Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 48

Playing Frisbee With Him

While we are young the idea of death or failure is intolerable to us; even the possibility of ridicule we cannot bear.   But we have also an unconquerable faith in our own stars, and in the impossibility of anything venturing to go against us.   As we grow old we slowly come to believe that everything will turn out badly for us, and that failure is in the nature of things; but then we do not much mind what happens to us one way or the other.  In this way a balance is obtained.--Isak Dinesen, SEVEN GOTHIC TALES:  The Deluge at Norderney
I’m doing so much driving in my Mustang Convertible from West Hollywood to my job at the Advertising Agency in Encino, then on to the Pasadena/Eagle Rock area after work for my Graphic Arts class from 6pm-10pm Monday thru Friday at PLATT COLLEGE that I’m afraid my car will break down soon.  I am seriously considering a trade-in for a car that requires less service maintenance.   Yes, I am pondering the idea of a TOYOTA.  The TOYOTA Celica is rather sporty so I may go with that choice.  It will ease my mind and be less fuel costly.
My free time (what is barely left of it) is spent with Alan to see movies and/or other events that look appealing.  My new favorite thing besides bike riding along the beach is playing Frisbee with him.   It forces us to run and have fun in the sun.
I received another cool card from Dorothy Rua of a rainbow in the sky with nebulous clouds scattered about which reminds me of the song ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’…
10-12-90Dear Michael,I don’t know if you have any idea how surprised I was to find your letter in my mailbox yesterday.  It’s a wonderful surprise, I might add!   With your current schedule I believe just finding a few minutes to write would be close to impossible for you.    Then I received this letter in my mailbox.   I barely looked at it and put it in my purse.  I was half-way to my car when something clicked.  I pulled it back out of my purse and realized it was from you and NOT promotional mail from an ad company in Encino.  I should have recognized right away that with ‘An Officer and A Gentleman’ sticker it was definitely from YOU!

What does the picture story tell me?   A WEEKEND IN THE LIFE OF MICHAEL J ARMIJOHow close am I?Tell me.   SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF MICHAEL J ARMIJOTo be honest I wouldn’t mind being a part of any of those pictures.   They each look inviting…especially the sailing trip.
What exactly do you do with INTER/MEDIA ADVERTISING?  And what will you be discussing in San Antonio, TX and points beyond?  Is this the company that was going to have you working on telephone book advertising and layouts?  It may not be as exciting as a job in Graphic Design but it sure as heck must be better than Account Collections!  The evening class you are taking sounds GREAT.  It must be if you’ve given up most of your evenings for it.   It will probably be difficult to make a choice between the two careers but isn’t it wonderful to have a choice…especially two good ones?
I haven’t seen any of the movies you mentioned.  It gives me something to look forward to.   It sounds like GOOD FELLAS is one I should see!
Frisbee in the park, then an Art Show in Santa Monica…what a perfect way to spend your limited free time!  I don’t know Alan but I don’t imagine he’d make that statement about trading his JOAN MIRO painting for one of yours if he wasn’t at least half serious.  I’d take it as a real compliment!  I still remember how surprised I was when I looked at the pictures of your creations.  In my opinion (for whatever it’s worth) you do have talent.
There’s a job I may go after but it’s going to be tough.  It’s a Marketing Position in an industry I have no background in but I know I can do it.  I have to find some way to at least get an interview.  I guess I’ll spend part of my weekend working on my resume and a hot cover letter.  I spoke to my friend, Dick, recently (he’s the one in advertising).  He’s been so busy working for this big Advertising Company in San Jose that he hasn’t had time to develop his own business which is something he’d liked to do.   Somehow he’s making time to get on with his third book.   The first two he had published.  One is called COLD SEA RISING and the other is DALLAS DOWN (by Richard Moran).   He finds (or makes) time by getting up at 4AM!  
He said something similar about the job in San Jose (that you said about yours), “It pays the bills and money talks.”
Do you recognize the picture on this card?  It feels like you are close enough to touch your rainbow, doesn’t it?   It seems that way with all that you are doing.   Do remember that this rainbow reach is probably only a couple of years away!  Now where the heck is that pot of gold?Love, Dorothy I check my mail every so often at my condo in West Hollywood but I am spending more and more nights in Santa Monica (with Alan).  He took a photo of me on a recent Saturday.   I seemed happy while holding a jar of multi-vitamins before our early morning bike ride excursion.
My evening Graphic Design classes are quite calming.   There are deadlines on projects but I’m right on top of it.  Some of the intricate details with layout and design are a pain in the ass.  Our teacher is knit-picky about getting every detail right.  Now they’re trying to push COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN after this course but I’m not about to dish out more cash just yet.   Right now it allows me to think things through while I’m in this class.   Let's see how it goes. There’s a guy who sits near me named Miguel.  He is friends with actress, Jane Russell, and with the boy, who played in FAMILY AFFAIR (Jody), named Johnny Whitaker.   I’m not sure how he met Johnny but he said he does ‘odd jobs’ for Jane Russell.   That impressed me.  Miguel is a kind soul.  I think he’s gay—not that there’s anything wrong with that.  Smiles.   As we do our art we chat about nonsense like this.  I guess it’s better to be studying something than just sitting on one’s ass.
The radio keeps playing that MADONNA song that came out around my Birthday this year.   It’s called VOGUE.   It has a slow beat at first…I love hearing it when I ride my bike.  I go slowly and then I speed up.  It seems that way in real life with me, too.   How funny is that?   There’s something more rewarding in just being random and happy by just ‘playing Frisbee with him’ though.
“It’s better to study chemistry and learn something than to spend your life talking like a fool!”--END AS A MAN by Calder Willingham

GREAT ART

“…some people are born to make great art and others are born to appreciate it.  Don’t you think?  It is a kind of talent in itself, to be an audience, whether you are the spectator in the gallery or you are listening to the voice of the world’s greatest soprano.  Not everyone can be the artist.   There have to be those who witness the art, who love and appreciate what they have been privileged to see.” --BEL CANTO, a novel by Ann Patchett
My eldest nieces are growing up.    Ashley (who was born in 1984) has started kindergarten and her mom sent me her kindergarten photo.   She looks so grown-up and cute.   While I was in Alameda during my last visit I took a photo of the second eldest, Lauren, (who was born in 1985).  She looks so pretty.  I have the two photos posted in my cubicle at work.  I really see the “ARMIJO” in them.   Their photos lift my spirits.
My new job as an ACCOUNT MANAGER with InterMedia is going okay.  I seem to be at the copy machine for hours preparing folder presentations.   One of my top clients is a group of Psychiatric Hospitals all over the country.  I handle all of the advertising for their yellow page ads in various books throughout the country.  It’s definitely not as glamourous as it may sound; however, I may be going on a trip to Kansas City, Missouri soon to present their current ad plan.   The salary is just enough to get by and pay the mortgage on my condo.    I wish I was paid more.   The other day our Creative Director was working and brought her boyfriend in to browse.   She is dating actor Elliot Gould (who was once married to Barbra Streisand).  He looked pretty terrible.   I guess that’s what happens to actors when they don’t get regular roles.

On weekends and weekday nights I am painting in my condo (on my balcony) and doing “Graphic Design” homework and extra credit design projects.   I am hidden by trees as I listen to music.  It makes me feel good.   The titles of a couple of the TOP tunes are rather ironic right now.  One is by a group called Sweet Sensation called “IF WISHES CAME TRUE” and the other is by George Michael called “PRAYING FOR TIME”.   I like George Michael’s vocals.   I do like creating great art (even if it’s through pictures).

Dorothy Rua sent another sensual card.   This time it was of a naked woman who seemed to be sleeping or suffering or hoping.  It’s hard to tell but it’s a cool Black and White image.   The title of the photo is PERSPECTIVE II from 1967 by a photographer named Ruth Bernhard.   Dorothy wrote the following:

10-8-90Hi Michael,Well, if all is going according to play you shared with me the last time we spoke you’re already into the third week of your new job at “Graphic Design” class.   I give you a lot of credit for committing to such a full schedule.  I hope you’re enjoying every moment.  If so, your days must be flying by.  You’re probably learning a lot at both places, too.   How are the people?

I am hoping the project I am on at PAC TEL will wrap up this month.   I’m getting anxious to move on.   Where to?   I don’t know…anywhere!  I am beginning to feel stagnant.  I’ve been living in my home longer than any other place over 3 years!   For so many years I moved every year (or year and a half).  I’m not used to this “settled” feeling.   I don’t want to get used to it.

Remember I told you I had car problems?   Well it wasn’t the transmission.   Thank goodness.   Several problems including leaks with the transmission fluid cost me $550.  It was worth it.  Now I can get out of Contra Costa County!  FREEDOM…wonderful freedom!   I did get a bit of rest and relaxation I Berkeley yesterday (with Kathy).   The 1960s crowd was definitely out in force and it made me feel so conservative.  I found myself loosening my stride and ready to as passers’ by for spare change!  Then I realized I looked to clean and groomed for the part.  Ha-ha!

I had an interesting encounter today with one of the Sales Reps (Tom) who was discussing an account with me and was trying to resolve a collection issue so he can sell the customer another phone system.  Keep in mind that during the past several months I’ve exchanged maybe ten words with this guy.   Anyway, when we were done talking in my cubicle we shake hands.   Then he bends down and kisses me on the cheek!   It took me completely by surprise.   When I gathered my wits, my sense of humor returned and I called out to the parting Tom, “What’s the matter with my lips?”

No…story is true but Tom was gone by the time I realized my hand was extended in mid-air and he would not have heard me.   It added flavor to my otherwise boring day!

