Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 17

More Important Than the Exposed Anatomy

Claudia: “You should want to learn one new thing every day.” 

Mrs. F: “No, I don’t agree with that. I think you should learn, of course, and some days you must learn a great deal. But you should also have days when you allow what is already in you to swell up inside of you until it touches everything. And you can feel it inside you. If you never take the time out to let that happen, then you must accumulate facts, and they begin to rattle around inside you. You can make noise with them, but never really feel anything with them. It’s hollow.” --E.I. Konigsburg, in her book FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E FRANKWEILER, 1967 

Gloria had a party at her condo in Santa Monica, CA. My mom was still in town, so she enjoyed it, too. It was really just a small gathering of the locals: Me, Alan and mom with Jack and Gloria, of course—Alan's cousin, Jonas, who attends USC and lives in Venice now along with Cathy Imai (Alan’s accountant) and her husband, Trevor. I took a couple of polaroid shots. One of just mom and Gloria and another of the group...but Cathy Imai took the photo.

It was a pleasant Saturday evening (Sept. 21, 1996). Everyone was chatting about the latest goings on...like Jerry Lewis raising over $49 Million dollars at the recent Muscular Dystrophy Telethon earlier this month; how a US cruise missile struck in Iraq and how oil prices are now rising; the crazy gang violence after Tupac Shakur, a rap singer, was shot in Las Vegas the day after my mom’s Birthday and then died 6-days later on Sept. 13th at the age of 25; how SPACE SHUTTLE Atlantis 17 launched into Space on the 17th; and how President Clinton signed the NUCLEAR TEST BAN Treaty at the UN this week (on Sept. 24th). 

When I had my initial training at Charles Schwab & Co. I was in training for a couple of weeks in Indianapolis, Indiana. I befriended a gal named April Stosur who was about five years older than I. She was cool and I kept in touch. I had spoken with her briefly at work and I learned that she had a baby boy, so I sent her an outfit for her son, Alex Preston Stosur-Bassett. She sent a cute Thank You note to me with a photo of Alex Preston at just 2 ½ WEEKS old. April wrote to be from 693 Warwick Drive in Carol Stream, Illinois, where she is currently living:  

Dear Michael, 

Thanks so much for the darling outfit! How in the word did you find a Sox Outfit in California? The quality of the material is superb. Thank You. It will be a perfect fit next summer. 

As always, your card was absolutely beautiful. Where do you find those things? 

Are you scheduled to do your marathon here? Is it in October? Let me know, I’d love to get together again—probably with Alex in tow. 

I’m scheduled to work once a week on Wednesdays, but I come in two or three more days, so if you need to toss me—Wednesdays are a good bet. 

Michael, Thanks again for your thoughtfulness. It’s a darling outfit.  

Photo: 8-29-96, Alex Preston Stosur Bassett, 2 ½ weeks old.  

P.S. I just love that SPACE SHUTTLE stamp. We cut it off and are saving it to show kids at school.  

Dorothy also wrote me this week, using a cool photo card by an artist named Mara Bosnak. 

9-7-96: Dear Michael, 

My card to you is way overdue. Really enjoyed the last two you sent. The one you ‘found on the street’ was definitely suggestive. I’m sure you wouldn’t pass on by for that one. Bright red Mysteries was very different, interesting.  

How wonderful to have your vision corrected. Aren’t lasers great? 

You must have been in San Diego when I called you at work in early September. I was informed you were ‘on vacation’. Bet it was a fun trip.  

9-22-96 

Hi Again Michael, 

Started this card a while back and as you can see, did not get very far. Received your most recent cards a couple of days ago. I do feel really bad about the lack of communication on my part lately. Never is a good enough reason not to at least drop a quick postcard to let you know I’m thinking of you, especially since you’re so important to me. 

No, I have not had time for Nude Beaches for quite a while—plus everyone begins to look alike after a while if you know what I mean. Besides, more important than the exposed anatomy is the person it’s attached to.  

Thanks for the movie tips. I’ll have to make time to watch them. Need some of that balance in my life. 

I do not know if I have email on the computer at home. Have to check with my kids. I know I don’t have email at the office yet. I’ll keep you posted.  

Sounds like you have quite a Toy Barbie collection. I had no idea that was a hobby of yours. I’ll have to see them sometime. 

If you go to South American next year don’t even tell me about it. I’ll be so jealous! Just kidding. I’d love to go, too.  

I haven’t viewed any BRIDGES lately, but I think I’m due. Lord knows I feel ready. From my last postcard you know I was in Hilton Head, S.C. and Savannah, GA recently, for a business (VALENT) training session. More soon, 

Love, Dorothy 

I love Dorothy’s letters. It seems the stories never end. There’s always a continuous flow. I wonder if Dorothy feels that way when she reads my letters.  

