Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 18
July 10, 2022
A Million Chill Pills
“You do the BEST with what you’ve got. You try not to lose any more time on the ones who hurt you, try to make something good out of it—they don’t deserve my future the way they took my past.” --Taylor Stevens, THE INNOCENT Ah yes! The typed letter from Lauren M Armijo arrived. Sweet, I loved her inventive line about ‘a million chill pills’. I’m sure many people can use ‘a chill pill’ now and then (or at least a cup of herbal tea). Ha-ha.
Photo: John William Chancellor
July 12, 1996
Dear Uncle Mike,
I am writing to Thank You for taking me to Washington D.C.
I really enjoyed seeing the White House because there were so many rooms. My favorite is the blue room because everything was blue—one of my favorite colors. When we were standing in front of the White House it looked so small. It was quite big when we got closer.
I liked the Washington Monument because at night, the red lights from the Monuments made it look more spectacular. I wonder how they built it. It must have taken a pretty long ladder. To tell you the truth, I was relieved that we did not go up the elevator in the Monument because I am afraid of elevators.
The fireworks were sensational because they were so bright and colorful. The fireworks there were so much prettier than the ones I usually see here. Those fireworks were the closes that I have ever seen.
Among the museums we went, my favorite was the Children’s Museum. It was exciting being on TV with cartoons. I loved my smashed penny. It was fun dressing up I traditional Chinese clothes. I enjoyed running through the maze and playing with the computers. I wished we spend more time on the computers. The pictures were artistic. I hope to draw like the better artists some day.
I like the U.S. Capitol, especially the great view once we climbed the steps. I wished we went inside. I like the way the U.S. Capitol looks but I always get it confused with the White House.
There were some bad things, like the first day, when David T. Armstrong ruined our day by yelling at you. He was impolite, stubborn, and very mean. He could take a million chill pills. I was also a little disappointed not to see the White House from our hotel room. I wish our luggage was not lost.
Overall, it was a bad trip in the beginning but good in the end. I really had a good time.
Thank you very much for asking me to come to Washington D.C. with you.
Love,
Lauren Armijo
On Saturday, the 13th I loved Alan’s plan to go to LOUIS XIV. It’s the French Restaurant we love and where we had our first date. I took a polaroid photo of him at home after the summer dinner outing. He was happy and he looked good in the color orange.
Microsoft started MSNBC this week and sadly, anchor newsman, John Chancellor died at age 68 on July 12th. I remember dad watching him on the news often. One has to admire a man who masters and devotes his life to one thing.
The reader is more likely to admire James Bond as one who not only inhabits such a world by choi8ce, but survives the worst it can do to him and comes out on top. --Kingsley Amis, THE JAMES BOND DOSSIER
July 3, 2022
A Kind of a Family Saga
Everyone’s life is a saga, except maybe some rich girl with her every whim granted, but I guarantee there’s a hole in her heart somewhere, too. --Samantha Lucero, LET THE DEVIL WEAR BLACK Our last couple of days in Washington DC were simply fantastic, especially, the National Mall celebration for the 4th of July. Everyone was out and about. Our flight back home was smooth and easy. Hurrah!
Mom received the postcard that I sent her from the US NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM that we visited on July 3rd:
July 3, 1996
Hi Mom,
This Postal Museum is pretty “cool”. I am enjoying this trip. You’re such a sweetheart for being able to endure so much in just a week. Ha-ha.
Love,
Michael Armijo
Once I was back in L.A. mom sent me a note with my Auto Insurance documents because I still have her address registered under my auto insurance:
Here are you Insurance Papers.
Mike, I sure had a good time in Washington DC. I’m sorry if I was a pain sometimes but you know how I hate HOT weather. You know I enjoy going on trips with you. I love you.
Mom
And then the postcard from Ashley that depicted a collage of GAP sneakers. I've learned that Lauren is typing out a letter too. I am sure she'll renew some good memories.
Dear Uncle Mike,
This might take a while to get to you since we have no stamps. Anyway, II see you got your JAMES DEAN stamps. I had a great time in DC. My family liked their presents. I really liked the boat, Potomac Spirit. What’s going on with American Airlines. Your postcard was sort-of-gross. I have to pick-up Grandma’s mail and water her grass. Well, thank you for inviting me and Lauren.
Love,
Ashley Armijo
I am reading a book by Pat Conroy called BEACH MUSIC. I really love it. It’s a kind of a family saga. It’s my escape while I’m back at work at Charles Schwab & Co. (until the next vacation or weekend escape). There’s a Universal Studios APLA Backlot Party coming in early August. I have that to look forward to.
Only a portion was revealed to the world, the rest was buried deep within, hidden from view. --Tan Twan Eng, THE GARDEN OF EVENING MISTS
June 26, 2022
THE MISUNDERSTANDING
“Tranquility is all-important to the health of one’s spirit, do you not agree?” --Eric Van Lustbader, THE NINJA, 1980 The travel bug has it me again as I’m anxious and excited about the trip to Washington DC. My client, Rosanna Scott, send me a postcard and all she wrote was “in Beijing”. Ha-ha...but the seascape image on the card and the stamps were cool to see.
I was happy to have my new BMW car. I took a few photos of me with it. Alan was happy---but not because I was leaving on the trip. Wish he could've come with us to DC. Perhaps he will at another time for another adventure.
I flew to Alameda as it was more ideal to fly from Oakland International Airport with my mom and the girls (Ashley and Lauren). I was able to see Tony, Helen and the girls, too.
Due to a mishap, we ended up flying out of San Francisco. It was actually a nightmare. We were supposed to fly out at 6:47AM from Oakland, stop at Dallas-Fort Worth, and then continue on to Washington DC; however, things got hairy. It was stressful, unnerving. The best way to explain the situation is to transcribe the letter of detail that I wrote to Alan while on the flight.
6/29/96, Saturday
Dear Alan,
You won’t believe what’s happened so far on this trip. It’s been a real nightmare. I intend to write a letter to the CEO of American Airlines and all of the employees involved.
