Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 28

POETRY: A Call to Action

“And your occupation?” "It is not the business of a gentleman to have occupations.” “Very well then.  How do you spend your time?” “Dining, discussing, reading, reflecting.  The usual rigmarole.” “And you write poetry?” “I have been known to fence with a quill.”   ...” All poetry is a call to action.” ---Amor Towles, A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW 
Every letter I receive from anyone is poetry, a call to action.  I am so lucky to receive the correspondence that I do.  I am loved.   Dear Uncle Mike, 
Hello!  I just got off the phone with you!  Did I tell you we got a kitten?  I bet I did but I’m gonna tell you again.  Mom now named her “ROSEY”!  It doesn’t look like a “ROSEY” but mom says after a little while it will. 
That postcard you sent me was cool!  It reminded me of ROOKIE OF THE YEAR.  It was the CUBS and he was younger than the rest in the dugout.  Thank you!    
Are you really taking Grandma to Las Vegas?  I promise I won’t tell.  
Well, anyway I read “4” books in 3-days!  THE MYSTERY OF THE CUPBOARD, SIXT GRADE SECRETS, SOCKS and THE BEST FRIEND GAME.  In order—my ratings are B+, A-, B+, B+.  I actually liked them all the same!   
Mom just called and said I got a letter from ‘Guess Who’?  Ann M Martin.  She’s one of my favorite authors.  Isn’t that cool?  I’m so excited  Sorry I forgot the. (period).  Well, I gotta go.  Bye! Love, Ashley   Alan and I had a blast on the night of August 10th from this silly, yet zany moved called THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT.  I just loved it (and I am not one to enjoy drag queens—but every once in a blue moon I find them sensationally amusing).  Of course, my usual question regarding drag queens is ‘Are they for real?’.   That actor Guy Pearce was attractive.   It was an Australian film, so maybe that’s why I liked it so much—more imaginative than an American film these days.   Terence Stamp is amazing in the film.  I remember his younger in one of my favorite films, THE COLLECTOR.  He will surely get nominated for this film.  He should!
The following day Alan wrote me on this card: Were there nothing else but our love for each other, I would still have all I need. --E.B. Michaels 
Dear Michael, This is a card which truly represents how I feel about living.  The love that we have shared for over 4 ½ years is truly an asset that continues to bring lots of dividends.  That is what it is all about!  I will never forget it!  Love,  Alan 
The schoolteacher in San Francisco, Pat Crowley, that I helped to inspire her 4th and 5th graders to write send me a postcard postmarked from Honolulu but written in Maui.  I have never been to Maui.  I thought that was sweet. 
August 12, 1994 Aloha Michael,  Greetings from the island of MAUI.  I’m spending ‘3’ walks here, enjoying 90-degree weather, beautiful scenery and relaxation.  
This island has certainly developed since my last visit several years ago.  Wall-to-Wall hotels, condos, shops and restaurants.  I’m staying about 20 miles away from the transit area.   
Native people are still as nice as I remembered them.  80,000 people live here.  Progress has come to Maui. Take care, Fondly, Pat Crowley  
Ashley wrote in reference to someone dying—but I wasn’t quite sure who she was talking about:  Dear Uncle Mike! 
Hi!  Did you know he died when ‘72’ and is now 100 and 40?  Gosh.   Here’s a sticker I got from the doctor.   Well, in the card you look the same.  no wonder!  It was taken in FRANCE!  Where are you going next?  The Moon? Anyway, the photo on this card was taken in FLORIDA.  It’s pretty—not beautiful.   Sorry.  I’m sort of sore.  Mom says it’s growing pains.  Have you ever seen that show, GROWING PAINS?   Thank you for all the things you sent me!  I loved ‘em!  Especially the cookies. Yum Yum!  I really miss you. Luv You, Sorry So Sloppy, Ashley ‘smack’--Bye 
“It never ends, does it?” --Bernadette Bassenger (played by actor, Terence Stamp), THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, Queen of the Desert 

