Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 8

Puff-Puff

‘His mother had once said to him, Choose your friends with care. These are the people who will talk about you most.’--Eric Van Lustbader, WHITE NINJA 

My younger brother, John, is turning 36 years old this week (June 9, 1998). I guess it will seem young in ten years' time. It will be good to see him as I’m flying to Oakland on June 11th. I have to attend Ashley’s 8th Grade Lincoln School graduation. It’s a very big event! 

Alan’s mom is still traveling in Europe with Jack. She sent Alan and I some cool cards from Monte Carlo, Montpellier and Paris. My niece, Ashley, would laugh about how Gloria is now frequently using the phrase ‘Puff-Puff’. I picked it up from the hilarious Joan Rivers, of course. I adore the MONACO postage stamps she used. 

Tuesday 6/9 

VUE AERIENNE DE MONACO 

Hi, 

Monte Carlos is beautiful. Too bad you are nesting in L.A. Having fun and enjoying the luxury. Puff-Puff. 

Love Always, 

Gloria & Jack 

6/10 MONTPELLIER 34000, Place de la Comedie 

Hi,

We are touring Montpellier, a very old French city with narrow streets, flea market, etc. Now we go to a winery for wine tasting. Sorry you are not joining us. 

Gloria & Jack 

Thurs 6/11/98, Hotel De La Tremoille, 14 Rue de la Termoille, 75008, PARIS 

Hi Michael, 

What a comedy of errors with plane strikes, delays, baggage handlers not working; however, we arrived safe, bedraggled and tired. The hotel is very charming, so “French”. Our room is magnificent, and the maid says, “Bon Jour”. Off to see the town, will write again. Love to all. 

Affectionately, 

Gloria & Jack 

Cousin Edward M Espinosa dropped a line this week also. 

6-10-98 

Dear Michael, 

Thanks for the wallet. I can’t have too many spares! I misjudged our early winter. Since then, we’ve had snowstorm after snowstorm. It was an honest-to-goodness White Christmas. Skiing has never been greater. Regards to Alan and your mom.  

Love you,  Edward 

As planned, I flew to the Bay Area and made it to Ashley’s 8th grade graduation. I took some photos. It was surreal to see Mr. Janvier hand Ashley her Paloma. Mr. Janvier was the student teacher to my 8th grade homeroom teacher, Miss Bell, back in 1973. And now, Mr. Janvier is the principal of the school. He was a good student teacher as I recall because Miss Bell was my English/Writing teacher (as well as Homeroom teacher). Mr. Janvier had a specialty for writing and English. He was helpful in correcting our written papers. I still remember when he marked up one of my papers and explained that something I wrote was a run-on sentence. Grrr...creeper!  

It was fun to see Ashley graduate though. I still find it funny that one of her teachers, Mrs. Kaake, who had red hair when I went to school there now has hair that is as white as chalk. 

I said to Ashley, “You did it! Puff-Puff!” 

After Ashley's graduation I stayed over the weekend. It was fun to have family time. I took a number of photos to encompass more memories from the weekend that included Holly's Marlins team game and more. It was a joy.

A lovely note from nieces Lauren and Leigh: 

6/15/1998 

Dear Uncle Mike,  

We wanted to Thank you for the two beanie babies you gave each of us. We really enjoyed them. I am glad you gave us a bear because you can’t find them in many places. The ECHO, you gave us is now retired, so that’s good. I also wanted to Thank you for the books you gave us and the postcards. I wanted to thank you for the BARBIE you gave me for my birthday. 

Love, 

Lauren and Leigh 

And Ashley wrote to me, using a beautiful Still Life artsy Hallmark card. I received it after I’d returned to L.A. a couple of days later: 

6-15-98 

Hey Uncle Mike! 

I miss you very much, already! Thank you so much for taking me and my buds to see CAN’T HARDLY WAIT, the DC tee, SATS and much more. 

It was so much fun with you here and I cannot wait until I visit you. 

Did you get my emails about all of the Armijos? Well, see ya soon. 

Thanx a LOT for coming to my graduation! 

W/Love: Ashley 

“I am lonely here in this old room of mine, and when you are here it is bright and cheerful all day. Come to see me often.” --Stefan Zweig, in his short story, THE MIRACLES OF LIFE 

On The Outside of the Envelope

‘When you hug someone, you learn something else about them.’--E.I. Konigsburg, in the 1967 book, FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E FRANKWEILER 

Cousin Linda Tafoya-Korenke sent a CLASS OF 1998 High School announcement for her son, Adam Shane Korenke. He’s graduating on June 2nd at SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Who knew there was another SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL—just like the one in Oakland where my college pal, Patricia Shikuzawa, graduated from in 1977 (and actor Tom Hanks in 1974). It made me realize that Alan’s daughter, Lauren, and Adam are the same age. Lauren graduates this month from Santa Monica High School. 

Adam Korenke was quick to the switch with a THANK YOU card for me:  

Dear Michael, 

Thank you very much for the fifty dollars and the great books. I have read the small one already. It feels great to know that I have family that really cares about me. I will use the money towards my first semester of college tuition. 

Thanks Again, 

Adam Korenke  PS: I'll keep in touch! 

Birda sent a sweet card this week. I really loved it. She made me laugh. I wonder if she will be able to wear the bike shorts in one year's time. It will take diligence and priority to GET ON THAT BIKE to make it happen. She wrote from her Park Avenue address in Alameda: 

June 5, 1998 

Michael, 

Thank you for the gifts you sent with your mom. It was a surprise to see her. I know it has been a while since you have seen me, and it is not that I don’t appreciate the shorts, but I will have to ride my bike for a year before I can wear that size. Yes, I have gained weight. I blame Bill. He doesn't ride, so I have turned into a couch potato. I know it is my fault but who wants to admit that? I have planned on making it a New Year’s resolution and I hope this year it works. 

The note cards are perfect. This is my first attempt at using a computer with this type of card. You get the first experiment. 

I finally have an e-mail. I tried to send you a message, but it came back with the wrong address. I’m not real good at sending yet. My address is birdabing@ juno.com. If you send a message, I will be able to return it with the right address. I tried both your work and home but neither went through. 

Well, I hope you had a Merry Christmas and Your New Year is fantastic—even if it’s already June. Ours was and is great. Take Care. Write and send an e-mail soon. Just because I have e-mail doesn’t mean you can’t send postcards. 

Always, 

Birda 

My niece, Holly, also wrote from her Magnolia Drive address in Alameda. It was a belated Birthday treat. She used a card I sent her and a cool DKNY HOLLYWOOD postcard, too. 