I like the simplicity of this card and the solitude.   What do you think about it?   The picture above reminded me of you and your jog along the beaches…also love the reflection of the sunset/sunrise.I know you’re busy so don’t worry about finding time to write.  I know you will when you can.  Until later…Love, Dorothy

“LIFE is the only real teacher.  It offers many experiences, and if experience alone brought wisdom and fulfillment, then elderly people would all be happy, enlightened masters.   But the lessons of experience are hidden.”--Dan Millman,
Way of the Peaceful Warrior, a Book that Changes Lives

A Pure, Sensual Charge

“Sometimes I’m sketching until five o’clock in the morning.   Sometimes I’m dancing until five o’clock in the morning.   It’s all inspiration.  It’s all a part of what I do.”--John Galliano, Fashion Designer
While in Europe I had sent out so many postcards.   It was another week of personal postcards and letters.  As time went by it was really fun to see who would actually reply to me.  I was thrilled to find a "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend" homemade postcard from an ex-flame, Dusty Nipper, recently.
9-25-90Michael,…looks like one you’d make yourself. 

I am still waiting for the “details” of your European vacation!  I know I have been neglecting you but I promise to write on a regular basis!  So how is everything with you?So many changes have happened in my life!  I wish I could tell you everything but I’m running out of room.  I guess I’ll just have to wait for your letter.Love, DustyP.S.  You could call me and leave a message: (415) 426-0502
Dusty obviously had my mind worked up.   She wrote in such a mysterious way that I wonder about all of the changes in her life.   I imagined a new boyfriend--and didn't like knowing that I was replaced so I shut the thought from my mind.

Former coworker, Barbara Reynolds, is still with the phone company and she sent a card using PAC BELL stationary.  It’s nice to get updated news from her now and then:
28 Sept. 90 6PMWow Michael—
Thank you for the photo card…is that really you?  Ching says you look more mature.  I say you look really good. 

Yes, I had a lot of mail when I returned from my escape, et vu?

I’ve seen Margaret Lai about ‘3’ times in the past three years—not often and we work in the same building.   So how is Kristen?  Where do you know her from?

I’m sorry for this messy writing but this bus shakes a lot.  I thought I’d stay at work and write but I got distracted.   Then I showed Don Sturke my travel photos.  I like knowing him and appreciate him much more since he is married.   Rebecca is very pretty.  The wedding was a lot of fun.  Alice Cofield went with me (to the wedding) and we sat at the reception with Norma and Dolores.  Do you remember them? They worked in the Webster Street Public Office.   Norma is so funny.  Otha McCain is her manager now and she can’t stand him.  It was very interesting talking with her.   She is a very sensitive person (and smart).  I guess that you already know this.

My friend, Jim Harmon (here at work), bought me this postcard for Halloween.  I copied it for you, well, yes of Lucy and Ethel.

I really try to recycle as much as possible.  This envelope and card was being tossed out by a manager moving her office and she threw out dozens of these, so I grabbed up as many as were usable and gave a few away.

Have you seen “50 SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SAVE THE PLANET”?  Some friends of mine worked on it.  I have a copy of it hanging up at my desk with a label saying “PLEASE BORROW”.
How was your mom’s visit?  I was hoping to see my niece, Linda (she now lives in San Diego).  Last weekend she was up here but too busy.  I sent her a book on TAROT CARDS along with a deck of cards.  I think she’ll get into it.  Do you look at TAROT CARDS these days?  My friend Alice does.  

I still look at astrology.  Last year I visited my friend, Judith, and her astrologer husband, Michael, for lunch in London.  Michael has studied my chart and didn’t say much except that I would be going through a lot of changes.  I had an appointment the following day for a haircut at VIDAL SASSOON.  This was something which my hairdresser insisted upon.  The chap who worked on me is from ITALY (near Venice) and named Roberto.  He suggested I could go for a big change…and yes.   This is what I’ve maintained mostly since that trip.  I was very thankful while in France and the temperatures soared about 100 percent.  My head would go under a cool faucet and I’d be happy for a while.

I had such a good trip.  My eyes got clearer each day.  I learned to recognize my anger and a technique to deal with it.  Who did you travel with?  What were your destinations?  Did I tell you that I was near the caves at Les Eyzies?  I began to relax when I pictured what my eyes saw.

I’m stuffed.  I just had an Indian (East) dinner.  Yum…now the sun has set and I am listening to a sitar being played here.   Sometimes I really love Berkeley.  I could take a year off.   

I don’t dare begin another page or you’ll never get this.  With Love…and Thank You for all of the created postcards and notes… Barbara
Paloma wrote a few days later…
Le 28 Septembre 1990Dear Michael,I tried to copy you but I’m not half as good as you are at making postcards.   Thank you for the postcard with your picture—pretty cool!   You look really good.  If you don’t become a famous star with that it’s really that directors have bad taste.
Here is the card from LE TABLE D’EMILIE.  We went there about a week ago with my brother, Luis, and his girlfriend (and Jonathan, Alexandre and I).   They gave us the same table we had.   That was so weird to think that you were there!   If you really want some French wine—by the way—I can send you some (or anything else from here).

I’d like to see the picture you are talking about.  The D.O.A movie with Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan and Charlotte Rampling was good.   Do you know this actress, Charlotte Rampling?  I was just wondering because she is pretty famous here, married to a famous French musician, Jean-Michel Jarre.   

The other movie I liked is “NADINE” with Kim Basinger and Jeff Bridges (the guy from AGAINST ALL ODDS).  I don’t exactly dislike him.  Have you seen it?  Well, I have to go to work on my tan but now that I have many cards I will write again soon.Love, Paloma
Dorothy Rua wrote a day later and the card depicted a woman photographed by Stephen Hender.  The card seemed like a card that Paloma would find.  I was quite taken with it.  I had to double-check that it was from Dorothy versus Paloma.   I had shared with Dorothy the news of my plans to go to Washington D.C.   Alan and I are working on it diligently.  Dorothy wrote the following and more:
9-29-90Dear Michael,
Soon after mailing the last card with the “story” I had second thoughts.  It really wasn’t fair to suggest you finish the story.  You sent your card expecting my usual two or three lines of response and I decided to write a book instead!  And for me to request you do the same…really unfair, so please don’t feel it’s something you need to do or that I’m expecting.  Heck, if it needs to be continued I’ll probably do it sometime when I’m in the mood.  

You know what comes to mind right now?  Remember that day we had to sit in a circle in the lunch room at the SMART RESOURCE CENTER and pass a comment around that Bill started?  You decided to liven things up and whispered some dirt into my left hear which I then had to pass on!  Ha-ha…it still makes me laugh even though it made my face hot at the time!   It served those clowns right though, having to play all of those childish games.

I received your YALE GRADUATE card which I enjoyed.  I remember how popular those pins were on those old cars.  I can’t figure out if this is a Cadillac or an Oldsmobile.  

So, you’re off on another trip, huh?  Any special reason you chose Washington D.C. this time?   There’s definitely a lot to see there.   I’m told that just being in the Capitol one can feel the power in the city.   As always I hope you’ll be thinking of me and send a card.   I don’t think I’ve ever gotten one from there.  I know you’ll have a great time.  You always know how to do that.

Then I guess you’ll be heading to your cousins’ wedding.  If she asks for advice suggest she have fewer than five kids before her 30th Birthday!   How is your other cousin doing in Washington?   Probably busy…but then she’s also probably happy living the life she wants.

I talked to Rosemarie the other day.  She was all excited.  Her beau (Michael) has a friend (Todd) who wants Rosemarie to set him up with a date so they can “double”.  His request is for someone fun and older than he is (he’s in his early 30’s).  

So I ask, “Who did you find?”  Rosemarie says, “You!”Naturally I just stare at her like she’s gone nuts.Rosemarie goes on to say, “Michael’s met you and he thinks you’d be perfect!”Finally, I say, “Rose, I agree I can be fun and I am older than early thirties but you two have forgotten something here.  I’m also married.”She laughs even harder, “Yeah, we finally remembered but you just don’t seem like the typical married gal.   Don’t worry, I’ll find him someone else…but do you just want to meet him sometime?”Well, she did find Todd a date for the “double”.  She wasn’t older but she was fun and a good time was had by all (except Rosemarie).   And my answer to her last question was, “NO!”
I’m vulnerable right now and don’t want an opportunity to get myself into trouble.   

I guess your previous comments about me are still accurate.  I’m still having those thoughts and feelings as I stand in the ocean, looking toward the horizon…

How are things with you, Michael?  I mean in your daily life.  Have you decided if you’ll stay in L.A.?  If so, will you and Alan share a place?  I really hope that somehow things work out for you there.  I still want your dreams to come true.   “Dreams coming true” are such an important part of happy life!   Keep working on it, okay?As always, Love, Dorothy And to whip the cream on top of her letter Dorothy included an appropriate article by Susan Crain Bakos titled:
“THOSE LONG-LASTING JUST-FOR-SEX”:  Why do happily marrieds so often have secret lovers?   Because such intrigues carry a pure, sensual charge that can be the ULTIMATE turn-on! 

Dorothy ended her letter in this manner…
Michael,P.S.  I guess I should explain this card: 


Earlier this year my regular doctor (then my optometrist) insisted I talk to a dermatologist about the changes that have been occurring with my birthmark over the past few years.   So, finally in June, I talked to three dermatologists.   Two were out here in Contra Costa (who I decided I wouldn’t let touch me) and one at UC MEDICAL CENTER in San Francisco (remember when I mentioned the view from up there?).   