Social Skills

“Happiness is a bird...it flies away quickly.” --as heard while watching Season 1, Ep 5 of the Austrian series FREUD on NetflixOn August 3rd Alan and I went to see CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER, a film starring Harrison Ford.  It’s a crime drama based on a Tom Clancy novel about a CIA agent (Jack Ryan) who is drawn into an illegal war fought by the US government and the Colombian drug cartel.  Willem Dafoe was in it as was this actress I really like named Anne Archer.  It was one of those edge-of-your-seat exciting action flicks.  Paloma escaped to Spain where her mother has an apartment on the beach area known as BENIDORM.  I’d love to go there one day.  I loved the ESPANA stamps she used on the postcard: 
Dear Michael, 
We are having great weather and a lot of fun here with my mom and boyfriend, going to different places every day.  I guess you are back in the States now.  I hope you enjoyed your trip to England.  Miss You, Paloma  
My niece Ashley wrote a sweet handwritten letter that was rather puzzling to read as I had to skip lines to make sense of it.  I never went to sleep away camp when I was a child.  Perhaps it wasn’t meant to be.  I don’t feel like I had any less of a great childhood because of it.  I’m glad my nieces are going.  it’s good for social skills (a different setting amongst your peers) and just plain spontaneous fun.  
Ashley included a cute receipt dated August 5th where she wrote RECEIVED FROM Ashley, twenty Francs for keep of Cracker Jacks and Cookies Forever and Ever.  To Ashley.   I love her creativity.  After I unscrambled the confusion it went something like this: 
Dear Uncle Mike,  Hi!  Do you like the stamps?  I remember the card you gave me like that.   Grandma let me use one.  Thanks for the Cracker Jacks and the cookies.  They were good.  I got the Cracker Jacks on the first day!  It cheered me up!  I miss you a lot.  Here are your receipts for the cookies and Cracker Jacks!  So how are you?  I’m fine.  Camp was great!  We rode horses every day.  Mine was named DRIVE.  He was a chestnut.  Thanks for the book tags.  It had Corinthian Columns.  Not Doric or Ionic.  My counselor’s names were Tigger, Amylea, Jacos, Joshlynn, Sage, Becky and Sunshine-Kim.  There was a girl named “Sweet Pea” ...weird!  Well, I guess I should get going.  I Love You!  XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO... Ashley Ashley treated me to another surprise from her camp a few days later:  a postcard 
Uncle Mike! Surprise!  I got your letter!  Thanks for the lip gloss especially!   I forgot my chap stick!  Sorry so sloppy...not a lot to write on.  I miss you.  It made me feel good to get a letter on my first day!  I Love you.  You’re my favorite uncle and pen pal!   XXOOXOOXOOOXO—Love you, Love Ashley P.S. I like book marks and Cracker Jacks. P.P.S.  Write to you when home.  

A few days later Alan and I went to see the new film version of the LITTLE RASCALS.  There was a scene that was shot right near here at the Venice Historic Canals.  It was cool to see that, considering we walk by them all of the time.  It was cute to see the romance of Alfalfa and Darla.  A kiss is still a kiss. 



“There are two ways to reach me:  by way of kisses or by way of imagination—but there is a hierarchy.  The kisses alone don’t work.” --Anais Nin, HENRY AND JUNE, from a journal of Love   

Dull Days

I had all that confidence, you know.  When you got that confidence, why, it lets you do more things. --James Stevenson, SOMETIMES BUT NOT ALWAYS, a novel 
Mom is in Puerto Vallarta.  I miss her.  I am used to calling her every day.  I even call her from work during my lull periods.  She wrote at least: 
7-26-94 Dear Mike: It’s beautiful here.  It’s your kind of weather.  We’re having lots of fun.   The girls like to go swimming.  We go to the beach every day.  There are a lot of people selling a lot of stuff.  I bought some t-shirts.  Yesterday we ate in a nice restaurant.  It’s too hot, hot, hot here.  I’m glad it’s only for a week. Love, Mom P.S. I’ll talk to you when I get bank on Saturday.  
I think Ashley was missing her Grandma (my mom), too.   I reaped the benefits of it because Ashley also wrote to me:  
Hi!  You know---or may not know—that I’d rather receive than write but ‘what the heck’.  You’re worth it!   
Not a lot to write.  So sorry and thanks for the card but I like the girls better (the Norman Rockwell--Day in the Life of a Littly Boy card).  
I am going to a house camp this year and I can’t wait.  Last night I woke up at 2:01AM and watched movies with dad, Holly and Ally.  We are having a Garage Sale on the 25th.   
I’m going to spend the night at Grandma Janet’s (with Ally).  I’m selling books!  I LOVE reading.  I already read for the summer reading club.  Ally is in the lead.  She got a button!  Holly got an ice=cream ticket, name on the wall, sticker, eraser and an A’s ticket...so did I.  I miss you and I had a lot of fun at Jessica’s.  I wrote to her. OXOXOXOXOXOXOX Ashley
Alan and I went to see THE MASK, starring Jim Carrey.  I was skeptical because I’m not much of Jim Carrey fan.  His humor is just so-so, but this film was well done and I actually enjoyed it because it was so different.  THE MASK was like a drug.  When he wore it his confidence level shot up to the point where he felt invincible.  One must know their limits or it could get dangerous.  
My Aunt Lela wrote to me this week.  The teddy bear card was a sweet, soft touch.  The teddy bear was looking out of a window, getting a feel for dull days.  I had no pity for the teddy because there's always something to do:  read a book, write a letter, create a project around the house, clean out the garage, exercise, sketch something, etc.   
Nonetheless, Aunt Lela wrote a loving letter that I shall treasure: Michael, 
Thinking of You.  So glad to hear you went to New Mexico with your mom.  Boy, how I’d like to do what you did in New York.  The time we were there we were only able to take certain tours, so I missed all of the ART stuff!  I loved my stay at the Waldorf. 
I saw CHORUS LINE that year.  What fun.  You asked how bit a family I have.  I have four brothers and one sister.  My one brother, Bob, passed away at age 32 (nineteen years ago).  
Boy, am I counting the days until September 26th.  Donna’s coming home for a 2-week stay after being gone for three years.  Am I going to be on cloud nine, having my three girls here for two weeks to spil. I’ve been to the winery you mentioned in Dixon. 
Thanks for the beautiful card.  You add a touch of culture to my dull days. God Bless, Love, Aunt Lela  
The most solid advice, though, for a writer is this, I think:   Try to learn to breathe deeply, really to taste food when you eat, and when you sleep, really to sleep.  Try as much as possible to be wholly alive, with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell, and when you get angry, get good and angry.  Try to, be alive.  You will be dead soon enough. --William Saroyan, in his PREFACE for THE DARING YOUNG MAN ON THE FLYING TRAPEZE and Other Stories 

