Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 62

The Young Man Finds Himself Trapped

“Nothing lasts forever.”
-as heard in the 2009 film, WHATEVER WORKS by Woody Allen

 Diary Notes from January 30, 1988….PHOTO:  Annie AlbertiOn January 30, 1988 I had a nice visit from MIKE MILLER.   He’ll never turn down a slice of pound cake.   I had just come home from a bike ride. PHOTO:  MICHAEL G MILLER and the pound cake

I also shared some of my macadamia nuts from Hawaii.   Who can resist chocolate-covered macadamia nuts?  An hour or so later mom stopped by to see me for a bit.  I was lounging with the TV.  I was watching a James Ivory film called MAURICE.   It was about a fascinating storyline whereby a lover rejects him and the young man finds himself trapped by the oppressiveness of Edwardian society until he tries to come to terms with and accept his sexuality.  It starred Rupert Graves and James Wilby.   I really liked it.Mom likes to come over and straighten-up my pad.   I have to admit I do love it when she sparkled-up my place with her finishing touches.  After she did a bit of dusting I persuaded her to take a photo of me with the TROLL she bought me in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Ha-ha…we left for her place after the photo for a late lunch.

PHOTO:  'me', mom and my cool TROLL  I was also excited on this evening because Anne Alberti was coming over.   We had planned on a movie and I was hoping she wouldn’t FLAKE OUT like she has in the past.   I chose the movie MOONSTRUCK.  I had read about it in my PREMIERE magazine and it sounds good.   It’s about an Italian girl (played by CHER).   Given that Anne is Italian I figured it would be perfect.  CHER plays Loretta Castorini, a book keeper from Brooklyn, New York, who finds herself in a difficult situation when she falls for the brother of the man she agreed to marry (the best friend of her late husband who died seven years previously).  The brother she falls for is played by NICOLAS CAGE.   I’ve liked him ever since his BIRDY movie.
It’s funny because I received a postcard from Jim Ubl a few weeks ago while he was in Denver.   Jim takes Anne’s aerobics class a lot.  He always wears those sexy gray tights.   I know—like me---he has a crush on Anne.   The words he wrote on that postcard proved it.  I still cannot help but calling him "JIM FROM THE GYM".   That will forever be his nickname.
JIM FROM THE GYM wrote:MIKE,I'm having a great time!   Denver has a lot of snow and it's cold but I'm keeping WARM!  I hope you're taking good care of ANNE for me.  (I'm sure you are).  See ya when I get back.   STAY COOL.   JIMI took a nap before Anne’s arrival.   I wanted to be rested and ready to go.   I was so excited when the doorbell rang.   She was wearing gray and black but I think she’d look good in any color.    I’m glad she came to my Christmas Party last month, so she knew exactly how to find my townhouse.
PHOTO:  'me' with Anne Alberti and a magazine cover of MOONSTRUCK
We left for the movie and it was really a fun dramatic romantic-comedy that we both enjoyed very much.   The song of the week was COULD’VE BEEN by Tiffany.   I was still at a rock and a hard place to know what could be.   I think Anne made me feel MOONSTRUCK; however, I called Jim From the Gym that night."So, how'd it go?" Jim laughed."It was pretty good...but I don't know.   She seems fickle.  I think we should go out and see what other fish are in the pond.""Okay...let's do it."After I hung-up with Jim I looked in my dictionary for the definition of MOONSTRUCK.   It's an adjective.  The definition:   behaving in a silly or slightly crazy way, especially when you are in love...“My story is whatever works.”  -as heard in the 2009 film, WHATEVER WORKS by Woody Allen   

Trying To Sway

Whenever Rudolf Nureyev felt that strangers were looking at him, he immediately straightened his posture.NUREYEV:  His Life by Diane Solway
 PHOTO:   A Self-Portrait of me in my Honolulu Hotel Room on January 29, 1988
 I arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii the last week of January 1988.   I hadn’t been in Hawaii since July 1987.    I was back  for my return visit after about six months.   I knew some people there but it was ironic that I coincidentally bumped into Bill Matson on Waikiki Beach.   He goes there often.  It was difficult to read him but he was as nice as the last time I saw him.   He asked if I might want to go on a large catamaran boat cruise with him tonight, January 29, 1988.  “They’re really fun,” Bill said. “Why not?  That sounds great.” I loved the YELLOW of the boat.   Bill met me there and it was as fun as he'd promised.   We both just wanted to have a good time and after a few mai tai cocktails it’s easy to mingle and just plain have fun.    I had my polaroid camera with me and I took a couple of fun group shots.  One was taken with a couple of flirty, chubby gals.   Another was taken with a couple of elderly ladies.   They were all so much fun.   I was brave when it came to the learn how to hula session.   I didn’t realize it at the time but Bill took a shot of me with my camera, trying to sway with the boat (not an easy task).   Sometimes I felt strangers were watching me but I chose not to care.   I simply stood tall and wanted to have a good time during my last night on the island.The local Hawaiians working on the boat thought I was a local because I had such a local looking tan.    The staff was so nice.   I captured a pic with one of the local gals, too.  PHOTO:  ‘me’ with Local Hawaiian girlA week in a Hawaii can fly by faster than a silver bullet.   I made sure I had a good time.   I liked just resting on the beach during the daytime.    It was the thing to do.    Honolulu seemed to agree with me.   I was pondering the idea of moving to Hawaii; however, it also felt rather remote.   I was torn between the mainland and the gorgeous beaches. The song for the week of January 26, 1988 was NEED YOU TONIGHT by INXS.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swdbv5I6qzc I wasn’t quite sure who I needed at night.   Sometimes sleeping alone on a soft pillow does the trick after a long, hot day in the sun.   One thing I did know was that I’d be back in Alameda the next day and ready for my usual drill at work the following week.   It was what I felt the need to do. “Men by their nature, seemingly cannot be happy unless engaged in enterprises that make them feel useful.   They must, therefore, be returned to participation in such enterprises.” 
-Kurt Vonnegut Jr.,
PLAYER PIANO, a novel 

