Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 119

My Lounging State

He lay by the ornamental pool writing a diary and sketching, feeling saturated by sleep and a delicious lethargy.
-Alicia Drake, writing about Yves St. Laurent
"The Beautiful Fall"

Twenty-five years ago today

June 2, 1986
Monday

After taking Johnny Schaeffer to the Oakland Airport I drove to San Francisco to meet with Clare Chan of Dean-Witter & Co. She was really nice. We will be transferring my Great Western IRA to Dean Witter Stock Brokerage. I may invest with United Artists, Citicorp, Burroughs, JWT Group and/or Harper and Rowe Publishing. I haven't officially decided.

I went to mom's house after my visit with Clare. Ashley was there. My brother, John, showed up, too. Then Tony and Helen arrived. Tony is entering a second-chance drawing for the California Lottery. I hope he wins. I stayed at mom's house for a good while. It was relaxing.

When I returned to my place I napped for a while and I then received a series of phone calls. Margaret Lai called from El Sobrante. Johnny Schaeffer called from Los Angeles. Tim O'Brien called from Orinda.

Steve Green also called and I told him briefly about my first day in Palm Springs. I got up from my lounging state and Steve had to hang-up the phone and get back to work.

I returned to mom's house and then went to the gym. While 'working out' I had my car tuned-up, so that was a relief. I left the gym by 4:45PM and picked up my car.


While at home again Sherri, my sister-in-law called for her mustard and measuring cups that she loaned me for my party.  So I went over there for a while with her items.


Once I was home again I spent time reading a lot of my STOCK GUIDE that Clare Chan (of Dean-Witter) gave me. Clare was a referral from Margaret Lai. Margaret Lai uses Clare for some of her occasional stock purchases.


I called R.J. (Ron Leoni) in Palm Springs and we talked about the possibility of my coming down over the 4th of July. He's a cool cat.


I read some more and just before going to bed I received the call from Tim O'Brien.
Tim said, "Hi, I just wanted to call to make sure you got home okay."
"Oh yeah, Thanks, I'm here and I already miss the palm trees."
Tim laughed and said, "I'm working every night this week at Charley Browns by the Wharf. We should meet up."
"Okay," I replied.
I began to wonder if Tim might be a good candidate to move-in with me. I don't know yet.
Tim also said, "I may be getting a new job in L.A. with Hughes Aircraft. My dad works there."


I went to bed. Steve called me again at a very late hour.
"Could you call me tomorrow?" I asked.
"Okay, I forgot it was so late."
I got the impression that Steve has been hyperactively swingin' it since I've been gone. I'm sure of it.  I guess he's moved-in with Ric already.

His pleasures were in poetry with a naughty twist…writing erotic verse.
Count Louis Samuel Victorian de Rochechouart de Mortemart had first published some of his erotic poems with a press in Paris, in a volume called 'Les Contes Remois' or 'The Tales of Reims'.
-Tilar Mazzeo
"The Widow Clicquot"

Johnny Schaefer

In fact, I used to tell my students 'situation and character' are life to a short story and plot kills.
-May Sarton, December 11, 1993
At Eighty-Two, A Journal

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 1, 1986
Sunday

It's time to end my vacation in Palm Springs. It was wonderful except for seeing Paul Margolis. What the hell. He plays no part (directly) in my life.

I am anxious to go home to hear what—if any---recorded messages I have on my answering machine.

I went to see Mike Miller and Greg Manechevitz and treated them to breakfast at DENNY's before I left Palm Springs.  Mike Miller drove me to the Palm Springs Airport.  I bid them farewell on their own road trip.

I arrived in Los Angeles at about 1:45 in the afternoon.  I had to wait until about 3:15PM for the flight to Oakland Airport.  While I was at the Los Angeles Airport I met Johnny Schaefer, an aspiring singer who knows Melissa Manchester personally.
"I idolize her," Johnny said.
I didn't quite know who she was but I had heard her name before.
Johnny continued by saying, "I've been over to her place and I've met her husband.  He's twenty-five and he's seven years her junior."
Johnny was on his way to Oakland Airport to attend a wedding and meet some old school chums. As it turned out he missed the festivities. He had no idea where they were, so he called me! I had given him my telephone number while at the airport.

