Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 30

Doing More Self-Care

Michael liked to skip the introductory stages of things, trusting the basics would come to him later. --Christopher Bram, IN MEMORY OF ANGEL CLARE, a novel 
My niece, Ally, will be turning age 4 on March 23rd.   Time flies.  And my niece, Leigh, will be age 6 next week on March 29th.  As they age, I stay the same age, Ha-ha (I wish). 
Alan gave me an uplifting surprise card on March 25th with a couple riding horses.  I really liked it.  The imprinted words were as follows, the words in capital letters were underlined by Alan:   
You are an adventure... 
You embrace life with an intensity that’s contagious, and when I’m with you, anything seems possible. 
Michael, You have YOUR OWN IDEAS about things and the COURAGE to express them. When we’re together, I never know WHAT TO EXPECT FOR SURE, but I do know that I’ll NEVER BE BORED.  YOU’RE ONE OF A KIND.  Maybe that’s why every day finds me a little more deeply in love iwht you. Love, Alan P.S. I must lose weight and gain muscle.  
And while work was keeping me busy, I was happy to come home and find a new card from Barbara Reynolds.  I read it outside on the balcony.  She reminded me of the importance of ‘doing more self-care'.  
28 March 94 
Dear Mike, Thank you so much for the gorgeous cards.  I love the London Phone booth. 
It seems like ages since I received them.  I am guilty for delayed response.  Energy just seemed to stop, so I am just trying to allow myself to relax.  I am getting more sleep than I did the first two months this year and I had my fifth visit with the acupuncturist.  I’ve been doing more self-care with herb soup and moxa. 
New equipment has been ordered for my desk.  Hopefully, I will be able to try it this week. 
I saw the ‘paper’ a few days ago...the BEST so far this year.  I really indulged in The Oscars last week.  I watched it all with joy. 
Yesterday, I had several walks.  Perfect days.  I want to get to the beach.  I met a woman on the late afternoon walk yesterday.  She had been to Point Reyes over the weekend and saw lots of whales.  It's been a few years since I’ve seen a whale...not sure when I’ll get there. So, CHEZ PANISSE, ok...fine.  When?  Hmmm...Yum! 
30th of March ...four hours at work today.  Now at the library to finish this and then go to the “Y”.  I just worked on trying to organize the desk today.  It’s still in pain.  It will take time for improvement with my next problem.  I’m sorry if I’m complaining too much.  I hope you are well and enjoying Spring. Love,  Barbara 
It is Spring...and beside Leigh’s Birthday...there is Alan’s birthday on April Fools Day and Holly on April 2nd.   Time flies it’s true but the trick is enjoying the present moment and doing more self-care! 
Instead of letting my emotions continue to torture me, I began to use them for good. --Lisa See, PEONY IN LOVE, a novel

