Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 10
January 21, 2024
Think About Something Else
“It’s not about where you came from. What kind of shit might have happened to you in the past. It’s about who YOU are. What you do with the opportunities life presents to you.” --Lucy Foley, THE PARIS APARTMENT The year is moving along and I’m feeling like the King of the Westwood Branch at CHARLES SCHWAB & CO. There are so many clients who want to see me, and they are willing to wait for me versus having another Investment Specialist help them.
I received a lovely postcard from MaryAnn Gehling’s sister, Dottie Montoya-Gerstner. She didn’t attend the Garcia Family Reunion in Santa Fe, NM last year but it was sweet of her to write. The postcard made it seem like I was trying to invite myself to stay with her in Denver—but she doesn’t realize I prefer to NOT stay at other people’s houses. The hotel works fine for me. Her postcard was a tad unusual with a depiction of MASSOSPONDYLUS. What on earth is MASSOSPONDYLUS you may ask? They are early Jurassic, about 213 million years ago. Two small prosauropod dinosaurs known as Massospndylus are crossing a dune high above a soda lake, in a rift valley of the proto-Atlantic rift system, near Nova Scotia, are depicted on the postcard. Massospondylus was one of the most common early dinosaurs, measuring four meters long. It walked on all fours. I still can’t fathom that these creatures walked the earth ‘way back when’.
Dottie wrote: January 26, 1998
Dear Michael,
I have been meaning to send you a note to say YES! By all means, do let us know when you have times and dates set. If you need a pickup at the airport? We also have a futon in the study. Let us know. It will be fun to meet and chat over dinner and perhaps a little sight-seeing if you have some time. We will make time but it’s better for us on the weekend or Monday. See you soon. Dottie
P.S. Sorry we missed the reunion, but it was a marathon summer for us with visitors.
And Cousin Edward Espinosa from Albuquerque sent a funny Hallmark card of old-time baseball players with this copy:
LIFE is a series of hits and errors, strikes and fouls, sliders and sinkers, grand slams and no-hitters...but always remember one thing...Wear your cup! Edward wrote:
Tues. 1/27/98
Dear Michael,
We had the most snowfall for Christmas than we had in 30 years, a real White Christas.
I spent it with my friend Clif and Patrice & Jean-Claude (my friends from Nimes, France). It was a real adventure. I felt like I was on vacation myself. They were here eight days, arriving Christmas Day and we were closed at the florist store until January 3rd. First time we’ve done that. It was great!
Enclosed are some Christmas pictures I thought you might get a kick of (I wrote some notes on the back). My niece, Denise, travels to South Korea next month on a Robotics seminar. I believe she’s going to be awarded a prize. Look for a card from her.
Photo: Edward M Espinosa, Clif Snider, Margaret Gonzales, Patrice, Jean-Claude
My sister, Margaret, and her husband, John, are taking a well-earned vacation to London and Paris on March 1st (9 days). Look for a card from them also.
Meanwhile, I will stay put until the summer. Then it’ll be my turn!
Hope to see you this summer or fall. Regards to Alan.
Edward
PS: Your Christmas cards were beautiful. Thank you!
Not much else was going on this week other than work. Alan did me a favor and took me to a movie to just plain ‘think about something else’. Alan and I chose a film called GODS AND MONSTERS. It was fantastic! It was based on a 1995 novel by Christopher Bram called FATHER OF FRANKENSTEIN. It takes place in the year my parents got married (1957). It's about an old time film director who had directed films like FRANKENSTEIN and BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. He was retired with a housekeeper who hired a handsome young gardener. The old director would watch the gardener and you could tell he was in awe of him. They became friends after some flirting by the old man but the gardener insists he is straight. The young gardener was played by Brendan Fraser who really was amazing to look at while cutting the lawn. Ha-ha. “Doing favors. They help wondrously over the course of a lifetime. When you have done men favors, when you look out for others, so they can prosper, they owe you. With each favor, you become stronger, more supported. It is a law of nature. You can never go wrong in this way, because there will be times when you will need a favor, and it will be right there waiting to come to the rescue. This practice has saved me more than once.” --Mark Sullivan, BENEATH A SCARLET SKY
January 14, 2024
Sometimes You Find Things
An act of generosity rarely ends a man’s responsibilities toward another, it tends instead to begin them. --Amor Towles, RULES OF CIVILITY I found a card sent to me back on January 6, 1993 (5 years ago). It was an old flame from my past named Steven Antol. We met during one of my trips to Hawaii. He was so proud and happy to be a United Airlines flight attendant. He was always on-the-go. I know I've written about him before but it's funny how a memory pops up unexpectedly.
Steven chose a card with two classic dogs. I wonder if those dogs are supposed to imply our friendship. I would have chosen different dogs. Ha-ha. He wrote the following:
Photo: Steven Antol
Dear Michael, Hey buddy. Thank you for your Christmas Wishes. It was good to hear from you as always.
This year I was at least two weeks behind in all my work and I didn’t get to do my cards.
I received the keys to my new townhouse. I haven’t moved in yet though. I’ll probably be settled in by March.
I hope that all is well with you. I’m doing great and I hope that we can get together again in LAX soon.
Aloha, Steven
Ironically (and unbeknownst to me), Steven died last year on May 17, 1997, at the age of 36:
Source; The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Saturday, May 17, 1997
I found a marriage announcement of my first cousin, Art Lucero Jr. To his wife, Dena Marie Cisneros on August 16, 1997. They married last year. Sadly, they divorced in 1999. My cousin, Art, died from a crazed driver while he was working on November 5, 2013, at the age of 47:
Photo: Arthur Louis Lucero Jr. and Dena Marie Cisneros
I found two great films this week. Alan and I saw GREAT EXPECTATIONS starring Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow. I really loved this story. In the beginning there is a scene of a young Ethan and a young Gwyneth dancing. It immediately brought back a memory of myself and Diane Laschatz (my elementary school girlfriend). Diane had really long blond hair just like the girl in the film. It was a romantic drama and the music in the film captured me so much that I bought the CD soundtrack. I especially liked these tracks. I’ll never stop loving them:
LIKE A FRIEND by PULP
WISHFUL THINKING by DUNCAN SHEIK
BESAME MUCHO by CESARIA EVORA
LIKE IN MONO by MONO
The other film was ZERO EFFECT. It had more than a ‘0’ effect on me. Ha-ha. It was a comedy mystery which made it fun.
