Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 6

To Negotiate

“In the meantime, don’t worry too much. We and our troubles aren’t so important as we think.” --Margaret Millar, THE IRON GATES (as read in Alfred Hitchcock Presents Stories for Late at Night. 

Boo!  It’s time for Halloween. Alan and I decided to ‘brave it’ and go to West Hollywood where they close off the streets and everyone parades around in costumes.  I chose to dress like Private Ryan (Matt Damon) from the film SAVING PRIVATE RYAN.  I had an old Army Helmet that I bought at a Thrift Shop over in Las Vegas, New Mexico.  It was the perfect prop for my outfit.  I also had army green pants and boots.  It was perfect.  We had a BLAST.  It was fun. The comradery of strangers and cheering people on.  I was happy that I was the only PRIVATE RYAN.  I was an original.  Hurrah.  Alan dressed as a baseball player.  One of these days I want to dress as a football player.   

The Fall Season is upon us, and I love it.  I like seeing pumpkins and feeling the harvest aura.  Barbara Reynolds sent another Alexander Calder postcard of Southern Cross, 1963: 

Happy Halloween!  Nov 1998 

Thank you for the lovely card from ITALY.  Are you in love with ITALY now?  I LOVE ITALY. 

Alice and I finally got to the San Francisco MOMA Exhibit of CALDER’s work yesterday.  I am in love with CALDER.  

Excitement here.  I won the Grand Prize in a raffle from a co-worker's kid.  Fly anywhere Southwest flies for FREE.  Not bad for a five-dollar investment. 

David is still here.  Things are well.   

Have you changed your job yet?   

We still have email but do have some computer problems. 

Hope all is well.   

Love, Barbara 

My former Branch Manager at Charles Schwab & Co., Joe McGinley, was offered a new position to become the new Branch Manager in Las Vegas, Nevada. He had asked if I might be interested in transferring to his branch. He asked no one else in the branch. It was an honor in some regard that he felt that highly of me to ask. I discussed it with Alan, and he balked at the idea. "You can't leave me." I simply laughed, knowing he might react this way. I didn't even bother to negotiate or persuade Alan for me to take this route. I'll stick with my plan to leave Schwab at the end of the year. My current manager, Randy Kirk, has no idea of my plans. I'm replaceable. Everyone is replaceable. People don't realize this.

Alan and I went to the movies again this weekend.  We loved this action-thriller called THE NEGOTIATOR, starring Kevin Spacey and Samuel L Jackson.  It was so exciting. Loved it!  It takes extreme talent to be able to negotiate.   

“I can’t sleep.” 

“You’re trying too hard.  Just close your eyes and think of something nice and soothing, like rain or grass waving or trees.” --Margaret Millar, THE IRON GATES 

Blow It Out of the Park

Confucius said: “TO KNOW that we know, and that we do NOT know what we do NOT know, that is TRUE KNOWLEDGE.” --as read in in the Henry David Thoreau book, WALDEN 

Leave it to Paloma to ‘blow it out of the park’ with her latest correspondence.  I don’t know why I don’t get French magazines.  I know there’s a newsstand on Beverly Drive that sells them.  Luckily, Paloma sends me clippings from time to time.  She keeps in ‘in the know’ for a lot of things American and French.  This time she included the celebrities and their MALIBU homes.  I wonder if they’ll all be living there in ten years' time.  She also sent cool, dressy photos from the last Cannes Film Festival.  She made me laugh with some of her comments. She often does.  Paloma wrote: 

Photo: Paloma Alquier

le 23 Octobre 1998 

Dear Michael, 

I’m sorry it took me so long to answer you.  I really enjoyed the letter you sent me on September 8th (as usual) and I planned to answer you right away but then, you know how it is, I was so busy, I did not.  First, my brother (the one who lives in Paris: Luis) and sister-in-law came on their way to my mom’s house in SPAIN.  So, we spent the little spare time we had with them.  We really get along very well, and we always have a good time.  Then, they came again on their way back with my mom (that I only get to see once or twice a year, and I'm like you I love my mom).   

Also, I forgot to tell you that I had a very hard time with our customers last summer.   

Jonathan started school (I think you call it high school).  He is eleven years old, that was a big change, he now studies ENGLISH (in fact he did before but just a few hours. 