The Verdict/The Kiss

When I see I’ve made a mistake, my mind shuts down.  I cry, I scream, I make a huge fuss, and I just can’t think straight about anything anymore.  For example, When I pour water into a glass, I can’t stand it if I spill even a drop. -Naoki Higashida, a 13-year old boy with autism in his book THE REASON I JUMP 
Sadly, the Armed Robbery Case for which I was a juror did not end happily for the defendant.  We came to a guilty verdict on Friday, March 16.  The judge was right that it would last not more than four or five business days.  It was hard to not convict him considering the evidence even if he was armed with a fake gun.  His intent was still to steal money and give the appearance of threatening the life of a 7-Eleven employee.  It feels odd to realize how one can contribute to THE VERDICT and change someone’s life ‘lust like that’.  
I re-read Paloma’s last letter, thinking about her words of feeling depressed:  
Dear Michael, Thank you for your two cards.  That was nice to hear from you.   I didn’t write or call you after the earthquake because I thought you were dead before it happened—JUST KIDDING...but I sent you a Christmas Card! In fact, to tell you the truth I was worried about you even before the earthquake but I couldn’t write.  I have been very depressed and I wasn’t in the mood to do it. 
Our company is going through big problems, so we’ve been very worried since November (and we still are).  That’s why we didn’t go on vacation this year.  We were planning to go to the States.  I don’t know what it is but it seems like there is a force that makes it impossible for me to go to the States.  Every time I plan it something happens.  Isn’t that sad and strange?  
We are now back in Balaruc-Les-Bains (to work) and we still live in Sete (for as long as possible.  We have a nice apartment there.  We would like to keep it but they might have to sell the hotel, so if they do then we’ll have no choice.  
A lot of people have lost their jobs lately in our Company.  That was like MERRY CHRISTMAS!  That’s why I’ve been very worried.  It’s very difficult right now in France to find work, especially good jobs that you like...like we do! 
So you are in LONDON...nice.  I haven’t been there in a long, long time.  I guess about fifteen years (I was three years old then...Haha).  I’m glad the earthquake didn’t cause you any damage.  It didn’t do anything to your business?  Which was the scariest...the big one in San Francisco or this one?  
I don’t know when my friend, Unni, works at CHEZ PANISSE.  In fact, I just heard from her because she just sent me an invitation for her wedding party for the 5th of March.  I could still go.  She now lives in Oakland.  You’ve got a picture of her, I think.  Didn’t I send you one with me—maybe not.  Maybe that was with her boyfriend/husband, Duane.  She is really cute, a little Asian type...but I guess you won’t see her if you go there.  She will be in the kitchen. 
Talking about Coco’s little girl named Giulia—maybe someday Jonathan will end up with her.  Who knows?  He loves little ones right now.  He was so nice with her walking her by the hand and taking care of her all the time.  He really likes her.  I’m sorry about your five attractive nieces but he is already IN LOVE with one of his classmates.  Her name is Claire-Noelle.  That’s funny as he gave her a ring! 
I like the GUSTAV KLIMPT painting.  In fact, I like lots of paintings from the beginning of the Century.   
My mom and dad are fine.  Thank you.  They both live a great life.  I’m happy for them.  My dad is going back to MADRID tomorrow after a month and a half in Paris to see my brother.  And my mom is also going back to Bernidorm this weekend after a few weeks in Paris and one week here with my two brothers.  I’ve never heard of PRET A MANGER.  English food doesn’t have a good reputation in France to be good.  English food pretty much is ‘yukkie food’.  If I go to London, I’ll try PRET A MANGER.  I’m bound to run into one.   
It is nice and sunny over here now (windy today).  I love this area.  I love living here and I hope I will for a long time0-unless I could go somewhere even better.  I would love to live on some island like Guadeloupe or Tahiti (they both belong to France).  One thing I wouldn’t like about that though is that I would be tto far from my family.  That’s a problem for my brother in the States.  Well anyway, I think it’s great around here in Balaruc. Well, I have to go now.  My dentist is waiting for me.  I’ll write again soon. 
I miss you, too.  Remember how much fun we used to have together talking for hours?   I especially think about you when I watch the movie AGAINST ALL ODDS.  I just did watch it about a month ago and when I hear RED RED WINE by UB40 I think of you. I have to go.  Write me (at Balaruc). Love, Paloma 
And Dorothy surprised me this week with a very sexy Black and White photo card that is simply titled:  A KISS, photographed by a French Photographer named Denis Piel, born in 1944.  
Dear Michael, I received your interesting card postmarked LONDON, England. The sun and moon with their sad faces were quite a contrast to the happy shooting star.  I love the card (DRYING THE SAILS) you chose for me from the TATE GALLERY.  It is so European with the hillside homes along the shore.  I can picture you and I at a nearby café, watching the boats sail by and flipping through your album of pictures taken throughout your many trips.  What a pleasant thought.  I’d be happy to just be able to fly to Marina Del Rey for a long walk/talk on the beach with you; then picture viewing with some cool, chilled wine. You know, I’m jealous of your easy walk to the beach. So, you’re getting the itch to move on from Charles Schwab, huh?  Do you enjoy the business well enough to stay with the industry and just change companies?   Keep me posted on your plans.  Do you think you’ll continue to stay in Southern California?  It seems like you’re happy there. I have a bit of good news. PTMS is eliminating my department and out sourcing the work to DUN AND BRADSTREET.  My last day on the job will be March 31.   I’m finally moving on and I am glad to have a bit of severance to cushion the transition.  Don’t know what new chapter in life waits me but I’m more than ready for a change from what I’ve been doing.  I plan to celebrate when I’m finally out at last with a margarita or two and a few friends.  Wish you were here to join me. What do you think of the Academy Award choices?  PIANO was entertaining but not worthy of an Award.  And why wasn’t the JOY LUCK CLUB mentioned?  Who knows?   Oh...this card?  Doesn’t even come close to THE KISS you once sent me—but it made me think of you, so... Until Later,  Love,  Dorothy 
Dorothy commented next to the ‘A KISS’ title on the back of the card, writing: "...but not ‘THE KISS". It made me ponder if a KISS is a moment of ultimate happiness.  It must be. 
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” --Mahatma Gandhi 

JURY DUTY: Armed Robbery Case

Probably the man was so unequal to the complexities of these times, he was already doomed.  No help could reach him from the outside world because there was no stability within him...a pity. --Hans Fallada, EVERY MAN DIES ALONE 





I wrote Paloma a letter using a photo card I bought in the United Kingdom of the TOWER OF LONDON: March 8, 1994 
Dear Paloma, I just got your card regarding the difficulties in Sete after I mailed another card, so I’ll mail this one to Balaruc as you instructed. 