‘Every outcome has its cause, and every predicament has its solution.’--Anthony Doerr, ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE
January 7, 2024
We Live for LOVE and RELATIONSHIPS
‘It was that Fall type of day where the world feels like it’s about to change its mind on everything. Never be mean in anything. Never be false. Never be cruel. I can always be hopeful of you.’--Barbara Kingsolver, DEMON COPPERHEAD MaryAnn Montoya-Gehling's daughter, Staci, wrote me a cute note to start my 1998:
January 10, 1998
Michael,
Hi! I’m just writing you a little Thank You for the “Letters Home” book. I must admit that every time I began to read it, I got interrupted, so I must wait to read it fully when I get back to Flagstaff. Now my mom expects me to write her a letter praising her on motherhood! Help!
I hope you had a Good Christmas!
Thanks again,
Staci Gehling
And I laughed because my cousin, Linda Tafoya-Korenke, took me at my word about my wish to one day eat an Idaho Potato ‘in Idaho’. Now, I’ve had Idaho potatoes before—and confirmed from Idaho potatoes is what they serve at LAWRY’s Restaurant (of which I’ve visited on many occasions). Linda sent me an Idaho potato!
This check is for the pictures you sent me. Thank you so much! 12 pictures x $3 each + $2 shipping. Is that about, right?
This Idaho spud potato was given to Jenny by one of her students. She didn’t want it, so I thought it’s time for another one, right? You can either bake for two hours at 350 degrees or fry or boil and mash. It’s ready for baking if you like. You must be able to poke it with a fork easily when done.
Love,
Linda
Alan and I went to the movies again this week and it’s just plain a must-do to go to the movies when you live so close to HOLLYWOOD. Well, I’m glad we did because we saw two films that I really enjoyed. GIA starring Angelina Jolie and THE OPPOSITE OF SEX starring Christina Ricci.
Photo: Gia Carangi
The biopic, GIA, came out on television, and it was a biological drama about a beautiful young lady named GIA CARANGI who moved from Philadelphia to New York City to become a fashion model. She catches the attention of Wilhelmina Cooper (played by Faye Dunaway who I also love) and signs on with Wilhelmina Modeling Agency. Gia’s attitude and beauty help her rise quickly an almost Super Model but her persistent loneliness, especially after the death of Wilhelmina, drives her to mood altering drugs like cocaine and heroin. It obviously has a sad ending as she died of AIDS from intravenous drug usage at the age of 26 on November 18, 1986. These stories need to be seen and heard—even if it’s not the perfect ending. Francesco Scavullo, the American fashion photographer, was her friend and confidant. I met Francesco at a photo exhibit in Santa Monica. I think he wanted to photograph me. He was so friendly. Of course, my photoshoot with him never happened. Sadly, Francesco would inevitably die at the age of 82 of heart failure on January 6, 2004, in New York City. I’d like to imagine Gia and Francesco dancing in the clouds right now OR maybe there is a little Gia girl and a little Francesco boy out there somewhere starting new and better lives. One good thing is that GIA will live on with the many fabulous photos of her. I believe a photo exhibit of JUST HER would be wonderful to see. Who will make it happen?
1-13-98Dear Paloma,I really, really want to get my hair cut and colored like this--but I'd have to be super tan if I did. So, it won't be happening any time soon.
I was sick last week, and I am just now starting to feel 100% better. I'm looking into switching firms--time will tell but I'm ready for change being at this job for 6 years as of March 18, 1998! How as your Birthday? Are you 40 now? Ha-ha. Love, Michael ‘Lives are enlarged in different ways. I dare say some would never get their eyes opened if it were not for a violent shock from the consequences of their own actions.’--George Eliot, DANIEL DERONDA
December 31, 2023
A Clean Slate
‘If you want something badly enough and if you NEED something badly enough, you can always get it.’--Roald Dahl, GOING SOLO Alan and I didn’t do much for New Year’s Eve. No party...just a couple of movies: OSCAR AND LUCINDA, AMISTAD will probably stick with me for a while. OSCAR AND LUCINDA are the main characters that follow their romance in a dramatic way. It’s based on a 1988 book. Something tells me the book would provide so much more detail. It starred one of my favorite actresses, Cate Blanchett. AMISTAD was a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg (who is one master filmmaker). The story following the true events of 1839 aboard the Spanish slave ship known as La Amistad. It was abducted for the slave trade and the case was ultimately resolved by the US Supreme Court in 1841.
I don’t ask myself what to give up. I ask myself how I may provide new self-care and love in my life. I have decided I need to read more books. There’s nothing more rewarding than self-study or learning from a unique story with magical words.
On the 3rd of January I received a sweet note from Cousin Marie-Antoinette in Pueblo, CO:
Dear Michael:
As always, I pray this New Year is treating you great. Sorry I haven’t written but the flu took hold for a few days, and I had to let it run its course.
My Christmas present was just beautiful. Thanks so much. You’re so thoughtful!
I, too, felt so lucky meeting you this past year. You were the highlight of my year! I was very young when my cousins moved away, so you can imagine the joy out of meeting you after all those years.
I was really looking forward to California and seeing you again for the holidays, but it just didn’t come to be. Maybe sometime soon.
God Bless you, Michael, and all the family. I promise to write soon and elaborate a little more.
