Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 29

Bitter Moon

In real life, unlike in the movies, you can’t choose the moments that bring about groundbreaking changes.  In fact, you often don’t have the faintest idea that you are heading for such a moment. --Nicolas Barreau, ONE EVENING IN PARIS, a novel 
A movie directed by Roman Polanski was released in France a couple of years ago (1992) and finally opened here in Los Angeles on June 3rd called BITTER MOON.  Alan and I went to see the Romantic Thriller on Friday, June 3rd.  We were quite amazed by it.  It was excellent.  It begins with a British couple (Nigel and Fiona Dobson) who are on a Mediterranean cruise ship to traveling from ISTANBUL to INDIA.   They encounter a beautiful French woman, Mimi, and that night Nigel meets her while dancing alone in the ship's bar.  Later Nigel meets her much older and disabled American husband Oscar, who is acerbic and cynical, having been jaded and a failure as a writer.  I don’t want to reveal any more of the plot or the twists and turns.  Just be sure to see it...whoever is reading this journal entry.  You’ll find yourself engrossed in the tale.   The music to the film is also quite good.  Paloma sent a few Birthday cards of which I enjoyed very much (a floral postcard, a young boy with a Birthday cake looking ever so cheerful and another Art Deco-like floral card).  I was supposed to receive the card on or before my Birthday and the postcard after my Birthday but I received them together.  That's okay with me.  Sometimes it's fun to enjoy my big day after-the-fact so I don't lose the gusto of it.
Paloma wrote:   
Dear Michael, 
I forgot I had bought this postcard for your Birthday, so I’m sending it now.  How was your Birthday?  Did you have fun that day?  They are already talking about the movie MAVERICK in France.  It’s coming out pretty soon, I think.   Was it good?  I have seen a pretty good one on TV called DEAD AGAIN.  Have you seen it?   My brother left for Albuquerque on Tuesday after three weeks in France.  He is probably going to live in New Mexico for a long time.  He is buying his house and he likes it there.  I guess you’ve heard a lot about France lately with all of that war stuff and your President coming over.  
Dear Michael,  
So--how does it feel?  I don’t exactly remember your words for my Birthday, but you know now what it’s like to be ‘34’ (1959 is some great year, right?  It’s probably the best).  I can just say that the older you get the lazier writer, too.  I am just kidding.  I am sorry about this cart but that’s the least ugly I found.  I don’t have much time to go shopping.  I am sending you a gorgeous song.  The one I told you about in one of my last letters.  Maybe you’ve already had it for years since I think the singers are American—but anyway I love it.  I hope you do too.   
Where do you live?  Do you rent an apartment?  See I know nothing about you!   Well, I have to send this card now so that you get it for your Birthday.  Happy Birthday.Love,  Paloma  I started reading the book, VAN GOGH’s EAR by Bernadette Murphy.   It digs deeper into the most sensational event of the artist’s life when he brutally cut off his ear. The author reveals for the first time the true story of the long, misunderstood event.   She clearly did her research and it makes me want to visit that area known as Arles where he created his finest works.  I’m fascinated by Vincent.  I suppose every artist has their very own ‘inner troubles’.  Perhaps—like everyone—we are bound to experience a BITTER MOON every now and again.  
I’m anticipating a visit to mom in Alameda during the last weekend of this month (June 24-27th), so I thought I’d drop her a quick note using a funny postcard I found in New York but was very much a London card.  I like to send her things that will hopefully make her smile or laugh.  
Mom, 
Here’s a little something.  I saw in New York that I had to get for you.   Love, Michael, Your Son 
“Follow your bliss,” said Joseph Campbell.  “To thine own self be true,” wrote Shakespeare.  The search for what we have to contribute to life begins when we explore our unique selves. --Sam Keen, FIRE IN THE BELLY  

You Treat Me Like a Princess

There are few moments of pure bliss in this life.  Most of the time, you don’t realize that you are having one of those moments until they are over. --Harlan Coben, RUN AWAY  