Going and Coming

Sit quietly with your back straight and your legs crossed.  If you sit with your back straight you align all of the energy centers, or chakras, in the body. --A.C. Ping, in his book “BE”  
Dorothy Rua found the cutest card of a young lad on top of a mailbox, reading a newspaper.  It’s so ‘me’.  I liked that.  Here are the latest words from her to me: 
7-16-94 Dear Michael, Should not have taken e this long to answer your last four terrific cards.  They are ALL so wonderful.  Where in the world did you find the Black and White CHANEL No. 5 with pen and pad?  I LOVE IT.  And you made it even more special by personalizing it!  Did you notice it has an antique tint to the Black and White?  This is definitely one I’ll have to find a special place for. 
The part at Mortefontaine is beautiful and so clear.  I can see why it’s one of your favorites.  It’s so easy to picture being there, having a picnic along the peaceful river, watching the swans glide by as you and I share a bottle of chilled wine, clearing our minds of life’s mundane concerns.  Just people watching and discussing movies, books, art, your paintings, etc.   What a great day that would be at the Part Mortefontaine...or a close substitute. 
Maybe the alternative could be a unique park in NYC, so we could head to JOJO’s later that evening.  Sounds like a wonderful Restaurant.  I hope sometime in this lifetime we’ll have an opportunity to break bread together at one of their tables.  You know I envy your mobility (with a smile) and always appreciate your sharing.  GOING AND COMING by Norman Rockwell You get my mind wondering and dreaming (what could be impossible_ dreams, bringing me to that other level I need to be (at least periodically), then you hit me with Norman Rockwell’s GOING AND COMING!  Reality...right between my eyes!  I enjoy dreaming and being brought to that other level but I have to come back to reality. Love, Dorothy 
My mom received the MENDOCINO (Northern Coast) postcard I sent here. 






Dear Mom, 
It didn’t look this sunny and clear while I was there.  It was foggier.  It only looks like this in June-October.  It’s very relaxing here.  It’s so very quiet...good for writing and/or reading.
You'll be leaving for Mexico soon.  That will be fun for you to experience with Tony, Helen and the girls.  You must tell me how PUERTO VALLARTA is because I've never been there.  I'll miss you that week. HaLove You,  Michael
Alan and I went to see THE CLIENT on Friday night, July 22nd.  That was riveting with excitement.  
THE CLIENT was based on a John Grisham novel about a young boy who witnessed the suicide of a mafia lawyer hires an attorney to protect him when the District Attorney tries to use him to take down a mob family.  
Tommy Lee Jones and Susan Sarandon and the young newcomer, Brad Renfro, were great in this movie. 

The week ended with inspiration to RIDE MY BIKE (from Birda, of course).  She found a cool BIKE and FLY postcard: 
Michael,
How are you? I saw this card and it reminded me of you.   
We’re on vacation and are having a great time.  When’s your next vacation?  Write soon, Take care. Always, Birda 
I do need to get on that bike.  I don’t want to have a ‘flat ass’.  That would be terrible.  It’s hard sometimes though.  After working all week, I feel like I need more sleep.  I also need to align my energy centers.  Don't we all?  Most people don't even know that they need to do so.  Everyone is too busy Going and Coming OR Coming and Going.  Slow Down!

The whole family slept until twelve o’clock... “that’s why she, who wasn’t that young anymore, was preserved like a rose.” -Gabriel Garcia Marquez, CHRONICLE OF A DEATH FORETOLD, a novela

TRIFECTA

You can tell everything about a man (or woman) by the way he/she plays. --Paul Huljich, BETRAYAL of love and freedom, a novel 
I had another weekend escape to Alameda July 15-18th...but Alan was accompanying me and we were going to visit Mendocino and drive up the Northern Coast.  I was happy to see mom for a little bit.   I had just been there for a full visit to her so it’s nice to break it up a bit. 
Upon my return to Los Angeles I had a letter waiting for me from Ashley, printed by her own hand on binder paper.  I love that originality and realness.  it was actually a ‘TRIFECTA’ letter from Ashley, Holly and Ally.  How cool is that?  July 15, 1994 Uncle Mike, I am not writing a lot, okay.  I wrote a letter to Sara Booth, Carrie, Emily Houlis, You, Grandpa Bob, Grandma, Janet and Sara Estill.   I miss YOU a lot.  I love you.  Have a great day. Ashley P.S. Holly will write: 
I WENT TO DRIVE-IN.  LION KING IS THE BEST.  I MISS YOU.   I LOVE YOU! HOLLY 
Hi!  I LOVE YOU!  I saw THE LION KING!  I like SIMBA.  Dad’s painting my room.  Bye.  Love, ALLY 
Well, if I had a multiple-choice quiz about what movie the girls saw I would definitely ace the test with THE LION KING!   Ha-ha.  I think the movie of choice in L.A right now is FORREST GUMP.  Alan and I saw it and now we are continually craving SEE’s CANDIES:  Life is like a box of chocolates.  We recently saw TRUE LIES with Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis.  It was fun.  I guess that was our TRIFECTA in film:  THE SHADOW, FORREST GUMP and TRUE LIES.  I imagine there will be more fun film this summer.   There are so many good stories to choose from.  And yes, you may choose your own movie just as you can make your own sandwich!   “Complaining Sam” 
I met him on a construction site in the Midwest.  When the lunch whistle blew, all the workers would sit down together to eat.  And every day, Sam would open his lunch pail and start to complain. “Son of a gun!” he’d cry, “not Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches again.  I hate peanut butter and jelly!” He whined about his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches day after day after day until one of the guys on the work drew finally said, “Frecrissakes, Sam, if you HATE peanut butter and jelly so much, why don’t you just tell yer ‘ol lady to make you something different?” “What do you mean, my ol’ lady? Sam replied.  “I’m not married.  I made my own sandwiches.”--Dan Millman, WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR, A Book That Changes Lives 