Here’s the scoop! We just left San Francisco Airport on Flight #43 on Northwest Airlines. We stop in Memphis, Tennessee and will remain on the plane to continue on to Washington DC-National. You’re probably wondering how this happened since we were supposed to fly out of Oakland at the crack of dawn.
Well, early AM (5:20AM) or so, my brother, John, came over to pick up me, mom, Ashley and Lauren for our 6:45AM Oakland to Dallas to Washington DC direct flight. He dropped us off and everything was fine until I got in line at the GATE to check-in. I was the third person in line and my turn was coming but Toni, an American Airlines Reservation agent made an announcement that those who have tickets and seat assignments need NOT wait in line. I had tickets and I called the night before and knew our seat assignments. So, I got out of the line and went directly to enter the plane. The tall blond, Lead Flight attendant stopped us because our seat numbers were not actually on our tickets. She said I had to go back to the gate while mom and the girls waited right at the plane entrance. I went back and the line was so, so, so long! I chose to go right to the agent in front and explained that I needed seat umbers asap on my tickets. It was early. I was agitated and I did the wrong thing. I sort of exploded and yelled (the way you sometimes do to do get results); however, I slammed my hand on the counter and yelled loudly for her (G. Huddlestone) to help me. Okay, yes, I caused an incident here. Suddenly some American Airline Staff Security Service guy named Dave Armstrong ran over and asked me directly (or rather intently) in a very sinister sort of way for me to step to the side. Out of the blue, Lauren and Ashley were by my side. Ashley was in tears, stressing over the mean David Armstrong who was being so adamant with me. I did step to the side and asked him ‘calmly’, “May I explain?”
He told me, “No!”
He actually did not want to hear my explanation. He disappeared and I maintained my calm attitude at that point and decided to just get to the end of the long line and wait my turn. Mom ended up coming out and she was confused. Ashley was stressed as was Lauren. As the line moved along, I noticed two police officers show up and the Dave Armstrong fellow confronted me again, telling me that I’ve disrupted the other passengers and that I will not be allowed on the plane. Needless to say, I was appalled but I knew I couldn’t overreact again, so I tried to talk to the lead flight attendant (a tall blond) who refused to give me her name because she was the one who told me to go out and simply have the front desk denote our seat assignments. She was trying to CHA-Cover Her Ass. I wasn’t getting anywhere but I was told Oakland had an 8AM flight to Dallas and that we could board that flight.
And so, I went up to the front desk and Ross, an Asian fellow made a definitive promise that we’d be the first four standby passengers allowed on the 8AM Flight. After we left Ross, the four of us walked towards the Café within the Airport for a little breakfast snack. I saw David Armstong storming up to the thicket counter. After seeing that I had a gut-feeling that he was doing something to mess-up our stand-by status on the 8AM flight. Then, it became more stressful to me. I went to the bathroom and took off my baseball cap and t-shire and put on a sweatshirt, splashing water on my face as a sort of a clearance in my mind to start over. Sure enough, back at the infamous Gate 4 while I was in-line I witnessed Dave Armstrong, whispering to Ross (who was not working as the Gate Ticket Agent). Dave also whispered to a couple of other American Airline personnel, including a black woman named Toni. Needless to say, they made up a charade, stating that they couldn’t get me on this 8AM flight. Even though Ross told me earlier that there were nine available seats and it shouldn’t be a problem. I could also tell that a couple of standby passengers in waiting did get on the flight! Finally, Toni, the black gal, assisted Ross in getting me a new flight out of San Francisco. Toni was apologetic and seemed sincere and I would later learn that her intentions were good because she gave me boarding passes, seat assignments and fixed it all ups nicely. However, David Armstrong, was still lurking in the midst, whispering to them (in front of me). I think he told them to not provide voucher transportation from Oakland to SFO. And so, we ended up taking a van shuttle for $65 to SFO from Oakland, hoping all would be better in SFO. I really thought that David Armstrong was out to get me. In hindsight, the changing of my shirt in the bathroom was probably looked upon as a ‘no-no’. It was all so ridiculous but I was beginning to feel that it was meant for all of us to fly out of SFO.
We actually made it to SFO by 9:30AM and our new flight to Dallas would be departing at 12:10PM. I tried to get on a 10:47AM flight but there was no room. I believe there was but I think that the American Airlines flight attendant saw that I already had boarding passes, so she didn’t want to deal with changing the entire transaction.
I said, “Fine!”
I chose to be patient until 12:10PM. At least we wouldn’t have to wait in line again because we had our boarding passes and seat assignments. Okay, it was time to board the aircraft. I was feeling so happy because Toni (in Oakland) gave me two Business Class seats and two Coach. I switched my Business Class seats in order to give them to Ashley and Lauren because I wanted them to enjoy and be really comfortable. As we started to finally get situated, Lauren and Ashley came back to mom and I from Row 8 to inform us that their seats were overlapped with someone else and the flight attendant told Ashley (a 12-year-old girl) that she had to get off the plane! Can you imagine that? Ashley was in tears and I knew this was going too far. I thought it was a joke but two other people appeared for my seat and my mom’s seat. The four of us had to get out of the plane. It was like they were out to get us. I was sure Dave Armstrong in Oakland had been the culprit.
As we went through the hallway to the GATE entrance, I could see two police officers (or security agents), a black lady and an Asian guy. They police officers were extremely nice. Then, I met with Meryl Berggren, an American Airlines Customer Service Team Leader.
She said, “Due to your outburst in Oakland and my strange change of clothes episode that I would not be allowed to take this flight!”
On a brighter note, she did say, “I can make new arrangements for you to get to Washington DC via another airline.”
Again, the Ashley and Lauren were distraught. Can you imagine? I could see and understand if I were traveling alone but I was with mom and my two nieces. This David Armstrong guy in Oakland surely called SFO and put a red alert against me. He just didn’t like me. Did he think I was a terrorist who just escape from Saudi Arabia? Please!
