I'm Still Holding-On
She was beautiful when she was desired, witty in clever company, proud when she was flattered, in love when she was loved. The more that was expected of her, the more she gave. But in solitude, where no one saw her, spoke to her, heard her or wanted anything of her, she had become ugly, dull-witted, helpless, unhappy. She could be lively only in the midst of life; in isolation she dwindled to a shadow. -Stefan Zweig, TWILIGHT, a short story I’m still holding-on to that recent European trip with Alan and the girls, so it’s time to write Paloma and give her the scoop. I’m sure she’s wondering what I’m up to. I wrote to her on four different postcards. She is also my only way to re-live Paris and the feelings of France.
Dear Paloma
Alan and I are going to an AIDS fundraiser party/fashion show next week here in Los Angeles that will honor, Todd Oldham. I’m not sure if that’s his last name exactly but it’s something like that. I know you’d love to see that because it’s a Fashion Show with drinks hors d’oeuvres, dinner, etc. It will be held on May 2nd. I’ll let you know how it is. The new Jean-Claude Van Damme movie opened today. It’s called THE QUEST. I might go see it today.
When I was in Paris I got my haircut at Jean-Claude Biguine at 122 Rue St. Dominique. A guy from Morrocco named Adil Najmi cut my hair. He was really nice. He cut it a little short but that’s ok. It’s grown out since then.
So, let’s see. What else is new?
I’m going to my cousins wedding in Yosemite on May 18th. I’ll fly to Oakland. My mom will drive to Yosemite the morning of May 17th. We are staying at a place called CHATEAU DU SUREAU. The brochure sure makes it look ni8ce. We will be there for 2-nights. My mom and I are looking at it as a weekend escape to relax and read. Since the wedding is there, we will make an appearance. We, of course, want to go for a good time just in case the wedding is a flop or disaster. Ha-ha
Alan is busy, busy, busy now that he’s the CEO of East Coast Bagels. They’re trying to go public on the Over-The-Counter NASDAQ stock exchange. However, we are going to New York 5/23--5/27 for my Birthday Celebration. Fortunately, we’ve accumulated frequent flyer miles from using our credit cards, so the flight won’t cost us anything.
Our last 2-nights in PARIS we stayed at PRINCE DE GALLES on George V. Do you know where that is? Well, it’s a beautiful hotel. I got sick though. It was a little cold while we were there, but I still loved it. I love PARIS. You made me love it the first time I experienced it with you. Alan and I went to that flea market that I had gone with you the first time. We ate at a place called AUBERGE DE VENISE at 10, Rue Delambre, Paris 14eme (MONTPARNASSE). That was good, too. One day, near the Musee Picasso (not too spectacular) we had a lunch at L’APPAREMENT, a nice little café at 18 Rue des Contreres Saint-Gervais. Ever hear of that one? I know you know the areas because no one knows Paris like you!
I went through a STOP sign and had to go to Traffic School last Sunday. It was such a beautiful day.
The sun is starting to come out now, so I may have to go lay out and relax soon.
On Monday, April 29th I have an appointment at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA for a consultation. They have a new Laster Technology that may correct my near sightedness. I won’t have to wear eyeglasses anymore. I’ll let you know if I’m accepted as a candidate to get it done.
I’m sure you must be busy there, too, since I have not heard from you.
I use the YSL JAZZ cologne often. You gave it to me. I love it. I also bought some LE MALE cologne by Jean-Paul Gaultier. I haven’t used it yet but it sure smells good.
Do you like DONNA KARAN? She came out with a new Men’s cologne and the bottle is really cool. It also smells quite good.
I had a cold this week and did not do much exercise, so I feel like a Porky Pig. You sure do stay in shape! You looked so good when I saw you. I know Alexandre must be happy having your body next to him every night! ...on that note, I guess I will close for now. Till the next note.
Love,
Michael Armijo
It’s time to rest. At least it remains light outside a bit longer now that daylight savings time has kicked-in but evening still comes fast. Time moves on more quickly than we realize. It’s not like when I was a child.
At last evening came, but it was dismal here! Nothing but coming of darkness, the disappearance of everything, the extinction of the light. Evening here was an end, whereas in Paris it had been the beginning of all pleasures. --Stefan Zweig, TWILIGHT, a short story
