Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 20
February 20, 2022
A Singular Sensation
Each color change reveals the inner you: Sapphire Blue: “You’re completely open. Feeling happy, concentrating on your strong inner feelings and passions. This is the highest state.” --The Fran Lebowitz Reader How exciting! Carrie is a young lady now as her BAT MITZVAH was a celebration event with family in combination with the University Synagogue on Sunset Blvd in Brentwood. Carrie's actual birthdate is February 18th but the family gathering was on February 26th at our house in Marina Del Rey. It was fun to schmooze and figure out the family-related connections.
Dear Michael,
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each of the cards you sent in January. The male model with the draping sheet brings up several images. The rear view of the brunette and the look on her face says many things. And boy, oh boy, the girl with the handcuff (jeweled) speaks of bondage, if not more. Where DO YOU find these unique cards?
How boring life might be without you to spice it up for me!
Thought we didn’t get to speak to each other “live”, I was happy to ger your return message on Valentine’s Day. Maybe the message is better. I saved it and can play it back whenever I need to lift myself through the day. I know I’ve been terrible about writing. You are always I my heart, in my thoughts.
I will mention that the past year and especially the past few months my personal life has had me on a roller coaster ride emotionally. No need to go into detail at this time—maybe some time when we have an opportunity to visit.
Speaking of visit, it looks like I may be heading to Pismo Beach the night of 3/1, staying until 3/3. What are the chances of connecting there or perhaps on 3/2 in Santa Barbara for lunch? Share your thoughts. You may be resting or preparing for the LA MARATHON on the 3rd?
What a busy guy you are going to be! Plus, LONDON on 3/28. Wow! Then, PARIS...who could ask for anything more? Even have D.C. to look forward to. I love it. Think of me and of, of course, send you wonderful cards.
FORTIS FUNDS are doing fine and basically, I am, too. Always busy, but that’s life. We just have to make the time for fun, don’t we? Thank you for YOU.
Love Always, Dorothy
Alan has been ultra-busy with his new venture (EAST COAST BAGELS) and preparations for Carrie's Bat Mitzvah that he took the time to write this sweet note for me. He didn't need too. I understand that we all have things to do at times that overrule. We'll have our freelance, spontaneous times again.
Feb. 23, 1996: I want to apologize for neglecting you for ECBC (East Coast Bagel) and Carrie’s Bat Mitzvah. I miss you a lot and Love You Very Much. Love, Alan
And Dorothy Rua surprised me again with another cool card that she found in Emeryville. I loved it:
2-25-96
Dear Michael,
I just spent the past few hours with my friend, Kathy. We went to the Powell Street Market Place in Emeryville. Lots of good food and a great musk/music store. I picked this card up there.
So, you hope I’m being good. Why can’t I be bad? When I’m bad, I’m REALLY good. Ha-Ha!
How was Carrie’s Bat Mitzvah Party? Wish I could have been there, but we were celebrating Jean-Paul's 16th Birthday.
Loved Mr. Holland’s Opus movie. Did you see it?
See you in PISMO? Love, Dorothy
P.S. Someday I’ll tell you what she’s looking for (this postcard)
In my quest for FAMILY ANCESTRY information, I received a lovely letter from my dad’s half-sister (my Aunt) Esther (Estolia) Vigil-Garcia. While she misspelled a few words and had a few run-on sentences I found her way with words to be creative (especially the detail of the family names, birthdates, etc.):
Feb. 26, 1996, Santa Fe, NM Dear Michael,
Querido Sobrino. Sorry it took me so long to send you these names. I don’t know if you understand the way I put the names, but I did my best. I have been pretty sick lately (pains and aches). I am sick with arthritis. It bothers me so much.
Well, dear nephew. I hope you understand what I wrote here. If you have other questions write to me and ask for something else, you might like to know.
Oh, if you go to Patrick's wedding on April 13, 1996, I am planning on going to his wedding. It is after Easter. I hope to see you there if you go. I went to California for Christmas for my brother-in-law, Armando Casillas (my sister Julia’s husband). She was very depressed, so I stayed in California for a month. I came back to Santa Fe on January 5th, 1996. I didn’t get to see any of your family, but I talked to your mom. I went by plane, so I couldn’t hardily go anyplace. It’s awful to be without a car out there.