One feature of a beautifully ended story is that we can imagine the lives of the characters continuing on beyond it. --George Saunders, A SWIM IN A POND IN THE RAIN  

That Cool Cleft

Right now, what fascinates you in the world? This fascination holds within it some essential information about YOU. It’s about YOU. --Stephen Cope, SOUL FRIENDS (Mystic Resonance Chapter) 

I’m excited for December of next year (1997) because a new James Bond movie is in the works called TOMORROW NEVER DIES, starring Pierce Brosnan. I wonder how many more Bond years he has left. After about 10 years they seem to always change the actor. I always liked actor, Timothy Dalton. Maybe it was that cool cleft on his chin that captured my appeal.  

My niece, Lauren Armijo, wrote me from her home in Castro Valley on some cute summer stationery with matching envelopes: 

9/12/96 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

How is everything going?  

I’m not sure what classes you mean. Ballet or School? At Dance I’m taking Jazz, Tap and Ballet but not toe anymore. At school, I am taking one class, but we have English, Math, Spelling, Reading and Bible Study. We have P.E. every day. Just like you said, I didn’t get any spankings yet. No one has.  

I have my Barbie collection all ready and finished. Next time you come over I have to show you.  

We are selling three computers and we have four we are going to keep. Two ladies called but haven’t bought them yet.  

I wanted to know your favorite animals. I’m going to do a project for you on your favorite animal.  

I went to the library today with my class. I got a movie: CINDERELLA with real people; a CD that my mom is listening to right now called MY FAIR LADY. I also got a book called WHAT’S A GIRL TO DO?  

Yes, I remember the fire drill at the Washington D.C. hotel. It was scary and I thought it was real. 

Anyway, good night. The time is 10:22PM.  

I’m having a great time at RCE.  

XOXO, 

Love, 

Lauren Armijo 

And Dorothy Rua, has inspired me to visit Savannah, Georgia someday with her postcard: 

Dear Michael, 

Just a quick note to let you know I’m thinking of you. I’m on another business trip. This time Hilton Head, South Carolina and a little R&R in Savannah. 

Details later when I send a longer card...soon. 

Love, Dorothy 

There’s a song that has everyone moving right now called MACARENA by LOS DEL RIO. It’s the Bayside Boys Remix. I really like it. That song sums up the feeling right now.  

I need to find a new book to read. I wonder what mom is reading. I’m excited. Mom arrives soon and will remain here in L.A. for a week.  

At times he would become so absorbed in reading that all the kerosene in the lamp would burn out, and still, he could not tear himself away. --Leo Tolstoy in his short-story, WHERE LOVE IS, THERE GOD IS ALSO 

Cries and Whispers

Gratitude is so seldom found, and those who are most grateful cannot express it, are silent in their confusion or ashamed, or sometimes seem ungracious just to conceal their feelings. --Stefan Zweig, in his short story, TWENTY-FOUR HOURS IN THE LIFE OF A WOMAN 

I’m grateful for all of the activity and communication I experienced this week. 

Sept. 4, 1996 

Uncle Mike, 

This reminded me of Washington D.C. The fireworks—not the Statue of Liberty! By the way, I heard about how you guys get $600 and Lauren Armijo gets $300. How unfair! I mean, she had everything in that suitcase, and it wasn’t even her suitcase! At least $500 each—but hey, it’s not my business. Tomorrow’s Grandma’s Birthday. She’ll be 61 years! I hope had fun at the San Diego Zoo. I’m going to go now. Did you have to rip off a sticker? 

Sept. 6, 1996 

Dear Mom, 

You are not getting older, only better.  

When we had dinner at the BAY WOLF on Piedmont Avenue last month, I could see how young you really are!  

Remember this card? I bought it at that store on Piedmont Avenue when we were there together last month. 

Enjoy this token Birthday Gift. 

Talk to you soon and see ya on Sept. 16, 1996. 

Love, 

Michael 

Sept. 7, 1996 

Alan and I attended another APLA fundraiser event on the night of September 7, 1996. It wasn’t at the Playboy Mansion this year. It was under a giant hangar at the Santa Monica Airport. It wasn’t as intimate, and we ended up leaving early. We recognized Hugh Heffner and wife Kimberly—but frankly, I don’t see what a beautiful woman like that sees in an old man like Hugh. Everyone says, “It’s the money.” Money doesn’t buy happiness. Also seen were actress Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate and has-been Lorenzo Lamas...so that list of celebrity presence tells you right there that it would be ‘so-so’ and it was because it was too big a venue and you couldn’t schmooze with people as easily as we did when it was held at the Playboy Mansion last year.  