I felt comfortable with Dr. Grekin at UC MEDICAL CENTER.  I let him zap me with ‘3’ test laser beams in June.  He had me return on September 12th to see which of the three were most effective on me.  Then he proceeded to laser my entire birthmark.  I chose not to have local anesthetic because, like you, I have a high threshold for pain.  I don’t enjoy it but I can endure it!Well, half way through the procedure I decided I made the wrong choice.  I should have had him numb me up!   The initial laser zaps aren’t so bad alone but the combination with the heat from the laser was (and became) quite painful.  I asked, “Am I going to be able to drive myself home?”He couldn’t believe I had driven myself to the city, so the doctor only did the laser on me 250 times rather than 300 (he saved my eyelid for next time)!  

I felt like HELL and definitely looked like HELL for over a week; therefore the mask (on this card).  I missed a week of work but I’m much better now.   My skin is still tender but each day gets better…hopefully!

Apparently the weakening blood vessels in the birthmark have been allowing more and more blood to settle in the area which causes what the doctor refers to as “blips” and may eventually cause internal bleeding.   The laser zaps’ job is meant to collapse the blood into the area.   We shall see.  It takes about two to three months for the laser to work into the area.Anyway, my next appointment is on December 5thand I will probably have to be dragged-in, kicking and screaming!I hope I haven’t grossed you out!  Just be glad you didn’t have to look at me those first ‘10’ days.Later…Dorothy
It was great to be back home in Alameda for the weekend of September 29th.   I have much fun with mom’s company.  I only missed NOT having my bike as I would have liked to do some riding along South Shore beach and/or the Harbor Bay Parkway.   It was just as well.  It was a restful time.

I took a pleasant photo of mom seated in her living room.  The weekend flew by.  I almost wished it hadn't ended so quickly.  

Mom and I did go out and see a couple of great movies: POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE and GOOD FELLAS.   Mom really loved the GOOD FELLAS film.  
"I didn't know you were so into gangster films," I said, "but--you're right--it was very good."
And finally, a letter from Miami arrived this week from Mario C. Boucieguez:
October 1, 1990 I was pleased to find your letter in my mailbox, not to mention the surprise I received when I opened the envelope.  It was nice to see your face again.  Suddenly, I had this strange sensation…memories that were locked in the past came to me for a moment.   Today I lived a minute in the past.

I hope your trip to Alameda went well.  I visited Houston for the weekend.  Perhaps this will be the last trip for a short while as I am going back to school starting October 2nd.  I have finally decided to go for my MASTERS DEGREE.

Michael, in reference to Dale (your friend in Florida)…I called him approximately 2 weeks ago, however the phone number I have for him as been changed and I do not have the new one.   Will you please send me his new phone number?  Maybe we can get together on a weekend.  I am only forty minutes from Ft. Lauderdale.

Remember “Bello”?  My dog!  Well, he is driving me crazy.  He ate the corners of my sofa in the living room and broke a crystal vase for which I had paid $150.   Do you by any chance care for a dog?  (just teasing).  I love him dearly.  He is happy when I come home every day, no matter what kind of mood I may be in.  Plus…he does not talk back.  By the way, He is looking at me right now.  I know I know I know…It is time for his walk.Talk to you soon, my dear friend.Sincerely,Mario C Boucieguez.
“Really, it’s just a matter of making your LIFE work out with the hand you’ve been dealt.  I married young and had no idea the sex would die while the love lasted.  I would like to be passionately married, but I’ll settle for being happily married, with sex on the side.  LIFE isn’t perfect, you know.”--Susan Crain Bakos, the last line of her article “THOSE LONG-LASTING JUST-FOR-SEX”

As Long As I'm Happy With My Life

“Don’t forget:  the best part of breaking-up with a girl and finding a new girl is that all your stories are fresh again.”--Charles Baxter,THERE’S SOMETHING I WANT YOU TO DO, Chapter: LUST
Just when you think you may never hear from someone again a surprise contact arrives.   This time it was a letter from Steven Antol, the United Airlines Flight Attendant.  The one I had met in Hawaii.  He included a Black and White photo of him that looked ‘okay’.    On the back side of the photo he wrote: TO:  MICHAEL, STEVEN ANTOL, P.O. BOX 30927, HONOLULU, HAWAII 96821.  
Sept. 16, 1990 HOTEL CENTRAZA, Narita, Japan
Dear Michael,Hi there buddy!   How are you doing these days?  Just a quick note to say hello and see what you’re up to.
I’m on the Flight from Japan back to Honolulu.   I’m “deadheading”.   I’m glad I didn’t have to work this trip.  I felt kind of tired.  I’ve been flying quite a lot these past couple of months.  Mostly to Japan and then on to Bangkok.  I enjoyed Thailand.   What an interesting place!I still haven’t made it to LAX for the longest time.  I’m due for a trip to the West Coast shortly.  I’ll definitely give you a call when I’m coming so we can get together for dinner.  I haven’t seen you in ages. 
I want to hear about your trip to Europe.  I know that you had a blast.
I’m planning my vacation this year to South America.   Buenos Aires will be my destination.  I’m going with one of my other airline friends.  I’m looking forward to a good time.  Have you been to South America?  I can’t remember if you went or not.
Anyway, I’m doing fine.  Nothing out of the ordinary…just flying to these different countries as usual.  I may take a temporary 6-week training position at the In-Flight Training Center in Chicago shortly.  Nothing definite…yet.
Well, that’s all for now my friend.  I hope everything is well with you.Take care.  Hope to see you soon.Aloha, Steven
A couple of days later I was in the mood to vent my feelings to Paloma about the latest happenings. She had just written me, so it was good timing to reply.   I used my “ANYTIME CARD” of the photo of me in Amboise, France.   I also used a YOGURT card I created and a couple of postcards (from a dress boutique in West Hollywood and from the Le Telegraph Restaurant in Paris).   I wrote the following: September 18, 1990, 4:30PMDear Paloma,I received your letter today.  You must have read my mind about seeking out fame and fortune as an actor.   As a matter of fact ‘just today’ I sent out this very card to many casting agents and studios around town, letting them know that I am looking for representation and/or acting parts.  If something happens, then great.  If not, I’ll move on.   In fact I’ve already moved on.  I quit the Account Sales Rep. job at Beverly Hills Magazine because they were paying me $1000/month in commission but it’s such a new magazine and the money just wasn’t there.  So…I quit; however, just today I got hired as an ACCOUNT MANAGER with InterMedia Advertising in Encino, CA.    I start Monday, September 24th so that’s good news.  I will have some money rolling in.
I also enrolled in a GRAPHIC ART DESIGN SCHOOL for a 6-Month Program Monday thru Friday from 5:45pm until 10:45pm at PLATT COLLEGE (near Eagle Rock) at 7470 N Figueroa St.).   It’s near the Pasadena/Downtown L.A. vicinity.   I would be driving there after I get out of work at 4PM in Encino.  I’m looking forward to that.   It will be fun.  And since I just got this job offer I am sure I will have a bunch of calls next week from all of those casting agents.  Ha-ha.  What timing?  We’ll see…I suppose.
Oh yes, this card?  Well, this photo was taken on July 9, 1990 in Amboise, France (near Tours) in front of the LE CHOISEL HOTEL.  I had just finished dinner and had a half a bottle of wine.  I went to a printing company and had these cards made.  I was going to use them as Christmas cards but decided not to because it would have been better in color (and it would cost more to do that).Thanks for telling me the name of that restaurant again (LE TABLE D’EMILIE).  It was SO good!
I found this card at the corner car wash. 
Sounds like you’re still busy with guests…but jeez…you sure sound stressed out with having to party and party so much.  Ha-ha.  Just don’t overdo it.My mom came to visit for Labor Day weekend.  I showed her your pictures.   There’s one of you and me that I had developed and mom said, “She looks pretty.”Ok…ok, so I screwed-up with the Alison and Lise names…The latest Hollywood scoop this morning on the radio is that Demi Moore and Madonna will star together in LIDA AND SWAN.   The director from LETHAL WEAPON will be involved.  Who knows if it will ever get made?I think you did mention that surprise limousine outing with Lise and the champagne once.  It sounds like a special, fun memory.I may have been talking in the last letter about the possibility of moving back to the Bay Area but I probably will not—for a while (with the 6-month Graphic Art School commitment and the new Job at that Advertising Agency).  I am still not tired of it here.  I guess I was just a little “down and out” and homesick.I’m going to visit mom and my brothers and nieces from September 29th to October 2nd which is very soon.  So that will be nice.
This card I picked up at a restaurant in Paris called LE TELEGRAPH.  Did I send you one already?  Apparently the restaurant was once a postal and telegraph company many years ago.You’re so right about becoming a famous star.  You won’t know who to trust.  And not only that the winning of a lottery would make one question about 'who to trust' quite likely.   It would feel strange being a star.  It seems like a lot of people want to be one.  I’m neither here nor there.  It’s like AS LONG AS I’M HAPPY WITH MY LIFE. I met a girl named Kristen here in L.A.    She was working as a nanny for Bette Midler’s 3-year old daughter, Sophie.   Do you know who Bette Midler is?  Well, Kristen is an attractive, blue-eyed blond.  We may be going out together soon if we can match our schedules accordingly.  She’s not working for Bette Midler anymore.  I don’t know the inside scoop yet but she did say that Bette is very nice.   It’s just that the job required her being in her house too much of the time.   She had too many demands (I think).Oh well, until next time. Love, Uncle Michael

I used an illustration of a tennis player and the sky--as if he is reaching for the skies--as my next card to my mother.   I wrote these words:
September 20, 1990
Dear Mom,
Thanks again for being the thoughtful person that you are.  You listen to my problems while I am careless and jobless.  By the time you get this I should have a new place of employment and a newly serviced car.  I start my new job on Sept. 24th as an Account Manager for InterMedia Advertising Agency.