June 6, 1998 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

Hey! How’s things going? Well, not that well? One of my best friends is moving. And something great: School’s out in 6 more days.  

This Saturday I’m playing against the Reds. My last game my team lost 4 to 13. Swimming is soon. Thanks for all the stuff you sent me. They’re great. When school gets out, I think we’re going to Tahoe. See you in a few weeks. Bye. Love You. 

From, 

Holly Armijo 

I love it when someone writes a brief note on the outside of the envelope. Holly wrote on outside the envelope in pencil: ‘And Happy Birthday UNCLE MIKE A.’ 

“All right, kid, should we call it a day?” --a phrase, Apple Co-Founder, Steve Jobs used often to his eldest daughter as noted in the book SMALL FRY by Lisa Brennan-Jobs 

"39"

“There’s luck in odd numbers.” --Maurice Leblanc, THE CONFESSIONS OF ARSENE LUPIN 

Hurrah! It’s my Birthday, Tuesday, May 26th...and with more cards and love, too! 

Alan gave me a cool Biscotti Card with Espresso beans with an actual recipe on how to make the biscotti on the back of the card. When and if I will ever follow that recipe is unknown (highly unlikely—ha-ha). Alan wrote: 

5/26/98 

Dear Michael, 

Happy Birthday "39". As you know, you look 25-30 and you’re very HOT. I Love You so much. I want you to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy this weekend celebration in Palms Springs and Laguna Beach, starting tonight in Santa Monica. 

I’m very lucky to have met you and spend the last 8 ½ years with you. As the next years unfold, we will enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. I look forward to more fun and challenges and loving moments. You are My Guy. I Love You. Remember: I Love You. That’s it. 

Alan 

Alan’s mom wrote a cool postcard using a beautiful Henri Matisse oil painting depiction of INTERIOR AT NICE, painted in 1921: 

May 26, 1998 

Dearest Michael, 

“Happy Birthday” - You are a complete joy n my life and we thank the Gods that put you there. It’s so nice knowing you are there, to be able to talk with you, drink with you and laugh and gossip with you. You are a constant. Remain.  

Love Always,

Gloria Cohen 

Niece, Lauren Armijo, send a cool POWER OF STYLE postcard. She wrote: 

Mike, 

Happy Birthday!

You are the best Uncle I could have.

I love you. 

Love,

Lauren Armijo 

And of course, Alan had to surprise me with a humorous card: 

Michael, 

Is yours Available, Sport? Happy Birthday. U are a True Hunk!  

Love, Alan 

Cousin Edward M Espinosa in Albuquerque, NM sent a cute card of what appeared to be a young boy all dressed-up and running away, waiting for a train to take him away. 

Hello Michael, 

It’s been a real zoo/circus around our store. We’re short 3 key people, including a trained delivery driver. Trying to work with temps is at best tiring but we’ve made it through the last big holiday. I’m hoping things can get back to some semblance of normal. 

Or European plans are on hold. Clif Snyder has received a 2-month grant to retreat at the Wurlitzer Foundation in Taos, and I’ve been elected Vice President of the NM State Florists Association which means summer long travel all over the state. Clif’s 2-months are in July and August, and I’ll be coming to California with him at the end of Augst for a short vacation. Maybe you and I can get together then.  

Family News: Diedra, Mabels’ granddaughter, finally graduated High School with honors. I guess she finally got motivated. Now her younger sister is pregnant. Maybe the same thing will happen to her. Rosalie, their mother, just hangs in there. 

My niece, Denise has been on a circuit traveling to Alaska and Atlanta after Korea. She’s really into her work. Although I think her husband, Victor, would like a little more home life. Hope all’s well with you. My best to your mother. When you see her or talk to her and of course, to Alan. 

Look for cards from all over New Mexico. 

Edward 

Cousin MaryAnn Gehling sent me an actual leaf from a fallen Colorado tree, a compact and cute message in her card of a young gal underneath the giant trunk of a huge tree.  

Michael, 

Wishing you a slower pace, some private time, a dreaming place and all the things that make a happy heart. Happy Birthday, Mary Ann.  

I love this card. It says it all: a little girl rests on the trunk of a tree. She’s nice to look at but she’s telling us to notice her trunk and not her leaves. Her trunk carries her inner beauty, her heart, her LIGHT. M.A. 

Michael, 

I couldn't resist sending you your own special leaf to make a wish, relieve stress or use it for good luck. Just remember, Leaves are beautiful, but tree trunks give them life. M.A. 

Michael, 

I bought this compact a couple of months ago at the antique show. I wanted something local, and I got it. If you notice the bottom says Buerger's-Denver. The dealer assured me you wouldn't have one of these. In all the 30 years she’s been a dealer she’s never seen a matching set of compacts. She’s only read about them in books. It dates from the 1940s and was never used. Thak makes it unusual. What makes it UNIQUE is the tiny compact that matches it. It’s a set. The tiny compacts were used for evenings out. A lady would fill her miniature compact with powder, and it would fit into a small evening bag very easily. She said, “The enamel on the compacts makes them more valuable, more collectible.” M.A. 

Gloria had her Bat Mitzvah and I have more pictures from the unforgettable event on Friday, May 29th, 1998:  

More correspondence this week as well... 

WILDLIFE OF THE DESERT postcard 

May 30, 1998 

Hey Michael, 

Just a note to let you know we’ve moved to Arizona (Jobs). So far, so good but not that hot yet. We’ll be in Phoenix, right next to Scottsdale. Weill get back to you with a permanent address when we’re settled. Keep sending family reunion info, please!  

Thanks, and Take Care, 

Patrick and Fae Markus 

Gloria loved the card I wrote for her Bat Mitzvah: 

5/20/98 

Dearest Michael,  

Your lovely card brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for feeling as you do. My heart beats for you the same way. Thanks for the gift. I shall put it to good use in Pris. We'll miss you much while sailing the Seven Seas. 

Love Always, Forever, 

Gloria  

And I round out the end of May 1998 with an in-depth, dramatic typewritten letter from Cousin MaryAnn Gehling. Yikes! 

May 31, 1998 

MY DREAM 

My kitchen was a flurry of excitement. I carefully measured flour, sugar, and shortening and dumped them into a bowl of ingredients and mixed it to perfection. I rolled out the batch of cookie dough, cut it into rectangular shapes, and placed the pan in the oven. The smell of vanilla and sugar drifted through the kitchen. I could hardly wait for them to finish baking. These cookies were special. They were for Michael.  