The Way You Make ME Feel

“Some people take a drink, others take a pill…I just take a few deep breaths.” –Deborah Kerr, THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA (movie 1964):

I found this story last year (2013) at the DRAGON HERBS store in Santa Monica, CA and kept it.  I just loved it…it’s a reminder of what we choose to focus on 'in our minds'. TWO MONKS AND THE BEAUTIFUL WOMAN
A Traditional Zen Story

An old monk and a young monk were walking through a forest when they came to a river bank and saw a beautiful young woman standing at the edge of the bank.
The woman told the monks that she was afraid to cross the river because she might slip and be carried downstream.   She asked if the monks might help her across.
Now it so happened that these two monks were members of a sect which practiced celibacy and they had both taken vows never to touch a member of the opposite sex.   But the old monk, sensing the extreme anxiety of the young woman, lifted her onto his back and carried her to the other side of the river.
The young woman thanked him and went on her way.   The two monks continued on their journey, but the young monk was shocked and disturbed at having seen his older companion break his vow so nonchalantly.   Finally, after three hours of walking and thinking, he could contain himself no longer and her burst out.
“Tell me, old man, what did it feel like to break your vow of so many years?   What did it feel like to allow sensuality to tempt you from your spiritual path?   What did it feel like to have her warm thighs wrapped around your waist, her breasts brushing against your back, her arms around your neck and her soft cheeks at one with your own?   Tell me old man, what is it like to carry such a beautiful young woman?”
The older monk remained silent for several steps and then said, “It is YOU who should tell me what it is like to carry such a beautiful young woman.   You see, I put her down three hours ago at the river, but you are still carrying her.”
PHOTO:  ECOLA BEACH Postcard from Eileen Grabinsky
I found this postcard dated January 26, 1987 from Eileen Grabinsky.    She has always made me feel something special.
She wrote:  Monday, January 26, 1987
Hello Michael Babe… I like OREGON.  My friends are showing me the spots.   I’ve decided to move here.   See you.   Just joshin’. 
Well, Hon…see you on Saturday at 5:00.   I hope it’s not delayed at UNITED.   Bye.   Hope you are having fun.
Love, Eileen

PHOTO:  'me' with Eileen Grabinsky on March 3, 1987
On this week in of January 19, 1988 the TOP Billboard song of the week was all a tizzy over MICHAEL JACKSON and his hit song “THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzZ_urpj4As“My problem is I love words more than the woman who inspired me to write them.” –Jeremy IronsTHE WORDS, a movie seen on 9-11-2012   

A Little Bird Flew By...

YOU shouldn’t write with a broken pencil because it’s pointless.-David Crystal,
A Little Book of Language
Twenty-six years ago today I wrote this letter to my mother…The song of the week on January 12, 1988 was GOT MY MIND SET ON YOU by George Harrison:  
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZGYYDvZnpg
January 12, 1988
Dear Mom,
It seems a little bird flew by and told me to write you a letter.  I hope this will please you and/or make your day brighter.   I love you.I have been thinking of dad a lot.   As time goes by it seems like memories come about and it starts to drill into my mind again that his being is no longer here.   I miss him so much.  And like I told you before, I’m not only lacking a father but a best-friend.   But then again the memories can make you feel happy because at least we shared those times, right?

In fact, just the other day I received a brochure from a movie club and hadn’t realized how many movies I’d seen with dad and you together.   There are some movies that you and he saw together too.  I want to share those memories with you now because they are all good.   In watching each movie I still remember how he felt while watching them.   How he laughed watching PORKY’S.   How he asked us questions about what was going on in BLUE VELVET.   How he got a kick out of Dustin Hoffman in TOOTSIE.   How he felt sorry and got all into the TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL story.   It was a slow-moving film but it brought him back to how he wanted to go to New Mexico to retire one day for his own return trip to bountiful near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (near Mora, NM).   How he got so excited at the sight of his first car (the 55 Blue Ford) in the movie PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED.   How we had to explain the plot of BODY HEAT.   How we thought we were watching a stupid movie in ENEMY MINE.  How the country flicks thrilled him like COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER.   How he got a kick out of RISKY BUSINES.   How he mellowed with interest in the movies THE GODFATHER Part I and II and SCARFACE.  How he got into ON GOLDEN POND, AGNES OF GOD and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE.  
He got a tickle in his funny bone over PEE WEE HERMAN’S BIG ADVENTURE, too…didn’t he?   HE liked the serious side of stories like PLACES IN THE HEART and CRIMES OF THE HEART, too.   Do you remember that?   I think the key five movies were his last.   It is those that I remember best because they were the last films we saw with him…LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS:  He thought the man eating plant was funny.   And you watched STAND BY ME with him.   Do you remember you thought that the fat boy was ‘me’ when I was little (Thanks a lot—Ha-ha!).   Dad really teased you when your tears came rolling down over THE COLOR PURPLE; yet, he knew it was altogether sad himself.   And last but not least THE BEDROOM WINDOW had him so involved in such a mystery.   Oh well…I just wanted to share these few movie magic memories that I hold dear and true.    This letter is also a reminder that you are NOT alone, mom.   I miss the guy a lot.
It saddens me.   I know you’ve shared more moments alone with him and it’s hard for you sometimes, but keep in mind he did tell me one day, “Take care of mom if anything happens to me.”   Remember the time he said, “Good thing Mike likes the Mexicali Rose, so if I die at least he’ll take you there.”   (…and I will).  Sometimes Dad would ask me the most simple questions and I’d ignore them, not thinking they were important.  Now I know they are.
Enclosed are some stickers of films that I mentioned and others that I know he enjoyed.   Look at them and see if they stir any memories for you.    Always…LOVE,
Michael Joe