I loved that photo of the artwork of a couple embracing each other.  You have exquisite taste!  I love that! 
I’m sorry to hear that your company you work for is having so many problems.  I hope things will get better for you.  Perhaps 1995 is the year you’ll make it to the USA again.  We shall see. 
As for us, the earthquake goes--as times passes—people forget.  This one seemed scarier than the one in San Francisco to me.  The one here in L.A. was centered in the San Fernando Valley and it lasted a long time.  The SF one was centered in Santa Cruz and didn’t seem to last as long.  
That’s funny that you should mention the movie MY FATHER THE HERO.  I just saw it last week.  It was funny and cute.  I enjoyed it but Gerard Depardieu is so FAT.  I remember seeing him in so many other movies way back and he looked ok.  I guess he’s making a lot of money, allowing him to eat, eat and eat! I wish I could escape to Spain (like you)!  Wow.  Lucky you!  I may be taking more time off in May.  I do have the week of my Birthday off (my 24th Birthday—haha).  I have a lot of frequent flyer miles but I’m not sure where I would go yet. 
That’s neat that you heard from Monica.  I know a couple here in the Hollywood Hills that went to Hawaii to look for a house but they didn’t find what they wanted.  I guess and wonder if Monica was their real estate agent (unlikely but you know what a small world it can be sometimes).    I got this card at the TOWER OF LONDON.  Until next time.   Miss You, Love, Michael A.  
And so, I was on-call for Jury Duty this week.  I did my civic duty and called each day from work.  I didn’t have to report to court on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday; however, lo and behold, I was told to come in to the Inglewood Courthouse on Friday, March 11, 1994.   And to top it off, I was in the jury box answering a few questions and I was selected as a juror!  
It is an armed robbery case (though the black gentleman had a fake gun wrapped in black tape, so he technically was not armed but made it appear that he was).  The case is expected to last no more than five business days and I have to report on Monday, March 14...and my mom arrives on March 12 for a visit until March 20.     My mom arrived on Saturday and we stuck to our plan to go to Clark’s Fine Art Auctioneers on Sunday, March 13th.  It was so much fun.  Mom actually bought a couple of paintings.  She chose wisely.  I liked the landscape one of Olive Trees and the portrait of a young girl that I chose to call My Sweet Audrina.   The portrait of the young girl was done by a 20th Century artist named D. Mille (aka Carole D. Mille or could it really be Carole D Miller) and I believe the Auctioneer referred to is as 'Girl At Fence'.  
While I am on ‘Jury Duty’ mom will spend time reading her book.  She also likes to do laundry and straighten up the house...so that’s fine if she chooses to do so.  Alan will spend time with her, too.  So that’s really cool.   Actually, I will see her more this week than if I was actually working because jury duty hours start late sometimes and allow us to leave early.  The jury duty will be interesting.  I wonder what I will learn.  It’s a shame that people make foolish mistakes in life.  I must presume innocence. It seemed to me that everybody was to blame, and I decided that I wasn’t going to be on any body’s side anymore; neither one of them was right.  --James Lincoln Collier/Christopher Collier, My Brother Sam Is Dead 

