Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 37

Three Years Ago

“Do you know that in South America there is a tribe of natives that have a thing known as blood brotherhood?   Do you know what they do?   When one of them saves another one’s life, then they become blood brothers.  They each pierce a little blood from their writs and then they rub their hands together good and hard so the blood of one goes in the cut of the other.  Then they’re blood brothers!  That’s what they do in South America, and it sounds like a doggone good way of showing your relationship for a true friend.”
--Calder Willingham, END AS A MAN
I can’t believe it’s been three years already.  It was three years ago (November 20, 1989) that Alan and I met at that MICKY’s bar in West Hollywood on a Monday at around 5:30pm.   We are definitely more than just ‘blood brothers’.   He saved my life in July 1990 when I had my appendicitis/appendix removal.   He took care of me.  Of course, Alan remembered our anniversary, too.  He wrote two cards for me on November 20th.  I like the cards.  They’re illustrations done by an artist know as Nick Backes.   His portraitures are so detailed and real.  Alan wrote:
Nov. 20, 1992Dear Michael (MJA),We met ‘3’ years ago, over 1000 days or 24,000 hours.  It started at LOUIS XIV talking about beaches.  Do you know how many we’ve seen?  Try to count them.  How about restaurants?  We love LOUIS XIV but can you count ‘50’ more in over ‘10’ cities?  Or how many hotels, airplanes and mileage?  We lived in ‘3’ places, own ‘4’ cars, share clothes and our bedroom.   These are statistics.  They mean something to most people.  To me, it’s not all the places it’s all the great times.  It’s the fun and enjoying and relaxing.  That’s what it’s about.  I want to go through all of the problems we’ve endured only to say it’s been GREAT.Love, Alan Nov. 20, 1992Michael,We are sitting and eating our great dinner at MORTON’s OF CHICAGO.  It’s about 6:45pm.  Please enjoy because we have to leave at about 7:20pm.  After the main event we will have a drink at a new place to toast the year.By the way, I’m very proud of you for your tremendous success not only at SCHWAB but in LIFE.  You’re a great teacher.  Thanks for the lessons. Keep up the stock picks like FOFF (50-Off Stores, Inc.) and MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT.  We need money.I Love You, Alan
And of course, two wonderful cards/letters from Barbara Louise Reynolds and Dorothy Rua too:
21 Nov 1992Dear Michael,Thank you for your letter with the eating out sticker.  I think I should eat out but I don’t want to go alone too much.  A lot of my friends seem so busy and I guess it is time to add new friends and/or other activities. 
Writing is good for me.
Congratulations!  Finally, a nephew for you!  It is a nice name:  JOHN DYLAN ARMIJO.   My mom usually gets a Girl Scout calendar from one of my grandnieces.  I’ll have to look for Ashley.
I showed the photo of the two of us to Joan Lyons.  She really enjoyed it (also Ken Geary).  He was in the RTOC-Residence Telephone Order Center when we were in the RASC-Residential Account Service Center in Oakland.   In fact, he’s just got his transfer to my office (and Joan’s).  He keeps me laughing.
I have Joan Lyon’s home address for you.  Did I tell you her son plays Football in Toronto’s team?  It’s a big deal, yeah.  Damion Lyons.  Anyways; JOAN LYONS, 2913 Ellis Street, Berkeley, CA 94703.
I am listening to the rain splash against my kitchen window.  This card grabbed me (SO THE MAN GAVE HIM A PAIR OF SNOWSHOES, from East of the Sun West of the Moon, London 1914 by Kay Rasmus Nielsen, Danish b. 1886 d.1957).   I found it when I stopped at this bookstore the other evening after viewing the film, HERO, starring Dustin Hoffman.  Enjoy.Love, Barbara
And my card from Dorothy Rua (while she was in Hawaii) depicted a woman on-the-beach that is most definitively “Dorothy”… 11-22-92, 2:30PM Hawaii TimeDear Michael,You won’t be home with you family on THANKSGIVING and I won’t be in Alameda as planned after all to hear your mother’s turkey gobble.  Nor will I be breaking bread with friends and family.  I boarded a plane headed for GUAM because my Dad passed away a few days ago.  May tears have been shed and many more will be but we are all glad he is no longer suffering and is in a better place.  My acceptance also comes from a deep belief that all loved ones eventually reunite in that “better place”. 
Anyway, as anxious as I am to get to GUAM and have the funeral behind me things are now beyond my control.  I am stuck in Hawaii, watching CNN news in a hotel room because the flight to GUAM was cancelled.   Typhoon Gay is (at this minute) passing directly over GUAM!   The power of the typhoon has decreased from 220MPH to 165MPH (still enough to do a good amount of damage); however, no flights are allowed in or out.  I really hope I’ll be able to fly to GUAM tomorrow.  The airline won’t pay for the overnight costs because the delay isn’t their fault, so there goes the old credit card balance for yours truly! 
I shall keep my thoughts positive as I lay here relaxing the in the “cucumber” T-shirt you sent me several years ago.  I brought it along to show my sisters and brother!   Don’t think I’ll share it with mom.  She’ll KNOW how totally crude her daughter can be!  Ha-ha.
I enjoyed your recent long letter and appreciate the tips on additional movies worth watching.  They both sound good especially THE LOVER.  I’ll have to make time to see it along with A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT.   Too bad Alan and his unlimited movie pass are so far away from Walnut Creek.  I’d find a way to hook onto his back pocket!   I bet you’ll both make good use of that open door.  Enjoy!
I am really glad you’re enjoying your job.  It does sound very interesting.  I’ll give the MONEYLINK some thought.  I am open to saving but I want to understand stocks and the stock market on at least a basic level which I currently have absolutely no clue about.  We’ll see.
I’ll answer your other questions in my next note/card.  Until then, keep me in your thoughts.  You’re in mine.Love,Dorothy
So your own self, your personality and existence are reflected with the mind of each of the people whom you meet and live with, into a likeness, a caricature of yourself, which still lives on and pretends to be, in some way, the truth about you.  Even a flattering picture is a caricature and a lie.--Isak Dinesen, SEVEN GOTHIC TALES; the above verbiage is from THE ROADS ROUND PISA tale             