Well Dear, I hope you are OK. Sorry for not answering your letter sooner but time goes so fast and being sick like me doesn’t make me feel like writing anything. So, that’s awful. Excuse this bad handwriting, please.
Love Auntie Esther G.
The photos from Carrie’s Bat Mitzvah show it all. What a fantastic event. The photos I have are from the family party at our house in Marina Del Rey. The Bat Mitzvah party included a bunch of Carrie’s friends and I believe Alan has some of those photos hiding-out in one of his albums (too cumbersome a project to find them). However, it a few words—her party was "a singular sensation”.
Every person has a particular brand of creativity to offer...expressing that creativity in some way is essential to living a fulfilling life. --Pamela Seelig, THREADS OF YOGA
February 13, 2022
I ALWAYS TRY MY HARDEST
“People go to the theater to laugh, to cry and to be reminded of how good and noble one is.”--Carlos Ruiz Zafon, THE CITY OF MIST, The Prince of Parnassus short-story I am still thrilled by the visit a week ago by Paloma and Alexandre. It was swift but I still can’t get over that they were here in Marina Del Rey, to see me and Alan. Now, we have to go to Paris or the South of France to see them again!
It is Valentine's Week and I feel the love. I love to receive a Valentine. It brings me back to 6th grade when I used to hand them out to all of my fellow classmates. And certain people received special ones. Here's the one Alan sent me: It was typewritten:
February 14, 1996
Dear Michael,
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!
I remember our first Valentine’s Day at Palm Ave.
I remember our first dinner at LOUIS XIV
I remember our first trip in Cancun, drinking White Russians.
I remember our picnics in Pacific Palisades.
I remember Alta Mura Road.
I remember Sea Colony.
I remember our most romantic dinner.
I remember our most romantic night
I remember our most romantic bath.
I remember our most romantic closet.
I remember our most romantic day.
I remember the Center of the Universe.
I remember so so so so so so so much...
AND
I want to experience more and more and more with you. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY. Love, ALAN
I received a cute Valentine Teddy Bear Card from GLORIA and JACK:
Love Always, Gloria and Jack
I received a most phenomenal Valentine’s Day card from my niece, Ashley. It blew me away because of the size! It was like a 9 x 14 card of the cutest little girl and boy (all dressed-up), having ice-cream cones together! It was ever so heartwarming for me. She wrote:
February 14, 1996
Dear Uncle Mike,
Happy Valentine’s Day! Instead of getting you a regular Valentine Card, I saw five I really liked. I got you this card. I know you like these kinds of cards, and it gave me more room to write on. A lot more room. Actually, too much! I’m having a hard time writing straight and filling this card out.
Guess what? I’m Student of the Month! My Core Teacher, Mr. Hodge picked me because he said I ALWAYS TRY MY HARDEST (True). And my hardest is Outstanding work. I get to cut all of the school lines. I get a green card to indicate that I’m Student of the Month, too! The other day I had to buy two Cup O Noodles, 3=-Pizza’s and a Pepsi! Not for me, for all of my friends.
Guess what else? I’m going a Play called FUDGE, bases on a book called TALES OF 4th GRADE NOTHING and the TV show ‘FUDGE. It’s not a really big play, just a little one for my Core Class. I’m getting extra credit for being in it. I’m Narrator 1 and the Director. Me, Carmen, Jeanette, Pablo, Jessican, Sara, Brian, Allen, Jon, Sonia, Paul and don’t forget Melissa are in it too.
In Science, Mrs. Kaake took us to the Science Projects in the library. I saw this one project. The topic was “Do Women or Men Have Easier Lives?” The hypothesis was each man and woman have equal lives. Guess what? Men have easier lives based on interviews and written information!
Did you know that could be Dylan or Ally on this card?
Anyways, when are you coming to visit us? I really miss you.