I invited him over to my place. We finished a bottle of RIUNITI wine and watched the Mel Gibson movie, "TIM", together. We also talked and stuff. He stayed the night and I ended up driving him to the Days Inn-Daybreak Restaurant in the morning. We ate there and then I took him to the airport for his flight back to Los Angeles.


Mom had picked me up earlier when I arrived at Oakland Airport on this day. She's such a sweetie. It was good to see her.

Everything has a trace of the divine in it.
-Yann Martel
"The Life of Pi"

Michael's Bistro

"How can a man of your intelligence only see in Black and White when there are a thousand colors around you?"
-Sigmund Freud
as heard in the Off-Broadway Play
"Freud's Last Session"

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 31, 1986
Saturday

I left the Desert Palms Inn after breakfast and I rode my bike to the Bike Rental place. As I was walking along the hot avenue Greg and Mike drove by and picked me up. I went over to the pool while they left for their own breakfast/lunch.

I met a couple of girls by the pool from Huntington Beach and Los Angeles. They weren't really cute. In fact, they were rather young and naïve. I stayed around the pool until 5PM. Mike and Greg eventually showed up again. Greg was acting a bit on the quiet side. I think he was beginning to realize that his persona wasn't exactly likeable. Greg was feeling uneasy. I sense his uneasiness whenever I see him chewing tobacco (a nasty habit that he has).

I readied myself for dinner and went to the Desert Palms Inn via taxicab. Ron and I went to The Springs where we had some cheese and crackers. He washed my white pants for me. I looked through some porno magazines as he showered. We moved a bed and then we had a great dinner at The Bistro (also known as MICHAEL'S BISTRO). It was so very good! Ron was such a gentleman. He taught me a bit about Italian cuisine and mannerisms (like how to drink my after dinner espresso).

We received a ride from Mona to the Desert Palms Inn. Once we reached the Inn, a guy named Michael took us to ROCKS. We sat outside at the approximate same vicinity that Ron and I first met on Tuesday night. We said our goodbyes and had a little COKE again. They drove me home (to my hotel).

Ron and I will be in touch again.
Ron said, "I will give you a wake-up call tomorrow."
He did.

When I got home (to the hotel) Greg and Mike were outside. We went into the sauna and swimming pool. We mingled momentarily at the party next door. Then I tried to sleep in my uncomfortable, hot room. I was horny…but I slept (and sweat) anyway.

"Who can realize every dream? For some an illusion, even for a little while, is enough."
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"

QTC

"You know not what your actions will unleash."
THOR, 2011 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 30, 1986
Friday

I heard a knock on my door in the morning but I just stayed in bed. I knew it was probably Greg or Mike. Perhaps I feared it could be Billy.

On this Friday morning I chose to ride my bike to the Desert Palms Inn and a slight fiasco occurred. I was having a few drinks with Ron Leoni when I decided to put my new bathing suit on (the new red, white and blue one I had just purchased at Saks 5th Avenue). I wanted to lie out by the pool.

As I was lounging by the pool I was talking to Jeff who was from Orange County. I also spoke to Dan, an actor or something who worked for Universal Studios on-location with Magnum P.I.

And I also got to know Tim O'Brien, a guy who grew up in Palos Verdes and just graduated from USC with a Marketing degree.
Tim said, "You know, I'm moving from Corte Madera to Orinda."

Anyway, while I was lying out by the pool none other than Paul Margolis comes along. I work with Paul!
"Well, well, well…hello, Michael," announced Paul.
I wanted to cringe into a shell. His words made me sick. I spoke to him for a few moments just to be cordial.
Paul said, "Wait until Helen's corner gets a hold of this."
I said, "No, I'd appreciate it if you didn't say a word."
I explained that I rode my bike over here to visit a friend of mine (Ron) who works here. I also said I was staying at the Best Western.
Paul answered, "Oh no…that's why I said that. No one needs to know what another does in their own private life."
I let Paul have some of my fresh fruit and then I left, feeling disgusted. I went to the bar where Ron was working and had two margaritas.