I smiled proudly when I took them out of the oven and laid them on a rack to cool. They were perfect. The cookies tasted delicious, the texture was perfect, the color was exact, but it was the way I arranged them on a platter that was beautiful. They were placed in a circle, like spokes on a wagon wheel. I took such care to arrange them perfectly in position. I refused to speak to anyone while I created the design for the platter. I spent weeks working on it. For a while it was my purpose in life. It was worth it. When I finished it was a work of Art. 

I chose eleven cookies to send. A master number. 

It took a while before I mailed them. I wrote a letter to Michael explaining how I labored over them, how much they meant to me, how it was a special gift for him. Then one day I stuck the sookies in an envelope and mailed them. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized how I sent them. In an envelope. My heart sank. They would be broken to pieces by the time he got them. He would never see the design I made on the platter. He would only see crumbs when he opened the envelope.  

There was nothing I could do. They were already mailed. I sat in a chair, covered my head with my hands, and cried.  

Michael, 

This was MY DREAM I had last night. I’ve written exactly what I dreamt. It explains what I have been feeling and thinking. 

Here is an interpretation of the dream: The cookies are the SBTS (Story Behind the Story). The design I arranged them in was the shape of the light in my bedroom. The light in my bedroom represents God. In my dream the cookies were excellent but the design I arranged them in was the most important. That’s what made them unique. That’s what I spent my time on. I wanted you to see the design they made. I wanted you to see they were in the shape of The Light of God. But after I sent them, I knew you wouldn’t see that. You would only see the cookie crumbs, the SBTS (Story Behind the Story). You would miss the whole point of the cookies. THE DESIGN, the fact that they were sent to you from THE LIGHT. M.A. 

Michael, 

I told you we had something to discuss. The Story Behind the Story (STBS) is one of them. It took weeks of work. I dreamed it and put it off as long as I could. It was the most personal thing I’ve ever shared with anyone. Conversations with God are extremely private. I didn’t want to tell you about them, but I had to. The Light asked me to. It’s the only reason I gave in and did it. I not only told you about my spiritual journey. I told you about my brother, Dave. I don’t share him with anyone, but I trusted you. I trusted you to treat my story with respect and reverence. 

When you read the last of the SBTS you sent an instant message telling me you liked it. That was it! After weeks of working on it, after months of worrying about it. After exposing my inners elf to you I NEVER RECIEVED ON ANSWER TO THE ELEVEN SBTS LETTERS. NOT ONE!  

I asked you to respond to the MEMORIES LETTER I send you last September 1997. I even sent a copy of it. It was important to me, and I explained why. You never answered or responded. 

After you read the SBTS, the Light told me to send you another letter telling you there was a message for you. You were to read the SBTS several times, then write me what the message was. I warned you the message was NOT that I love you. You didn't read it several times. In fact, you didn’t read it at all. You LIED to me and said you did. Then you said the message was that I love you even after I specifically told you that was not the message. 

Do you want to know how I feel? IT HURTS. IT HURST LIKE HELL. LIKE HELL. I HAVE CRIED AND CRIED ABOUT THIS AND I’VE KEPT IT TO MYSELF UNTIL NOW. NOW YOU HAVE TO KNOW BECAUSE I CAN’T CORRESPOND WITH YOU WHEN THIS PAIN IS INSIDE ME. 

Do you know what the pain says to me? It says, “Michael doesn’t care about the SBTS, or you. If he did, he would have taken the time to respond to the letters. He would have answered THE MEMORIES letter. He Doesn’t take the SBTS seriously. It’s a big joke to him. If he took it seriously, he wouldn’t have lied to you and told you he read it several times when he didn’t. You can’t trust him.” 

This hurts me, Michael, the real M.A., not Little Gril, but me. And the pain won’t go away. I can't overlook it. If I could, I wouldn’t write to you about it. I know you well. You will turn into “Mike” when you read this. You will tell me I need to see Dottie and that I am overreacting. THAT’S WHY I HAVEN’T TOLD YOU HOW I FEEL. I KNOW IT WON’T DO ANY GOOD. BUT I HAVE TO FIVE YOU ONE LAST CHANCE. 

I know it isn’t easy to read this. I’m not being complimentary to you at all. But I’m being honest. I’m hurt because of what you did and didn’t do. 

Make no mistake, Michael, the way you respond to what I have told you will determine our future. No, that isn’t a threat. I do care about you, but I can’t be your friend when I feel like this. 

Michael, if you decide to respond, please understand that I need more than a few short lines in a note, or an email. M.A. 

Ok, after reading this I thought, “OK, she’s too much, too religious. I feel like walking away. Am I turning into MIKE right now? It’s too much. And how did she know I’d suggest she talk to Dottie, her psychoanalyst sister? It’s time to write a letter to someone who feels more normal. And so, I think I’ll write to Paloma right now.” 

Dear Paloma, 

Enclosed you will find the two postcards I would have sent you had I been in the mood to use my own handwriting (Jennifer Lopez and a guy at the NY Health & Racquet Club—will she realize those cards are subliminal message images of her and me?) So, you can either treasure the 2 cards or frame them or send them off to someone else if you like (ha-ha). I decided to spend this afternoon on the computer catching up on letter writing. 

The latest thing with me is that I spent the Memorial Day weekend in Palm Springs and Laguna Beach and had a splendid sunny time there. It was my birthday weekend (May 26th) as you know. I decided to subtract 10 years from the year I was born, so now my new Birthday is 5/26/69 (ha-ha0. I appreciate you remembering my Birthday! 

As for work...it’s there. It keeps me busy, but I am in the mood for a change. Sometime after 12/31/98 I think I will leave Charles Schwab & CO. And my become an Independent Investment Manager. Alan sold his interest in his restaurant/bagel business and one of his real estate properties, so he will have more time on his hands, and we will probably do the Money Management Business together. Time will tell.  

When you have access to the internet, please email me at my newest email address that I check frequently. So, if you’re near a computer you can drop me a line that way, too. Do you have an email address? I have emailed a couple of my clients in LONDON, so I wonder if I can communicate with you that way as well. Let me know, Paloma! 

I love the letters you send me. It’s funny the older we ALL get the closer in age we really are. 

Alan’s daughter, Lauren, got into NYU, New York University, so we may go to New York more often. My mom is traveling to Provence with Alan’s mother, Gloria, in October on a two-week sort of deal. I wonder if they’ll be near you. Are you in SETE for a while or will you be changing around again? While we were in NY we stayed at the New York HILTON on 6th and West 54th. It’s very conveniently located in Midtown near all the shops and Central Park. 