Something my Dad would’ve asked:“What did you learn today?” Rudolf Nureyev would ask Tamara Zakrzhevskaya each time they met.
-NUREYEV:  His Life by Diane Solway

Dark Glasses

“Everything can be interpreted one way and then again interpreted in the opposite sense.  The whole of world history can be explained as development and progress and can also be seen as nothing but decadence and meaninglessness.   Isn’t there any truth?”
“There is truth…but the doctrine you desire, absolute, perfect dogma that provides wisdom, does NOT exist.   Rather, you should long for the perfection of yourself.  The deity is within you, not in ideas and books.  Truth is lived, not taught.   BE prepared for conflicts.”
THE CALL
by Herman Hesse, THE GLASS BEAD GAME

Diary Notes & Postcard Early from 1986 and January 1987
I’m excited about my Hawaiian departure at the end of this month (January 1987).  I was looking at a postcard that Anne, the gorgeous aerobics instructor, sent me while she was in Hawaii.  She sent it right after I had come back from my first trip to New York City in August 1986 with Ron Leoni.

PHOTO Postcard from Anne Alberti, dated August 19, 1986:
She wrote: 
Dear Mike,

Here’s a Hawaiian postcard to welcome you back from New York.  That’s me on front.  My hair grew quite a bit over here.   The weather’s been good.  Can’t wait to hear about your trip.   See ya soon.
AnneP.S. How’d I do with your name? 
It was addressed Mr. Mike AMILJO (instead of ARMIJO)

I loved Anne's card but Paloma still sends the best cards.   She also writes regularly. Here are some excerpts from some of her correspondence I received in 1986 and 1988 which provides a feel for the times...
PHOTO Postcard from PALOMA:  Lauren Bacall Dear Michael,  Thank you for the picture.   That was great, fantastic.   It reminds me of when I went to pick you up and we were all dressed up in summer clothes when it was freezing!   Funny…that day you showed me that picture of PARIS and that was the last time I saw you.   Three days after I was in the middle of the picture (in Paris)!    Could you please send me a picture of San Francisco?   You never know. 

Michael, I think you just love me as a friend.   You’re not jealous or anything.  You’re not even afraid of losing me.   That’s the feeling I have always had.   Sorry, just a little tired.
PHOTO Postcard from PALOMA:  BLEDINE Jacquemaire …In fact, I think I’m doing some in-depth talking in my letters.   What do you mean by being in Paris is getting a little better?   Let’s put it this way…I’m not in Ethiopia and I’ve lived here about 23 years.  I’m still alive and I don’t really have time to be down.   So the weather is really nice.  I am now almost darker (tan) than in California.   Right now in Paris the temperature is probably around 100 degrees.   Summers here are warmer than San Francisco.   Well, I feel like telling you lots of things but I’ve got to stop writing and you’re not telling me enough.  How is your girlfriend doing?   Say hello for me to Dale Orlando and wife and baby.   Hope to read you soon.   Love, Paloma

PHOTO Postcard:  Jacques Alexandre “Symphonie In Blue”
This card (I believe) was written by Paloma before I went to visit Paris in 1986:
…So I was just kind of like a guide with people who I didn’t know at all.  I didn’t know what they wanted to do.   At THE LOUVRE I took them to see “The Joconde” and they had no idea what the painting of MONA LISA was.   I had a great time.   The whole time I was thinking about when I showed you this.  It really isn’t that exciting, so maybe I could just show you around for a few days.   Then we could go on vacation somewhere else.   I’m going to need some vacation time.   I can get some time and we could go to the South of France (We don’t need my brother.  There is a place for us to stay there).   The problem is my car.   I don’t know if I’m going to be able to use it to go there.   What would be just fantastic is to go to GREECE, but of course, it would also be more expensive.  I don’t think it would be that expensive in September though.   Well, just tell me what you think about all of this…
PHOTO Postcard:  Mad Max, Mel Gibson Another one written by PALOMA before my first visit to Paris in 1986…
…Tell me for sure if you’re coming or not.   And when?   I’ve got to ask my boss for some vacation.   If I wait till the last minute he won’t give me anything.  He is a real jerk.   He is just about five years older than us.   If you come and I’m working you won’t see much.   I just have an hour and a half for lunch and I’m just off on Sunday.   I work six days a week.   Well, you could also come to visit me any time since I’m in a store but it gets really boring fast there.   In the evening I just think about going to bed.   I loved your last card.  It’s pretty amazing the cards you can find.   I just found this one at my store.   Guess who it reminded me of?   Someone who wore “shorts” that night?   Pretty good memory…I wish…
Continued on PHOTO Postcard:  “ONCE UPON A TIME” by Jaques AlexandreI wish I could travel in time and get back in your blanket.   Well, I’ve got to finish this letter.   I’ve been writing it for about two weeks.  You must be mad at me.   You’ve got to answer me really fast.   I need to know what you want to do.   You should be here in four weeks.   I hope to see you really soon.   I miss you very much.  You don’t know how much.
Love You, Paloma

PHOTO Postcard:  Mantelpiece by Charles Roff (1979) Written while PALOMA was pregnant……I think he never feels what is happening inside me, except Jonathan kicks many times.   That is so weird to feel something (I can’t yet say someone) move in your tummy.   Well, now you know when your wife is pregnant a little bit about the way she feels.   Jonathan could have been your son.   I think I told you at that time that I thought I couldn’t have babies. 

