The "Other" Center of the Universe

Perhaps, not surprisingly, I am also a man of two minds.--Viet Thanh Nguyen,THE SYMPATHIZER, a novel
The escape to New York City with Alan was as unforgettable as the last time.  It always seems like a new experience every time I visit NYC.  There’s so much to do.  The time goes by fast.  New York City is like living in the fast lane.

We went to Central Park and simply did some people watching on a park bench.  I got in-touch with my child within and climbed a Peter Cottontail/Alice in Wonderland bronze sculpture with all of the other East Coast kids.
Alan and I went to the FRICK COLLECTION Museum.  I loved it there.   It’s very quaint and not as busy at the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (but of course we did go there also).  THE MET had a fantastic Fauve Landscape exhibit going on.
I was obsessed with sending postcards while in NY.   Alan got tired of hearing me say, “We need to find a mailbox.”
Alan had to photograph me in front of a couple of New York mailboxes to commemorate my obsession with the mailbox.
There were a number of Saturday and Sunday parades going on in the city.  Alan says, “New York has a parade for everything.   The Puerto Rican parade is probably one of the most popular because they really like to party.”
Photo: Michael J Armijo, observing a Labor Day Parade
Alan took me to see a classic Broadway show called LES MISERABLES.  I found it utterly boring.Alan said, “Well, it’s not for everyone.”“Definitely not…I think now I know why they call it LES MISERABLES because I was miserable and couldn’t wait for it to end.”Alan simply frowned.
On a more pleasurable note, we went to see MISS SAIGON on-Broadway.  It was wonderful.  What a great show!  I loved the music.  There's something about that song called LAST NIGHT OF THE WORLD that just drew me in.  
Time Square is always bustling.   Alan says, “It’s the other center of the universe.”Alan always used to say where I have my condo (at 1010 N. Palm Avenue) in West Hollywood (near Sunset Boulevard) is the center of the universe in Los Angeles.

We went to WALL STREET and I had Alan take a “Find Waldo” photo of me in front of the NYSE entrance.
As we walked all over New York City I laughed at the sight of the sign at a hair salon on Lexington Boulevard.   The marquee reads “THE FIRST CUT IS THE SWEETEST” and I couldn’t help but think of the first cut a boy gets when circumcised.  It made me laugh.

I know one thing.  I never get tired of New York City.  Every time I leave I feel like I didn’t get to do it all.  How can one do it all?  It’s impossible.  I mean, if one has the luxury of living in NYC one still cannot do everything.  You have to pick and choose what is most interesting or important to you.
Dorothy Rua wrote and sent an awesome 1988 Photo Card (by photographer Elliot Erwitt) of a vintage blue car and a photo postcard by an unidentified photographer from 1910 of a BICYCLE WITH A BABY CARRIAGE.   I found it to be cute and it made me wonder what life may have been like during this period.  The primary card was the best though.  The photographer, Elliot Erwitt, is definitely one of my all-time favorite photographers.
9-9-91Dear Michael,Last time you were in New York I received your cards within 2-days of the post date.   The ones you sent me this time are post-dated 9-3 and I just got them!   They must have been delivered by a slow moving donkey.  At this point I’m just glad they reached me.  I was beginning to wonder if one of those ‘groovy New Yorkers’ got a hold of you jogging through Central Park!


It sounds like you had a great time.  LA FEMME NIKITA is one I have not seen yet.  It is foreign?  I’ll have to make a note of it.  How did LES MISERABLES compare to MISS SAIGON that you liked so well?   I guess you’ll get to wear your new NY ties and socks the next time you head out for an important interview.  Just make sure you leave the one with the HULA DANCER at home that day.   Ha-ha.   I had to get even for that “P.S. on your postcard”.  Ha-ha.   You wrote:  P.S.  I saw a station wagon and thought of you.   I had to laugh.  I always think of my “station wagon” comments to you when I see one now (which is all day long in suburbia)!  
Which brings me to this card…bought it a long time ago with you in mind.  I was planning to send it the day you wrote to say “Dorothy, I’ve found the person I can’t live without.”   I view this BELVEDERE as one of the original BUICK station wagons.  It’s a connection you’ve made me resurface.   Who says the day will—or even should—come when you’ll limit yourself to only one person you can’t live without?  You seem to be living the life that’s right for you…now, anyway.
I really enjoyed both of your cards.   The NY postcard was wonderful and dazzling.  It is so full of life.  It’ so New York and makes you feel the pulse.  It’s going in my cubicle wall (I wonder who will try to read it this time?).   The Modesto Beauty Parlor was (is) great.  You know, I mean truly know, those gals are in Modesto and really believe they’re sexy as can be in their puffy bloomers.   And don’t forget they’ve all got their eye on you!


So…what did you finally find to give your mom on her Birthday?   Were you lucky?  You always seem to have an eye for the unique…and what better place to find something unique but in NYC!
Peter’s Birthday was on 9-7 and his mom flew up for the occasion!  I didn’t even know she was coming until I opened the mailbox to find an envelope with her itinerary.   Thank goodness we get along great and had an enjoyable weekend with her or there would have been one very upset chick to contend with.


Oh, I wanted to mention I loved the RED NAIL POLISH card you sent!   It’s so appropriate and yes…the red nail polish included my toe nails!   Why not, right?   The only drawback is that I didn’t have Kevin Costner around to paint them for me (Bull Durham).


Is it back to resume enhancement and cover letters now that you’re home?   It’s nice that you have Alan’s person computer available!   By the way, I have THE PRINCE OF TIDES book and read it a while back.  I did enjoy it.  I guess I’ll have to see the movie when it comes out.
I saw this card last week, and of course, thought of you (probably the same time you saw the station wagon in NY).  Now, is this the original station wagon…or what?   And wouldn’t Michael J Armijo prefer the bike pedals to a motorized vehicle!
Photo: Mannequin Looks by Elliot Erwitt
I am no avoiding your “OTHER” Black and White card.  It was a hot day.   The book was dull.  He was bored.  It’s a great opening to a great story and I plan to finish it for you (or at least continue it and have you finish it)!  I hope to have enough time tomorrow.

Until Then,
Love,Dorothy

The double-agent replied, “The creedo was similar to that of H.G. Wells.”For the double-agent, only one thing is certain, the greater the adventure, the greater the chance of success.--Ben Macintyre, AGENT ZIGZAG