Then I left the bar with Tim O'Brien for a strawberry daiquiri at his parents' home in Palm Springs. It was a nice home but not as nice as The Springs or Morningside Country Club. We swam and had some great conversation. We exchanged telephone numbers, too. Who knows? He is moving to Orinda. He seems ambitious and a real good connection in some respects.
Tim said, "I want to go into interior décor or design and construction."
This fascinated me. He drove me back to my hotel where I grabbed a change of clothes and returned to the Desert Palms Inn.


Ron and I had dinner from the RHINO Café and ate at the bar. We were going to go out but we were tied up without a bartender to relieve him until 10:30PM. Ron and I ended up checking in to Room 209 of the Desert Palms Inn. We watched a little television and got to know one another better. He's such a nice 'fella'. We plan on meeting up again soon. He just needs to QTC: Quit the Coke, Cigarettes and Contamination. We slept together.

It takes years of experience to develop your intuition.
-as heard in the 2010 documentary
"Jiro Dreams of Sushi"

Score

He asked himself: "Wht do I want to achieve?
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 29, 1986
Thursday

I woke up and went by my pool from 9AM until 11:30AM. Mike Miller came by…and then Greg. We had breakfast at the nearby Bakery Café together. The three of us took a walk in to Downtown Palm Springs after the nourishment. I bought a few T-Shirts and a beach towel and some of that QUORUM cologne that I like. I also found a neat shirt and a bathing suit from Saks 5th Avenue.

Greg was so obnoxious. I can't stand being around him and knew I didn't want to be during my stay here. Mike got a haircut and I had to wait around while it was getting cut…

I made it back to my home away from home in the hotel room. I tended to be in a quiet mood while with Greg and Mike. I went to sleep for a while. When I woke up I got myself ready to see Ron again at his bar station at the Desert Palms Inn. I told Mike and Greg that I had already made plans for a bite to eat with him. I took a taxicab.

Billy showed up at the Desert Palms Inn and introduced us to an older Long Beach dyke (lesbian). Billy drove us all to ROCKS. We saw Kevin driving off but he came in with the power of persuasion. Jimmy, the bartender, remembered me.
Ron and I played poker and I won 1,000,000 on the video machine. We then went to a place called CC CONSTRUCTION and I danced. We sent to the dyke section where I met, Marnie, a cute blond body-builder type. Ron was sweet to me all night.


Ron and Billy drove me home to my hotel.
Ron actually called my hotel room later.
Then 'to my surprise' Bobby called me and said, "I guess I just wanted to see if I could score with you somehow."
Give me a break!
I said, "Well, I'm tired."
I went to sleep.

"He has had some terrible shock, and I fear it might tax his poor brain if he were to try to recall it."
-Stieg Larsson
The Girl Who Played With Fire

By The Pool

I closed my eyes for a moment in desire at the scent of him, and when I opened them I saw his eyes dark with lust for me.
-Philippa Gregory
"The Other Boleyn Girl"

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 28, 1986
Wednesday

Palm Springs is getting better. It's fun here. Ron and I had breakfast at RHINO's, a café that is part of the Club/Hotel where Ron works. The name of the hotel is The Desert Palms Inn. We did lie out by the pool and that's how I spent most of today. Ron is from Harwinton, Connecticut. His dad is a pharmacist. Through friends, Ron had somehow arranged to come to Palm Springs to work at the hotel for the summer.

I met a guy named Gary who sells men's bikini trunks. I thought that was 'different'. It was relaxing to be by the pool.
I thought, "These are nice folks…despite their situations."
I like the hot weather here, too. It's resort-like.