Flower Illiterate

In all beginnings is a magic source. In all beginnings dwells a magic force For guarding us and helping us to live. Serenely let us move to distant places And let no sentiments of home detain us. The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces. --from THE LEGEND, by Herman Hesse in THE GLASS BEAD GAME, a novel  
Another 4th of July has come and gone.  The highlight for me was that Catalina boat excursion with Alan, Gloria and Jack and Lauren.  We handled the choppy moments just fine—and the arrival to the little enclave of Avalon.  It’s quite beautiful.  
My first cousin, Carol Lucero, is quickly becoming a cool pen pal.  Her dad (Howard) and my mom (Virginia) are brother and sister.  She wrote again this week on a beautiful artsy card of a painting by Walter Crane known as DIANA AND ENDYMION.   I wonder what the story is behind Diana and Endymion.  It looks rather romantic.  
July 10, 1994 Michael, Hello again.  Sorry much time has gone by since my last letter.  Life has just been too crazy and busy.  How are you doing?  I’m going ok.  I've been working lots of overtime, not having too much fun lately.  Glad it’s summertime.  I like going to the ARTS and CRAFT Fairs, etc., good music and good food. How were your Memorial Day and July 4th holidays?  On Memorial Day weekend, Ryan and I took a nice short trip up and around Northern California (Ferndale, Fort Bragg and Mendocino).  All very beautiful.  Ferndale has so many pretty Victorian houses.  We saw the infamous “Gingerbread Mansion”.  We also visited the Mendocino Botanical Gardens which are much nicer than the Berkeley Botanical Gardens.  Do you know much about flowers, plants and trees?  I’ve always been “flower illiterate”, but I’m learning.  I love Wild Irises. Well, I hope all is well and hope to hear from you soon! Love, Carol 
I had to laugh about Carol’s being “flower illiterate”.  I can relate.  I only know the rose, carnation and my favorite are, of course, Bird of Paradise.  I need to become more flower educated myself.   What is your favorite flower?   Yes, that must be a regular topic of normal conversation in addition to ‘What book are you reading?’.  
My sweet niece, Ashley, typed out another cute letter for me as well: 
DEAR UNCLE MIKE, Sorry I didn’t write right away.  I got your letter on July 7th.  Last night, mom left for L.A. and can you guess where we went?  We went to the Drive-In!  We saw THE LION KING and D2.  They were both pretty good.  We got home at 1:30AM or 1-something.  OH, we saw THE LION KING a little more than once because it was on after D2 and before.  

We had pizza at CHUCKY CHEESE.  I am no fan of CHUCKY CHEESE but I had fun.  We ate pizza and played games.  We got 76 tickets and with that we got two pieces of candy.  Holly go dinosaurs for her Power Rangers.  I got a pen and a note pad and a necklace that said BEST FRIENDS on a broken heart and don’t ask me who I am going to give the other half to!  I don’t know!  I mentioned Power Rangers in this sentence because Holly loves Power Rangers and I hate them, but it made it on the front page of the TV GUIDE!  It had like ten pages about them!  Anyway, for Great Grandma’s Birthday we went to see her.   
Love TROUBLE and it was good.  Then we went to SIZZLERS.  Don’t think I have forgotten about camp!  The address is: 
Ashley Marie Armijo Skylark Ranch, Pescadero, CA 94060   
I am looking thru my camp stuff and it says to try to write when I leave which is Tuesday, August 2nd.  Please write and I will try to write back but we are going to do a lot of things, so I might not but I bet I will... I Love You, Ashley P.S.  Did the confetti fall out?  I miss you.   
I am now wondering if Ashley has a favorite flower.  Is she flower illiterate as well?   It could run in the family. 
Sherri sent a sweet card after her wonderful, surprise visit to L.A. 
July 1994 Mike and Alan, 
THANK YOPU for letting me invade your home.  It gave me the much-needed rest I deserved (?).  It gave me a little taste of what life might be like if I were really on my own.  Lucky for me I have my family and friends.  Thanks again for everything.  Hope you enjoyed Mendocino!   S.  
Love, Sherri “That’s the wrapping...now all we need is the present.” --as heard in the 2010 dramatic thriller film, THE DEBT 