My first day of class in GRAPHIC ARTS was fun at Platt College in Eagle Rock, CA.  My classes are from Monday thru Friday.  Will I last?  I can't believe it is already Sept. 20th.  In just nine days I will be "home sweet home" Alameda again after a five month absence.

Do you like this tennis postcard?  I have played tennis a couple of times since living in Southern California but I am not as good as this guy appears to be in this magazine clipping.  It's practice that builds confidence and makes perfect.  That is really what I learned on my first day of Graphic Arts class because we were practicing with new mechanical pens.   The college gave me all kinds of materials last night.

I will close for now.  I have to get my art stuff from the mustang which is in the auto repair place. Should I get a new car?  I just might.  Car maintenance is such a pain (and always costs me extra money)!
Love You, Michael
The schoolteacher that I used to work under in San Francisco via the THINK/WRITE volunteer program wrote to me.   She replied to my postcard.   That was nice.   Her letter made me want to visit Maine.  I will mention the idea to Alan as a future weekend getaway escape.
September 23, 1990Dear Michael,I received your postcard upon my return to S.F. after my trip east.  Maine is a beautiful state.  I guess I like it because much of it reminds me of what our country was like before it became overpopulated and progress took over.  I enjoy the forests, small towns, lakes and farmland.
I took AMTRAK from Boston to D.C. while my brother and his family drove the route.  It took eight hours but I like trains.  It was very relaxing.  It gave me an opportunity to read, people watch and talk to the woman who was sitting next to me.  I spent another week in McLean, Virginia with my brother and his family.  I had an opportunity to spend time in the Smithsonian Museums.  It was a great experience.  It was also nice being around my niece and nephew whom I hadn’t seen for a year.   They are ’16’ and ‘13’ and have grown-up so much that it is hard to believe they aren’t little children any longer.It was a big decision for you to leave PAC BELL after so many years.  It is good, however, to take advantage of opportunities that will give you more experience and perhaps lead to bigger and better things for you.My class is great this year.  I have ‘27’ students and am looking forward to working with them.  I will write more about our activities in the next letter.   Best of luck!Fondly,Pat Ann Crowley
And yet I also received another postcard from Mario who only seems to write when he moves to another place.   Such is life…they come and they go.  I guess it's good as long as he is happy with his life.
Sept. 24, 1990I guess you will soon have to make a collage of Mario’s postcards if I keep on moving the way I am.  Three cities in a little over a year.  Hell…everybody needs a change every now and then. Love Always, MarioMiami Springs, Florida
The chess game, frankly, was more peaceful without language.  Cunning moves need not be congratulated; a danger overlooked was not bemoaned.Even the ending of games came as quiet affairs, a brief nod of acknowledgment, and then the business of setting it all up again so that when the next day came they would be ready to start over.-Ann Patchett,
BEL CANTO, a novel

Uncertainty

I had already brought my mouth to his, just as I’d kissed him the night before.   Something unexpected seemed to clear away between us, and, for a second, it seemed there was absolutely no difference in age between us, just two men kissing, and even this seemed to dissolve, as I began to feel we were not even two men, just two beings.  I loved the egalitarianism of the moment.  I loved feeling younger and older, human to human, man to man, Jew to Jew.--Andre AcimanCALL ME BY YOUR NAME
I was still living off of the recent, wonderful escape with Alan to Laguna Beach.   I want to go again—sooner versus later.   I am draining away from the Ad Sales Rep job.   I am actively seeking new job opportunities.  I am confident something will come up.   The problem I have is that I have so many interests right now:  advertising, sales, entertainment, acting, and modeling.   I have a fear factor over some of them (acting, modeling) because they seem like such short-lived careers where you’re always wondering when/if you’ll get the next break or job.
I sent another postcard to mom.  It was the Pablo Picasso image of THE LOVERS and/or LES DEMOISELLES D’AVIGNON from 1907 which is held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.  Mom has a large print of the same image in her living room.  I wrote:
Mom,See this…I immediately thought of you while shopping around Melrose Avenue when I was with Jim from the Gym and Chris Hicks—while they were visiting here. One day you and I will have to fly to New York and we will look at the original 1907 painting by Pablo.   That would be a fun thing to do.Here’s another little something for you (I sent her a scarf, black with a white embroidered imprint of the letter “A” for ARMIJO).Have a great day.Come visit me soon.Love Always,Michael J Armijo
Dorothy Rua, of Walnut Creek, sent a card with a violet sky and silhouettes of palm trees.   She had replied to the AFTER DARK, MY SWEET card I sent her (the same one I sent my mother).   I had shared the news that I was trying to come up with an abstract art piece that was reminiscent of my father.   I told her the title of the art project:  CHRONICLES OF MY FATHER.
9-12-90Hi Michael,How wonderful of you to call me yesterday…just when your call was MOST needed!   When the phone rang my thought was “Now who in the hell is it?”  So you can imagine the smile your voice brought to my lips and I want you to know that our conversation helped me put the absurd position I am in into perspective.  I was able to get through the day—and today—with a better attitude.  Thanks.
I liked your AFTER DARK MY SWEET card.   Sorry to hear the movie didn’t live up to your expectations but the card was a great example of the sequence of events after the one I sent.  I would have sent a follow-up but I haven’t had a chance to get to an “ADULT STORE”!   Ha-ha!There is quite a bit of news/dirt at your end.  You sound so much happier—or at least in great spirits.  Your decision to concentrate on what you’ll enjoy must be the secret.  I’m glad to hear you are following your original plan.  I just know it’s all going to work out for you!  You MUST find a lucrative outlet for your creative abilities…
Keep me informed of y our personal ART projects…sounds like they manage to keep you quite busy.  I’ll be especially interested to hear how you feel about CHRONICLES OF MY FATHER when you’ve completed it.   Be sure to let me know where it (and your other exhibits) can be viewed.   Won’t it be great to see your work on display sometime?   Remember there’s more than one rainbow out there.
9-13-90I didn’t get to finish yesterday.  I hope you’re job search leads you to the position you want.  As I mentioned I mailed a resume to North Carolina on Sunday and hope to get some type of response.  The job is in the Bay Area and it sounds like something I can use my Mortgage Banking experience in.  I’m beginning to wonder if I structured my resume accurately for the job though…especially after talking to the HEAD HUNTER in New York about the other job in San Francisco.  He offered quite a bit of constructive criticism which helped me polish (or enhance) my resume.   It’s too late for the first resume that went out.  Oh well…we’ll see.
I’m meeting Tonee Owens for HAPPY HOUR at the CANTINA in Walnut Creek after work today.  It should be fun catching up on each other!  We’ll miss you and Laverne!  I’ll say a toast and have a drink for you…maybe two!
I’m meeting with some friends after work tomorrow.  It’s a pot luck gathering for some dirt…and one of them is pregnant, so there will be that to celebrate (celebrate that it is NOT the rest of us).  I know…that’s not nice.  Perhaps. But true!
It’s a beautiful day today.  It’s the kind of day I can imagine checking out the beach.   Find anyone with money yet?  Keep looking…she lives down there behind one of those beach umbrellas (visiting from Merced)!  Ha-ha.
You DO have an interesting assortment of stamps.  More later, Love, Dorothy.
And a few days later a gorgeous postcard of the multi-Academy Award winning actress, Katherine Hepburn.  I had never seen her so young (1934).  The photo postcard was sent to me from Dorothy Rua.  The photograph was taken by George Honyingen-Huene.  I just love the portrait of her…so natural.  Dorothy wrote shortly and sweetly and I had never thought it before but I began to wonder if she had a fancy crush on me.   I always saw her as a big sister—but now I wasn’t so sure.  I decided to not prolong the idea.  I'll be carefree and continue to enjoy her advice, counsel and friendship.
Well, I don’t think I can fit another full-size card in this envelope so I’ll close with this postcard.You mentioned how much you love to EAT (as we all do) but I am sure you don’t have to worry about any weight problems.  I can’t imagine you looking anything other than great, especially if you still work out at the club.
Speaking of food…you asked what I might bring on a picnic we would share at the Park at Mortefontaine.  I would definitely bring my Crab Mousse and some sour dough baguettes and maybe some tropical fruit, too.  I’d also have a particular French white wine in mind.   Would we need dessert?
I’m writing from the top of my mountain/hill where I dream my impossible dreams.  It’s been a while since I’ve been here.  It makes me think of you as do many different songs I hear throughout the day(s).  Love, Dorothy September 13, 1990 Alan took a photo of me as I was sleeping.  I guess he was getting even for the one I took of him in Switzerland.   I looked at the photo and saw a restless guy filled with uncertainty in his dreams
I had some Black and White cards made from a photo that Alan took of me in Amboise, France.  I am using the first card today (to mom).   I will likely send one to Paloma soon also.  I wrote:

September 17, 1990Hi Mom,Here’s my “ANYTIME CARD”.   I was going to use them as Christmas card but I like it better in full-color for Christmas (yet, in color, I have red-eye in the original photo).I just got off of the phone with you.  I was telling you about my interview tomorrow, September 18th.  I can’t wait until September 29th.  Jeez, it is only days away.Oh well, I am going to write out a few more cards to a few friends.   They’ll be surprised to get a card of “ME”. Ha-ha.Later, Love You Lots!Michael J Armijo
A part of me wants to move back to the Bay Area.   There is too much uncertainty here.   Alan uplifts me but I still tell him I may go.  He doesn’t like the itsy bitsy threats.   They’re not threats though.  I’m scared.   I need to feel security again.  Isn’t security where you feel safe?   Safe is being home…near mom and family.   Then again, I realize that HOME can be anywhere.  HOME is where you are loved.
“Aren’t you trying to tell me you’ve decided to go?”“Oh dear…I’m not sure of anything.”“You’ve got a lot of friends.”“Certainly I have.   Friends.   And they’re real dears…but none of them NEED me.  There isn’t anyone who’d make me feel guilty about leaving them.”“The point is, do you WANT to go?  If you want to go, you should go.  Never mind anybody else.”--Christopher Isherwood,
A SINGLE MAN

