Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 19
May 1, 2022
MEMORY LANE
‘You can slow down aging by eating foods that contain lots of antioxidants.’--Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM, HOW NOT TO DIE My niece, Holly Armijo, sent me an artistic Birthday card that she created herself. I love it.
Dear Mike,
WTZ Camp is GREAT. How are you? Thanks for the letter. See...I went swimming today. It was fun. My counselors brought us pizza at 11:27 at night. Luv, Carrie
I am great and happy. A great thing happened when I water skied. I got up the first time. My counselors are ok and strict. Please pick me up. I miss you a lot. Love, Carrie
Another memory lane moment was a letter that Paloma sent me when she was in Las Vegas, Nevada at the end of January this year (1996). She wrote on the EXCALIBUR HOTEL CASINO stationery just before I saw her (and Alex) a few months ago (February 1996) at our house in Marina Del Rey.
Dear Michael,
Just a few words from the EXCALIBUR where we are having a great time. This place is just unbelievable. Las Vegas is just like a huge Disneyland for adults!
Today, we are moving to the MIRAGE HOTEL.
Sorry I didn’t writ you before but I’m sure you know how it is when you travel (always busy). We want to see everything.
I called you.
We will be at the HOWARD JOHNSON by the airport on Thursday evening and Friday. I will call you then.
Hope to see you.
Love, Paloma
It seems Reed Campbell cannot get enough of that HOLLAND AMERICA CruiseShip. When I see a HOLLAND AMERICA LINE postcard, I immediately know it’s from him. I am sure he has a memory lane list that goes on for days. He mailed this one on May 24, 1996:
This is the ship to sail on. Hope you get my letter/card before you get this. We had a good time but too much going on.
Best,
as always, Reed.
On May 2nd, Alan and I wore vests for an exciting Fashion Show APLA fundraiser that is to honor designer Todd Oldham. It was organized by the California Fashion Industry Friends of AIDS Project Los Angeles. I took a photo of the two of us before we departed home. It was fun to mingle and see who was there. Yes, plenty of celebrities. Now when I see a celebrity it’s not a big deal. They all go to the bathroom just like everyone else.
The night went briskly and we had a lot of fun. It was the making of another memory lane.
I whispered to Alan, "Just act like we're film producers, that always works."
Of course, Alan said, "We are producers."
And we still are. The event was held at the Bergamont Studios in Santa Monica--not far from our home. Some of the celebrities there included Cameron Diaz, Paula Abdul, Fran Drescher, Annabeth Gish, Naomi Campbell, Sela Ward, Sandra Bernhard, Ali McGraw, Brendan Fraser, etc. I have to say it was nice to see Brendan Fraser. I saw him at a movie screening a year or so ago and he was ultra-nice.
If you want to dream of someone you love, it is good to lie alone for lengthy periods—no noise, no other people, in a bright, high0ceilinged room with treetops rustling outside. --Stefan Zweig, A STORY TOLD IN TWILIGHT
April 24, 2022
I'm Still Holding-On
She was beautiful when she was desired, witty in clever company, proud when she was flattered, in love when she was loved. The more that was expected of her, the more she gave. But in solitude, where no one saw her, spoke to her, heard her or wanted anything of her, she had become ugly, dull-witted, helpless, unhappy. She could be lively only in the midst of life; in isolation she dwindled to a shadow. -Stefan Zweig, TWILIGHT, a short story I’m still holding-on to that recent European trip with Alan and the girls, so it’s time to write Paloma and give her the scoop. I’m sure she’s wondering what I’m up to. I wrote to her on four different postcards. She is also my only way to re-live Paris and the feelings of France.
Dear Paloma
Alan and I are going to an AIDS fundraiser party/fashion show next week here in Los Angeles that will honor, Todd Oldham. I’m not sure if that’s his last name exactly but it’s something like that. I know you’d love to see that because it’s a Fashion Show with drinks hors d’oeuvres, dinner, etc. It will be held on May 2nd. I’ll let you know how it is. The new Jean-Claude Van Damme movie opened today. It’s called THE QUEST. I might go see it today.