Never Beat Around a Bush

An old house retains its hoard of memories.--Tan Twan Eng, THE GARDEN OF EVENING MISTS 
It was great to see mom during my visit back home this past weekend.  There’s something about going back home and it is clearly the memories.   I’m excited for her (and me) as I am planning a special trip for her Birthday in early September to New York City.   
And to our pleasant surprise, sis-in-law Sherri escaped the riff-raff of her Alameda suburban life to visit us.  She came on her own and she needed to vent.  I know it must be difficult to juggle four kids and work (especially now that school is out for the summer).    I think Sherri enjoyed her talks with Alan, me and ‘especially’ Gloria.  Gloria always tells it like it is.  She’s direct.  I promise you she is one who will never beat around a bush.  I’m really glad Sherri came for a visit.  I need family visits from time to time, too.   
I was happy about my forthcoming escape as well (to Catalina Island: sadly, where actress, Natalie Wood died on November 29th 1981—I remember I was at Sacramento State on that day).  
Only THE SHADOW knows...Alan and I enjoyed that movie.  Who knows what evil lurks?  That’s so true—just please keep the evil away from me.   
A few days later I wrote a nice letter to Paloma using ‘The Writing Desk’ card and a ‘Drip Dry’ doggie Hallmark card.  This is a clear indication of where my mind was at that time: 
July 3, 1994, 9:00AM Dear Paloma, I’m on a boat right now that is headed for Catalina Island.  I’ve never been there before and it’s a nice little escape from the Los Angeles metropolis.  Natalie Wood drowned not far off the coast there. Thanks for he ‘fresh cut roses postcard with the ‘Bon Anniversaries' message.  I had a good Birthday.  As you know I was in New York and had a great time.  I went with Alan.  In fact, I am on this boat right now with Alan and his 14-year old daughter, Lauren and his mom (Gloria) and stepdad (Jack).   And in answer to your question from your last letter—Yes.  I’m very happy in my relationship with Alan.  In addition, he is my best-friend.  We both saw the movie, MAVERICK.  I enjoyed it.  We saw THE SHADOW yesterday starring Alec Baldwin and that was good, too.    

If you want to experience a ‘roller coaster ride’ on film go see “SPEED” with Keanu Reeves. It’s very action-packed.  I did see “DEAD AGAIN”.  It was good—yes, but I don’t remember the story too well because I saw it so long ago.  I know Emma Thompson was in it.  
I went to Alameda last weekend and saw my nieces and nephew.  They grow up so fast.  Jonathan just turned seven.  Wow!  My niece, Holly, who just turned six on April 2nd is absolutely gorgeous.  I went to her swimming lesson and she knows she’s cute, walking about in her two-piece bathing suit/bikini.  
New York City is a lot like Paris.  It’s a big city with lots of different areas and a big Central Park, museums, historic buildings, great sights and restaurants.  That’s why I like it so much. 
When I got to Hawaii, I usually go to OAHO and stay in Honolulu and it’s best to have a car and drive to the North Shore where it’s less crowded.  I went to the island of KAUI and the big island of HAWAII and those are nice and less populated as well.   
Yes, Pierce Brosnan lost his wife not too long ago (in 1991 of ovarian cancer—very sad).  I hear he’s going to be the next JAMES BOND in a new 007-BOND movie.  
Your mom, dad, brothers and YOU are lucky to be able to go to and from PARIS and SPAIN all of the time. Next time I go to Europe I want to experience Madrid.  I’ve only really experienced Barcelona and Tossa De Mar.  I love Tossa De Mar (Costa Brava).  I have my vacation from October 22nd to November 7th and I may go to Paris again.  I am not positive yet.  We’re still checking out ways of getting a deal by using our frequent flier miles, so we don’t have to pay for the air fare.  
Whoa!  This boat to Catalina is really rocking.  It’s not very windy though.  It’s nice out. You’re right about English food!  It’s not great.  That’s why we ate at French restaurants in London.  Ha-ha.  We found a few okay places.  Have you heard about this new EURO TUNNEL that is supposed to make things great in terms of getting to and from London and Paris?   
You mentioned Tahiti.  That sure does sound nice.  Maybe one day we’ll meet there...just you and me.   That would be great!  Who knows?  it’s a nice thought.  I’d love to be sharing some red, red wine with you in Tahiti one day and sun-bathing to the soundtrack of AGAINST ALL ODDS. Ha-ha. 
This boat keeps rocking.  Yikes!  I am reading a book called OBSESSION: The Lives and Times of Calvin Klein.  It’s interesting.  It’s an unauthorized autobiography.  I have the autobiography of Girard Depardieu; someone gave it to me as a Birthday gift—but I haven’t started it yet.   Oh well, till the next time.   I Love You, Michael Armijo 
And leave it to Barbara Reynolds to find a photo card of JANE GOODALL, taken in 1992: 
July 1994 Dear Mike, Happy Summer!  Keeping that sun screen on?   I hope... 
Last night I actually noticed the fog mingling with my neighborhood trees.  I felt cozy standing in my kitchen watching and checked and double-checked for openings in the vacations schedule today.  Oh yes...”O”, yes, ZERO—so I guess I need to get busy and schedule some doctor appointments. 