Photo: Ashley and Lauren eventually in Meditation Mode
Once again, I maintained my composure by being calm. I decided to see what flight arrangements Meryl would set up. She was very nice and mentioned the security tightening due to FAA’s close eye on the airlines. She got us on a 1:10PM flight via Northwest Airlines to Memphis, TN, then on to Washington DC via the same plane.
Unfortunately, it was 12:30pm and I felt a bit stressed because we had to walk all the way over to the Northwest Terminal. We made it there by 12:40pm---but guess what? I dropped (lost) my ticket. I lost my ticket somehow while walking from American Airlines to Northwest Airlines. To make a long story short I chose to just buy a new ticket, so that I could travel with my family. I had to pay $650 for a new ticket. Jeez, as I write all of this it feels like I might have a small claims lawsuit against American Airlines for the stress, anxiety and childhood mental harassment!
Anyway, I write you now in-flight and we are almost in Memphis, TN now and the stress has been tapered down dramatically. I feel relieved but I can’t wait to go home and work on my letter about my dissatisfied experience. I hope, ultimately, David Armstrong, will get fired for he is the one who made it worse for me. Maybe you can come up with some ideas as to what I will write.
Look for my postcard that will arrive soon.
Love, Michael
P.S. Look at these bagel stores attached
P.S.#2: Wouldn’t it have been nice if American Airlines just changed our arrangements to a new airline after the first missed flight instead of having us go through a total waste of our time? Alas, I am sure more pleasant vacation events are ahead.
Murphy's Law: We arrived at National Airport, Washington DC at 11PM (8PM California time). WE located four of our 6 bags at the American Airline baggage claim. Two bags are still un-recovered (Lauren’s only bad and mom’s bag).
We took a taxi to the JW Marriot. That was easy! We were confirmed; however, due to overcapacity they gave us 1-free night across the street at the WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, so we go back to JW MARRIOTT tomorrow (Sunday). JW MARRIOTT will also give us a second complimentary night this week due to the inconvenience.
Alas, I miss Marina Del Rey!
I ended up filing a claim for the lost luggage and contents (Lauren $125, Mom $125, Me $75). I was reimbursed #325 but it didn’t come to me for another 12-weeks.
I had Ashley write her own rendition of the events in the Travel Journal that her mom and dad gifted me and I loved the way she described it:
When we were at the Oakland Airport Uncle Mike was in line to get Boarding Passes. Then, the lady, Toni L Jackson, said that if you have kids going on the plane, you’ll get boarding passes. So, he left the front of the line and the lady inside (a tall blond) said to get seat arrangements. He left and asked the lady for seat arrangements. Then, by the way, he sort-of cut in line but only because the tall blond told him to). The lady wouldn’t let him cut in front since the line was too long. He still wouldn’t go in the back and the lady ignored him. He got mad and yelled at her. Then some stupid, bald, crazy retarded idiot who worked there put his big nosey nose into THE MISUNDERSTANDING. The conniving, bit brat said, “Don’t yell at her. Step away!”
“Just let me explain.”
“Step away, sir or I’ll call security.”
“But...”
“Security 412,” he said as if he had just stopped a bank robber. He made a huge deal about it. We ended up not going on that plane because he (the bald, mean, stupid, retard, idiot jerk aka David T Armstrong said that the people wouldn’t feel safe! As if...I mean...he was with two kids and his mom. So, we had to take a taxi van to S.F. Airport. All because of that bald, freak and we won’t get to D.C. in time to swim! Some day! Lauren and I gave him mean looks.
P.S. Uncle Mike changed his appearance by taking off his hat and putting on his sweatshirt.
P.P.S. This story is not really complete described fully but I’m getting tired of writing...
A funny thing happened on our first night though. I was still a tad anguished while trying to recover our last luggage, so I was downstairs on the phone in the posh hotel lobby. Suddenly, I looked out of the window and I thought I was seeing things. I thought I saw mom, Ashley and Lauren outside in their pajamas. Apparently, I did! There was a fire drill of which I didn't hear because I was in the lobby library. What a hysterical moment to top off our non-stop travel day. The girls were having a blast. In fact, the adventure went on without a hitch after that. I know we will never forget this experience.
Many say that miracles only happened long ago, but I feel and I tell you now that they still happen today. However, they are quiet miracles, and are only to be found in the souls of those who are ready for them. --Stefan Zweig, THE MIRACLES OF LIFE, a short story
June 19, 2022
The Most Shocking Part of All
“I’m tired lately, I’ve been waking-up feeling like Count Dracula.” --Eric Van Lustbader, THE NINJA, 1980 My first cousin, Carol Lucero, wrote me a sweet card using recycled paper that used soy-based ink. The card depicted an original pen and ink drawing of an Apache Storage Basket.
6-21-96
Dear Michael,
Hi there! Received your 2 postcards. Sometimes it’s easier for me to handwrite a letter than to remember email. As you know Ryan uses the computer 95% of the time. and me 5% of the time. So, you have a MAC? Don’t hold it against us. We have a PC. You can reach us @ ‘ryan25@hooked.net’. I either need my own address or add my name to his address—but Ryan uses it for work many times, so I dunno...
Glad to hear you had a great time visiting Yosemite. Did you walk around toward any of the falls? It’s been great. We’ve been gathering photos of May 18th from all sources. We’ve quite a collection so far and we can’t wait to see the professional pix. Our next agenda will be to visit you on an appropriate weekend (Sat/Sun). What’s your summertime schedule? Aren’t you going to Washington DC in July?
You have a great idea regarding a Family Tree program for the computer. I’ll even look around for one.
What else...oh yeah! Maybe you’ve noticed but I have finally decided NOT to change my name. I kept changing my mind and trying all variations but alas as I started officially changing my name on documents, I started losing sleep and couldn’t eat. I just couldn’t go through with changing my name. Ryan laughs and doesn’t see it as a problem. He prefers I keep LUCERO and I realized I do, too. So, there is it. it’s strange cuz I send people letters and THANK YOU cards and they still insist on writing me back CAROL FERRIS but not you. I think the last card you addressed Carol Lucero Ferris. Thank You, but from now on it’ll be Carol Lucero. I’m probably driving everybody nuts cuz I couldn't make up my mind. It was much easier deciding I wanted to marry Rayn vs. Changing my name (Ha!). Hopefully, this won't mess up my future family tree (Ha-ha!).
