The Wide-Open Spaces

You and I know that what counts is what JAMES BOND does, not what he says... --Kingsley Amis, THE JAMES BOND DOSSIER 
For some reason I was reminiscing about my trip to London.    “Next time we have to go to London, mom.  You’ll love it there.  And we can take photos at their cool red telephone booths,” I laughed.   
Our night of MISS SAIGON On-Broadway was simply fantastic.  Mom loved the show.   We did so much in a week.  I know mom had fun.  She was relaxed just sitting in the hotel room, wondering what we’d be doing next.  We even had a slice of Ray’s Pizza. “Mom, you can’t come to New York without having ‘a slice’.” Mom flew with me to L.A. and stayed another night until she headed back home to Alameda the following day.  I know Ashley was anxiously awaiting her Grandma’s return. 
I had a nice Hallmark Card waiting for me from Dorothy Rua.  The photo card included a couple amidst an embrace while at an ocean shoreline.  Dorothy titled the card: “Just Another Special Moment Shared’. 
I had forgotten I asked Dorothy about actor Ray Liotta.  I saw him at the PALM RESTAURANT not-so-long-ago chatting up a story with a soap opera actor I recognized from Days of Our Lives, Josh Taylor.  I thought it odd that they’d know each other but they obviously worked together in some capacity.  
Dorothy wrote: 
Dear Michael, 
You asked if I know who Ray Liotta is?  Yes, I do, and I think he’s HOT, real hot.  I like his acting too.   
You must be in great shape with all the running you’re doing.  Does this mean you’re now wearing those skimpy SPEEDO’s on the beach?  Ha-ha.  Don’t tell me if you are.  I’m not fond of those things because I don't find them flattering.  A regular suit or totally nude is much more attractive!  I was walking every day until the end of July but I’m starting up again tomorrow.  As I mentioned, August was not a fun month for me.  September already feels better. 
I’m sure you’ve seen several movies during the past month.  Any good ones?  I did see FORREST GUMP and really enjoyed it.  I can understand why you want the CD.  I’m still looking for BITTER MOON and it’s still not playing up here.  Why?  I’ve seen several videos, the most recent was LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE.  I really enjoyed the book and the movie, too.  I only wish there were a few good HOT scenes to spice it up!   
Regarding SHIRLEY VALENTINE, it’s about a dissatisfied housewife (British) who goes off on a trip to GREECE.  You know, I don’t know where you’d like it or not.  I could probably make that guess on most movies, but I’m not sure about this one.  If you do rent it let me know your thoughts.  
I am absolutely sick about the cast for the lead roles for the movies BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY.  Clint Eastwood as Robert Kincaid?  It’s much easier to picture Robert Redford in the role.  It’s his type of role and he does it well.  But worst, I hear Meryl Streep is Francesca.  I mean, get real!  Aside from the fact that she acts out the same role for every part she plays, she is not the Italian woman one envisions when one things of Francesca.  Oh well, Hollywood refused to accept my calls when I called to protest.  And I’ll probably go see the movie anyway and hope I’m no more disappointed that I anticipate I will be.  Batt attitude, huh?  I’ll have to work on it.   Love, Dorothy 
Meanwhile, Alan and I went to see this new movie called PULP FICTION that just opened on September 10th.  It was getting rave reviews, so we couldn’t wait to see it.  However, after we left the theater, we both looked at each other in a dumbfounded way. Alan: “Did I miss something.” Michael: “No, it was terrible.  We should have missed seeing it at all, ugh!”  
The printed photos from my trip to NYC with mom arrived.  I received two copies of each shot so I immediately sent them to mom with a note on a NYC taxi postcard I acquired from Bloomindales.  When I recall our trip I imagine the history of her small-town life in New Mexico in that town of Cerrillos and how she (nor I) ever really felt the pulse of a big city.   Of course, there is something to be said for country living and the wide-open spaces.   Dear Mom, The NY Photos arrived.  Here are your copies.  Enjoy the memories.  Love You Forever, Michael Armijo 
The sheepherder watched his flock by day, traveling many miles while the sheep grazed on the range.  As his flock pastured, he sat on a rock or on his coat; he whittled some objects or composed songs or poetry until it was time to move the flock to water or better pasture.  The old man always seemed happy, whistling or singing in the distance.  The sheepherders on the endless Llano are the unsung heroes of an industry which was our livelihood for generations.  (The Llano: The Wide Open Spaces),  Fabiola Cabeza de Baca, WE FED THEM CACTUS