When I was in Paris I got my haircut at Jean-Claude Biguine at 122 Rue St. Dominique. A guy from Morrocco named Adil Najmi cut my hair. He was really nice. He cut it a little short but that’s ok. It’s grown out since then.
So, let’s see. What else is new?
I’m going to my cousins wedding in Yosemite on May 18th. I’ll fly to Oakland. My mom will drive to Yosemite the morning of May 17th. We are staying at a place called CHATEAU DU SUREAU. The brochure sure makes it look ni8ce. We will be there for 2-nights. My mom and I are looking at it as a weekend escape to relax and read. Since the wedding is there, we will make an appearance. We, of course, want to go for a good time just in case the wedding is a flop or disaster. Ha-ha
Alan is busy, busy, busy now that he’s the CEO of East Coast Bagels. They’re trying to go public on the Over-The-Counter NASDAQ stock exchange. However, we are going to New York 5/23--5/27 for my Birthday Celebration. Fortunately, we’ve accumulated frequent flyer miles from using our credit cards, so the flight won’t cost us anything.
Our last 2-nights in PARIS we stayed at PRINCE DE GALLES on George V. Do you know where that is? Well, it’s a beautiful hotel. I got sick though. It was a little cold while we were there, but I still loved it. I love PARIS. You made me love it the first time I experienced it with you. Alan and I went to that flea market that I had gone with you the first time. We ate at a place called AUBERGE DE VENISE at 10, Rue Delambre, Paris 14eme (MONTPARNASSE). That was good, too. One day, near the Musee Picasso (not too spectacular) we had a lunch at L’APPAREMENT, a nice little café at 18 Rue des Contreres Saint-Gervais. Ever hear of that one? I know you know the areas because no one knows Paris like you!
I went through a STOP sign and had to go to Traffic School last Sunday. It was such a beautiful day.
The sun is starting to come out now, so I may have to go lay out and relax soon.
On Monday, April 29th I have an appointment at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA for a consultation. They have a new Laster Technology that may correct my near sightedness. I won’t have to wear eyeglasses anymore. I’ll let you know if I’m accepted as a candidate to get it done.
I’m sure you must be busy there, too, since I have not heard from you.
I use the YSL JAZZ cologne often. You gave it to me. I love it. I also bought some LE MALE cologne by Jean-Paul Gaultier. I haven’t used it yet but it sure smells good.
Do you like DONNA KARAN? She came out with a new Men’s cologne and the bottle is really cool. It also smells quite good.
I had a cold this week and did not do much exercise, so I feel like a Porky Pig. You sure do stay in shape! You looked so good when I saw you. I know Alexandre must be happy having your body next to him every night! ...on that note, I guess I will close for now. Till the next note.
Love,
Michael Armijo
It’s time to rest. At least it remains light outside a bit longer now that daylight savings time has kicked-in but evening still comes fast. Time moves on more quickly than we realize. It’s not like when I was a child.
At last evening came, but it was dismal here! Nothing but coming of darkness, the disappearance of everything, the extinction of the light. Evening here was an end, whereas in Paris it had been the beginning of all pleasures. --Stefan Zweig, TWILIGHT, a short story
April 17, 2022
SCRABBLE
“Remember, when you don’t know what to do, it never hurts to play Scrabble. It’s like reading the ICHING or tea leaves.” --Kelly Link I received a sweet floral card/note from my niece, Ashley. When I was in Alameda last week, I did have a fun time playing SCRABBLE with her. I simply love word games. I think Ashley likes words, too. I think she will make a great writer or maybe a journalist. Who knows? Whatever her future may she be happy. That’s all parents and/or an uncle could ask for.
April 21, 1996
Dear Uncle Mike,
Grandma gave me your new address. I can’t wait until June the 13.