Yeah, well, I get four weeks plus six PDO’s (Paid Days Off) each year and I would always like more time off.  I’d like the whole summer—and no, I don’t think I want to be a kid again in school.  
How’s the art?  I hear that San Jose Museum will have some good views for a while.  I plan on making that trip.  
Getting a little travel fever and I think about planning a trip in September.  It seems like so long I don’t know where to begin but I still want to see Washington DC. 
My single British cousin will be stopping here for a week on August 10th en route home from a month vacation in Australia.  I wish my mother was still here to help talk it out.  Uh...well, I’ll be going to a sitting a la hypnosis this weekend.  It’s a good time to work on that, delving into the unconscious.   I saw WOLF last weekend.  I highly recommend the film. I’m ready to go back to sleep. Later. Happy Summer, Barbara  
“Don’t ever look back because something might be gaining on you.” --Satchel Paige, American Major Baseball League pitcher. 

A Good Dream

Perhaps, as we say in America, I wanted to find myself. --James Baldwin, GIOVANNI’s ROOM  
The first day of summer has come and I feel it.  The fun part about summer is planning weekend escapes.  For me, it’s Alameda or in some cases it’s mom coming to L.A.  I remember the time mom brought Ashley along.  She met Carrie and Lauren.  That was fun.  Summer is supposed to be fun.   It’s also a good time to find one’s self.  The days are clearer.  The days are longer.  
I’m happy I live near the beach.  I’m used to that.  When I lived in Alameda, I took South Shore beach for granted but I did take advantage of it over the years (especially the many miles of cycling back and forth).  Dear Birda can attest to that cycling and the cool Bay Area breeze as well.   Photo: Mary Genoveva Leyba Lucero

On June 24th Alan drove me to LAX and caught the five o’clock flight on Southwest Airlines bound for Oakland, arriving at 6:05pm.  Mom was there (with Ashley in the car) waiting for me curbside.  We went straight to Grandma’s house.  Grandma (Mary Genoveva Leyba-Lucero) will be eighty-one years old on July 10th.  She was born in New Mexico in 1913.  I won’t be in town on her birthday so it was the right thing to do.  Grandma (mom’s mom) is always so welcoming and happy to see me.   Disney’s THE LION KING had come out on June 15th so that was one of the weekend outings.  It was fun. really enjoyed the animation.    Sherri is feeling the stress with four kids (and John—does that make five kids?).  Ha-ha.   I think Sherri is ready to escape to L.A. for a weekend.   “You’re more than welcome,” I said. I have the feeling it will happen sooner than later.   She definitely needs an open window of fresh air. 
The weekend was so quick.  There's never enough time.  I made the best of it though.  I flew back to Los Angeles on Monday, June 27th (work tomorrow); however, I felt a tickle in my throat and I knew I was starting to feel sick.  I didn’t want to miss a day from work, so I am hoping it will only be a 24-hour thing.   I don’t like feeling sick.   Who does?   I need to have a good dream, maybe a dream about blue birds would be nice.  
“Any dream about birds means good health.” --Gabriel Garcia Marquez, NO ONE WRITES TO THE COLONEL, a novela  

The Happy Ending

HIs driving passion was nothing less than knowing EVERYTHING there was to know about the world, including how we fit into it. --Walter Isaacson, about LEONARDO DA VINCI  
It was sweet of Gloria to gift me a book for my Birthday.  Leave it to her to find a book about a 'gay' love story and to choose it for me.  Ha-ha.  On her Birthday Card that I was re-reading today she wrote:
Dearest Michael,
We just want to start your Birthday month real early so it's a month long celebration ins tead of only one day.  Knowing your 
penchant for gossip we hope the enclosed will satisfy your appetite.  
We are so glad we have the opportunity to spend your Birthday with you.  This is two of many.  Love Always, Gloria and Jack 
This week is all about sweet correspondence with happy endings.  Next Friday, June 24th I venture back to my hometown of Alameda.  I do miss it sometimes. 