Then my dad came with his wife.  In between we also had Alexandre’s family.  And to try to make a long story short, two weeks ago I was busy buying me a new car.  I guess you don’t know it.  It is called TWINGO by RENAULT.  I find it really cute.  I’m happy with it, broke but happy! 

So, now to answer your letter.  I do know who LARRY KING is.  I can even watch him on TV. We’ve got some ENGLISH, American (CNN) and German Channels now.  The one I find funny is DAVID LETTERMAN (but we can’t see him, well, some people probably can—I can’t).

How was your Family Reunion in Denver?  I guess you had a great time. 

I’m sorry it was impossible for me to meet you anywhere (but here!).  My vacation will start right before CHRISTMAS, that’s when we close the Residence and now Jonathan can’t miss school.  He is good, very smart, that helps! 

I have never been to HOLLAND or to ITALY, but I will someday.  Alexandre went to Venice for his first Honeymoon (he stayed married for 6-months!).   

You are telling me you have never heard about A BOUT DE SOUFFLE (the card you sent me, the J.L. GODARD movie).  Of course you have!  Haven’t you seen BREATHLESS with Richard Gere?  That was the American movie remake.  Like remember I once told you about a very funny French movie called UN INDEN DANS LA VILLE.  Well, Americans have also made a remake.  Now there is a pretty good French movie called TAXI. Maybe you can see it? Yesterday, we saw LA VIE EST BELLE (LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL). It is Roberto Benigni’s movie.  Have you heard about him?  He gave a fantastic show at the CANNES FESTIVAL with Martin Scorsese (he kissed his feet).  I liked the movie so-so, but Benigni seems to be such a nice person.   

Isn’t it SNAKE EYES that’s the new Brian De Palma movie?  I thought it was because you say Nicholas Cage directed it.  It is coming out here on November 11th.  We’ve got a bunch of fantastic new theaters in Montpellier (which is the big city around here).  So, how as SNAKE EYES? 

Photo: MADONNA, 1998

I can only tell you about good restaurants in our area. We know quite a few now. One of the best (let’s say Top Ten) in France is in Montpellier-I guess you’ll just have to come before I’m too old.  And I’ll be very glad if you don’t remind me about my next Birthday!  I don’t know what a Birthday is anymore! But I’m sure you know how I feel, right Michael?  You can’t fool me!  Let’s just think that MADONNA and SHARON STONE are older than we are!  

I hope someday I will get an ARMIJO original.  You keep telling me about your ARTWORK, but I never get to see it. 

Andalucia is a beautiful region.  We lived there for 6 months when we worked for CLUB MED in MARBELLA.  That’s where Antonio Banderas has his house.  He is ‘ANDAWZ”, pretty good looking, your time dark hair, dark eyes.  My mom and were from MADRID. 
Thanks for all those cards from your trip.  Looks like you had a great time.  This year we won’t go very far.  I think we’ll go to PARIS for Christmas and to SPAIN in February to see my mom.  If I had more time, I would go to ITALY, I think.  Isn’t it great for clothes and shoes?  And we could be there in 5 or 6 hours!  I’d love to go shopping in NEW YORK, too, that must be fun.  

So, you stayed at the PRINCE DE GALLES, went to THE RITZ, soon you too are going to send me a letter form Christmas telling me about your lunch with Clinton!  Aren’t you planning to buy a Ferrari yet?  I’m just kidding, of course.  I wish I could tell you the same.  I love nice hotels, too.  As a matter of fact, that’s even why I’d love to go to Las Vegas again.  I hope this time we’ll meet there but I feel lucky already.  I’ve been all over the world and I have a gorgeous car!  I must send you this letter now.  If I don’t I won’t for a long time.  I’m sure.  So, I’ll try to write again soon! 

Love—Regards to Alan, 

Paloma 

Here is a T-Shirt to ride your bike with so you can share our TOUR DE FRANCE Victory! 

“Of course, there are many strange coincidences, but you need have no fear.” --Maurice LeBlanc in his Arsene Lupin book, GENTLEMAN BURGLAR, ‘The Mysterious Traveler’ Chapter. 