I miss you a lot.
What does your new room look like?
Grandma told me that Carrie’s house had an elevator to every room in her house.
I Love you very, very much.
I had a fun time playing SCRABBLE with you.
Love, Ashley
I love that she remembers...
“They say a good friend is one who knows how to remember as well as how to forget,” said the gentleman. --Carolos Ruiz Zafon, THE CITY OF MIST, The Prince of Parnassus
April 10, 2022
Inner Light
“I've always loved you, and when you love someone, you love the whole person, just as he or she is, and not as you would like them to be.” --Leo Tolstoy, ANNA KARENINA
I flew to see mom on the April 13th weekend. It was a nice visit to ALAMEDA. Mom and I are excited about our plans to attend Carol Lucero’s wedding next month (May 18) in Yosemite. I made reservations at a Relais & Chateau called CHATEAU DU SUREAU.
I saw my nieces, Lauren and Leigh, when Helen dropped over. She gave me a recent picture of them. They're too cute for words--with all of their extracurricular activities that they do.
My great former co-worker at Pac Bell Yellow Pages is on another cruise and sent me another letter of kindness to keep me abreast of what’s happening. I loved it. It gave me a feel for what he experienced. Sometimes, he provides me with inner light when I read his words (especially after I stop reading, breathe and imagine).
Dear Michael,
We gave all our postcards with money for stamps to our tour guide to mail. She put them in one envelope and mailed them all to our home. Made a few bucks, I guess. Oh well...live and learn.
The Summer Palace of Catherine the Great is being restored at costs of millions of dollars but it is beautiful. Looks like an expensive movie set. Lots of gold leaf and silver, etc.
The postcard is THE HERMITAGE or Winter Palace of Peter the Great. Lots of history, poverty and inflation. 5000 Rubles = $1 US dollar. Average salary is about $6.00 per day if you have a job.
Have a fun time in Washington.
Best Always,
Reed
On the postcard Reed wrote:
Hi Michael,
This is 18 miles of walking to see it all. We did about 9 miles in 3-hours. It is beautiful as is the Summer Palace. We will return to St. Petersburg one day. Well worth the time and lots of American dollars being passed around.
Best, Reed
“Just as a painter needs light in order to put the finishing touches to his picture, so I need an inner light, which I feel I never have enough of in the autumn.” --Leo Tolstoy
April 3, 2022
Man Of Steel
“One must talk, talk talk...provided one has someone to talk to, as you and I have.” --Maurice, speaking to his friend, Clive in MAURICE by E.M.Forster
London calling...oh yes, I have always loved this 1979 song called LONDON CALLING by The Clash. And here we are in London. One evening at dinner Alan and Carrie coincidentally both wore orange. I loved the look and took advantage of the photo opportunity.
Alan is intrigues by a sandwich shop called PRET A MANGER and wishes he could take the franchise to the USA as his nose smells success with this one. I agree. It’s a cool place. London has less that ten stores right now, but it seems to be the local rage. I love the tuna and cucumber on a baguette. Yes, it’s all about the food once again. I need my nourishment to maintain my superpowers of the man of steel (Superman). Ha-ha...And it makes for ongoing conversation about a new possibility. Alan is always good about talking on one subject or another. I love that.
We loved the World of Shakespeare in the Stratford-Upon-Avon vicinity. We took boat rides and enjoyed a bit of TWELFTH NIGHT theater.
We stopped for soup in a town called CHIPPING NORTON. The pea soup was out-
We loved the World of Shakespeare in the Stratford-Upon-Avon vicinity. We took boat rides and enjoyed a bit of TWELFTH NIGHT theater.
Mail awaiting at home:
Gloria sent an awesome card that was created by CAPITOL RECORDS to promote their ULTRA-LOUNGE music volumes of MONDO EXOTICA, MAMBO FEVER, SPACE CAPADES, BACHELOR PAD ROYALE, WILD, COOL and SEINGING and RHAPSODESIA, with more Ultra-Lounge volumes coming-soon!