At least Alan and I dressed appropriately because the theme was LIONS, TIGERS and HARES. Ha-ha. 

Sept. 9, 1996 

Hi Michael, 

First off, I’m printing because I’m only able to use three fingers on y right hand. I’ve had a broken ring finger/knuckle for three months and will have to keep it wrapped up for about five more months! 

This will be a short one. I’ll try to write again soon with more of what’s been going on in our lives.  We are all okay. 

Currently, my address is 105 Brook Terrace, Fremont, CA 94538. We had a cash deal on our home in Niles, first contract in 18 months but the lady backed out after we were all moved out. Donna and her family were rooted it seems and it took the house selling for us to get out from under this stressful nine and a half months we’d let ourselves get into. 

The man (boy) Donna married really is a user of her family. First us for 9 ½ months, then Joey for 5-weeks. They finally moved into a place in Livermore. Her new address is 3034 Gardella Plaza, Livermore, CA 94550, 510-454-9308. She’ll be thrilled to hear from you. I know. 

Donna is seven months pregnant for her fourth. Hopefully, a boy this time. She has her hands full with Veronica and Sarah. The two she’s had since married to Mr. Payne. 

We’re in a 10 x 24 screened porch of my mom’s single wide mobile home. With this heat we’ve been having it’s like a sauna during the day and in the wee hours of the morning it gets cold. More on this later... 

Remember me in your prayers to St. Jude—helper of people in desperate situations like me right now! 

Thanks for never forgetting me. 

Love Ya, 

Aunt Lela 

Sept. 10, 1996 Dearest Michael,

Love the BLADERUNNER postcard. Thanks so much for the perfect Espresso Granita note. 

I loved LONESTAR. I really want to see EMMA and RENDEVOUS PARIS. We saw SYNTHETIC PLEASURES at the UC Theater ten days ago. Wow! That is our new reality?  

AH, S.F... still not sure about that. I jay go but not this month. The future will reveal all. 

The Playboy APLA gig sounds like so much fun. I’d love to see your in costume. 

The Block Party was very pleasant. I met several Berkely High School Alumni. I got to wonder—does my block have the highest percentage of BHS graduates than any other block in Berkeley? And I met the other Barbara on our black. It is amazing I saw folks I’d never seen before. This was our first Block Party. I really hope it becomes an annual event.  

No trips planned. I was fortunate to have last week as vacation but the farthest I got was Oakland. The weather was delicious, and I relaxed, walked, cleaned and watched old videos from the Berkeley Library. A Cuban flick, PORTRAIT OF TERESA, CRIES AND WHISPERS, and old Wim Wenders film about a trip with Alice (ALICE IN THE CITIES, 1974). You would have liked it. 

I heard from my traveling friend, David, last week. He is now in Bethlehem, PA. I am thinking about whether I want to visit him there. Too soon to tell.  

Yes, school days again. I love this time of year and I’m also thinking about taking a class. Cooking or Self-Hypnosis or Home Decoration or Practical Poetry. The list is quite long.  

Getting a bit dizzy thinking about your travels. You GEMINI. Sorry, I’m not good at interpretation. 

More Later,  

Love,  

Barbara  

Perhaps, the mind goes wrong, goes bad like a banana in a gym bag. Perhaps like elevators, the mind has a maximum weight capacity. --Samantha Lucero, LET THE DEVIL WEAR BLACK 

The Swing

Sleep is constantly modifying the information architecture of the brain at night. Even daytime naps as short as 20-minutes can offer a memory consolidation advantage, so long as they contain enough NREM (deep) sleep. --Matthew Walker, PhD, WHY WE SLEEP 

The day came for Bradley. Who’s Bradley? Well, Alan’s partner, Art, has a son named Bradley. It was his Bar Mitzvah celebration.

It was ideally located at the Charthouse Restaurant in Marina Del Rey, so it was a hop skip and a jump for us. We live right around the corner.

I had fun snapping photos here and there. I had a few favorite pics (the one with Alan and the girls; and the one of Lauren with her pals: Bradley’s sister, Stephanie, and Jamie. A good time was had by all...there was actual dancing.

Gloria and Jack seemed like they were ready to do ‘The Swing’. I love their energy. That reminds me of a 1993 movie I loved called SWING KIDS. I especially love the soundtrack to that film. Great music!  It entices me to dance when I hear it. Sometimes I wonder if I was reincarnated from that period of time when they danced 'The Swing'. I truly feel a connection with it.

