Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 49

Play A Little While

He was in LOVE, and never had he felt such kindness towards another person.  Never had he received such kindness.  Maybe the private life wasn’t forever.  Maybe everyone got it for a little while and then spent the rest of their lives remembering.--BEL CANTO, a novel by Ann Patchett
Word is out.  I shared my plan to depart from PAC BELL DIRECTORY.   She shared the news with my sister-in-law and I loved the card she sent me with regard to it.   It inspired me to continue and follow and a new path.
The cover of Sherri’s card included three words:  “YOU DID IT!”Inside the card was imprinted one word:  “CONGRATULATIONS”.Sherri wrote:Mike,Well, you finally did it!   No more PAC BELL.   Good luck looking for a job that you really want.  Write and let me know how your trip went.  Did you take lots of pictures?If you could—before you find a new job—come down and visit.   Play a little while…How was Eileen’s visit?   Anything JUICY?Write soon,   S.Good luck in your new adventure!  Love, The Armijo’s
Now I can send Sherri a few Europe photos and share the news about the PARIS prostitutes from hell (that might make a good movie).   I laughed at her JUICY comment with regard to Eileen.   That’s definitely not going anywhere. In fact, Alan and I are still going strong.   He’s very much in-the-picture and we speak daily.  He still visits me for lunch sometimes.   He took a photo of me combing my hair at his Santa Monica SEA COLONY apartment.   I’m not sure if I like it—but when I’m eighty years old I may appreciate it more.
Barbara Reynolds sent me another postcard from Europe.  She wrote quite simply.   I did like the LE SARLADAIS EN PERIGORD card though: 
…will be in PARIS in 2 days.   I love it here in the country.  I’m learning a lot.  Enjoying the summer.More details later, LOVE, BARBARA

I had more free time and the words that Sherri wrote seemed to stick:  “PLAY A LITTLE WHILE”.I was also feeling rather solemn with my dad’s birthday here on August 8th.   He would have been “55” years old.  He left at too young an age in 1989 at the age “52” and sometimes I wish I could speak to him.
I have an interview with a magazine known as the BRENTWOOD BLA BLA where I would be selling advertising space for the publication.  I was strangely hired but there is no structure.  It’s as if I am on my own and must simply go out and find businesses to advertise.  It’s completely commission.   I don’t think it’s my cup of tea.  
For now, I am going to give it a whirl.   Alan is supportive.   He keeps telling me that this is where dreams are made of (Southern California).  Obviously, my career dream hasn’t really arrived yet.
I took a walk to the local BOOK SOUP store near my condo and bought a few postcards.  I liked the JOAN COLLINS.   She looked so young.   I decided to send it to my mother.8-8-90Mom,I got a kick out of this old picture of JOAN COLLINS.    I thought you’d get a kick out of it.It feels so good to be FREE from PAC BELL.   Thanks for your support on it all.  I really feel better after my phone conversations with you.Since I am job hunting now I am not so sure when I will come to visit—but it should be soon.THINKING OF YOU.Love, Michael
“…For a man to know what he has when he has it, that is what makes him a fortunate man.”--BEL CANTO, a novel by Ann Patchett

Dream Impossible Dreams

Altruism can be thought of as heroic when:-it has the aim of helping someone else-it involves a major risk or sacrifice-it is not linked to a reward-it is voluntary.
-ALTRUISM by Matthieu Ricard
July 24, 1990
The journey back to California begins.   It was fun to just relax on the plane.  I still cannot find a resting point of sleep while up in the air though.  I need to figure that out.   Another thing I contemplated in my mind was that I would be vested soon with PAC BELL, having ten years of service.   I have decided I am going to take a step to request a 6-month leave of absence (and probably NOT return to the job).   It’s extraordinary how a flight from overseas helps to make up your mind.   I don't want to spend 30 years at one company.  I feel ten years is enough here and it's time to open a new door, dream a new dream.
Upon our arrival back to LAX we took a taxi to Sea Colony, Santa Monica (where Alan’s apartment is located).  Alan and I had a fantastic, unforgettable trip.   I figured I'd stay the night at Alan's pad and just drive to work extra early tomorrow. 
Alan photographed me on the phone to my mom while in Santa Monica.  I wanted to inform her that I was home safe and sound.  I looked like the nutty professor in my eyeglasses.  I said to mom, “Yes, I have to go back to work tomorrow.  I’m not looking forward to it…luckily tomorrow is Wednesday, so it will be a short week.”“Well…glad you’re back,” she sighed.“Me too…Eileen Grabinsky is coming this weekend.  She arrives Friday.  I get to play L.A. tour guide again.  She will leave Sunday morning to see her brother in Newport Beach though.  I guess I can handle two nights of her,” I laughed.
PHOTO:  Eileen Grabinsky
“Okay, call me tomorrow.”“I will.  Good night, Love you.”
 
Upon my arrival to my pad in West Hollywood the next day I found some personal mail.   There was an AGDE, France postcard from Paloma dated July 15, 1990 and a sunset photo card from Dorothy Rua dated July 16, 1990.

July 15, 1990Dear Michael,   I haven’t been writing much lately but I’m very busy.  Not only with work but also with visits…friends of Alexandre come from April 28th to the 1st of May, then my mom and her boyfriend.  And then my brother and girlfriend come from May 4th until May 8th.   And after that my mom comes alone in early June until the 9th of June.   My dad and stepmother will arrive today and now I am expecting Lise, Alison and Michael Walsh on the 28th of May.   And after that…guess who is coming?  YOU.   To tell you the truth I’m never bored!   We’ll talk soon.   Tell me when you’re coming.   Love, Paloma
7-16-90Hi Michael,It’s Monday and I’m spending my lunch hour sitting atop a hill overlooking most of Walnut Creek where I sometimes DREAM IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS.   

I just received the cards you wrote on the plane out of Dallas, TX and mailed from France.  I can’t begin to tell you how much I LOVE them!   Both cards are so different and VERY much to my taste.  The colors in the “Cap Roux” scene draw me into the coastal village with the gentle sea breeze rustling the skirt of my white summer dress.   Looking out at the calming sea I know where I want to be…
Your "chrysanthemum song" is also great.  I really enjoy the simplicity of oriental art.   The expression on the lady’s face reminds me of another card you sent quite a while ago (lady in white on a thought provoking walk).  I particularly enjoy the verse on this card ‘especially at this point in my life’.  Both of these cards mean a lot to me.  I have a feeling you knew they would.The airline menu (in French, too) was a super addition!  How could anyone resist such a wonderful selection of food?  I know you ate every bit of the Black Forest cake! 
Your postcard of PARIS arrived two days ago.  How exciting PARIS must have been.   I bet you have some great stories to tell.   As you traveled south did you get to see any part of the TOUR DE FRANCE?  I just know you’re having a wonderful time.  You’d better be!Not nearly as exciting here but I’ll be headed to LAKE TAHOE this weekend, joining good friends.  I’m looking forward to a break from suburbia and bringing my swimsuit (hope I don’t gross anyone out) and tennis racket.  I haven’t played tennis in ages but it’s time to get back in the swing of things.I have bits and pieces of “shop” to share when you get back.   For now I will mention that a ghost from our past popped-up when I opened a file a few weeks ago.  There was Ron Quinn’s name on an old PAC TEL INFO SYSTEMS Account!   Then yesterday (Friday) I opened another file and found the name SHEILA SHULTZ looking back at me!  Life takes us on unexpected paths!I sure hope that interview you have with UNITED PUBLISHERS works into something you want.   Let me know.   Will you take a leave of absence from PAC BELL DIRECTORY while you check it out…or what?How are you doing in France without your French phrase book?   I bet you picked up one when you got there.  You probably also have some wonderful French scenery to paint when you get home.  I hope I get to see some of your artwork before it gets too expensive.
7-19-90Just checked my P.O box and found y our Black and White LE TELEGRAPH Restaurant card.  It’s great!  You were right with finding neat cards to send from France.  You have!   How wonderful of you to think of me and take the time to mail these cards.  I truly hope the rest of your trip is absolutely terrific.  Talk to you soon…Love, DorothyP.S.  These chairs are sitting along the Mediterranean waiting for you guys!
July 25, 1990My return to work at Pac Bell Directory didn’t seem to inspire or excite anyone.   It was as if nothing changed but the date.   I learned that line from Alan’s mother, Gloria.   She often says, “Nothing changed but the date.” The following day I found two more cards in my mailbox.   There was a strange “EAR” postcard from Barbara Reynolds and another cool BIKE card from Dorothy Rua:
25 July 19902127 Roosevelt Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703Welcome HOME!I’m en route to NY, then PARIS and wanted to THANK YOU for the postcard with such a great view of PARIS.   The film, GLORY, is on now (which I saw on July 4th).  And so it’s time to rest my eyes.  I need to stretch after writing.  I put off all of my other preparations.   I think I can use a DAY of sleep or a DAY at THE SPA.  After leaving home at 5AM today I arrived at Les Eyzies de Tayac, FRANCE on July 26th at 7PM. Barbara
7-25-90Hi Michael,Here’s another Black and White…and you on a BIKE.   Wherever the path leads I’m sure it’ll be worth your journey.  Just keep on looking ahead!

As you know I enjoyed every one of your cards from Europe.  I recently received the COSTA BRAVA one with the interesting coastal sketch by Joaquin Hidalgo…kind of mysterious…I like it.   It’s nice to have your back in the USA!   I really enjoyed our talk yesterday.   What a good time you had over there.  I can’t help it.  I still laugh when I think of you and Alan surrounded by those LADIES OF THE NIGHT!   Ha!  Be glad you weren’t outside of the car when you took the picture!
It’ll be fun to look back at all of those memories when Alan gets those pictures developed.  I’m sure you’ll have a few good laughs to share.PHOTO:  Joaquin Hidalgo sketch
I still can’t help hitting the F11 key (and other keys) on the old computer at PTBS (Pac Tel Business Services).  The work and the people aren’t really bad (a bit boring though).   My manager, Mike Mino, is okay…young but he tries hard.  One of the supervisors recommended me for one of the jobs opening up in another department but I said, “Thanks, but no thanks.”   

The job would have been permanent but it would be even MORE boring and the money wasn’t enough as far as I was concerned.   

As much as I try to stay away from the inner office politics it’s not always easy.  People are always stepping into my cubicle to share things I really don’t care to hear.   I guess they mean well and have a hard time keeping things to themselves.  It drove everyone nuts when they saw me in the closed door meeting with my manager, Mike, and his boss, Larry.   They were dying to find out what was said but I kept it to myself.  I figure it’s more fun for everyone to wonder and make an assumption.  Ha-ha!

I finally took advantage of the gift certificates I was given for a massage at CLUB SPORT in San Ramon (The Athletic Club of the East Bay).  I always said I wanted a massage like the ones you see in the movies.   Well, I got one!   I walked into the room and the lights were dimmed to soft music.   The guy informs me, "You have to strip totally".  
He left me a towel and suggested I get under the sheet on the table/bed while he left the room.   When he returned I was under the sheet with the towel still around me.  He reached under and removed the towel, working body oils into my skin (almost) everywhere.  He kept asking, “Would you relax?”But since I wasn’t used to unfamiliar hands it was damn tough!   I had to remind myself he was massaging, not caressing!  I imagine one could learn to get used to this type of thing with more exposure (no pun intended). Ha-ha!   Maybe I’m not as brave as I always thought I was!   More later, Love, Dorothy
July 27, 1990
After work I immediately drove home in anticipation of Eileen Grabinsky’s visit.   She checked out my pad and she liked it.“Nice digs, Jake Jaguar!”I forgot that she knew my alias name.  I simply laughed when she said that.  
"I haven't used my JAKE JAG name in a while," I smiled. We took a walk to Sunset Boulevard and had a light bite of Chinese food at CHIN CHIN.   I set up my convertible sofa bed for her to sleep.  

July 28, 1990We had a fun day walking Sunset Boulevard (by day this time).

I treated her to breakfast at HUGO’s on Santa Monica Boulevard.   I saw a Young and the Restless soap actor eating there but she doesn’t watch the show (so it was meaningless).