And to mom... 
Dear Mom, It’s 8:15AM and the taxi should be arriving here in 45-minutes to take us to LAX Airport.  Just enough time to have some milk and cookies and write you a postcard.  I found these MAVERICK movie postcards at the WARNER BROS. Studio Store when I went with John and Sherri and the girls to the Santa Monica Promenade Mall.  The cards were complimentary so, of course, I took about ten of them. I plan to see this movie while in NYC (or upon my return to LA).  I’ll let you know how it is.  Don’t really recall the TV show it is based on (MAVERICK).   Keep smiling—by the time you get this your REEBOK (dog-sitting) days will be over.  Ha-ha. Later, Love, Michael  P.S.  I think I’ll call you as I eat my cookie. 
In-flight to New York City I wrote to Paloma... 
Dear Paloma, DO you believe it?  Will I really be thirty-five years ‘young’ soon?  Time sure does fly, doesn’t it?  Speaking of flying...I’m on a 747-Continental Airlines flight headed for New York.  This is probably my 7th trip to NY...the only other city I’ve been to for as many times is Hawaii.  And I’m surprising my mom on September 6th.  I am taking her to New York.  She doesn’t know that we’re going at all.  
There’s no news on the work front.  It’s the same.  I simply look forward to the weekends and days off. As far as recent celebrity sightings.  We saw Pierce Brosnan (do you know who that is?).  He was sitting in the row in front of us at a movie.  
How’s your mom and dad?  I haven’t asked you about them lately. 
There’s a neat stop n’ go type restaurant place in LONDON called PRET A MANGER.  Alan want sot own several of their franchises in the USA—but they’re only in LONDON right now.  It’s too early to tell what will happened with that business venture.  Have you ever heard of PRET A MANGER?  I guess if you go to LONDON you’d bound to run into one. 
Is it nice and sunny in the South of France?  We’ve been having nice warm weather lately, too.  I rode my bike to Santa Monica and there were two guys skating, speaking French the other day.  If only I could be biking in France and talking to you in English.  Ha-ha.  
I like a lot of RAOUL DUFY Art, so I bought a postcard book of some of his works.  Do you like this one?   I saw a funny Spanish movie the other day by Pedro Almodovar called “KIKA”.  Have you heard of it?   PHOTO:  KIKA 
I saw the CANNES FILM FESTIVAL highlights the other day.  It must be exciting there right now. 
I’ve finally confirmed my thought that French Restaurants are THE BEST!  I look forward to the day I can dine alone with you again in a fine French Restaurant...someday, I suppose. 
The movie on this airplane is SHADOWLANDS starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.   I saw it before but I guess I’ll watch it again—maybe I missed something the first time. Till the Next Time,   Love, Michael 
And another one for mom... 
Dear Mom, Greetings from New York City.   Did you ever see that movie, THE GOOD SON?  What a brat he was, huh? 
I may go see a new play here that Joan Rivers is starring in. 
We are going to a lot of places like restaurants, so Alan can get his receipt stubs for tax purposes.  Yes, we are still stub hunting.  Ha-ha.  I got about eight of these cards in a boxed set of the dog searching the mailbox at a HALLMARK store.  The dog reminds me of me when I go to check the mail.  Ha-ha.  Speaking of dogs, I keep thinking of REEBOK in the tool shed and I laugh.  He must like it there. 
After this trip I have to plan out a 3-4 day weekend to the Bay Area because my free ticket on Southwest expires on August 31, 1994. 
One can feel the JACQUELINE KENNEDY O. loss here in NY—but then, we all are gone one day.  It’s so sad to think about.  That’s why we must enjoy every day to the fullest. 
Well, I’ll probably be calling you later today or tomorrow—on my 35th Brithday.  Yikes!   I Love You Very Much. Always, Michael J Armijo  Alan found a vintage (1982 film) QUERELLE postcard for me and wrote, “Michael, what were you doing when you watched this movie?”   While in NY we went to the movies and dined at some cool restaurants and walked and walked and walked.  There’s always something to do.  We made good use of our time.  The night of my birthday we saw Joan Rivers in NYC.  She was funny—as usual.  We also had a most fabulous dinner at CAFÉ DE ARTISTES, JOJO’s and MARCH---all are tops on our lists for wining and dining now.  We look forward to our return to NY, hopefully sooner versus later. 
Upon our arrival back to L.A. on May 30th, I had a few Birthday Cards waiting for me.   
From mom: Dear Son, Just can’t imagine  life without a super son like you!  Happy Birthday!  I thought I’d send your Birthday Card with Ashley’s card and the picture you asked for.  I miss you guys.  You treat me like a Princess when I am there. I love you.   Virg 
Happy Birthday from ASHLEY. Uncle MIke, Happy Brithday!  Remember you’re 35—not 25.  We miss you. Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. We Love You, The ARMIJO’s 
And from Dorothy Rua...  Happy Birthday Michael!  You’ve hear this many times before but every year it means even more... Hope a Wonderful Person (my angel) has a wonderful Birthday. It must be a great day since you’re on vacation on your Birthday!   Just received your MAVERICK postcard and you sure caught me by surprise with this vacation news.  You always know how to make me smile/laugh and/or keep me amused.   This time by keeping me in suspense about your destination.  I love it.  I can hardly wait for more information. I trust you’re having a super Birthday and super week.  Keep me in your thoughts.  You’re always in mine. Love with O’s and X’s, Dorothy 
And another handmade card from Alan’s daughter, Lauren: 
Dear Mikey,  Happy Birthday.  I’m really happy because we’re becoming closer.  If I could have anyone to be another dad to me it would be you.  You’re the greatest.  We have so much fun together and if I need to talk to you I know you’re there.  I hope you enjoyed your party.  It was nice to see you so happy.   Carrie and I thought you would like your present (I’m not telling) because we know you like that.  I love you and I’m glad you’re part of my life. Love, Lauren P.S. I’m stick that’s why this card is so messy.   
“That’s the thing about memories.  You like thinking back to them; they’re the greatest treasure we have, and yet it always makes you a little sad because something is irretrievably past.”--Nicolas Barreau, ONE EVENING IN PARIS 