I stayed by the Desert Palms Inn pool for a good while and I really got some good sun. I stayed around until 11PM when Ron got relieved from his bartending duties. We went to a place called Daddy Warbucks with another friend named Billy. Billy is a fine, cheerful, bald-fellow who happens to be a friend of Ron's.
Ron says, "Billy is a caretaker for a real estate developer of shopping centers who makes one to five million dollars a year."
Daddy Warbucks was just 'okay'.

Earlier in the day (by the pool) I also met Marcel and Kevin. They are two waiters at some posh restaurant. Marcel gave me a tour through the desert. Then he drove me home where I took a nap. I got up and took a taxicab back to see Ron again. That was when Billy, Ron and I headed out to Daddy Warbucks.

Ron is so nice. He wants to give me a tour of New York City and so forth. I'm glad I met him.

I've finally found some time to do some intense writing as well as back-tracking in terms of what's happened during my stay here in Palm Springs.

Marcel was nice. He urged me to meet him and/or possibly pick me up at my hotel to go to a place called CUDDLES tonight. Since he didn't pick me up and I liked Ron's company so much I never ended up at CUDDLES. Ron has a very hoarse voice. I'm not sure if it's from his smoking, cocaine or drinking habit. He's level-headed enough to know his limits. I favor Ron a lot.

Ron, Billy and I saw some female impersonators perform at Daddy Warbucks. I don't care for that sort of show very much. We went to Billy's pad after the show. It was a beautiful, posh house at the Morningside Country Club (next door to the Gerald Ford residence). It was nice. We went for a dip in the pool and even spent some time in the Jacuzzi. It was 2:30AM or so and we left in the Red Ferrari that Billy drove. Billy drove me home with Ron squeezed in the back seat. It was funny. When they dropped me off I freaked-out when I heard my name being yelled out.


It was Mike Miller and Greg Manachevitz! The red Ferrari took off and I'm sure they were amazed that I came out of that car. I was suddenly left with Mike and Greg. What a switch! I was kind of happy to see familiar faces. We went for a dip in the pool and then we ate a bite of late-night breakfast at CARROW's. I was sleeping by 4AM.

"You can't afford to dream this morning, you know, there's too much to be done."
-Daphne du Maurier
"Rebecca"

Palm Springs

I am an evolving pattern, and I can influence the course of the evolution of my pattern.
-Ray Kurzweil
"The Singularity Is Near"

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 27, 1986
Tuesday

My brother, John, came over to my house at 6AM and drove me to the Oakland Airport. I was in Los Angeles by 9:30AM and arrived in Palm Springs by 11:30AM. I took a taxicab to my hotel. I ended up renting a bike.

The front tire had a low leak, so I had to replace the bike. They were nice enough about it. I went to get my hair cut by and old guy named "Hugh". He was nice. He invited me to dinner.
I didn't know anyone and so I said, "Okay."

This town is crazy though. The taxicab driver that drove me to the bike shop even touched my leg. Hugh came over around 7PM to pick me up. His house was huge. It was four-thousand square feet. It was beautiful but it could have used some better interior decorating if you ask me. It's up for sale for $800,000.
Hugh said, "I bought it twenty years ago for forty-two thousand dollars."
"What I deal," I exclaimed.
Hugh smiled about his accomplishment.
I had a couple of Hugh's homemade grapefruit vodkas while at his house. Then we ate at a place called The Carriage Coach. I ordered roast duck. It was so good! Then Hugh took me home (to my hotel). Hugh suggested we go elsewhere for an after-dinner drink.
I said, "No, I'm tired."
I didn't want to give Hugh any wrong impressions.

I was home (in my hotel room) and suddenly felt restless. I hopped on my rental bike and rode to Cathedral City and went to ROCKS, a gay-friendly bar. I met a few people but spend most of my time talking to Ron Leoni. He is from the East Coast. In fact, Ron was so nice that he helped me get my bike into a taxicab. Ron went with me to my hotel. He's nice. He stayed over. Yes.

...allow the possibilty of presence. This is where spontaneous aliveness resides, and where we can openly welcome the unknown.
Presence is available in any situation, or put another way, freedom is continuously available.
-Tony Parsons
"As It Is"

Shadow Cliffs

Sometimes we see someone we like very much, even if we don't know why.-Thich Nhat Hanh
"Being Peace"

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 26, 1986
Monday

I woke up with Sue Croce in my bed this morning. She really is nice…but I don't know.