Well, now that I’ve confused you, I’ll let you go.
Later,
Love,
Carol J Lucero
Meanwhile, my sis-in-law, Sherri, surprised me this week with a one-page letter from a hotel in San Francisco (the MONTICELLO INN, Union Square). The most shocking part of all was that my brother, John, wrote a few words to me as well.
June 23, 1996
Dear Michael,
We just arrived to our very small, quaint room. It’s good that John and I haven’t been away for a while or we might both need our space!
We’re very close to shopping and we’ll probably do that tomorrow! It’s nice for us to get away and ‘just do nothing’.
Brother Mike,
Now I know what it would be like to have a studio apartment. Yet, very nice and historical. Enjoying your gift, brother. Thank You. Here’s Sherri...
Well, see you next weekend when you come up. We have B-Day presents for you! Ash is excited. We left our HEART in S.F.
Love,
Sherri
Yes! On March 6, 1996 I purchased four American Airlines tickets directly from AAA for myself, my mother (age 60), and my nieces (Ashley, age 12) and Lauren (age 11). I charged the ticked on my CITIBANK GOLD VISA. Cost was $460 for me; $12 for mom; $360 for Ashley; $360 for Lauren. Total: $1192. I’m as excited as the rest of us. I have a great itinerary planned with some spontaneity thrown in—so, we’ll see what happens.
“Everyone’s frightened of what they don’t understand.” --Eric Van Lustbader, THE NINJA, 1980
June 12, 2022
With Bare Feet and a Smile
“Men need other things besides a sexual recipient. They have to be soothed, lulled, understood, helped, encouraged and listened to.” --Anais Nin, HENRY and JUNE, from A Journal of Love Last month (May 18, 1996, to be exact) an HBO special was released called NORMA JHEAN AND MARILYN. It starred Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd. I really liked it. It was coincidental because I randomly came across a freebie postcard, promoting the movie. I decided to send it to Paloma because she appreciates movies/good stories better than most people I know.
6-15-96
Paloma,
I went to the UCLA Medical Center and had a Laser Vision Correction procedure done on my left eye. In July, I do the right eye. It has cured my nearsightedness and now I don’t need to wear my eyeglasses any longer. It’s really fantastic.
How’s Alexandre and Jonathan?
Miss You much...will drop you a line from Washington D.C.
Love,
Michael Armijo
Father’s Day arrived and Gloria actually gave me a card and gift (so thoughtful):
Dearest Michael,
A little of this or a little of that...one is to see, and one is to wear. Hope you enjoy.
Love Always,
Gloria and Jack
Gloria also wrote a joint postcard to both Alan and I:
To Both of You:
Happy Father’s Day. May you have fun working this and please don’t get frustrated. This is a “together” thing.
Love Always,
Mommy + Jack
I found a polaroid of a painting I did from October 1990. It’s my rendition of MALIBU, simple, blue, relaxing. It reminded me to go to Malibu more often. The sounds of the waves really ROCK there. In fact, I’d love to be rocked to sleep by the sound of them.
Dorothy Rua wrote a sweet card to me. Her imagination and writing sparks a short story as well as a dream. I think I’ll write her a card from Washington DC as that trip is closely approaching. It will be a great escape with mom and the girls (nieces Ashley and Lauren). Dorothy wrote:
6-18-96
Dear Michael,
I really appreciate you. Your wonderful cards and communication continue to come my way even though I haven’t responded as I should. Can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me.
What a great collection of cards you’ve been sending me. Your first mailing selection ranged from ROLO in S.F., New Media in Hollywood, White Light/Ball and Chain to Jeanswear. Where to you find the variety? The next mailing was even more impressive. What a wonderful and romantic place CHATEAU DU SUREAU must be near Yosemite National Park. I can see myself walking through the gardens in a long white summer dress with bare feet and a smile. Maybe you’d come along and meet me somewhere down the path.
Your Birthday visit to NYC was quite a success. Such a treat to experience so much in just a few days and stay at LE PARKER MERIDEN, too!
I loved the story you created with the Black and Whites—but then, you always know how to entertain me, don’t you? So, she’s pondering their episode of Lust/Love and he’s wondering what to do next... While he’s deep in thought and the sun is setting, she approaches him on the roof, carrying a basket-filled with essential: a comfortable mat, chilled wine, fresh crab and shrimp, French bread and a light salad. Most important, she’s brought wonderfully scented body oils for the massage she proceeds to give him on the mat, under the full moon and stars that begin to appear. Of course, she removes the red bandana in order to complete the massage. As the night progresses, she comes up with one erotic surprise after another. He begins to wonder if he should ask her name and if there will be similar tomorrows...
Love,
Dorothy
“What a secret language we talk, undertones, overtones, nuances, abstractions, symbols. I dream of an extraordinary extra life I am going to lead someday, which may even fill another and special diary.” --Anais Nin, HENRY AND JUNE, from A Journal of Love
June 5, 2022
A Problem Solver
The instincts of the spy and the thief are not so different: both trade in stolen goods, on similar principles. The value of information depends on the buyer’s hunger, but it is a seller’s market. Slowly at first, and with great care. The spy began to build up a stock of secrets that would be of supreme interest. --Ben Macintrye, AGENT ZIGZAG My eye feels good. I’ll be glad when the other is done because I don’t want to go around with one eye closed. Ha-ha
It’s always a special treat to hear from Grandma M (aka Mary). And she amazes me that she still feels a need to send me a $20 bill note for my Birthday. I wonder where she found the creative stationary card. Is it a code?
Dear Grandson,
Hope you are fine. I am late with your Birthday. I didn’t forget with Carol’s wedding, Baby showers and the weather, so hot! And next month to Las Vegas with Ray, your mom and Betty. So Glod Bless you.
Love,
Grandma
Cousin Carol sent a Thank You card for her cash gift and photo frame. I guess her honeymoon is over, but they say she’s still a bride for 6-months after the wedding date.