And another letter from Ashley. In fact, my other niece, Lauren was hanging out with her, and she wrote me, too. I had a daily double. I made their list! Hurrah! 

ASHLEY:  

Sept 1st, 1996 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

Thanks a bunch for the stamps! Now I can actually write a postcard and don’t worry—I'll use them wisely.  

Lauren and Leigh are spending the night. Uncle Tony and Aunty Helen got a new ‘ruby red’ Toyota Camry. It’s their fourth car!  

I liked THE BRADY BUNCH, but it was gross how Greg and Marcia liked each other! Grody! I mean, even if they aren’t blood related. I mean, that’s like ‘ew’! I didn't really get the ending (?). I mean, I dream of Jeannie’s genie was Mike Brady’s wife...but I still liked it very much.  

I can’t believe you! Why may you think...I mean, how can anyone NOT know what SAILOR MOON is? I mean, it’s the Greatest Show in the whole world and the MOON, of course. Ha-ha 

And what do you mean I’ll be a BIG BAD 7th grader? I mean, I have some 6th grade friends—even a cousin. And I even have one 5th Grade friend. I’m not that mean! I mane, to pick some 6th graders. I’m sure you didn’t, right?  

Uncle Mike, you’ve been listening to the BEACH BOYS way too long! I mean, four days straight? You must be catching a lot of sun!  

I found out my schedule. Here it is: 

1-Math with Ms. Phillipson 

2-Computers with Mr. Silk 

3-Science with Ms. Beck 

4-P.E. with Ms. Green 

5-Core with Ms. Fine 

6-Core with Ms. Fine 

7-Core with Ms. Fine 

You probably wouldn’t know them because they are pretty young and haven’t been teaching as long as Ms. Kaake! 

I miss you and love you lots. I hope to see you soon. Lauren and I were reading your yearbook. This one girl wrote, “I’m sorry what people have been saying about your girlfriends. You can’t help it if you attract girls.”  

The only boy who wrote in your yearbook wrote: “How do you get so many girls?”  

LAUREN:  

Dear Uncle Mike, 

How are you? I’m spending the night at Ashley’s. She has a really neat room.  

We got a new car, and it is a ruby red Toyota Camry. We just got it yesterday. I’m going to get my own room soon and I'm getting a phone that’s gray with a clock and a radio. I also get a CD-ROM in my room! 

I’m collecting BARBIEs like you are. I only have one. The one that says ten-thousand things. 

Ashley told me you don’t know what SAILOR MOON is. I told her to give you a tape of it. Ha-ha 

What do oyu mean that Ashlye’s going to be a BIG BAD 7th, Grader? Why aren’t I a BIG BAD 6th Grader? I mean, she’s not bad. She’s nice, pretty and SMART! (She told me to write that.) Ha-ha 

I’m going to Redwood Christian School. I didn’t want to, but I guess it’s ok. Now, I was going to go to CANYON SCHOOL, but my mom and dad wanted me to go to a Private School...and I am—but the bad thing is at the school they spank you if you are bad. 

I love glow-in-the-dark stuff in my room.  

Did you know that Ashley is moving to a new house? It’s a blue house. Now they’re really going to be even closer to Grandma’s house.  

I got new shoes. Thye are black and white. They have high heels, too. Ashley got black and white shoes, too, but not high heels.  

When I went over to Ashley’s house, I saw all of her keychains. There are so many.  

Maybe I should write more to you. It’s fun. Please write me. See you soon, I hope.  

I sure hope I have a party. I’ve been writing down my dreams. My last dream was with this fish with a pointy nose that poked me on my hand like seven times.  

I hope I get to see you soon. 

Do you like scary movies? I don’t. I just can’t wait till my Birthday. I’ll see you. May I have some stamps?  

Love,  

Lauren 

P.S. I cut my hair Ashley’s length. Leigh, too.  

And, to receive these letters from Ashley and Lauren brought back fresh memories of our Washington DC escape trip. It makes me miss them more. Coincidentally, I opened my mouth and got a nice refund for Lauren’s lost luggage and from mom, too. I wrote mom: 

Mom, 

Here’s your share of the NORTHWEST AIRLINES refund check. Miss you! Get well soon (your tooth!). See you on the 16th. 

Love Always, 

Michael 

Alan and I took to escape to Laguna Beach with Jack and Gloria. We had high tea at the RITZ CARLTON there. I love that. Those miniature cucumber sandwiches and the scones with the clotted cream are so worth it. I'd love to take Ashley and Lauren for high tea (maybe someday). It was another fun escape with photos to go with it. We also trekked further for a visit to the San Diego Zoo.  What else can I say? It was a busy week. I would have liked to see Jack and Gloria do a few more dance moves to 'The Swing' though. Ha-ha.