That Holiday letter you got from the Saperstein's was a little obnoxious, wasn’t it? All the names and place dropping. Are they out to “impress” or what? Hmm...whatever...I’d rather have lunch with you and Alexandre than Bill and Hillary any day. Seriously, I would.  

I saw a bit of clips on TV at the Cannes Film Festival. It always looks so exciting there. I recently saw Helena Bonham Carter at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills and Jamie Lee Curtis and her dad, Tony Curtis, at the SPAGO Beverly Hills Restaurant. I ate there for my Birthday, puff-puff, ha-ha. Jeez, now I sound like the Sapersteins (name and place dropping), don’t I? Well, you know I just know you like to hear these things.  

I like actor Jean Reno. He was in THE PROFESSIONAL and in GODZILLA. He’s a famous actor in France, right? He’s great. Well, here’s my latest film critique. I loved SLIDING DOORS with Gwyneth Paltrow. It was a great “WHAT IF” film. I loved it and would love to see that again. The two films I saw most recently were excellent and you must see them if you haven't already: THE OPPOSITE OF SEX with Christina Ricci and THE HORSE WHISPERER with Robert Redford. I didn’t have any desire to really see THE HORSE WHISPERER but when I did, I was glad that I did. It’s a must see. That new Spielberg one, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, with Tom Hanks looks to be a good one, too—when it’s released. I want to see THE PERFECT MURDER starring Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow also. I know the film editor for THE PERFECT MURDER (Dov Hoenig). He’s one of my clients at work. 

I’m flying to Alameda on June 11th for the weekend to see mom and especially my niece, Ashley Marie Armijo, who is graduating from 8th grade. Do you believe it? She was just born, right? And I’m attending the graduation. I plan to take mom to a belated Mothers’ Day dinner in San Francisco at Morton’s of Chicago on Post Street (a great steakhouse restaurant) on that Saturday night that I’m there. It should be nice.  

I’m glad Jonathan likes the USA. You'll have to bring him out here again. In December, Las Vegas will have the new PARIS HOTEL ready. Hilton is doing it. Then, a few months later, the new BELLAGIO HOTEL (Italian themed) will be ready. You should come to Vegas again since you liked it so much. If you do, let me know! Then I can see if I can get there that weekend to meet for dinner or something. 

Till the next news update. 

Always,  

MICHAEL 

Regards from Alan! Regards to Alex and Jonathan! 

“LIFE isn’t half so serious, and we’ll probably arrive—so why worry too much over details along the way?” --Dr. Douglas M Kelley, in a love note from the 1930s, THE NAZI AND THE PSYCHIATRIST 

A Gay Librarian

“My plan is to do what pleases me.” -George Eliot, DANIEL DERONDA 

The fun part about Birthdays is when the Birthday Cards start to trickle in. Here’s what I’ve got so far this week. It started with a nice email from my cousin MaryAnn Gehling’s brother, Patrick Montoya. More and more people are starting to use email and it seems advantageous as it is more instantaneous. I learned that Cousin Pat is a gay librarian in Arizona. Interesting. He writes like a gay librarian, too. I love it.  

May 19, 1998 

Hi Michael, 

Great to hear from you. Wow, so we have family in Phoenix now. And for almost 20 years, I was the only one in AZ! Trail Blazer. 

I’m glad you’re going to Laguna Beach and Palm Springs for your birthday (and, Happy Birthday, too, by the way). I love both of those places. They’re some of my favorite areas around L.A. I guess I’m truly a desert rat because my favorite part of the L.A. metro areas is the desert cities of Palm Springs and Indio. I like the beach too (everybody likes the beach) and Laguna Beach is probably my favorite of all the beach areas I’ve visited. Well, in the winter I guess I would prefer the beach at Mazatlan, Mexico. You should wear some Hot Male swimming gear and create lots of daydreams amongst the other vacationers! Why not? I think if you’ve got physical beauty, it’s your civic duty to show it off! Just think, if all beautiful people everywhere hid their beauty, the whole world would be like Iran.  

My dating life? Gosh, I guess it’s like that theme song from the TV show “FRIENDS” ... “your job’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s DOA.” My job is okay, and my financial situation isn’t bad either (at least I'll be out of debt by the time I retire), but I am not too successful at interpersonal relationships. I don’t seem to hurt many people. I’m more of a catalyst for working out their own problems; and if I am well regarded by others, that’s important too, I guess. I just don’t seem to get very far.

Oh well, I might be the kind of person that D.H. Lawrence wrote about, who is complete in himself and not in need of completion by others (my hermit self). I am not a religious person (more of an irreligious person), but I believe that it’s part of God's plan for the universe that those you are attracted to are not interested in you, and vice-versa. It’s just too common a theme in interpersonal relationships not to be part of some larger plan. At any rate, working at a University Library and working out at the Student Rec Center has its advantages. Some of the young people are beautiful, and the appreciation of physical beauty certainly inspires a lot of great (and not so great) art and music. It probably works its inspirational magic better at a distance, too. So, Primo, inspirationally at least, I’m well off. 

I thought I might be in L.A. for a weekend in June with the Hungarian Mean’s Chorus from Pecs (pronounced “Pesh), which is Tucson’s sister city in Hungary. They are performing in Tucson on Friday and we, the Arizona Symphonic Winds, were going to perform with them and accompany them in Pheonix and then go to L.A. for concerts there but it looks like they are only going to perform here. Shucks, and I thought we might be able to meet for a drink or something. Oh well, Primo, next time... 

Birthday Cake and Ice-Creamily Yours, 

Pat 

Next up was a sexy yellow bikini card from Birda. Now I know what she looks like in a yellow bikini. It’s exactly what I had imagined. She wrote: 

‘Wouldn’t it be great to be 16 again? (Did you notice there are only 16 candles on the cake?) Have A Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Always, Birda' 

I got a God’s Tapestry by Emily Matthews card from Cousin Martie Seper (aka Cecelia Martha Chavez-Seper) in Van Nuys, CA. 

My maternal grandmother sent a postcard of THE PEREZ FAMILY movie which I have not seen. She wrote: ‘Dear Grandson, I love you so much, so I came to celebrate your Birthday here in L.A. Granny’ 

My first cousin, Carol Lucero-Ferris, sent me a cool GRAPHIQUE DE FRANCE card of Cirquie du Soleil, Double Tightrope Act:

May 22, 1998 

Michael, 

Happy Birthday! I got your email the other day. I also have a Hotmail account, but I rarely check it. Computers and I just aren’t close friends, but if you‘d like to send me anything here is my email address. Ryan checks his mail several times a day. 