Maintain my good KARMA

‘I should have been a lot of things, but I am what I am.  Pass the potatoes.’--Thomas Thompson, in his book, BLOOD AND MONEY 

My week consisted of work and lovely letters from Sandy, Dorothy and Susie: 

October 14, 1998 

My Dearest Cousin, 

How are you today?  Greetings from the Magnolia State. 

Thank you for the beautiful pictures and cards.  I can see you all had a wonderful reunion in Denver.  Yes, I was with you in spirit.  I talked to Oscar and Elsie that week. They praised you and the event. 

Michael, God forgive me, but Oscar hurt my feelings again.  I am not going to call him anymore.  Unfortunately, I must depend on others to help me while I’m confined.  All I wanted was for him to arrange for an attorney to visit me, so that I could discuss my release with him.  

Mr. Stanfield, the attorney, did visit me but has a trip planned to Las Vegas and California.  It is my understanding he will see after his vacation... 

I received a beautiful card from our cousin, Victoria Ortega.  It sounds like she stays busy.  We three must have our “Special Reunion” someday the Lord willing.  My town or yours? 

We have been having cool weather, which I appreciate after a very hot summer and no air conditioning. 

Michael, I did receive your cards from the Netherlands and Italia.  Thank you for thinking of me.  You are so thoughtful.  I thank God for you.  May he richly bless you.  I know He will.  He already has by the sound of your card.  You sound like you’re in heaven. 

Don’t forget I am a Halloween child. 

Take Care and know that my thoughts are with you. 

Love, 

Sandy 

P.S. Please send me Aunt Josie’s address.

October 18, 1998 

Dear Michael, 

This is the card I picked up at that ADULT STORE in San Jose.  I like the outfit. 

Quick update regarding my job change: Finally, I had it with the DICTATOR I worked for and decided I needed to eliminate the negative influence he brought into my life-need to maintain my good KARMA.  Will miss friends at VALENT but figure I can always stay in touch with them.  The new job is proving to be a big challenge which I wanted and needed.  My official title is Collection Supervisor/Internationa Accountant.  I help the Controllers in Europe, the MidEast, Africa, Asia, Australia (Pacific) and South American, keeping track of their revenue and assist them with their cash projections.  I also work on their collections (and all the different currencies) and supervise three employees who collect on the US accounts. 

I go home tired every day.  When did you say I was to meet you and Alan in NYC?  New Year’s Eve 1999?  I’ll be ready for a party then! 

So, do you have plans for ‘after 12-31-98' when you leave Charles Schwab & Co.?  Give me an update.  I’m not really motivated to communicate by e-mail lately because I do that all day long for my job.  Hope to get a card from you while you're abroad in Italy and can't wait to hear all the wonderful details. 

I had the strangest dream about you last week—will share when we talk. 

Laser face treatment coming up for me on October 15th and will be home until October 26th...just and FYI. 

On my lunch break right now, I need to get back...more later. 

P.S. Business card with email enclosed. 

I love you,  

Dorothy 

And my dad’s 1st cousin Susie Garcia-Rosser wrote, and it was sweet of her to send me some cash:  

October 19, 1998 

Hi Michael, 

How are you?  I wanted to Thank you for the photos from the Denver Garcia Reunion before too much time went by.  I appreciate you sending me the pictures of all our descendants. I’m glad to have them. 

I’ve been busy roasting green Chile peppers.  Someone we know bought us a big sack from New Mexico.  I love them but these are so HOT.  My hands were on fire.  Well, thank you very much and you take care. 

I’m sending you his money because I know how much pictures cost to copy.  

Regards to the family.  Cousin Susie Rosser 

‘Happiness comes from solving problems.  Happiness is a form of action; it’s an activity and it is a constant work-in-progress.’--Mark Manson, in his book, THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A FUCK 

Suitable for Framing

“As you get older, you realize life is best shared with others.” --Jacob Tomsky, from his 2012 book, HEADS IN BEDS 

While in Venice, Italy I sent the same card to mom and to Lauren (Alan’s eldest daughter) who is attending New York University.  It’s a beautiful seen of the View of the Grand Canal from the early 1730s.  It was painted by Giovanni Antonio Canal b. 1697 d.1768.  The title of the painting is CANALETTO and the original oil on canvas painting is at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.  How funny is that?   