In P.E. now we have to run six laps which is 1 ½ miles. We are playing basketball in P.E. My team includes Kristen and Susan. We are called ‘The Bad Girls’ because we are very bad. We’ve played 3 games and have lost all of them.
Anyways, I hope you have the greatest Valentine’s Day ever, and I hope this card brings a smile to your face. I Love you so much, Uncle Mike.
Your Neice,
Ashly M Armijo
P.S. Write Back Soon
I was so thrilled by Ashley’s card. It was beautiful beyond words. A few days later I took to my computer and typed a letter to Paloma in Balaruc-Les-Bains, South of France:
February 17, 1996
Dear Paloma,
You must be home by now. Even if my seeing you was as brief as it was, I am so glad that Iwas able to see you. You looked as ravishing as ever.
Getting back to one of your previous questions. There is no one that I' have been writing to as long as you. WE could become a True Story like THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. Did you see that film? It is very good. I read the book. You must see the movie. It's with Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood (I don't care for him very
much).
I don't know if I answered this one already or not, but, NO. Alan does not read your letters you write me. I sometimes mention thins to him that you have written me though. His business venture is going so smoothly. Effective, February 21, 1996 he will be the new CEO/Chariman of the Board for EAST COAST BAGEL CORPORATION. It's all so exciting. It will do well. We went to the store in Marina Del Rey this morning and the line was out the door.
Shelly Long was not the actress on CHARLIES ANGELS. That was Shelly Hack. Shelly Long was on the TV comedy series CHEERS and she was on the movie called CAMP BEVERLY HILSS and OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE with Bette Midler or more recently she played the mom in the movie version of THE BRADY BUNCH (if you saw any of those).
That’s funny that you rummaged through old cards of mine and found the Sonny and Cher one. I do remember that one. I also remember that letter when I told you I had a baby girl somewhere. Yes, it is true. She was born in or around September 1985, so she would be around 10 years old now. Amazing you should mention that. I would be astonished if she showed up at my doorstep in 8 years. I would be shocked, surprised and probably happy to see her. I’d take her to Paris and Agde to meet you.
That was sad about Lous Malle dying but I don’t feel too bad for Candice Bergen. She’s got megabucks and every time I see her on a SPRINT TV commercial, she is making even more money, so she’s well provided for.
I bet you and Alexandre had a wonderful time. I am so glad you were able to come here to Marina Del Rey and visit the house. Now you can imagine me typing her on the computer here, near the kitchen area.
Again, it was so nice to see you. For your records, my home Tel# is 310-578-2001 and my fax# is 310-310-4002. My email address is anfmike@aol.com but that may change. I just wanted to give you that information for the record because the last letter you wrote me before you came to visit you mentioned that you didn’t even have my Tel#
I am going to run in the Los Angeles Marathon. It is about 25 miles, I believe. It is on March 34d, so wish me luck. I even went running this morning. My legs are getting stronger but they’ll never be as sexy as yours.
On that note, I will end here.
Later,
Love, Michael
“I want to know the Meaning of Life, I want to know where I can find the best chocolate ice-cream ever and I want to fall in love,” I declared.
“The answer to your first two wishes is the same.”
As for the third, she gave me a kiss that tasted of all the truth in the world and made me want to be a decent man.--Carlos Ruiz Zafon, THE CITY OF MIST, Two Minute Apocalypse short-story
February 6, 2022
Time-Management Skills
"Those who hate you don't win unless you hate them; and then you destroy yourself."--President Richard Nixon Alan and I are talking about going to New York City again. It’s not scheduled but we have such a great time there. The time swiftly passes and when we are in NYC the time flashes by quite quickly. I guess it’s because there is so much to see and do. We always seem to get so much done in one day while in NYC. I think it’s because Alan has such great time-management skills. I’m so in envy of that.
8 FEB 96
Dear Mike,
Do you wear glasses full-time now? I just got a new pair yesterday for computer use at work. My eyes were so tired this morning. how do you deal with it? Guess I could whistle a happy tune.
I just re-read your 1-6-96- card that you saw NIXON (the movie) which I was surprised that I liked.