Romantic Dinners

“Part of me probably hasn’t given up wanting to turn back the clock.  Or hasn’t quite accepted that I’ve moved on—if indeed I did move on.  Perhaps all I truly want is to reconnect with the person I used to be and lost trace of and simply turned my back on once I moved elsewhere.”--Andre Aciman, FIND ME 
Alan wrote on a FLORENCE, Italy postcard for me on May 19.   I do love romantic dinners.   
5-19 Michael, I missed you.  Wish we could go to ITALY together.  Eat romantic dinners in Rome, Florence and Milan and go to Southern Italy. Love You, Alan   Gloria also wrote a postcard for me, using a MARC CHAGALL masterpiece.  We had a wonderful dinner together.  We always do—even when it’s not a birthday celebration. Ha-ha. 
5/21/94, ‘Last of the Goodies’ Dear Michael, Tonight’s the night since you will be in New York for your Birthday “Lucky Guy”.   Tonight we make believe that it is your Birthday and we have fun.   Jack and I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday Year with many wonderful things happening and above all lots of good health and happy times. I’m looking forward to your next Birthday in ‘95. Love Always, Gloria and Jack 
I’m enjoying receipt of Birthday cards before my Birthday.  Cousin Carol Lucero wrote a beautiful one.   
May 23, 1994, Monday Evening 
Dear Michael, 
Hi There!  …a little birdy told me your Birthday is a few days away.  So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  Hope you’ll do something special.  Unfortunately, I got sick on mine and I had to miss ROMEO and JULIET (whimper, whimper).  All I wanted to do was sleep.  Oh well.  Life goes on. Your trip to New York sounds great.  I’m sure your mother will be happily surprised.  I’ve always wanted to see a musical On-Broadway and visit New York.  I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans.  Where else have you travelled? 
Anything NEW with you?  So tell me...how do you like your job?  Really?  Work has been alright except it can be tiring dealing with people all day long.  I miss the days where I could submerge myself in paperwork.  I’m toying with the idea of getting an AA in ART (studio).  Growing up I always thought I’d work with design of some sort (Graphic or Interior).  I might take an ART class this summer for fun.  Is there any line of work you’ve secretly wanted to do?   There are so many possibilities.  I have interests in so many things.  It’s hard to commit to one thing forever. 
Any plans for MEMORIAL DAY weekend?  I’m going to go camping like everyone else.  I’m going to Annapolis, California (not like everyone else) with Ryan.  His parents have 40 acres there with a cabin.   It’s near the coast.  It will be fun and relaxing.  I just hope it stays warm.  I hate cold.  Anyway, have a FANTASTIC BIRTHDAY.  How old (?) if you don’t mind?  This means you are a GEMINI, right?  Do you have fun with horoscopes?   Til Later, Love, Carol  
On May 22nd Alan and I had a festive visit from my brother, John, his wife Sherri and the kids (Ashley, Holly, Ally, Dylan) as they were all going to DISNEYLAND.  It was such a treat to see them all.   I loved that they stopped to see us during their early summer road trip.  
Former coworker and friend Reed Campbell sent a HOLLAND AMERICA postcard from his most recent cruise: Dear Michael,
Here we are on an 8-day cruise to Alaska.  We left our house in S.F on the 20th of May and sailed out on the 22nd.  We return to San Francisco late on the 24th and move to our new house on the 31st.  We sold our home of 20 years in 6-days and went to Minneapolis and bought another in 4-days.  So we have really been rushed and busy.  Will write more later.   My new address: 3707 Harriet St. South, Minneapolis, MN 55409 As Always, Reed  My Aunt Lela Gallegos-Armijo-Rego sent a humorous, sweet Birthday Card: Michael, 
Can you imagine I’ve reached the age of C.R.S. Club (Can’t Remember Shit).  Hope you have a good one!   
I even forgot Id already sent a belated Birthday Card.  That’s BAD! (just kidding, I couldn’t resist this card.).  
Love, Aunt Lela  And I can always count on Beautiful Birda for my birthday.  She finds the best bike-related things.   Michael,I like your style.  I received your postcard and loved hearing from you.  Everything here is great.  I hope all is well with you.  Take Care and write again soon.  Love Always, Birday
Gloria reminded me how lucky I am.  My cousin Carol reminded me ‘to sleep’.   My Aunt Lela reminded me ‘to remember’.  Birda reminded me ‘to ride the bike’ and Reed reminded me ‘to get away once in a while’.  Alan, of course, reminded me that I need ‘to have more romantic dinners’.   I'm confident with regard to romantic dinners in the very near future as my departure for New York City is soon: May 24th.  Yes! 
Sleep helps you retain everything you need and nothing that you don’t, improving the ease of memory recollection.  Said another way, forgetting is the price we pay for remembering. --Matthew Walker, PhD, WHY WE SLEEP  