10/98 

Mom, this is suitable for framing.  I’m not experiencing Rome, Florence and Venice.  I’m in total awe.  The Art, the Food, the Pasta, and Seafood are all GREAT!  Italy is SUPERB.  Just wait until we go in May 1999. 

Love Your Son, 

Michael J Armijo 

October 1998 

Lauren, 

Your dad and I are having a fantastic time.  I don’t have to tell you.  You were just in Italy.  Venice is superb though.  The Food!  Yum-Yum.  I love vacations.  We miss you.  

Love,  

Michael Armijo 

Lauren: “Memories” ...Like the corner of my mind...I found this in my leather jacket pocket while walking here in Italy.  Do you remember?  The Hollywood Bowl ticket to the GIPSY KINGS you attended with us on Saturday, June 6, 1998.  

Cousin Edward Michael Espinosa sent me three postcards by a German photographer named Michael Taubenheim.  I’ve never heard of him but the male model in the cards isn’t too impressive.  It made me wonder about the photographer’s other works.  I like that he seems to prefer monochrome B&W: 

Oct. 1998 

Dear Michael, 

I presume you have not yet gone to Europe as I haven’t received any cards.  How was the Denver reunion from your Garcia side of the family? 

We’ve had a busy summer here at the florist store and it’s a good thing because we had to purchase two new delivery vehicles.  We anticipate an equally busy Holiday season starting with Halloween.  The only holiday that might not be as profitable as other years is Valentine’s Day since it falls on a Saturday.  We will make up for it. 

Denise Padilla (my niece) has been interviewed all over the country: Albany, NY, Houston, TX, Salt Lake City, UT—but so far, the best offer is right here at Sandia Laboratories in NM.  I don’t think she relished the idea of moving too far from her parents: Margaret and John.  I’ll be in Abilene, TX on October 18th and in Hobbs, NM on the 27th.  I’ll send cards. 

I'll be having only one house guest this year for the Balloon Festival and that will be my friend, Alejandro, from Rochester, NY.  He was here last year and this year he wants to see more of New Mexico. 

Cliff (Clifton Mark Snider) is planning to go to France in December and would like me to go with him (Mario can’t go) but I won’t be able as that is a very busy month at the florist.  I really can’t get away between the months of October and May—but maybe next summer.  

Nephew Dean and wife, Renee, will betraveling to Ireland next month and I think they’re planning to get married there.  I'll keep you posted.  Hope you enjoy these cards. 

Love You, Edward 

I enjoy my solitude as always but it’s good to escape now and then. Alan and I went to see the new Spielberg Dreamworks animated film called ANTZ (even though Alan really hates ants, Ha-ha). It was a cute and enjoyable movie. The voices of Woody Allen, Anne Bancroft, Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone and others were used. 

“All I can add in my solitude, is, may heaven’s rich blessing come down on everyone, American, English or Turk, who will help to heal this open sore in the world.” --David Livingstone, Scottish physician/African explorer, as read in the book COBALT RED: “How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives” by Siddharth Kara 

Lust For Life

“Life isn’t the easiest trip in the world.  You have to have a desire to live.” --Duffy of Duffy’s Napa Valley Rehab Center to Francis Stanislaus Mahoney (Suzanne Somers’ father) in the book, KEEPING SECRETS by Suzanne Somers 

I wrote mom on a BRIDE OF CHUCKY movie promo postcard.  It’s coming out for Halloween. I wrote from Amsterdam, The Netherlands where Alan and I have escaped to.  We made an itinerary list of things we wanted to do. We also continued on to Italy. Here's what I wrote to my mom, Virginia Marie Lucero-Armijo:  

10-2-98 

Well Mom, I’ve made it to Amsterdam.  The Canals, the Beauty...WOW!   

Taking a walk shortly to the Muziektheater to see if we can get tickets to ‘whatever is playing’.  

There’s a place called ‘The Other Side Coffeeshop'.  It’s far superior to Starbucks! 

Planning to go to two nightclubs called EXIT and ROXY. 

And of course, I still must go to the Rijksmuseum, the Diamond Center, Van Gogh Museum, The Erotic Museum (curious) and Rembrandt Park.   

I’m also dying to taste the Gouda Cheese here in Holland. 