4-1-1996
Hi Alan and Michael,
Just a note to welcome you back HOME and let you know we missed you very, very, very, very much.
Love Always,
Gloria and Jack
Dorothy sent me a NELL MELCHER watercolor card called DEPOT and a postcard of art by Edouard Manet 1832-1883. Imagine that, my paternal Grandmother, Matilde Garcia was born on August 20, 1898 in Ledoux, NM (15 years after Manet passed away).
4-3-96
Dear Michael, Wonder if you’re in LONDON or PARIS today. Whichever, I’m sure you’re having wonderful time and I wish I was there, too.
On a more personal note, I’m still married though continue to have marital issues that don’t seem to get resolved. So, what’s new in the course of most people’s lives? Ha! Have a feeling 1996 will be a pivotal year for me. We’ll see.
My kids, Nicole and Jean-Paul continue to make me smile. Really neat people that have their act together and they’re fun, too.
Still trying to find time to meet with friends whenever possible. Nothing like a little fun and laughter to lighten one’s daily load, is there? Speaking of friends, guess who I went to see? CHRIS CORDELLOS! Your friend! Finally, made an appointment to have him trim my hair and while he was trimming, he asked who recommended him. When I told him ‘MICHAEL ARMIJO’ he turned ‘beet red’ and said, “You’re kidding!” Ha-ha...he was so surprised. He said to tell you he’s not much of a writer but he did leave a message on your recorder some time ago. Really nice guy and I’m glad I had an opportunity to meet him.
Can’t believe it’s already APRIL. Does time pass as fast for you? I’m really looking forward to the details of your trip and wonder how it was with the girls. Do let me know.
Just realized our lunch date on that rainy Berkeley day was a year ago last month. God, I hope the day will come when I can fly down to Marina Del Rey and have dinner with you. I’m still looking forward to meeting Alan, too. After 6+ years I think it’s about time!
So, what about you, Michael? What’s going on in the day-to-day life of MJA other than that time spent at CHARLES SCHWAB? I imagine you’re doing a lot of running if you have thoughts of doing the Chicago Marathon. Do you also spend time working out at the gym? If so, you must be a ‘MAN OF STEEL’ by now.
On a different note, has anyone captured your heart recently?
Nicole signed me up for a 15K walk-a-thon on 4/14 and I’m trying to work up to the distance. Don’t laugh, at least walking is some exercise. I’m up to 10K and pushing. I should be okay if allergy season does not hit me on the 14th.
Looking forward to hearing from you. You’re in my thoughts always.
Love, Dorothy
London was memorable. I bought a Humpty Dumpty music box snowglobe but in the hustle and bustle of travel it broke. Alas, we learn our lessons from buying souvenirs. If it's breakable, don't buy it. Make sure it's made of steel.
“Country life has its advantages. You sit on the veranda having tea, and your ducks swim in the pond, and everything smells delicious and the gooseberries are ripening.” --George Saunders, A SWIM IN THE POND IN THE RAIN
March 27, 2022
European Adventure
He knelt, gazing with blind eyes out at the near perfect beauty of the garden. It would never be perfect, of course, as the nature of Zen indicated, one must spend one’s life searching for that perfection. --Eric Van Lustbader, THE MIKO
Just before departing for Europe mom sent me the latest school pics of my nieces (Lauren and Leigh). They’re so cute and I hear they’re both so ‘bright’.
On March 30th, while in PARIS I mailed postcards to mom and Paloma. I’m having fun taking photos here and there. The girls (Lauren and Carrie) are having fun with this European Adventure. It can be amusing (except that time I got mad at Alan for getting-on-my-case while reading the MICHELIN map). I’m doing my best to be the best navigator. It’s not easy being in a foreign land.
I love the Paris parks and how they manicure the trees and gardens. It’s all so well kept, and the design is quite pleasant and beautiful to the eyes.
