Like Angels Do

I felt as though I were falling down a deep well with smooth, moist walls coated with spongy moss.   At the bottom of the well, instead of water, there was my warm, secure bed where I could safely sleep and forget about everything.--Jerzy Kosinski, THE PAINTED BIRD
I found a most awesome, colorful postcard for Paloma on the St. Kitts Caribbean Island.
2-10-93Dear Paloma,It sure is HOT here on this British-owned Island.  It is known for their abundance of SUGAR CANE.  The waves crash every minute and the roosters crow every morning.I miss you!Send regards to Alexandre and Hugs and Kisses to Jonathan.Love,Michael J Armijo
Alan and I tasted fresh sugar cane.  We sucked it right from the cane right after it was torn from the branches.  The fish in St. Kitts has to be the MOST FRESH fish I’ve ever had in my life. 
One of my most favorite moments was being on a local bus en route to Downtown St. Kitts and hearing a song by the Mighty Sparrow called SOL FISH.  That was the peak highlight of relaxation for me.   I know that when I hear that song…I will always go back to that moment. 

I took a few photos while in St. Kitts (including a partial of a wild pig).  I managed a sunset photo and several photos of Alan and me.  Alan took one of me, reading my latest book.  There was even a photo I shot of a local man taking a break amidst the sugar cane fields.  


I love the Caribbean islands!  There’s so much more to explore.  Alan and I had a divine time here and we can’t wait to return.  We still have Puerto Rico to feel out.
Alan and I remained in San Juan, Puerto Rico for a couple of nights (before heading back to Los Angeles).  We ate at the PALM Restaurant in San Juan.  That was delicious.  We also went horseback riding on the beach.  That was an unforgettable adventure.  I petted the nape of my horse’s neck and that got him to like me.  He was gentle.   My father was thrown off of a horse when he was 13-years old and required stitches on his leg.  I still recall seeing his scar from that incident.  The last thing I wanted was for history to repeat.  Needless to say, my horse liked me and I was not thrown off.  Riding a horse along a shoreline is a dream that everyone ought to experience ‘at least once’.
Upon our arrival back to L.A. I had a cool postcard from Lottie and two Valentine’s Cards.
2-11-93Hi! We hare having a great time here at JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL MONUMENT PARK.  I hope you enjoyed Miami.  It was wonderful to see you and thank you and Alan for letting us stay at your home.Heading to Arizona in a few days…Always,Lottie, Michael and Reida


Birda created her own VALENTINE which means ALL THE MORE to me.  She’s so creative.  She wrote:
You’re still the only one Cupid can’t even catch me.Happy V. Day.Always, BirdaP.S. Sorry if this is a little late.  I’ve been working overtime. I hope all is well.  Letter to follow soon.LOVE, me
Reed made me laugh.  The front of his Valentine card had this imprint:
I’m sending you this Valentine’s Day card to remind you to send me one.The inside of the card:NOW DON’T FUCK UP.Reed
Ha-ha…Reed followed that with a postcard from his Holland America Cruise line ship.  He sure gets around.  I want to be able to travel more too.  If only I could fly (like angels do).
Feb. 15, 1993Hi Michael, Day 3 of 17 through the panama Canal…stops in L.A., Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Curaco, La Guaira/Caracas, St. Thomas, Nassau and Miami-Ft. Lauderdale.  Everything so far—involving the weather—is great.  I hope you liked my VALENTINE. …get back on 3/2 and leave for London on 3/22 for two weeks.  I will try to send more cards. This is the inaugural cruise for this ship.Best Always,Reed
I think it’s time to escape to the movies.  It's another way to fly away (like angels do).

And, of course, I kept mom abreast of my recent travels with the following postcards:

Feb 5, 1993
No Mom...i haven't arrived into MIAMI, FL yet.  I'm on the plane right now and this card gives you an idea of the view. Ha-ha.
I just wrote a few cards to the people I felt I owed a card to (Paloma, Barbara, Lela, Ashley, Dorothy...).   I hope all is well with you 'The Retirement Queen'.
I can't wait until our Santa Fe, NM trip! 
Love, 
Michael Joe Armijo


2-8-93
Mom,
We're leaving MIAMI now.  In fact, I'm on a plane headed for San Juan, Puerto Rico and we will switch planes to to go the Island of St. Kitts.  This island is owned by England.  Princess Diana has been there as well as other celebrities who like to 'hide out'.
Later,
Love, 
Michael J Armijo



2-10-93
Dear Mom,
This is a beautiful island.  Most of the native population of about 40,000 are black and very friendly.  We hear the crashing waves every minute from our room.  We hear roosters crowing in the AM.
This island has crops and crops of sugar cane.

The weather is unbelievably 'warm to hot'.  Great palm trees, too!
I Love You!
Michael J Armijo

Feb 15, 1993, 7:45PM
Dear Mom,
Like I told you on the phone...it's nice to be back to the USA.  I'll tell you more about my experiences in-person (or over the phone).

The best moments in San Juan, Puerto Rico, were horseback riding on the beach.  I read one and a half books and rested and relaxed a lot.  I took a lot of great naps, too.


I guess you got your February SCHWAB statements.  I hope you are pleased.  I look forward to our visit to Santa Fe.
Miss You...
Love,
Michael

“It’s amazing how our lives are dictated by accident.”“I like to take him to the cinema.  You know, watching him smile and laugh at the screen gives me a lot more satisfaction than watching the film.”--Charles Belfoure, THE PARIS ARCHITECT