One Of Those Days

Altruistic LOVE is characterized by unconditional kindness toward ALL BEINGS and is apt to be expressed at any time in favor of every being in particular.--Matthieu Ricard, ALTRUISM

I realized I hadn't written mom since February 6th when I wrote:
Dear Mom,
Contrary to what you may believe I miss you and want to see you.  That's why I arranged my trip to the Bay Area in March.  I want you to see my Graphic Arts Portfolio from PLATT COLLEGE.  It should be done by the time I arrive.   Thanks for being there for my thoughts, trouble and worries.
Lots of Love, Michael
I did receive my fair share of VALENTINE CARDS for 1991.  I was touched by receiving three cards from my niece, Ashley.  She even created one on her own with paper and pencil (and drew her own heart).   I loved it. 
One of Ashley’s cards made me laugh.   The cover of the card had the question imprint, “WHAT NEWSPAPER DO COWS READ?”   When you the open the card the answer was THE EVENING MOOS.   The third card depicted a cute puppy with the imprint “You’re Special” and inside the imprinted words were “You know just how to make me feel loved!”  She wrote, “DEAR UNCLE MIKE, LOVE, ASHLEY ARMIJO." Heartwarming.
Reed Campbell (former Pac Bell coworker in San Francisco) sent me a postcard from Macau, Hong Kong.  He wrote:
Feb. 14, 1991Hi Michael,We went to MACAU to pay our taxes…same as when we hit Lake Tahoe-Reno or Las Vegas.  We didn’t win anything but it was very interesting.  MACAU is a village with big buildings and dirty—but Hong Kong is a City, clean and beautiful.   The buildings here are breathtaking.  Las Vegas could take lessons.  Hope you enjoyed your VALENTINE.Best Always, Reed

Dorothy Rua sent a simple card, a Hallmark one with thoughtful words:  “Especially for You: You’re in my thoughts on Valentine’s Day—and in my heart all year.”
Former coworker, Gloria Romero, sent a HOT RED postcard with simple handwritten words: 
Dearest Michael, Hope all is well.   Thinking of you.  A Valentine just for you.  Love, Gloria
And Alan was in a ‘tie’ with my niece, Ashley, as he gave me three Valentine’s also.   One described the meaning of the word LOVE (in the form of a noun):  A widely misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes the eyes to sparkle, the cheeks to glow, the blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker frequently.  Inside was imprinted I LOVE YOU and he added “A LOT!”   Sweetness.

Alan’s other card depicted a young handsome lad in boxer shorts with red hearts on them.   Inside the card, Alan wrote these words:
Dear Michael,Imagine starting Friday, February 22nd it is gym and water diet…within six months—if you help me—and I restrain you we could look a little like this card (or last years).  Love You, ALAN [image error]
His third card was a bit on the funny side.   A goober caricature was about to write at his desk and was thinking, “Dear Valentine, When I’m sad, you make me smile.  When I’m mad, you understand and let me get it out.   When I’m happy, you play with me so we can be happy together. “   
Inside the card was imprinted “I’M GLAD I KNOW YOU…IT’S CHEAPER THAN CONSTANT THERAPY.”   Ha-ha…in his own handwriting, Alan wrote:  Michael, I Love You and wish you all the Valentine wishes you have for yourself.   Good luck in your new career.  Love, ALAN.
And I loved the special Valentine that BIRDA sent me as well.   This was written on the cover of the card: A Shy Valentine Poem to Someone I like.   I sometimes find it rather hard to say I really care and that I like you quite a lot, But I’ve said it now—so there.    Inside the card, Birda wrote in her own words: Michael,I received your CALVIN KLEINS and I love it.  You’re the only one I know who would have such a unique way of showing off your underwear.  
Again, it couldn’t have arrived at a better time.  I was having ONE OF THOSE DAYS!   I came home after a 14 ½ hour day read to scream, but your “undies” put a smile back on to my face.   Thank You, Love Always, BirdaP.S.  Plans didn’t work (I am).  I don’t know when I’ll be able to make it down…hopefully before you move back.  If not…we’ll have to plan on doing down together so I don’t miss those great spots you’ve encountered.  I’m looking forward to it.  Happy Valentine’s Day.  Always, B.B.

I did write mom again on February 17th.  I wrote:
Dear Mom,
Here is the stationery I designed. I did the logo myself and completed the camera ready artwork and mechanical so the printer could print it easily.  The letterhead looks pretty sharp, yes?  Well, I like it.  I am sending you my new business card also.

I was on the telephone with you only an hour ago.  You ordered yourself a medium pizza, remember?  I wish I could have a slice with you.  I do like combination pizza, you know.

This Tuesday is my last day of driving to Eagle Rock, CA for classes...Thank God!  The experience at PLATT COLLEGE Graphic Arts was good though.  I learned a lot and now I have a "book" or "portfolio" (they both mean the same).  I actually did a composition of a bookcover and two compact disc cover designs today.  A comp (or composition) is simply a drawing of what the bookcover or CD would actually look like in terms of colors used, design, etc. 

I was going to write INTER MEDIA Advertising about my W-2 but have decided not to waste a stamp on them.  That was a short-lived career as an Account Manager for Psychiatric Hospitals' National Yellow Page Advertising.  I may jot a few lines to Dorothy Rua in Walnut Creek beferoe I head for the burger joint to meet Alan, Lauren and Carrie for a bite to eat.

I can't wait until St. Patrick's Day weekend to see you.  Time flies when I am with you because we always have such a good time!  
Love Forever,
Michael
P.S.  Oh, Mom, here's the bookcover I colored purple and did not like.  I redid it and changed the title from THE TIME TUNNEL to PSYCHIC VISION using the same illustration (the eye and the tunnel).  Later, Love You, Michael And a very scary movie was just released here on Valentine's Day.  It's being termed as the perfect date movie (yeah, right?).  I am eager to see it once my Graphic Arts classes are over.  This will be very soon.  Alan and I will likely see it next week.   It stars Jodie Foster who I absolutely adore.   The film is called SILENCE OF THE LAMBS.   I cannot wait to see it.  The word here in Los Angeles/Hollywood is that it will keep you feeling queasy and at the edge of your seat.  It sounds like just my cup of tea (or should I say my glass of chianti). 
“A census taker once tried to test me.  I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.”–Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter