Such A Way With Words

“...the idea is, if you have a weakness, fight AGAINST IT.” --Calder Willingham, END AS A MAN 

Not much has changed since last week but I’m looking forward to March 27th and driving to LAX to pick-up Alan and Gloria. 

While Alan and I moved—temporarily--from our Marina Del Rey house to Pacific Palisades after the earthquake Gloria did the same.  She left her condo in Santa Monica at 7th and San Vicente for an apartment at SEA COLONY near the beach.  She is planning to have a party next week on March 31st, so that is a little something to look forward to.   My mom will be visiting also—so she will attend. 

Alan sent a couple postcards that I received this week.  One was from the ALFIO Ristorante in Milan, Italy.   The meal that is pictured looked yummy.  Alan wrote: 

Michael, 

This is an example of every lunch and dinner that we had in ITALY.  Perfect—but the only thing missing was looking, talking and being with YOU. 

Love, 

Alan 

Alan’s other card was an artsy one from the Sistine Chapel at THE VATICAN.  He has such a way with words that makes me miss him more.  His words—though short—tell me that he misses me a lot, too.  

Michael, 

Sistine Chapel is the greatest.  I think this is by MICHELANGELO---except the DAVID, my greatest work was not there—but I do have MICHAEL.  

Love, 

Alan 

My life feels less exciting with Alan gone.  From his postcards I get the impression that he is anxious to return to me.  I’m trying to get by without his presence but it’s not easy.  He is always talking and adding more to my days.  I look forward to his return.   His 43rd Birthday is right around the corner and I have a big surprise brewing for him.  I cannot wait to see his face when he witnesses my surprise on April 1st.  

I must not let myself get carried away by emotion; I must write all this down carefully!  I experienced the same surprise and the same exhilaration I felt when I first entered that room. --ADOLFO BIOU CASARES, The Invention of Morel