Talking about perfumes…I would like the GLORIA VANDERBILT one, CALVIN KLEIN and all the American ones (LIZ TAYLOR, CATHERINE DENEUVE).   She is French but her perfume isn’t sold her.   I’ve got a bunch of French, Italian and Spanish ones to trade if you need a list.   I’ll send you a perfume bottle.   Did you try to find out if there is a Club or something like that…
And a two-page letter from Paloma (not dated):…my mother is in SPAIN right now with her “boyfriend”.   She met him about two years ago, a man she almost lived with.   I see my family once in a while, at summertime, and they come pretty often and I go to Paris at least twice a year.   What about your family?   What are your brothers doing?   How is your mom?   Do you still get to babysit?  Wish you were here!

I just got a letter from Bonnie yesterday with two beautiful ‘model’ pictures of Alison.   I think I gave them some good ideas about trying to make a model out of Alison, taking her to French school.   She now speaks French.   I’m trying to follow the same rules with Jonathan but it’s hard where I live.   I’m still calling an agency in Paris to see if we can do something.   Talking about Jonathan I want to ask you something.  Could you please tell me if LEVI’s 501 jeans exist that are two years old and how much they cost?    And where you’ve seen them (if you do).   Thank you.
I’m sending you a French cassette tape of songs with this letter but I didn’t record it.   Alexandre did it for you.   I mention it because I thought that was nice.   So that’s not exactly what I would have done…eve I f I like a lot of the songs.  My favorite one is LUNETTES NOIRES which means DARK GLASSES.   It’s the first song on SIDE A.   I don’t know which side but I’m sure you’ll recognize another song by a gorgeous girl called LNA (Helena in French).   She sings it.
I’m glad you’re happy to move into your new house.   I liked your house.  What photo did you take it from?   What are you going to be for Halloween?   Are you planning to do something?   Are you going to the KABUKI?   I remember very well when we met too.   Remember when you tried to find out my phone number?   That was funny!   I’m glad I gave it to you.   Good friends are really rare.

I started this letter yesterday.  I’ve been thinking about that restaurant you saw called PALOMA.  That’s really amazing.  Have you ever men someone else called PALOMA?   I’d really like to know why they called the restaurant PALOMA.Well, Jonathan is just waking up.   I’ve got to stop writing to send this letter fast.
Hope to read you soon.
Love, Paloma

PHOTO Poscard from CHICAGO: …And a postcard from a mysterious G.J. in CHICAGO that I met in the Bay Area back in 1987.  
01-05-87Hey Mike,

WOW…First a letter, now a card.  What next?  Classes have started…Oh JOY-ish!   I’d much rather be an up and coming businessman like you.   Life’s rough.  I’m weird.   Sorry.  I’m the only one I know who can totally trip without the use of drugs or any other foreign substance.   But mail is fun to get, even trippy mail, right?   Guess I’d make a good party lizard.   I’m sitting here listening to some ALPHAVILLE and some ULTRAVOX music.   Heard of them?   No one here has.   And I thought I was  a product of the dark ages.   Two more classes and then it’s off to work.   I’m Joe Bank Teller, a real thrill I assure you.   Well, I’m sure this will really make your day.  Ha!   Be good.  I know you are!  Bye Bye, G.J. in CHICAGO
“I thrive on differences and on complication.” –Erik Bruhn told  a reporter in the Spring of 1966
(3 October 1928 – 1 April 1986)  Erik was a Danish dancer, choreographer, artistic director, actor, and author.   The above line was a quote I noted in the Rudolf Nureyev book:
NUREYEV:  His Life by Diane Solway

 
 
 

The Usual Festive Way

“Let ANGELS guide thee on thy lofty quest.” -as heard while watching ANGELS AND DEMONS, a 2009 mystery thriller
Diary Notes December 24, 1987
PHOTO:  'me' and Carmen McTiernan at a San Francisco Holiday Party
I was invited to David Vigil’s pad in San Francisco for a Christmas Party.   He didn’t attend my party but why should I hold a grudge.   He lives in an apartment and I figured it would be a different sort of outing for me on a Christmas Eve, so I chose to attend.   I knew several people there including Mary McTiernan (another coworker) who had attended my party.   Mary introduced me to her sister in law, Carmen.   She was quite friendly.  I really enjoyed her company and outgoing nature.  I wasn’t sure if Mary’s brother was at the party of not; however, I guess it was a nice holiday escape for Mary and Carmen to come into the city from South San Francisco (where they live). 
Diary Notes December 25, 1987

PHOTO:   Mom dressed for Christmas morning It was early Christmas morning and mom and I set out to go to the cemetery and to my Grandma’s house.   We delivered presents there and returned home to get the festive meal started.   I helped with setting the table and before the entourage arrived I took a photo with mom.
PHOTO:  Mom and I, Christmas 1987
Christmas Day at ‘356 Magnolia Drive’ was the usual festive way even though my dad was absent—and in heaven—this year.   We all made it fun and I enjoyed shooting instantaneous Polaroid photos.
PHOTO: Helen in Blue
Helen, Tony and Lauren arrived first.  Helen was wearing a beautiful blue dress.  She was very pregnant.   I snapped a hot while we were near the refrigerator.
PHOTO:  me, mom and Helen in the kitchen
Lauren was in shy mode but she allowed me to shoot a few photos of her, wearing her Christmas dress.   She’d like to hide out behind her dad, Tony.
PHOTO:  Lauren and Tony
Lauren was cute; asking me which presents belonged to her under the tree.
PHOTO: Lauren behind the fig plant
I called about Ashley because Lauren was asking about her cousin.   John and Sherri weren’t ready yet, so I guess we simply had to be patient for their arrival.    Soon they arrived and Ashley looked pretty in her Christmas dress, too.   I snapped a photo of her with her Grandma Virginia.
PHOTO:   Ashley with my mom
John and Sherri soon arrived with gave the approval we needed to get started with our festive noon Christmas meal.    Sherri was very pregnant (like Helen) and was in Holiday ‘red’.
PHOTO:  John and Sherri
We filled up on a very yummy meal.  I managed to squeeze in a few more photos at the dinner table, showing off the desserts.   Then it was lounge time.  We all tried to organize Christmas gift opening time.  This was a challenge.
PHOTO:  Opening Gifts
It’s hard to keep the kids under control because they just want to haphazardly open everything in sight.   It was fun though.   I think my Bert and Ernie Sesame pals were a hit.
PHOTO:  Asleep during the VHS-video
Soon it was time to just relax and select a movie to watch.   We watched THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN which provided a few good laughs.   The tummy tremors allowed us to enjoy leftovers.   Then we started to watch the Barbara Streisand movie, NUTS, and that’s when many of us dozed off into a dream state (namely, me, John and Sherri).
PHOTO:  Leftovers
By 8pm it was just me, mom and a slumber party with my nieces, Ashley and Lauren.    Lauren loved her new, silk pajamas.   We watched THE PRINCESS BRIDE movie but Ashley and Lauren started to doze off themselves.  It was a great movie.  Mom and I loved it.   We were optimistic and our day of family on this holiday turned out memorable and loving.   “What is Optimum Trajectory?”
“Find out what your destiny is and the river will carry you.” -as heard in the 2004 film THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS, based on a true story