Love Always,
Marie-Antoinette
Dorothy Rua was amidst snow flurries just before Christmas 1997 when she sent this note. I just received it. I loved the card. It delights me to see love inside a cafe:
Michael, I headed to Taho (where I am at this moment to think about my situation. I’ll let you know what I decide. In the meantime, I decided to spend this day by myself while the rest of the family is skiing on the slopes. Wonderful, fresh, white snow everywhere and lots of sunshine. It’s so beautiful up here and it confirms there must be a God.
I want you to know how much you surprised me with the Christmas package you sent—with not on, but two gifts! I was tempted to pent them but decided to wait until Christmas, you know what they say about anticipation. How wonderful of you to think of me and do something so special. I did open the car and loved it. It’s so me, so you.
Michael, you’re the BEST and I’m also so glad you’re in my life. Someday I’ll have to share with you why I often refer to you as my angel.
I have not purchased one Christmas gift yet, haven’t had the time to even think about it. Obviously, I’ll be going nuts trying to find the time this week. Love, Dorothy
“A day spent reading is not a great day. But a life spent reading is a wonderful life.” --Ayad Akhtar, HOMELAND ELEGIES, a novel
December 24, 2023
One Step at a Time
“I enjoy the rain. It renews flowers that summer’s heat has beaten down.”
--Eric Van Lustbader, WHITE NINJA
Christmas in Alameda was festive and full of love. Here are more photos from the gathering:
I also received more cards this week and some from more relatives I’d never heard from before, so my family newsletter with pedigree charting really caught the interest of many. For example:
From my cousin Christine Vigil-Kostelz in San Jose, CA:
Thank you for working so hard on the Family Tree. My dad had my husband make copies for our whole family. It was interesting to read.
Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
Your cousin,
Christine and John
From my cousin Shonette West in Castro Valley, CA:
Hey Cous,
How are ya? Long time since I’ve seen you! Tori and I hope you have a wonderful holiday. We would love to see you if you come down. Give me a call.
Love,
Shonette
From my cousin William R Lucero in Victorville, CA:
Michael, It was very nice to send us the picture of your family. We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. My Uncle Fidel Lucero (your grandfather) was a very special uncle to me when I was a young boy...as well as your grandmother.
Yours Truly,
Wm R Lucero & Family
From mom’s cousin Dulcinea (Nea) Armijo in Santa Fe, NM:
Love,
Nea and Joe
And then you get a family card that you’re quite not sure of who they are, Ha-ha:
RON, LORI
SCOTTY and TAYLOR, too.
A cool family pic of Cousin Cris Keller and her husband, Kurt, with kids, Gus and JoJo from La Canada-Flintridge (Los Angeles), CA:
My Uncle Arthur’s current wife, Pam Lucero, wrote out a lovely Holiday update on the coolest SANTA CARD that I found interesting as to what is happening in their lives (especially my first cousins, Art Jr., Renee and Louis). I wasn’t familiar with Pam’s kids from her prior marriage (Donnie and Dina), but I caught her drift. I thought it cute how she referred to my grandma (mom’s mom) as Mom Lucero:
December 1997
Merry Christmas! What a year! Has it flown by or what? The days seem shorter, the dust bunnies seem larger, and we are definitely older. This past year has been a little tough with my dad being so ill. Sometimes we feel so helpless in our ability to help him. Our hope is that the chemotherapy will do its job and with God’s help he will be well soon.
Art Jr. Married this year in Lake Tahoe where he lives, to his longtime girlfriend, Dean. It was a beautiful wedding at the Ponderosa Ranch (home of Ben Cartwright and sons). The reception was held at their home poolside. We wish them much love and a long, happy life together.
Donnie lives in his own apartment and is doing pretty good. We see him a couple of times a week and he has adjusted to his illness and plugs along as normally as possible.
Dina and the kids are currently living at our house, while she is looking for a new place. She is doing well and looks forward to starting school in January. She also plans to start working at the same time. While it will be difficult for her to be away from her kids it will be a much-needed new beginning.
Renee is doing well in Lake Tahoe. She has a good job, a wonderful boyfriend and a darling apartment which is loaded with Disney and Warner Bros. Characters.
Louis is living with us now. He attends school at night and works full time during the day. It’s a big responsibility but he seems to be pulling it off. Before he knows it the reward for all his hard work will pay off.
Joey and Courtney are growing like weeds. It seems just like yesterday that we became grandparents. We realize more and more each day what an absolute treasure it is to be blessed with two beautiful, loving, adorable children who love with such carefree bliss. The laughter they bring fills our hearts with joy.
We took a wonderful trip courtesy of Metal Industries to Florida this year. We spent five days in the lap of luxury with wonderful friends, food and fun in a place that was truly beautiful to behold. We also had a fun filled trip to Las Vegas with Mom Lucero and gang...talk about laughing and just plain goofing around. Wow! We want to do it again next year.
Mom Lucero is doing well and thankful that this year her new kitchen is complete and not torn up for the holidays. We look forward to her traditional Christmas Eve cooking.
Mom and Dad Groom are as well as can be expected considering Dad’s continuing bout with cancer. Please keep them in your prayers.
May Goad watch over you r and yours. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Have the merriest of Christmases and a Happy and prosperous 1998.
With Our Love,
Pam and Art (hand colored by Joey, age 10)
Michael: Great Christmas cards...love the pictures!
And my mom also sent a cute card but kept it simple, after all she's coming to visit L.A. soon:
May all the delights of the holiday season be yours now and in the new year. See you in a couple of weeks.
Love You,
From Virginia
And lastly, longtime friend and coworker, Barbara Reynolds wrote in her card:
25 Dec 1997 Dear Michael,
Now what a surprise. Your gift looks like you shop at ROSS also. The colors match my bathroom. Thank you so much.
I apologize for my lateness in card sending. I received your cards. First that I received. Great photo of you. Thanks for the family shot. Recognized Helen—for sure but Tony looks different than I remember. I now wonder how much longer I will be able to stay working at Pacific Bell. Since SBC bought the company, we have been forced to sell. I would rather do service than sales. Ah well...we take what we can and one step at a time.