That night we got dressed to go out to a trendy restaurant.   We get along so well that it almost seemed like she was my sister.   I no longer had that boyfriend/girlfriend appeal towards her.   She seems like a Valley Girl now.   She didn’t seem to have any interest in me as a boyfriend any longer either.   It was as if we were simply great friends now.   It was just as well.  If it didn't spark immediately in the beginning it wasn't going to happen now.

She made me laugh when we came across these cool mannequins.   I couldn’t help taking photos.   We laughed up a storm.
I asked one guy to take a photo of us as we left. When I looked at it I said to Eileen, "This could be a clip in PEOPLE MAGAZINE if people actually knew who we were.   It’s better for people NOT to know.   I like being incognito ...just like a secret agent 007 gentleman should be with one of his BOND girls."
Eileen cracked-up.  She left on Sunday morning.   It was a short—but sweet—visit.   She was on to Newport Beach for her next adventure while visiting her brother.

The following day I found another postcard from Dorothy Rua.  I loved the Black and White image of two cars on a freeway.  I almost wished I could re-enact the scene.   Eileen was gone now so I couldn’t do it with her.  Oh well…maybe another opportunity will come along.   I need a Kim Basinger lookalike.  That would be ideal.

Dorothy wrote:7-27-90Hi Michael! The computers are down and I made all of the calls I can.  I’ll be damned if I’m going to join the parade of people that are filing to keep busy!   A short note to you (on a carefree Friday afternoon type of card) seems a better way to spend this free time!
I keep thinking of your special private Malibu beach.  How fortunate you are to have a wonderful place to run and clear your thoughts.   Are Tuesday’s still your special evenings there?   Enjoy… How are you doing with adjusting back into the rhythm of a regular work day?   I look forward to hearing about your possible job opportunities.  I imagine that a few will at least sound interesting.

Have you seen the movie GHOST yet?  Several people have told me it’s really good.  I may try to see it this weekend.   I’ll probably try to get a friend to join me.  Peter is not interested.  

There are one or two other movies that are coming out this summer that I’d like to see.   Who knows?  Maybe I’ll get to…


So when and where is your next vacation?   Don’t forget to load up on film and flash bulbs!  Ha-ha!Love, Dorothy
“I keep dreaming I’m eating my mom’s plum cake.”-as heard watching IN DARKNESS,
a 2011 film from POLAND

'To Have The Life'

“Does it make any sense to you?  Not to me.”“Maybe it did when you wrote it,” I said.--Andre Aciman, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
The driving through Europe continued.   We arrived in Nice, France at 11:15AM. The beaches were overly crowded.Next…Savonna 12:35PM; Varazze 12:45PM,Genova 12:55PM,  We stopped at a local park to relax under a shady tree.  That was the perfect place to rest. Novi 1:20PM, Gropello 1:50PM, Pavia 2PM, Milano, Italy 2:30PM…Viva Italia!
I wrote a couple of postcards to mom from Milan to update her on our adventure thus far:July 17, 1990Hi Mom, We left Nice, France (the French Riviera) around 11:15AM and we just arrived in Milan, Italy at 3:15PM.   It took three hours.   I owe great thanks to Alan for his careful driving on these European Auto Routes.
We got a cab driver lead us to a Hotel we were looking for.   We followed him.   Then when we arrived to the Hotel the cab driver got out of his cab and charged us about 8,000 Lire (Italian currency).  It amounts to about $6.50 in US Dollars.   What nerve!   Oh well, we were too tired to argue.  It is HOT in Milan.   Who knows if the cab driver worked for the MAFIA?   If we didn’t pay him I wouldn’t be writing this postcard to you right now.  Ha-ha.By the way, I liked this card.   Do you see the bike parked there on the side? 7-17-90It is 6:15PM now and we are going to have a decent (and hopefully scrumptious) Italian meal here in Malan.  We may go somewhere on the outskirts of Milan to find a place to stay.It’s tough.  When Alan and I first arrived we felt like we just landed on another planet.   It’s an entirely new scene here.   I won’t even mention the whole new language that is new to us.   The only similar Spanish phrases I’ve caught so far are “GRAZIE” and “BIENVENITI”.  Ha-haAlan and I are now having a drink.   It’s HAPPY HOUR in Italy.  There aren’t many people in this particular bar so I guess the Italians aren’t so happy today.Later, Love You, Michael
 There is something I love about seeing a flock of pigeons in Italy.  They seem 'to have the life'.   They get unlimited Italian food scraps and they have the beauty of surrounding plazas all over Italy.   
I had to voice my complaint to Alan after I took a photograph of him at one of the Italian plazas. "Why is when I take a photo of you I can see you, yet when you photograph me it's like a FIND WALDO picture!"He frowned. At least I have the photos to prove it.


I love the breathtaking ceiling at this one particular shopping mall in Milan.  Everyone dresses so chic, too.  I'm sure we stood out as tourists--but then again, that IS what we are.
July 20, 1990Alan and I are now departing from Vevey, Switzerland.  We will soon be in Geneva, Switzerland.   We will probably stop there for lunch.   And then we will continue on to Paris, France to spend our last few days.  The end of the Tour de France will be in Paris and we hope to catch the end of it.
We have certainly had a great adventure.   When we reached Milan, Italy we had a streak of bad luck.   We couldn’t find our hotel and the Italians seemed to want to rip us off.   One taxi driver agreed to guide us to our hotel (while we were driving our rental car).   We thought that was so kind until we reached the hotel.   The taxi driver demanded 8000 Lire.   And to top it off we didn’t end up staying at that particular hotel!
We did have a great dinner at a beautiful garden setting historical restaurant in Milan that was inside a ‘teeny weeny’ alley.   The macaroni pasta was out-of-this-world!    We both yearned for it and every bit of it. 

More fun began when we tried to find the AUTOROUTE from Milan to Stresa, Italy (talk about stress-ah).   Stresa is a resort town that is adjacent to Lake Maggiore.  
There was one hilarious moment when an Italian toll booth man gave us directions to Stresa.   Alan’s facial expression depicted a dumbfounded look.   It was worth a million dollars in humor.   Alan looked at me, wondering if I understood his rapid Italian.   We both started cracking-up because we didn’t understand a word.   And that’s why we will never forget “Stresa”.  
We finally reached an area known as ARONA and attempted to stay in the first hotel we saw called HOTEL CONCORD.   We checked-in and discovered beautiful Art Deco furnishings that filled the room.   We later learned that the French bed was a tad hard.   We also felt claustrophobic in the room.   We didn’t feel too well when we awoke in the morning.    It could be because we went to the Piano Bar before bedtime and had a couple of drinks and a few pastries.    Alan asked the Piano player, “Do you know Phantom of the Opera?” The piano player looked at him the same way we looked at the toll booth Italian who gave us directions to Stresa.    And so, there was no Phantom of the Opera piano tunes for us.   He had no clue.   Alan had requested it at the LE TELEGRAPH restaurant in Paris and they didn’t know any of the tunes either.

In the morning we checked-out of HOTEL CONCORD and headed for Stresa, Italy.    We took a relaxing boat ride to an island.    I took pictures, of course.   I was probably on frame number 32 when we started the boat excursion.   I thought I took some fantastic photos but I later learned that my camera was loaded with only 24 exposures.   So I didn’t get any of those photos.  Oh well…it was a memorable boat ride.
We lunched and had lasagna; however, my four-cheese lasagna is much better.  
The drive from Italy to Switzerland will remain unforgettable in our minds.   The mountains and snow stopped Alps were remarkable to see.
There was a cute little lady who looked like she owned Illese (the last town in Italy before the Swiss border) was a sight to see.   The huge St. Bernard dog at the Simplon Pass was another sight.
The change from lire currency to Swiss Francs was a challenge.   And in Switzerland it was fun to see nuns dressed in the old-fashioned habits that I remember my St. Anthony’s elementary school teaching nuns used to wear in Oakland, CA.
I was amazed by the cleanliness of Switzerland (it must be the snow that melts and cleans everything up so nicely).   It was a cozy feeling in Vevey and Geneva and reminded me a bit of California.   What a switch when we compared the confusion and uneasy feeling while in Italy.
There was another stroke of luck for us with a beautiful room at one of the world’s leading hotels:  TROIS LES CROWNS.   
  Alan and I had a few differences of opinion (or shall I say arguments?) while at the LE CHARLEY’s on one night and while we settled on McDonald’s on another night.   Overall, we are still the best of friends and we continue to have the greatest time.   We always seem to make-up, realizing it’s not worth it to cry over spilled milk.   The good times we have shared thus far on this trip alone outweigh any minor differences.   Well, let’s see what’s in store for us in Geneva, Switzerland…
I had a favorite moment while at the Trois Les Crowns Hotel in the morning.  I awoke first and my camera was ready to snap the moment Alan opened his eyes.  I loved the shot.  It was the beginning of another adventurous day with a new town to explore.

We found a playground with no children, so we decided to improvise.   We got in touch with our 'child within'.   I liked it when Alan obeyed me and raised his hands before he went down the slide.    Alan took a photo of me next to a bike.  I only wished I could ride it.

Inside this one shopping center was an interesting AUTOMATION exhibit.  I loved the way it looked.  The time and intricate details of it intrigued me.

Alan found a stairwell where he got his feet wet.  It must've felt good as it was hot here but there was plenty of shade.  I liked that fact.   I also loved the swans that were about and the colorful boats that made perfect props to pose next to for a memorable photography.   Alan was improving so that I could be seen in the photos now.  I was giving him complimentary words for his compositions now.

We found a mermaid statue.   I loved the scene.  I relaxed by the steps in front of the mermaid while Alan photographed me.  

I was happy we had another day in Switzerland. It was relaxing here.

July 20th:

We actually took a local ferry boat ride.  That was fun.  I love the sea air.

I had Alan photograph me next to an Asian lady with her little girl.  That was funny.  I realized that my photos were making it seem that no one else was around.

I was impressed by a seafood station.   The fish looks so fresh here.  I yearned for seafood for dinner tonight.  Fish 'simply grilled' is something Alan loves (and it's growing on me, too).

I liked Vevey, Switzerland.  It reminded me of California a bit.  There weren't tons of people around either. It was a nice cool down from the hustle and bustle of the busy center of Milan.  Milan wasn't as busy as it could be because so many Italians leave on vacation in late July and August.

I found time to write mom another postcard and mail it from Geneva:
7-20-90Friday, 10AMMom, Too fun!  I can’t believe we’ve been from PARIS (through the French Countryside to Barcelona, Spain; Tossa de Mar, The French Riviera, Milan, Italy) and now soon to be re-entering PARIS after two great days in SWITZERLAND (all by car).   We shall be able to catch the end of the TOUR DE FRANCE bike race in Paris on Sunday.  I’m so excited.  Did you like the Barcelona, SPAIN T-shirt I sent you?I’ll call you today.  Love You, Michael

Our last breakfast was quite special.   A butler delivered it to our outdoor balcony.  The fresh air and the needed sleep really allowed me to rest.  While I wasn't doing any driving I was still exhausted as a passenger who navigated with the maps.  

I was so excited about getting to Paris and getting a peek at the TOUR DE FRANCE race.  I was still on a quest to find a Tour De France 1990 t-shirt.   I was happy with my BARCELONA 1992 (Olympics) t-shirt though.  We would be hitting the road again and I knew our trip was coming to a closure.  A part of me wanted to continue on in Europe 'to have the life'.   I knew reality had to come though.  I wondered what would it would be like to NOT go...to remain in Europe.   I could only imagine.  I guess we should go.  We can always return.

I was thrilled to be in a thriving city again.  Paris has such electricity.  I get a thrill just from looking at the magazine covers at news stands.  I really need to subscribe to a French magazine.  They know how to create such interesting style that captures the naked eye.

June 22, 1990

The Tour de France was expected to end the race in Paris today.  I was so excited to snap a picture or two of some of the cyclists.   I actually succeeded.  Of course, a part of me wished I was one of the cyclists.  I could be; however, I never partake in races in the USA.  I simply ride on my own for solitary anxiety release.  Perhaps I'm just not so competitive; however, I love to pass other riders.  I do that easily.  

Alan knew how important it was to me to see the Tour de France.  It was fun to see all of the promotional vehicles and signs all over Paris about it.  The only thing they didn't have was Tour de France T-shirts. Perhaps Paloma will find one for me and send it my way.  I can only hope.