Love,

Michael Armijo & Alan 

We stayed at the Amstel Intercontinental Hotel in Amsterdam and when we had dinner at the restaurant that evening, the waiter told me, “Two nights ago, Bill Gates, was seated in that same chair you’re sitting in.” That was cool to know.  I loved that hotel.  The wallpaper behind the headboard of the bed was so beautiful.   They gave us these complimentary waffle cookies that I’d never had before.  They were left in our room in a beautiful package.  Each waffle cookie had a bit of caramel layered in-between.  There goes my waistline.   

We explored Rembrandt Park and there were mossy green colors there that I absolutely adored.  I also saw a gorgeous looking mushroom and I wondered if it was edible or one of those hallucinogenic mushrooms.  I’m glad I didn’t take a chance and taste it.   I’ve never had a hallucinogenic mushroom in my life.  I think I’ll keep it that way.  I had rather hallucinate during ordinary dreams.  Ha-ha 

There were all these risqué posters and things all about town that caught my eye.  It’s like street art everywhere—not to mention the many bikes.  And the outfits the local people were wearing on their bikes was a sight all unto itself.  I loved the VAN GOGH MUSEUM.  I’m always inspired by a museum; however, I always love the gift shops more than anything else.  

Alan drove a rental car for 2.5 hours from Amsterdam to the Belgium Airport for our next destination to Rome, Italy.  Rome is magical.  It’s a wonderful walking city.  The pasta goes without saying that it’s delicious—if you find the right places.   

After Rome we hit Milan, Italy which is great for the fashion feeling.  I love seeing the people on the streets of Rome and Milan.  They dress beautifully.  This also inspires me.  We liked that LA RINASCENTE Department store.   I bought some suede black boots at a store called CLONE.  I couldn’t resist.  

We found it quite difficult to drive out of Rome. I tried to navigate, and Alan was so frustrated. Now we know why Italian drivers always win the Le Mans races. The first thing you need to know is how to drive in Rome and 'GET OUT OF ROME'. What a nightmare. We were only going an hour outside of Rome (that was the easy part once you found the auto route/freeway).

We stayed at a posh boutique hotel in the Ponte Vecchio area by the sea. The Relais & Chateau restaurant inside the hotel was simply fantastic. It was also quite the sight to see two very handsome Italian waiters who happened to be identical twins! That was amazing. I don't think I'd ever seen two grown men working together dressed in posh Italian suits who happened to be identical twin brothers. One of my regrets was not taking a photo of the twins. Ha-ha.

There was an 'Italian Great Dane' on the property. I stayed away. The last thing I want is to be bitten by a huge dog in a foreign country. Alan got a kick out of the fact that I called it the 'Italian Great Dane'. The grounds of the property were just gorgeous. It was a nice switch from being in the busy city of Rome (more tourists there).

Upon our return home I laughed at a few items in my mailbox.  Gloria sent me an article on something she NEEDS: Refresher classes for older drivers.  Ha-Ha 

While Alan and I were on our European excursion my mom, Alan's mom and Gloria's New Jersey friend, Deb Van Dyke, were on a trip through Provence, France. Mom shared some of those photos with me. I loved the one of the flock of sheep crossing the road. They couldn't go anywhere until they had all passed across the road.

My cousin, Patty Trujillo-Richfield, in Philadelphia also wrote a sweet letter in her own handwriting.  She has inspired me to read LUST FOR LIFE by Irving Stone or watch the 1956 movie of the same name starring Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn.

10-4-98 

Dear Michael, 

Sorry for the long delay in answering.  I was ill off and on in June and July with a nasty head cold and then it settled in my ear.  Then the summer heat got me.  That’s why I usually try to write as soon as possible otherwise I get lax. 

How was the Family Reunion in Denver?  Was there a big turnout?  I hope all went well for you and the others.  You all put a lot of work into it. 

10-12-98 

Hear I am again!  Still haven’t finished this letter.  I can’t believe it myself.  I received your postcard.  Everything sounds great.  I love to travel and sightsee.  I’ve wanted to travel to Europe but didn’t make it there to Ireland, Scotland, England, etc. 

What countries did you go to?  I’d love to see the Van Gogh Museum.  I read the book LUST FOR LIFE. 

Well, summer is over, and fall is about us.  I love Spring and Fall.  Nice, cool, crips days.  Well Cuz, this letter is getting in the mail for sure.  Have a safe trip home! 

