With Bare Feet and a Smile

“Men need other things besides a sexual recipient. They have to be soothed, lulled, understood, helped, encouraged and listened to.” --Anais Nin, HENRY and JUNE, from A Journal of Love 

Last month (May 18, 1996, to be exact) an HBO special was released called NORMA JHEAN AND MARILYN. It starred Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd. I really liked it. It was coincidental because I randomly came across a freebie postcard, promoting the movie. I decided to send it to Paloma because she appreciates movies/good stories better than most people I know.  

6-15-96 

Paloma, 

I went to the UCLA Medical Center and had a Laser Vision Correction procedure done on my left eye. In July, I do the right eye. It has cured my nearsightedness and now I don’t need to wear my eyeglasses any longer. It’s really fantastic.  

How’s Alexandre and Jonathan? 

Miss You much...will drop you a line from Washington D.C. 

Love, 

Michael Armijo 

Father’s Day arrived and Gloria actually gave me a card and gift (so thoughtful): 

6/16/96 

Dearest Michael, 

A little of this or a little of that...one is to see, and one is to wear. Hope you enjoy.  

Love Always,

Gloria and Jack 

Gloria also wrote a joint postcard to both Alan and I: 

To Both of You: 

Happy Father’s Day. May you have fun working this and please don’t get frustrated. This is a “together” thing. 

Love Always, 

Mommy + Jack 

I found a polaroid of a painting I did from October 1990. It’s my rendition of MALIBU, simple, blue, relaxing. It reminded me to go to Malibu more often. The sounds of the waves really ROCK there. In fact, I’d love to be rocked to sleep by the sound of them. 

Dorothy Rua wrote a sweet card to me. Her imagination and writing sparks a short story as well as a dream. I think I’ll write her a card from Washington DC as that trip is closely approaching. It will be a great escape with mom and the girls (nieces Ashley and Lauren). Dorothy wrote: 

6-18-96 

Dear Michael, 

I really appreciate you. Your wonderful cards and communication continue to come my way even though I haven’t responded as I should. Can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me.  

My job with VALENT and the securities business with WMA continue to take up most of my time. However, I haven’t written lately because of where my head has ben. I’ve been trying very hard to get my person life in order and there’s been a lot to sort through. In the process I could not seem to write the carefree, light and humorous card I prefer writing to you. Anyway, I don’t have everything figured out yet, but I feel I’m finally making a little progress and feeling better about it. So, I hope you’ll forgive not hearing from me for a while.

 

What a great collection of cards you’ve been sending me. Your first mailing selection ranged from ROLO in S.F., New Media in Hollywood, White Light/Ball and Chain to Jeanswear. Where to you find the variety? The next mailing was even more impressive. What a wonderful and romantic place CHATEAU DU SUREAU must be near Yosemite National Park. I can see myself walking through the gardens in a long white summer dress with bare feet and a smile. Maybe you’d come along and meet me somewhere down the path. 

Your Birthday visit to NYC was quite a success. Such a treat to experience so much in just a few days and stay at LE PARKER MERIDEN, too! 

I loved the story you created with the Black and Whites—but then, you always know how to entertain me, don’t you? So, she’s pondering their episode of Lust/Love and he’s wondering what to do next... While he’s deep in thought and the sun is setting, she approaches him on the roof, carrying a basket-filled with essential: a comfortable mat, chilled wine, fresh crab and shrimp, French bread and a light salad. Most important, she’s brought wonderfully scented body oils for the massage she proceeds to give him on the mat, under the full moon and stars that begin to appear. Of course, she removes the red bandana in order to complete the massage. As the night progresses, she comes up with one erotic surprise after another. He begins to wonder if he should ask her name and if there will be similar tomorrows... 

Well, looks like you still have the D.C. trip to look forward to. Probably be a different type of trip than the one to NYC, but fun as well. Do you have another trip planned for Labor Day weekend? I’m sure you’re working on it. What about a South American country or perhaps the Orient? Of course, it’d be difficult to top the trip to Hong Kong and China. 

Love,

Dorothy 

“What a secret language we talk, undertones, overtones, nuances, abstractions, symbols. I dream of an extraordinary extra life I am going to lead someday, which may even fill another and special diary.” --Anais Nin, HENRY AND JUNE, from A Journal of Love