June 11, 1996
Michael,
Thank you so very much for the money and for the Beautiful Picture Frame! The money will go toward our future house (whenever that will be). It was so nice of you! Thanks for sharing in our day. Despite all of the excitement and uncertainty due to the rain, weather and flooding the day went perfect. I can’t wait to show you some pix I’ve received from Family and friends.
Love,
Carol & Ryan
And another belated—but beautiful card—from Barbara Reynolds in Berkeley:
11 June 1996
Have a ball on your Birthday! Dear Mike. A belated Birthday. Guess your trip to NYC was your celebration.
Did you see KING AND I? you have probably seen MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. It’s not yet playing in Berkeley but I will be sure to see it. Alice and I saw COLD COMFORT FARM last Saturday, so refreshing and sweet.
I must agree with your friend...lots of poverty and low income that is very familiar to me and yep...guess MOSCOW has 12 million (St. Petersburg 5 million) people, such large cities. I usually avoid yet I like LONDON and PARIS and S.F. to visit briefly...but prefer Berkeley with 180,000 folk which is up form 120,000. I grew up with here. The METRO in MOSCOW is the biggest and has some beautiful stations only is MOSTOW two days timing not good since the day before I left even Red Square and the Kremlin were closed, so we walked around and enjoyed the sun and warmer aria as opposed to St. Petersburg which was very gray and snowy. I had just begun to get warm air the last two days there and saw some budding trees and crocus blooms. Mocow had lots of greener and such a difference in temperature and faces. People looked a lot happier in Moscow and I have no idea if it was the weather that made things different. I miss David more than I miss Russia. Yet, I thought I would not care to revisit Russia but since this trip I realized I could travel through other areas of Russia and would be happy to explore more.
By the way, did you catch COLD FEVER? It’s a new film from Iceland.
Yosemite must have been a treat with all of the water. I had family with a farm in Oakhurst, my Uncle Roy and Aunt Fanny. When I was a teen, I would go there. They are both gone now but I know Oakhurst, a pretty area. I’ve been recovering. I came back with a cold and now I’m on antibiotics. Guess I need to slow down. Yet, I want to be out and about and get our garden growing and sorting old stuff. I got our retrofit happening now. Later.
Love,
Barbara
It seems to me that one way to understand a person’s character is to understand what he thinks of others, especially, those like oneself. --Viet Thang Nguyen, THE SYMPATHIZER, a novel
May 29, 2022
GOOBERS FOR A GOOBER
“What did that nice young Indian in THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL say?” ‘Everything will be all right in the end...if it’s not all right then it’s not yet the end.’ --Nicolas Barreau, ONE EVENING IN PARIS, a novel I spoke to mom on the telephone today. She received that last postcard I mailed to her from the Le Parker Meridien New York on May 24th:
Dear Mom,
We stayed at the NY Hilton *(where you and I stayed) last night but the room wasn’t as nice and there was a bit of a misunderstanding (explain later), so we checked out and moved to this hotel, Le Parker Meridien. Lucikly, Alan Shmaruk’s wife to be (Dawn Manning) works at this hotel and made an exclusive arrangement for us to stay here. It’s like we have a whole apartment now. Anyway, having fun. We saw MISSION IMPOSSIBLE last night. Excellent. Love you...and See Ya in Washington DC. Love, Michael
It was good to be back home in Marina Del Rey. The sun is shining and like always, the beach area is crowded with tourists around the end of May. I received some cool Birthday cards. They were all waiting for me. I liked the Black and White hole-in-one golfer photo card that Reed Campbell postmarked from Minneapolis. The imprint of the card depicted these words: ‘Happy Birthday to someone who’s just a little off course. Reed added “Not Really! Have a Happy One, Best Always, Reed.”
Dear Michael,
Writing from a short cruise on the new HOLLAND AMERICA M.S. VEENDAM. We left Fort Lauderdale Sunday the 19th and got home on the 22nd. It’s a beautiful ship. It’s just like the one we sailed on through the Panama Canal a couple of years ago. We plan 10 days in San Franscico from 6-19 to 29th, but will be staying with friends and running around, so won’t have a chance to contact you. Our trip to NORWAY is off. I won the cruise, but air fare is out of the question for the present. Well, have a very Happy Birthday... “27” isn’t it?
As Always,
REED.
My Aunt Lela’s Birthday card had a lovely shadow and sun image along with a beautiful quote by Sir Thomas Browne “LIFE is a pure flame, and we live by an invisible sun within us.” Shine On, Michael! Happy Birthday, Love you Dearly, Auntie Lela.
Aunt Lela's youngest daughter, Donna, had another baby. She sent a pic of my first cousin, Donna Armijo-Payne, holding baby Lauren on June 1st.
Her handwritten note inside included these words:
“You’ve made so many people happy you deserve Only the Best. Always!
My 1st Cousin Carol and her hubby sent a card for my Birthday. I was surprised given that they just got married on May 18th and were on their honeymoon, but nonetheless it made me feel special. It reminded me of the one time I went to Kauai (with Elisa Berney) back in the summer of 1979.
Michael,
This is a Happy Birthday card from Kauai! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Been hanging out on the beach, writing notes, postcards to people. I haven’t felt this relaxed in years. Thanks for making it to the wedding. It was a chaotic weekend with all the last-minute changes. I never would have imagined that I would not know the exact location of my wedding and reception until the morning of my wedding! Yikes! I’m sorry I didn’t spend more time talking to you. There were so many people to chat with. I hope you had a good time! It was neat that the Valley was empty for us, a great chance to look around.
Did you and your mom have a chance to explore the Valley a little?
I know you’ve been to Hawaii, but have you been to Kauai? It’s so peaceful and quiet, not too many tourists.
I can’t wait to see the pix and videos of Yosemite and Kauai. Ryan and I still have to collect and open all of our gifts that we left in Fish Camp and in Oakland. What a thing to come home to. Hope your Birthday was special.
