkirk, I know it well. My wife's a Buffalo gal, and I was born there, colleged there and started writing there. Love WNY.

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  2. Right on! Send me your Address I have A bottle of Merrit wine I want to send you. Its not often I run across A former local. I work for Purina, and my wife works for Brooks Memorial Hospital. Im sure your familiar with the two.

    The Mojo Hand

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  3. AnonymousMay 10, 2009

    Epic life story. Will stay tuned in.

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  4. AnonymousMay 10, 2009

    Interesting story! Sorry about you're Dad. Nice Blog, Ill always be tuning in!

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