The Neck Man

Through reading, he told me, I could enter words different from my own.  In picking up the brush to write, I could exercise my intellect and imagination.  --Peony’s Father in PEONY IN LOVE, a novel by Lisa See Mom is coming to visit.  She arrives on March 12th.  I’m excited.  It will be fun to have her stay with us in Marina Del Rey.   
Barbara Reynolds mailed me a photo postcard of SUNFLOWERS.  How fitting with Springtime closely approaching.   
March 4, 1994 
Dear Michael, 
It’s raining here again.  Thankfully, the sky in this photo makes me think of rain.  I hope you aren’t getting too much.  How far away from the beach do you live now?  
I guess I should get me to AAA and find a map of your town.  I’m sure you are still talking English and remembering Oxford.  You did have a good time.  Is that certain?   I’m sure you’re happy to be home again, no doubt.  Days are getting longer...more time for walking.  Hooray!   My niece is up now from San Diego with John, her six-week old son.  I love babies.  What a treat!  I want to see THE SNAPPER this weekend (a drama set in Ireland). Later, Barbara 
I sent Paloma the following notecard:  March 6, 1994, Sunday Afternoon 
Dear Paloma, 
When I went to Madam Tussauds Wax Museum I recalled a letter you had sent me once, telling me about the place.  I enjoyed London.  I used their UNDERGROUND train system a lot.  It was so very cold but we managed.  I’m going to be of for the week of my Birthday and I will go somewhere hot. 
Here is a card I picked for you at the TATE GALLERY ART MUSEUM in London.  It reminds me of Agde or maybe Sete, France.  Aren’t there a lot of boats situated around there?   
If and when I go to Europe again I will come by to see you.  I hope you have plans to come to the states. How’s Jonathan and Alexandre? 
My mom’s coming to visit again 3/12--3/20.  That will be nice.  I will take her to a few movies and dinners.  We are going to an ART AUCTION on March 13th.  I need to make time to do more paintings myself. ...until the next time. Love You, Michael J Armijo 
Dorothy sent me a couple of her cool cards this week.  Here’s what she had to say: 
Michael... I did, by the way, see the video DAMAGE, some time ago and found it fascinating.  Jeremy Irons is always great!  The depth of th his near addiction to the woman was something, wasn’t it?  I’m still hoping to see BITTER MOON soon, so I can share my comments with you.  I’ll also let you know if I see the film, BLUE. 
A little update on my work at FORTIS:  I enjoy the information I’m learning about the industry and investments and helping people improve their situations, but the hours are exhausting.  I got home at close to midnight last night.  I’m not particularly impressed with my manager’s style of management.  I am still trying to figure out if its’s just her or the whole company’s style of management.  I’ll get it sorted out and in the mean time I’ll learn as much as I can.  If I eventually decide to make a move I will hopefully have more to offer the next place.  Stay tuned for the next episode of AS THE FRIENDS TURN.  Perhaps I’m learning about investments now, so I’ll be better prepared when I will all that LOTTO money!  
I absolutely love the two most recent cads you sent.  THE LAMENT FOR ICARUS is wonderful.  It reminds me a bit of SIRENS (the movie) and, of course, MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL.  I definitely have to find a special place for this card. 
Also, I really like the FAT BOYS 4 card, very sensual...and in Black and White!  I wonder where you found these two?   I can understand why they’re two of your favorites and appreciate that you chose me to share them with.  Did you discover them in another phone booth in London or in a London shop?  

The ‘FOR LUNCH AFFAIRS’ menu is great.  I must share it with RoseMarie and Jan.  I would love to have lunch there with you—what a treat to look forward to.  I won’t bore you with more of the job news in this writing, maybe in the next card.  As a matter of fact, I should get this in the mail before you begin to thing I’ve dropped off into an abyss. Until Later, Much Love,  Dorothy P.S. This card is for the neck man... 
It’s strange how you give the people you love so much power over you, I had written in my journal. --Tara Westover, EDUCATED, a memoir 

Out of the Blue

 “You’d be surprised what small, everyday things can lift us out of despair; but nobody can do it for you.  You’re the one who has to watch for the open door.” --Donna Tartt, THE GOLDFINCH 
It pays to write to family out-of-the-blue.  Sometimes you get surprised and find a card or a letter in reply from a first cousin or an Aunt—which in fact happened to me this week:   
From my first cousin, Carol Lucero:   February 23, 1994 Michael, Hi there!  It was nice to hear from you after the earthquake.  Good to know you and your home are O.K.  I’d love to hear about your experiences in London sometime, especially about all of the ART you saw.  I enjoy most things “artistic”.  I hope to do more travelling myself in the future.  I’d love to visit Southern California (after life settles a bit). 
I’m doing alright.  I’ve moved to an “apartment” (a mother-in-law apt) in Montclair District in Oakland (so different from East Oakland).   
Work has been fine.  I thoroughly enjoy all of my free time (a luxury I’ve inherited since I finished graduate school.  About every 2-3 months I’ve been going to YOSEMITE.  It’s absolutely beautiful.  You must go with me sometime.  I stay with Ryan’s mother in Fishcamp which is right outside of the park.  Besides hiking I’ve seen both rainbows, moonbows and bears (yikes)! 
When you come back to the BAY AREA please pay me a visit and we’ll go out (to dinner, to the ballet, wherever) or give me a call (510-339-2471).  Til Later, Your Cousin, CAROL 
P.S. Ryan says you’re invited to Fishcamp/Yosemite anytime you’d like.  There’s hiking, skiing etc. Bye... 
From my Aunt Lela: 
February 28, 1994 Michael, Thank you for letting me know you’re all right and you weren’t hurt by the earthquake. Your kindness in writing to your “ole” Aunt is very much appreciated and I am blessed to have such loving, considerate nephews on both sides of my family. The cards you send are so artistic.  I really enjoy keeping them on display until I get a new one. I have the last picture you sent me (where you’re on the phone) in a very smart silver and brass from on display where everyone can see, so I can brag of how considerate and good looking you are.  Of course, we know the good looks run in the family because my son, Joe, is a heart throb too.  Did I mention Joe’s separated from his wife, Michelle?  Do help me pray for their reconciliation.  Three of my grandchildren are very unhappy over their parents’ immaturity.  Well, stay well. God Bless, Love, Aunt Lela  
Now I’m nervous about my JURY DUTY.  I am on-call between February 28th to March 13th.   They’ll never choose me.  They never do.   Suddenly, I recall that Henry Fonda classic called 12 ANGRY MEN. 
“We had three nights of happiness.  That’s more than most couples have in a lifetime.  I will remember them forever.” --Lisa See, PEONY IN LOVE 