 
 
 
 

Willing To Mingle

Eroticism – the only true form of love – requires, like lawns, constant care, a profound knowledge of nature and a great deal of patience…and intelligence as well—and tenderness, and even a very subtle sense of friendship.   A man’s virtues are unknown to boys.  
-Jose Luis de Vilallonga
THE PLEASURE SEEKER

Diary Notes and Photos, December 1987
PHOTO:  Dad’s White Ford Pinto Dec. 1987

Well, it is our first Christmas without my dad who passed away on August 29, 1987.   I think that’s why I stopped to take that photo of his car, the white Ford Pinto.   I would often see him leaving for work or coming home from work or the grocery store in that car.  Now it’s ‘just a car’ and it seems so strange to not see him washing it or driving in it.   It’s a sad feeling for me.  I miss him.  I miss seeing his smile.   And now we may sell the car to my friend, Mike Miller.   He has expressed an interest in buying it and my mom feels good about selling it to someone she knows.
PHOTO:  Mom, wearing that blouse that I like so much.  I still have the blouse as a keepsake of remembrance.
My Christmas Party is set for December 19, 1987.   I wonder who will attend.   Mom is being a great help in the preparation of food, festivities and holiday décor.   We went to WALGREENS at South Shore Center to shop for thirty or so gifts for the guests that are the first to arrive.   I don’t really expect more than thirty guests (even if I did invite about fifty).   It will be nice for everyone to leave with a gift (candy canes, a paperback book, a bottle of wine, butter cookies, BRUT cologne, an ornament, a journal/diary, a Playgirl magazine, a GQ magazine, a mini-model sports car—after all, I couldn’t afford to gift a real sports car). 
PHOTO:  The Party: Helen Armijo and Mike Elliott
My sister-in-law, Helen, arrived.  She is so helpful in party preparation.   She is pregnant with her second baby that is due in late March 1988 or early April 1988.   Mike Miller also arrived with his pal, Mike Elliott.  
PHOTO:  Mike Miller

I was excited about the gift-giving.   I wrapped each of the gifts myself.   I denoted a number on each gift and gave them out to each person as they arrived with specific instructions.
I said, “NOW, you can’t open your present until I give you the official word.”
PHOTO:  Margaret Lai
I was a little nervous about my party.  Isn’t everyone a bit nervous before the start of a party?   I kept sipping wine in order to get that ‘feel good n’ tipsy’ feeling.  I just wanted everyone to have a good time (including me).   This was my mission.   It seemed to be working every time a new person arrived.  The gift-wrapped present made it all the more festive.  

In the back of my mind I knew I would soon be jet-setting to Hawaii at the end of January 1988.   It was only a month away.  I was also ecstatic about this traveling ‘on my own’ escape.   I deserved it and felt a need to explore.   This trip is my Christmas gift to myself.
PHOTO:  Me with Margaret Lai’s son, Lance Jensen Margaret Lai and her son were was early arrivals.   I encouraged her to bring her son, Lance, who is the same age as my niece, Ashley.   A Christmas Party really needs a  few kids around.
PHOTO:  Debbie Honcik
My dear pal, Debbie Honcik, arrived soon thereafter.   It’s so hard to believe that I’ve known Debbie for over ten years.   We met in April 1977 when we both started out as 411-Information Telephone Operators in San Leandro with Pacific Telephone.   She is now a Frame worker while I ended up transitioning to Computer Operations and Business Marketing.   Debbie and I have gone on hikes together a couple of times in the Oakland Hills.   She is the one who really introduced me to the beauty of Piedmont.   I like this hidden enclave neighborhood of Oakland.    Now that we no longer work together we fail to see each other on a regular basis.   I suppose it is not only my fault.   She could easily call me, too.   I am just so happy that she took the time to attend my party. PHOTO:  Dennis Reno
Dennis Reno was a fellow junior high and high school classmate.   He became friendly with my brother, Tony, after graduation.   He attended the party.   He’s a good friend to Tony and Helen, so I figured it would be nice to have him there.   I’m also glad he came to celebrate the holidays.   I know he didn’t have to make an appearance.

PHOTO: Kep and his date with Mike Miller Mike Miller had asked if his friend, Kep, could come to the party.   How could I say now?  The more the merrier is what I say.  I believe I met Kep once or twice before; however, I don’t know him very well.   Kep brought along a date, an attractive, tall brunette who seemed older than Kep.   I almost felt she had an attraction to my brother, Tony.   Maybe she was attracted to me too because she kept asking me a lot of questions about where I was from and how I knew Mike Miller and Kep, etc.   Perhaps it was just my imagination.