Virginia,
Would you believe that TOY STORY just started playing here? We are having a good time. Alan is so good about driving around in PARIS. I would never do it.
I thought you could put this card on your refrigerator door because I know John Dylan would like it. They have a BUZZ LIGHTYEAR toy here at Disneyland PARIS but it’s too expensive. I’ll wait to get it in the USA.
Love you Lots,
Michael
March 30, 1996
Hi Paloma,
We made it here to PARIS.
Right now, I’m writing you from the Newport Bay Club Hotel at DISNEYLAND PARIS. We are here for 2-nights. Our first night in PARIS was near the Tour Eiffel at the PARIS HILTON. We had dinner the first night at LE BISTROT DE BRETEUIL, 3 Place de Breteuil (7th Arrondissement). It was excellent.
Alan is doing all of the driving. I would never drive in PARIS—but he’s doing a good job.
I got my hair cut in PARIS at Jean-Claude Biguine on St. Dominique, 122 (Tel 45-51-1716) by a young guy named Adil Najmi. He’s from MOROCCO. He’s very nice. I think he liked me, Ha-ha. I love the patisseries here. I forgot. I haven’t been here since 1990...and before that in 1986 with YOU! I should never take so long to come back.
I wish I could see YOU—but it is unlikely. Well, continue to keep in touch, ok?
Love You,
Michael
P.S. Tomorrow we are going to MARCHE AUX PUCES. I brought your letter and will try one or two of your restaurant picks.
While exploring PARIS and enjoying the delights of French cuisine here and there Alan wrote me a card from a PARIS cafe and mailed it at the nearby poste. He wrote his birth year of 1952 as it was his birthday 4-1:
4-1-1952...Michael,
I would like to sit in this café alone with you in JUNE. Temperatures would be 60-70. We could drink café with pain du chocolat and a Jambon Sandwich. I love PARIS, especially this time, enjoying it with you and the kids. London is next.
Love, Alan
We loved exploring the Eiffel Tower surroundings. I made sure Alan and the girls knew that I had gone up there back in 1986 with Paloma. The lines were much too long to try it this time. We had much more to explore (including another baguette with butter and preserves).
Food is one of the best things about being alive. Not just food. Good food. So much of life becomes routine, but food is like music, like art, replete with the promise of something new. --V.E. Schwab, THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE
March 20, 2022
Soothe One's Mind
“Words must yield more than bare dictionary meanings.”--Ryunosuke Akutagawa, author, ‘father of the Japanese short-story'. I came across a postcard of some show called MALIBU SHORES. I sent it to mom because I took mom and Ashley to Malibu for a brief visit when they came down here to L.A. I wonder if the show is any good? Mom actually told me she had been watching it.
3-24-96
Hi Mommy,
Is “this” your new show? I’ll have to watch it one day soon.
I’ll you on April 13th. I got my tickets for Yosemite in May (Carol’s wedding) on Southwest Airlines. It was only $61 this time.
We will probably see DIABOLIQUE today (Sunday).
I can’t wait to escape this Wednesday evening (bound for PARIS).
Love You,
Michael J Armijo
I can’t believe the Paris and U.K. trip is right around the corner. I know we will have fun. I can just imagine us (me, Alan, Lauren and Carrie) in-flight. We are all hyped-up for it. It’s really important ‘to plan’. If you don’t, it won’t happen. And, an escape can soothe one’s mind and make one think outside-of-the-box.
“No file on a human-being is ever complete, no matter how up to date it is. I want you to remember that.” --Eric Van Lustbader, THE MIKO
March 13, 2022
Unforgettable Rides
“Learn to hold the pattern of your LIFE in place.” --Mark Griffin, 108 Discourses on Awakening (Essential Spiritual Training Book 5). Life can toss some unexpected surprises. I'm very fortunate as Alan has created an itinerary for London and Paris for late March and for Alan's April 1st Birthday celebration. Alan's daughters, Lauren and Carrie, will be off from school. They will accompany us so this adventure ought to be an unforgettable ride. We have a huge Michelin Book of maps that will help us during a drive from London to Stratford-Upon-Avon, an area of the UK known for their Royal Shakespeare Theater.