How's The Relationship Going?

“There are so many sides of me in conflict.  I don’t think like the average person on the street.  I think quite perversely sometimes.”--Alexandre McQueen, Fashion Designer
I wrote Paloma a typewritten letter to keep her up-to-date with the latest goings on:
November 16, 1992Dear Paloma:I’m glad to hear that you finally received the 501 jeans.  I’m glad you enjoyed them, too.  I guess I should start shopping for your Christmas gifts if it takes that long to get there!  Thanks for your recent postcards, too.  I always enjoy seeing the different ones you send.
Yes, it is my fault for not writing as often as I could/should.  Even this is somewhat impersonal, but I felt like typing on the word processor tonight.  Besides it will relieve me of any writer’s cramps. Photo: Barnabas Collins I saw two fantastic films recently:  DRACULA and THE LOVER.  You might enjoy them both.  I love Vampire films.  They had a serial here called DARK SHADOWS with Barnabas Collins (the vampire) that ran for many years while I was growing-up.  Did it ever show on any programs in France?
In Hollywood they are opening a giant VIRGIN RECORDS store.  It looks like it’s going to be like the one I visited in Paris when I was there in JULY 1990.  I drove by the place but it hasn’t opened here yet.

Work is great.  I enjoy buying stock in my own personal account.  I hope to have total equity of $100,000 in stock one day.  Believe me, it won’t be tomorrow.  Actually, work is becoming just plain work but the day goes fast.  I like having access to seeing where companies stocks are trading and checking out business news headlines.  Are there any French companies that trade publicly that you like?  I mean, do you know of three or four top, top French companies that will be around in twenty years from now?  Do any look like they’ll continue to grow over time?  Which companies are there so that I might buy one or two for my own personal portfolio?
So, how’s the relationship going between you and Alexandre?  Is everything ok?  Do you two ever have your share of differences?  What do you two argue about…if ever?
It looks like I am not going to Alameda for THANKSGIVING this year.  I have to work the day after THANKSGIVING, so it’s pointless for me to go.  I remember you told me that Halloween and Thanksgiving are not really celebrated in FRANCE, so I know Thanksgiving is no big deal to you.
Let me know when you plan to go to New Mexico next year.  I promised to take my mom to Santa Fe.  It would be great if I could synchronize it to meet you for dinner one night in Albuquerque or somewhere—even if it’s just for lunch or something.  Do you know if you might come to the US next year?  I want to go to PARIS/BALARUC LES BAINS/SPANISH RIVIERA-COSTA BRAVA again—but there’s a big question of time.  I mean I currently only have forty hours (one week) of vacation time, so time will tell.
Oh well, time to set sail for bed.  I do arise at 6:20AM.Later…and regards to Jonathan and Alexandre.All My Love,Michael
Alan and I supported DISNEY by screening ALADDIN.  I loved it.  There’s something about animated DISNEY shows and how they include clever messages for adults (as well as children).  THE BODYGUARD (Warner Bros.) was also quite entertaining.  Whitney Houston can belt out a song magnificently.  I can’t believe Kevin Costner (The Bodyguard) was born in 1955.  He’s only four years older than I.  Why does he somehow seem older to me?  It is all ‘relative’ I suppose.  We all age differently.  I’ll need to come up with new ways to preserve my youth.  Ha-ha.  Is that even possible?   Why not?
“Stop asking WHY…it’s complicated.”--as heard in the 2009 film, MR. NOBODY, starring Jared Leto