I’ve been working on my place still. I ordered a sofa bed, and it should be here by the end of January. Then, my friend, David, will be here for a while in February.
Wishing you a wonderful 1998.
Thanks again,
Love,
Barbara
Alan and I enjoyed our Christmas choice films: TOMORROW NEVER DIES and AS GOOD AS IT GETS.
‘To read, to write, is to say that we still believe in, at least, the possibility of connection.’--George Saunders, A SWIM IN A POND IN THE RAIN
December 17, 2023
Connected...Across the Miles
We are, each in our own way, outcasts. --Eric Van Lustbader, WHITE NINJA
I came to realize that the newsletters I sent of family connections and how we are related really came to fruition from the comments I received in my Christmas Cards this year. It was quite special. I learned more from them, also. It was a bit overkill on how so many gave me credit for the family research I had done; however, I guess I deserve the accolades.
There was a nice note from my cousin, Cris Montoya-Keller, who lives in La Canada-Flintridge area of Los Angeles. In her Christmas card, she wrote:
Have a spectacular Christmas! We’re doing some work in the house. Hope to have you over after that.
Thanks for the newsletter.
Love, Cris, Kurt,
Gus and JoJo
MaryAnn Montoya-Gehling sent a new note with a blank journal book:
Dec. 18, 1997
Michael,
When I got this for you. I had one thought in mind. I wanted you to record your thoughts for me, for one year. I wanted you to send it to me for my Christmas present in 1998. I still do, but I’m afraid you won’t like the idea, so now, I’m sending this as your journal and if you WANT to send it to me next year, I will absolutely love it.
Regardless, whether you choose to participate or not, I bought a journal for me that I will record my thoughts to you. I will send it to you next Christmas. I will fill my journal with thoughts, impressions and memories I want to shar with you.
The teddy bear and the scene reminded me of the card you sent me of a girl on a hill, contemplating.
Love, M.A.
MaryAnn Gehling’s niece, Laura Whithorn wrote a nice note in her Christmas card as well:
12-22-1997 Dear Michael,
Thanks for the book! Some of my favorite authors have letters in there. Also, thanks for the pictures and the GARCIA newsletter.
Well, we are all wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy the holidays and I hope we can finally meet this summer in Denver! Well, I’ll email as soon as I return to school.
Love,
Laura Whithorn
And a cool card from Gabe and Angie Romero. Angie is a second cousin in New Mexico (and the sister of David Quintana who wrote me last week):
12-20-1997
Dear Michael,
First, Thank You so very much for the reunion this summer. It was great meeting family we know only by name.
Sorry I haven’t communicated with you and expressed appreciation for all your hard work in this reunion. The week following the reunion my husband, Gabe, had an emergency appendectomy which surely put a damper on our summer.
We will see you next summer.
With Best Wishes for the holidays and the coming year.
Gabe & Angie Romero
And my 2nd cousin, Patricia Trujillo-Richfield from Philadelphia sent two letters in one (one dated 12/13/97 and the other dated 12/21/97:
Photo: Me with Patty Trujillo-Richfield
12/13/97 Dear Michael,
Thank you so much for the GARCIA Family History and your Christmas Card. I know how much work went into getting it all together. I am very interested in our ancestry and have done some research on the Garcia’s and Tafoya’s. I haven’t done much research lately but may get back to it again now.
Hope we can keep in touch and exchange whatever knowledge we discover. Have a happy holiday. Look forward to hearing from you again.
Sincerely,
Patty Trujillo Richfield
12/21/97
Dear Michael,
Ever since I got your newsletter, I’ve been going over all my research papers and am enthused once again about our ancestry. I am curious about how far your research has gone. I would appreciate it if you would send me your ancestral charts. I wonder if our findings are the same or similar. I believer Manuel Savino Garcia’s father was Jesus Maria Garcia and Rafaela Sanchez, his mother. Maybe between us we can go back even further. Here in Philadelphia, we are missing the year 1890. I’ve been thinking of going to New Jersey or Delaware to try and get that missing Census.
I made the mistake of researching Garcia’s and Tafoya’s and was getting confused. Now, I’m going to concentrate only on the Garcia line first, then I’ll pick up again on the Tafoya’s.
I have also been getting some photos together to send to you. I have a picture of Great Aunt Julia and Manuelita and a photo of Aunt Eva Montoya and my mom, Juanita Flora Tafoya-Trujillo-Pate. You can see the family resemblance for sure. Eva looks like Great Aunt Julia and mom looks like Manuelita. Uncle Charles Tafoya once told me I looked like your grandmother Mathilde. I don’t know. I seem to be rambling on.
Well Michael, I want to get this in the mail, so I’ll close. I’ll write again. Hoping to hear from you soon. Have a happy and healthy New Year. Take care and God Bless.
Love,
Patty Trujillo-Richfield
And Mom’s cousin Antonia (Toni) Leyba married Albert Montoya to add to confusion. Toni sent a sweet note in her Christmas card from Santa Fe, NM:
Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
May God be with you always.
Albert and Antonia and Family
Paloma sent me a cool map showing where my cousins reside in Angers, France and the distance from where she is in the Montpellier area. I see that it’s not exactly next door. She also made me laugh by sending a photo clip of model, Bridget Hall (born Dec. 14, 1977—when I was 18 years old). She is 20 now and ever since I told Paloma I met her at the Playboy Mansion during a fundraiser she recalls anything related to Bridget. Paloma sure has a good memory. Her letters are far more filled with substance and interest than simply Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I love that! In her Christmas Card she wrote:
Le 18/12/1997
Dear Michael,
We wish you and Alan Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Nous vous souvaitons une anne pleine de sante et de bonnes choses (just learn French!).
I know I have not been writing much lately. Sorry about that but we’ve had a difficult year, lots of health problems. My mom, her husband, Alex, etc. It would be too long to tell you.