Anyway, how are you? Sorry it’s been forever. I’ve taken a couple of weeks off and went to Pacific Grove, a very beautiful place. It’s right next door to Monterey. Ryan had a family reunion there. Ryan is a descendent (6th Generation) of Marcelino Escobar, the first Mayor of Monterey, from Spain! So, let me know if you come across any Escobar names in your genealogical search. How is the search coming? Today, Ryan and I are en route to the Mendocino area. The weather has been so nice... 

Hope you’ll have a fabulous B-day. 

Til next time,  

Love, Carol & Ryan  

Dorothy Rua sent a very classy, elegant card. She’s too funny as she included a Lottery Ticket. I didn’t win. Boohoo. 

Happy Birthday Michael, 

Make it a special one...taking the day off from work is a good start. If the enclosed is a winning ticket this Birthday will be one to remember.  

I hope all your Birthday wishes will come true. Looking forward to seeing you soon and discussing the art pieces.  

Love Always,

Dorothy 

A nice note in Barbara Reynolds Birthday card, also: 

25 May 1998 

Happy Birthday. I know you will have had a perfectly wonderful day!  

So, your brother, Tony, is now 40 which means that you’ll be there soon. Have you a dream yet of how you will celebrate your 40th?  

Did you see the film SLIDING DOORS yet? I really loved it. Great IDEA! And I saw CHINESE BOX and, of course, thought of your visit to Hong Kong. It must have been so great to be there a the time of your trip. 

We saw FRIEND OF THE DECEASED and LES MISERABLES this past weekend. I think I’ll just forget about housecleaning for a few weeks and catch-up with more. I still haven’t seen SPANISH PRISONER yet. 

David completed his Masters work, just waiting for his diploma now and will begin an accelerated course to teach English as a second language in the city for the month of June. 

We went to 370 3rd Street in San Francisco at the beginning of this month. I’m seriously considering finding a job there. At this point my goal is to work until age 55 (two years from now) and my current office is squeezing us together and for me, well...I just can’t hear myself thing and they want sales, and they are creating pressure, so I am getting motivated to change now.  

Well, does your family reunion include people you have found through the internet?  

David will probably get back to Washington DC before his year is up. He currently attends a lot of 12-step meetings to get over his addictions and I hope this helps him out. He also has been taking a course I took last winter, a stress and meditation course which I loved, and he is getting a lot from it. This certainly aids or adds to our communications. 

My garden is looking better this year. I think El Nino helped. However, we will need a new roof. I look forward to hearing from you. 

With Love, Barbara 

And my Birthday wouldn’t be complete without a funny card from former coworker, Reed Campbell. Inside of the card, he wrote: 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

(AND PARTY ANY WAY YOU LIKE!) 

Hope this one is as good as the ones before.

Think of you often.

Keep in touch. 

Best Always, 

Reed 

And in the end, on my Birthday weekend Alan and I ended up in the Laguna Beach area which is always most enjoyable. We dined at DIZZ's AS IS. I love the charm of that place, especially when we start dinner with blended Brandy Alexanders.

‘Sometimes a good day lasts all of about ten seconds.’--Barbara Kingsolver, DEMON COPPERHEAD 

IDNLIY: The "I Do Not Like It Year"

‘The human body functions as a citizenship of cooperating cells. The disintegration of this citizenship tips us from wellness to disease.’--Dr. SIddhartha Mukherjee, THE SONG OF THE CELL 

Well, this week started with my brother, Tony, turning 40 years old. Time flies. The older we get makes it even more important to take care of our bodies. Our cellular health is key. 

On Tony’s 40th Birthday I received a card from Marie-Antoinette's daughter, Leslie Bernadette, after I sent her a check for $100 for her graduation: 

May 12, 1998 

Dear Michael, 

Words cannot express my gratitude for your generous gift. Thank you so much. I do hope you make a trip to Denver this summer, so we can meet. It already seems like i know you after all mom has told me about you. Take Care and God Bless. 

Love Your Cousin, 

Leslie Bernadette Villalobos 

Pueblo, Colorado 

Cousin Linda Korenke sent an announcement about her son, Adam Korenke. Apparently, on May 15, 1998, there will be an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Adam at the First Lutheran Church in Idaho Falls per the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 310. I was never a boy scout. Thank God!!!! I honestly don’t think I would have liked wearing that uniform, tying knots and marching along. Ugh! 

Of course, Paloma, is the first to already remember my Birthday ‘month’. She sent me a cool card commemorating a new MONTPELLIER XVI Coupe du Monde de Football stamp. 

Paloma wrote: 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL! 

I know how it feels if you remember...well, I am 39 just like you. Now next year it is going to be a IDNLIY (you used to like that, right?). It means “I Do Not Like It Year”, of course. 

In your last card you told me about the places you liked in Florida. Well, in fact, we just drove by West Palm Beach and we did not stay in Miami for a very long time. The weather was awful, we did not like it that much. What we liked the best was KEY WEST. It reminded me of the French Carribean, la Guadeloupe. We had a great time in Orlando. Jonathan loved it. We stayed there for almost six days, and we could go again. You never told me what you thought about EURO DISNEY. DISNEYWORLD is way nicer. I really liked the countries in EPCOT and I loved the chocolate cake at the Hard Rock Cafe. We went to the one in Key West and Miami. 

Which hotel did you go to in NYC? We have to go there sometime. Alexandre and Jonathan are American fans now. I have no new movie to recommend for you, but you see all of them before me anyway!  

I have been watching lots of movies that I have already seen because of Jonathan. He is going to be “11” in three weeks. He has already seen hundreds of pictures. I’m sure he will love the movies when he is an adult. I could have told you about TITANIC, too. But I liked BEN HUR way better.  

I will send you some pictures of the CANNES FILM FESTIVAL pretty soon. It just started yesterday. Martin Scorsese is the President. Here is the newsletter of our friends who came to visit us last year (The Sapersteins, Jeanine, Guy, Leon, Jacobus). I don’t know if I told you, but they talked about their lunch with BILL CLINTON , but not about their lunch with us. I wonder why?  

Love, Paloma ... Hello to Alan! 

Paloma is so funny. She thinks the "I Do Not Like It Year" is "40". I have a feeling when we are "60" that we will both think that "40" is the "I LIKE IT YEAR".