The Perfect 36

“There’s a lot about me you don’t know.  Don’t you think discoveries are fun?” --James Baldwin, GIOVANNI’s ROOM 
It was sweet of Gloria to send me an artful postcard by PICASSO of a Woman with an Apron that was painted in 1920.  She wrote: 
5-11-1994 Dearest Michael, We have 15-days before B Time (Birthday), so here’s a few more goodies.  Sorry you have to change the shirt.  Blame Alan!  Don’t fret.  I’m still saving one for the night we go out for your Birthday dinner.  Thank so much for my cat (name Earthquake).  I figured I go her because of her name.  She has the place of honor on my only shelf that’s left on the etagere.  I enjoy the music.  I play it when I wake up.  Enjoyed our chat!!!  Love Always, Gloria  And May 12th is here and my brother, Tony, is now 36 years old.  I remember when my mom was age 36.  I specifically remember because I took this portrait photo of her in her kitchen at 356 Magnolia Drive on September 6, 1971 when she was ‘36’ and I said to her, “Mom, you’re the PERFECT 36.”   There’s a TV channel and that was their slogan “The Perfect 36”.   It was a well-known slogan in the Bay Area.  It made mom smile.  I can see that smile now.  It remains with me and always will. On Friday, May 13th, I gave Alan strict instructions. 
“We have to see that movie, THE CROW, because my client at work, Dov Hoenig, is the film editor and I promised him I’d be first in-line to see it.”  And so, we saw THE CROW.  It was amazing to realize that Brandon Lee died on the set; however, Dov stepped to the challenge with the film editing to make it appear that he was involved until the film had wrapped.  I had never thought about how a film editor can really make or break a movie.  The story was about a poetic guitarist who is brought back to life by a crow a year after he and his fiancé are murdered; whereby, he has returned to the guidance of the crow to avenge the murders.  
By the end of this week I was honored with a beautiful ‘early Birthday Card’ illustration by Margaret Tarrant of whimsy from my dear friend and former coworker from Pac Bell, Barbara Reynolds.  It depicted two young boys under a tree who appear to be brothers or best-friends.   Imprinted in the card were these words:    Great, wide, beautiful, wonderful world,  With the wonderful water round you curled, And the wonderful grass upon your breast-- World you are beautifully dressed!   
Barbara wrote: 17 May 94 Dear Mike, Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, all your dreams come true... I’m on vacation this week and taking care of me and cleaning and sorting.  Also, now going to another physical therapist in San Francisco, so it’s a long row to hoe. Health:  learning to take care of these old bones, ligaments, etc. Alice gave me a bunch of cards from this San Diego company—kind of old-fashioned, so since you enjoy the wide Beautiful world, I knew you might be amused. Rain now, so unusual, so I’m thankful I can stay-in and keep cozy.   Lots of Love, Barbara 
“If you aren’t harried, worried, and a little bit nuts you don’t understand what’s going on around here.”  Nobody can predict the shape of tomorrow’s world. --Sam Keen, FIRED IN THE BELLY  

You're Everything to Me

Harmony is what all people strive to achieve.  Harmony is the basis of a clear mind, of a good and powerful KARMA.  --Eric Van Lustbader, THE NINA, 1980 
Alan sent a random card as he was in desperate need of collecting restaurant stubs/receipts for tax purposes.  I helped him out in that regard.  I loved the RENOIR painting card he chose for me.  It’s so lovely.  It’s a famous painting that hangs in the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. 
Alan wrote:   May 3, 1994 Michael,  I Love You.  Thank you for helping me at my time of need of receopts. You are a great guy to go to bed with—the best.  Better than Steve Martin or Pierce Brosnan. Love, Alan 

I wondered...did the Steve Martin remark have something to do with his recent movie, A Simple Twist of Fate?  And did the Pierce Brosnan remark have to do with our sighting of him at an AMC theater and saw how very short he is in-person?   Whatever...it was funny to read anyhow. 
On May 5th, Alan and I attended an APLA Fashion Show fundraising event.   It was pretty star-studded.  I just had an embarassing moment.  I was two rows away from the runway and model, Naomi Campbell, came down strutting her stuff and I yelled, “Go Tyra!”   Ooops, I thought it was Tyra Banks.   Oh well, I didn’t get the boot or crazed looks (luckily).  
Ashley is ten years old.  Wow, a whole decade now.   
I am in awe of a cool song on the airwaves now by The Cranberries called DREAMS.   I love the melody and the lyrics.  I love the start of it: ‘Oh, my life is changing everyday’.    I love when they sing ‘it’s never quite as it seems’ and especially when they sing ‘you’re everything to me’.   DREAMS (the lyrics):
Oh, my life is changing everyday  In every possible way  And oh, my dreams  It's never quite as it seems  Never quite as it seems 
I know I felt like this before But now I'm feeling it even more Because it came from you Then I open up and see The person falling here is me A different way to be 
I want more, impossible to ignore Impossible to ignore And they'll come true Impossible not to do Possible not to do 
And now I tell you openly You have my heart so don't hurt me You're what I couldn't find A totally amazing mind So understanding and so kind You're everything to me 
Oh, my life is changing everyday In every possible way And oh, my dreams It's never quite as it seems 'Cause you're a dream to me Dream to me 
I heard his voice, deep, convincing, gentle: “Count seven stars and you’ll dream about me.”  --Gabriel Garcia Marquez, LEAF STORM, a novella    

It's All Pretty Foggy

One of the ninja’s traits was to strike without warning...true, most of the time. --Eric Van Lustbader, THE NINJA 
While Alan is in London I was at work and I sent a Movieline ad to my friend, Dov Hoenig.  He’s a client I met at Charles Schwab & Co.  He always works with me and I’ve come to know his wife, Zoe, also.  They’re so kind.  
Dov is a film editor. In the last few years he is responsible for the film editing of The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Under Seige (1992) and The Fugitive (1993).  I sent him an article because the latest film he is editing will be released in May 1994.  It’s quite a challenge because the film is THE CROW and it stars Brandon Lee (the son of actor Bruce Lee) and he died last year while filming the movie (of a brain hemorrhage).  
Well, I was pleased when Dov replied to me: 
April 26, 1994 Dear Michael, Thank you for sending me the ad from MOVIELINE.  Good reviews of THE CROW have already appeared in “Variety” and “The Hollywood Reporter”, but they don’t mention the editing... THE CROW is one of my best works as a film editor, but it is always so dangerous to talk about it, in case other people may disagree.  This is the way it goes:  one gets full recognition for being involved in a very successful project, but very little—at best—for heroic efforts in a move that is not due to receive the same about of public exposure.  Maybe, in the end it will be different with THE CROW.  Next time in L.A. I sure hope to tell you some of the exciting stories about the Oscar ceremony and the other rituals that preceded it.  It was an unforgettable event, for both Zoe and me... 
Thank you for also taking care of the prospectus on PEC.  I got them a few days ago.  I hope things are going well for you. Dov P.S. while dealing with business, can I fax you in Westwood?  What is the fax number for the Westwood Branch?  Should I address it to you or to somebody else? 
In addition to the happenings of the week—besides work—I received a sweet card from my first cousin, Carol Lucero.  I loved reading about the latest in her life.  She sent a card depicting a beautiful Dutch Iris flower:
April 28, 1994 Michael, 
Hello, Hello!  It’s me again, a distant voice from the Bay Area.  I do enjoy your choice of cards.  It is fun wondering what the next one is going to look like.  
This has been a busy, busy month (as usual).  I’m very happy because I just received my State License and Certification for practicing Speech-Language Pathology in California.  Yes, even after an M.S. “they” require a 9-month fellowship year with supervision before letting us practice solo.  Yeah...no more having someone ‘looking over my shoulder’ (so to speak). 
Your description of Santa Barbara, San Simeon, Cambria is enticing.  I have visited the Hearst Castle before with Liz.  It was wonderful—very vintage.  To know me is to know that I love anything vintage/nostalgic.  My favorite eras are the 1920’s, 1940’s.  I love jazz, big band, blues (almost any music with or without a melody).  Like you, I see lots of movies.  Do you have preferences?  I’ve always considered myself a “movie buff”, especially with the classics and silent films.  I adore Charlie Chaplin.  I often visit the Paramount Theater in Oakland because they often show classics on Friday evenings (Newsreel, cartoon, organ music, movie).  It’s all for $5 and a beautiful Theater to be in.  What types of LIVE theater intrigues you?  I don’t go as often as I’d like. 

