Our Modus Operandi (M.O.)

Harmful mental states always tend to distance us a little more from that feeling of harmony with one’s self.--Matthieu Ricard, ALTRUISM
My mental state seemed exhausted at times between work and Graphic Arts school; however, Alan often kept me in-check.  He would call often.  He would even surprise me with a postcard now and again.
Alan was in Washington DC.   He sent me a postcard from Mount Vernon.  He wrote:
November 1990Definitely!  Amazing lights; great restaurants, cool weather.   Let’s come here in March or April 1991.   All is well I here—I miss you so much.  There’s so much history here, so many great quotes.  You must see it.   Love, Alan
The other postcard was of the Lincoln Memorial.  Alan wrote:
THINK PARIS and Washington is close to it…but one thing is missing:  MICHAEL.The Lincoln Memorial is an enlightening/emotional site.  The weather is great here, food is good, and sites are extraordinary.  Happy Thanksgiving.Love, Alan
And soon enough we were both in New York City after his DC trip.    We bought pretzels on Fifth Avenue.  I still can’t get over the many people you see in one day in New York City.  It’s fascinating.

Alan explored Central Park.  It’s one of my favorite places.  It’s like feeling ‘country life’ within a big city.  There are so many International tourists about and it’s an ideal escape to see the diversity of peoples. It was November 20th and it was our 1-year Anniversary.   I’m glad we were in Central Park to take each other’s photo on this day.
We also explored the Museum of Modern Art.   There are so many museums to explore in NYC.   One needs to make multiple visits to cover it all.   And when one makes the return visit there are always new exhibits to see at these museums.   I think I love the GIFT SHOPS most; however, it’s fun to see the many people, too.“We have to go back to the park,” I advised Alan.I can never get enough of Central Park.  I want to have picnics there all of the time.  I want to sit on a park bench and simply read a book or magazine.  I want to photograph random people.
Alan gave me two special ANNIVERSARY cards today.  I love them both.   One is of a guy on a bike and the other is of a guy in a bathtub with his rubber ducky.  Ha-ha.  Alan wrote on the ‘guy on a bike’ postcard:
MICHAEL,I found this card in BOSTON and couldn’t stop ‘thinking of you’.  Let’s ride our bikes to Redondo Beach ASAP.  We need exercise and less food.   We’ll feel better. Love, Alan
On the ‘rubber ducky in the bathtub card’ Alan wrote:This is what I imagined you were with on Saturday night/day.  I have good imagination.  Is this what you’d imagined, too?   Now…what exactly did you do by the pool and with the helmet?   MSFT is $92.   INTEL is $62.  IBM is $103.  BBN is $34.I Love You, Alan
November 22nd… Our New York City excursions continued.   We explored the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART.   What a massive place.   One could spend a week analyzing the many sculptures, rooms, paintings, etc. 
It was a little chilly but our jackets kept us warm. 
Alan photographed me filling out a form at the MET.
I found a townhouse not far from Central Park in the Upper East Side vicinity.   I had Alan choose his ideal future townhouse and photographed him seated in front of the porch.  
“Someday we might have a townhouse like that,” I said.Alan said, “Yeah, right…maybe!” I couldn’t let his ideal place go by without my picking my own, so I found a Fifth Avenue address and Alan photographed me in front of that building.  
“I want to live in New York City!”  I exclaimed.
November 23rd…
I took a photo of Alan by a horse near the PLAZA HOTEL.
There is so much to do.   We explored the PLAZA HOTEL.   We were inside the PLAZA and Alan stood next to a bride.  I couldn’t resist NOT shooting a photo of that either.

We explored ROCKEFELLER CENTER.   There are so many photo opportunities here.

I found another place with pillars at the entrance and said, “No wait, this should be our place.  I choose this one.” And so, Alan took a photo of me next to the pillars.   That was solid.

Alan and I took a subway downtown and took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.   There was a beautiful sunset afterward.  I’m glad I captured it.
We experience so much in a small amount of time.   That seems to be our MO (Modus Operandi).
Authentic self-confidence is born from a feeling of balance with oneself, based on a peaceful strength that is not threatened by external circumstances or inner fears, a freedom beyond fascination with image and fear of losing it.--Matthieu Ricard, ALTRUISM