Thank you for your cards and pictures. I like to think that you remember about me sometimes. That’s nice to see your family. I remember your mom very well. That reminds me of my mom that I miss very much. We both love our moms, don’t we?
Here is a map of France to show you where your relatives live, that’s kind of far from her, if you remember we live where the green dot it—I don’t know that area of Angers.
My brother, Edward, still lives half time in Albuquerque, NM on Monarch Drive NE, the rest of the time he is in Paris. In fact, he still has his wife Lori in New Mexico, and he has another woman he lives with in Paris. She is a make-up artist for TV and for French moves. I’ve never met her. My parents have; some people like it when it’s difficult.
Our vacations are starting today but righty now we are just planning to go to CASTRES (the red dot on the map) which is where Alexandre’s parents live, for Christmas. His sister and husband and kids (3) will be there and Alex’s younger brother, Laurent, too. Laurent works for CLUB MED, and he just comes back after 9 months in Cuba. He is thirty years old.
We have not decided yet what we will do with the rest of our holidays but if we go somewhere we will probably go to PARIS and maybe at the end of January to Florida. I’m trying to find something that would please Jonathan. He is now 10 ½ years old. He’s been twice to Disneyland, Paris but I’ve thought that he would appreciate EPCOT CENTER, etc. If you have any information about Florida, where to go or not, is Disney World very different from Disneyland Paris, thank you for letting me know.
The last movies I have seen are THE LAST MAN STANDING with Bruce Willis. I didn’t like it. And DAYLIGHT with Stallone. I have not been going to the theater for a while, but I’ve been renting lots of videos, but all these movies are probably old for you. I’ve also seen JERRY MCGUIRE. I thought it was pretty boring. I must go now. I wish you lots of fun and presents for Christmas. Here is a small picture of Bridget Hall that made me think about you. She is not famous in France.
Love,
Paloma
I also received a sweet Christmas card from Augustin Garcia Jr. And his wife, Lita, from Mora, NM. He is very good-looking. The simple note included:
Thank you so much.’
Augustin Jr. & Lita
Cousin Lisa Dennis and her husband, Brian, sent me one of those one page Christmas newsletters:
My Aunt Nellie’s son, Oscar Cordova, has a wife named Elsie (who was formerly a Lucero—probably also related somewhere along the line). She wrote in her card:
Hello! How are you doing? We are ok. It’s snowing again today.
God Bless you for all the information you send us on the family. You are an angel. I know it takes a lot of time and money. I’m sending you a little something for stamps, etc.
God Bless You,
Elsie Cordova
And from my Aunt Julia Casillas:
Dec. 97 Dear Mike, Thanks so much for the cards, letters and pictures you sent me. They are great! I’m so proud of all the work you have done! It’s marvelous! Relatives I don’t even remember...you are sharp! God Bless You.
Sweetie, I hope this will find you in good health. I love you very much.
Your Aunt,
Julia Casillas
From Mary Ann Montoya-Gehling's sister, Dottie:
Michael, Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Peace of Earth. Hope you have a wonderful holiday and many blessings in the new Year. Thanks for your pictures/cards. We don’t know them but It’s nice to feel connected to you across the miles.
Enjoyed the Garcia Newsletter. That’s a lot of work for you and we appreciate it. The stories are a good idea. Looking forward to a visit when you come to Colorado.
Love,
Dottie and Allen Gerstner
And from my first cousin, Carol Lucero:
Michael, Time has just flown by. Hope life is going well. Vermont looks like a very beautiful place. Will you come to the Bay Area during Christmas? If I don’t see you, have a wonderful holiday!
Love,
Carol and Ryan
Carol was absolutely correct. I’ll be spending time with mom, my brothers and their kids in the Bay Area. Here’s a preview of some of the photos. The kids make the holidays fun. They say the cutest, funniest things. Adults forget how to play when there are no kids around.
“Five minutes of play are worth fifteen minutes of just looking.” --E. I. Konigsburg, FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E FRANKWEILER
December 10, 2023
Mike, Are you Gay?
The people who matter in our lives stay with us, haunting our most ordinary moments. --Christina Baker Kline, ORPHAN TRAIN, a novel A Christmas Card from Santa Fe was received today, December 10th, from mom’s 2nd cousin, JoAnn Wright-Roybal. Mom was very close to her when they were growing up. I could never quite figure out how they were related but I finally figured it out. My mom’s mom (my grandmother: Mary Genevieve Leyba) and JoAnn’s grandmother, Carlota Leyba, were sisters. Carlota had a daughter named Vitalia Martinez (born in 1921). She married Onofre Wright; whereby, baby JoAnn Wright was born along with her siblings, Anthony Wright, Leroy Wright, Marylou Wright. Got it? JoAnn attended the Family Reunion in New Mexico, so now I can match the face with the words, JoAnn wrote:
“Hi Michael”
Regards to all the family. Enjoyed the pictures you sent of you and the rest of the family. Also, are we looking forward to another get-together in 1998? Wishy You and yours the very BEST of 1998. Love,
Dennis, JoAnn,
Annette, Trish and Dominic
High School pal, Sheree Chord also sent me a Christmas Card and wrote a lot, sometimes you never know what you’ll read next:
Dear Mike, I wrote you a letter, then never mailed it. I’ve been so busy I just forgot and just never got around to writing another.
I am working from 10PM to 7AM, then going to school. Well, I’ve just been so tired, so I’m sorry I haven’t written earlier.
Hope all is well with you. Are you spending Christmas with you mom down here in Alameda?
If so, maybe we can get together and I can ask you some of the questions I asked in the letter that I never sent. Personal questions—if you know what I mean. Oh, what the hell...I hope this question doesn’t hurt you, but Mike, are you gay? It doesn’t bother me but it sure would explain why we never got together in high school. After all of this time I just couldn’t understand why we never hit it together other than being friends. I hope we can still be friends, but I’ve always been open—now more so with age...and especially to you, Merry Christmas.