Life's Daily Path

A person who’s looking at a mountain far away doesn’t notice the prettiness of a dandelion in front of them.  A person who’s looking at a dandelion in front of them doesn’t see the beauty of a mountain far away.  To us, people’s voices are a bit like that.  It’s very difficult for us to know someone’s there and that they’re talking to us, just by their voice.  So it would help us a great deal if you could just USE OUR NAMES FIRST to get our attention, before you start talking.--Naoki Higashida, a 13-year old boy with Autism in his book THE REASON I JUMP
Honestly, the weeks go by more quickly than usual.  I dislike waking up in the morning to make it to work at 8:30AM but I am so fortunate that I don’t have to take a freeway if I don’t want to.  I do take it for a short part of my commute.  It’s a breeze and I’m thankful for that.   It is the month to be THANKFUL, after all.  I am always thankful to receive the latest words from Dorothy Rua:

11-6-92Hi Michael,Your MOUNTAIN LIGHT card you sent was indeed, “groovy”.  The layers and layers of rock representing how many millions of years gone by is clear.  Then the indication of a previous waterfall which must have led to some unknown depth is evident.  Looking at the picture one’s imagination can go on and on…
I would like to mention how glad I was to hear from you.  It seems like a while and I was hoping we weren’t beginning to lose touch (sad to think about).  I ALWAYS enjoy your cards and hearing from you.
My days remain extremely busy with work, family (friends whenever possible) and everything else along life’s daily path.   
I continue to make a real effort to find time for friends even if it’s just a few hours after work or somewhere during a weekend.  I’m already looking forward to my favorite holiday:  THANKSGIVING.  It’s generally the only occasion I enjoy at someone else’s home and no gifts are required (just good company and good food).  We’ll probably spend the day with Kathy, Dick and their girls in Alameda again this year.   It’s close enough to hear your mom’s turkey gobble!  Speaking of your mom, how wonderful that she’s retired!  How we all envy her! Photo:  Guam In addition to all that’s going on here my mind/heart can’t help but want to be in GUAM, too.  It’s been a very difficult time wishing my Dad wasn’t so ill and trying to accept what is to come.  I’m really glad I spent the three weeks with him and the rest of my family.  One thing I really appreciated was (throughout the sadness) we all continued to maintain a level of humor, even Mom.  Also, the day before I left I was feeling extra sad when I got a call from Henry (animal) Simpson.  Henry and I dated when we were 19-years old and we hadn’t seen each other since then.  We have kept up with each other’s lives through friends.  He’s done well financially and is now a millionaire.  Anyway, he heard I was on the island of GUAM and wanted to have lunch, so we did.  I didn’t realize until later just how much I needed that break.  It turned out to be a wonderful two hours of catching up on the past years, laughing, running barefoot in the rain to get to his black Porsche (had to throw that in).   Then finally a long hug, each thinking of carefree days from our youth.  So, here’s to all the Henry Simpson’s and Michael Armijo’s of the world who can bring a lightness of heart and a smile to the lips of the Dorothy Rua’s of the world!
Thanks for the tip on the movie A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT.   On your recommendation I will make a point to see it and let you know my thoughts.  It sounds like one I will enjoy.
It sounds like your job is keeping you quite busy.  I hope it’s also brining you a degree of pleasure.  Someone should enjoy the work they do and if it can’t be me right now, then why can’t it be you!   Is everything else is working out okay with you?  Remember…maintain that BALANCE.Love, Dorothy