I am going to see ROMEO and JULIET (San Francisco Ballet) this Saturday 4/30 and then we’re going dancing.  Ryan is treating me for my Birthday.  I love to dance, yet it’s been too long since I’ve gone.  By the way, there is no “DATE” yet.  In August, I will have known Ryan for 2-years (Yikes!).  Yes, we’ve been talking about whether there’ll be a “DATE”, but it’s all pretty FOGGY right now.  No rush—I'm happy.  Life is O.K.  How’s yours?  Well...hasta luego. Love, Carol  
After reading her letter, the idea of drifting off while listening to a ROMEO and JULIET melody during a midafternoon Saturday nap felt quite appealing.   
All humans, irrespective of culture or geographical location, have a genetically hardwired dip in alertness that occurs in the midafternoon hours. --Matthew Walker PhD, WHY WE SLEEP 

In The Black

Shall I insist, like the mandarins of CHINA, that every LIFE depends on a button which an unknown being can press?  And you yourselves—how many times have you wondered about mankind’s destiny, or asked the old questions?  “Where are we going?  Like the unheard music that lies latent in a phonograph record. --Adolfo Bioy Casares, THE INVENTION OF MOREL 
Alan left with Lauren for London.  What a perfect gift for Lauren.  She’ll have a great time.  I’m in envy but I’m happy they’re having this time together.  It makes me wonder about my own daughter—out there somewhere.  She’ll be age 18 in 2003, so maybe I’ll hear from her in nine years.  Who knows? 

Alan kept to his word and did send three postcards.  I loved each one of them.  He knows how to push my buttons.  He mailed all three of them on the same date, April 25, 1994, so it was great to receive all three of them on the same day:  Mike, 
Does this place look familiar (Camden High Street)?  They didn’t have my shirt!  It was cold.   
We have pounds!   
London is quite fine.  We miss you.  Lauren and I didn’t lose each other in Camden. 
Love, Alan 
Michael, Tower, Bridge, LONDON  Le Pont de la Tour...We saw the Crown Jewels.  I want some of them!   
I saw a great punch bowl!  
We didn’t walk over the Tower Bridge but we have spent every day using the UNDERGROUND subway. 
Love, Alan 
Mike, 
Lauren and I spent today at Chelsea.  We must go...antiques, outdoor market, restaurants, etc. Will PRET A MANGER make it...or not?  WE will see! Love, Alan
Alan said that PRET A MANGER is still too small to expand but they do want to expand to the USA at some point.  It’s too early in the game.  I know Alan likes the idea of this franchise.  All remains to be seen.   Meanwhile, I’m happy with my growing portfolio at Charles Schwab and Co.  At least I’m ‘in the black’.  It’s horrible to be ‘in the red’.   
“That’s it man!  I personally need that.  Everybody doesn’t--but I do.  I need someone that I can talk with about Nabokov and Leon Forrest but also Stephen King.  Someone who can leave a museum and go see a karate film.  I want partnership, man---someone that’s wired for me outta the box, someone with the same intellectual and spiritual vocabulary.” --Colin Channer, WAITING IN VAIN, a novel 