Remember, I Love You,
Sheree
How did that question make me feel? 'Mike, Are you Gay?" I didn't like it at first. I thought, "What does it matter." Then, I realized she wanted us to be more than friends back in the day. I wasn't attracted to her in that way--it wasn't because I was gay. I was attracted to other girls--in that way--- at the time. Alas, I never wrote back to answer this question. Time heals and time will eventually let her know.
And a sweet Christmas Card note arrived December 12th from the wife of my mom’s uncle, Frank Milton Lucero (my grand uncle): Mollie Archuleta-Lucero:
Dear Michael,
Thanks for the nice card with your pictures. I’m terrible at writing but someday soon I’ll send you some pictures.
Love to all the family.
Every family should have a “Michael”. I appreciate your interest in family.
Aunt Mollie and Uncle Frank
And on the same day, a Christmas card from my mom’s younger sister, Lillian:
Got your picture. You're still my handsome nephew. Hope to see you sometime during the holidays.
Love your Favorite Aunt,
Ha-Ha!
Howard and Lillian West.
And a lucky “7” more Christmas Cards this week:
1 - From my dad’s nephew, James Garcia and his wife, Susie Romero –
Dear Michael,
It’s always a joy to hear from you and to update the family tree. Thanks for all the information, etc. Also, the snapshots of your family. We are so looking forward to the family’s reunion. Our sons or two of them also would like to attend, if there’s any way we can be of help, let us know. You’ve gone through a lot of expenses, paperwork, etc.
So, have a Good Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Your Cousins, Jim and Susie Garcia
2 – From my mom’s first cousin (Ann S Mumford-Heifner) that she calls ‘Sister’ in Garden Grove, CA
Thank you for the pictures. What a beautiful place Vermont must be. What are you doing in California? Happy New Year.
Love,
Anne S Heifner
3 – From my 2nd cousin, David Quintana (the grandson of Augustin J Garcia—my dad’s uncle) in Albuquerque, NM. David is the same age as me, a widower with two children:
Thank you for everything. You have a nice family. Thanks for the pictures and copies of the family tree. God bless you and your family.
Your Cousins,
David, Danette and Adam Quintana
4-A cool letter and photos from Peggy Mayall-Ragsdale of De Witt, Arkansas. She is the daughter of my dad’s first cousin, Rose Tina Chavez. Rose’s mother was Loretta H Garcia (my grandma Mathilde’s youngest sister):
Dear Michael,
Hope this letter finds you doing well. We are all just fine here in Arkansas. Sorry for not writing sooner as you can see between work and this guy, I stay pretty busy. Thank you for all the hard work you have put into our Family History and the newsletter. I have enjoyed reading it over and over again.
Rose, my mother, was an early departure b. 1934 d. 1968. You will never know how much this means to me. Thank you.
I’m sending you some pictures. I hope you enjoy them. Everyone wonders where Blade got red hair. Leon’s mother also has red hair and, of course, she’s proud he’s her only grandchild. He turned 4 years old on August 20, 1997. He has quite a personality, too. He attends daycare and preschool while we both work for MUNRO FOOTWEAR. When not working we like to fish, hunt, go camping and discover parts of Arkansas we have yet to see. Better close for now.
Take Care,
Love, Peggy
5-A beautiful TREE card from my 2nd cousin, Rossana Lucero-Logsdon (mom's paternal side). She is the same age as me (well two years younger):
Michael,
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thanks for getting our family, “The Lucero’s” a little closer.
Your cousin,
Rossana
P.S. My dad (William R Lucero) says you look a great deal like Fidel when he was younger. (Fidel is my maternal grandfather).
6-A cool Candy Cane card from a classmate I’ve known since 6th Grade, Lincoln School, Alameda:
Wishing you simple pleasures, happy memories and every joy at Christmas.
Can't wait to see you.
Your Friend,
Anthony Battu
7-And, of course, another card/unique letter from Cousin Mary Ann Montoya-Gehling in Colorado Springs:
Mike,
Dave (my deceased brother) has a message for you. He’s asked me to write as fast as I can. Here goes:
“Michael, this is Dave. M.A. is your sister whether she will admit it or not. She likes you. She loves you. She resents you at times, but she admires your courage to stay in the relationship. Don’t give up on her, even if she tells you to get lost.”
“Dave, you're butting-in. You said you wouldn’t anymore.”
“I said I wouldn’t tell you what to do, but I didn’t say I wouldn’t tell Michael how you feel about him.”
“Michael is conceited. He doesn’t need to know.”
“Michael isn’t conceited where you’re concerned, M.A.”
“He’s conceited where everyone’s concerned.”
“No, he isn’t. You promised to write what I asked. Will you, do it?”
“All right. Go ahead.”
“M.A. thinks you’re wonderful, but she can’t admit it to you herself. if you were a female, Michael, she would tell you how she feels.”
“Stop it, Dave!”
“Let me finish, M.A. Michael, take her hand. Show her she can walk on the white path with you. It’s my wish for the two of you for 1998.”
Michael,
This is M.A. You won’t believe this, but papers fell off my desk and the light went off just as I wrote what Dave asked me to. Guess we better listen to him. I wasn’t going to send this. I will send it now.
Michael,
It’s 1:30AM. I thought I had a card with a tree on it. It would have been appropriate, huh? Well, I’m not going out to find another one at this hour. This one will have to do. This card is printed by CURRENT where my daughter in law, Rosemary, works. I wish I were in this house, don’t you? I strive to make my home like this one, full of love and warmth. With lots of goodies to eat. Merry Christmas.
I love you. M.A.
Alan and I went to see the most beautiful film tonight, December 14, 1997. It was called TITANIC: "Nothing on earth could come between them."