July 23, 1990

It was our last full day in Paris.  I captured Alan and his reflection on that morning.  It would so be time to go.  No one can say we didn't make the best use of our time.
"It's okay," I advised Alan, "I really want to get on my own bike when I get home.  It's a good reason to go.  We'll be back."

“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

Girlish Games

“What really counts is…personality, the sense of humor, and getting the BEST of them.”--Calder Willingham, END AS A MAN
After leaving the Amboise, France area we drove on from that beautiful Loire Valley to the area of Ceret, France.    Ceret is a community in the Pyrenees area in the South of France.  I loved this charming area.    It was interesting to learn about the many artists (painters and poets) that have lived here.  Pablo Picasso lived in Céret in the early part of the 20th century and Café Pablo in the town is dedicated to him.  
The Grand Café was a meeting place for many famous artists. Henri Matisse and Amedeo Modigliani, amongst other artists, visited.  Chaim Soutine, the Russian emigrant painter, lived in Céret for a period and painted many landscapes of the village and its surroundings.    I loved the authentic French cafes and the pain du chocolat.  It was the perfect spot to write postcards.
It was sunny, hot and beautiful at the French/Spanish border where Ceret is situated. 
I took photos of a group of elder, local men.   I imagined myself living in the village in my senior years.  It seems like an ideal place to relax as the time moves more slowly.  
Ceret produces most of the cherries for all of France.  Cherries have enjoyed the soil and climate of this area for over 150 years.  A Cherry Festival takes place in May and offers two days of events based around a large Cherry market which brings together all the local producers.   It makes me want to return in May (someday). The hotel we stayed at in Ceret was called LE TERRASSE AU SOLEIL.  It was nestled in the hills like the supreme hideaway.   The hotel provided a postcard and I used it to send to mom.
7-10-90Mom, I stayed here last night in a town called CERET.   It’s the town where they produce the most cherries for all of France in addition to other fruits, vegetables and vines (to make infamous French wines).   I found the town of CERET while researching some French travel books that Alan had bought.   I got us here with my navigating with the Michelin maps.  It’s a true, quaint French town.  There are no Americans around at all.Enclosed are some cards I bought here.  I love them.  Save them for me and bring them back to me when you come to Los Angeles over Labor Day Weekend.Our next stop is Barcelona.   This area is very close to the Spanish border.  I will send you some cards from Spain, too.   Kisses and Hugs, Love, Michael

After we left Ceret Alan was driving for about 5 miles out of the town and realized that he had forgotten his new shoes that he bought in L.A. for the trip.Alan shouted, “Oh no!” “Don’t worry,” I replied, “If they really meant that much to you wouldn’t have forgotten them.”Alan got upset when I made this comment.   “If they were your shoes you wouldn’t say that!” I snickered, realizing after-the-fact that my comment was a bit harsh. 
Ceret really was a beautiful countryside setting.   The Hotel Restaurant wasn’t so great in Ceret.  The owner of the restaurant said she used to live in Atlanta, Georgia and in Florida.   She was now married to the receptionist.   They had just had a baby.   Her ex is a famous chef in San Francisco or Los Angeles.   We never did get the Chef’s name.
Once we arrived to the Spanish border Alan became very uptight regarding the tax exempt form signatures that were needed.   Gee whiz!  Calm down young man.
We drove long, hard hours.  The drive to Barcelona seemed to drag on.  The city was bustling with Spanish people.  I took several photos along the way.   We reached Barcelona at 1:45PM.
There was a cool guy sitting at a hair salon.  I liked his haircut and snapped a pic of him.
We checked-in to one of the more expensive hotels in Barcelona.   The lobby was beautiful.  The area was so full of people shopping, eating and walking.  We began to wonder what these people did for a living.

We walked around the city and discovered a few spots that were being prepared for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.   It was a perfect summer.   Alan and I were dressed in our ‘keep us cool’ clothing and it was fun taking pictures in front of Spanish palm trees.
We bought a few shirts at a major Spanish department store called EL CORTE INGLES.  I realized that I loved taking photos of random Spanish people as well as random pastries that looked so delicious.
We found a café for lunch and enjoyed a ham and cheese sandwich.   We also ordered ESTRELLA Spanish beers which were just what we needed.   It was hot and the idea of a cold beer was just what we were craving.
We looked at a black leather jacket that I loved in Barcelona but it was unbelievably priced at $1360 American dollars!  Ouch!   It was time for a nap in the luxurious hotel room.We woke up at 10PM.   We went out for a walk to a little outdoor place called LA TASCA.   We had a couple more beers and shared paella.   Alan was afraid to eat it.  Alan said, “I feel safe just nibbling on the rice.”
We argued about a few points.  I think I made him realize his statements (whatever they were as they escape me now) were only his sole point-of-view and not every American person.   After our late supper bite we turned-in early.   We both needed to rest.

The next morning we drove about an hour out of Barcelona to the Costa Brava area.  We planned to stay in a small resort beach town known as Tossa de Mar.   I found a cool postcard for mom.   I figured I’d write to her once we settled-in to our hotel room.
I loved the COSTA BRAVA postcard I chose for mom.  The scene depicted the area perfectly.   I wrote: 7-12-90 Of all SPAIN…this is “the spot”.   I love it right here.   Great scenery…fantastic sun…BEAUTIFUL.  I don’t want it to end.   This must be the area where our ARMIJO and LUCERO history derives from.   I feel a connection.   Love, Michael
Alan and I took a trek in and around the beach town.   I found the perfect spot to capture the scenic background from our hotel balcony. 
I popped into an Art Gallery and found a painting I liked.    Instead of buying the painting I took a photo of the image while the sales lady wasn’t looking.

We went to change into beach wear and did a bit of sun bathing, then found a cute little pizza joint for lunch.   The crust was so thin…like a crispy tortilla.   It was the best.   The waitress took a photo of us while having lunch and sipping Spanish sangria.
I took a photo of Alan.  He looked so tan and relaxed.   “What a great picture,” I said after it came out of my Polaroid.   As I looked up there were two officers known as the Guards of Sevilla who came running across the street towards us.   I think he thought I took a photo of them.  I guess they didn’t want to get in trouble for walking around the beach when they should be doing real work.   Who knows?  Initially the demanded, “Le Film!” It was like a repeat of the demanding prostitutes in Paris.  What a nightmare.
Luckily, it was a Polaroid and they saw that they weren’t really prominent in the photo.    It was only a close-up of ALAN…but you could still see them in the background.   I’m glad they allowed me to keep the picture.   That was scary!   I thought we were going to get arrested while having our restful lunch.
The Guards pardoned themselves and went on with their tour of duty.  Now, of course, Alan believes I am out to kill him with the help of these photographs by the end of our trip.   We went for a drive around the Costa Brava area.  I snapped a few photos but my favorite one was of a HOT Spaniard guy working in cut offs in front of a billboard.  Ha-ha  I'm glad his back was turned otherwise he might have killed us!
We kept talking about Ceret and Alan’s lost shoes, so at 12:40PM we called the Hotel in Ceret to see if they had found the shoes he had recently bought in Westwood (Los Angeles).  “Yes, we have them!”And so, now we just left the phone booth in LE BOULOU and on our way back to LA TERRACE DE SOLEIL HOTEL for his forgotten shoes!Tossa de Mar is one beach resort I wish to return to.  It’s simply idea.   It feels so good here.   I love the look of it and I found it to be the ideal vacation spot.  
Alan made a reservation for dinner at a place called ES MOLI at Carrer Tarull, 3.   It wasn’t far and we ordered a delicious bottle of Spanish wine to go with our meal.   We arrived relatively early for dinnertime standards but we took our time.   More people arrived and then the entertainment began.   A Spanish woman started to do her ‘cha cha cha’ or flamenco dance.  It was fun to watch.

July 13, 1990I was feeling sad that we would be leaving the Costa Brava area soon; however, we did have the South of France coming (including the visit to Paloma).   I couldn’t stop taking pictures of my favorite scenes.I loved the rocky beach with pockets of sand to feel the trickle of waves at one’s feet.
The last two nights in Tossa de Mar was quite beautiful.   The little beach town has such history with a unique modern feeling.   We were fortunate to get a hotel room at MAR DE MENUDA HOTEL.   The balcony and scenic views were remarkable.   We enjoyed a delicious pitcher of Sangria Champagne and pizza overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  Every other store we passed sold various ice-creams.   We had a field day trying the many different types of cones. 

We did lie out on the beach for a few hours and ate such great fish (trabaut is what they call their trout) for dinner with Spanish wine.  There were a lot of tourists shops and many people were from England, Germany and other European countries (including Spaniards who love Tossa de Mar).   We really did something right in deciding to relax in this region.  

Alan kept referring to our hotel desk receptionist as JUAN VALDEZ.   We later learned that his actual name is SERGIO.

Alan and I both agreed that it’s hard to imagine it getting any better than Tossa de Mar.  It is beautiful to the “max”. 
We took another drive into some inland areas.  We passed a small property with the most beautiful Spanish garden.  It made me think of my Dad.  He always used to talk about his mothers' gardens in the Mora County area of New Mexico.   This house and garden would be something my Dad would love to see.  He would have loved to retire here at this very spot.  I could easily see it.  Who knows?  Maybe one of his/our ancestors once lived there...
It was a fantastic start of summer for us.   We drove along.   We did further exploring.   There is so much to see.   Alan took another photo of me during a break to stretch our legs.
I called Paloma from a phone booth at the Spanish-French border and said, “We’re on our way!”

July 14, 1990

We drove on and reached the part of Southern France where Paloma lived.   She and her husband, Alexandre, managed a resort property near Agde called Balaruc-Les-Bains.   Many French like to visit these areas for the mineral bath waters and sunny side relaxed  feeling. 
Alan photographed me in front of the Balaruc-Les-Bains township sign.We found the Pinede de Pech Meja sign that I knew so well.   I would often write that terminology on letters that I’d write to Paloma.   I was still unsure of the meaning of those words “Pinede de Pech Meja”; however I knew when I saw it we were at the right place.Paloma came out to greet us.   Alan took a photo of the two of us.
What a fantastic welcome.   She guided us to our room at her resort.   Once we unpacked a few things we wanted to explore.   Paloma couldn’t leave her front desk work station but she encouraged us to walk to town.   While in town I took photos of us by the scenic rocks and beach.
Once we felt we’d had enough sun we returned to the Balaruc-Les-Bains Residence Club.  I saw Jonathan in the front area near the pool with a couple of older kids.  They seemed to be having fun with him.  I snapped a photo of them.

It was time for a nap in our room.  Paloma made a reservation for dinner.   Alan went to our room and I chatted up a storm with Paloma for a while.    I knew our visit would be short with our planned journey ahead; however, I really felt ‘at home’ when I saw Paloma.   It’s always special to see a familiar face when you’re in a faraway land.   It made me feel at ease.

Alan and I would join Paloma and her husband, Alexandre, at a great local restaurant.   So it was time to rest until shower and shine time.  Paloma found a great restaurant called LE TABLE D’EMILIE.   She ordered an excellent St. Emilion Bordeaux wine to go with dinner.   The dinner was delicious.  Paloma has a weakness for desserts.   When they served her dessert plate I couldn’t help myself and I snapped a Polaroid photo of her as she made her bashful smirks.


We treated for dinner.  I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t seen Paloma for five years already.  She looked good…the same.   Her son, Jonathan, was too cute.   She seems set in her life although I learned that she is not married to Alexandre yet.   She knows that is where she wants to be in her life.   I only wish her the best.   For some reason she doesn’t seem as happy as she could be.   Who knows?  As time progresses I will learn more.   We will still remain with keeping close tabs on one another.


July 15, 1990I awoke and looked outside of the balcony in our room and saw Paloma working the grounds from above.  I had to take a photo of that, too.    

Jonathan was in the backseat of a car later that day, too.  He’s got such great blue eyes.  I snapped a happy photo of him.
It was time for Alan and me to move on to the Cannes/Nice area of France.   It was hard to say goodbye.   The time went by so quickly.   I wished I could have been there for a week.   “I’ll have to come back,” I said to Paloma.  We drove through an area called ARLES and we finally reached St. Tropez after many winding roads.   I found St. Tropez to be disappointing.  It felt like a tourist trap.   Alan and I stayed there for a ham and cheese sandwich and then we took a long route which led us to the French Riviera.We reached the French Riviera rather quickly (only three hours).   We wondered if we’d find a hotel or not.  We did have good luck.  We drove through CANNES and the beautiful countryside and found a hotel called HELIO’s in San Juan-Le-Pins.  