PHOTO:  Tony and Kep’s gal palOf course, nervous chills came about when my best buddy showed up.  My gym partner friend, Mark Landreth, came dressed in gray.   He brought along a date (the girl named Ivy).   She’s polite and very soft spoken.   She doesn’t say very much.   I took a few Polaroid photographs of them to break-the-ice.   Mark ended up getting the PLAYBOY magazine gift.

PHOTO:  Mark Landreth and Ivy
I liked how Mark Landreth felt a need to fold the magazine cover, so that no one would see it.   I wondered if he would go home and have an intimate time with the centerfold.   I'd be curious to see that happen.    We spoke on the side later as I was trying to persuade him to go on the Hawaii trip with me.   He hasn’t said ‘no’ yet.  He does like the idea of going.    I can’t help but still feel a little something for him.   I kept it low key, of course.  I always do.   I doubt that ‘Poison Ivy’ had a clue of my attraction.
PHOTO:  me, mom and Brother Tony
I managed to take a photo of me, my brother Tony and mom in the living room earlier.   I felt well-suited for my Christmas party in my green corduroy pants and red paisley print shirt and olive green tie.
PHOTO:  Anne Alberti and PattyThe adorable aerobics instructor with the killer body, Anne Alberti made a fashionable entrance.   She has the perfect smile.   She was accompanied by Patty, another gym goer who dated Mark Landreth once or twice.   I think she has a crush on Mark.   She always flirts with Mark at the gym and I often tease him about it. 
Mark has made it clear to me, “She’s not my type.”
I almost wanted to ask, “Am I?”
I actually said to him once, “Yeah, you’re better off hanging out with me…it’s much more fun.”
He smiled at least.   Did he catch my drift?

PHOTO:  Patty w/PLAYGIRL magazine
It’s funny how Mark received the PLAYBOY mag gift and Patty ended up randomly receiving the PLAYGIRL mag gift.   I think Patty loved that she got it.   I was secretly hoping that she or Anne would get the PLAYGIRL.   I’d be lying if I said I didn’t thumb through the PLAYGIRL before I wrapped it; however, I wasn’t too thrilled.   Photos of me or Mark would look better. 
At the start of the party I was so snap happy with my SPECTRA SYSTEM Polaroid camera that I set the self-timer and arranged a group photo of Margaret Lai, her son Lance, Judy Geniella, Mike Elliott, and Mike Miller.  Both Margaret and Judy worked with me in the SDC-at Pacific Bell in San Francisco.   Margaret told me she didn’t like Judy.  I believe she was just jealous of my relationship with Judy.   Whatever…mind games.   I was simply happy that a number of my good coworker pals came to cheer me on during this party.PHOTO:  Group Pic-Margaret, Lance, Judy, Mike, Mike

 Another fellow coworker, Al Martinez, stopped by with a date.   I only recall the first name of his date as ‘Sandy’.   Al always makes me laugh at work.   He’s a cool guy.   I think he has a source for supplying marijuana to select coworkers (not me).   I’ve heard this as a rumor.   It made me wonder how much extra money he made on the side.
PHOTO:  Al Martinez and ‘Sandy’Another gym buddy, Jeff Hashem, arrived to the party.  He’s so friendly with a contagious smile.   I believe he is of Persian descent (IRAN).   He’s such a nice guy.   I like the sound of his laugh.   I was pleased that he came.   The fun thing about a party is the spontaneity and not knowing who will arrive and in what order they will arrive.   Jeff was dressed so sharp in jacket and tie.   It’s interesting to see the gym pals dressed up because I usually see them in gym ‘workout’ gear.   Jeff ended up getting the BRUT cologne gift. 
I joked, “This is meant to be because you’re such a BRUT force after all of your working-out.”
He laughed loudly, making me laugh.

PHOTO:  Jeff HashemAnother fellow coworker from Pacific Bell, Mary McTiernan arrived.   She lives in South San Francisco.   She seemed to be flirting with my brother.   I couldn’t be sure—but Tony seemed to be enjoying himself.   Helen was around but she went upstairs to take mini-naps due to her pregnancy.

PHOTO:  Mary McTiernan and Tony
Amy Platt, the nurse from Nantucket, was a surprise turn out.   We are very on again/off again. 
 I overheard her giving her usual line, “I live in Lafayette in a guest house as a Registered Nurse/nanny but I’m originally from New York in the Hudson Valley area.”
Amy always seemed to feel an attraction for me.  I felt the same sparks but we could never reach full force.  It’s like we have unfinished business.   Who knows what the forthcoming months will bring after her appearing at this party tonight?   She seemed to like the gift she received but she didn’t stay for very long.   It’s tough when one doesn’t know too many at a party and they don’t drink enough to feel willing to mingle.    I reminisced about how Mark Landreth and I went to BAXTER’s in the San Ramon vicinity one night and we met Amy and her pal, Karen.  Mark and Karen never connected; however, Amy and I did have a cool connection. PHOTO:  ‘me’ and Amy Platt
Another gym goer, Mark Geberhardt, made an appearance at the party.   My ‘gaydar’ at the time gave me mixed messages about him.   I wasn’t attracted to him in any way.   He always liked to take up conversation with me while I was working out though.   PHOTO:  Mark Geberhardt

Mark’s friendly nature made me wonder.   I only asked him to come to the party earlier in the week, so it was cool that he came by.   I only wish Stuart Western could’ve come to the party.   He had said he would but there was no sign of him YET.   I like Stuart better.
The gift giving was fun as I had everyone who had not opened their gift go ahead and open their own token memento.   My sister in law, Sherri, was the recipient of the gold sports car but she didn’t seem too thrilled by it.   Oh well.   We can’t win them all. PHOTO:  Sherri Armijo