Love,
Carol & Ryan
Gloria (Alan’s mom) and Jack (Alan’s step-dad) gave me a cool musical card. I love that when you open the card and it plays music. Gloria wrote:
You are very special to us. We regard your friendship as very precious. Have a Great Birthday and know we wish you the best.
Love Always,
Gloria & Jack
Dorothy Rua’s card was simple but beautiful with a seashell and shoreline depiction:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL.
Hope your weekend in NYC is/was wonderful! Wishing you a great year. Hope your birthday’s as special as you are!
Love,
Dorothy
P.S. Owe you a long letter on several cards...soon. Always Thinking of You.
Dear Mike,
Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you7, Happy Birthday to Mike, Happy Birthday to you! Well, I hope you had a wonderful vacation and a great B-Day. I’ve known you for a long time now and I love spending time with you. You are a great and talented person and I’m lucky to know you. Thank you for everything. Happy Birthday! Don’t worry about your age. You only look 25.
Love,
Carrie
On the Leonardo DiCaprio postcard she wrote these words:
Dear Mike,
Happy Birthday. I hope you have a great Birthday. You are great! I can’t believe it’s been 5 ½ years already. You still look like SUPERMAN (don’t worry).
Isn’t Leonardo DiCaprio fine? You are so kind, happy and you have a big spot in my life. I hope you did not know about this party and will name this one of the happiest days in your life.
Luv you always,
Carrie
PS: We have to go shopping again for some toys and we should go on a walk soon.
PPS: Your relatives are so cute! I love you very much.
PPPS: Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Mike, Happy Birthday to you.
PPPPS: Thanks for the Stretch Armstrong guy. I still play with it!
PPPPPS: Have you seen this movie (BASKETBALL DIARIES)? Does he look cute in it? Bye! Write back when you have time.
And Alan’s eldest daughter, Lauren, wrote a cute card using a Calvin Klein postcard:
Dear Mikey,
Aren’t you surprised? Well, Happy Birthday. And I hope y9u enjoy your party. We have to keep on going to BLOCKBUSTER MUSIC. You’re like my 2nd father. I want you to know that. I love you lots.
Love,
Lauren
And, of course, Ashley wrote me after the Birthday cards were over.
Dear Uncle Mike,
Hello! I heard about your “no glasses” thing. You must be really desperate! I mean, to get a laser in your eye?! Hope it didn't hurt. Well, grandma bought candy for you. Some GOOBERS for a goober.
I’m pretty sure I’m getting a 4.0, so wuz...?
I hope you feel better. Sorry but it’s 3:37 and I don’t feel like writing.
Eye. Love. You A BUNCH.
Your niece,
Ashley Armijo
P.S. It’s Dad's B-day this Sunday (the 9th).
Dearest Michael,
Just something to brighten your day and help you mend faster. Now it will be great to have one seeing eye and before you know it, you'll have two!
Love You Much,
Gloria & Jack
“When you get older, there comes a time when you realize that what’s called happiness consists only of individual lovely moments, those special times that you remember later on. This is one of those moments.” --Nicolas Barreau, ONE EVENING IN PARIS, a novel
May 22, 2022
A Delicate Balance on an extra-long weekend
“He was uninterested in the material world and didn’t want to be a burden on anybody. Three things mattered to him: family, food and home.” --Philippe Ands, EAST WEST STREET No sooner am I back to L.A. after the wedding in Yosemite and it’s almost time to celebrate my Birthday in NEW YORK CITY! Hoorah! Alan and I flew out of LAX arriving in NY on May 22nd. My birthday is on a Sunday this year and Monday is the Memorial Day holiday, so it enabled an extra-long weekend celebration.
I was able to see some of Alan’s relatives living there. On the night of the 23rd we went to THE CHINA GRILL at the CBS Building which is conveniently located near the PARKER MERIDIEN Hotel where we were staying in a suite. We had been staying at the New York Hilton but we moved due to issues that didn’t make Alan happy and we secretly flipped-off the employee named Shirley Fernandez who could care less that we left. Joining us for dinner at the CHINA GRILL were Alan’s first cousin, Bobbi Shmaruk, and her kids, Leslie Shmaruk and Alan Shmaruk with his recent fiance, Dawn Manning. We toasted to Alan and Dawn’s engagement. Dawn works at the PARKER MERIDIEN, so she assisted in our nabbing a posh suite. And besides John Wayne and I...Bobbi Shmaruk is also born on May 26, so we toasted our birthdays as well.
The day of the 25th Alan and I walked the city and took pictures here and there. I got a photo of me in front of the infamous SAMSUNG electronics ad in the background.
I captured Alan getting out of a taxicab. Alan snapped me amidst Times Square and the new VIRGIN RECORDS Megastore.
I set my Polaroid timer to take photo of the both of us across the street from a Kenneth Cole story located on Columbus Avenue. I bought a watch and tie there and got a free t-shirt for the purchase, so Alan took a pic of me in glee over that buy. I planned on wearing the new Kenneth Cole t-shirt for my Birthday Day.
I shot Alan in Times Square in front of his favorite new DOW JONES Ticker Building. I photographed Alan, reading the Metro Section of the NY Times at LE PARKER MERIDIEN Hotel, in our Room number 3511.
We really made good use of our days. We ate at a beautiful restaurant together called AUREOLE at 34 East 61st. Street. We had a random Italian lunch in SOHO one day at a place called MEZZOGIORNO at 195 Spring Street. On the night of the 24th we saw A FUNNY THINBG HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM at the St. James Theater. Alan really likes BROADWAY and now I really do, too.
That night we went to see A DELICATE BALANCE, a Broadway Play revival. It was about a suburban couple named Agnes and Tobias who live with Agnes’s alcoholic sister, Claire. Thjen they must cope with the unexpected arrivals of their friends Harry and Edna along with their daughter, Julia. I love dramatic plays. I loved the humor, too. The cast included George Grizzard and Rosemary Harris as Tobias and Agnes. The alcoholic sister was played perfectly by Elaine Stritch (who seemed like an alcoholic in real-life). The daughter, Julia, was played by Mary Beth Hurt who I’ve seen in TV shows and movies like The World According to Garp, The Age of Innocence, Six Degrees of Separation. During intermission from the show, I spotted a guy dressed like Phantom (from Phantom of the Opera), trying to make a few extra bucks. That was some fun sidebar entertainment we didn’t expect.