It was embarrassing this morning. Mom called me and left a message on my answering machine. Thinking I wasn't home she chose to come by to help clean-up after the party. Mom saw Sue and what else could I do at that embarrassing moment but introduce her. I know both mom and Sue were a bit uneasy but we managed. Sue and I had already cleaned up a lot of the mess. Mom took care of the food.

Sue and I went for to the store for some Ziploc storage bags. When we returned Helen and Tony came over to raid the leftovers. I left them there while Sue and I left the scene to visit Mark.

We had made spontaneous plans to go to Shadow Cliffs in the Livermore-Pleasanton area. I persuaded Sue and Mark into going. Mark actually called Chad, suggesting he accompany us, too. Yikes!
Mark had previously mentioned, "Chad is a bit of a mystery man."
Mark always calls him Mark while Sue and I refer to him as Chad. Mark knew him when he used the named Chad in his younger years.

I drove Sue to her house in Fremont so that she could freshen-up and change clothes. Then we drove to Shadow Cliffs. It was hot and there were lots of people at this Regional Park. It was neat how I maneuvered my way through and cut a lot of people off. We had beer and we found Julie, Colleen and her friends. We did lie out beside them. I brought some of my leftover snacks. It was nice.


Soon we were tired as the end of the day approached. I drove Mark home (San Lorenzo) and then I drove Sue home (Fremont).


I drove directly to mom's house and we talked about the party and the people. It really was a success despite those who did not show up. I can never rely on those people…now, for sure.


I took a nap, of course. I telephoned Mark when I woke up.
I said, "Listen, I'll call you on Thursday night to discuss the possibility of you coming to Palm Springs for the weekend."
He laughed.
I recalled during the party last night that Mike Miller had said, "I may drive down to Palm Springs tomorrow, too."

He whispered to himself: "What I was, isn't what I am.
And what I am, isn't yet what I can be."
-John Katzenback
"The Analyst"

An Erotic Turn-On

"No greatness without goodness."
-Yann Martel
The Life of Pi

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 25, 1986
Sunday

Today is the big day. It is my party day. I went and got everything ready.

Mark called and asked, "How are you doing?"
"As well as can be expected," I moaned. "That was one heck of a night!"
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"No, just show up. Have you heard from Annabelle?"
"No, have you?" Mark asked eagerly.
"No, I'd be surprised if they show up tonight. They were with their parents at some hotel in San Francisco."
It was clear that we both had the "hots" for her.

I got everything ready for the party. Mom helped a lot. Sherri helped prepare a few things—as did Helen. The food spread was looking really good. Before I knew it I was making my spiked Power Punch brew.

Mike Miller and Greg Manechevitz were the first two who arrived. Then Sherri, John and Ashley (mom was already there). Tony, Helen and my dad walked-in, then Natalie and Shari and Rick and on and on. At least forty to fifty people came. I was just shocked that Chris Cordellos, Denise Vinsonhaler and both Stephanie's did not show up.

I started drinking my Power Punch brew at 5PM. It was actually great punch! I forgot that some of the people would be bringing me Birthday gifts.

Steve Green bought me an Answering Machine Recorder (as did Tony and Helen). Mark Landreth gave me a muscular girl image on a coffee mug and a half-T-shirt of the SUNKIST logo like the one he wears to the gym (that I always envy). That meant a lot to me. Laverne Butler (from work) gave me a 1986 memo/journal book that I will surely use. Neal (another co-worker) gifted me a shaver and brush kit. Winnie got me a toothbrush and shaver kit. Margaret Lai gave me a clown on a bike figurine. Birda brought me a delicious lemon pie with a bike on it and 'a picture of a bike'. Ric Green got me a bike, too (with a little flag). These people were too kind to me.