Speaking of Relationships

“What we do in LIFE, echoes in eternity.”  --Maximus, GLADIATOR, the 2000 motion-picture 
Alan is going to London again—but this time with Lauren.  What a fun father/daughter trip.  They’ll be there later this month.  Alan was intrigued by the PRET A MANGER business and he managed to squeeze-in a meeting with them.  Maybe he can bring the concept to the USA.  It’s probably too early...but one never knows. 
Alan already bought tickets to see Barbra Streisand at the Wembley Arena in London during her 26-Show Tour with the London gigs set for April 20, 25, 27, 29.  I get to work, remaining here in Los Angeles...but at least he’ll send me some postcards. 
Dorothy Rua wrote again using a cute ‘kids’ card: 
Michael,  I’m really glad you enjoyed the “Kid on the Mailbox” card.  RoseMarie and I were in Berkeley waiting for the theater to open for SIRENS when we decided to stop in the shop next door.  I saw that card and I yell, “Michael...that’s Michael!”  It was perfect.  It definitely was you.  I even got your NEXT Birthday card at that shop on that very day.  You’ll have to wait until 5-26-95 to get it! 
Are you planning a trip to Massachusetts for your next vacation?  You’d be in heaven over there with all of the Norman Rockwell paintings.  Don’t forget your $money$.  I’m sure you’ll want to pick up a few items—at least some postcards. 
I haven’t made it to Pismo Beach with Jean yet, but I still plan to get down there.  I’m so jealous that you went to Santa Barbara.  It really would be fun to meet there, wouldn’t it?  I can see us people watching near the beach with a glass, or more like chilled white wine and seafood.  Hmmm.... 
And yes, you must plan a weekend with special friends up here.  Does everyone else miss you as much as I do?  So, your friend Chris Hicks is really getting married?  Did you think she would?  Well, sounds like you may be part of the big event...sounds like this could also be the beginning of three weddings... 
Speaking of relationships...how is/are yours doing?  Or are you involved in one (or any) right now?  Do hope your days include moments of pleasure no matter who you’re sharing them with.  We all deserve at least some of those moments, don’t we?   The lucky ones get them! 

Hope the next few weeks will bring at least SOME interesting experiences for me so I can share the inb my next card to you.  If some of the dreams I’ve had lately (while asleep) were reality, you’d have some interesting reading in these cards! Much Love, Dorothy 
There rapport had strung a spider’s thread between them. --Ramon Gomezde la Serna, Eight Novellas:  SHE + SHE – HE + HE 

Evening at the Sea

“I’m not alone.  I have you once a month.” -as heard while watching the 2017 Israeli/German film, THE CAKEMAKER 
Last weekend, Alan and I had a weekend escape—as a continuation to Alan’s Birthday-- to the Hearst Castle area.  It was a delightful escape.  I had a postcard from the Malibu brunch/lunch haunt that I love called GEOFFREY’s.  I grabbed the postcard and sent mom a few words: 
April 3, 1994 Sunday MorningDear Mom, 
I'm here in San Simeon, California.  I guess I’ll be going for a little breakfast soon. When I went to GEOFFREY’s for Alan’s Birthday on April 1st I grabbed this postcard.  I may have sent this card to you once before.  Anyway, GEOFFREY’s was fun—but it’s just not the same when you go with Lauren and Carrie.  Most of us had the chicken entrée and it wasn’t really great this particular time.  We don’t usually go there for dinner.  In other words, the chicken they prepared was not as great as when you’ve gone there.  Anyway, I can hear the ocean here from the window and it is very relaxing here.  I love you. Thinking of You, Michael J Armijo 
Barbara Reynolds sent me a PAUL KLEE postcard for his painting EVENING AT THE SEA.  How appropriate after just being in San Simeon, enjoying an evening at the sea.  Barbara was rather brief but it’s still so nice to receive a handwritten postcard.   A few random words are better than none.   
8 APR ‘94 
Do you like PAUL KLEE?  He’s one of my favorites.  I got your note today about another trip to San Simeon.  Great!  Perhaps I’ll get back there soon. 
I didn’t know about your doll collection (inherited from your mom).  Do you have any special criteria or could I just send any?  I don’t want to keep you.   
I would love some pins.  I still love neat postage stamps like the one you gave me. I love SPRING, too.  Love, Barbara  
The dinner at LAWRY’s PRIME RIB was delicious.  It’s always fun to go with Gloria and Jack.  They always spice up the conversation.   
It was Kim Dykstra’s Birthday on April 12th.   She didn’t seem phased by another birthday while at work.  It was like she is ‘fed up’ with life.  I try to make her smile but it’s quite the challenge.   I like when I succeed—on rare occasions.   She needs an evening at the sea. 
At least when you knew a thing, even if it was bad, you could prepare for it.  It was better to know something bad than nothing at all. --Taylor Stevens, THE INNOCENT 