I’m sleeping very well.  

The 2000 film GLADIATOR, shows us in two hours how simple LIFE can be if we answer three questions: What is my purpose? What do I believe in? How can I transcend the self? --A.C. PING in his book, “BE” 

Letter Preferred

“Don’t wag your tongue without reason.” --written in 1885 by Leo Tolstoy in his short story, WHAT MEN LIVE BY 

A wonderful escape day this weekend to Newport Beach that included ‘me’, Alan, Alan’s mom (Gloria) and Alan’s daughters (Lauren and Carrie) and Alan’s cousin, Jonas Kaplan (a neuroscience/brain UCLA graduate student). The ocean air was fresh, and I brought my Polaroid camera to shoot a portraiture shot of all six of us. I took an extra shot of Lauren, shopping because she was in such a good mood. The group photo was fun, too. I got a stranger to take the shot.  

We had a great Sunday escape. We had a yummy brunch. I didn't want to think about work tomorrow.

A few days later, I received another letter from my niece, Ashley Marie. I liked her assertive nature:  

Dear Uncle Mike, 

Hey! What's been happening? I mean there must be something since you’ve been too busy to write a letter or a simple postcard (letter preferred!). It’s okay. Tomorrow, I find out who’s class I’m in! Right now, I’m watching FULL HOUSE. 

Also, tomorrow I’m going to my friends’ house (Sara). And this Saturday or Friday, me, Lauren, Leigh and Holly are going to see a movie, probably A VERY BRADY SEQUEL. I really want to see that. FIRST KID and JACK look good, too. 

We’ve been at Grandma’s house a lot. Since mom and dad are cleaning the house. Dad paints and mom cleans.  

A realtor looked at our house today. The house they all like it two houses to her right. It’s the exact same but a bigger backyard. It’s so small!  School starts on the 9th of September. Looks like summer is over. Bye! Luv, Ashley

His friends were those of his own blood or those whom he had known the longest; his affections, like ivy, were the growth of time. --Robert Louis Stevenson, THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE 

More In the Know

Remember, the things we respond to at twenty are not necessarily the same things we will respond to at forty and vice versa. This is true in books and also in life. --Gabrielle Zevin, THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY, a novel 

The only piece of correspondence I received this week was from my 12-year-old niece, Ashley, written on binder paper. I’ll take what I can get—but in all honesty her letters are a joy. I enjoy being in-touch with the younger set (or all ages for that matter). It helps me to be MORE IN THE KNOW. In any case, Ashley’s letter reminded me of a Paloma letter this time because Ashley shared a bunch of movies that she’d seen or wants to see. I had no clue about some of the films. That’s what I like about Paloma’s letters, also. She informs me of films that I’d never have known about otherwise. Ashley wrote:  

Aug 14, 1996 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

‘Sup’? Nothin’ much here but the other day I saw MATILDA. It was really good. I read the book too but they’re both terrific. I’ve also seen INDEPENDENCE DAY and THE NUTTY PROFESSOR again! I saw HARRIET THE SPY which was more sad than happy or funny. I still liked it.  

We went to the Drive-In moves and saw PHENOMENON followed by MULTIPLICITY, but I fell asleep after PHENOMENON, so I missed MULTIPLICITY.  

Grandma and I went to BLOCKBUSTER Video and now we are now home, but she got me THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE! LOVE that movie. I want to see the sequel. I also want to see JACK. I even like the BRADY BUNCH TV show on weekdays at 9:30AM on Channel 44.  

I can’t wait till school—I mean to see my friends.  

The new model houses were nice, but I liked the first house because I had a big room. Not huge—but not dinky. We aren’t gonna move though. I doubt it. I got to go because it’s 2:30PM and SAILOR MOON, my fave show is on. 

Always, 

Love, Ashley 

P.S. Write back a.s.a.p.

 

On the early evening of Friday, August 16th, Alan and I met up for coffee with Art (Alan’s real estate partner). I had my Polaroid camera, so I documented the meet. Alan and Art are always dealing with a new tenant moving in or moving out and they seem to always have a vacant space. Having a commercial building to lease is certainly stressful in my book but somehow the two of them always seem to find a way. At times they want to throw out the deck and just sell the building. I know that would relieve a lot of stress and time. And time is money, so who knows when/if that will ever happen. Obviously, there are tax consequences when you sell something you’ve owned for a while.  