This week I was captivated by BABE. Have you seen it yet? I am concentrated now on having HAPPY DREAMS and I am thankful now that I have had the opportunity to “listen” to my dreams.
I spent the end of January in Alta Bates Hospital in pain in my gut—obstructed colon but I think my acupuncturist was more correct. I had this awful flu going around anyway I’m on disability right now. My doctor said I should stay off work for two weeks, so I’m eating my macrobiotic breakfast oh so slowly.
Too much on my plate now, looking at getting our garden cleaned up. Still have boxes to go through and don’t forget those storage spots. Yuck! Too much stuff I want to do. I need to change. I want to sew some things and I want to paint my bathroom and get a computer. Oh yes, and I want to go to the beach and the movies and find “a relationship”. But now I am planning on going to St. Petersburg, Russia on April 18th. Just had photos sone and sent a passport to be renews this week. My “friend”, David, called me from St. Petersburg last Saturday. I got too excited. So, thanks for listening to me.
I was sorting my cards and thought you would enjoy this oldie from Alice’s workplace, Palm Press.
See Ya soon,
Love, Barbara
This is a tale about an unprejudiced heart, and how it changed our valley forever. There was a time not so long ago when pigs were afforded no respect, except by other pigs; they lived their whole lives in a cruel and sunless world. In those days pigs believed that the sooner they grew large and fat, the sooner they'd be taken into Pig Paradise, a place so wonderful that no pig had ever thought to come back. --from the film BABE, 1996
January 30, 2022
Out-Of-The-Realm
“Sometimes one just gets tired of fleeing. The world’s very small when you don’t have anywhere to go.” --Carlos Ruiz Zafon, THE PRISONER OF HEAVEN My Aunt Lela Gallegos-Armijo-Rego wrote to me with some family updates this week. It appears my cousin, Donna, and her husband, are still trying to find their way since moving back from the state of Washington. I always enjoy hearing from my Aunt Lela. Being in Los Angeles makes me feel a bit out-of-the-realm in my ability to see more of my family that is spread out all over the place. I am currently well situated in my small world in a big city (Los Angeles).
Hello Michael,
It's taken me awhile to settle down after all the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the settling-in of the Payne’s. Yep, Donna, Dave, Danielle, Veronica and lil Sarah have been with us since October and it doesn’t look like there’s a chance, they’ll be moved out very soon either due to the fact ‘no one’s working', so how will they be able to rent?
Oh well, 800 square feet and one bathroom for seven people have done nicely, so far. So, what’s a couple more months now?
Danielle is such a beautiful little girl and such a help to Donna with the other two. Danielle’s more ARMIJO than the two “little” (pains) Paynes. Boy, those two are really something else, take after their dad as far as tempers go.
We’ve been seeing a lot more of Joey lately, too.
Poor Mona, she really feels alone up there now, after having Donna there for five years.
Joey and Donna keep saying they're going to drive over to see your mom one day soon—but I’ll believe it when I see it.
Joey, Donna and their families are going to spend President’s weekend at Troy Vigil’s in Sacramento. Troy is always ready to put on a good cookout for family. He’s a real family man, likes to have cousins over at every available chance.
We’re still hoping the house sells soon, so we can get a portfolio going with investments through you. We want to
plan one month off from work and family and travel, visit dear friends all over the USA. Hopefully, a cruise to Alaska, too.
Well, I’ll keep my prayers going that I’m not too physically messed-up as to not be able to enjoy
traveling.
I’ve been through the mill again, rectal problems, polyps removed again, all that sick stuff from the bottom-up. George has surgery on a hernia on Valentine’s Day. What a day to spend ‘sweethearts' day’, huh? Oh well, it has to be done. We'll just have our special time for the day of lovers early. That’s all.
So, when are you planning another visit this way? Do come see us when you’re around here.
Take Care, God Bless,
Love Always, Lela
“I love you,” he says, and kisses her, known that the story. His story has not ended. It has only just begun.-Carlos Ruiz Zafon, THE PRISONER OF HEAVEN
January 23, 2022
You're Gonna Be The One That Saves Me
“I have simply tried to do what seemed best each day, as each day came.” --Abraham Lincoln Paloma’s mother has a condominium in a Valencia community Mediterranean coastal area of Spain known as Benidorm. Paloma is so lucky to have the opportunity to visit there now and then. I hope to visit there one day.