I purchased a few postcards and wrote to mom again while at our hotel.   We rested and the concierge named FELIPE gave us a great recommendation for dinner at a place called LE PERGOLA.   We finally tried RHONE wine with dinner.  It was delicious.
7-15-90Mom, When Alan and I left Paloma’s area we came here to the Cannes, French Riviera known as Cote D’Azur.   It took about ‘3’ hours to get here.   The big white building is THE CARLTON HOTEL.  It’s the most ritzy and expensive hotel in the area.   There are too many people and tourists here (a lot of French tourists).   The women lay out topless here on the French and Spanish beaches.   Alan and I cruise the beach looking for the best-looking tits.  Ha…Love, Michael

The walk about in the town of San Juan Les Pins was busy with so many out because it was Bastille Day!   It was fun mingling with the crowds. 7-15-90Dear Mom,I found this postcard in the French Riviera  I though it looked really nice.  I love the trees.I called you about an hour ago.  You said to me, “You should see.  Ashley and Holly have a great tan!”Alan and I were getting on each other’s nerves.  You know how it is when you’re around someone for 24-hours a day.   He knows I’m the only one who speaks English (and vice-versa), so things are going okay once again.   See you, LOVE, Michael

7-15-90Mom,Alan and I have been really lucky in finding hotels available.  When we drove in to the French Riviera vicinity we stayed I this area called JUAN LES PINS.   It is located between Cannes and Monaco.
Tonight we plan to drive to Monaco and go to the casino in Monte Carlo.   We will also have dinner in Monaco.  I will let you know how it goes.   The French wines are so good.  I had forgotten how good they are.   Love, Michael

We tried to lie out at the HELIO’s HOTEL in their reserved beach section even if it was super-hot.  I couldn’t listen to my radio.  They have beach rules (very strange).   We went to St. Paul de Vence and missed lunch because they wouldn’t serve after 3PM at this place called La Colombe D’Or (more rules). 

We took on a new discovery on a menu called a VIRGINIE of which is simply a ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise.  Ha-ha

The Foundation Maeght had a display of Joan Miro’s Art and we looked a number of his pieces.  It was a nice area to be.   We were able to enter the Miro Museum because we pretended to be with a large group; whereby, we got a group discount.  Alan and I walked the beach side areas of Cannes.   There are such fancy cars.
I remarked, “Let me fine a car I love and then you take a picture me  next to it.  I can pretend it’s my car.”   Alan liked that idea.  Of course, he liked the same car as me.   It could become matching bookend photos.

When we returned to the Hotel Alan and I had a minor dispute.   We worked it out and we are best-friends again.   It amazed me that Monte Carlo and Monaco were so close.   The drive via tunnel was kind of scary.   We managed to dress-up so that we’d fit in at the casino and look like “high-rollers”.   Of course, we both had no desire to gamble but we figured it would be fun.  

We first had a multiple course dinner nearby the casino at a place called LE SAINT BENOIT.   The fish and French wine was delicious.  The fromage (cheese) course was so delicious.  I barely had room to eat more but I forced myself to do so because the waiter explained such interesting facts about all of the cheeses.  I wished I could try every one of them.   What a dinner!  We are pretty sure we know the cliffs that Grace Kelly (Princess Grace) fell over now.   What a scary ride.

It was dark so the photo of Alan in his sport coat didn’t come out as clear as mine; however, I liked the way it came out just the same.   He really did look like a high-roller.

The Monaco Restaurant, LE SAINT BENOIT, was fantastic with a great view to match.   We toured the Grand Casino in Monte Carlo.   To our surprise there weren’t many people there.   We saw only a few high-rollers on this Sunday night.   We walked over to the LOEWS Casino and ran into these Manhattan Beach American girls again (we had seen them in St. Paul de Vence earlier today). 

The prettier girl brushed by us as we were wearing our suits and said, “Hey guys.”Give me a break.   Talk about “girlish games”.   Come over and talk to us if your’ panties are creaming.

The next day Alan and I slept-in until 11AM.   We drove to Cannes and had a cone as we walked in and around some of the Cannes boutiques in the Carlton Hotel.   We chose to have a pizza and a coke and both felt tired after the meal (not to mention the heat).   It was time for a mini-nap at the hotel again.


It was 7PM and we changed our dinner routine for CHINOIS food (Chinese).   We walked more for dessert at La Festival and bought souvenir French T-shirts.   We drank Heineken beer and VITTEL water (total cost 35 Francs).   We listened to a little bit of jazz, too.And to think we had so much more to explore.   What an ideal European vacation!  I owe so much to Alan for formulating such a diverse plan.  I’ve seen so much.   What a gift.
“The quality of the gift depends on the sincerity of the giver.  It also helps if the gift is something the receiver actually wants.   So far you’ve given me your handkerchief, your notebook, and your pen.   All three things I wanted.”--Ann Patchett,
BEL CANTO, a novel

Calm and Serene, Rough and Choppy

There needed to be whole days together.  There needed to be weeks and months of uninterrupted time to say all the things that needed to be said.--Ann Patchett, BEL CANTO, a novel
Santa Monica, CA
Alan and I were so excited about our forthcoming European escape.   We would be departing from LAX on the 4th of July.   We took a few photos of ourselves at Sea Colony (Alan’s pad) to show (and mark) our happiness.
I kept saying, “Only two more days.”The next day I got dressed for work and Alan said, “Only one more day!”

4th of July
It was a sunny 85 degrees in Los Angeles, a perfect day for flying out.  We were at the LAX coffee shop and I made a list of all of our forthcoming destinations (including Dallas where the plane would be stopping before we flew off to Paris).  
The other places included, Chartres, Tours, Amboise, Chambord, Amboise, Loire River, Bordeaux, Carsaconnes, Le Cite, Ceret, Balaruc-Les-Bains, San Juan Les Pins, St. Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Monaco, St. Paul de Vence, Milan, ITALY, Arona, Lake Maggiore, Stresa, The Swiss Alps, Vevey, Switzerland, Geneve and a glimpse at the Tour de France Bike Race.
10/20AM:   There is a woman dressed in a black, slinky mini-dress looking like she is ready to go out on-the-town here at LAX.  She wears long black gloves and reminds Alan and I of the wife in the terrible film that we mistakenly saw a week or so ago called THE COOK, THE THIEF, HIS WIFE and HER LOVER.   I was quite intrigued by the film title but it wasn’t the greatest (even if that actress, Helen Mirren, was remarkable). 
Yesterday I did it!   I called work at Pac Bell Directory and told them my grandfather in Barcelona, SPAIN had died (and that my mom was flying from San Francisco to Los Angeles) and that we would be flying to PARIS today to make funeral arrangements and deal with complications regarding my grandfathers’ estate.  Okay, it was a little white lie but both of my grandfathers had passed away (one in 1954 and the other in 1978).   I know both of my grandfathers would have wanted me to visit my heritage country of SPAIN, so I was fulfilling their wish.   I don’t feel bad about this unbelievable, naughty fib.   I needed a faraway escape from this job.

And so, here we are…Alan Freiman, my best-friend, and I are flying to Dallas, Texas, then Paris, France.

We will rent a car and Alan plans to drive via the French countryside and head onward to Barcelona, Spain.

Then we will go to see Paloma Sanchez-Guerra in Balaruc-Les-Bains in the South of France.   After seeing Paloma we will experience the French Riviera and perhaps Milan, Italy and Geneva, Switzerland.  We hope to also get a good view of the infamous bicycle race, The Tour de France 1990.


Back to this young gal wearing the black mini-skirt…it’s as if she were dressed to go out to some nightclub.   It’s only 10:30AM.   She really does look like a young version of the wife character in that film, THE COOK, THE THIEF, HIS WIFE and HER LOVER.  What is her story?
I am an official American Airlines Mileage AAdvantage member now.  It’s a good thing our original DELTA flight was cancelled.  I owe it to  Alan’s craftiness and ‘know how’ that he could know to arrange this alternate flight (just in case of a mix-up).  He is really an incredible ‘get things done right’ type when things have to be done at the last minute (or under-pressure).

On the way to the LAX airport Alan’s mother, Gloria, gave us a ride. Alan explained to Gloria about his real estate partners’ divorce, “You know, Art’s wife, Susan, hired Marvin Mitchelson to represent her in their divorce battle.  He’s the famous attorney who represented Joan Collins against her nationally publicized divorce from Peter Holm.” As he was speaking to his mother I was reflecting on how Alan wouldn’t give my morning ‘creative ponytail’ hair style a chance this morning.  I knew he would think I was a tad strange if I attempted a ponytail.   He immediately rejected it.I said, “You know, you’re too conservative sometimes!”I bought two boxes of chocolate covered raisinettes for our plane ride to Dallas.“We need IRON,” I explained.I have the recently published autobiographical memoir of Gilda Radner to read on the plane that is titled  “IT’S ALWAYS SOMETHING”.    It should be a good book.  And you know...'in life' it always IS something.  It is how we deal with the somethings that matter (handle it calmly and carefully). 
So far, things are going smoothly.   Alan and I just shared a small PIZZA HUT pizza and a diet coke while here at the LAX airport.  I think we will go over our itinerary in detail now.   We will need a more decent overview of what we plan to do in Europe.    Can we talk? (…to borrow a line from Joan Rivers).

Alan and I awoke this morning at 4:30AM for an early walk to watch the Santa Monica Pier Fireworks.   There were a lot of morning weird people outside.  We hit the local Boulangerie for a thermos of coffee and fresh croissants.  Yikes, our waistlines will be shot!   Happy 4thof July.  

July 4, 1990, a HOT 95 degrees in Dallas, Texas

The LAX flight to DALLAS was agonizing because we were cramped in the middle section of the plane and it felt rather claustrophobic.   The complimentary blue blankets and pillows helped a little.

Upon our arrival to DALLAS Alan wrote a postcard to his daughter, Lauren.   She is away at some campsite in Malibu, CA.   Luckily, I remembered to write her address for him.  I sent a DALLAS postcard to my mom.   I wrote:
Fourth of JulyHi Mom, It’s 5PM Dallas time, so it’s only 3PM in your California territory.  Alan and I had to sit next to ‘3’ kids from LA to DALLAS.  Luckily, they were all good kids.  I was afraid they were going to be into an age-two HOLLY ARMIJO sort of mood.  Ha-ha.…sending regards to all.   When I hit FRANCE and SPAIN I will try and find you something special.I Love You, Always, Michael J Armijo
We are having filet mignon for dinner.  That’s a nice international flight menu.  We are having fun.   It’s happening…a great escape.
Alan was quite flirtatious to the gift shop sales clerk in DALLAS.   We had a drink at the DALLAS Airport bar also.   Chuck, the bartender, made me a LUBE-JOB cocktail (a combination of Baileys and Vodka over crushed ice).  I laughed out loud when I read the name of that drink.  
July 4th or 5th DUSK, WHILE UP IN THE AIR
The wine served on the flight was a 1988 Chateau Lagrange, Produce of FRANCE, Lussac St. Emilion, a Red Bordeaux.   It was so good!   And the filet mignon meal with salmon salad was quite yummy, too.
Alan and I shared some sincere, sensitive toasts.  How relaxing life can be.  We know how to ENJOY.   While Alan and I were on the “tipsy” side and enjoying our dessert and coffee we noticed a slight thundering motion amidst the pre-heavenly clouds from our airplane window.   Suddenly, Alan moved his hands while I started to get my coffee cup and it spilled all over my American Airlines blanket!   Oh well…our tummies were filled at least.   It was a great meal (for airline food).   It is said that the meals are much better on international flights.
I hear kids.  I hear French.  I feel good. I attempted a snapshot through my window seat.   It didn’t come out too well.  It’s getting dark.
July 5, 1990, Fair and Cool, 65 Degrees PARIS, at the HOTEL SOFITEL

We made it!   Once we arrived at the ORLY Airport in PARIS all went smoothly in terms of entry.   The Budget car rental place went smoothly also.  It was a bit of a slapstick comedy once we arrived in Paris though.