A Famous Star

“The monster existed.  It was very deep within.”--as heard on July 15, 2009 while watchingHARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE movie
It’s Tuesday, September 4th and mom’s 55thBirthday is in two days.  I need to send her another card.   This coming Saturday I’m looking forward to another Newport Beach/Laguna Beach escape with Alan.  I’ll stay the night at his pad on Friday, September 7th.   I’m still finding it difficult to be an Advertising Sales man.  You’re only as good as your last sale.  I still haven’t sold any ads.   My focus is more on another job that it is on a first sale.  
I wanted to live in L.A. for at least 2 years.  That would mean November 1991.   Sometimes I feel alone here and want to move back to the Bay Area.   The only ‘real friend’ here is Alan.  No one really calls me (other than mom).   I do miss the familiarity of Northern California sometimes.   Alan kept pressing me to be confident, reminding me that Los Angeles is the land of opportunities. 
Paloma and Lottie wrote to me this week:
Lottie sent a funny postcard about Raising a Family and recommending to try RENTAL CHILDREN first.   This made me laugh, knowing she just had her baby Reida.   The postcard had noted:  REAL, LIVE KIDS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR.   THOUSANDS OF MODELS, SIZES AND COLORS.   GREAT FOR COMPANY PICNICS.  Visit our showroom or sned for our full color catalog.   That was hilarious.
9-4-90Michael,Thinking of you…so a quick note to say “HELLO” and Thank You for the great postcard!I hope all is going well with your new job…CONGRATS.More later.  Take care…Maybe I should have considered this service.  Love, Lottie
Paloma’s letter was handwritten…
Balaruc, le 4 Septembre 1990Dear Michael,Thank you for all of your cards.  That was a really nice surprise to get such a long letter.I have less work now but I’m still very busy.  Right now my brother, Luis, is here with his girlfriend for three weeks.  Last night we went to SETE to have a drink in a very nice place but most of the time in the evening we play games.  One of these evenings I want to take them to LA TABLE D’EMILIE, the restaurant where we went together.  Just before my brother’s visit we had six friends (and 3 kids) who came also for three weeks (in fact they were customers last year and we became friends).   That is really fun but that means more drinking and less sleeping (and less writing)!
Well, that’s nice that you finally got the letter I sent in April!  Are  you sure it’s Alison you would like to meet?   She’s only 10 years old.  I guess you were talking about Lise.  She’s going to be “22” on the 13thof September.   I arrived to their house in Berkeley just ‘8’ years ago.   At the same time we used to celebrate her birthday and my anniversary.  One year her mom rented a limousine without saying anything, of course.   The chauffeur came to pick us up and we had a great time…Champagne on the Bay Bridge and stuff like that.   We went to Fisherman’s Wharf.   When we got out of the limo some Japanese people took pictures of us.   They thought we might be stars!  That was really fun…but you might already know this story.
Well, Lise was sorry she didn’t get to meet you here or in Barcelona.   She went to Barcelona by herself.  How come you’re talking about moving back North?   Is something wrong in L.A.?It’s now that you’re looking for a job that you should at the same time try to do something as an actor.  Isn’t it possible to try to find what we call in France “Figuration” which means that you’re one of the people in the back just walking there or whatever (an extra).  That might help you to get to know people.   I don’t know.  I’d love you to become a famous star.   I’m sure you would too!   This way I’m sure you’ll remember I’d love you before you became famous.   That’s the problem once you’re a star.   Everybody loves you because you’re a star!   You won’t know who to trust anymore.
I don’t really remember what I said about Ceauseseu’s Process.  Did you see it?Thanks for the puppet.  Jonathon loved it.Love, Paloma
AFTER DARK, MY SWEET I think I like dramatic, mysterious psychological thrillers more than anything.   Alan and I went to see a film called AFTER DARK, MY SWEET.  It wasn’t the greatest film but I enjoyed seeing it just the same.  I did love some parts of it.  
The film was starring the handsome Jason Patric and the beautiful Rachel Ward (from that movie that Paloma and I loved so much called AGAINST ALL ODDS).    We also adore the theme song from that film.   When I hear it…I ‘freeze in remembrance’.   Rachel Ward also played in that mini-series I liked called THE THORN BIRDS (I even read that book, a novel by Colleen McCullough).   Rachel Ward was born in Chipping Norton, England. 
The AFTER DARK, MY SWEET film was about an ex-boxer (played by Jason Patric) who is drifting around after escaping from a mental hospital.  He meets a widow (Rachel Ward) who convinces him to help fix up the neglected estate her ex-husband left.   Her Uncle talks them both into helping kidnap a rich boy for ransom money, and the ex-fighter must make decisions about his loyalties and what is right.   The copy on the advertisement has the words: “All they risked was everything.”

Sometimes I feel like I am taking high risks; although—in life—a high risk could lead to opportunity (or it could lead to a stalemate and one needs to start a new game).    I used the postcard from the movie to write to mom.  I made up a white lie and told her I saw the movie with Violet—even though I saw it with Alan.  I didn’t want Alan to seem to be too much ‘in the picture’.  
9-5-90Dear Mom,Tonight I saw this movie with Violet:  AFTER DARK, MY SWEET.   I guess we’re on speaking terms now.  The movie wasn’t that great.  It had a few good pints but rest-assured…GHOST and PRESUMED INNOCENT were better.
I am going to take a walk over to BOOK SOUP to see if they have POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE for you.  I really liked the book and I believe you will also.  
Have you been listening to your GHOST soundtrack on cassette tape that I sent you?  
I will probably come to visit in October.   I checked it out with Southwest Airlines.   They have roundtrip flights for $58.  I know you don’t want to hear it since you paid $62 one-way last Monday.  Oh well…at least you didn’t have to wait around until 9PM.
Tomorrow is your birthday.  Of course I will call you tomorrow.  I will be seeing you soon.   Read the stamp.  It means Happy 55th.  You LOOK great too!  Love You, Michael
September 9, 1990 Alan and I stayed two nights at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Beach.   What a beautiful setting.  We adore the Newport/Laguna and Balboa Island area.
My favorite photo of the weekend was the one of Alan hugging the fake Grandma at the Art Gallery in Laguna Beach; however, there were some beautiful scenic beach shots.  
Our afternoon tea at the Ritz was the best.  I love the mini cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches.  Delicious.  We’ll be returning…
“I’m not who I thought I was and I’m terrified that I never will be.”--as heard on September 11, 2012 while watching the film
THE WORDS, starring Jeremy Irons, Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana

LOVE LETTERS: "The Paradise Wall"

“HAPPINESS is the JOY one feels striving after their potential.” --Shawn Achor,
THE ORANGE FROG
Dorothy is getting creative.   She created her own postcard using an image of a man and a woman in ‘what looks like’ the INTRODUCTION Phase.  I loved the image…clever girl.  She’s learned from the best (Ha-ha).  I’ll have to try and top that with a new card for her.   I love how she took my advice and watched that fantastic movie called BIRDY, starring Nicolas Cage and Matthew Modine.  I just loved that one (even if she didn’t rave about it much).  She wrote:
August 28, 1990Michael,I was preparing to answer the 3 cards you recently sent me in one envelope.  I loved the all three pictures of which surprised me.  I like them a lot but my favorite is the Black and White of a girl in deep thought.  You always seem to know.   Thank you for that.
Your glass slipper of champagne image makes me want to celebrate.  I will celebrate to the happiness you mention.   I know it is out there…somewhere.
Now…about your paintings; why am I just finding out how talented you are?   When we worked together you once casually mentioned that you’d like to paint a picture similar to one of your cards (lady with a child and an umbrella on some grass near a beach), but I had no idea you could really paint!   I am no art critic but form what I can tell from the picture of your work it looks pretty darn good to me.   I like each of them for different reasons but from the view I have my favorites are BOTTOMS UP and THE Black and White and Blue scene you didn’t name.  I can imagine how striking they are in person!   I hope you continue to find time to paint.  You really should!
I hope Ron Cassel made up for the disappointment he gave you last week.   Is this week any better?  At least you still have Tina Glover working for you!   And you mom is coming to visit soon!  It sounds like you have a fun weekend planned.  I’m sure it will be great.
I watched BIRDY after I got your cards.  What great acting!  It seemed a little “OFF” to me.   I don’t mean the storyline.  I am still trying to figure out what.   I could feel the strength of the friendship and understand what BIRDY himself was all about…but ‘oh I don’t know’.  Can you enlighten me?  What do I feel is missing or what am I not getting?
I called SMART POST to try and get some information but the “thing” that answered would only refer me to Carol McLain.  My favorite person!!!!  I am starting to get back into the job hunt mode again.  I’ve made a few calls and will see if anything materializes.   I will let you know.I saw the picture on this card and I immediately thought of you and your creations.  I thought I’d send it on a day when I was tired of being GOOD.   This is one of those days when I feel like I’m going to burst!   I think I’ll save some of that champagne for the day I finally come within reach of my rainbow.By the way, I like your stamps.  Love, Dorothy
August 29, 1990 Alan took a photo of me with my camera while I was at his apartment in Santa Monica.   I love it because I’m wearing the TOUR DE FRANCE 90 t-shirt.   It’s my favorite t-shirt.   It’s perfect for this summer.
Reed Campbell, the fifty-something year old former coworker in San Francisco, sent me a very sensual card of a naked woman on a chair.  I couldn’t believe that it was an actual painting (acrylic on canvas) from 1972 done by an artist named JERRY OTT.   He painted it when I was starting 8thgrade.  He titled the painting CAROL AND THE PARADISE WALL.    Now that’s what I call inventive.   One could write a complete screenplay based on the inspiration of this image alone.   If I were a teacher I would have my students make up a story for her.   I guess it would have to be a college Creative Writing course.   The painting is part of the Walker Art Center Collection in Minneapolis, Minnesota (at least that is what is described on the back of the postcard).   Reed wrote the following on the back of the card:
8-29-90Hi Michael,
This museum in Minnesota is WILD.  It has mostly Modern Art and sculptures.  I saw this and thought of you.   Deanna and I will leave here 8/30/90 for home and San Francisco.  I am looking forward to some fog.  It has been very HOT here with high humidity.  I have sweated all I care to do.So, I hope you a new job lined-up.  If you get back to the S.F area please give me a call.Take Care, Reed
I was in the mood to do some personal writing of my own.  I wrote to Reed and I also gathered a collection of six cards to send to Paloma.   At the end of August I often have the blues as it is the period when my dad passed away back in 1987. August 29, 1990Dear Paloma,My dad passed away ‘3’ years ago today.  Needless to say, it is a sad day.   And “WOW”…a lot has happened in three years.  I moved to Los Angeles.  I have three more nieces (Holly, Leigh and Ally).  I quit my job.  I have toured a lot of Europe. What next?
Well, guess what I got today?  I got a postcard from Balaruc-Les-Bains and a letter that you wrote dated April 23, 1990.  The stamp was torn off.  I wonder if that’s why the delivery was delayed.
That’s too bad I didn’t get to meet Alison.  That was funny when you wrote if I am lucky I may get my belt back. Ha-ha.  I’d probably never wear it anyway.  What does Alison look like now?  If I end up visiting up North (and/or moving back) I would like to give her a call.