A postcard from Benidorm, SPAIN
1-25-1996
Dear Michael,
Thank you so much for the presents. That was such a cool surprise! I loved the picture.
I’m really amazed that you know the “2 BE 3” (Partir un jour). I’ll write some more when we get back to France. We’re having a great time with my mom and brother. Regards to Alan.
Love, Paloma, Jon, Alexandre
Not sure how...but I came across that French boy band called “2 BE 3” and Paloma was quite amazed that I knew of the group. I think I keep my ear in-tuned to French things because of Paloma.
I’m even in awe from the stamps she uses on her cards to me. In her recent Benidorm postcard she used a FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA stamp. It made me curious about this Spanish fellow who actually died in 1936 (when my parents were both only 1-year old). Lorca was a poet, playwright and theater director who was killed by Nationalist forces at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War and his remains were never found. I’m intrigued by LORCA because of his GARCIA name (since I am 25% GARCIA) and the fact that he was a writer. I loved the stamps she sent me on this card which triggered my interest in this literary maven.
Photo: Federico Garcia Lorca
Currently, I am in heaven from a new song called WONDERLAND by the English rock band named Oasis. It was the music and the lyrics that grabbed me. Too lovely...the lyrics:
By now you should've somehow realized what you gotta do
I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do, about you now,
Backbeat the word was on the street that the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before but you never really had a doubt
I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now
And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you but I don't know how Because maybe,
You're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all,
You're my wonderwall
Today was gonna be the day But they'll never throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow realized what you're not to do
I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do, about you now
And all the roads that lead you there are winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you but I don't know how
I said maybe,
You're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all,
You're my wonderwall
I said maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all, you're my wonderwall
I said maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me...
“To burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves.”― Federico García Lorca, BLOOD WEDDING AND YERMA
January 16, 2022
The Piano Playing
“You must play as if there’s no tomorrow.” --John Gielgud as Dr. Cecil Parkes from the 1996 film SHINE My great former coworker from Pac Bell Directory never fails to make me laugh. He was in Key West recently and found a postcard for me. Reed wrote:
1-16-1996
Michael,
Am here on a 5-Day cruise to Mexico, 3 days in Miami first, renewing old friends and places. Our first CARLIVAL SHIP cruise. The ECSTACY is a beautiful but glitzy ship. The weather here is great. It’s lousy in Minneapolis (lots of snow and ice). If you can pick me out of the line-up on front...let me know.
Take Care, Best Always, Reed
A few days later I was surprised to get a handwritten letter from one of my Charles Schwab clients, Rosanna Scott. That was so sweet of her. Her husband (also named Michael) died, so she is a widow.
1/18/96
Dear Michael,
Aspen is indeed a jewel. It looks like a village out of a fairy tale after coming in from L.A. I am sending you some brochures and the Travelers Guide.
I’m waiting for some information on snowmobiling and as soon as I receive it, I’ll send it to you.
Mainly, there are four locations for skiing in Aspen: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. As a beginner, one starts at Buttermilk. That’s where I went. I fell several times (twice trying to get off the ski lift which doesn’t stop) but all in all I enjoyed it very much. I took a lesson (with a group) for half a day for $48.00 and rented the boots, skis and poles for $12. They are very well organized, no waiting and everyone is very friendly and helpful. The whole town is geared for the tourist industry.
Once can fly into Aspen on United from L.A. to Dever; then on United Express to Aspen; or you can rent a car in Denver at the airport and drive into Aspen (about 200 miles). They also have cross country skiing. Best regards, Rosanna Scott
Hmm...it’s too bad I don’t ski, nor have any desire to learn. I’d rather have hot chocolate inside a cabin with a warm fire going. I hope to do that one day.