June 1994
Doroty Rua writes using KISSING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY card:  Dear Michael, 
How wonderful that you had another opportunity to visit NYC!  I would treasure even one weekend there with someone who knows the city—until that weekend arrives, I’ll continue to enjoy all that you share with me.  You mentioned the possibility of Hong Kong.  I would have died of envy if you had sent me a card from that exciting and mysterious place.  Somehow, I know you’ll make it there and you’re right, you’ll need at least two weeks.   The ‘Aspect of Love’ Black and White you sent me is incredible.   What a find and how special you’ve made me feel by sending it to me.  Some things about me you seem to know so well—sometimes I wonder how...  I love it and it will remain one of my favorites, of course, with the ocean, romance and a happy moment/evening. Speaking of happy times, I guess I’ll have to let you know when I head to PISMO BEACH.  An evening in Santa Barbara would definitely be something to look forward to, knowing we’d be sharing a lovely dinner at CITRONELLE—maybe even a stroll down the pier where the view of the coastline is so beautiful.  I spent a bit of time in S.B. when I worked for Santa Barbara Savings and always enjoyed my time there.  Would Alan be accompanying you or would you drive up alone?  Either would be great and we’ll have fun!   
By the way, I liked your RAOUL DUFY card—such nice colors and ocean scene, of course!  I enjoyed the IVY AT THE SHORE card, too (especially because you circled WISH YOU WERE HERE).  You do know some of my buttons. 
The cruise to CATALINA and MEXICO was fun.  Rose and I were good and had a fun time, too.  Lots to do and we were exhausted when we got back—needed a week to recoup!  Also, I didn’t overeat, therefore, didn’t put on any pounds.  Yeah! 
Did you see MAVERICK, the movie, yet?  Rose Marie enjoyed it.  I have not seen it, yet.  I finally saw AGE OF INNOCENSE and FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL.  I thought AGE was so sad (and good) and I found FOUR entertaining, especially with the happy ending.  Rose and I plan to see WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN this Friday, then have a margarita afterwards to discuss the movie.  Wish you could join us... Love, Dorothy 
June 10, 1994 Aunt Lela sends a “HI” postcard: 
Michael, Just a few lines to let you know we’re all fine!  Hoping all is well with you. Do stop by the next time you’re in the neighborhood.  PLEASE...I want to show off my most favorite nephew and the best-looking of the bunch... Love, Aunt Lela 
June 13, 1994 Ashley writes a nice one:  6/13/94, 8:13pm Dear Uncle Mike, 
I got your letter.  I liked the house.  It’s funny, too, because we are learning about structures.  Remember the confetti?  I wanted it sort of to fall out.  You should be careful!  I can’t wait till you come!  It’s okay that you don’t bring the top00ut’s okay.  Only ‘3’ more days until SUMMER!  Yeah!  We went on a field trip today to Sausalito.  Boring!  We went on a bus and ferry and that was fun.   
I saw people on field trip while we were at Disneyland!  I wish we could go there.   Anyway, yes, they do have SCHOLASTIC books ales.  I LOVE ordering books.  I get excited when they come.  Let me tell you.  You said, “I have good taste.”  Well, look at these cards you sent me. Puff-Puff...Norman Rockwell is a great and funny artist.   I like his drawings.  I agree with you.  He is a very creative artist.  Then (well these) made me laugh!  For instance, the painting of DAY OF ALITTLE GIRL’S LIFE.  That was a funny schedule:  sleep, wake-up, get dressed, go swimming, someone pushes you in water, you do it back, go to the movies with him and eat.  I liked it.  
Anyway, I get you collect postcards from places.  Yes, I was trying to learn about friends and gave up.  I love rollerblading. I’m okay but I’m not bad.  You can, too, rollerblade.  I bet it is easier than driving but I’d rather be on a bike (maybe), too.  I didn’t know that Central Park had roller-bladers there!  The things that are in common with this painting:  sleeping, getting dressed, swimming and praying—that's it! 
My Dad’s birthday was terrific.  We went swimming.  After we went to CHEVY’s. I got a burrito.  They sang Happy Birthday.  He is now ‘tres dos’ (32).  He drove and mom said, “What are you going to do next?  Dance around the cars?”  Guess what?  He did!  He pulled over and danced arund the car four times.  When he got inside a police officer came over—but what were they going to do with Dad?  Arrest hi for distrubing the peace?  Then another police officer said, “I like your hat!”   Then we went to Holly’s ice-cream social.  It was hilarious!  It has come for a closing.  I really miss you!  I LUV YOU!  Love, Ashley 
June 18, 1994 Carol Braha sends a Frida Kahlo postcard Dear Michael,  This feels like naughty note passing in school.  I love it!  Thought Kahlo’s work is not all that familiar to me I really liked this and its title.  Very surrealistic. As I write this the world is waiting for O. J. Simpson to turn himself in to the police.  So predictable—but still a shock.  Powere and control traits are possibly violent.  Maybe HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE A MAN SCORNED. See Ya Soon, Love, Carol  
June 19, 1994  Gloria writes from Boston, MA: 
Dearest Michael, 
You are the best surrogate dad I know.  You certainly put up with all of the nuances of being a dad.  So—today we honor you also and wish you a very HAPPY FATHER’s DAY. Love Always, Gloria and Jack 
“The spirit of the cosmos dwells in everything.  Even a stone may serve as the home of a creature; even a tree may serve as the dwelling of a spirit.” --Lisa See, PEONY IN LOVE, a novel 