And a surprise postcard from Albuquerque, NM, Cousin Denise Padilla who was visiting Anchorage, Alaska: 

May 18, 1998 

Michael, 

I am attending a conference here in Anchorage and enjoying the beautiful sites! It’s a little chilly by absolutely gorgeous. I got to see some glaciers, humpback whales, bald eagles, moose, elk, sea lions, otters and the biggest fish you’ve ever seen!  

Take Care 

Cousin Denise Padilla 

‘In cold weather we eat more, in warm less.’--Henry David Thoreau, WALDEN 

Our Own Boutique

“Just survive it,” he kept telling himself. --John Grisham, THE LITIGATORS 

Sweet cousin, Edna, wrote me this week from Santa Fe, NM: 

May 6, 1998 

Dear Michael, 

I’ve been so busy that I didn’t mail the last letter I wrote. Today is a good day to catch up because I didn’t babysit Consuelo. I registered Rickie for kindergarten this morning, so that I wouldn’t procrastinate. Initially, I was excited about the idea. Lately, I’ve been feeling the blues. Emociones para todo! 

Mike, my Hubbie, is working in Santa Fe, once again. He’s working for Children, Youth and Families as the Director for Children Services. I’m still mediating on a volunteer basis for the New Mexico Center for Dispute Resolution. I’m also babysitting Consuelo in the afternoon. Teresa, (Consuelo’s mom), is working part-time from 1-5pm for a State of NM Agency. She’s just taking her basics at the Santa Fe Community College. 

I saw my dad a few days ago and he is well.  

Most of my summer is lined up with special events. There are camp meetings, graduation parties, retreats, reunions and hopefully a vacation in October will highlight the year. It will probably be Orlando, Florida. Rickie will love it. 

Mike is flying to North Carolina on Sunday, and I was tempted to pack my bags and tag along, so that I could drive over to Washington DC and see the White House. I changed my mind.  

Yes, New York City would be great for me to visit one day (maybe). Thanks for thinking of me. Well, primo, I’m closing this letter up so that I can send it out today. 

May God Bless You, 

Edna 

And my cool, first cousin, Shawn West and his wife sent a Thank you card after I sent them a gift for their new baby girl, Dana: 

May 9, 1998 

Michael, 

...it was so thoughtful of you! Thank You for the delicious chocolate truffles and the adorable pink Bloomingdale’s dress. I’m sure “Dana” is looking forward to wearing it. 

Love,  Shawn & Reina and Dana 

Not much else is going on other than work, of course. I will be vested after seven years at Charles Schwab & Co. This means that all my matched retirement savings will be 100% mine. I seriously wish to leave at the end of this year. I keep telling Alan about it and I’m beginning to persuade him on the idea of our creating our own boutique Investment Firm. I just need to survive these last few months at Schwab.

Preview Photo: me and Gloria on May 29th at her Bar Mitzvah Celebration

I am looking forward to my Birthday on Tuesday, May 26th as Alan and I plan to visit Newport/Laguna beach for a mini-escape during that Memorial Day weekend of May 23-25th. Also, Gloria has been studying for her Bat Mitzvah. She never had one when she was a young girl, so she’s making up for it and her Bat Mitzvah will be held at the University Synagogue on Friday, May 29th. I must hand it to her for her willingness to always have something going on. She’s non-stop at the age of 73.  

...” a boutique firm” - Boutique, as in small, gifted, and expert in one specialized area. Boutique, as in pretty cool and chic, right down to the Frenchness of the word itself. Boutique, as in thoroughly happy to be small, selective, and prosperous. --John Grisham, THE LITIGATORS 

Dumping My Dirt

“It’s a process. It’s ongoing.” --Abigail Dean, GIRL A, a novel 

Willy Ronis is a French Photographer. Dorothy Rua sent me a card that had a depiction from Paris in 1948 in the Menilmontant neighborhood of the city’s 20th Arrondissement. I need to explore that area someday. I just love the shadows and romantic mood of the image: 

4-28-98 

Dear Michael, 

This card is long overdue. You have remained in my thoughts throughout these past couple of months to the point where I almost hopped on a plane earlier this month to visit with you. Then I realized I needed to clear my head/my heart of all the things that have been weighing me down before I end up “dumping my dirt” on you in Marina Del Rey. 

Yes, I have journal material that will never make it to paper—stuff I’ll add to my sorties “down memory lane” when we’re sitting on that veranda rocking on those white wicker chairs. 

Just returned from a business trip to Minneapolis. The customer meetings were productive and successful, though the schedule was tiring. 

Time for me to sit down and make some new career plans for this year and a few plans for my personal life. I’ll let you know if a move to Berkeley is included. I know I’ll feel better once I get myself focused.  

Enough about me. How was your trip to NYC this month? Did Alan find a place to purchase? And most important, if I ever get the funds for an airline ticket to NYC, may I stay and visit with you guys? One of those things I’ve dreamed of doing, enjoying NYC with someone who can guide me around. What a treat that would be, especially since I enjoy both of you so much.  

Relly enjoyed your last few cards, especially the Black and White L’HOMME card. Great choice and quite unique. HOT! 

To answer your question, I cannot remember the name of that movie where the guy poured mild on the girl’s chest, but I do remember some of the scenes. I have not rented BLISS yet. I enjoyed GOOD WILL HUNTING recently. And yes, I liked the soundtrack for TITANIC.  

How are you doing with your Family Tree? Expect any new faces at the upcoming Family Reunion?  

You always have fun trips planned and until I get a life of my own, I’ll live vicariously through you. But not for long. I feel it in my bones. 

What’ Alan up to these days? I’m sure he has something brewing on the stove. Say HI to Alan. 

As always, thinking of you with love, 

Dorothy 

P.S. The $1.00 was your change from your Berkeley haircut.  

I almost laughed when Dorothy mentioned the movie BLISS in her letter. I had forgotten I told her about it. It's a drama/romance from last year, starring Craig Sheffer (known for A River Runs Through It) about a newly married happy couple who visit a sex therapist to determine why the wife can't achieve an orgasm with her husband. I hope she watches it.

And a letter from Cousin Marie-Antoinette... 

04/30/98 

Dear Michael, 

Sorry it’s taking me a while to answer but lately my days have gotten so short. I’ve just got to get back on my schedule again. Anyway, I’m glad you like all the little doodads I send. I only send some to those who are near and dear to me. I think I told you that once before. Mom, Ruben and all the family are fine. It’s me that’s a little frazzled around the edges if you know what I mean. Chuckle-Chuckle 

I’m planning a trip to Denver to visit the Mother Cabrini Shrine. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it, but I’ll take pictures of it for you.  