Alan’s driving of a manual transmission FORD Escort (a new car by the way) was miraculous.  He did quite well.   I snapped a few photos from my passenger seat as we drove in to the city district.   Alan kept driving around, trying to figure out the street locations amidst the uncaring maniac Parisian drivers.  Alan was having a JOY RIDE…as was I.   It was similar to—if not worse than—a roller coaster ride.  

We finally found an American Express Office to exchange money at 5.35 French Francs to one US dollar.   We had to pay an additional 10 French Francs in commission.   Someone has to make some money.   We later learned a bank would exchange a dollar at 5.48 French Francs to the dollar at NO commission charge.

We found a little restaurant and ate a club sandwich and tomato salad with Riesling and Bordeaux glasses of wine.   We were so tired and jet-lagged.   Alan said, “This hustle and bustle reminds me of New York.”

By now I was a tad fearful of getting into the rental car again.   “I’m putting my life into your hands,” I said.Alan smirked, and then smiled at me.
In this particular photo where I am wearing my white pants and my short-sleeved yellow shirt I came up with an idea.  I had been carrying this bottle of wine all day (as we planned to have it with dinner).   It's much cheaper to do that versus order from an expensive wine list.   This wine would have cost a fortune on the wine list.  I saw this motorcycle and thought I'd look good on the bike while holding the bottle of wine.   Well, as soon as I lifted my leg over the bike my white pants were torn in a split up my ass.  I must have gained a pound or two from the rich French sauces (and we've barely got started).   Oh jeez...I had to walk all over town with torn jeans revealing my ass (good thing I was wearing white underwear).   It wasn't funny when it happened--but now we can laugh off the memory.

We finally found the HOTEL SOFITEL.  How?  Hell if I know.  I’d call it pure luck.  It all happened so fast, yet, so fun an adventure.   It’s a good thing I can read the street signs.

We immediately checked-in and slept for five hours.  Now we are showering and cleaning-up for our first Paris evening on-the-town.I remarked, “You know, the car key looks so strange.”

We haven’t attempted to figure out how to make a phone call yet.   The staff at the HOTEL SOFITEL is pretty nice though.  

We have seen so many sights in just that one ride around town.   We saw the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triumph, and The Opera.   We even attempted a little French on neighboring car drivers to help us get to Hotel Sofitel.  Alan thinks he knows French.  He speaks and knows French like I know Chinese.   Well, he’s not that bad (it's just that his accent needs work)…but we’re definitely in a foreign country!

I was so ready for my shower.  I needed a freshened-up feeling.  I am so glad I had that deep sleep.  My eyes felt so tired when we first arrived.

We bought maps at a unique bookstore.   Barcelona, Spain looks like hours and hours away.  We shall attempt it.  What fun!  I am loving this.
July 6, 1990, Outside of the HOTEL SOFITEL, 10:45AM
I just telephoned Paloma in Sete, France.   She sounded great.  I cannot wait to see her.  Alan and I are off to find new postcards now.
Last night we experienced LE BOCCADOR Restaurant.   The filet mignonette was what one would die for.  The sauce on the French fries was quite irresistible.
We attempted another driving excursion this morning for coffee.  It was fun but I felt naked without my camera.  I had left it in my suitcase.   
The Beaujolais Villages wine was so good with the meal last night.  We intend to return home with a few bottles.  Edna Valley wine is history in our books now that we’ve had French wines.  French wines are “in”.  Edna Valley wines are “out”. 
We hit a cool, avant-garde disco last night.  I saw a beautiful redhead.  She looked like a high-fashion model (probably American).  Ha-ha.
It is fun reviewing this Paris map and having Alan drive while I dictate.  It really is a maze in and around PARIS.  I love it.  So many gorgeous looking eyes on people…but a lot of them have ugly faces (or maybe most of them do). 
July 7, 1990, Dawn. The temperature is cool.  I am in bed and it is six o’clock in the morning at HOTEL SOFITEL.  Let me write and reminisce on the events of yesterday…After our coffee (and coffee au lait) yesterday we returned to the hotel with the intent of going to the gym.   We learned that the gym is private but hotel guests may use the pool and sauna (strange rules).  We gathered a couple of room towels and an “OK PASS” from the Hotel Front Desk and enjoyed a morning sauna.

We planned a sketchy itinerary:   See the Louvre Museum; See key shopping places; See other hotels that might be worth looking at; Buy postcards and make reservations for dinner.We did see The Louvre, bought postcards and made dinner reservations.    We didn’t do any real shopping but I did take plenty of photos.  We had lunch in the INVALIDES area.  We had a great tomato with delicious cheese and a fresh baguette.  We walked more via the Eiffel Tower, Invalides and on to The Louvre.  Alan finally saw the MONA LISA.   I had already seen it the time that Paloma took me in 1985.Our feet were aching from all of the walking.  It took us from 8pm-9pm (one full hour) to get back to the hotel in our rental car.  We didn’t know about using the Peripherique short-cut yet.  I wasn’t the greatest participant in getting us home on time.  I became impatient.  It helped that I was taking pictures.  I could feel Alan’s frustration, so I helped to navigate.  I guided him via our well invested detailed Paris map that we had purchased.Alan wrote a few postcards and I addressed sixty of them (including placing stamps on all of them) once we finally arrived at the hotel.  We showered and felt refreshed and got groomed.  As we walked out of our HOTEL SOFITEL building an older gentleman mistook Alan (and perhaps me) for Italians.  He was speaking fluent Italian to the both of us.  When I bought my new postcards from the cashier today at the local TABAC, the cashier asked, “Italiano?”  Ha-haI said, “No, Americano, de Espana.” We made all of the right moves with the help of our map directions without any errors for the first time.   Miracles do happen.   We hit our dinner place a bit after 10PM.  I had an opening butter lettuce dinner salad.  Alan shared his bread and salmon.  It was simply delicious.   The rack of lamb was ‘just ok’ but well presented with a potato pancake of sorts and spinach and a toasted square cheese pizza.  The lemon soufflé was “yummers” (as Armida Mata, my PBD Los Angeles co-worker would say, she loves that word: "yummers").  The wine was outstanding, too.   The waiter snapped a photo of us as we toasted with our espresso cups.   I took a photo of an abstract painting that I liked in the restaurant (it looked like an aerial view of a pack of bicyclists).   Alan simply thought it looked like an airplane.  I also shot a picture of Alan on top of the hood of a little red car.   It was the type of car we were originally going to rent.   We discovered a little “Doctor Garcon” entrance and enjoyed the scene.  I flashed a photo of the entry way as a memory.

We decided to tour a seedier area known as PIGALLE.   I thought, perhaps, I could photograph a prostitute or two standing on a street corner.   We found none in this area but it was definitely a sex-ridden, exploited area.   We decided to check out another scene.   This time it was a nightclub on Saint Denis Street.   We were driving about and finally found the street.   We realized right away that it was just as seedy as the PIGALLE area.  As we made the right turn on to St. Denis Street our first negative event happened.I noticed two prostitutes (one blond and one brunette).  I decided to take a snapshot of them.  Alan saw them, too.  He volunteered to take the picture because they were on his side of the car and could shoot better from his angle.  “FLASH!”MISTAKE!The two “hoo hah” girls made a fast fun for our car, screaming and yelling curse words.  They must’ve been curse words because it didn’t sound like “Avoir une belle nuit”.  I immediately attempted to put our windows up in our car.   The fear and tension mounted.  It all happened so fast.  It was too late.   Alan’s window didn’t go up in time and even if it did I’m sure our car would have been picked up manually with what had become a swarm or harem of what seemed like a dozen different prostitutes, yelling, “Le Film, Le Film!”

One or two of the girls had grabbed Alan by the neck!   They continued screaming in French “pissed-off” foul language talk.  It ended with my pulling out my film from my camera and handing it over to them.   Their last action by one of the girls was a swift punch to Alan’s mouth!   We were literally mobbed by what seemed like a dozen (maybe even twenty) French prostitutes.   We were trapped amidst this narrow street with immobile cars in front of us; whereby, we couldn’t drive away.  It was unreal.  It was a 'scary exciting'…like a movie.   I'd say it was literally a true movie scene of terror as it was happening.   We made the first available right turn as Alan’s lip was bleeding.  I was in utter shock.   I felt responsible because I wanted the prostitute photo (not realizing the impact it would have on those nasty, dirty sluts!). 
How Alan managed it all I will never know.  It was a first.  He got us home to our Hotel Sofitel without one map instruction after that frightening incident.   Like I mentioned before, Alan can accomplish miracles under stress.  He got us back to the hotel in minutes without any map instruction.  I can’t explain in enough words what a shaky, terrifying experience it was at the time.   We did support one another.   We ultimately decided that we would never allow this incident to destroy our European stay.   It didn’t.One cannot say we don’t vie for excitement.

Oh well, morning arrived and it was time for me to write sixty more postcards.  By 8:35AM I was done.   Wow…it really is hard work to finish-up postcards.Alan and I are now ready for a new day.  We’re wearing shorts for a morning and afternoon day of shopping and bites to eat.  We munched on croissants by day…tomatoes and salmon by midday.  I hoped.  I believed.   All would go well from this point onward.
My 7-7-90 Postcard to mom: Mom,I’ll have some great photos and stories to tell.  UNREAL!  Only a couple of days here in Paris and we’ve done so much!   Next…Barcelona, SPAIN via a drive through the Chateau country of Paris, then to Paloma’s place and the French Riviera and then some…Love You,  Michael J Armijo
July 8, 1990, Cloudy with sun, at a PARIS gas station called ESSO.
We went to Saint Michel yesterday for coffee and croissants.  We also browsed in a couple of men’s boutiques and discovered the Jewish area of Paris.  We found a great men’s store and bought beautiful Italian tailored suits.We also hit the fabulous department store known as GALLERIES LAFAYETTE.  It was like Christmastime.  There were mobs of people.  One floor had nothing but women’s bathing suits.  Alan bought Susan a gorgeous, turquoise colored one.   Why he did that is beyond me.  I guess it was a kindness offering in hopes of a smooth divorce proceeding.   It was a “magnifique” bathing suit. Our feet were tired from walking all over the department store.  We had no luck in finding a Tour de France t-shirt.  I bought a French Connection white dress shirt for 150 Francs to go with my suit.  We plan to wear our suits in Monte Carlo.  We’ll look like high rollers (even if we are NOT).  The dollar is now equivalent to 5.40 French Francs.

After the GALLERIES LAFAYETTE shopping Alan and I found his favorite street known as St. Dominique. I said, “Well, I know your second favorite street is St. Denis.”I couldn’t resist saying it after the prostitute mob experience.  Ha-ha.  We bought a fresh tomato at one produce store.   It looked too good to pass up.  We bought cheese at another shop; smoked salmon at another and VITTEL bottled water at another.   I was so tired that I sat at the outside of a Boulangerie as Alan searched for the VITTEL.
I had a look of fear and bewilderment when a French man came up to me and said ‘God knows what’.   I requested a Caffe Au Lait just to get him away from me.   The combination of French baguette with smoked salmon, cheese, tomato and VITTEL water was so great.   I must admit that Alan is so creative with the spur of the moment picnic ideas.  He’s great to be doing all of the driving also.
July 8, 1990 …while on the Peripherique Highway

We are no heading towards PORT D’ORLEANS via the A10 Freeway to the Chateau French countryside.After our picnic yesterday we returned to the HOTEL SOFITEL and took a nap.   We woke at 10PM and it was still daylight!  We were seriously unsure if it was morning or still the same night.  That was funny.The Jewish son of the Jewish father who owned the nifty Jewish Men’s store that sold us the suits recommended a restaurant called LE TELEGRAPH.   It’s a reformed post-office that has been turned into a restaurant.  Alan made a reservation there for 10:30PM.   People eat dinner very late in Paris.   Of course it doesn’t get dark until about that time anyway during the summer months.  I guess it seems fitting and appropriate.   After we awoke from the long nap we got ready for the outing to LE TELEGRAPH.   Thanks to my navigating directions via the map we arrived in a timely fashion.   It was a very nouveau kind of place.  I liked the trendy beauty of it compared to the I CUGINI place in Santa Monica.   We saw some really classy, good-looking women there.    The dinner was simply “magnifique” (I like that word).   The fresh fish and the warm goat cheese salad were mouth-watering.  I had the white fish entrée while Alan chose the steak.