The next time you write Alison give her my telephone number 213-652-2001.   Let her know if she ever plans to visit L.A. I’d be glad to show her around.   She can stay at my place, too.  I am sure you’ll let her know I am trustworthy enough and won’t sneak in on her while she is asleep (unless I am enticed or invited, of course…Ha-ha).  I am sure she’d like to experience some Southern California beaches anyway.   Is her telephone number still 415-526-3301?   Maybe I will call her but do let her know first (so that I may call…ok?).
As a matter of fact I do have some gossip for you on Kurt Russel.  You may know this already but he was married to an actress named Season Hubley.   She was in a movie called VICE SQUAD and on the TV-series called FAMILY along with other TV movies.   They had a son and they divorced.  About 6 to 8 months ago I remember hearing that his last wife (Season) filed a lawsuit to get more alimony and child support for their ten year old son.  I don’t know what the outcome was but Kurt Russel was very pissed-off about it because he is making money now and his ex- figures she can get a lot more now.   He does live with Goldie Hawn now but they’ve never married.   I know they had a kid together also.  They live in Pacific Palisades.   Arnold Schwarzenegger lives in this area also.  It’s not very far from here.  It’s near the California Coast.  I am sure they have a spectacular view from their homes.
Anyway, last week I met Alan for lunch in Brentwood (which isn’t very far from here either).  We ate at this place called THE DAILY GRILL.   We were eating outside and guess who appeared?   Michelle Pfeiffer!  I recognized her right away.  She was wearing jeans (a little bit ripped…501’s) and a plain olive green t-shirt and a little round-framed pair of sunglasses.   She hugged some ugly bearded guy she was meeting for lunch.  They ate inside.   Of course I went in to use the restaurant bathroom to get a second look.  I don’t think many people realized who she was.   She is pretty short but very pretty.   I guess people expect her to look all dolled-up like she was in The Fabulous Baker Boys movie.
It is 9:30AM on a Wednesday morning now.  My car is supposed to be ready at 11AM.  It’s going to cost me $500 to $600 which is an “ouch” considering my paycheck is not very stable. 

I got this job with PAGE GROUP MAGAZINES.  I’ll send you a couple copies of the magazines for you to see later.  I am a Senior Account Executive and I sell advertising space.   The magazines are called the BRENTWOOD BLA BLA and the BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE.  I am an Independent Contractor which means I pretty much make my own hours while making phone calls to businesses in hopes of nabbing an appointment.   The magazines are distributed to rich L.A.-Westside residents who average $170,000 in income per year (they also own homes averaging $1.7Million).   WE don’t have a writing staff (which means all of our articles are written by readers of the magazine who live in these wealthy areas).  It’s kind of different.  I have not sold anything yet.  I get $1000/month + commission.   The $1000/month is a draw, so I have to pay that back.   And so…since the money amount is NOT very stable I am on the lookout for ‘perhaps’ another job.    I am working with this personnel agency and the gal is named Tina Glover.   She is helping me out and may find something else for me.   She called yesterday bout some job as an Executive Assistant but I haven’t heard from her again.  We will see.My mom is coming to visit this Labor Day Weekend.  It will be nice to see her.  Her birthday is September 6th, so it will be a pre-Birthday Celebration.We have four more rolls of film that need developing from Europe.   They should be ready this Friday.  It really is fun seeing the photos and remembering.

Oh…you mentioned Nicole Ceausescu’s Process but I don’t understand (?).   Could you explain it to me in more detail?  It sounds pretty strange.  I am curious.I hope you like this collection of 6-homemade cards I prepared for you.Love to Jonathan…Here is a puppet for him I got at the video store.Regards to Alexandre, All my Love, Michael J Armijo
September 2, 1990I was excited because Alan and I had a date to see LOVE LETTERS.  It’s a play that teams a couple of actors who do a simple reading of LOVE LETTERS to one another.  How romantic is that?   It seemed to be right up my alley.   I had missed Charlton Heston and Jean Simmons as well as Diahann Carrol and Paul Winfield.   Two great stars that my mom likes were playing from August 28th through September 2nd, so Alan and I went to see them:  BEN GAZARRA and GENA ROWLANDS. 

Alan admires both of these celebrities, so it made for a fun evening.  As I watched the play it only inspired me to write more letters.  I love writing letters.   In my opinion, every letter is a LOVE LETTER.   Why would one write to someone if they didn’t love them in some way or another?
“I would’ve danced with you…fast or slow…however you like it.  I hoped it would be slow though.  You have to be slow to be sexy.”--Colin Channer, WAITING IN VAIN, a novel

Taking The Risk

“I’m just another human-being you know, with frailties and faults.”--Calder Willingham, END AS A MAN
I found a Polaroid of Alan and me that I had shot in December 1989 while we were in Newport Beach.  It’s not the sharpest shot but it reminded me of what fun we had bike riding that day. I’ve been hanging out in his Unit #334 Sea Colony II apartment in Santa Monica lately.   I found a few cards I had sent him in May of this year (1990).   It was good documentation as I had forgotten already about some of the many things we’ve done together.  It was fun for me to reminisce while out on his balcony overlooking the Santa Monica beach.  We love the beach.