He was continually asked the importance of the sixth sense and his answer was always the same, “Intuition is everything.” --Eric Van Lustbader, THE MIKO (sequel to his book, THE NINJA)
January 9, 2022
Big Night
The Villa lay close to the sea. The quiet avenues, lined with pine trees, breathed out the rich strength of salty sea air, and a slight breeze constantly played around the orange trees, now and then removing a colorful bloom from flowering shrubs as if with careful fingers. --Stefan Zweig, from his short story, FORGOTTEN DREAMS The year has started. I’m busy at Charles Schwab. I’ve become more of a fixture at the Westwood Branch (near UCLA) and many clients have come to count on me. It’s come to the point where I need to make appointments. They can no longer walk-in and think I’ll be available. Am I Mr. Popularity now? Ha-ha. All I know is that during lunch I love to take my walks. I sometimes walk around the Federal Building or in and around the Westwood neighborhoods where I admire the houses, trees and breathe in the fresh air.
A sweet letter arrived this week from my first cousin, Carol Lucero. I could tell she’s so excited about her big day, big night.
1-15-96
Dear Michael,
Thanks so much for the HEART DISH. It’s very beautiful! Hope you had a wonderful holiday. I think I just got through the ‘post-Holiday Blues’. Just in time for the pre-wedding anticipation. Actually, there’s still some time. The “DATE” is Saturday May 18th (11:30am ceremony in-the-valley if Yosemite Park stays open, Ha! So much to organize, so many details. Looks like our reception will be in FISHCAMP (the town where Ryan's family lives) and not in Oakhurst as originally thought. It’s a long story). Who knows...until the time gets closer. I’m reorganizing those in the bridal party and probable guests to stay in Fishcamp (which is in the middle—between the Vally and Oakhurst). If you want a hotel list before we can get the invites out—let me know. I probably can fax or send you a copy of the info. The Big Hotel in Fishcamp is the TENAYA LODGE plus other small Inns and B&B’s.
How are you? I’m doing ok. So far, the most fun I’ve been having re: planning the wedding is putting together the music. We’ve decided to compile our music and dub from CD to Tape instead of having a DJ or band. We have such a varied/wide interest. This is so much more personal. I just hope it turns out.
Also, I’ve been offered a ‘lateral transfer’ to a facility (skilled nursing facility) in Oakland. Although this feels more like a promotion it’s a much more challenging place to work. A far cry from Walnut Creek. I’ll be so much closer to home (10 minutes, 5 miles) instead of ½ hour and 45 minutes away. I start tomorrow. It takes me a while to adjust to change but I hope this will be easier since I’m staying with the same company.
How’s your job? Your house—it's all repaired now since the quake? Hope to hear from you soon.
Hasta Luego! Carol
“Sometimes the spaghetti likes to be alone.” --as heard while watching BIG NIGHT, a 1996 film
January 2, 2022
We Are Not Replaceable
“If grass can grow through cement, love can find you at every time in your life,"--Cher The New Year has begun. Gloria sent a beautiful New Year’s card to us, writing:
“May the New Year bring you the best of it all: Health, Happiness, and, of course, Money. Just want you to know how important you are to me. life is worth living because I know you are here. Love always and forever unconditionally.
Mommy and Jack
The week was light as far as receiving much mail but I did receive a sweet typewritten letter from Paloma that she wrote in late December 1995. Paloma wrote from Balaruc-Les-Bains, France. I was so ecstatic to read her letter because she is coming to visit the USA. I immediately told Alan and it will be exciting for him to meet her and ‘for me’ to finally see her again after so much time. Dear Michael,
I loved your cards, that’s fun to watch all of these different pictures. It looks like you go to the restaurants quite often, right? Thank you for wrapping me a Christmas present. I can’t wait to get it but it really is not sure that I will before Valentine’s Day! I am sure you have heard about the strikes we are having right now; the mail does not work, and I do not know for how long. In fact, I even wonder when you will get this letter.
The movie you are talking about with Jennifer Beals was FLASHDANCE. That was one of my favorites. I saw POCOHANTAS two days ago, but I am not really sure that you care about that. I also saw CARLITO’s WAY on TV, that was not bad.
