Learn A New Activity

“You know what Fitzgerald said, in your thirties you want friends, in your forties you know friends won’t save you any more than LOVE did.”--Christopher Bram, IN MEMORY OF ANGEL CLARE, a novel
I persuaded Alan go to and see the animated Disney film of THE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.  We actually enjoyed it very much.  It was interesting to hear ROBBIE BENSON do the voice as The Beast.  Angela Lansbury’s voice was quite recognizable as Mrs. Potts.I wrote mom a few postcards on Veteran’s Day:
November 11, 1991Hi Mom, This house is in Marina Del Rey and it was asking $1,375,000 but they’re willing to take $1,200,000.  Alan loves it and made an offer for $1,100,000.   Who knows what will happen next.  It’s Alan’s turn to make another move.  He may go to $1,120,000 or $1,150,000.  I don’t think he’ll go any higher for it.  It sure is a nice house though.  It even has an elevator.   The kitchen is so nice that it makes one feel like cooking.  Time will tell as to what will happen.I’ll send you a postcard of the other house that is a little bit more expensive…but very nice.Later…Love, Michael
Hi Mom, This is the other house.  It’s asking $1,650,000 (or at least that is what they are hoping for).  It’s really nice—believe me.   Alan really likes this one but it’s just a matter of whether the seller will go any lower (like at least $1,200,000).  If not…I think Alan will for the one in the other postcard in Marina Del Rey.  If that will not work then the one for $740,000 (a townhouse next to where he currently lives will probably be his next move.  I’ll keep you posted on what happens.   I’ll see you on the 23rd.I may go see STRICTLY BALLROOM again with Jim from the Gym, Cwissy and Michael Miller when I come for the Thanksgiving escape.  I love that movie and want to see it again and again.  I’ll take you to see it also.
And a third “SUMMER CLEARANCE” postcard of Abe Lincoln that I picked up at the Palm Springs Cabazon outlet in the Kenneth Cole story some time ago was the last card I sent to mom (along with a book I thought she’d like to read):
Look Mom,…even Lincoln’s ears at the Lincoln Memorial get cleaned. I saw this book at the store and thought you’d like it.Love You, Michael

Oh Wow…just when you think you’ve seen the best film (STRICTLY BALLROOM) a new one comes out that is quite spine-tingling.   It’s called CAPE FEAR.   Robert deNiro was phenomenal.  The new young actress, Juliette Lewis, was something else, too.  Alan and I saw it on November 15th, the release day.  What a creepy (but excellent) show…deNiro was so hateful. 
Alas…movies (and a good story) are always enlightening.  It’s time to merge more exercise into my routine.  It makes me feel better.  Perhaps it is time to learn a new activity.
In any learning activity, changes at the level of the brain and temperament are more marked when one practices an activity regularly.
--ALTRUISM, by Matthieu Ricard