December 3, 2023
We've Only Just Begun
‘Indulge your fascination with objects of intense interest that make you feel more alive.’--Stephen Cope, SOUL FRIENDS, Part V: Mystic Resonance
The Christmas Cards arrive daily. My Grandma sent a sweet one. I guess she liked the Armijo family photo Christmas card I sent. It ought to remain a classic for many years to come. I may not be in the photo but that’s okay (someone had to take the photo—after all, Ha-ha).
Dear Michael,
I received your card and was sure glad you wrote my maiden name (Mary G Leyba-Lucero). I was proud of you. I liked the picture of all the Armijo’s. Say hello to your mom. I love you. God Bless.
Love,
Grandma
My imprisoned cousin, Sandy Donald, wrote to me in her handwriting on one sheet of binder paper:
Tuesday, December 2nd
Pearl, Mississippi
Dear Cousin,
Just received your photos. ‘How do you do’ my good-looking cousin? Thank you for the family photos but I wish you had written their names.
I did receive your newsletter. I am very proud of you. I must confess that I felt guilty that I did not contribute my story. Maybe next time. Oh, I love Grandma Mathilde’s picture. That is how I remember her. Thanks for the memories.
Michael, I wrote to you on November 24th and again on the 26th but for some reason or another I did not mail the letters. ‘Doing time’ is not an easy thing to do. It gets very, very stressful at times. That is where my faith in God keeps me strong and able to endure.
Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?
I enjoyed the turkey breast, yeast rolls with mayonnaise sandwich. The dressing was yummy. It was a much-appreciated meal. Our food is not very good.
I have been going to Church services on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays. Cousin, I need all the hlelp I can get. I will be spending my ninth year locked-up. Nine years away from my family is a very long time.
Did not mean to cry on your shoulder. I am just sharing my life history.
Write soon.
Love,
Sandy
Three postcards did arrive from Alan and Gloria during their SPAIN escape:
Postcard 1 of PALACE HOTEL, Madrid, Spain
Thursday 12/4 Dearest Michael,
You will never believe it. We are in the middle of a snowstorm. “Believe it!” The plane ride was smooth getting into Spain and to the hotel was easy. Went to the Prado Museaum and saw Goya, Velazques, El Greco masterpieces. We hired a guide, and he made it all come alive for us. also, went to a contemporary MUSEO where Picasso, Miro and Dali resided. Miss you! Regards to Virginia.
Love Always,
Gloria and Alan
Postcard 2 of from MUSEO DEL PRADO of a cucumbers and tomatoes still life by Luise Eugenio Melendez (b. 1716 d. 1780). This one was in Alan’s writing:
We slept late today. It is ‘mucho frio’, snow yesterday—but we ate Paella for dinner last night after 2 hours of tapas.
This is most definitely a place for all of us to go next year.
Miss you! Lots of Museums!
Alan and Gloria
Postcard 3 from MUSEO THYSSEN BORNEMISZA, Palacio de Villahermosa, Madrid of a 1931 Edward Hopper painting, Habitacion de Hotel:
Sat. 12/6
Dearest Michael,
We went to the Museo Thyssen today among other things. This painting for whatever reason evoked a lot of emotion in me. What is her story?
The weather gets better each day. Today we walked to the botanical gardens. Last night we went to Flamenco. Very Good! There’s so much to do, so little time to do it. Give our best to Virginia.
Love Always,
Gloria & Alan
Coolest Christmas Card received from Lottie Powell of a standing reindeer.
My cousin, Todd, wife Susie (and kids, Candice and Casey) VIGIL sent a nice Christmas card also. Susie thanked me for sending the nice packet of family background info. They live in Diamond Springs, CA (somewhere up in the Sacramento vicinity).
And I was surprised by Alan who sent a Toledo, SPAIN postcard of a detail inside a Synagogue there:
We visited the Synagogues of Toledo and heard the history of Jesus in Spain. I’m looking for the Armijo branch.
Madrid is the number #1 City—like Rome, London or Paris. You’ll LOVE it.
Love,
Alan & Gloria
Cousin MaryAnn Montoya-Gehling sent a cute postcard of two women dressed from the late 1800s or early 1900s with the headline: WE SHOP TILL WE DROP! Funny too, because the back of the card has the imprint PALOMA CLASSICO, Classico San Francisco (the brand name for the card line I guess):
I absolutely love this postcard. It reminds me of Linda Tafoya-Korenke and I in the ‘wearing hats photo’. Of course, Linda and I are much prettier than these two and we don’t carry yellow purses either.
Damn, the pain I always feel when corresponding with you just hit me. I can’t have fun with you. I can't treat you like I want to. It’s always there. Why? Michael, help me. I’m confused. Guede me.
This is a Thank You for the Xmas gifts. I love the nail polish. I treasure the stamps. I like the escape except for the name. Thank you.
I love you. M.A.
Michael,
I thought you would like to see your astrology forecast for 1998.
The astrology 1998 overview for GEMINI pretty much said that I had the very best aspects for career advancement and rewards in the coming year. I guess that’s good news. I also thought this to be interesting: ‘Mercury is your ruler and is responsible for the part of you that is flexible, versatile and communicative.’ It went on to say that I would find tremendous inspiration from trips taken in 1998 and that if I have thought about taking a spiritual trip of some kind, such as for meditation, spiritual and physical renewal, or even a pilgrimage, this is the year to do it. Hmm...
I also pondered the fact that my 1998 astrological overview stated: ‘You are less concerned with only your needs and more interested in the welfare of an entire group that you have influence over.’ And more specifically, the last line was a humdinger: ‘Enjoy this year (1998), Gemini, for---lucky you—this year could change your life.
MaryAnn also included a printout to the lyrics of the song by the CARPENTERS, We’ve Only Just Begun. It made me want to listen to it again. And I did. MaryAnn wrote this note to go with the lyrics:
Dec. 8, 1997
Michael,
I had to go on the Net to find the lyrics of “CLOSE TO YOU”. I read the words and thought about them, seriously. Then, I burst out laughing. You didn’t know the words to the song, did you? Obviously not--’hair of gold’---Mine is black---‘eyes of blue’, mine are brown. ‘All the girls in the tavern follow you around’...I hope not. Okay, enough teasing. I got the message. You want to be close to me. Thank you. I’m sorry it’s so hard for me. I wish I could tell you that you are close to me now and that you always will be, but I can’t.