You are right. We are not replaceable. I am sure it is pretty rare people writing to each other for mor than ten years, especially since we have different cultures and Americans are so weird! (Just kidding). By the way, you never answered my question. Is there anyone else you write to as much and for as many years as you writ3e m? Another question you never answered either: Does Alan get to read my letters? That’s OK but just let me know, so that I’ll stop saying mean things about him! That’s just in case he does.
I did not like ASSASSINS that much even if Antonio Banderas is pretty good looking. I know who Robert Downey Jr. Is, I am not sure about Shelly Long. Is she the one who played in that show called CHARLIE’s ANGELS or GIRLS or whatever? The one that made Farrah Fawcett famous. Yesterday, I saw CHER on TV and she was in a French talk show. She looked like she could be my daughter and had light blue yes. That’s the first time I saw her with blue eyes. She was no fun at all. She looked like she was not really happy to be there. A few days ago, I read some of your old letters and I found this really cool postcard with Sonny and Cher in the sixties (1965). Do you remember it? We were babies then (6) and she looked totally different. In one of your letters, you also said you had a baby girl. Can you imagine in a few years a young woman coming to you, saying she is your daughter? That must be TOO MUCH. Louis Malle is dead but I’m sure you know that, too. Candice Bergen looked pretty sad.
I have not seen FORREST GUMP yet, but I am sure I will very soon.
I really do not remember the names of the streets in Oakland. In fact, I even wonder if I will be able to find my way in Berkeley because I guess I have to tell you now...the surprise! We are going to San Francisco! Alexandre and I on the 19th of January until I think the 27th, then we are supposed to drive to Mono Lake where we will spend the night and the next day, we will drive thru the Death Valley to Las Vegas. We will spend 3 nights in Las Vegas, one night at THE MIRAGE (the 29th), one at THE EXCALIBUR (the 28th) and the last one if it all works out at the LUXOR (the 30th). I know because I have already made the reservations. Can you believe that in those huge hotels they almost already did not have rooms? At the LUXOR I had to take a jacuzzi suite, I guess that will be fun. Have you already been there? Then we’ll go to the GRAND CANYO and sleep there one night (probably at the Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn). Have you been there yet? I do not know if it is better to drive there or to just fly from Vegas (then we would not spend the night there). I am not really sure about the end yet. All I know is that we are flying back to France from San Francisco (from the Oakland Airport in fact) on Saturday, February 3rd. That is going to be a pretty short trip, but Jonathan is not coming with us because he has to go to school, so my mom is coming from Spain with her husband to take care of him. That is the first time I am going to leave him for so long, so I am not too happy about that. Even if I am sure he will have a great time with my mom. He will be able to make her do whatever he wants to. I am afraid I might miss him too much and scared if something happens to us. I am so happy to go to the States again but remember I told you I was scared because every time I planned it something happened. I can’t help it.
The end of our trip depends on you. First, I was going to tell you that we were not going to Los Angeles. We don’t have enough time and that it is too many miles—but I’d feel too sorry if I can’t see you (and you might get mad at me, right?). So, I have been thinking about a way to see you. We could leave our car in Las Vegas and take a plane to Los Angeles. Looking at a map it seems like you live pretty close to the airport, so maybe we could stay at either at the Howard Johnson Hotel (8620 Airport Blvd), or at the QUALITY HOTEL (5249 Century Blvd) or at the RAMADA LIMITED (4300 W Century Blvd, Inglewood) or at the HAMPTON INN (10300 La Cienega Blvd, Inglewood). If I am telling you the names of these hotels it is because you might know them and maybe, you can tell me which one you recommend; or maybe you can tell us about another one.
I started this letter 4 days ago and I keep writing. I still can’t send it. When you get it, please answer pretty fast to tell me what you think about all of this. In fact, in Los Angeles, February 2nd we would like to visit Universal Studios. Will you be there that day? Will you come with us? …. I started this letter 10 days ago and it is still here. That’s the only thing that really bothers me with this strike. Jonathon likes the strikes because he is not going to school anymore. I remember in 1968 I didn’t go to school for a long time, too. Funny I was about the same age as Jonathan then. I wish I could fax you this letter, but I don’t even know your phone number. What is your phone number? Do you have a fax? My fax number is 67-43-1772.