On Saturday, August 17th, I was invited to a Charles Schwab & Co. party at Julia Zem’s house in Playa Vista. Julia is one of my coworkers. Other coworkers in attendance included John Maceda with wife/daughter, Scott Gray and wife, Carmen Reynoso, our branch manager/boss Randy Kirk, Jeffrey Huppert and another gal who lives in Redondo Beach (whose name escapes me at this time of writing) with her husband & child. It was casual and fun to just be together in a non-business setting. It didn’t last too long—but I managed to get a group photo of all of us.  

That night after the Charles Schwab & Co. Gathering, Alan and I went to see that movie about the rise and fall of a real Mafia Don called GOTTI played by actor Armand Assante. It was pretty good-- John Gotti, the head of a small New York mafia crew breaks a few of the old family rules. He rises to become the head of the Gambino family and the most well-known mafia boss in America. Life is good, but suspicion creeps in, and greed, rule-breaking and his high public profile all threaten to topple him. 

Next weekend, Alan and I plan to go to Newport Beach with Gloria and the girls (and maybe we’ll invite Alan’s cousin, Jonas, too, now that he lives in Venice). The following weekend, Alan’s partner, Art, has invited us to his son, Bradley’s Bar Mitzvah here in Marina Del Rey, so we’ll surely attend. Not much else happening but I like how my niece started her letter with ‘Sup’? It’s like What’s Up for short...so she got me thinking more about What is up. Ha-ha. 

I want to paint the landscape first, so that someday I’ll remember where I was happy. --Stefan Zweig, from his short story, COMPULSION  

 

I Glanced Over My Shoulder

“If you don’t get what you want, you suffer. If you get what you don’t want, you suffer; even when you get exactly what you want, you still suffer because you can’t hold on to it forever. Your mind is your predicament. It wants to be free of change, free of pain, free of the obligations of life and death. But change is a law, and no amount of pretending will alter that reality.” --Dan Millman, WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR 

I received a sweet Thank You card on my dad’s would-be 61st Birthday (August 8, 1996) from Cousin Patrick (aka James Patrick Markus IV) and his new wife, Fae. I had attended their wedding with mom, so I thought it nice that they took the time to send a note. They wrote: 

Michael, 

With sincere appreciation for your kindness. Thank You so much for coming and being part of our special day. Thanks for the gift as well.  

Your Cousins, 

Pat and Fae 

My mind is in a bit of a surprise at the folks that leave us. The first CEO of Burger King and the creator of THE WHOPPER died on August 9th. He was seventy years old. I wonder if he (James Whitman McLamore) ate too many whoppers.  

It’s still summer. Let’s make the most of it. On Saturday, August 10, 1996, we had some fun with visitors: Lauren Freiman, Susan Freiman, Gary Laff, Don and Ilene Kaplan, and Jonas Kaplan. Jonas is now living in Venice, CA, so his parents (Don and Ilene) came by from their home in Rancho Santa Fe. I managed a group photo, using my handy Polaroid camera.  

There’s another SPICE GIRLS song that is not too thrilling called WANNABE. Whatever. They’re the latest trend.

MICROSOFT launched the new Internet Explorer 3.0 on August 13th. That’s kind of cool. Technology continues to surprise us here, there and everywhere.  

ESCAPE FROM L.A. starring Kurt Russell is out but who wants to see a re-hash of what was good enough (ESCAPE FROM NY from 1981). We passed.  

I glanced over my shoulder and asked, “Why don’t we go see a romantic comedy that takes place in 19th Century England?” 

Alan accepted and we went to see EMMA, starring Gwyneth Paltrow instead of ESCAPE. I like Gwyneth. She seems like a very ‘simpatico’ type. 

At three o’clock I had a pricking sensation at the back of the neck that meant I was being looked at from behind. It is a feeling that has been very intense to primitive man. Without turning around, I glanced over my shoulder to the left. Two hundred yards away, the hawk was perched on the low horizontal branch of an oak. He was facing north and glancing back at me over his left shoulder. For more than a minute we both stayed still, each puzzled and intrigued by the other, sharing the curious bond that comes with identity of position. When I moved towards him, he flew at once, going quickly down through the north orchard. He was hunting, and the hunter trusts no one.—J.A.Baker, THE PEREGRINE 

Drag Queens are Creative Artists

It was like the first golden peach of summer, one that you could not wait to bite into, to taste the sugary, perfumed flesh while the sticky juices ran down your chin. --Eric Van Lustbader, WHITE NINJA, a novel 

On August 1, 1996, George R.R. Martin published the epic fantasy novel, A GAME OF THRONES. It was called A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE. And he’s likely to do a sequel. I wonder if a movie will every come out of it? 