On my Birthday, Alan and I enjoyed a smothered with mustard pretzel near Times Square. It’s the thing to do in NY: Buy a fresh, warm pretzel. Alan wore his JOLSON sweatshirt on my Birthday. I photographed him wearing it while at a bagel shop. I liked that photo of him. We also spent time in Central Park, just sitting on the lawn. I had Alan take a few shots of me at random telephone booths.
Alan surprised me with Matinee Tickets to see the Broadway Musical RENT on at the NEDERLANDER THEATER. That was fun!
We went to visit Alan’s first cousin, Ilene Kaplan and her husband Donald at their Fifth Avenue Apartment. It was small but lush. Their window had a remarkable Central Park view and their building was a Co-op building. Actor Charles Grodin lived in the building as well. I loved him the early 1970s film, THE HEARTBREAK KID. Ilene is the sister of Bobbi Shmaruk, who we saw for dinner the other night. Upon our return to our Hotel Alan pleasantly surprised me with a cool, artsy Birthday card depicting an excerpt of art done by MICHELANGELO BUONAROTTI of The Creation of Adam (two hands touching). Alan wrote:
May 26, 1996Dear Michael,Happy Birthday! I know that this beautiful weekend in NY made you very happy--but I also know that if we spent it in LA in bed you'd be happy. I am. You are. So, let's keep it that way. We have to get past all of the interference from everyday life. I Love You.Alan
My actual Birthday dinner was celebrated at a restaurant called FLOWERS at East 18th Street and Fifth Avenue. Besides Alan and I, the celebrating guests included Donald and Ilene Kaplan, their eldest son, Jaren and his girlfriend, Kamina, and their middle son, Jonas (they have a daughter, too, but she wasn’t there).
On May 27th I had Alan photograph me at another phone booth because Drew Barrymore was pictured there in an advertisement that I liked. We took the subway to Flushing, NY and met Sam Hirsch and live-in partner, Miriam, for lunch. I took a group pic of all of us in front of BEN” s DELI in Flushing. We returned to Los Angeles on the 27th. Before packing everything, I took a photo of all of the memorabilia purchases from the NYC trip. I’m not obsessed with material things but I cannot help buying a little something when I go far away from home.
Upon our arrival home to Marina Del Rey, Jack and Gloria were waiting for us along with the girls (Lauren and Carrie). That was a splendid welcome back.
A memory drifts by, I reach for it, as if I am snatching a leaf spiraling down from a high branch. I have to. Who knows if it will ever come back to me again? --Tan Twan Eng, THE GARDEN OF EVENING MISTS
May 15, 2022
TWISTER
He realized that human connection was what most fascinated him. -Stephen Cope, SOUL FRIENDS This is a special week. Mom and I will be attending the wedding of my first cousin, Carol Lucero. Carol is my mom’s niece (mom’s brother, Howard, is her father).
Meanwhile, before departing Los Angeles Alan and I received a cool postcard from MONACO. I loved the MONACO postage stamps. The postcard was from Alan’s cousin, Elliott and his wife Annemarie Rosenzweig:
‘Dear Alan and Michael,
Hell o’va Birthday Party! VERY exciting...packed with people, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Bentleys, etc.
Thinking of you with love,
Annemarie & Elliott
I flew to Alameda and I drove mom’s car to Yosemite National Park. Carol’s wedding was to take place at precisely 11:30AM on May 18th at the Yosemite Valley Chapel. The chapel was built in 1879 and still holds religious services and is the site of any weddings in Yosemite. I’m not sure how Carol and Ryan found it but it’s beautifully nestled in nature.
Mom and I were staying at the only Relais and Chateau in the area known as CHATEAU DU SUREAU. Upon checking-in we were escorted by a bellman who was all dressed up and they provided us with a glass of wine. The hotel room was like an English cottage. There was a garden nearby. The Chateau even had a library for the guests to share for reading or even playing a piano. Yes, there was a piano in the library. I had mom sit in front of the piano and play a few keys. I did the same. I wish I knew how to play the piano. I also wish I learned how to be a ballet dancer—but we can’t always have it all. Ha-ha.
When mom and I entered the Yosemite National Park to attend the wedding the rapid rivers alongside of us were so beautiful. I remember pulling over to take a quick photo of my mom with the river background.
The CHATEAU provided us with photo cards and I wrote my mom a letter. Mom did the same for me. We wrote the cards upon our return to the CHATEAU, after the ceremony/reception. It was a beautiful wedding. Carol looked beautiful, and so very happy.
May 18, 1996 Dear Mom,
What can I say? We sure had fun driving here even if we saw a few dead things on the road along the way. You’ll have to admit—staying at this Chateau is an experience. I’m so glad we did it together. As I’ve said many times in the past—you are more than a mom—you're a very, special friend.
At least The Wedding is over. I’m with you—weddings can be a ‘drag’--but the drive getting to that Yosemite Chapel was an adventure. I know those winding roads bothered you but we got through them okay.
I loved how the staff at the CHATEAU ironed your dress, brought us an umbrella during that light rainfall. They just plain “pampered us”. That’s how we should be treated. As long as we’re having fun. We caught up on our reading, too.
Soon we’ll be going out to see the movie, TWISTER. The tornado movie! Yikes! That will make an earthquake seem tame.
The dinner at the ELDERBERRY HOUSE last night was filling and yet...it was fun getting each new course—no knowing what to expect. You sure know how to make me laugh sometimes. You’re a sweetheart.
Thanks for the NORMAN ROCKWELL figurines that you bought me. And, the copper think chain bracelet that I liked. I’ll treasure them as I do all things you find for me.
Maybe you can go to ROSS STORES and find a 5 x 7 frame to frame this card as a memento. I’d say it is suitable for framing, so you’ll remember our walks through the CHATEAU gardens.