We found Sebastapool Street and walked over to St. Denis Street again!  Yikes!   A few black prostitutes pranced around but other sections of the area were nice with outdoor shops and cafes.  I recalled being there back in 1985.   We also hit the St. Michel area again and found a JAZZ club with great atmosphere.  The stairs led down to a JAZZ performance.  The sound seemed to have a likeness to the "SOLEA" tune by Miles Davis (from his SKETCHES OF SPAIN album) which engrossed me into another world.  It was like an entrance to a private stone cave.  The cave was used in the old days for making and preserving wine.   We didn’t stay there for too long as it was time to get rest.   We needed sleep for the driving we planned on for the next day.
July 8, 1990, CloudyAmboise, France in Chateau Country at LE CHOISEUL

8:25PM:   Alan and I ended up driving via PARIS to LE CHARTRES to TOURS and then found this quaint and beautiful castle known as LE CHOISEUL.  
What a great place to stay!  We have some good photos.  It was a fun-filled driving day.   We drove to a giant castle called CHAMBORD.   I took photos and we toured the castle.  
We had coffee at a place called the St. Michel Restaurant.   Alan called his step-dad, Jack (Israel) Cohen and spoke to him using 5 French Francs until he was cut-off.   I called my mom and the same thing happened.  You don’t get a very long connection with 5 French Francs.


7-8-90 Mom, It’s 6:45PM.  I just called you at this Chateau.   This is the historic view of the area.  You can see the CHAMBORD CASTLE.  I didn’t send a current picture of the castle because I liked this one better.  I hope you do, too.  It gets dark here at 10PM.  Later, Michael
We checked out the Touraine Cave to taste some wine.  I forgot how those caves have to maintain such cool temperatures.   It provided visions from yesteryear of the old Napa-Sonoma Valley wine tasting days.

The lush greenery of our scenic French Countryside driving is really beautiful and mesmerizing. 

Poor Alan still has a bruised lip from those cold-hearted prostitutes.  I keep saying, “It will heal in due time.”I am sure he never imagined a sleazy prostitute would be socking him in the mouth during this trip.

Right now I am in our one night stay room in Amboise, France overlooking the Loire River.  I am listening to a cassette tape of French music that Paloma made for me.   Alan is bathing.   We plan to eat in the hotel Relais and Chateau restaurant.  It should be good.  After the meal Alan took a photo of me in front of the Hotel.  I borrowed a parked moped to sit on for the pose.
I kept thinking of the $800 black leather jacket I saw in PARIS at GALLERIES LAFAYETTE.  I also liked the black dress shoes I saw in the small downtown area of Amboise.   The small downtown is so quaint with the local shops and all.   We had enjoyed some Vanvaray White wine, bread and cheese at a little café there today.   We are strictly making use of the word “enjoy” now.Oh yes, we lacked some joy when Alan thought I was being a ‘smart ass’ as I made negative comments about his choices of picture taking.   He has taken some good ones.  I just don’t think I give him enough credit.  I do!  Well, if I don’t at times it must because I am feeling restless.I have decided to send mom postcards of everywhere that we go.   She’s my key focus in the USA.  I miss her.  I know she is lonely now that dad has gone to heaven.  I must buy her something special in SPAIN.

7-8-90 Mom,  this was a restaurant that turned into a post-office.   It is a restaurant now once again.  We ate here last night.   The wine was delicious.  We are driving through France now towards Barcelona, Spain tomorrow.   Love You, Michael
Leonardo de Vinci’s last three years of his life were spent in a beautiful home in Amboise, France.  The home was given to him by the French Sovereign.  He wasn’t only a painter but a sculptor, architect, physicist, engineer and mathematician.   He designed the seven level spiral staircase at the CHAMBORD CASTLE that Alan and I visited today.
7-8-90Mom, We left PARIS at 9:30AM and this was our first stop:  a Cathedral that is really old.  A lot of French people visit this place.  They truly appreciate their history.  The lush green trees in the French Countryside are unbelievable.  I'm taking a lot of pictures.  Love, Michael

July 9, 1990Overcast, Muggy with fruit flies flying about (Amboise, France in the room at LE CHOISEL)

8:35AM:   Last night I said to Alan, “We should have brought a tape recorder to tape significant audio during this trip.”I was thinking specifically of recording a) the sirens in Paris  b) the man who sounded like the GODFATHER at Le Petit Auberge Restaurant in Paris and c) the footsteps of the waiter, waitress and hostess of the LE CHOISEL Restaurant last night (their footsteps sounded like Nazi soldiers marching).  It was rather frightening.
9:30AM:Alan is getting gas for the car (Sans Plomb at TOTAL).   We are at what seems to be the French version of an AM-PM Mini-Mart.   Alan is inside the mart getting snacks and goodies for the road.  I am analyzing this Michelin map and looking at the major cities that we will pass on our journey to SPAIN (that is exactly 844 kilometers from here).   I jotted down the cities as I plan to note the arrival times once we get to each place: Tours….arrival time 9:45AMChatellerault…..10:15AMPoitiers……10:25AMNiort…..10:52AMRochefort…11:12AMSaintes…..11:25AMCognac….11:15AMBordeaux….12:20PM (leave at 2:20PM)
7-9-90Hi Mom, Alan and I have been driving since 9:45AM.   We hit this big town for lunch known as Bordeaux.  It’s a lot different than PARIS.   The people are better looking.  It must be because we are closer to Spain.  The weather is nicer too.  It’s HOT today. I am at a restaurant called DOMINQUE.   After we eat we will hit the road for Barcelona.  It doesn’t get dark until 10PM, so we have plenty of daylight driving.   Love, Michael
Agen….3:05PM Montauban…3:30PMToulouse....3:50PM
7-9-90Hi Mom, Right now it is 5AM where you are.  We just finished another snack at a fast-food McDonalds-like place called QUICK.   I haven’t even seen Paloma yet.  Once we leave Barcelona, Spain we will return to Southern France to visit her.  We will then continue on to the French Riviera to Nice, Monaco, St. Tropez and the Monte Carlo area.   I just found my other pen…Later, Michael
Carcassone….4:40PM
7-9-90, 6:45PMHi Mom,We just left from this French tourist attraction area called LE CITE.  I picked up this card for you while we were there.   I telephoned Paloma from a telephone booth.   She knows we are on our way to SPAIN.   We will be visiting her in 3 to 4 days.   We are both tired.  I think Alan is more tired because he is doing all of the driving.  You know I don’t drive a ‘stick shift’.  Love You, Michael
Perpignan…..7:30PM, depart for CERET, France….then we will continue on via Le Boulou, La Jonquera, Figueres, Gerona, Fogars de Tordera, Tordera, Malgrad de Mar, Calella, Canet de Mar, Arenys de Mar, Mataro, Badalona, and finally to BARCELONA, Spain.
After our dinner at the LE CHOISEL and the stuffy atmosphere with the disturbing Nazi footsteps we encountered it was time for a walk.   We ventured over to LE SPORTS CAFÉ.  There was a German-shepherd dog lying there.   For some reason I kept seeing a lot of German-shepherd dogs all over Europe.  
Our dinner did improve as time went on though.  Perhaps we were simply feeling the effects from the wine.   We hated our appetizers.  I had a vegetable mousse.  Alan chose duck (bacon style) with slices of melon.  Who would ever hear of such a dish?   It was funny listening to Alan mock the pub-type London fellow at LE SPORTS CAFÉ.   I snapped Alan in front of the PERRIER vending machine and then we took a walk along the Loire River.   It was such a beautiful night.   Alan was right.  The river depicted life.  It was “calm and serene” on one side and“rough and choppy” on the other side.   Life is exactly like this.   Savor the 'calm and serene' moments.  Don't stress out when it's "rough and choppy" as it will pass in due time.

Alan and I are now having fun as we predict time frames for each of the forthcoming cities that we are destined to see.   What a great team we make during our travels.
“Your voice.  WOW, I was undone,” he said.  UNDONE.  He had a collection of unusual adjectives like that.  DEVOTED was another.  And COMMITTED.  He used that adjective all the time.  Never before had he ever met a man who was comfortable with that particular adjective.--Charles Baxter,
THERE’S SOMETHING I WANT YOU TO DO

Everyone Has More Than One Side To Them

He had not changed much, perhaps he was a little gayer than before—that could also be the excitement; friendly to everyone, he had always been that, and at the same time a bit absent, he still had that about him. –Maria Dermout, THE TEN THOUSAND THINGS





My latest Paloma Letter dated June 27, 1990

June 27, 1990Dear Paloma,I understand how it must be with all of your visitors.  It’s ok that you haven’t written lately.  I, too, think about you all of the time.  I made this card for you a long time ago.  Dove is English for “Paloma”.  No kidding.  I know you know that.
And check this out:  La Paloma Collection, 131 W La Cienega Bl…..659-6364A posh women’s retail and fashion accessory place that you should own here in Los Angeles. Ha-ha.  You are the fashionable queen in my book.
July 4th is only days away and I simply can’t wait.  I’ll probably be in PARIS for a few days.  When I arrive in PARIS I’ll call you and then maybe I can visit your mom or take a picture of her for you.  Would you like that?    Does she still work at the Spanish Consulate office?   We’ll discuss it when I call you in PARIS.  My friend, Alan, and I still plant to rent a car in PARIS and then drive to Barcelona and then hit MONTPELLIER and your area.I know how it is to have visitors.  It can be tiring.  I just had my mom, brother John, sis-in-law, and the girls (Ashley age 6 and Holly age 2 and Ally age 3 months) over here last weekend.  They just left this morning and it’s a relief because Holly, the 2-year old is a TERROR!   We hit Disneyland on Monday and I played a good tour guide.  And now this weekend an ex-girlfriend (Eileen Grabinsky of Burlingame, CA) may be coming with a girlfriend (or alone) to visit on 6/30 or 7/1.   Then, Jim and his girlfriend, Chris, are going to a wedding in San Diego on 6/30 and will be coming to see me on 7/1 and 7/2.  I do have 7/3 as a day off so I can recover.  Then on 7/4 I fly to PARIS.  How exciting!Your hands sure have been busy with friends and relatives visiting (and work).   Don’t feel like you have to be a tour guide for m—but I would like to treat you out for a nice lunch at some café and/or dinner one night.   Like I mentioned…I am playing it all by ear and the main thing is for me to see you.  It will be neat to meet Jonathan (and Alexandre, too).  Oh yeah…by the way, I understand the TOUR DE FRANCE will be taking place while I am there.  Could you find out where they start and where they’ll be so I can hopefully one day take a few pictures from the side lines.  I’d love to witness a portion of the race.They opened a restaurant here in Santa Monica by the beach called I CUGINI.  They give his card along with the check.  I thought the place to be very European and modern (ahead of the times).  I though you’d like to see the card.
I made this bike card, too.  I should be in better shape for biking but I’ll have to eat good while I am in FRANCE.  So I will splurge. Tomorrow is June 28th so I guess Alison, Lisa and Michael Walsh will be knocking at your door soon.  It will be awkward to see Alison and Lisa all grown-up this time.  I’m sure you’re excited.
I’m now checking into a possible job as a Road Rep in the Fashion Industry.  I’d like to get involved with selling someone’s designer men’s fashions.  In L.A. they’re pretty fashion conscious, so we’ll see.  I also had an interview last week with a competitor Yellow Pages publisher as an outside sales rep, so that may be a possibility, too.  Time will tell.  I’ve just got to get out of PAC BELL DIRECTORY because the corporate politics are suffocating me.  And speaking of work, I am at work right now and I’m going to have to put this letter to a close soon.Then I may take a walk in this head and drop this off at the local post-office so it will reach you before I arrive.  Ha-ha.My friend, Alan, is excited about the trip, too.  He’s anxious to drive through from PARIS to SPAIN.  It’s going to be tough considering the car we are renting is a stick shift and I really don’t know how to drive one very well.  Yikes!  Alan has been to Europe before with his wife (I think), so it’s his second trip.I hope all is well with you.  I’ll see you in a week or two—give or take.All My Love,Michael J Armijo