Clarence Levens, my Aunt Lugardita’s son lives near the Shrine. We usually get together with him and Bertie, but it’s been a while. I told him of my plans, and he wants to see us when we go down there. As soon as I’m clear about the weather here I will also plan a trip to Cerrillos, NM to search for my old diaries I told you about.  

About you possibly moving to New York City—I tell you you’d fit perfectly with those ‘classy’ looks. Heck! You’d fit in any big city. Good luck Michael in whatever you do. I’m your biggest fan, so go for it! 

I’ve always lived with one thought in mind and that is to do what makes you HAPPY!  

Photo: Mother Cabrini Shrine, Denver, CO

Right now, we’re remodeling the house a little. I got tired of my old kitchen so I’m having a few things done over. Hopefully, if and when you come to visit everything will be done. I usually go off the deep end and think of new projects every once in a while.  

If you get a chance next time you write, tell me a little about my first cousins: Your Aunts and Uncles: Betty Jean, Ernest, Fidel Jr., etc. I remember very little. We were so young when they moved away. Are you close to them? I remember Uncle Fidel (your grandfather), God rest his sweet soul. I remember him being strict with the boys but then again, so was my dad with my brothers. Maybe that’s why Joe Pat (my brother) was a little rebel. It seemed like he preferred to go against the grain, always in trouble. I don’t think my mom and dad (Lourdes and Joe) were that bad to us otherwise all of us would have turned out terrible.  

Then, of course, I recall my sister, Josie, telling me that when I was born dad really changed. Certain individuals have told me things about dad, but I don’t believe them because I only remember a sweet and loving man that was always there for me. 

Well, here I go again rambling on. Sorry Michael, I’d better close. There are still a few things I need to get ready for Bernadette’s graduation. I can’t believe she’s finally nearing the end of a long journey. She’s been offered a few positions in different fields, but I think she’s still weighing the pros and cons. I’m sure the Lord is guiding here in whatever she decides. God bless you for her generous graduation gift and I’m sure she’ll be in touch before too long.  

Love to all the family and take care, Michael, until I hear from you again. 

Love Your Cousin, 

Marie Antoinette and Family 

Cousin Patty Richfield also wrote me from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 

5-1-98 

Dear Michael, 

Finally, I got my Spring cleaning finished. It takes me longer and longer every year. Sounds like you had a great time in NY. There is no place like it. Believe it or not, I was there one New Year’s Eve a long time ago—Time Square. It was fun and I was very young. My girlfriend met her husband that night or over that weekend. I don’t remember exactly. 

I got a letter from MaryAnn in Colorado Springs. You are all busy organizing a family picnic reunion. I hope all goes well for everyone. Maybe at the next reunion I’ll be able to make it. Aunt Eve says I don’t look like her Aunt Matilde (your grandmother), so I don’t know. When I get a photo of myself, I will send one to you. Well, cousin, I’m running out of room. I'll write again soon. 

Love, 

Patty 

‘A letter that I received this afternoon contributed, more than anything else, to my complete recovery, and aroused in me a lively curiosity.’--Maurice LeBlanc, GENTLEMAN BURGLAR 

SLIDING DOORS

Verbena Mint Tea is highly recommended for the stomach, an excellent digestive, and moreover it burns up fat. --Mario Vargas Llosa, AUNT JULIA AND THE SCRIPTWRITER 

My Aunt Julia (my dad’s half-sister: same mothers/different fathers) sent me a beautiful floral card this week. I almost forgot that I had written to her. It made my day: 

April 22, 1998 

Hi Sweetie, Dear Nephew, Michael: 

This is in answer to the lovely letter you wrote. It certainly made me feel good to hear from you!  

It’s been days where I start to write or drop a few lines and let you know I am OK (I’m medium-Ha).  

Although I’m doing what you told me about taking vitamins and my cereal (oatmeal) at times I change to corn flakes or pancakes. It’s the truth.  

Soon I will eat supper of beef liver and onions, broccoli and potatoes. Later, I eat it again. At night I get hungry, so I get up for an apple or banana. 

Ok, before I forget, I wrote a letter to Sandra Rita Donald, my niece, in prison. She tells me to tell you to write to her and that you keep her spirits up. Since she can’t see anyone in the family it must be sad to be in a place like that! 

Well dear, not much I can say. I talked to Virginia (your mom). She has a cold. Me too. Now the weather is getting too hot. I will stop for now—there's no room on this card. Take care and stay as sweet as you are, OK? Love you Mike, Mucho... 

Auntie Julia  

I have to say. Another great thing that happened recently was going to see the movie, SLIDING DOORS, with Alan. It’s a ‘what if’ about experiencing alternate realities. It’s so very true about life. It you make a left turn, miss one subway for another, answer an ad for a new job or write a letter to the right someone it could change your life. Things can happen over the smallest incident. That’s what this film is about—and they depict alternate things that could happen with one minor change in your day. I simply loved it. It’s on my list of very favorite films.  

Just for the record...this is a highly unusual night, and unusual nights are always giving notice of something. --Simone Buchhotz, BLUE NIGHT 

The Process

What is the most complex of machines in the human body? THE HUMAN BRAIN—Siddhartha Mukherjee, THE SONG OF THE CELL  

Not much is happening this week, which is a good thing as I’m still living off steam from the fantastic time in New York City.  

I received an OLD PRINT WORKS card from Barbara Reynolds in Berkeley, CA. She had the following news to report: 

Dear Mike, 

Looks like Spring! Right? Our garden is still very wet. I want to work in our garden. WE have new plants to make it more beautiful.  

In the meantime, I’m getting quality time with David. We walked up to the Berkeley Rose Garden and slid down the cement slide and watched some teen gals playing soft ball.  

...the time change has some advantages.  

Love,

Barbara  

The best part of this week was going to the movies with Alan. We take advantage of weekday movie night out. It makes my work week finish faster. I really enjoyed the new LOST IN SPACE movie starring William Hurt and the Romantic Comedy THE OBJECT OF MY AFFECTION starring Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston.  

There was a unique one that is a loose remake of the WINGS OF DESIRE film called CITY OF ANGELS which takes place in Los Angeles with Nicolas Cage as the angel and Meg Ryan as the mortal human.  

However, by far our favorite was THE SPANISH PRISONER. It was puzzling as they kept referring to ‘The Process’. It’s about an inventor of a secret process who suddenly finds himself alone as both of his friends and the corporation he works for turn against him.