May 2, 1990I created a card of volley ball players.  I took coed Volleyball in college.  It’s a serious sport.  I remember wishing the course wasn’t so rigid about rules.  It wasn’t like I was in competition to do volleyball at the Olympics.  In hindsight now I like that I learned how to set the ball and serve it.  I was (and still am) a good server.  On this card I wrote some profound words about risk taking.  It encouraged me as I read what I wrote only three months ago.  I was feeling entrepreneurial when I wrote it:
Dear Alan,We only live once and opportunity is only achieved by taking the risk. Picture this…NOW:TEN WEST ASSOCIATES Properties:Baldwin Park – You have ethnic doctors that give you a bad time.Warner Creek – You often have the stress of hiring a good manager and/or leasing manager.Wilshire Plaza – You often stress over the expense of making it worth more…Kings Place – The flights back and forth to Seattle amidst rain and rednecks add more stress.
Picture this…TOMORROW:QAF Enterprises IncorporatedDivision 1 – Quality Motion Picture Production with effective filmmaking plans.Division 2 – Creative Communications, Distribution, Advertising, Promotion and Networking Contacts.Division 3 – Strategic Financial Group with keen Budget and Funds AnalysisDivision 4 – Armijo/Freiman Screenwriters Group, combing for new ideas and looking for the BEST quality story.Do you like my impromptu vision, Alan?   I do.  Oh hell…let’s take a vacation on the shore to watch and play volleyball to clear our minds.   Love, MJA
May 14, 1990I wrote Alan two cards on this day (while I was on a break at work with Pac Bell Directory) and I made both of the cards while I was at home the night before (May 13th, 1990).   One card depicted images of two films we’d seen:  MOMMIE DEAREST starring Faye Dunaway and THE HANDMAID’S TALE starring Natasha Richardson and Aidan Quinn.   The other card depicted European graphics in anticipation of our JULY trip to Europe.
Card 1, 8:25AM:Dear Alan, Here I am at the “rat hole” again.  I just glanced at an LA TIMES and read that James L Brooks was lured from FOX to COLOMBIA.   There are Corporate politics/changes everywhere.I had a great picnic outing last Friday in Beverly Hills with you.   I enjoyed THE LOST BOYS movie and the bike ride via all of the beaches from Newport to Laguna.   And of course the tea time at the RITZ-CARLTON was quite special.  Let’s not forget the turkey sandwich and the pizza!  Food, Food, Food!   We do love it, don’t we?  I am sorry you are sore from our longevity bike outings.  I think you will adjust.  Oh…look at this card.   Do you recognize the memories?  Ha-ha.  I had to make it for you.   I still like Faye Dunaway even if she was evil in that film.   Natasha and Aidan are good actors but THE HANDMAID’S TALE was a tad unusual—but still very good.Keep smiling.  The next eye-opener to come will be meeting ‘Art and Brett’.  Ha-ha.Later, Always, Love, Michael
Card 2, 9AMDear Alan,Here’s another “anticipation” card.   Do you like my creation?   I am sure you can read the message.Thanks for telling me I only had “9” days this morning.  Wow!   When you get this card it will even be fewer days until my Memorial Day Birthday week off from work.I really appreciate your concern during my stomach troubles.  You did make me feel better.  I am avoiding juice (that nasty citric acid).  I have not had any coffee this morning as you had advised.Someone just asked me, “Michael, did you get a new hairstyle?”Give me a break.  I’ve done nothing.  Where has this coworker been?I really meant it when I said I was glad that you’re my best-friend.  You’re also a great best-friend.I look forward to seeing you tonight.  Keep up the stretching.  It relieves the soreness.   Love, M. J. Armijo
August 21, 1990
Speaking of soreness from the bike rides I must practice what I preach and stretch myself.   I made another card (this time for Paloma) today.   I found a man doing sit-ups.  The image inspired me.  I wrote as follows:
8-21-90Dear Paloma,I understand you are being very busy right now.  I just accepted a new job last week as an outside Sales Representative, selling advertising space for two magazines known as THE BRENTWOOD BLA BLA and the BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZING.   Our magazines have no writing staff.   All of the articles are submitted by readers of the magazine.  It is too early to tell how it is going to go but I am giving it a shot—for now.  I made several phone calls today.  I am supposed to meet several potential buyers (of advertising for the magazine) tomorrow.    We shall see.It was great seeing the TOUR DE FRANCE in Paris.  I am still getting pictures developed.   There is a great one of us together.  I had a good time.My mom understands my wanting to quit my job at PAC BELL DIRECTORY.   She knew how much I hated it.  She says, “I’m just happy that you’re happier.”I am just not so sure I am all that much happier now that I have this Advertising Sales Job.   Time will tell.   That was good dirt about Jane Fonda.  I didn’t know that about her.The favorite parts about my trip were seeing you, the Paris restaurants, the Tossa de Mar, SPAIN beach area, Vevey, Switzerland and that little town in France called Ceret where most of the cherries come from for all of France.  Later, Love you, Michael
August 23, 1990I had much more time on my hands now that I wasn’t at my structured job at PAC BELL.   As an Advertising Sales Rep I can flex my own hours.   It has drawbacks…especially being on 100% commission.  I don’t want to request a draft that I will eventually have to pay back.  I wrote postcard from the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa that found in a magazine for my mom.

Mom,I’m here at work right now at 9:50AM.  I am an Independent Contractor.   This means I pretty much make my own hours and do my own thing by making calls to get appointments and visit business places as I try to get them to advertise for the magazines.   Thus far I have not sold anything.  I’ve made about sixty phone calls.   Ten of them said it was okay for me to visit and drop the media kits by.  Another ten of them wanted the media kits mailed.  I still don’t have one sale though.  I have only been contacting Art Galleries.   Sometimes I am discouraged.   Sometimes I think I should forget this place and just do more artistic paintings at home.  Oh well, Tina Glover (an Employment Agent) is still keeping an eye out for me for other jobs because I don’t know about the money situation here (yet).   I miss you.  I will see you next weekend.  Hurrah!Love, Michael
A few days later I found another cool postcard that I had made.   I decided to use it to send to mom.  It is an image I found in a magazine of a New Yorker man in front of his storefront bakery called VESUVIO BAKERY.   I wrote:
8-25-90Hi Mom,I got a call from Tina Glover.  She’s the permanent personnel placement director.  There is a job in Glendale with Wald Disney as an Executive Assistant.  I think she wants to set me up for an interview for that.  I said, “It sounds good to me.”We’ll see.  If not…I am sure something else will come along.I made this card a long time ago from an article I found in LIFE MAGAZINE.
Did I tell you I saw Michelle Pfeiffer last Wednesday at the DAILY GRILL?   She’s the blond in the FABULOUS BAKER BOYS.  Later, Love, Michael
“…when I was a child I danced in ballet, and when I was thirteen years old I was taken up—because of being so extraordinarily graceful, and particularly because I had—to an unusual extent—what in the technique of the ballet is termed ballon, which means the capacity for soaring, for rising about the ground and the laws of gravitation…”--Isak Dinesen, SEVEN GOTHIC TALES, “The Deluge At Norderney”

California Surfer

The Buddhist Vision:  ‘Every human being possesses an indestructible potential for goodness and enlightenment’. --ALTRUISM by Matthieu Ricard
I had sent some random postcards/cards to inform old friends of my PAC BELL resignation.  It created a bit of response.  I didn’t really expect Chad M Glen to respond…but he did (in his usual impersonal typewritten manner).   I was surprised by his “Love Always” salutation.
14 August, 1990Dear Michael:Congratulations on resigning (I think).  I can’t believe you did it.  What, if anything particular, prompted you to take this dramatic action?  What will you do now?  I’m still in shock.  It really took guts and courage to take such an adventurous step.   You’ve been with the company forever.  How long, exactly?   I’m just full of questions.
I’m anxiously awaiting details and pictures of your European vacation.  I’m incredibly jealous!  I’ll enjoy the trip vicariously from you.  It’s sort of the next best way, I guess.
In your trilogy of postcards dated June 28th you asked if I still workout at 24 Hour Nautilus.  I go about three times a week.  I haven’t seen Mark Landreth there in well over a month.  I haven’t talked to him since your party, many years ago.
My sister, Narn, in San Jose, is doing quite well.   She and her husband, Dave, have decided not to have children at this point.  Right now, they’re in the process of remodeling their home.  Narn’s having an interior decorator do it…new carpet, wood floors, wallpaper, window coverings, lighting fixtures, cabinets, and all new furniture.  They saved up for quite a while to do it all.  It’ll be exciting to see it when it’s all finished.  (The most exciting memories I have of my sister’s place is of the night we slept there.)
My “little” brother is heavily into body building and is in awesome shape.  He has really blond hair and looks like the stereotypical California surfer.   He just graduated high school and will be 18 on October 3rd.  He has been seriously dating the same girl for a year and a half.  They are inseparable.  He’s planning to attend CHABOT COLLEGE and then transfer to CAL STATE HAYWARD.  He’s into entrepreneurial business.  He’s very good with money and should be quite successful.
Your “inquiring mind” wanted to know about my love life.   Well…I’ve been dating a guy for the past five and a half months.  We met while I was doing research for my MASTER’s THESIS at CHABOT’s library.  He’s 20 years old and is a Navajo Indian.  He lives alone in a two bedroom condo that his company has been paying for since last year.  He transferred from Utah to open a fish food plant.  He will be moving in with two straight guys on September 1st.
It is pretty much over between us now.  The age difference and cultural differences (he was raised on welfare by his alcoholic mother) have wedged a wall between us.  It was nice while it lasted but either there wasn’t enough love to keep it together or love just couldn’t overcome the myriad of differences.
I’ve been out of the full-time work world for about six years.  I have a lot of work experience but none in the fields that I’m trying to break into.  I have the education but none of the “real world” experience.  This doesn’t give me a lot of confidence.  I haven’t sent out one resume, yet.  It’s as if I’m paralyzed with fear.
I am getting more motivated though as I grow poorer and my parents visibly become more anxious for me to move out.  I am currently looking for two different kinds of jobs:  1.) Broadcast news reporter 2.) Community Junior College Professor
Educationally, I have the credentials and am qualified for both.  My degrees say that I can do these jobs, although I have no actual work experience.
Your guess is as good as mine as to what I’ll end up doing, at this point.   I will keep you posted though.  Perhaps we are in similar situations career wise.  If you don’t already have something lined up or solid leads I wish you luck and sympathize with your position.I’ll close for now.  Please, let me know what’s up or down with you.  I look forward to hearing from you.Love Always,CHAD Funny that Chad had mentioned his younger brothers’ California Surfer looks.  I had just come across a postcard from July 31, 1990 that I had sent to Alan that was reminiscent of California Surfers.  I see a lot of them near Alan’s condo in Santa Monica and it is fun to take candid photographs of them.   The postcard was lying around at Alan’s place and I re-read it.I wrote:

