WHAT'S DONE IS DONE

“When you eat, when you work, when you’re at the movies, when you’re humping your wife, when you’re having a drink, at every moment in your life, and if possible, even in your coffin:  suck in your gut!” --Mario Vargas Llosa, in his book AUNT JULIA AND THE SCRIPTWRITER 

I found a couple of cards to send Paloma of a male model and a female model, both looking quite athletic.  I thought it would inspire Paloma to get more fit---as it will hopefully inspire me as well.  Getting fit is a never-ending quest.  I remember my sis-in-law, Helen, telling me once to always suck your stomach-in.  It is such good advice.  I wrote to Paloma as follows:   

Nov. 14, 1995 

Dear Paloma, Thank you for such a nice letter.  WE must have been thinking of each other because the day I got your letter I was wrapping you a Christmas present.  I figured I’d plan early this time, so you don’t receive it on Valentine’s Day. 

I just saw a film called DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS with Denzel Washington and Jennifer Beals (she was in that famous dance movie; the name escapes me). 

I also saw CARRINGTON last night with Emma Thompson and Jonathan Pryce, an odd sort of story but I managed to enjoy the escape. 

Hawaii was fun.  I flew on Continental Airlines and it cost me $648 for both me and my mom roundtrip from LAX to Hawaii.  So that’s $324 each.  Of course, it varies depending on when you go.  It’s about $500 now because the colder months are here and Hawaii weather is more desirable.  

Yes, I do remember the Vegas marriage proposal/suggestion.   I was testing you and you didn’t seem eager and you didn’t take me seriously at the time.  Alas, what’s done is done.  I think we both know by now that neither one of us is replaceable.  We are both ‘one-of-a-kind'.  And more importantly, we have NOT lost each other totally. 

 I saw the article on JACQUES CHIRAC and I thought of you.  Sorry to hear that the economy is kind of stressed there right now.  They still protest in from of my building (Yes, 10990 Wilshire) because the French Consulate is located there.  The protests are about stopping nuclear testing in France. 

I did see WATERWORLD.  It’s not very good.  I also saw ASSASSINS.  I took mom to see it in Hawaii as a matter of fact.  It’s ok.  THE PROFESSIONAL and LA FEMME NIKITA are much better films—but if you like Sylvester Stallone or Antonio Banderas I guess you’ll enjoy.  

Do you like my choice in cards this time?  Sometimes I go to certain restaurants in L.A. and they have a bunch of these cards by the restrooms for anyone to grab for free, so I grab the ones that look appealing to me.  

I never did see RESERVOIR DOGS, but I wouldn’t see it if Quentin Tarantino is involved.  I heard it was violet.  he has another one coming called FOUR ROOMS about some Hotel and the guests include Madonna, Antonia Banderas, etc.   The preview I have seen makes it look like another stupid film. 

I think it’s funny that they call BAYWATCH “MALIBU ALERT” in France. Ha-ha...speaking of celebrity sightings.  I saw Shelly Long and Robert Downey Jr. Recently.  Do you know who they are?  They weren't together.  I saw them at two different restaurants.  

You have such a good memory about what I said that night to get your telephone number just by looking in my cup of coffee!  Wow!  I had almost forgotten!  For Halloween, our so-called first meeting anniversary) this year I was G.I. JOE.  When I went to Seattle, WA I found an old green metal army helmet.  I wore it and didn’t shave for 4-days.  I looked the part.  I went for an excellent run the other day.  I like running. 

Did you ever see the film FORREST GUMP?  He liked running too, Haha.  That was a great movie. 

Thanks for the movie tips.  I was going to see THE BORTHER’SMCMULLEN but I didn’t.  I want to see TOYR STORY and GOLDENEYE the new James Bond/Pierce Brosnan film.  That will hopefully be good. 

I’m staying up past my bedtime for you, so I better finish up here. 

Alan’s in New York right now—but this Friday, November 17th through November 20th we are going to San Francisco and Gualala (a small town up the Northern California Coast).  There’s a neat old house turned restaurant there called THE OLD MILANO INN.  It’s a peaceful, relaxing setting.  The only problem is it is not super sunny like in Santa Cruz (the way we like it).  Oh well. 

I don’t recall the story in Oakland you described.  Sorry but I’ll keep an eye out for it.  It is on College Avenue in the North Oakland area?  Do you know? 

Oh well, take care and be good.  It’s time for me to DREAM. 

Always,  

Love, Michael 

 

I received a ‘surprise Thanksgiving card’ from my first cousin, Donna Armijo.  I loved that because she’s not one to write very often.  It was short, but sweet.  I’ll have to make a point to see her.   

Nov. 16, 1995 

Dear Michael, 

Hi there!  Well guess what?  I’ve got a BIG SURPRISE!  We’re in California and not just for a visit.  We decided to move down from Washington.  Right now, we’re staying with my mom until we find a place of our own. 

I would really like to see you sometime.  It’s been so long.  And I’d love for you to meet David and the girls.   So get in touch and let us know when would be a good time for you.  Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Hope to see you soon.  

All My Love, Donna 

Dorothy Rua of Walnut Creek sent a short note using a whimsical, dreamscape card that depicted a painting by Brazilian painter, Susan Seddon Boulet from 1993 called RAVEN’S LOVE OF LIGHT.  She wrote me and included a beautiful vase for me.  What a wonderful gift! 

11-18-95 

Dear Michael, I’ve never purchased anything at the many WINE AND ART shows I’ve been to over the years, but I couldn't help myself when I saw this vase.  

I like the way the crystal runs only slightly through the granite.  When I held it at the show it made me think of you—strong and sensual. 

When calla lilies are in season, you can use your creative talents to create a special arrangement.  So, just a THINKING OF YOU gift. 

Love, Dorothy  

Alan and I left on the 17th (as planned) for Northern California.  We stayed at a local town called GUALALA and at a posh place called THE WHALES WATCH INN.  We could hear the waves of the ocean as we slept.  

We walked into town at a local saloon and when we walked through the doors everyone turned their heads as if we were aliens who came from another planet.  It was rather hysterical.  I felt like Pee Wee Herman when he walked into that Biker Bar in one of his films and they biker dudes turned their heads like they were going to eat him for breakfast.  We had a great adventure away.  It was in honor of our November 20th ‘anniversary’ as we met on that day in 1989.  Has it already been six years?  Yes, it has—but I cannot believe it.  The time blows like a heavy wind. 

“The past is sometimes a very good place to live.  One can’t go back.  That’s the one thing one can’t do—go back.” --Agatha Christie, in her book, THE HOLLOW