Mike Elliott wasn’t probably too thrilled with his ornament gift but he seemed to take it in stride.   It was all in fun.   I like people who just want to have fun without mind games and pressures.
PHOTO:   Mike Elliott While bike riding a month or so ago I met Janet Walsh.   She happened to be driving by and I managed to get her telephone number.   She attended the party with a girlfriend.   I can’t recall her friend’s name.   I just remember that she wore a ‘jeans jacket’.   Janet had this cross between a Farrah Fawcett/Cyndi Lauper haircut.   She seemed to be having a good time.   She received a compact and her pal got the historical paperback novel, CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR by Jean M Auel.    I wonder if she’ll actually read it.PHOTO:  Janet Walsh and her friend
Judy Geniella received a collection of miniature Asian ornaments.   “They’re so cute,” Judy exclaimed.I guess it’s nice when one doesn’t leave empty handed at a party.   All of my guests took a gift.   I’m glad I didn’t have ten or fifteen more people show up for I would have run out of gifts.

PHOTO:  Judy Geniella
My cousin, Mandy Lucero, actually came to the party.   She was included in the final group photo with the last remaining guests.   The group photo included Sherri, Mike Elliott, Tony, Debbie, Mike Miller, Judy, Jeff, Mandy, Mark, another Debbie—whoever she was—Mary, Sandy, Al, Mom, Dennis Reno, Helen and my nieces, Ashley and Lauren.PHOTO:   End of the Evening Group Photo
 SPEECH IS SILVER, SILENCE IS GOLDEN - This proverb is reminding us that we shouldn’t blather on too much.   We need to SHUT UP every now and again.   That’s good advice.   But what do we do in silence?   We listen to what others are saying.   And listening is part of language too. -David Crystal  A LITTLE BOOK OF LANGUAGE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

JNA and Paul Armijo, the Fourth Son

My father, Joe Nelson Armijo, was sipping his second glass of red wine before dinner at his usual seat of the dining room table.  
Father said, "You know, Michael.  If I had a fourth son I was going to name him Paul."
"Well, you didn't...but when I have a son you know what I am going to name him?"
"What?"
"I'll name him Jared Nathan Armijo so he will have the same initials as you, JNA."
My father smiled, taking another sip of his red wine.   What was he thinking after that last sip?

Paul sometimes wondered if he wouldn't have been more content in another period of history.
-Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
PLAYER PIANO

Yes, it is true.   After a one-year hiatus from the 007 Gentleman BLOG it's time to continue as the Elvis Costello song directs:  Everyday I Write The Book.

As I review I had previously written various situations that I referred to as THE BEGINNINGS.   They are inclusive from the 007 Gentleman BLOG entries dated July 4, 2012 through December 14, 2012.   The last chronological period of transcription was on Thanksgiving, November 26, 1987 via the BLOG posting dated December 1, 2012.    Therefore, I shall continue with whatever comes to mind in the best chronological manner that I have to work with.   The reason being is that I failed to write daily entries in my diary in late 1987, choosing instead to take polaroid photos.   I will post many of these photos here in the forthcoming weekly SUNDAY 007 Gentleman BLOG.   A picture is worth a thousand words, so it is likely many words will easily come back to me as I recall the happenings of these days in the late 1980's and 1990's until I reach the point when I started to write my daily journal once again.  

After my father passed away on August 29, 1987 I felt a period of withdrawal and didn't feel that it mattered to write anymore.  Perhaps that is a typical feeling of mourning.   One sees that 'nothing seems to matter'.    I found a way to keep one foot forward for my mother who was mourning more than I could ever imagine.  
PHOTO:  Mark Landreth with 'Poison Ivy' as Mark
receives the PLAYBOY party gift, on December 19, 1987 the evening of my Christmas Party.

Twenty-six years ago today,
December 15, 1987, my focus was on my forthcoming Christmas Party.   Why not?   A party would enable me to socialize and just 'move on' with the concept of enjoying the forthcoming holiday.  My mom would be coming to the party, so I knew it would be good for her as well.   My dad will be there 'in spirit'.   
PHOTO (right): My niece, Ashley Marie Armijo

The party would take place on December 19, 1987 at 3348 Soloman Lane, in the Islandia Townhome that I was living.   I was expecting my gym pal, Mark Landreth, realizing that he may bring his gal pal, Poison Ivy.  Other guests that I expect include Margaret Lai (her son, Lance Jensen), Judy Geniella, Michael Miller, Mike Elliot, Mark Geberhardt (another gym friend), coworker Al Martinez, Michael Miller's pal named Kep and his gal pal, Amy Platt, my sister-in laws Helen and Sherri, Anne Alberti (the hot gym aerobics instructor), Janice Walsh and a friend, Mary McTiernan, Dennis Reno, Debbie Honcik, Patty (another regular at the gym who is friendly with Anne), Jeff Hashem, my cousin, Mandy Lucero, and my nieces Ashley and Lauren.   What is a Christmas Party without a few children?

My polaroid camera is ready to shoot photos of everyone that attends my party.  As mentioned before my polaroid has become my scapegoat for actual written diary entries. 
PHOTO: My niece, Lauren Michael Armijo

I have a plan to provide gift-wrapped gifts for all that attend.   I'm excited about this Christmas Party in my home.   Home is where you're loved.   I love my friends and family.   Let's see who shows up.   Next Sunday I'll provide more pics from the party and other scoop.   Thanks for returning to my BLOG.