7-31-90Ok, Ok…The California Boys are better than a lot of the European ones.  I was going to mail this to you but couldn’t wait to send it your way.
Here’s the game:  PICK one of the four that you want.All I know is that I only want you!Love,M.
Dorothy Rua sent a cool RAINBOW card with her own two-cent comments about my leaving PAC BELL:
8-16-90Dear Michael-I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately.  Maybe because of your decision to leave PAC BELL DIRECTORY and the decisions you have ahead.  I know some of the thoughts you’re having and I understand why you finally have to go after what’s important to you.   I admire your courage and know the changes you’re hoping for and working on will happen.  I love the card you recently sent.  It’s so YOU.  How wonderful to be on a warm, sandy beach at twilight, watching the sailboats pass.  How peaceful, how romantic… I’m still at PAC TEL BUSINESS CENTER Collections (JOY).   As I mentioned before the work is just work and the people are pretty much okay, and I do like working for the manager, Mike Mino.  His boss, Larry, just left on a 3-week European trip!  Mike is going to Australia in December/January.   I’ll be at the top of my mountain, dreaming impossible dreams.
I had a nice time a couple weekends ago when I got together with some old friends in Danville.  We’ll see each other at a wedding in Oakland this Saturday, so that should be fun.   I’m thinking of going to STERN GROVE in San Francisco this Sunday for a Jazz Festival.  I haven’t decided yet.  All these years I’ve lived in the Bay Area I have never been to STERN GROVE.  I think it’s time!
As I write I’m wondering if I sound a bit melancholy.  It may be because somedays (like today) I feel like I’m in limbo, waiting for something to happen.  What?  I’m not sure.  I have some thoughts but they’re the type that can’t be shared until we’re in our 80s and 90s, rocking in our chairs on the white painted verandah as we visit each other.  Thoughts that shouldn’t weigh as heavily fifty years from now! Ha!  It is time to lighten up!
I agree with you about the job with VENICE MAGAZINE.   It does not seem like the place you want to put all of your energy for commission only!   I’ll be interested to hear any other opportunities you may be considering…anything in the entertainment field?
Do you still make time for your run on the beach on Tuesday evenings?  I imagine it’s a great place to be alone with your thoughts.  A friend of mine (working in San Jose these days) called just before I picked up your card at the post-office.  As a matter of fact I’d just been telling him how much I wished I could get away and spend time with you on the beach.  He had called me at work to see if I’d play hooky one day and head out to Santa Cruz for some rest and relaxation.  Dave and I have been friends for a long time and if there’s one thing I know it’s that his wife would not view a day time (or anytime) trip to Santa Cruz as just a friendly time with two friends visiting.  But then, I suspect Dave may give her reasons to be suspicious!  I, for one, do not need her wrath!  Phone calls and occasional lunches are fine with me!
Michael, I do hope you’re getting enough positives these days.  Your rainbow is out there you know.  As always, thinking of you.Love, Dorothy
After reading Dorothy’s letter I was in the mood to immediately write her back.   A few days later I created a card (of a man shaving) for Alan.   We met on November 20th and August 20th was coming up, so I had to remind him of the significance of the 20th of each month.
8-19-90Dear Alan,Today you asked me, “You’re shaving?”  What that was such a surprise I do not know.  I did appreciate your concern when I cut my face though.Tomorrow night is our MAPLE DRIVE RESTAURANT dinner in Beverly Hills.  It is a special occasion, you know.   It’s the 20th.  By the time you receive this card the dinner will be a pleasant memory to add on to all of the others.I can’t wait until my mom comes to visit again.   And just think…you get to meet her this time.Thanks for treating me today at the rip-off TASTE OF L.A. EVENT.  I will make it up to you when I start rolling in hefty commission checks.  Ha-ha.Love You Lots,M.J. Armijo
Alan wrote me a special card on the night of the 20thusing a card from a Norther Italian cuisine restaurant we had previously eaten at called “MA BE” at 8722 West Third Street and Robertson Boulevard.  He gave me the card during dinner…Aug 20, 1990Michael,It’s been 270 days since MICKEY’S and MA BE (who knows).  You are a GREAT:1.       Salesman2.       Picture Taker3.       Friend4.       Dresser5.       Eater6.       No Comment7.       Tennis Player8.       Bike Rider9.       Gourmet Cook10.   Traveling Companion11.   Workout Partner12.   Driver (???)13.   CommunicatorTHANKS.LOVE, ALAN
Speaking of great friends…good old Reed Campbell from my PAC BELL DIRECTORY days in San Francisco sent me a postcard from Illinois.  He’s a funny character in his late fifties.  He, too, commented about my recent resignation from PAC BELL.  He wrote:

8/21/90Hi Michael,Glad to know you are back safe and sound from your EUROPE vacation.  I bet you are glad you were able to be there before the current crisis!  Happy to hear you are retired from PAC BELL.   At least with ten years you have a pension due at age sixty-five.  Ha-ha.   If you get to San Francisco give a call…Deanna and I are traveling to Wisconsin, so hence the card from Chicago.Best, Reed.
I am still uncertain at what is next for me.  It’s exciting but it is also terrifying and sad.  I do know that I do not want to become a California Surfer.   That would make me a surf bum.   Besides, I don’t know how to swim.
Though cracks that might open at any moment in the earth’s crust, a devil might grab you by the foot and drag you down to hell.   The supernatural as something terrifying and sad…  While we play at throwing a ball against the wall in back of the house, my friend explains that heaven and hell are the lies of religion.  I feel relieved.  I would like to go inside a three way mirror, where the images would repeat themselves clearly.  The supernatural as something attractive…--Adolfo B Cesares

"SO, WHAT'S NEXT?"

Get this…in deep winter he’s been known to wear a sweatshirt, jeans, and flip-flops outside.   Summer clothes in a snowstorm—a pretense of immortality.  He wants to be a young God as they all do and defy the seasons.--Charles BaxterTHERE’S SOMETHING I WANT YOU TO DOChapter:  LOYALTY
It’s funny how letters and postcards can become time lapses of our lives.   The secret is keeping them for safekeeping and going back to read them from time to time…   I love the idea of a shady porch, reading old cards, writing new cards, looking at old photographs and drinking lemonade or even a pitcher of sangria.  Yum-Yum.
I found this card that Alan kept.  I wrote it to him in December 1989 (less than one month after we’d met).  It’s a postcard photo of “ME” that I created.  I wrote:12-12-1989Dear Alan,I saw this photo of me and thought…Hmmm…I wonder if this is Alan’s type.   You tell me.  It’s not the clearest picture in the world and it is obvious that he’s “sucking it in”.  Whatever…
“So what’s next”?   You like when I use that line…so I thought I’d re-emphasize the question again.   SO, WHAT’S NEXT?
My flight on 12/22 leaves LAX at 7:35PM and I return Monday night 12/25 at 8:27PM.   Please don’t feel obligated to take/pick-me-up.  I can manage fine with the shuttles somehow.  If it’s any problem for you I will understand.  The fact that you thought to offer is appreciated.
I love these wise owls on my address label.  It could be “US”, you know.   I find you to be a very wise man.  I learn a lot from you.  I am glad I know you.  I hope you don’t find these cards annoying.   Don’t worry.  I am running low on stamps.  Ha-ha.  Miss Ya! “SUPERMAN” August 9, 1990A Letter from LOTTIE POWELL
Hi Michael!I bet you thought I had fallen off the face of the earth…not so!I was extremely pleased (and envious) to receive your postcard from PARIS.  It sounded like a very exciting and interesting trip.  Please write and tell me all about it (all the dirt too!).So much has happened since I called you last.  You knew that I am expecting a baby (6 ½ months already).  It is due in November; however, there have been a good deal of complications, so my doctor feels we will deliver early…possibly the end of September or first part of October.  I’m excited.  How’s UNCLE MICHAEL sound?For more big news…Michael and I got married on May 13, 1990 in Alaska (Fairbanks).   This is where Michael works for the BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT as a firefighter.  I spent a week with him there, flew home on May 20th and have not seen Michael since then.  It is not like it sounds…My phone bills prove we stay in touch but his job sends him all over the state and occasionally all over the USA (wherever there are fires).   I feel like a “fire widow”.   You will like Michael.  He is a very special man. So what is new with you?   …anyone special with you?  You must write and fill me in on how your life is going in L.A.   Are you a STAR yet?I do hope you had a wonderful trip and that all is well with you.  I will write more later…Pregnant people need lots of rest.Love, LottieP.S.  BOO (my dog) says WOOF!  WOOF!  (Dog talk for Bye Bye).  L
August 12, 1990A self-made letter by MICHAEL G MILLER.   His note reminded me about how he bought my Dad’s white FORD PINTO.   After he’d bought it the car was somehow stolen…and after a police chase the car blew up.  What a disaster!   I’m glad he wasn’t in the car when it exploded into flames.  No one was hurt…actually.   That’s amazing.

8/12/90Michael Armijo,I’m writing this after leaving a phone message on your answering machine.I can’t believe that you resigned from PAC BELL but I think it’s great.   I know things are going your way, Director Michael Armijo.Yes, life goes on even after the PINTO…but hopefully lessons have been learned.Thanks for the postcard from FRANCE.  I still have that one.Take care and Enjoy LIFE, Michael M.
August 12, 1990A Postcard I wrote to mom
8-12-90Hi Mom,Here’s a postcard I bought in Venice Beach.  I was going to send it to my VENICE MAGAZINE/BRENTWOOD BLA BLA Magazine customers but I never really had any clients to speak of…so I’m sending you one.Also, here is my losing LOTTO ticket (I know you would rather have the winning $43 million ticket-Ha-ha).   And here is a picture of a little café I ate at in SPAIN.And here is the news clipping of the play I was talking about called LOVE LETTERS.   Alan and I will go on 9/2/1990 to see it starring Ben Gazarra and Gena Rowlands.I’m talking to you right now on the telephone.  I will probably start to paint my new painting today.Have a great day.  I can’t wait to see you.Love, Michael
August 14, 1990My days are numbered with that Advertising Sales job with Beverly Hills/Brentwood Bla Bla Magazine.   There’s a Monday morning meeting and then the four of us reps are on our own for the rest of the week.  I haven’t made one sale and there’s no structure to the job.  I haven’t made one penny.  It’s a waste of time.  I may move forward for something else.   So, what’s next?
A Postcard from Alan Freiman: 8/14/90Michael—This is what we should look like by December 31st—It’s 7/4…your 1st day at Beverly Hills/Brentwood Bla Bla Magazine and I MISS YOU.I didn’t speak to you all day and I need an MJA FIX.I just spoke to you and you LOVE your job.   Keep carrying those magazines…See You at LOVE LETTERS…ALAN
Everyone knows what it is like to see a friend after a long absence.   There is a moment of non-recognition, like that experienced when you catch sight of yourself in a triple mirror at an unaccustomed angle.  Then it is gone and you are once again looking at a familiar face.--NO HURRTY TO GET HOME
Short Stories by EMILY HAHN