Ah, it was so much fun! On August 3rd we went to the APLA-AIDS Project Los Angeles Universal Studios Backlot Party. And everyone is obsessed with the new MACARENA song by Los Del Rio. It does have a fun and dance enticement to it. Great for exercise!  

Alan and I went to the APLA food booth and party fun event with Lauren Freiman and her friend, Stephanie Kleinman. Alan’s ex, Susan was there with her beau, Gary Laff. Gloria (Alan’s mom) and Jack (Alan’s stepdad) also joined in the fun.  

There were drag queens. Those drag queens always have a cheerful, lovable schtick that make us want to breast feed again. Well, maybe not willing to go that far but they love to accentuate their breast size. It’s all in fun. It definitely was. The Drag Queens are creative artists. They are entertainers that have to be good comedians and actors. 

The food booths included yummy goods from many restaurants all around Los Angeles.  

I had my Polaroid camera and had fun snapping a few to memorialize the moments.  

American tennis star, Andre Agassi won the men’s singles Tennis GOLD medal at the Atlanta Summer Olympics 6-2, 6-3, 6-1. Sadly, he beat Spaniard, Sergi Bruguera. I would have been happy with either one winning. And so, it was another reason to celebrate on this Saturday Summer night of August 3, 1996. 

“An artist often referred to people on the street as cattle grazing in a field. They often had, he maintained, no more conception of what was important or beautiful than did a cow. He was an aficionado of matsuri, meaning one must view it on many levels.” --Eric Van Lustbader, WHITE NINJA, a novel  

My Friend Was a Nudist

It was one of those moments in one’s life that did not last more than a tenth of a second, but which seemed to last a lifetime—image imprinted upon the retina, burned upon the brain for all time.  They were infinitesimal moments in one’s life—yet charged with such power that they irrevocably changed one’s life. --Eric Van Lustbader, WHITE NINJA, a novel 

A few cool postcards from Dorothy Rua this week while she was in Memphis, Tennessee on business: 

7-26-96 

Dear Michael, 

Just finished-up all the business I had to take care of. Now it’s time for some rest, then fun! 

Nice people in this town of Memphis. Good food. Looking forward to the sights and the music! As always, thinking of you...Love, Dorothy 

Calla Lilies or Water Lilies, photographed by Christina Hope, 1993 

I’m hoping this will be the year I come down for a visit with you in Marina Del Rey. If it works out. It probably won’t happen until late in the year. Wouldn’t New Year’s Eve be a kick? We’ll see how both of our calendars work out. Certainly, something for this person to think about in the burbs! 

Had a new experience about a month or so ago. Friend from VALENT asked if I wanted to join him at one of his favorite beaches.  

He’d asked several times before and I finally said, “Okay, if I meet you there.” 

He told me, “It’s a both clothed and a nude beach, depending on where you placed yourself.” 

Of course, I checked out the entire scene when I got there. Then we set ourselves between both areas. I was so cool about the whole thing. I couldn’t stand myself. Then I eventually picked up on the fact that my friend was a nudist, and he was waiting to get permission from me to go ‘a la natural’! 

I asked, “Am I reading your message correctly?” 

“Yes, are you okay with it?” 

Well, on the outside I thought, “Sure, I’d be fine.” 

On the inside I’m wondering, “How in the hell am I going to handle this at work the next day?” 

He doesn’t work in the same department, but it was a new experience for this person (meaning ‘me’) who’d been in POD-ville way too long. Turns out I was really okay with his nudity. I mean, I was actually comfortable, and I even found myself giggling to myself because I was finally in a situation totally removed from the Walnut Creek suburb environment, enjoying myself. I did keep my clothes on and continue to each time I’ve been out there since. Plus, I remain completely okay with the friendship at work. 

This stuff is probably minor to you, but I’m telling you the volleyball game was quite entertaining. Ha! 

I’ll write more often. You know you’re in my thoughts and my heart always. 

Love,  

Dorothy 

Her nudist beach story reminded me of my friend, Bob Guild. We went to a beach in San Clemente. It was called the SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH (Nude Area), and I believe it's still there. I accompanied him and I was like Dorothy. I didn’t have a problem with it, but I kept my skimpy SPEEDO bathing suit on. The beach wasn’t overly crowded. It’s not my thing. Playing volleyball in the nude would be a hilarious sight though. That’s one activity I have never yet seen. I doubt that I ever will...except maybe on a postcard. Ha-ha 

And in hindsight, I guess I can also say 'my friend was a nudist'. It leads me to wonder. Does everyone--in their lifetime--at least meet one friend who was (or is) a nudist?