I have now seen FORREST GUMP. It is good but pretty sad. That’s a beautiful story.
“My mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” -Forrest Gump
December 26, 2021
Illuminating Small Passing Clouds
“Life’s more often shades of gray than it is all black and white.” --Eric Van Lustbader
This week Barbara sent me a card that depicted an original painting by Laura Nelson (love that her last name is my dad’s middle name) of STONINGTON CHURCH (wherever that is located?). Apparently, I actually sent her the set of cards. Barbara wrote:
26 Dec 1995
Dear Michael,
Thank You so much for this lovely gift. The scene is more than quaint and makes me think of long summer days as we are now on the increase of day length.
I hope you had a very good Christmas. I certainly did. I began at some friends, then went to family (my sister, Helen, in Richmond and afterward went back to the friends in Berkeley’s North side. While I drove home “finally”, the moon was close to setting and I noticed it was in the Cheshire Cat position, illuminating small passing clouds.
My new place gets better every day. I hope you can come by soon, anytime. You know I love surprises.
Have a wonderful 1996. Love and Thanks, Barbara Reynolds
My niece, Holly, also wrote to me a few lovely words, using her dolphin image stationery:
12/30/1995
Dear Uncle Mike!
I just love your presents very, very much. Thank you. My brother and sisters love it too. One of our favorite presents is the pinball machine.
When are you coming back? Are you coming back soon? Because we miss you very, very, very much. We LOVE you very, very, very much.
Your niece,
Holly Alyssa Armijo
Sometimes one can play a cool hand during poker—even though I know NOT how to play that card game. And sometimes others play a cool hand by simply writing a handwritten letter to warm one’s heart.
“Just remember, man. Wherever you go and whatever you do. Always play a real cool hand.” And from that night on he always answered to the name of Cool Hand Luke. --Donn Pearce, COOL HAND LUKE, a novel
December 19, 2021
Alameda for Christmas
Finding stillness within takes practice. --Pamela Seelig, THREADS OF YOGA
I was eager to go back to my hometown. I needed to be in Alameda for Christmas. Alan would get along just fine alone for a while. Solitude can be good if one learns to enjoy it. Sometimes the peacefulness triggers a sense of dhyana (silence of the mind). He will find the stillness within with some practice.
Sweet of our friends, Carol and Herb Braha, to send us a postcard of BLAIR HOUSE, which is featured in the TV show, MURDER SHE WROTE. Carol amused me as she wrote: Lovely (?), isn’t it? this is where we will NOT be going this jolly holiday season. Hope to see you all soon. Love, Carol and Herb
The TWISTER game was a big hit with the girls. There was no room for me on that mat. I loved hearing the girls laugh and get along so well.
There were featured moments of dance by LAUREN and LEIGH which provided some laughter and exercise, too. No complaints on my part. This holiday season was precious for me as I was with my family.
One day mom and I went to Tony and Helen's house in Castro Valley. I loved the scene of mom while she was doing-up the hairstyles for Lauren and Leigh. Nothing like getting grooming care with a little help from grandma.
My niece, Ashley, wrote a one page ‘handwritten in pencil’ letter using her cherub angel tablet stationery after I’d left Alameda for Christmas:
12-25-95
Dear Uncle Mike,
I miss you already! How do you like my new stationery? Mom and Dad got it for me. I’d like to Thank You for my presents that you bought me. I LOVE everything! I love the mummy keychain and the game looks like fun.
Guess what we had for dinner and lunch! Here are some stickers I colored. My dad thought the stamps you gave me were stickers. Well, I better go. I hope you had a great time here.
Love,
Ashley M Armijo
And, soon, 1996 will be upon us. I imagine it will be a good year. As always, I just want to be HAPPY. I know Carrie has a Bat Mitzvah event party in February 1996, so that will be a fun gathering. Maybe a trip or two will happen because Alan always has something up his sleeve and he’s the best private travel agent ever! Near or far, we’re only separated by car. As long as we exist, there is no distance across which our family can’t persist. --Unknown