Paul, smiling glassily, decided to say nothing more, since anything more would be the wrong thing.   He folded his arms and leaned against the keyboard of the player piano.   In the silence of the saloon, a faint discord came from the piano, hummed to nothingness.
-Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
PLAYER PIANO

The Beginnings - Part 164: EXPLORING NEW IDEAS

"Nothing’s a mystery,” she said crossly.  “Everything’s got an explanation, if you can find it.”
-Taylor Caldwell
A PROLOGUE TO LOVE

The Beginnings – Part 164:  EXPLORING NEW IDEAS December 14, 1983, Wednesday

Salima and I wore black today.   It was a fun coincidence.   I love her carefree spirit.   She’s beautiful.I ate lunch at MONICA’s and had a mushroom cheeseburger.   It was very good.  I needed it.

I received a message from Alexis.   We kept missing one another.   We eventually talked this evening.   She spoke of her friend, Ron, a male model, who is going to Paris.She seemed scatter brained as she said, “I need to finish my Christmas Cards.”
We talked further about random people like Bill Helbush, my brother, John and his girlfriend, Sherri and Dave Vigil (of my office).   We discussed a possible Los Angeles trip for New Year’s Eve.   We just kept going on and on.  We were exploring new ideas.  Once again she brought up the possibility of a trip to Hawaii.  I liked this feeling of romantic rush.

Nici called me also.   She received my Christmas card also.   She was going to come over to my place to watch DYNASTY with me but she chickened out at the last minute when she heard that my brother, John, and Sherri would be here.   Cest la vie.John and Sherri were lounging in the living room watching the Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour film:  SOMEWHERE IN TIME.

Dave Vigil liked my beige corduroy jacket today.   In fact, I received a lot of compliments about my black sweater too (from Ruben, Salima and Barbara).I received a Christmas card from Barbara Reynolds yesterday.   Jim sent a card, too.   That was a surprise.

Tonight I am staying home to simply watch DYNASTY.   I will probably watch SOMEWHERE IN TIME also.  Oh no…DYNASTY was cancelled tonight.   It’s time for bed.  I can dream about somewhere else in time…

NOTE:  The 007 Gentleman will be away on a global assignment for one year.   He has been devoted to a daily entry to this blog since November 9, 2008.  

Don’t despair as he will be busy, working on new surveillance photography and reading books for new material to enter here in this unique blog.   It is time to begin exploring new ideas.  There will be more to come from the late 1980s, the early 1990s and beyond when the 007 Gentleman returns in December 2013.   Hasta La Vista.

To Continue with The Beginnings you may simply backtrack by going to the BLOG Dated December 15, 2008 entitled:  NOW AND THEN:  The True Joys of Life:  It is here where I continued my ‘Twenty-five years ago entry’ dated December 15, 1983.James Bond.  My Choice.Dreams can be such dangerous things; they smolder on like a fire does, and sometimes consume us completely.
-Arthur Golden,
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA

The Beginnings - Part 163: IT FELT SAFE

“The more miserable one is on the inside the more important it is to decorate the outside.”
-as heard while watching the 2002 series,
THE FORSYTE SAGAThe Beginnings – Part 163:  IT FELT SAFE

December 13, 1983, TuesdayWhat can I say about work?   It was okay.  I sold eight custom calling features and won a calculator.  It would make an ideal gift for a mathematician.

I decided to telephone Bill Helbush.   I needed to mention the fact that my brother, John, and Sherri left the Townhouse last night and didn’t come back.   In hindsight, it’s clear that he could have spent the night (and with me in the same bed).Bill had a serious tone, “I wonder if you called just to rub that in.”
I said, “No, I called to see how you were doing…and to find out what you were doing TONIGHT.”
He was still acting rather prudish as he made a snide remark:  “Well, I don’t know I have some growing-up to do.”
I know he said that just because of those two words I shouted at him last night:  “Grow Up!”
And so…now that some of our wrinkles have been ironed out I believe we are still going shopping on Saturday.   The CLOUD NINE play is still ‘ON’ for Saturday night as well.   However, the outlook of our future involvement is something that I am unsure of at this time.   While I enjoy Bill’s company I have trouble with his neutral sensibilities.   I like these sensibilities in him but I don’t see them in me.   I do see our parallels in toughness and kind heartedness. 
I ended the conversation with a mild, “Talk to you later.”
Bill had said, “I could see you anytime this week.  You could see me tonight…skating…or even Wednesday.  You could even come over here on Wednesday night.”
I have decided to NOT call him until I hear more endearing words.   I just wonder if the creep expected an apology from me.   Ha…well, there’s no chance of that!

I called Alexis after my talk with Bill.   Alexis and I made tentative arrangements for shopping tonight.   There will be no skating rink visit for me.I was home and invited my brother, John, out for dinner.   He refused for some reason or another.   And so, I drove to San Francisco to meet Alexis after she called to confirm that she could go out. 
Alexis screeched, “I just LOVED the Christmas card you sent me!”
I loved hearing that.   I was only pissed-off because my cassette got stuck in the player.   It’s still stuck; however, I didn’t allow it to ruin our evening.   Alexis and I walked around Van Ness Avenue and Polk Street.   We went to Third Avenue where I bought myself two jackets and one sweater for one-hundred and fifty dollars.   We visited the gay clubs called RENEGADES and BUZBY’s.   I felt funny being there with her; however, it felt safe.   We had coffee at LE CROSSANT and were grossed out by some lady with dirty ankles.  
I said, “I hated the vibes in those two gay bars.”

She mentioned the week in Hawaii idea. 
“I’m all for it,” I said excitedly. “Then again…I would like to go somewhere different next year.”
Alexis and I had a good time shopping around.   We actually kissed goodnight.   Could this be progress where we are concerned?   I made tentative Friday night plans for getting together again.

I drove home safely.   I was home with my journal in no time.  I needed to write and summarize the latest.  I’m now ready for a good night of sleep.  Yawn.“I’m on good terms with solitude.”
-as heard while watching the 2002 series,
THE FORSYTE SAGA