Dorothy asked if my work was bringing me pleasure.   It does at times.  I love meeting new people face-to-face and helping them with their investment strategy.  Some people think they know it all.  I prefer the ones who really want my advice to those who shun what I have to say.   Alas, people have to learn the hard way.   No job can provide complete pleasure every minute.  I know that.  It’s just a matter of getting through life’s daily path (to use Dorothy’s phrase). 
I am looking forward to seeing Disney’s ALLADIN movie and a new one with Whitney Houston called THE BODYGUARD that will come out in a week or so.  Alan and I will surely see both of them.
As with every assignment, there was a rule to play, and with any role, illusion is everything.--Taylor Stevens, THE INNOCENT

BALANCE

Now everything went as smooth as butter.You will soon come to realize that PUNCTUALITY is one of the cornerstones of the adult world.--Lars Saabye Christensenfrom his International best-selling book: BEATLES
I’m trying to find my own balance with business and sadly not-as-much-bicycling.  Dorothy Rua recently reminded me of the importance of balance in her latest correspondence:
Michael,Well, obviously I’m spending too much time away from ‘The City and Berkeley’ and need to make time for both.  I need more of that item I am always preaching about:  BALANCE.  And I need a “Sugar Daddy” too!
I am still not finished writing and there’s your PIANO card in the mail.  It is simply wonderful and all the more so because of your descriptive comment “the lights are out and the piano music is playing”.  Can I let my imagination take over?   You bet!  One thing I certainly have is a great imagination.  Maybe that’s part of the problem…Ha-ha.
I’m glad your business is booming.  Yes, it would be terrific if you could quit to do one of the things you love:  PAINT.  Do you really think you could do one a day?  I wish I could be there to see all that you’ve done so far…
I also look forward to seeing the new purchase ‘at the beach’.  You’re right, I’ll love it, I know.
It sounds like AGE OF INNOCENCE is a must-see when it comes out next year.  I’ll definitely try to work it in.  Lord knows I need good/great entertainment.  Love, Dorothy
From Barbara Reynolds, October 29th:29 October 1992,  Dear Mike,WOW!  Thank you for the gorgeous YOSEMITE postcard.  Yes, I do remember the photo from 1982.  I even think I have one also—but my photos need to be better organized.  Thank you…so good to hear from you.  
I spoke with Virginia tonight and heard no new grandkids yet…today.   I also heard about Helen and Tony and family moving this week.  I’ll have to call Helen soon.  
Things are opening up for me now.  My training will be over tomorrow and I’m not back in Oakland.  I am in Berkeley.  I’m so sorry I haven’t seen Pat Overschoun for about a year but I hear she is still there.   Joan Lyons loves to hear about you.  I work in the Deaf and Disabled Services Office.  It is the only such office in this State.  We are located in Downtown Berkeley in the Great Western Building at Center and Shattuck (2150 Shuttuck, Suite 200, 94704).  It is a brisk five minute walk from my home and around the corner from the YWCA Fitness Center where I work out and take relaxing saunas.  Yummmm...
The stickers you sent “EXERCISE AND VACATION” are two themes I strongly believe in.  Yeah!  I have a half-day vacation day tomorrow.  I’m driving to the Sonoma Valley where I will stay with Howard, Nancy and Sierra (Sierra is now 2-years old).  I will stay with them on their last night in Kenwood and help with Sierra on Saturday when they move to their new home in Forestville.   Saturday night I will stay with them on the first night in their new house (even though this new house is sixty years old I hear).  Hmmm…I should take my camera, right?  I am packing tonight to get an early start tomorrow afternoon.
Your mom sounded good over the phone.   Thanks for telling me to call her.  You should call me the next time you are up here. 
Oh right…gosh, I look a lot younger in that photo you sent.  And I don’t want to get depressed so I’m going to finish packing and finish filling out my absentee ballot, then I will call Charles.  Keep in touch.P.S. The LIGHT on this card reminds me of the horses you sent to me.Love, Barbara
I am enjoying living in Marina Del Rey with Alan.  We are near the beach and I love walking to the pier and along the beach shoreline.  The walks help me to feel closer to my balance.  I don’t take it for granted.  I never will.
Rest, Sleep would come much later, if at all, because to be awake when darkness threw a mask of beauty over the world was to be alive.--Taylor Stevensin her novel, THE INNOCENT