The Young Professors

Don’t ever start the day any faster than you intend on ending it.  You take it easy. --Sam Keen, FIRE IN THE BELLY, On Being Man 

London sightseeing kept us walking all over the city.  I liked how they deliver glass bottle of milk to some of the local city homes in the Chelsea area.  
I remember when I was a little boy we would get glass bottles of milk delivered to our house at 1447 16th Avenue in Oakland, CA.  I like that service.  I found myself in front of the ideal flat.  I had Alan take a photo of me. 
We continued to take the UNDERGROUND to go further out and add to the adventure.   We even went to Oxford University.  We pretended we could be older University students; however, we were more like the young professors.   
Our time was winding down though.  Our flight on Northwest Airlines was leaving on Monday, February 21.  We are headed back to Los Angeles.  

We had an aperitif before dinner one night.   The London restaurants aren’t as good as in Paris; but we made do.  It wasn’t so much about food as it was ‘getting a feel for the city’.   We walk the walk and choose to do what the locals do.  We don’t like to partake in tourist groups.  It’s more fun to explore on our own.  Maybe we should write our own tourist guide of what to do and see.   
Alan found a fun Valentine he saved from some promo card at some club in Miami called THE PARAGON.  I liked the image of a man standing in awe of some sort of experience with little red hearts on his torso.  I gave Alan a card I found in London.   
Our flight back to LAX was easy.  I found a few Valentine’s in my mailbox from Paloma, Birda, Dorothy and Reed Campbell.   They were amusing and thoughtful.   Paloma wrote:  ...for Valentine’s Day I’ll be in Balaruc.   
As for Jonathan, if he likes younger girls—like you---who knows?   Maybe hell marry your daughter...your future one, of course.    I have not seen SCHINDLER’s LIST yet.  It’s only coming out here next week but I’ve heard about it.  I want to see it.  I’ve also heard that Americans have made a remake of a movie I liked in French with Girard Depardieu (two movies).  I think it’s called MY FATHER THE HERO, in English.  That was really funny and it was made in Mauritius.  We went to see the place where they filmed it.  I hope the American one is as good. Next week we’re going to Benidorm (SPAIN) to visit my mom for a one-week vacation.  I’ll write from there. Miss you too. Love, Paloma 
And Barbara send me a new card (of a Leopard Frog Diving) where she wrote a bit more substance:  18 Feb 1994  Dearest Michael, 

Thank you for the Beautiful Note Card and all of your writing.  Sounds like you are enjoying England.  I loved Oxford, City of Spires.  What kind of shirt did you find there?  

Right now, I am listening to RAINSOUNDS.  Earlier, before sleep the rain was pounding so loud, looking at the roof next door it had turned white with hail.   

English accents...yes, ‘jolly good’.   I love it—so refreshing—the way English should be spoken. 


Yes, I have been to CHEZ PANISSE.  We could do a Saturday lunch there.  You can phone early in the day to reserve lunch the ‘same day’ only.  I ate there last in October 1992 with Alice and my English cousins who stayed with me then.  What a treat I shall think of you next time I walk past. 

Thanks for reminding me about the 1959-er I met.  I need to call him.  It’s just been that so much else is happening.  I am thinking I may have possibly found the place I could live in.  It was built in the early 1940s, a one-bedroom condo conversion, the rear unit of a fourplex.  It is off of a quiet street and across the street from a park.  It has a fireplace, pleasant windows and surrounded by trees.  I shall see.  Oh yes, it’s walking distance from everything in Berkeley, especially Chez Panisse.  
The film SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, yes!  Alice and I saw it last month sometime.  Did you laugh out loud when you saw it?  Well, anyway it was very good.  I wonder what viewing it a second time would be like?  

Last week I saw PHILADELPHIA, SCHINDLER’s LIST and BLINK over three days in a row and all at the Emery Bay Theaters.   

This week my friend, Howard, from work has been on vacation and has had a visitor form Japan.  We had breakfast Wednesday morning at the Oakland Macrobiotic place.  It’s real good..ah food!  I’ve been walking a lot. 