Reed found a humorous card for me, showing two pilots who love to create turbulence as if re-living their roller-coaster ride teenage days. I managed a smile and smiled even more while reading his humorous view of the card. I also enjoyed his latest update during his latest adventure:
March 13, 1996
Dear Michael,
Saw this card and I think I have flown with these guys. Hope that your trip East was a calm flight and good weather. I was going to surprise you with a card from Europe, but you will be there at the same time. Different location though...
We leave for MOSCOW on the 26th of March and have 5-days there and 5-days in St. Petersburg. Then back to New York for a few days rest and home.
I hope you got my card from KEY WEST and was able to pick me out of the group shot. Ha-ha!
We were in Miami for a travel convention and included a cruise to Mexico to get warm. It has been a bitter cold winter here in Minneapolis and I am ready for Spring and Summer. At the convention I won a Norway Cruise on the Bergen Line. Only 6-days to see the Fjords—but in checking it out I found it would take more time and money than I can spare for now. So, I will save it for another year.
Your trip sounds exciting and hop you have a great time. Drop a card. Have a Happy Easter and a good St. Patrick’s Day.
Best as always,
Reed
Barbara Reynolds also wrote this week. These letters are nice to come home to after dealing with my Charles Schwab & Co. Customers. My Schwab customers adore me---at least most of them. There are a few I could do without. One guy is quite sinister and likes to annoy me. Why are there people like this?
Dear Mike,
What a sweet, lovely card. Thanks. I appreciate your note very much. I get a bit super sensitive this time of year. All attention toward me...my renewal? Gosh! It seems like your planned journey to London and Europe is so quick. I hope Alan will join you. For his Birthday? Sounds like a lot of fun.
My plans are getting together in just about a month. I should be together—the question is: will my bathroom be re-done by then and will the garden be in?
My friends, Howard and Howard me teach other this week. I’d like my Mike friends to meet each other. Then, my Nancy friends. Then, Charles friends, then Robert friends. Ha-ha...impossible.
Are you doing any serious writing these days? Or painting?
I got a piece of fabric to sew a couple of hats. One for Sierra and one for ‘me’ actually. I think two for five-year-old Sierra, so she can share one with a friend.
Spring is definitely here now. Wamer weather...oh Important Congratulations: A MARATHON! AND A MEDAL! That is great. I guess you’ll take your running fear with you to Europe. What a charge. Energy life!
I saw “FARGO” today. Best film, so far for 1996. Monday will go to Pt. Reyes. Alice and I will be off to visit the ocean. Yes, 23 March is ‘me’. I want to see the movie BIRDCAGE. Happy trailing.
Love, Barbara
There was a nightclub fire in the Philippines that killed 163 people on March 18th. I find events like this so horrific. I sometimes ask myself, “Why?”
And at the end of this week, I read that Winnie Mandela divorced Nelson Mandela after 38 years of marriage. I suppose time has a way of changing people’s minds. I still adore that song FREE NELSON MANDELA by The Specials. It’s an all-time favorite. I have had such excellent cycle riding sprees to the sounds of this tune. Unforgettable rides...
“Time has a way of molding people to its own ends.” --Eric Van Lustbader, THE MIKO
March 6, 2022
Sweetness
If you plotted two dots on an axis using the formula y=2x + 2 and then, connected them, you would initiate a line that anticipated all the other dots which that formula would dictate from here into eternity. --Amor Towles, A WHIMSY OF THE WORLD
I recently learned that the bank of 800 toll free numbers is at full capacity, so the phone companies have come up with a new Toll Free 3-digit code of 888. I guess that will take some time to get used to.