June 29, 1990Dear Mom,I had a great time while you were here.  Before I blink an eye it will be July 4th and “Shazaam”…you know what.  It’s getting exciting.I just mailed Ashley a card that is colorfully similar to this one. And WOW…September 1st-3rd you will be here in Los Angeles again.  I will take you to Santa Monica again and we will venture into some other unexplored territory.Send my regards to Tony, John, Helen, Sherri, Grandma and “all of the girls” (and any other family members you get in touch with).Miss You, LOVE, Michael Joe Armijo
I had written to Lottie, telling her of my plans to go to New York (forgot to mention the Europe part—but I shall surprise her via a postcard).  She wrote me back quickly and included a photograph with one of her unique expressions.
Alan took a photo of me with my CLARK KENT eyeglasses while I was at his place in Santa Monica.
July 1, 1990Michael,New York!  It must be marvelous!  We are not in SANTA LAND.  Our mailing address is North Pole, Alaska!   And I (we) will be here until August, and then back to the lower ‘48’.   The address in Yreka is still valid.  Just in case you want to address a card to AK, the following is current:  P.O. Box 56608, North Pole, Alaska 99705-1608.
Alaska is so different…17 ½ hours of daylight takes getting used to (not to mention a moose at my front door…which can be frightening).Michael plans to move to JOSHUA TREE for the winter.   We plan to visit you in L.A. this winter.  Are you ready?Reida is such a doll.  I have film being developed with pictures to follow for you. I think of you often and hope to hear from you soon.  Say hello to Michael Thoennes….all of you MICHAEL’s!  Always, Lottie
P.S. Notice this card…Alaska Golf card theme. 
I was flabbergasted with excitement when I checked my mailbox and found this card from Dorothy Rua.  She sent me this image of a French bike rider with his son in the back and fresh baguettes.  Unbeknownst to her I have a framed poster of the same image.  She knows me.  Wow!  Dorothy wrote:
7-1-90Hi Michael!What wonderful cards you sent.  The yawning football player is SO appropriate.  It’s life at a collections desk.   The art sculpture is interesting.  I wonder what they pay those guys.  It probably takes so long to get the job done.   The position is handed down from generation to generation.  How nice of you to think of me at I CUGINI Restaurant in Santa Monica.  The sketch on the card is great (a lot of detail).  I look forward to the time I will get to share all of these wonderful places with you.  I wonder if I will ever have enough time to see everything and every place you tell me about!  I especially want to feel the sand between my toes on that private Malibu beach you told me you run on during Tuesday evenings!
Sounds like you wish you had a couple of two year olds hanging around your place on a regular basis.  Ha-ha.  You’re right...  I am lucky my kids are older.  I remember the “terrible twos” like they were yesterday.  Kids start resembling humans when they’re about 4 years old.  Thank goodness most continue to improve with age…like good wine!
By the time you get this car you should be alone with all of your house guests gone and your suitcase packed!  I can’t blame you for being excited about your trip.  It’s so wonderful to just think about.  And in no time you’ll be on that plane.  You know and I know that you’re going to have an absolutely GREAT time, so treasure each moment…even the planning.  I’ll look forward to those super cards!
I’m still at PAC TEL.  You’re right.  One can develop atrophy of the brain at that collections job (especially if you don’t make sure you have other things in your life to keep you stimulated).  About a week after I started there, PAC TEL had a company picnic at HEATH FARMS in Walnut Creek (walking distance to my home) and everyone seemed surprised that I didn’t go.  It was a reaction that surprised me since I am a temporary employee and not anxious to get into the thick of things.  Then a few days later there was a ‘going away’ bash for a sales guy named Harry (at the new CHILE’S in Walnut Creek).   Once again I was asked why I didn’t show up.  I’d never even met Harry!   Actually, the office atmosphere is pretty nice and everyone is friendly and helpful, so yesterday I broke down and joined a group from the office for an evening (until 1:30AM) at TR’s in Concord (ugh—Concord!).  We went to listen to a fellow temp from PacTel sing and play guitar with his 6-piece band.  They turned out to be GREAT (Rock and Roll music with a sax, too).   There was a little bit of jazz mixed in.  And Henry, the temp, had some “interesting words” to some of his songs   I was very surprised to see the department manager, Mike, show up.  He seems so straight but I guess everyone has more than one side to them…
Anyway, I’ll let you know where I am at when you get back.  Who knows?  I may still be “vegged out” in PAC TEL Collections!
I do wish you a happy BON VOYAGE and think this bicycle card down a French country road says it all! Love, DorothyImprinted inside the card were these words:  WHEN TRAVELING ALWAYS REMEMBER TO TAKE A LITTLE EXTRA BREAD.
Those written words about how “everyone has more than one side to them” struck me.  I could so identify.  I haven’t mentioned my man-to-man relationship with Alan to Dorothy.  She thinks we are just friends.  Could she possibly suspect there is something more?   I wouldn’t have a problem sharing the news with her ‘in due time’. 
Alan photographed me again wearing his pink shorts while on his balcony at SEA COLONY in Santa Monica, CA.  We were very excited about our forthcoming European vacation. 
The meeting with Alan’s mother, Gloria, turned out very cordial.  She has a very distinct voice that reminded me of one of my grandmother’s sisters (Pina Leyba).  Gloria was very inquisitive.  She asked about where I grew up in Northern California.  Gloria made me laugh when she said, “You’re a pleasure seeker.”I laughed because I could tell she was the same way. Alan and I ate with her at the CHEESECAKE FACTORY in Marina Del Rey.  It was just as good as any.  The food was good.   A few days later I was happy to receive this card from her as she knew we were leaving for Europe soon.
7/3/90Hi Guys,Have a wonderful time!  Do everything you want to.  Happy globe-trotting!  Don’t have any regrets after the trip is over.  Miss you…please write at least one card.With Love Always,MOMMIE
LOVE had to be sipped slowly, cautiously. -Jose Luis De Vilallonga, 
THE PLEASURE SEEKER

Another Day in Paradise

“What I lack cannot be found by searching for it.”--Colette, THE PURE AND THE IMPUREIt was a great, refreshing summertime feeling for me.   First of all, my greatest friends (Jim from the Gym and his girlfriend, Cwissy) came to visit me in early July.  I was so excited to see them and they added such LIFE to my pad (as well as my pleasure psyche).   We went out for drinks and light bites and spent a great day at Santa Monica Beach one day.  I photographed Jim and Cwissy by my car as we were gathering our gear for the sand. 
We always have such laughter and fun.   The music by Phil Collins played while we were lying out on the beach.   The song called "Another Day in Paradise".  That’s just what it was like.  Of course, there were the love songs of the day that continually played like NOTHING COMAPARES TO YOU by Sinead O’Connor and IT MUST HAVE BEEN LOVE by Roxette.   Those tunes made me feel ill-at-ease and I couldn’t help think of my old flame, Kelly, while I was with Jim and Cwissy.   Alas, I quickly refreshed my mind when VOGUE came on by MADONNA.  

The visit with Jim and Cwissy was quite special.   When I am with them we create such an ESCAPADE (which leads me to think of the Janet Jackson song that also played while we were at the beach).  While on the beach in Santa Monica we each bought ice-cream.  I bought my favorite missle-popsicle and posed in a suggestive position.   Cwissy quickly took a photo.  It was a hilarious moment.  I didn't realize her photo would forever imprint it in my mind though.  Ha-ha.
A week earlier my mom, brother, sis-in-law, Ashley and Holly arrived.  I also took them to the beach and pointed to Sea Colony to show them that my “best-friend” (Alan) lived there. On another afternoon I took them to Malibu to get a feel for some powerful waves.   What is a visit to Southern California if one does not visit the beautiful beaches (especially at the start of summer)?   We also spent a significant time at my condo in West Hollywood and by the swimming pool.  I must thank Alan for introducing me to Laguna Beach.  If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t have known to take mom and Ashley there to get a feel for an Orange County beach.   We loved the drive and the beautiful scenery.  It’s much easier to drive there on a weekday during the non-commuting time.

I found a tug boat and had Ashley pose inside of it.  That was cute.   We explored the Laguna Beach vicinity and ate at THE COTTAGE RESTAURANT.   The weather couldn’t have been more perfect.  I enjoyed the ‘people watching’ but my focus was on mom and Ashley and I loved taking pictures of them while we were there.   Mom isn’t the greatest with my camera so I instructed Ashley to take the “one” photo of me on that day.   She did a pretty good job of capturing me.  I can safely call it my ‘summer look’.

I liked a photo I took of mom and Ashley against the rocks not far from the shoreline.
I did get share of solo shots of each them, too.  Ashley was entertaining herself by the shoreline.  She finally turned her head after I called her name three or four times and snapped a quick photo (which I liked). It was funny when I persuaded mom to go deep in the middle of this rocky section of the beach.Mom was saying, “Just take it.”She didn’t like being in the midst of the rocks.   Still…the photo turned out to be a fun moment.   She liked the photo when she saw it later that evening.

Time stood still once I was alone again in my condo.  It was back to work soon.   The only good thing is that I’d be seeing Alan again soon and I could share the latest happenings from my recent visitors.   It really can be ‘Another Day in Paradise’ if you allow it for one’s self.

I am to meet Alan's mother, Gloria, soon.  A lunch or dinner is planned.   This ought to be interesting.  I'm sure all will go smoothly.  
“I THINK IT AND YOU DO IT.”--as heard while watching the film, YOUTH IN REVOLT 
(a 2009 motion-picture)

Make It Happen

“We cannot go back.  We have to make the right choice.”-as heard while watching Jared Leto in the 2009 film, MR. NOBODY
June 12, 2016I was at the local groovy card store on Sunset Boulevard near my condo and found a postcard of THE HONEYMOONERS.  It reminded me of my dad and when I used to watch this silly, funny show with him.  My dad would really laugh at the expressions of Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden and Art Carney as “Norton”.  I bought the card and sent it to mom.  I needed to express my woes about my current job, too. I want OUT.  I wrote: 6-12-90Hi Mom,I saw this card and it reminded me of “DAD”.  Remember how he loved this show?  He used to crack-up at Ralph Kramden.  I used to watch it with him at 11:30P on weeknights and we’d laugh together.  I’m sure you watched it with him before.I sent John directions yesterday.  If you should get lost you can always move in with me.  Ha-ha.I was depressed about my job situation.  I had another talk with my manager about “career pathing”.  I told her I was thinking of “retiring” because I know this job inside and out and how “I want OUT” unless another opportunity comes along.  Good dirt, huh?  Love, “M”
Paloma wrote me recently, too.  Here’s the latest with her.  She included a cool postcard of her CAP D’AGDE area in the South of France.
Dear Michael,Sorry I didn’t write much lately but I’ve been very busy working and also very tired.  Aren’t we lucky?   So…you are thinking of Hawaii again, huh?   Some of us really have all the luck.  Today they said in the news that Hawaii was having some pollution problems.  I didn’t hear everything so I don’t exactly know why.  
I hope I didn’t send you this card before.  I’m having a hard time remembering which ones I’ve already sent you.  I bet you’ve got the same problem by the way.  I already got the M and M’s card. 
….I was going to call you on your Birthday but I realized I didn’t have your number.  Too bad!  Jonathan’s birthday (JUNE) is just 9 days after yours.  He still is really cute and so funny now.  He talks every day and says new words.  He repeats everything.  He is really smart (just like his mommy, right?).  Right now I keep him with me all day long.  We play in the pool together.  He loves water.Look at the stamps on the envelope.  There is a bicycle.  Do you still collect them?I have to go now…write me.  I miss you.Love, Paloma
I still haven’t “given in” about my relationship with Alan to Paloma.  I’m sure it will all come out in due time.  I sometimes wonder if I’m simply infatuated with Alan.  Or is it love…or is there a connection with the two?   I am meeting Alan’s mother soon.  It will be a casual dinner or lunch somewhere.  That ought to be interesting.
And so, I must write to Paloma again with more of the same scoop.  I need more excitement in my life.  Don’t we all need excitement at times?   I always remind myself that one is only bored because they are bored by choice.  I am now finding ways to choose time wisely and make every day more worthwhile.  I’ll make it happen.  It’s all about ‘me’ and what I choose to do (or plan to do).    Things don’t just happen.  One has to make them happen.  Make it happen. “I think infatuation has gotten a bad rap.  That’s why a lot of relationships break down.  LOVE without infatuation is not enough.   Cause it’s infatuation  that brings playfulness, indulgence, romance.  LOVE, on the other hand, is about patience and loyalty and, very importantly, nurturing---that impulse to take care of someone and see to their needs.  So when you hear people saying, ‘I LOVE you but I’m not IN LOVE with you,’ what they’re really saying is that they wouldn’t go with you at two in the morning to find a pint of Haagen-Dazs ice-cream anymore.”--Colin Channer, WAITING IN VAIN, a novel