Oh, I had dinner with Pat Overschoun plus many others for an Anniversary dinner for Irene Backus.  She is so nice and we talked about you.  She asked me if you had survived everything as I knew you had.   Love B. 
Memories I had locked away have begun to break free, like shards of ice fracturing off an arctic shelf. --Tan Twan Eng, THE GARDEN OF EVENING MISTS 

Leaving on a Jet Plane

When people are alive, the love.  When they die, they keep loving.  If love ends when a person dies, that is not real love. --Lisa See, PEONY IN LOVE
Alan had a slight freak accident while opening an old attache briefcase.  Something flicked into his eye.  He had to go to the doctor.  They were able to remove the foreign object but now he has a patch.  Luckily, he can take it off before we depart on our escape to Europe.  
Only a few more days of work at Charles Schwab and Alan and I can start packing.  We depart on Saturday, January 12th for London.   Long flights always knock me off with sleep.  I can’t sleep on an airplane very well.   
Alan’s excited to leave on the jet plane.  How does that song go?  It’s by Peter, Paul and Mary, called Leaving on a Jet Plane.  Yeah, I love the lyrics to that one...all my bags are packed...don’t know when I’ll be back again; however, in this case I know we will be back on February 21st.  Oh well...all good things come to an end at some point.  
LONDON 
We’re here!   I love the UNDERGROUND Journey Planner map.   We are familiarizing ourselves with The City.  It’s cold but that’s how London is most-of-the-time (unless you come in August).   
We have tickets to a show at the Adelphi Theater to see SUNSET BOULEVARD don Valentine’s Day.   It starred Patti Lupone as Norma Desmond.  When she sang “AS IF WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE” it was quite chillingly beautiful.  PHOTO:  Patti Lupone, as Norma Desmond, 1994

Feb. 12, 1994
Dear Mom,
I'm writing postcards on the plane.  We left LA and I'm on my way to Minnesota.  I just looked out the window and you should see all of the snow capped mountains.  Don't even mention that movie!  I'll mail this to you from the Minneapolis Airport (where we have a brief stop before flying-on to London).   I love you.  I have more cards to write, so...Later.
Love You,
Happy Happy Valentine's Day!
Michael
P.S.  The snow view into Minnesota from the plane is so BEAUTIFUL. 

I managed to take some time in-between reading and the sights to write Paloma a letter:  February 19, 1994 
Dear Paloma, 
Here I am.  I made it to London, England.  I like the English accents.  I’m tempted to visit you.  I am so close, aren’t I?  I know I’ve been bad with my letter writing.  The LA earthquake was scary.  Only a lamp broke; no real damage to my home or business to speak of...  I know you were worried, considering all of the letters you wrote and the phone calls you made.  
When I went home for the Christmas holidays I drove by CHEZ PANISSE in Berkeley.  I would love to eat there the next time.  I heard President Clinton ate there when he was in San Francisco.  Does that gal still work as a chef there?   
I still can’t get over Coco’s little girl.  She looks just like Coco—except a blond.  Maybe Jonathan will end up with her someday.  Well, if he likes American girls I Have five attractive nieces.  Ha-ha.  I guess one never know what will happen. 
It is a bit cold and sometimes rainy here in London but I like the atmosphere just the same.  I like that feeling of history; although, Paris and elsewhere in France sure does have a lot of that! 
I am traveling with Alan and we are scoping a number of pubs here.  I liked the TATE ART GALLERY, seeing Buckingham Palace (from the outside).   
We will probably see a show tonight and we might go to a good French Restaurant that we’ve heard about.  French Restaurants and French wine are the BEST.  And, the best-looking people are from SPAIN! Later, Love, Michael On the night of February 19th 1994 we ended up at the GLOBE THEATER on Shaftesbury Avenue to see AN ABSOLUTE TURKEY, a witty, funny, dramatic farce.   I wasn’t too familiar with the English cast but they sure know how to act and deliver the dialogue.  I loved it.  
Alan and I went to Madame Toussad’s Wax Museum.  We took a fun pic with the French actor, Girard Depardieu; my favorite was the photo of me chatting with Albert Einstein about the theory of relativity.  
There are endless things to do in London.  It’s like Paris, New York or Los Angeles.   I love exploring different places.   I managed to mail mom a couple of cards, too: 

February 1994
Dear Mom,
LONDON is fantastic.  It seemed like it took forever to get here but it was worth it when we did.  Everything is so green and there's so much activity.  Everyone has that cool, proper English accent.
The 'grandest' department store is HARROD's.  So cool! 
I'll show you a scrap book for the trip come March when I see you.  Castles galore!
Buckingham Palace...Wow!  Queen Elizabeth lives there.  I wish I was a Prince. Ha-ha.
I'll call you....
P.S.  Ann-Margret is coming out with a new book; an Autobiography.  
Love, Michael 