Love Your Cuz, 

Patty 

It was good to be back home. I was ready to go back to work. I knew I had a good few months' countdown before I left Charles Schwab & Co. After our Rome and Florence (Firenze) Italy time we also went to Venice, Italy. We didn't make it to Verona, Italy but we are still inspired to call our investment firm, Verona Capital Management, because we love the smaller city of Verona. I also had Alan take a photo of me at the Piazza San Marco in Venice (where all of the pigeons hang out). I'm using that photo for my Christmas Photo Card 1998. Who will be the lucky ones to receive it? This is it:

“The finest adventure is that which we do not foresee.  It comes unexpectedly, unannounced.” --Maurice Leblanc, in The Water Bottle Chapter of his book, THE EIGHT STROKES OF THE CLOCK 

The Boating Adventure

‘No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people.’--Jay Asher, in his book 13 REASONS WHY 

Barbara Reynolds thought of me with a cool, artsy postcard.  From the card I came to realize that the American sculptor, Alexander Calder, was born about a month before my paternal grandmother (Matilde Garcia, b. 8-20-1898).  Calder was born on July 22, 1898, and died in 1976 while sadly, my grandmother died earlier in September 1964.  Barbara wrote the following: 

24 Sept 1998 

Dear Mike, 

The weather is getting nice again.  Oops, so Sept is gloomy again and rain predicted for the weekend, I guess.  I should think about moving to a summer place. 

You are probably now looking at resigning from your job at Charles Schwab & Co.? 

I am closer to getting my paperwork completed for my transfer.  I cannot believe it takes so long now.  It used to be “so easy”.  Ha—Alice Cofield and I got to MOMA-Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco but it was too late in the day to see CALDER’s work.  Here’s THEBOX IN THE AIR postcard by Alexander Calder from 1945.  We will just have to try again.  I LOVE HIS WORK.  David and I had a great trip, staying at a hostel in Sacramento, then a cabin in Yosemite.  Wonderful!  Later. 

Love, Barbara 

On September 26, 1998, Alan and I joined Gloria and Jack for a breezy Hornblower Yacht Day in Marina Del Rey.   It was too beautiful a day to not take advantage.  It was somewhat exclusive with a few other people on board that we didn’t know.  I flashed back to the TV-series, Gilligan’s Island, and I knew I wouldn’t want to be shipwrecked with only these people.  Ha-ha.  Strangely enough, none of the people we met on the boat ended up ‘sticking’ as friends.  One of the ladies was in the cosmetic industry (the one I was solely pictured with).  We kept in touch for a while because she lived in the Marina City Towers Condo Building—but she never kept in touch, so the thread was lost.  This happens sometimes.  

Here are more photos from the boating adventure: 

 ‘When we sit around a table and shoot the breeze with friends, we are inevitably reminded of episodes that happened to us some time back, often many years ago.’--Douglas Horstadter, I AM A STRANGE LOOP 

Leather Outfits

‘My eyes were trying to tell me something that my brain refused to believe.’--John Collier, in his short story, EVENING PRIMROSE (from Alfred Hitchcock Presents Stories Late at Night) 

Alan and I escaped to New York.  It was great to see Lauren there now that she’s attending New York University.  She came to lounge in our PLAZA HOTEL room.   

Alan and I enjoyed Central Park as we always do. There’s nothing like walking, picnicking and people watching in that park.  

There's always so much to do in New York City. Lauren is so lucky to be spending her college years there. She's already made a few good friends named Paul and Abrima.

Once home I had to laugh at Alan’s postcard. It was an image from Physique Pictorial Magazine Volume 12, No. 3, January 1963. Who knew there was such a magazine? Well, Alan found this postcard and I was the lucky one to receive it for my growing postcard collection. And funnier was what Alan wrote behind the postcard: 

9/21/98 

Honey, 

I loved our NY trip and our explorations into new fields.  This postcard is interesting.  Where are YOU and ME and who is the third guy?   

Can’t wait for our Europe trip to Amsterdam and Venice soon, but you know as long as it’s YOU and ME it will be fun.  

P.S. Should I buy some leather outfits for San Francisco?  I can go to West Hollywood and buy some stuff. 

