The Most Wanted List

I try NOT to make a nuisance of myself, but I've figured out how to get my voice heard when I have to.  And when things go badly, of course, I'm upset, but at least I can feel I've done all I could and keep things in perspective.-Kazuo Ishiguro, NEVER LET ME GO
After some ongoing research I’ve concluded that TOYOTA cars have the least required maintenance.  I have about ‘had it’ with having to deal with new tires, a new fuel pump, a new radiator, etc. with my convertible Mustang.   Alan accompanied me to the MARINA DEL REY TOYOTA dealership and I purchased a new white 1990 Celica.  
I’ve named my new car CASPER after a cartoon I loved since I was a child (the Friendly Ghost).   I love the smoothness of the ride.  I kept my ARMIJO5 California License plates.  How could I let those go?   The ‘new car smell’ is welcoming.  
I received a card from Barbara Reynolds.  It depicted the trunks of two large trees.  The image was a double paysage done in 1928 by Joseph Sima.   It seems Barbara's mom is now 83 years old and will be going to a Senior Housing Center.  Barbara wrote:
26 OCT 90Thanks for the lengthy letter.  I am throwing stuff out now.My mother is finally moving out of that 27 foot trailer.   She’s moving into a brand new Senior Housing just around the corner from her current abode.  Yes, I’m helping…getting boxes takes time.   I’m so happy about this.  She will be 83 years on November 15th. Hope you are well, Michael.With Love, Barbara A few days later I found a typewritten letter from good old, Reed Campbell.   He received that Black and White photo card of me in Amboise, France.  Reed wrote:
10-29-1990Dear Michael:Just a few lines to say “HI” and to thank you for your picture card…   I had left it out on the table and my 17-year old daughter, Robin, saw it and went, “WOW, Who’s the cutie?”

I had to explain you were a co-worker and a friend.  She then proceeded to show your photo to a number of her girlfriends and you are on THE MOST WANTED LIST. 

So…when you come back to S.F. and are suddenly attacked by a multitude of teenagers you will know what is going on.  I envy you.  Ha-ha.   Sorry but I couldn’t live up to it anyhow.  
To fill you in on what’s going on I am in the final stages of recovery from a major surgery (gall bladder).  I’ve had a number of attacks (stomach wise) and the doctor said it had to go.   So while I was in good health it went.  I’m fine now and start to work for the Christmas season at MACYS on the 16th of November.   I will work four days a week but I did have fun doing it last year so I think it will be OK this time also.  
I stopped by the Tel Sales Office and saw Glenda and Janice who both send their regards, of course.  I took some banana bread which they seemed to enjoy (except Janice cannot eat nuts; maybe she enjoys them some other way???).   They are well and seem to like work.   Glenda says, “The money is great.”Janice sort of shrugged, so I don’t think she is doing too well.    She would have to actually work and she doesn’t like that.  (Catty)  Who me?
I have dropped in to see Vivian Adams and the ACO group on occasion but nothing seems to have changed.  Joanne Early is still there and unless you are very dark-skinned you haven’t got a chance of getting ahead.  I am glad you are out of that mad house.
I do hope my spelling is not too bad.  I haven’t typed in months and it shows. 
On our visit to Minnesota I discovered my brother-in-law is going to be in West Hollywood over the Halloween week and I almost gave him your address to give you a call.  He and Mitch are a pair and he was looking forward to his time in “Boy Land” as West Hollywood is called (?).   But I didn’t do it, so you are safe for the current time. 
Your ART class sounds wonderful and will be looking forward to your first solo exhibit.  You really should get into ACTING or MODELING or both.  Your looks and build would be a great asset.  I only wish I still had some connections in the business and could help in some way.   All the big shots (shits) I knew are dead or out of the business.  Well, I guess I will close for now.  I hope this letter makes sense after a couple of martinis.  I hope you make it back to the Bay Area soon.   If you do, please give me a call and maybe we can have a quick drink or lunch.Lots of the Best,Reed“Happy Halloween”
I had to laugh at the “Boy Land” comment.  I suppose it is very true though.   I have often heard the area termed as “Boys Town”.   That’s West Hollywood for you.   And here I drive the area in my new white “CASPER” wheels.

I feel a need to read more; however, the Graphic Art classes are weighing-in on my load.   I still want to find a good book.   There are so many good stories out there.
"Everybody should read something.  Otherwise we all fall down in to the pit of ignorance.  Many are down there.   Some people fall in it forever.   Their lives mean nothing.  They should not exist."--Charles Baxter, There's Something I Want You To DoChapter:  CHARITY