Alan and I saw a movie that was right up my alley. It was a dramatic horror, romantic thriller starring Julia Roberts as MARY REILLY, a housemaid, who falls in love with Dr. Henry Jekyll (John Malkovich) and his mysterious counterpart, Mr. Edward Hyde.
Carrie Freiman sent me a delightful thank you card this week (sweetness!). She wrote:
I am very glad that you are part of my life because you are very important to me. You are a great person and are always there when I need you. Thank you for celebrating my Bat Mitzvah with me. Thank you for all the gifts. I love the postcards and the sculpture of the Torah books. I love them. I love you very much.
Love Carrie.
P.S. I hope your collection of Barbie dolls gets bigger.
I heard in the news that they recently photographed the first-ever surface photos of the planet PLUTO thanks to the Hubble Space telescope.
There’s a movie called FARGO out that I am not interested in seeing; however, Alan and I did see a funny one called THE BIRDCAGE, starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. It was quite hilarious. We loved it!
I am still drawn in by that song by OASIS called WONDERWALL. It is pure ‘sweetness’.
“Who can explain it? ...Suddenly, I thought: THIS IS WHERE I BELONG. And what an extraordinary revelation that is, my dear, as you will no doubt discover in your own time. But even as I was coming to this conclusion, I had the awareness that my wanderlust had left me...” --Amor Towles, A WHIMSY OF THE WORLD
February 27, 2022
GET MOTIVATED
He was a strikingly handsome boy, a young God whose body had been burnished by the elements—he went surfing even in the dead of winter and also excelled at basketball, tennis, swimming, and soccer—sports that had given him one of those physiques that one claimed were “every queer’s mad dream”: not an ounce of fat, smooth, muscular torso descending in a V to a wasp waist, and long, strong, supple legs that would have made the best boxer green with envy.--Mario Vargas Llosa, AUNT JULIA AND THE SCRIPTWRITER I had a JUST YOUR AVERAGE JOE postcard (Joe Poe Rizzo) and decided to jot my mom a note as tomorrow is the Big Day for Alan and I. We are running in the 26-mile LA Marathon (March 3, 1996). We’ve trained a bit with short runs but not super training. In other words, we won’t be the top 500 winners. Ha-ha. At least I’ll be running with my SONY headphones. I’m sure I’ll hear MISSING by Everything But The Girl (one of my favorites that’s playing on the air waves right now). The running is good for my physique, but I know I need to focus on weight-training and more to be where I want to be...whenever that will be. All I know is that I’ve been waiting and waiting for this exciting Marathon goal to be complete. I’m happy I motivated Alan to do it as well.
The postcard I sent mom depicted an average (Michael) JOE thinking to himself as if his mother were speaking: “You can’t call your mother...I never hear from you...You don’t come over...You can’t even send me a postcard!”
March 2, 1996
Mom:
I saw this card and thought of you...but at least I call, come over and send postcards. Ha-ha.
Tomorrow is the Big Marathon Day. Yikes!
I will see you in a few days (March 9th). I wonder fi there is going to be a Retirement Party. If not...we’ll go shopping in San Francisco. I have to get Birthday gifts for Ally, Leigh and Holly.
Later—Love, Michael
And I can always count on a little sparkle from Dorothy Rua with this MARILYN MONROE photo card she mailed from the Santa Barbara region while she was visiting Pismo:
3-3-96
Hi Michael,
Sorry I wasn’t able to give you much notice on this trip to Pismo Beach. Hope we’ll be able to connect during my next trip down.
How was the LA MARATHON? You must be in great shape. I need to get motivated.
Thinking of You,
Love,
Dorothy
Both Alan and I completed the Marathon. They captured a photo of Alan during the run but 'not me'. Oh well, that's okay. I'm glad Alan has evidence. I suppose we both do as we have our medals. Hmmm...where did we put them?
I waited and waiting, and the days, as they elapsed, took something from my consternation. --Henry James, THE TURN OF THE SCREW