What I can tell you is this: Someday you will find the sister you want. She’s out there, just keep looking. It’s an honor that you want me to be your sister. It makes me happy that you chose me. And sad, very sad, that I can’t do it. M.A.
The fun thing about Christmas cards are the ones where they write a few paragraphs. Here’s one I got this week from my Aunt Josie (my dad’s half-sister: same mother/different fathers):
I want to Thank You for all the information you have sent us about our families. It is very kind and generous of you. I know you have taken a lot of time to do all of this. We are doing fine and plan on going to California (from Springfield, Missouri) for the holidays. I will probably stay there for the whole month of December. We would like to see you and the rest of the family when we come to the Bay Area around the 16th to 18th. The family has grown. I haven’t seen your mom for quite some time. I will try to see her this time. Thanks for the pictures, too. You sure are a handsome man. I am surprised you haven’t been caught yet. Come and see us sometime.
Love in Christ,
Josie and Bill
Reed Campbell couldn’t resist sending me another funny Christmas Card. I love it, he wrote:
Dear Michael,
I loved your Xmas Card. My brother-in-law is crazy about it. And you might have an ardent admirer to fight off. We are off to Paris and France for 2-weeks on December 27th and hope to send a postcard from Paris. Hope EL NINO has not done any damage to your area. So far, we are about average. My spelling and writing are both getting worse each year. Thinking of you often and will try to get a different card for you. Here’s wishing you a Christmas like no other!
Love, Reed
Gloria slipped in some photos from our last New York trip when we stayed at the TOWERS FLOOR. It was nice.And then a question comes along:
Q: What do you do when an old boyfriend sends an invitation to ‘you and your current boyfriend’ to attend his Birthday Party on December 13th, 1997, in San Leandro, CA?
A: You don’t go.
November 26, 2023
A Little Piece of Ass from Paris
‘The Museum: I loved to wander around in there because you never knew what you’d find. It was like a cabinet of curiosities.’ --Geraldine Brooks, PEOPLE OF THE BOOK
Sweet Christmas Card from Dorothy Rua this week. She wrote:
In thought, you’re always near to me...
In my heart, you’re oh so dear to me...
Always and Forever,
Love,
Dorothy
Reed Campbell is a true gentleman as he always remembers me. Then again, I do reciprocate when he writes to me. In his holiday spirit he sent a classic Modigliani masterpiece (Reclining Nude from the Back), 1917 in the form of a greeting card from Paris. I absolutely loved the card. It was one of those GRAPHIQUE DE FRANCE cards. Reed wrote the following words:
Couldn’t find the proper Paris scone...but saw this and said to myself, “Send Michael a scene of Paris: Art/Ass”, so consider this card a little piece of ass from Paris.
We have done Versailles, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and many other things. New Year’s Eve Dinner will be at The Ritz. $ Thank Goodness for credit cards.
On tour for a few days at a Chateau in the Loire Valley. Will try to send a card from there. Hope your 1998 is a wonderful one.
Best Always,
Reed
Reed is often a curious wonder. His life before he married Deanna was adventurous. I remember him telling me he married Deanna when he was at the ripe age of fifty-three. I guess there’s still hope for me. I like the fact that he toured the Louvre Museum. There’s always something new to see in Art—that you may have never noticed before.
Sheree Chord from high school sent a cute Christmas card but few words:
Hope your Christmas is extra special!
Love,
Sheree & Family
Co-worker pal, Cheri Potter, sent me a sweet Christmas Card. I’ve known her since April 1977 when we started as 411-Information operators:
This comes from the heart in the warmest way to bring you greetings on Christmas Day. Merry Christmas.
Love Always,
Cheri, Joe and Marcus
I will be in Alameda for Christmas this year. I look forward to seeing my mom, my nieces and nephew. Kids during the holidays make for FUN.
Alan escaped with Gloria in Spain, a mom and son thing. I expect a postcard or two next week. I hope...
‘Men, like planets, have both a visible and an invisible history.’ --George Eliot, DANIEL DERONDA
November 19, 2023
Very Jazzy
‘He had lines, yes, but now I realized they didn’t make him look old. They just made him seem more interesting than any of the guys I knew like he’d been places, seen stuff, done stuff.’ --Lucy Foley, THE PARIS APARTMENT Gloria and Jack sent us a thoughtful Happy Chanukah card: SPIN...PLAY...CELEBRATE!
My life would be “incomplete” without you.
Love Always and Forever,
Gloria & Jack
Gloria also remembered that Alan and I had met on November 20th, exactly 8 years ago. It was a very jazzy looking card. It made me want to listen to jazz. We weren’t quite sure what she meant about the human senses but it’s always nice to be reminded of these senses that our species is lucky enough to have.
Dear Alan & Michael!
Happy Anniversary!
There has been so much talk lately about ‘human senses’ and that we sell basing our gifts on SIGHT, SOUND, TOUCH, TASTE and SMELL.
Love Always,
Gloria and Jack
Alan and I saw a few more excellent movies on our Anniversary week:
THE MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL –based on a book I have not read yet that was a dramatic mystery thriller—another genre of film I love besides action crime. A visiting reporter’s assignment suddenly revolves around a murder trial of a local millionaire.
I loved those ARMIJO group pictures I took near the Hs Lordships Restaurant in Berkeley recently. I sent copies to mom. I really loved the one of mom with her six grandchildren. I hope to take more memorable family pictures at Christmastime when I return to Alameda next month.
“Why would we pay rent to the landlord and have nothing left when the month is over?” --Min Jin Lee, PACHINKO