Rhythm Is A Dancer

Our LIFE may be thought of as a week of images---one that may be repeated in adjoining words.--Adolfo Bioy Casares, THE INVENTION OF MOREL
I had a Sierra Club postcard of a Sunrise scene over the Skeena River in British Columbia, Canada.  It reminded me of the recently seen film, A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT, and I decided to send it to mom.
October 25, 1992Dear Mom,Does this card remind you of A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT?  I liked it so much I saw it again with Alan.By now, you should be a grandmother for the sixth time…unless it’s overdue.The ducks are quaking on the canal right now.We have to arrange your next trip down here and the next time you have to stay for four to seven days at the very least!  I miss you.Love,Michael
While writing I was listening to some cool songs:
EROTICA by Madonna:  Of course she would come up with song with that title.  No surprise.IT’S MY LIFE by Dr. Alban:  And it’s true…it is YOUR LIFE…so take the right paths.I’M GONNA GET YOU by Bizarre Inc.:   Well, we all want to get ‘someone’ at some point.MY NAME IS PRINCE by Prince:   We all know his name, yes.   Still…by far my favorite tune by him is “1999”.And I think the coolest song that I heard today is RHYTHM IS A DANCER by SNAP!  It’s because it makes me want to get up off of my ass to dance or ‘ride the bike’.  We all need to move!   It’s good for blood flow and energizing.
“Out of the land of shadows and darkness,You are returning towards the morning light.(The above lines afforded some comfort; not so much the next)“Don’t turn around now, I hear you whisperIn my earIf you should turn now, all that you want nowWill vanish like a passing dream.'--as read in the novel by Joan Juliet Buck, THE ONLY PLACE TO BE,from a 1972 song by The Herd called FROM THE UNDERWORLD

A River Runs Through It

COMPASSION is awareness of the other’s situation, and is accompanied by the wish to relieve suffering and to procure the other’s happiness.--Matthieu Ricard, ALTRUISM
Besides that first sign of crisp coolness when I detect the Halloween/Autumn season I often get a card in the mail that reminds me that Halloween is near.   This time the HAPPY HALLOWEEN card arrived from my good friend, Lottie Powell, in Yreka, California.  She is married to a firefighter named, Mike, and they have a baby girl now named Reida.   Lottie included a recent photo of Reida (taken in September 1992).  Reida Michelle Powell is 23 months in this photo.  She’s such a cutie pie, wearing that bandana.  Lottie plans to stop over to visit Alan and me at the beginning of 1993 during their Southern California trip.  I look forward to seeing her.  Lottie kept her words simple:
Michael,Wishing you a warm and wonderful HALLOWEEN.I hope all is going well with you.We are heading for JOSHUA TREE in January.  See you then…Always,Lottie




Photo:  Reida Michelle Powell, September 1992
On October 9tha new film came out called A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT.  Alan and I really loved it.  It makes me want to visit Montana and go fly-fishing someday.  It may not be a good idea if there are mosquitoes around though.  Ha-ha. 

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT is a true story about two boys growing up in rural Montana in the 1920s while rebelling against their stern Presbyterian minister father.   The eldest brother Norman (played by actor Craig Sheffer) eventually leaves home to become a disciplined, grounded professor, while the younger brother Paul (played by actor, Brad Pitt) becomes a rebellious journalist and descends into gambling and liquor.  Their mornings are spent in school and religious study, while their afternoons are devoted to fly fishing for trout in the Blackfoot River.   Most of the film surrounds the men's love of fly fishing for trout in Montana's rivers, and their shared experiences through it while growing up.   It’s a great character study with rich, dramatic acting.   I want to see it again.   I know I’ll get something new from it each time I see it.
“And I knew just as surely, just as clearly, that LIFE IS NOT A WORK OF ART, and that the moment could not last.”--Craig Sheffer, as the elder Norman in the 1992 film,A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