Next time we’ll rent bikes. Ha-Ha
See you in Washington DC next month (June/July 1996). Hoorah!
Love Always,
Your Son, Michael
Dear Son,
I had a good time here but you know we always have a good time wherever we go together.
You know how to pick nice places to stay.
I hope we’ll have a nice time in Washington DC, too. But I don’t know how the girls (Ashley and Lauren) will act. I hope they’re good!
Well, I ran out of words.
Love,
Mom
P.S. I hope you like your Norman Rockwell figurines. I hope to enjoy the TWISTER movie, too.
The wedding really was quite special. There wasn’t a lot of family that attended but given that it’s not so easy a destination I guess that’s understandable. The Lucero Family group photo was nice: Pictured Left to Right: Uncle John Raymond Lucero and 2nd wife, Liz, my mom Virginia M Armijo, my grandmother May Genevieve Leyba-Lucero, ‘me’, Howard’s 2nd wife, Tina Botelho, the groom Ryan Ferris, the bride Carol Lucero, Carol’s dad Howard, Uncle Arthur and his 3rd wife, Pam.
Mom and I did go to see the movie TWISTER. It was wild and so real. There was this bit of dialogue that definitely made me think of my dad. My mom probably picked it up, too. Here’s the dialogue from the movie:
: Jo. Things go wrong. You can't explain it, you can't predict it. Killing yourself won't bring your dad back. I'm sorry that he died, but that was a long time ago. You gotta move on. Stop living in the past, and look what you got right in front of you. : What are you talking about?
: Me, Jo.
My return to Los Angeles was easy but I told Alan that we have to go to that CHATEAU near Yosemite one day. It was quite unique and ever-so-beautiful.
The 20th arrived and Alan had a sweet note waiting for me (our anniversary monthly date as we met on November 20th, 1989):
I love michael
Happy 6.5-year Anniversary. From 1010 Palm Ave to Sea Colony to Via Dolce to Alta Mura to Via Dolce to NY to Paris to Miami to St. Kitts to Las Vegas to Tossa de Mar to Lake Tahoe to Milan to Newport Beach to Geneva to San Diego to London to Hong Kong to China. I’m still HOH (Head Over Heels) over you.
Your lover, Alan
LOVE, ALAN
(I’m blushing---well, just a little bit).
“We make our own path in life.” --as heard in the 2013 Hong Kong film, THE GRANDMASTER
May 8, 2022
Get Answers
Reality is stronger and more robust than any dreams. --Stefan Zweig, THE STAR ABOVE THE FOREST, a short story I received a sweet couple of ‘Thank you so much’ cards from my niece, Ashley, this week. Ashley turned twelve years old on May 8th so she is much more inquisitive. She loves to discover, investigate and get answers. I love that.
Dear Uncle Mike,
Do you recognize this card? It may or may not have been yours because it was in Uncle Tony’s can but I found your wallet and postcard in there, so...
I never knew you went to CA State University, Sacramento.
I read your postcard: The Women’s Room? You have or I hope HAD a dirty mind! What did you mean when you wrote: “Tell John to be good to the next-door neighbor. He’ll understand.” You spelt neighbor wrong. I still remember that letter that you sent to me and corrected my spelling! Please tell me!
By the way, I hope you read the letter first and not explored everything else! Also, there is an invitation to your (I think) Graduation (I think). And there are 3 graduation cards in your wallet. There are also pictures in your wallet. Even a prom picture. Didn’t any boys give you pictures? You sure knew a lot of KATHY’s. Who is the little brown-haired girl on the toy pony?
What is the picture for? The one that you drew? It is so good! I like it! What does pd. stand for? Period? I do my periods like this: 2.
You got an A! Congrats!!! I Love You Uncle Mike!
Love your niece,
Ashley Armijo
And funny how my former co-worker wrote recently that he’d been in Moscow, Russia (and hated it). Today, I received a postcard from Barbara Reynolds who was also in Russia. I think her experience was better because Reed was a tourist with a tour guide, offering limited reign. Barbara had David who was living there and could speak Russian and she must’ve explored like locals do---yet I honestly don’t think it would be very appealing.
Left Novgorod (a medieval Russian state from the 12th to 15th centuries, stretching from the Gulf of Finland in the west to the norther Ural Mountains in the east) last night, now in our last hotel in Moscow (took the night train). Guess if Saint Petersburg is like San Francisco, Moscow is like L.A. (?). Lots of METRO stations here, having a good time walking, seeing fascinating similarities and differences.
Novgorod reminded me of home. It is where the first KREMLIN was (Behind the Wall) before Moscow.
Went to lots of music: TOSCA Barber of Seville—such a treat. Good theaters and great people watching today. Will try and contact woman related to Alice’s neighbor who is working here. I’m on cultural overload and have written very little. Just want to absorb all this time with David (who speaks Russian).
What a great world this is. Later.
Love,
Barbara
There’s a movie coming out next week called TWISTER about a tornado. It reminds me of when I was 13-years old, traveling with my Uncle Richard and Aunt Pat and cousin, Mandy to Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas, and Arkansas. While in Arkansas there was a tornado warning and we had to go underground to a shelter. Creepy! Why would someone live there? I’m curious about the movie now. Maybe mom and I will see it while in the Yosemite area next week.
There is such popularity over this X-FILES TV show and I have never seen it. Actually, I watched a portion of one episode and I think it has something to do with mysterious aliens. It's been on the air for a while now (since 1993) and I guess it's ending soon. Funny...ever since I moved to Los Angeles in November 1989, I rarely watch TV. I only go to movies. There could be a TV star seated next to me in a café or restaurant and I wouldn’t have a clue. I’d have to talk and get answers.
‘He had been granted insights that do not reflect images seen only in the mind’s eye, but can recognize in every living thing, however humble or indifferent, the ray of light to illuminate a work of art. For that reason, he always liked places where life was at its most colorful, offering a confusing abundance of different delights.’ --Stefan Zweig, THE MIRACLES OF LIFE, a short story