Chad showed up—much to my surprise. He gave me a card—is all. I saw him talking to Mark for a while

It was a great party. By 2AM I was accompanied by Sue Croce (from the gym). She ended up spending the night with me. We did it. I was a little of out it but I managed—even though I didn't actually ejaculate (or did I?). She would suck and lick my nipples and it was an erotic turn-on for me because I didn't expect it—at all. She's got great, thick, blond hair. She's a bit flat and has lots of freckles. There's always a fault or two in everyone. She is fun.


Mark had left. Then Rick (who arrived with Sue) left. And last but not least, Greg and Mike were the last to leave.

He felt, smelled, tasted, saw and heard Spring. All his senses were Spring, and he felt as if the broad sunbeam which shone over the house was streaming into his heart with tremulous vibrations, bringing clarity and strength.
-Thomas Mann, Six Early Stories
Fallen, 1894

Annabelle Montero

"Go into the innermost chamber of your soul and shut the door."
-May Sarton
At Eighty-Two, A Journal

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 24, 1986
Saturday

I woke up this morning and went to work. Mom came over and she helped me rearrange furniture in order to get things ready for the party.

Mark Landreth called me and I think he wanted to go to Santa Cruz. I was glad that he called. I hadn't spoken to him since Wednesday (the last time I went to the gym).
I said, "I'll call you later…after I take care of some more party preparation."

I realized that there were not a lot of things I could do until the actual day of the party.
So I thought, "The hell with it."

I telephoned Mark and I ended up going over to his house. He was working on replacing a post on his fence in his backyard (with his shirt off). We did lie out to catch some sun while in his backyard for about half an hour.

I tried calling Suzy so that we could hopefully visit her but she wasn't home. I stayed at Mark's house for a while when we decided to go to San Francisco to THE OASIS (the place with the glass top over the swimming pool which is used as a dance floor).
Before I left I asked Mark, "Why don't you call me around six or seven?"
He obliged by saying, "Okay."

I returned home and mom was gone. She'd gone shopping. Helen, Dennis (Helen's brother), Lauren and my dad were all at my house. I hung out with them and then went to mom's house. I think I took a short nap.

I telephoned Mark and said, "Come over around quarter after eight so we can avoid the seven-dollar Cover Charge."
He arrived late!

We had a great time anyway. I parked in a lot near THE EAGLE (a gay leather bar). We went to THE OASIS and it was funny to see Mark's shirt light up to show all of the lint on it.
"Why didn't you warn me about the fluorescent lights?"
"I forgot."

We both saw a blond we thought was attractive. We compared notes. Our tastes are similar. In fact, I crossed paths with a gal named Annabelle from Downey (a Los Angeles suburb) and her brother, Mike Montero. I asked Annabelle to dance and I lost Mark during the shuffle as the club began to get very crowded.

When I found Mark again he was in a full-throttle excitement mode.
"You won't believe the girl I just danced with!"
I said, "You should have seen who I was dancing with!"
Yes, we both discovered Annabelle separately. Before long I was talking to Annabelle's brother, Mike, for a good while. Before I knew it…it was me, Mark, Annabelle and her brother cuddled in a corner of the club. We all left at around 2AM and went for breakfast at The Church Street Station.

As we walked to the car Mark was going to go in to THE STUD or THE EAGLE.
Mark said, "I'll only go in with Annabelle at my side."
I laughed and said, "Don't worry—they're both closed now anyway."


The Church Street Station gal who seated us was a transsexual (I think). It was wild. All four of us pretended to be from 'Fresno' just for fun. We started singing aloud. We ordered breakfast and just plain had a good time. I really liked Annabelle. She had a bit of a Rita Hayworth glamorous sort of look. We went for a walk and we passed a Jerk-Off Members Only club.
I said, "How disgusting."
It was fun. Both Annabelle and her brother, Mike, said they'd come to my party the next night. They were nice.


I was home by 5AM. The next day, Mark told me he was getting home as the sun just started to come up. I was so 'White-Russianed' out. I took two aspirin and went to bed.

A new life was not easily or quickly accomplished when secrets must be kept.
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"