Cherish Every Minute

"Are you happy?” “Yeah, I am.” “Why?” “I don’t know—I can’t help it.” --James Stevenson, SOMETIMES BUT NOT ALWAYS, a novel I handed the keys to the bank (officially).  The condo I bought in West Hollywood was just draining me each month.  Kim Dykstra is no longer renting it and I decided the monthly mortgage was too ridiculous to pay after Alan’s financial prowess recommended that I simply stop paying and ‘hand the keys to the bank’.  And so, I did.  I have a feeling over time I may regret it but it’s not the right expense to have now.  I’ll rebuild, save and focus anew.   I need to cherish every minute when it comes to building wealth, too.   As I often tell Alan, “I just want to be HAPPY.”  
My little brother, John Edward, turned ‘32’ on June 9th.  We’re not kids anymore.  
Former co-worker, Reed Campbell, from Pac Bell Yellow Pages sent me a nice postcard from Alaska.  I liked the photographic nature look of the eagle in-flight and the wild bear.  It’s a scene I certainly never see.  Reed wrote:  Hi Michael, 
This is from BEAUTIFUL ALASKA---Sitka to be exact.  If you ever plan a cruise this is the place for scenery and RAIN!  Or SNOW?  Our ship, the M.S. Noordham/Holland America is great.  We will be in Minneapolis on May 31st, so drop a line or come and visit. 
Best, Reed  Alan typed out a nice letter for me.  That’s a big deal for him.  I loved it though.   June 4, 1994 Dear Michael: 
I love you!  I’m HOH (Head Over Heels) in love with you!  Those are the simple facts; last week in New York was the best!  I had an outstanding time with you and cherish every minute we spent together. But we got home on Monday and by Tuesday my life went back to normal.  I was consumed with stubs, legal and accounting fees, automobile expenses and TEN WEST ASSOCIATES lack of funds.  No more money for King’s Place, Warner Creek Apartments is falling beyond my grasp and the eventual end of my TEN WEST deal.  I left out the kids who were pretty good but wanted my full attention.  It’s amazing how different one week could be from the next. 
For you as I see it, the major event of the week was your change in hours by one-hour earlier.  You also had to deal with the eventual ending of the 1010 Palm Ave #304, West Hollywood condominium debacle.  I am sure in your own way you were stressed out, too! 

All I wished for you was to spend time alone with you and have fun.  I wished for Friday night where we could just do anything!  Going into the night, I was physically and mentally exhausted (which I still am), and constant palpitations (which I still have).  As you recall, I was searching my wallet last night in the car, looking for a tranquilizer because I was afraid I was going to collapse.  In the midst of all of this you had your own agenda.  I don’t want to argue points but I just want to rehash some of your quotes in the last twelve hours: 
“I refuse to go into a movie, unless we’re early!” “Do you see that guy in that store, I’m sure he dyes his hair.” “This movie theater isn’t the largest, the largest is the one where we saw KIKA.” “I knew you wouldn’t put the CD back in the case.” “I’m going out by myself.” “I’m moving to Berkeley.” “I’m moving back with my mother.” “You think about what you’ve done!” “My evening starts at three o’clock!” We never go to LA CONVERSATION anymore, why?” “We never do this; we never do that.” 
Well, I just want to comment about one item.  I can’t help it, if you get home at 3:30pm and I get home at 6:30pm.  It’s not easy when people are on two different time schedules.  They both have to work together.   You’re not Jewish but you love to try to make me feel guilty about whatever.  I think we need to discuss why this weekend has started so badly.  My guess Is that in comparison to last weekend reality has set in and we both would rather be in New York on vacation.  
All I ask for is understanding, plenty of attention, sex, and no negative statements about me.  I am what I am, you choose me, I can change if you want but please be nice to me. 
I’m sorry that my life is always in constant stress.  I didn’t choose it.  It just happened.  I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.  Can we spend tonight together in bed or agree on something?  It’s clear that when two people have trouble agreeing on a movie, or anything else, that there is trouble. 
Please open up and discuss what’s on your mind.  That’s better than saying nasty things to me or refusing to cooperate on anything!  I want to help you and love you.  I need you to do the same for me!   Love, Alan   On June 7th, Alan and I went for an early RAYMOND dinner in Pasadena and then to the Pasadena Playhouse where we saw the show SPECIAL OCCASIONS by playwright Bernard Slade.  It explored the story of a couple’s divorce over a ten-year period and how they struggled to be friends as they often bumped into each other during special occasions (funerals, birthdays, etc.).   
I often wondered if the stars in these plays will become bigger stars.  This one starred Caroline McWilliams (as Amy) who is married to an actor, Michael Keaton (known for BATMAN RETURNS).  Michael Keaton actually has an account at Charles Schwab & Co.  Caroline divorced Keaton in 1990 so I imagine this play was an easy slice of her personal life.  They had married in 1982 and had a son named Sean Keaton born in 1983.   The actor in the lead of the play was played by Steve Vinovich.  I don’t know much about him but maybe his stage and/or screen presence will grow over time.   Alan and I enjoyed the play but I imagine it had more of an impact for Alan given the recent closure of his divorce a few years ago.  Photo:  Caroline McWilliams and Steve Vinovich





The divorce play was timely as there was big news in L.A. as June 12th arrived an O.J. Simpson’s wife Nicole was murdered.  It seems it was O.J. who killed her right here in Brentwood.  Scary!   
Alan and I had an escape of fun double-feature outing with these movies:  MAVERICK (Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson had such wonderful chemistry in the film) and SPEED (Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves were action-packed and it intertwined a bit of romantic-comedy that I loved, a bit of pleasure and pain I suppose).  
“Pleasure and Pain are represented as twins because there never is one without the other.” --Leonardo DaVinci wrote about his Allegorical Drawing of Pleasure and Pain