These days men had to find talent in unusual places. 
--Lisa See, PEONY IN LOVE 

Reminded Me of Me

The essence of loving kindness is being able to offer happiness. --Thcih Nhat Hanh, HOW TO LOVE 
My niece, Ashley, is becoming the ideal penpal.  I am loving it when I find a letter from her in the mailbox.  All of my nieces make me so happy.  This time Ashley wrote the following: 
Dear Uncle Mike, Hi!  Christmas is over.  Gone.  I miss it.   I wrote to Carrie, Sara and Emily.  HOpefully, they’ll write back.   So, what’s new?  Don’t you like this stationery?  Well, I just want to say THANK YOU.  I loved your presents.  The game is so fun.  I love the staionery.  The bookmarks are great and I LOVE the mailbox (trust me).  I mialed this First Class.  Ooops!   I didn’t put the First Class sticker on the front of the envelope. Oh well... Lauren and leigh are here...so BYE!  Ashley  Ashley surprised me with another letter and I learned that she is adapting to the computer.  I was thrilled to receive her latest typed out letter (from the computer) with a Bozo the Clown image on it.  How creative is that? 

Feb. 3, 1994 
Dear Uncle Mike, 
Hi!  It’s me, Ashley.  I’ve written you a letter but I didn’t mail it, so here it is.  Thanks for the candy.  It was good. 

At school we are doing Indian reports.  I’m doing a repot on the tribe called COAST MIWOK. 

On February 1st I went on a field trip with my class.  We actually went on a double-decker bus.  When I was on top I got sick (but basically everyone did).  It was boring. No, I’m not really excited about changing schools.  On friday I’m going to my friend Amy’s slubmer party.  It’s her birthday.  I got her a bookmark and two books.   Yes, I am getting a few teeth pulled.  Ok, I admit.  I’m getting 8 teeth pulled.   Why do you always get to go places?   I miss you.  I LOVE you.  Happy Valentine’s Day. Love, Your Niece, Ashley 
On Tuesday (Februay 8th) Alan and I drove out to Pasadena.  We went to a quaint restaurant we like called RAYMOND.  I love to do that during the middle of the week.  It makes my work week seem shorter.   Dorothy Rua sent a cool, mysterious postcard that I really like.  It ‘reminded me of me’ in deep thought, looking out from a vista point at the vast sea.  The image was actually a depiction of an oil on canvas painting by JOHN SLOAN, an artist who died in 1951.   It’s a 1907 painting titled THE WAKE OF THE FERRY. 

I can’t believe that the day is coming.   This Saturday, the 12th Alan and I fly to LONDON.  London is calling (which reminds me of that song by THE CLASH called LONDON CALLING, a favorite from the early 80s; it was actually released in December 1979).     
He hadn’t failed in the least.  He thought he didn’t have it in him to help another human-being.  BUt to his great surprise, he did.  He was proud of it. --Charles Belfoure, THE PARIS ARCHITECT 

The Day After That

I had to move on and take care of myself...like an etch-a-sketch, one wrong turn, the picture’s all ruined. --Samantha Lucero, LET THE DEVIL WEAR BLACK 
This week was a typical work week but Alan and I had something meaningful to look forward to on Thursday night, January 27th at the Universal Studios Ampitheater.  It was the Commitment to Life VII (7th annual APLA-AIDS Project Los Angeles Event).   It’s such an important event that Alan and I were happy to support it.   
January 28th... Last night, the APLA event, was miraculous.  It started with Bruce Springstein singing the ballad song (Streets of Philadelphia) from the Tom Hanks film, PHILADELPHIA.   I was amazed by how it became more and more star-studded.  It was a sad feeling at times but filled with so much hope.  We came home with a CD from a song that was introduced as an ‘anthem for AIDS’ that very night by Liza Minnelli called THE DAY AFTER THAT (from the musical THE KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN).  She went on to do the song in French and Spanish.  I loved that song.  Liza was there and she sang the song with a chorus.  It was so moving.  People were crying.  I even felt it—having known a few people who had died from AIDS:  Jon Daubeneck (known since 6th grade) and Pac Bell coworkers, Dale Orlando and Mitch Schwartz.  The event paid tribute to Liberace, Keith Haring and others.    Actress, Elizabeth Taylor set the tone when she said, "I never dreamed when I conceived this award, that eight years later we'd still have no cure. But here we are, coming together once again, to honor, to remember, to mourn our losses and to pray that, maybe this year, heaven can wait. . . ."  
The honorees were Hilary Clinton and Jeffrey Katzenberg.  Barbra Streisand introduced Hilary and Jeffrey made a heartfelt speech about all of those lost from the entertainment community.  
Industry executive Barry Diller chaired the event (along with entertainment executives David Geffen, Ron Meyer, and Michael Eisner).  Diller mentioned the charity contributions for this very night was nearly $5Million dollars.  That brought out a great cheering applause.
Actor, Tom Cruise noted the thousands of the names of the dead that had been flashing on overhead screens and, in one of the more remarkably touching moments, asked the audience to stand and shout out the names of the friends, lovers, relatives they have lost.  That’s when I shouted, “Dale, Jon, Mitch.”  
Tributes ranged from Lauren Bacall’s winning tribute to designer Halston and Doris Day’s pre-taped audio remembrance of Rock Hudson to fleeting or obscure references to many of the others: Freddie Mercury was represented by film clips of Queen in action, Robert Mapplethorpe by a montage of his photographs as Sarah Brightman sang from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Requiem.” 
Patti LuPone, of the “Sunset Boulevard” London cast, sang “As If We Never Said Goodbye” in the immediate presence of Streisand, whose recording of the song was released first; Jenifer Holliday opened her tribute to composer Paul Jabara with an offstage sound-alike version of Donna Summer’s “Last Dance,” announcing to an audience clearly expecting Summer that “they couldn’t get the bitch.”  
Debbie Reynolds announced, “Here I am again, sharing something else with Elizabeth”– a funny line, but the house would have come down had Taylor come out to acknowledge that she, too, had been married to Eddie Fisher. And the extremely EMOTIONAL finale was not expected but it touched everyone.   No one could imagine who would be on-stage next.   It was Whitney Houston, singing DON’T CRY FOR ME.  Amazing!   
During our drive home, Alan kept saying, “That was unbelievable!” “That’s for sure.  It was one unforgettable night!”  And I recalled how my now deceased (from AIDS) friend, Dale Orlando, would always use that phrase, “That’s for sure.”   I smiled.  
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. --Kahlil Gibra, THE PROPHET 