Three Tall Women: I WILL BE THE BOSS

It is wise to apply the oil of refined politeness to the mechanism of friendship. --COLETTE, The Pure and the Impure
Paloma sent some lovely French magazine clippings.  I liked the one of Madonna.  She always takes an interesting photo that catches the eye.  I suppose it is the photographer that should get part of the credit.  I’m sure she can pick and choose her photographer.  She has that aura about her for all of her projects.  I can hear her saying “I WILL BE THE BOSS.”   It sounds like someone else I know.  That new song by Madonna is still getting a lot of play:  THIS USED TO BE MY PLAYGROUND.
Paloma sent postcards from where she works as property manager (HOTEL RESIDENCE DE SETE) known as Residences SOGEREL.  She wrote and reminded me about that Rebecca De Mornay movie that came out earlier this year (THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE).  It is quite the dramatic thriller that is getting a lot of word-of-mouth:
Dear Michael,Sorry I didn’t write before.  I’ve been quite busy lately. 
Tonight I’m going to see THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE.  I think that is the right title in English.  Have you seen it?  
This is a card of the place we are probably going to move to next year.  We are supposed to become the directors of that residence.  We are, of course, going to live there, too.   Alexandre is very excited about it.  I don’t know yet.  It’s probably going to be a lot of work (about 32 people will be working with us).   What do you think about that?  Just call me “Big Boss Paloma”, huh?  Maybe not for very long…but ‘I WILL BE THE BOSS’. There’s nothing strange about that, right?  I’m sure you agree. 

Maybe then…I’ll be so rich that I will need you to take care of my money!  The 501 LEVI jeans didn’t arrive yet but I am really glad you sent them to me.   Can you believe that I have seen a pair of black 501 LEVI jeans here for one-hundred dollars!  They just make a little profit!   It’s really worth waiting for them.
If you want something from France just let me know.
Madonna’s book and new album are coming out in France (nice pictures, great body:  the one where she is naked).   I am sending you one I like but I’m sure you’ve seen them all a long time ago.   Last Sunday, Madonna was on TV here in France for a one-hour interview.  She looked awful with a gold tooth and yellow hair (that needed badly to be dyed).  Love, Paloma

My nieces, LAUREN and LEIGH, cheer me up often.  I received a postcard expressing LOVE from both of them.  I miss them so much.  My time goes by so fast living in L.A. but one thing I do miss is the family I love.
Alan’s mom, Gloria, is getting into the groove of sending me postcards wherever she goes now.  She is so direct (as is Alan).  She is such strong woman.  I guess it’s safe to say she too has often said silently in her mind “I WILL BE THE BOSS”.   Sometimes I love the idea of being the boss but there’s so much more responsibility involved.   I suppose where there’s a will there is a way.  And being the boss does have some advantages that cannot be overlooked.   Gloria was recently in Miami, Florida.  I liked the colorful card she sent.  She wrote:

Hi!  I chose this postcard to give you an idea of the ART DECO AREA in South Beach, Miami.  I’m having a good time but miss you all.  I’m going to good restaurants, playing Bridge, working out at the spa, going shopping, swimming, lying in the sun:  “THE GOOD LIFE”.
I hope all is well at home.   Best Regards to Alan and the girls.  This pen stinks. Affectionately, Gloria
Kept thinking, kept thinking that everything had taken such a long time and yet it had gone so damned fast.--Lars Saabye Christensen in his International Best-Seller, BEATLES

Mom often asked, "WHAT'S NEW?"

The silence shrieked in Michael’s head, pounded in his temples.  Patience.  It was part of the rule.  It never lasted beyond twilight.Now he had to get dressed and leave.  For a second he told himself that his life consisted of a series of bedrooms that he left without ever wanting to come back.--Jose Luis De Vilallonga, THE PLEASURE SEEKER
...and every time I receive a new letter or postcard from Paloma I yearn to be in Paris (or any part of Europe for that matter).    She sent a card from LANGUEDOC:
…there was tons of food.  
Alexandre was kind of worried, thinking that they might stop selling gas and that we’d have to push the car all the way home; and so we shortened our stay in SPAIN. 
After we came back we went to SPAIN again for a weekend (probably where you went) to Rosas, Ampuria and Costa Brava.  We went to see Salvador Dali’s house in Cadaques.  We’ve also been visiting lots of places around here like this little town of Languedoc which is old and pretty in Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert with the Rue Chapelle des Penitente.
Your nieces are so cute.  They look like dolls.  Can you imagine when they’re going to be ‘18’?  That’s going to be hard for you not to go out with them.  You’re right…time flies, in 1992 it’s going to be ten years that I left to go to California…Love, Paloma
….and it’s no secret that I telephone my mother every day.  I found the perfect card to send her for her retirement (a little boy making a phone call in a telephone booth, presumably to his mommy):
October 2, 1992Dear Mom,Congratulations on your RETIREMENT!   Twenty-five years at the U.S.  Post-Office is something to brag about.  You should feel very proud about your accomplishment.  You also have a lot to show for your working years!  You never blew your money on alcohol or crazy things.  You invested wisely and you brought-up at least one good son (Ha-ha).  You know I mean three good sons. 
I’m very lucky to have a mother like you.  I KNOW that it was because of your walking all of these years that I was able to have many advantages that other children never have.  I very much realize that.  I THANK YOU for working so hard all of these years for me!