Love You, 

Alan 

The funnier side of this is the fact that we are anything but ‘leather outfits’, so I had to laugh out loud.  The postcard, however, shall remain a unique collectible.   And his line about exploration into new fields was a big fib. I might like some cool leather black boots though.

Photo: Black Boots

We’ve persuaded Gloria and Jack to accompany us on a boat ride in Marina Del Rey. There will be strangers on the boat, but it will be fun. We are scheduled to do that on September 26th.  I look forward to the ocean breeze and the feel of my hair blowing in the wind.  

“It’s nice to be able to have something around you’ve never seen before and know that something you’ve given somebody else is making them happy...that’s a real good thing.” --Jerome Bixby, in his short story, IT’S A GOOD LIFE (in the Alfred Hitchcock Presents Stories for Late at Night).  

Work Doldrums

‘There was an innocence to the United States, one it perennially reclaimed despite its past—in America you could forget, and if you could forget you could again be innocent: this was America’s promise...’--Elliot Ackerman, Admiral James Stavridis in the novel, 2054 

There’s a lull now that the reunion is over.  I’m glad I have less to do—other than work.  I like running on the beach.  I need it.  

On September 13th of this week, I received a sweet note from my nieces, Lauren and Leigh Armijo.  Lauren remembered that I collect postcards and she found six to send me with a separate note: “I picked these postcards u for you, Uncle Mike.  Love, Lauren”.  I loved that. 

9-13-98 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

The reunion was fun, and I can't wait until the next one.  I also wanted to thank you for letting my family stay at your nice house.  I hope to see you soon!   

Love, 

Lauren & Leigh Armijo 

The six postcards Lauren sent me allowed me to forget my work doldrums for some reason: 

I am working diligently, but looking forward to the end of the year as I have all of my 401K Retirement Savings vested so it will be 100% mine and I can sweep that into an IRA ROLLOEVER. On the other news front Alan’s diligent planning will allow us to have a New York City escape trip planned for next week.  I don’t know how we seem to arrange with my work schedule but I’m glad that we do.  

“When all else fails, philosophize.” --J.M Coetzee, in his book DISGRACE 

My Stack of Follow-Ups

‘People were either too young or too old, or else they didn’t have time.’--Tove Jansson, THE SUMMER BOOK 

My cousin Linda, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, sent me a sweet email about money reimbursement from the Family Reunion.  That was unexpected and very thoughtful.  Inside her kitty-kat card she wrote: 

Hi Michael, 

Relax, “The Reunion is Over”!  I did enjoy it, too. 

So, is Edna doing a reunion in Mora, New Mexico next year?  Are you doing reunions for your other two grandparents, too?   

I’m all excited because one of my first cousins knows Henry’s mom.  They are working on a time to set everything up.  This weekend our cousin already had plans, so it should be in the near future.  I told Henry, “You should go on Oprah or the Montel Williams Show or Leeza!”  And he said, “I don’t think I could handle that.”  Pray for everything to go smoothly. 

 Thanks for all you did to make our reunion happen! 

Love,  Linda 

I had to laugh because I need a breather break after this reunion, so the idea of two more reunions for my two other grandparents seems like quite a commitment.  It’s hard to gather people together because they’re always limited with their time and who they choose to see. 

Meanwhile, I’m back in Los Angeles and the Charles Schwab & Co. Office has me swamped. More and more people request me, and my stack of follow-ups are growing but I manage to get caught up.  

There’s a song in the airwaves by Jennifer Paige called CRUSH that I hear on my drives to and from work.  I love that song. I even bought the compact disc single. The other one I kind of like is by a boy band called FIVE and the song is WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT.   

Alan had a good laugh for the weekend when we went to see a movie called THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY.  That Cameron Diaz is growing on me—just a little (not the biggest fan but she was great in this romantic-comedy).  

“He thinks anything peculiar or unpleasant will just go away if her turns on the radio and some little schnook starts singing.” --J.D. Salinger, in his book, FRANNY AND ZOOEY 

The Leftovers

‘With a smile, he replied that courage could not be taught:  You were either born with it or you were not.’--Dov Hoenig, in his book, TRIUMPH STREET, BUCHAREST 

This was the week of the GARCIA Family Reunion in Denver, Colorado that I had been preparing for over the last 12-months with cousins, Linda Tafoya-Korenke in Idaho Falls and MaryAnn Montoya-Gehling in Colorado Springs.   The reunion happened on Saturday, August 29th which is the day my father passed away in 1987.  It’s also nine days after his mother (my grandmother) would have turned 100 years old.  Her birthday was August 20, 1898.  This was a significant event for me and for my father and my grandmother, Matilde.   