Drowning In Suburbia

You get old, you thing about the past, both the bad and the good.  You have time to consider it all.  You try to turn even the worst that has happened into a gift.--Charles Baxter, from his short story AVARICE in his book THERE’S SOMETHING I WANT YOU TO DO
I received a beautiful postcard from Barbara Reynolds of an early morning bicycle scene in CHINA, 1985.  I loved the foggy feeling.  Barbara wrote:
5, June 1990Of course this reminded me of you….is the job changing for you?  I felt very stiff with mine….things are better now with Rene Narducci permanently my manager.  Finally, someone who knows something.    I expect that you are excellent in your job.  I guess I suffer from old age.  I just want to be at the beach sometimes.  I actually enjoy work (not like our first month in San Francisco). I told you I fly to PARIS on July 25th and return August 14th.Love, BarbaraP.S.  I like your handmade touch.
Another former coworker, Gloria Romero, continues to drop me a card from time to time.  She send a postcard from BIG BEAR LAKE this time.  I’ve never been to this lake.  I sometimes wonder if it is a worthwhile visit.   Gloria wrote:

June 11, 1990Hi Mike,This card is for you.  I’m on a mission here in BIG BEAR LAKE.  George’s daughter is home.  George and I are enjoying the rest.  You must visit this area sometime.That last card you send me of the delightful seafood dish…I’m framing for my kitchen.  It is nice we send cards back and forth.  Your Friend, Gloria (and George, too).
And another delightful sunset card from Dorothy arrived.   These cards make my coming home from work a true treat.  She was replying back after I’d written her from the weekend escape that Alan and I took to the San Simeon, HEARST CASTLE area.  Her letters remind me that I am happy I am in a major city now versus “drowning in suburbia”.  Dorothy Rua wrote: 6-11-90Hi Michael,Wasn’t expecting to hear from you while you were on vacation, so was pleasantly surprised to receive the two cards dated 5-31-90.  The bathroom shot was rather interesting.   The homeowner/renter was definitely NOT into decorative items!  Loved the LADY “PRESSED” for jewels card.   I wouldn’t mind having a share of those jewels for myself.  I particularly like the belt and the necklace.   Ha!I also received your other creation:  DANCER IN BLACK.  It was great!   I really liked it.  How odd to appear so feminine, and then have that masculine hand exposed.Sounds like you had a wonderful time at HEARST CASTLE.  No, I’ve never been.  I bet it’s every bit as beautiful as you say, especially since it’s near the ocean (you know how I feel about the ocean).  And the pot pies sound delicious.  I love chicken or turkey pot pies.
I’m curious to hear about your recent encounter with VIOLET…must be interesting news.Have not matched myself up with the “job of my dreams” yet…I’d better get something going fairly soon.  I can’t live this life indefinitely.  I am going to sign up for some temp work to get a peek (and a foot) into the other industries.  I’m having a heck of a time going the other route.  Who knows?   The next time you step up to the counter at CARL’S JR. you may hear a familiar voice ask, “May I take your order sir?”I have been busy lately…mostly with job hunting and “mom” things.  Jean-Paul’s Little League season seems to be running a bit long.  Fun to watch…but I don’t know if I can sit through another month of baseball…plus soccer season is around the corner.  Nicole’s social calendar has also had me running around a bit.  It’s the end of the school year parties.  What happened to playing with dolls when one is 12 years old?  Ha!Am Idrowning in suburbia?  Man y days the answer is YES.  Thank goodness for other things and other people, especially people like YOU.  Your invitation to come visit will help me through quite a few of these days.  I will come to visit, Michael…at some point.  I’ll do just that!Recently I’ve had several people come to me with their problems and I was beginning to wonder, WHY ME?  Maybe it’s because I don’t give advice and I don’t judge them or their mates.  Who knows?   It does keep one’s mind off one’s own problems, though, even for just a while.  More later…Love, Dorothy
While Dorothy often inspires me with her letters I still cannot help get into a doldrums feeling, knowing I must return to that Pac Bell Directory office in the mid-Wishire area of Los Angeles.  I need more and I feel like quitting.  I need something else.   Thank goodness for ALAN who often lifts my spirits and makes my time go quickly as we have so much fun.  Our recent San Simeon adventure was just that, an adventure.  I look forward now to our New York and Europe escapes.  I need to open the world before me and not just via a page in a book.
I remember a huge tiredness coming over me, a kind of lethargy in the face of the tangle mess before me.  It was like being given a math problem when your brain’s exhausted, and you know there’s some far-off solution, but you can’t work up the energy even to give it a go.  Something in me just gave up.
--Kazuo Ishiguro, NEVER LET ME GO

Another Thing To Do

“Look, you’ve got to grow up.  And you've got to get yourself back on track."–Kazuo Ishiguro,  NEVER LET ME GO
I had forgotten this cute Polaroid photo that my sister-in-law, Sherri, had sent to me of my newest niece, Ally Elizabeth.  She is two months old here (May 23, 1990).  It looks like she has one tooth already.  What a cutie pie in her punk rock hair style…PHOTO:  Ally Elizabeth Armijo A couple of days after my Birthday I was surprised to find a typewritten floral card/letter from Pat Crowley.  She was the teacher in San Francisco that I worked for in the THINK/WRITE Program.  I inspired her 4th and 5thgraders to write.  The memories of that are all so good.  She wrote these words which inspired me:
May 27, 1990Dear Michael,Just a short note to say, “Hi.”  My students gave me your new address in L.A.  I was quite surprised to learn that you had left the Bay Area.Are you with AT&T?  I hope the earthquakes last year didn’t frighten you away from this part of California.

I have been involved with the THINK/WRITE project for the school year 1989-1990.  I was teamed with a Computer Technology writer for Bank of America.  We have had a positive collaboration, just as we did when we worked together.  Our publication is finished and the San Francisco Education Fund had a party where each team was presented to the audience and selected students from each partnership read some of the stories written during the project.  It was held at KPIX, Channel 5 studios.  It was a very nice affair.
I also have been involved with another teacher, Dr. Michael Meehan, in directing a school team ARTS Grant.  Visual Art was integrated in six teachers’ classrooms, including my own, with the core curriculum.  It has been an exciting experience.  We culminated the project with an in school exhibit.  It looks fantastic, if I do say so myself.  Everyone worked hard and learned much from the experience.
Summer vacation is almost upon me.  I cannot believe how quickly the school year has gone by.  I’m thinking about taking flying lessons this summer.  I have always wanted to do it.  It involves ten hours of class time and forty hours of flight experience. It has always been a dream of mine.  I also plan to go east the beginning of August to visit my brother and his family in D.C.  I’ll probably meet them in Sebago Lake, Maine where my sister-in-law’s family has a summer chalet on the lake.  It is a beautiful place, in a forest, facing the lake.  It’s a magnificent place, off the beaten track…great natural beauty and plenty of peace and quiet.Let me know what you are doing, if you have time to write.Fondly, Pat Crowley It was the last day of May and I took time to send mom a special, handmade postcard.  After I finished writing it I realized that I am still searching (for what...even I don not know).  I'm not sure where I'm going but I am excited about where it will lead.  I intend on giving my best efforts.
5-31-90Hi Mom,This week has been so nice, resting and painting and NOT going to the ‘rat hole’.  I may be going to visit HEARST CASTLE in San Simeon this weekend (June 1-3)…to be announced.I know this is a boring card but I have a really good one coming for you from the movie DICK TRACY which opens on June 15th I think.  I’m really excited about when you and John and the girls come to visit.  I know I keep saying that but I am.
When I return from Europe on July 23rd I’ll probably arrange a weekend trip to Alameda in August.  I guess I have to have the post-office hold my mail from July 5-23rd.   It gives me another thing to do.What else do you want to do when you come to L.A.?  Disneyland, Universal Studios…?  Let me know if I can’t think of anything.  Later.Love You, Michael

I had two large postcards that I handmade and I wanted to send them to Paloma, so today was as good a day as any.  One card was a profile of a guy wearing 501 Levi jeans.  I saw the guy as ‘me’.  I hope Paloma will detect that.  I especially liked how he looked in his jeans.  If only I looked that good in mine.  I guess I do on certain days.  It’s a cool Black and White clipping I found in a magazine.  I know how Paloma always says, “Levi 501 jeans are the best pants that were ever invented.”   And so, I’m sure she will enjoy receiving that card.   The other card was a sign in French that to “Respect the Cyclists” (Respectez Les Cyclistes), so I had to send her that one too!  I find it cool that I was able to translate that all by myself.  I’m sure Paloma will not give me much credit.  Oh well…it’s not easy to impress her.  Perhaps that’s one thing that I adore about her.
On the card with the male model with the jeans I wrote:May 31, 1990, Los Angeles, CA, 90069
Hi Paloma:There’s a new Arnold Schwarzenegger movie coming out next weekend called TOTAL RECALL.  It cost $60 million dollars to make!  Isn’t that crazy?   Oh well…it will probably make about that much—if not more—at the box office. It’s nice to hear you and Alexandre are doing pretty well.  I can’t wait to meet him and Jonathan.I saw the new Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn movie last weekend (BIRD ON A WIRE).  It was pretty good.  Goldie is pretty funny. I’m on vacation this week (my Birthday week).  I’ve just been resting.  I did some painting of which I haven’t done much of lately.  I was going to go home (to Alameda) but John, Ashley, and Holly are coming next month to visit with my mom around June 22nd—26th.  We will hit DISNEYLAND and that sort of thing.I went through a lot of the old postcards you’ve sent me of France, Montpellier and Agde, etc. to get a preview of the beauty I will be revisiting and/or seeing for the first time.I remember how you like 501 LEVI’s and I thought you’d like this picture.  I hope it doesn’t get too mangled by the time it reaches France.  See You Soon!   Love, Michael!
On the other postcard of the “Respect the Cyclists” sign I wrote the following:May 31, 1990HI Paloma, Thanks for the Birthday card.  You’re such a “sweetie”.  And, of course, I remember your birthday.  It’s January 2ndor 6th and we both know it’s too close after Christmas, so it shouldn’t be celebrated.  Ha-ha.I saw this picture and loved it.  I do believe the cyclists should be respected.  I went bike riding last Saturday (my Birthday) through several beaches.  I also ate at a really nice restaurant in L.A. called MICHAEL’S.July 4this right around the corner.  I am so excited about seeing you.  We may not hit MILAN or GENEVA and just focus on PARIS, South of France and BARCELONA.  We’ll see.  I’ll probably call you on 7-6 or 7-7.  I’m going to bring my camera and take pictures of Jonathan.  I can’t wait to see the little rascal.  Oh boy…Pain du Chocolat…one of my favorite pastries…soon!
Love, Michael
Alan and I do plan on the escape to San Simeon.  The town of Cambria is supposed to be beautiful and the history of the HEARST CASTLE is extraordinary (so I hear).  We will visit this beautiful place over the following weekend.  I’m excited.Alan secretly send a postcard to me a day or so later, using a postcard from THE ART HEART, a Gallery in Los Angeles and he forged the name of the artist, Rudi Fisher. 6-1-90Michael,Please come to my next show.  I know you’re busy this week but call me for a private showing one day this week.  I’ll be I San Simeon on June 7, 8, 9 and Seattle on July 19, 20; Hawaii August 3-5th and Northern California from July 4th-7th.   Rudi Fischer
Michael G Miller remembered my Birthday…after all: 6/3/90Michael J Armijo,Happy Birthday 1990.  Hope this one was memorable! (?)   This was probably the first Birthday you ever spent in Southern Cal…if you were in fact there.  Well, maybe I’ll see you for your Birthday next year…The second one of the 90’s.  Take care.  Best Wishes and I’ll see you on the 22nd of June.Friends Always,Michael G Miller
My mother tells me stories about animals that stray from the nest, are exposed to danger, and in the end, after many adventures, return to the security of the nest.  The theme of the safe haven and of the dangers that lurk outside still appeal to me.--Adolfo B Cesares