Now…it’s my turn.  If you need anything just let me know.  I’ll always be there for you.  I also picked this card for you because it reminds me of ‘me’, calling you.  It’s like no matter where I am I like to call you because I care about you and I LOVE YOU. 
The imprint in this card reads “WHAT’S UP?” but it should show what you often say:  “WHAT’S NEW?”
Here’s the Southwest Airlines card.  Use it when you check-in so we’ll get credit points for more free trips (like to Santa Fe)!I’ll be talking to you soon.Love Always,MichaelP.S.  I’m so happy you decided to retire.
“I like the idea that every page in every book can have a gem on it.  It’s probably what I love most about writing—that words can be used in a way that’s like a child playing in a sandpit, rearranging things, swapping them around.  They’re the best moments in a day of writing—when an image appears that you didn’t know would be there when you started work in the morning.”--Markus Zusak, author of THE BOOK THIEF

We Belong Together

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.   That sounds good, but things are never that simple.   The problem, you see, is how to know what we want to have done to us.--Viet Thanh Nguyen, THE SYMPATHIZER, a novel
Julie Waller is the Vietnamese girl who arrived at my high-school back in the mid-1970’s.   She had written not-so-long-ago about her marriage.  And now she sent a recent postcard from Calistoga, California.  I guess she was getting a mud bath or something more soothing in the mineral pool at Indian Springs.  She wrote a short and sweet note.  A few words are better than no words at all…
9-24-92Hello Mike,I just returned from Boston.   How are you?  Life is good.  I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to visit when I was in Manhattan Beach…maybe next time.Write me soon.  Love, Julie
Paloma made it to EURODISNEY from the look at her most recent postcard:
…to lie out in the sun, drinking a great cocktail is exactly what I’ve been doing for a month.  Can you imagine how depressing it can be?  Well, I admit I’ve done it before you.   It’s better when I do it than when you do it!  
How does it feel to lose your suntan?  I’m, of course, kidding.  I know how it feels to be back at work.  Why can’t we just always be on vacation? 
I’m really depressed when I look at my immediate future.  They are painting our new apartment in Sete.  We are going to move…Love, Paloma
And this song called END OF THE ROAD by BOYZ II MEN is constantly playing.   I’m listening to the lyrics more closely and I see why it’s been number one for the past seven weeks.   Everyone can identify with it…that’s the secret of a great song: …you know we belong togetherI don't have no time for you to be playing with my heart like thisYou'll be mine forever baby, you just seeWe belong togetherAnd you know that I'm rightWhy do you play with my heartWhy do you play with my mindSaid we'd be foreverSaid it'd never die
How could you love me and leave me and neverSay good-byeWhen I can't sleep at night without holding you tightEach time I try I just break down and cryPain in my head oh I'd rather be deadSpinning' around and aroundAlthough we've come to the end of the roadStill I can't let goIt's unnatural
You belong to meI belong to youCome to the end of the roadStill I can't let goIt's unnaturalYou belong to meI belong to youI know you really love meYou just don't realizeYou've never been there beforeIt's only your first timeMaybe I'll forgive youMaybe you'll try
We should be happy together foreverYou and ICan you love me again like you loved me beforeThis time I want you to love me much moreThis time instead just come to my bedAnd baby just don't let me downI'm here for youAll those times of night when you just hurt meAnd just ran out with that other fellaBaby I knew about it, I just didn't care
You just don't understand how much I love you do you?I'm here for youI'm not out to go out and cheat on you all nightJust like you did baby but that's all rightHey, I love you anywayAnd I'm still gonna be here for you 'till my dying day babyRight now, I'm just in so much pain babyCause you just won't come back to meWill you? Just come back to meYes baby my heart is lonelyMy heart hurts babyI'm feel pain tooBaby please...
Simplifying our lives means having the intelligence to examine what we usually consider to be indispensable pleasures and to check whether they do indeed genuinely improve our well-being.  Voluntary simplicity also goes hand in hand with wisdom:  by not aspiring to the unreasonable, we remain constantly aware of the fortunes of those in need today, as well as the well-being of future generations.--Matthieu Ricard, ALTRUISM

Where Does This Open Door Lead?

