Life's Daily Path

A person who’s looking at a mountain far away doesn’t notice the prettiness of a dandelion in front of them.  A person who’s looking at a dandelion in front of them doesn’t see the beauty of a mountain far away.  To us, people’s voices are a bit like that.  It’s very difficult for us to know someone’s there and that they’re talking to us, just by their voice.  So it would help us a great deal if you could just USE OUR NAMES FIRST to get our attention, before you start talking.--Naoki Higashida, a 13-year old boy with Autism in his book THE REASON I JUMP
Honestly, the weeks go by more quickly than usual.  I dislike waking up in the morning to make it to work at 8:30AM but I am so fortunate that I don’t have to take a freeway if I don’t want to.  I do take it for a short part of my commute.  It’s a breeze and I’m thankful for that.   It is the month to be THANKFUL, after all.  I am always thankful to receive the latest words from Dorothy Rua:

11-6-92Hi Michael,Your MOUNTAIN LIGHT card you sent was indeed, “groovy”.  The layers and layers of rock representing how many millions of years gone by is clear.  Then the indication of a previous waterfall which must have led to some unknown depth is evident.  Looking at the picture one’s imagination can go on and on…
I would like to mention how glad I was to hear from you.  It seems like a while and I was hoping we weren’t beginning to lose touch (sad to think about).  I ALWAYS enjoy your cards and hearing from you.
My days remain extremely busy with work, family (friends whenever possible) and everything else along life’s daily path.   
I continue to make a real effort to find time for friends even if it’s just a few hours after work or somewhere during a weekend.  I’m already looking forward to my favorite holiday:  THANKSGIVING.  It’s generally the only occasion I enjoy at someone else’s home and no gifts are required (just good company and good food).  We’ll probably spend the day with Kathy, Dick and their girls in Alameda again this year.   It’s close enough to hear your mom’s turkey gobble!  Speaking of your mom, how wonderful that she’s retired!  How we all envy her! Photo:  Guam In addition to all that’s going on here my mind/heart can’t help but want to be in GUAM, too.  It’s been a very difficult time wishing my Dad wasn’t so ill and trying to accept what is to come.  I’m really glad I spent the three weeks with him and the rest of my family.  One thing I really appreciated was (throughout the sadness) we all continued to maintain a level of humor, even Mom.  Also, the day before I left I was feeling extra sad when I got a call from Henry (animal) Simpson.  Henry and I dated when we were 19-years old and we hadn’t seen each other since then.  We have kept up with each other’s lives through friends.  He’s done well financially and is now a millionaire.  Anyway, he heard I was on the island of GUAM and wanted to have lunch, so we did.  I didn’t realize until later just how much I needed that break.  It turned out to be a wonderful two hours of catching up on the past years, laughing, running barefoot in the rain to get to his black Porsche (had to throw that in).   Then finally a long hug, each thinking of carefree days from our youth.  So, here’s to all the Henry Simpson’s and Michael Armijo’s of the world who can bring a lightness of heart and a smile to the lips of the Dorothy Rua’s of the world!
Thanks for the tip on the movie A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT.   On your recommendation I will make a point to see it and let you know my thoughts.  It sounds like one I will enjoy.
It sounds like your job is keeping you quite busy.  I hope it’s also brining you a degree of pleasure.  Someone should enjoy the work they do and if it can’t be me right now, then why can’t it be you!   Is everything else is working out okay with you?  Remember…maintain that BALANCE.Love, Dorothy

Dorothy asked if my work was bringing me pleasure.   It does at times.  I love meeting new people face-to-face and helping them with their investment strategy.  Some people think they know it all.  I prefer the ones who really want my advice to those who shun what I have to say.   Alas, people have to learn the hard way.   No job can provide complete pleasure every minute.  I know that.  It’s just a matter of getting through life’s daily path (to use Dorothy’s phrase). 
I am looking forward to seeing Disney’s ALLADIN movie and a new one with Whitney Houston called THE BODYGUARD that will come out in a week or so.  Alan and I will surely see both of them.
As with every assignment, there was a rule to play, and with any role, illusion is everything.--Taylor Stevens, THE INNOCENT