Carrie sent me a nice cup of tea (SNAPPLE) postcard from the State of Virginia where she was away at a summer camp: 

Postmarked July 26, 1996 

Dear Michael, 

How are you? I got your letter today. Thank you. Yes, you can go to TOYS R US.  Camp here is getting a little better and I’m starting to like it a lot. I miss you lots. 

Love Ya, Carrie 

Carrie also found a July 1958 PLAYBOY postcard depicting a Playboy Rabbit head wallpaper designed my Art Director, ART PAUL. Not sure how she found such a card at her camping grounds. Ha-ha 

Dear Mike:  

Thanks for the letter.

Camp is great.

Thanks for a memory of JULY. I’m reading THE LITTLE PRINCESS by Frances Hodgson Burnett. There are great people and counselors here. We do lots of stuff.  

I miss you. Luv ya, From Carrie 

P.S. My counselors brought our cabin pizza at 12 midnight! 

Next week, Alan and I got tickets to the APLA-Fundraiser event at the Universal Studios Backlot Summer Party. I think Alan’s daughter, Lauren, and her school pal, Stephanie will join us. I know Gloria and Jack will also be coming (and Susan Freiman and her boyfriend, Gary Laff). That should be a hoot. 

The first experience had left too strong an impression ever to fade. --Stefan Zweig, from his short-story, A STORY TOLD IN TWILIGHT 

Alone Time

THE CHESS GAME - “If you don't take it seriously or if you make stupid moves, or you’re too tentative, you’re a bad business risk. But if you’re mature, prepared to give up some ground, have a game plan, and are determined to stick to it, then you're someone to be reckoned with.” --Paul Huljich, BETRAYAL Of Love and Freedom, a novel 

 This week I received a photographic postcard of Sonny Stitt, chilling on his saxophone at a club in New York City in 1953. This card was sent to me from Dorothy Rua while she was waiting around at the Oakland International Airport. It’s funny because I was in Memphis for a short spell late last month (not by choice and only at the Memphis Airport) when we stopped on our way to Washington DC. I don’t see myself visiting Memphis anytime soon. It’s not exactly tops on my list. Dorothy wrote: 

Dear Michael, 

Just a note to let you know you’re on my mind, especially when I think of travel. I’m on my way to Memphis, TN on business.

Will visit a few VALENT customers and decided I’d stay the weekend for some fun.

I love the BLUES and Memphis is supposed to be a great place for those tunes.

May even take a trip down The Muddy Mississippi. Looking forward to the break. 

Love,  

Dorothy 

I also wrote mom a cool BEAUTY IS ART photographic card of a violin this week. I wrote: 

Dear Mom, 

You may not recognize this card, but I bought it for YOU in May 1996 when we were in Yosemite for Carol Lucero’s wedding. Actually, I bought it in Oakhurst, CA. You surely remember that town. That’s where we saw the movie, TWISTER, and everyone in the audience looked like they were from the same town as the town setting in the movie. Ha-ha. 

Yesterday, I had my right eye laser vision correction at UCLA Medical Center. I’m relaxing here at home now. Gloria (Alan’s mom) took me to UCLA this morning.  

Gloria said, “I promised Virginia I would take care of you when she wasn’t here.” 

She was so sweet to pick me up and take me. I treated her to breakfast at NATE N’ AL’s. 

I need you to come to L.A. again for a visit. The trip to Washington D.C. was really great but we didn’t have a lot of ‘alone time’. If you come to L.A. we can go out to dinner. Who knows? Maybe I’ll come over to Alameda soon. I do have the last week of August off from work. I might drive just to show off my new car: BMW 328is.  

My eye was tearing and irritated earlier. It now feels okay. That’s a relief. It looks like a nice, hot day outside but I’m playing it safe, so my eye won’t feel irritated again. 

You should reconsider going to Spain and Switzerland with Tony because it’s a great opportunity for you. I really think you’d enjoy it. I’d like to take you to Spain one day myself. Although, I think we’ll go to Santa Fe, NM again before we go to Spain. In fact, we should think about a 4- or 5-day escape to Santa Fe soon! 

Oh well, I’m going to close here for now to write to a few other people. I just wanted to send you this card and let you know I was thinking of you. 

It was great seeing the USA Magnificent 7 girls win the Gymnastics Gold medal last night! 

Later, Love, 

Michael Armijo 

Feeling one’s own pulse, as meditation teachers call this practice, that is recognizing and measuring one’s own momentary situation, state of health, the distribution of one’s energies, one’s hopes and cares—in a word, seeing oneself and one’s daily work objectively and carrying nothing unresolved on into the night and the next day. --Hermann Hesse, The Glass Bead Game (Chapter: Magister Ludi) a novel