Suburbia

The odds are better if you rely only on yourself. --Tara Westover, EDUCATED, a memoir 
It’s that time of year again.  My niece, Ally, just had her Birthday on March 23rd.  She’s 4 years old now.  And now Leigh (3/29) and Holly 4/2) will both be 6-years old.   I still remember being 6-years old.  I can see myself in my Catholic School uniform at St. Anthony’s in 1st grade (at age 6) with Sister Agnes Marie.  And Alan’s Birthday is April Fools Day; he will be 42 years young.  
Alan’s eldest daughter had her 14th Birthday last month and she wrote a sweet Thank You card to me: Dear Mikey,  Thanks a lot for the night gown and the gift certificate.  I’ll use them a lot, especially the book certificate.   It was really special to me that you were at my Bat Mitzvah.   Be in a nappy mood, ok?  I really want you to come to Stairway to the Stars.  It’s important to me.  You’re a really special and important person to me.  I love you a lot. Love, Lauren Freiman P.S. My titties are getting bigger.   
Haha...Lauren and I have this ongoing joke about her titties getting bigger.  I think I said that to her—just to be silly and fun-- as a joke and it made a comical impression on her.   
Alan and I went to see the movie, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL.  It starred three actors that I really like:  Hugh Grant (he is one year younger than I), Andie MacDowell and Kristen Scott Thomas.  It was pretty funny.  We really enjoyed it.  The film follows the fortunes of Charles (Hugh Grant) and his friends as they wonder if they will every find true love and marry. Charles thinks he's found "Miss Right" in Carrie (Andie MacDowell), an American. This British subtle comedy revolves around Charlie, his friends and the four weddings and one funeral which they attend.  
I had written Dorothy Rua and like clockwork—she wrote back: 
I must tell you, Michael, the Norman Rockwell card you sent is great.  It’s so perfect.  The typical suburbia station wagon with all the trimmings; restless kids, family dog, grandma and a boat naked SKIPPY! 
I guess ‘going and coming’ hits a particular spot in me right now because of where I’ve been these past few months, slipping back into the “Mom Mode”.  I was totally absorbed into, years prior.  I have to make a conscious effort to allow and encourage my other roles to be just as important to me—especially the role of ‘Dorothy The Individual’.  Part of what’s going on right now is that it’s summer and I’m home (not working) which sets an environment for certain things. 
So, your Norman Rockwell card was a great wake-up call!  Reminding me to not get too caught up in the typical ‘suburbia’ activities. 

A few weeks ago I (family) was in Davis, visiting friends.  I thought it was just going to be their family and ours.  It turned out the neighbors up and down the street were invited too!  The place was crawling with CEO’s and CFO’s from Diamond Almonds, Brach’s Candies, etc. (with all of their wives and kids, too).  Kids were running around, splashing in the pool and parents were carrying-on with boring conversations with each other.  As I viewed the scene of suburbia (in its glory) I couldn’t help but think of you and your Normal Rockwell card.   If Norman was there his paint brush would have been fast-at-work on his canvas.  As for me, I couldn’t tolerate too much of it, so when Peter asked, “Are you having fun, yet?”  He knew I could barely keep a fixed-smile on my face.   
All I could say to myself was, “Get me the F—K out of here?” 
So, job or no job, it’s good to know I’ll probably never buy into suburbia.  
I want you to know I saw the movie, SIRENS, a second time.  The first time was on January 2nd with RoseMarie—not only did I enjoy it the second time around but thank goodness I went for the repeat.  The first time around I totally missed the significance of one of the later scenes.   It was after the artist shows the wife his painting (with herself included in the painting) and she’s exiting the room when the artist says to his groundskeeper (hot-stud), “Let’s get to work,” and then tosses him a tool.  Only at the second viewed did I realize the guy caught the tool in mid-air and had no problem with his eyesight.  How did I miss it the first time?  It’s such an important part of the whole story!   Anyway, I THANK YOU AGAIN for insisting I see SIRENS.  It’s one of the few movies I would consider buying in video.  The only video I’ve ever purchased is SHIRLEY VALENTINE.    The day RoseMarie and I went to see SIRENS we were also planning to see KIKA but when we got to the theater for KIKA we found out it stopped showing the day before.   I was really disappointed because it isn’t showing anywhere else up here.  I’ve been looking for BITTER MOON but haven’t found it playing anywhere in San Francisco or Berkeley.  I’m certain only Walt Disney films are allowed east of the Caldecott Tunnel!  
By the way, I like your idea of creating your own mental endings to movies like AGE OF INNOCENSE.  How could he NOT go up and see his one true love? 
It must have been a bit exciting for you to speak to actress, Louise Fletcher, at that famers market.  She was terrific in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’s NEST.   Too bad she didn’t make more movies than she did.  She was always such a strong actress... Love, Dorothy 


And so...my work week continues.  My forthcoming, Monday, will shorten my week because we have a LAWRY’s PRIME RIB dinner planned for Monday, April 11th.  I like having something exciting to look forward to...always!   I need to sleep.  There’s so much to process. 
“Sleep is the chief nourisher in life’s feast.” --Shakespeare, MACBETH, 1611