Pictures are worth one-thousand words, so here goes:

Here I am pictured with Tony Garcia’s son, Floyd Rudolfo Garcia of Taos, NM and my niece, Lauren Armijo, seated next to me in blue overalls.  My niece, Holly Armijo, was also behind me in a white top with other members scattered about.

Announcements were made, food was served and mingling continued to the point that we were all amazed how we were all connected in some way or another.

There was representation from Matilde’s descendants as well as all her Garcia siblings:  Augustin b. 1893; Jesusita b. 1894; Eulalia b. 1896; Tony b. 1904; Mela b. 1907; Lori b. 1911.  Many were from Denver but many traveled from Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Colorado Springs, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Northern and Southern California.  The family is scattered in various parts of the USA.  

Pictured here is my cousin, Edna Garcia with her husband, Mike Maestas, and their grandson, Ricky Isaiah Fierro.  Edna represents the eldest of my grandmother Matilde’s brothers:  AUGUSTIN JOSE GARCIA b. 1893 d. 1934 

Edna writes me often as you may recall. Sadly, her eldest daughter, Consuelo Casados, died in a car accident in 1995, so she and husband, Mike, are raising Little Ricky as if their own son.

Pictured here are the descendants of JESUSITA GARCIA b. 1894 d.1945:

Arriving a tad later was Jesusita’s son, Ben Tafoya, wife Bernice and son, Michael Tafoya who are in this photo: 

Pictured here are the descendants of EULALIA GARCIA b. 1896 d.1977: 

Pictured here are myself and the others descending from my paternal grandmother, MATILDE GARCIA b. 8/20/1898 d. 9/22/1964: 

Pictured here are the descendants of TONY ABAD GARCIA b. 1904 d. 1995: 

Pictured here are the descendants of MELA (Manuelita) GARCIA b. 1907 d. 1996:

 Pictured here are the descendants of LORI (Loretta Helen) GARCIA b. 1911 d. 1993:

There was a lot of sharing and identifying.  The name tags identifying which sibling you are connected to really helped.  By the end of the night, these were THE LEFTOVERS, the relatives that remained after most of them had gone home.  Left to right: 

Photo: Linda Tafoya-Korenke, MaryAnn Montoya-Gehling, Patrick Montoya, Eva Tafoya-Montoya, Isabelle Kathryn-Montoya, “ME”, Dottie (Dorothy Alice) Montoya-Gerstner, her husband, Allen Gerstner, my mom Virginia M Lucero-Armijo, and my nieces, Holly Armijo and Ashley Armijo.  

And when I returned home there was a postcard from Sandra Donald aka Rita Sandra Cordova-Donald, granddaughter of Matilde Garcia, my paternal first cousin who is in a Mississippi Prison.  There’s always dysfunction in every family and she is one who took the wrong road.  Life is a struggle, and we learn the most from our struggles.  Sandra wrote on a red sportscar postcard that I had sent her: 

8-31-98 

My Dearest Cousin, 

I spent several minutes admiring your envelope, the stamps and your handwriting!  It was so good to hear from you.  For a minute I thought you had sent me some pictures of yourself... 

I have been calling Oscar (my brother) quite often.  Sometimes I resent how he has devoted all his life to his wife’s family (Elsie).  God forgive me.   

I am so happy to know that my son, Harmon, will be home soon.  Our Americans are in danger of their lives with all the terrorism going on.   

Cuz, have a wonderful time in Denver.  I can’t believe a year has passed since you mentioned your reunion plans to me. 

God Bless You,  

Sandra Donald  

From the Denver Reunion, pictured here is the immediate family of Oscar Cordova (another grandson to Matilde Garcia & Sandra Donald’s brother), with his wife Elsie, their sons and grandchildren: 

'There has long been established a legend to the effect that good Americans when they die go, not to heaven, but to Paris.’ --Lucius Beebe, in his book, SNOOT IF YOU MUST