All the way through THE SPANISH PRISONER there is an ongoing curiosity of what ‘The Process’ is, and you never find out. I suppose you must use your imagination. Director David Mamet did a brilliant job with it and it starred Ben Gazarra, Steve Martin, David Mamet’s wife (Rebecca Pigeon) and Campbell Scott. What a great film!  

Throughout the next week or so, Alan and I kept referring to things as 'The Process'. It was quite humorous to our brains. One has to ask oneself, since we go through 'The Process' every day and it's different for each one of us.

“My expectations are higher these days.” 

“I guess New York does that to you.” --Abigail Dean, GIRL A, a novel 

Endless Fun

‘Life in us is like the water in the river. It may rise this year higher than man has ever known it...’--Henry David Thoreau, WALDEN 

Our New York City trip was spectacular. We managed to do so much in a matter of days. On April 4th we arrived (me, Alan, Gloria, Lauren and Carrie). Alan is so good at hailing a taxicab.

I love the scenes in and around New York City. Ther is always something new to see each time you visit. I like the sounds and looks of water fountains.  

We went to visit Alan’s cousin, Bobbi Rosenzweig-Shmaruk in Ft. Lee, New Jersey. She was so welcoming, and we took a few group photos in her apartment.  

While walking in around the Soho (South of Houston) district we came across a vendor who was selling scripts. I noticed the GLORIA script from the 1980 film written by John Cassavetes. I had Gloria hold it up and snapped a pic of her with it for memory’s sake. The Soho shops are fun to walk by, drop in or just peek at their dressed-up windows. 

We also met up with Gloria’s stepdaughter, Candice and her husband, Tony Sabatini, while in Lower Manhattan. Tony and Candice walked with us up to Union Square. I took a few pictures there, too. 

On April 5th I saw cool looking townhomes on the Upper East Side. I just love them. We also went to the MET MUSEUM where we saw beautiful diamonds on display. The hustle and bustle of cars and taxis and the ever-changing billboards are hard to miss. I took photos of my favorites.  

We also took the Staten Island Ferry and visited Bob and Joanne Feinman. Lauren got to see their son (her former prom date), Craig. It was fun to visit them and get a look at the Staten Island life. I prefer Manhattan. 

And so, we returned to Manhattan, walking down Fifth Avenue and the Bell Atlantic phone booths with the advertisements were too good to pass up; whereby, I ordered Alan to pretend he was on a phone call. Another good photo for the memory books. 

We went shopping here and there. We took the subway. We had dinner. It’s endless fun.  

On April 7th we went to the Corinthian Building at 330 East 38th Street to see Alan’s other cousin (and Bobbi’s brother), Elliot Rosenzweig, and his wife Annemarie Veronica Burton-Rosenzweig. Annemarie is from Hungary. She married Elliot in 1993. Elliot’s first wife, Alice Ferber-Rosenzweig had passed away many years before.  

Annemarie and Elliot were also quite kind. Annemarie dotes on her little puppy as if it is really her baby. They have another dog that isn’t as cute looking.  

Springtime is beautiful in New York when you see the tulips on Park Avenue and other flowers in Central Park or wherever. I like the colors. 

I even like ‘bebe’ advertisements that I see or PERRY ELLIS ads on billboards. They’re so larger-than-life. There was a cool JOCKEY underwear ad that I liked. I know that it will be long gone one day, and I’ll always have the memory of it from my photo. It looked like such a fun photoshoot for the models. 

One of my favorite things to do is photograph Alan amidst a bunch of other New Yorkers. The photography becomes a sort of ‘Find Waldo’ photo but of course in this case it’s ‘Find Alan’.  

Carrie and Lauren were having a great time, bonding and laughing with their grandmother, Gloria, all over NYC. Gloria had so many NYC stories from when she lived in The Bronx. I still wish to visit The Bronx, but people say you must go during the day because it’s dangerous at night.  

We eventually pooped out and it was time to sleep! 

On April 8th we went to Fifth Avenue where Alan’s first cousin, Ilene Rosenzweig-Kaplan, lived with her husband, Donald. They had a co-op apartment. A co-op is not an easy apartment to purchase. The buyer must be approved by the Homeowner’s Board. It was worth it for Ilene and Donald to acquire this place because it had an amazing view of Central Park, right across the street. One of their neighbors is the actor, Charles Grodin. I loved him in the 1973 movie called THE HEARTBREAK KID (and actress, Cybill Shepherd, was gorgeous in the film while actress, Jeannie Berlin, was hilarious). Ilene, of course, is the sister to Elliot and Bobbi who we’d seen only days before. Don and Ilene’s son, Jared, was at the co-op apartment. And Craig Feinman, Lauren’s pal, met up with us and joined in for our get-together.  

A “For a Special Cousin” Card was sent to me by my Cousin Marie Antoinette in Pueblo, CO. It was a simple handwritten gesture but it still means the world to me that she took the time to do it. My niece, Leigh E Armijo, did the same with a thoughtful card. 

We did more of a walkabout the next day and I loved this billboard ad for OREO Cookies. I thought it was so clever.  

I managed to photograph Alan and another Bell Atlantic phone booth with the Broadway ad for the musical adventure, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL. 

All things must end, but the adventure remains in our minds for a very long time. I’m sure Lauren and Carrie were exhausted. I couldn’t get enough. I think I could live in NYC full-time quite easily. 

I had a couple of cool letters waiting for me in Los Angeles from my cousin, Marie-Antoinette and niece, Leigh Armijo.  

April 12, 1998 

Dearest Cousin,  Wishing you a wonderful Easter... 

Please forgive me for not writing but I’ve been so overwhelmed with various things. Well, you’ve got to admit that I did become a nuisance for a little while there. Now I’m back. Tee-Hee! 

I hope you have a wonderful Easter, so I’ve sent you a small sample of goodies. God Bless you and Take Care. 

Love Always, Marie Antoinette & Family 

April 13, 1998 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

I wanted to Thank You for the Barbie, you gave me for my Birthday (March 29th). I also wanted to Thank You for the two beanie babies you gave Lauren and I. Valentino and the other bears are hard to get. A lot of places are selling VALENTINO for $35. Other beanie babies are $5, $5.50 or $6 usually—unless they are hard to get. Then they cost more. I am also using the stationery you gave me for Christmas. 

Love, 

Leigh 

Now I’m back to my old grind. It’s my usual Monday through Friday work grind. Yet, I still can mark my calendar for the next adventure. I must always have something new to be excited about. 

“Ah! There are duties to society that one cannot avoid.” --Maurice LeBlanc, GENTLEMAN BURGLAR, The Escape of Arsene Lupin Chapter