Charlie Dillon:  “You know something? I'm still gonna get into Harvard. And in 10 years no one will remember any of this. But you'll still be a goddamn Jew.”David Green:  “And you'll still be a prick.”--as heard while watching the 1992 film, SCHOOL TIES
My September 18th to 20th weekend in Alameda was short but sweet.  It was nice being with mom and seeing my nieces.   Mom and I managed to go see the movie SCHOOL TIES.  I really liked it and will make a point of seeing it again with Alan. 
I like the actors Brendan Fraser and Matt Damon (even though Matt wasn’t the most likeable character).  Set in the 1950s, SCHOOL TIES sheds light on the "true" nature of the old boys club. David Green (Brendan Fraser) is a supreme athlete who is granted admission to an exclusive boarding school reserved for the country's blue bloods.   Green hopes to use the school to get into Harvard, while the school uses him to win football championships.  Everything is going as planned until a spoiled classmate Charlie Dillon (Matt Damon), finds out that Green is Jewish.  Given the time and circumstances, this does not sit well with his classmates.  The movie comes to a climax when the classmates are forced to choose between Green and Dillon in a cheating scandal.  The movie really highlights the religious inequality that took place at that time in America.  One also comes to realize how the elite maintain their status and privilege by attending schools such as the one in this movie.
Upon my return home I found a postcard from Barbara Reynolds waiting for me.  It was a masterpiece image by Vincent Van Gogh that he painted in 1888 of the DANCE HALL AT ARLES.   She wrote:
Hello Mike, I spoke with Helen today.  She called for help in the office and got Brenda Goff.  I just happened to be walking by and had to say hello.  We are all too busy at work and trying to NOT be too serious.  
Thanks for the NYC postcard.  It was an interesting shot.  I’d love to go to NY again…someday.  
Yes, I am interested in a money investment (excuse me…income investment).  Got any simple to understand info?  You know I learn best from friends like you. 
I’m counting six more days of this commute.  
I am making new kitchen curtains tonight.
Staying busy…still in like/love.  Hope all is fantastic.  I am enjoying sunlight on the bay at his moment.   Love, Barbara
I was back to my work grind.  I was analyzing the GROUPE EUROTUNNEL penny stock “railway operation” that provides train service from the England to France.   After my commute from Westwood to Santa Monica I found a card in the mailbox from Dorothy Rua.  She chose a card that included the image of gates that seemed to be entering a beautiful paradise.  Once I read her card I understood why: 
9-20-92Dear Michael,How could I not think of you when I saw this card?  Yes, it reminded me of “another door opens”.  Where does this open door lead?  I wish I knew…
That was a great sunset card you sent from NYC.  I’m glad to hear you had a wonderful time and were thinking of me, too.
As I’m writing this card, I’m sitting on a CONTINENTAL AIRLINES flight to GUAM.  It is an unexpected trip and I am flying alone.   My dad is VERY ill.  He’s been diagnosed with cancer (pancreas, liver and maybe other organs).  All so suddenly he was feeling a little stomach pain in late June and the doctor thought it might be ulcers.  When the pain did not get better my brother took him to a specialist.  Right after the typhoon that hit GUAM, Dad was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia.   At that time (less than two weeks ago) a cat scan indicated shadows and the biopsy that followed confirmed the cancer.
Apparently, he’s on morphine for the pain that is now in his stomach and back area.  After talking with his doctor and a family conference call with my siblings I decided (and they agreed) that I need to be with Dad while he is still able to talk and understand all the things I want to say. 
We’ve always been VERY CLOSE.  Our whole family is close.  He knows how much I’ve always loved him.  I just want to THANK HIM for being such a wonderful dad.  And I want to let him know how much of him remains with the person I am—so much of what I like about myself is a result of all he’s given me, especially his humor. 
It’s a very tough trip but I’ll be there for two weeks, maybe longer.  I’ll get to be with the rest of my family.  Until later---Love, Dorothy
“More individuals are born than can possibly survive.   A grain in the balance will determine which individual shall live and which shall die.”--Charles Darwin