A Typewritten Letter

And what was TIME but merely a wind that never stopped? -Tan Twan Eng, The Garden of Evening Mists 
On Saturday, January 22nd I actually had to work from 9AM until 1PM.  That was annoying; however, the time went quickly and I accomplished a lot with no customers waltzing in to the branch.  It was also easier to find parking on the street.   
The following night was Golden Globe Awards night.  I love to watch this show (as well as the Oscars).  Alan and I had fun watching at home, especially since we’d seen all of the Best Picture nominees.  I guess it wasn’t a big surprise that Steven Spielberg won Best Director and Best Picture for SCHINDLER’S LIST.  It was very well-deserved.   
I was also happy with some of the other award choices:  Best Actor for Tom Hanks in PHILADELPHIA, Best Actor.  Best Actress for Holly Hunter in THE PIANO.  The Golden Globes have a Musical or Comedy Best Picture category and I was disappointed that STRICTLY  BALLROOM did not win (it went to MRS. DOUBTFIRE).  The Best Actor and Actress in a Musical-Comedy film  went to Angela Bassett (What’s Love Got To Do With It) and Robin Williams (Mrs. Doubtfire).  No complaints there.   
A few days letter my lovely niece, Ashley, sent me a typewritten letter.  I love reading her words.  She knows just how to make me laugh.  I can actually visualize her smile as she is writing. She is almost ten years old now.  Ashley wrote:  
Dear Uncle Mike, Me and my friends, Erika and Lara, were playing on my new computer and we decided to writ you a letter even though my friends don’t know you.   Guess what?  Lara and Erika are spending the night tonight.  Isn’t that cool?  Tiffany couldn’t because she was sick.  Now I bet you’re wondering who Erika, Lara, and Tiffany are.  They’re people.  Ha-ha.  No, they’re really my school friends. 
My school, AMELIA EARHART, is fine with all of my friends and everything.  My teacher is really a torcher.  My teacher has been bragging about her trip to France plus she always talks about how great her family is, especially about her bird, Truffle—but her family isn’t all that great.  Her allergies are getting on my nerves.  She is allergic to everything!  Perfumes, hair dye, hair spray, fabric softener, shampoo, after shave and many, many more.   Pretty soon she’ll be allergic to ‘us’!  I think she’s lost her brain. 
I really miss you.  When are you coming to visit us?  I really love you. I hope it is not taking you long to drive to work because of the earthquake.  It’s a good thing your house is still standing. Love, Ashley  P.S. Sorry I forgot to put the date at the top.  The date today is Saturday, the 22nd of January, 1994. Bye! 
Gloria’s Birthday is January 23rd and MaryAnn Parsons is on the 24th.  We decided to do a joint Birthday outing to LAWRY’S PRIME RIB.  I love that place.  Delicious! 
Time goes on and the countdown to London begins. 
Whenever she smiled at me heaven blew in.  --Donna Tartt, THE GOLDFINCH 
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