It's The Only Face We Have

The layout of the streets and the layout of the people in some cities can take you days. IN Boston...weeks. In New York...years. In Morgen, Nebraska it only took a few minutes. -Amor Towles, THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY  

My first Cousin Carol Lucero sent an artsy image card entitled TROPICAL HOLIDAY by Andrea Beloff. I loved it and was excited about her trip to Vancouver. I've never visited Canada.

April 18, 1997 

Dear Michael, 

Hello Hello! Sorry it’s been so long. How are you doing? Life has been hectic.

Ryan and I are planning a trip to Victoria B.C., Vancouver Island and Vancouver City. I can’t wait. We’ll be there in May. Have you ever been?  

Will you be traveling soon? I am gearing up for Liz’s wedding. She’s getting married on the 4th of July (it’ll make the holiday more fun). Liz and Leonard will be going to Alaska, another place I’d like to go. 

Let's see what else is new. Ryan finished his contract at Charles Schwab & CO. He’s now working for DLJ. I forget what D L J stands for. 

How is Alan? I have been seeing JUICE BARS everywhere now that I’m more aware. 

Have you seen any good films? I must say I lived THE SAINT. There's a new movie house in Oakland that serves food like pizza, chicken, alcohol, etc... where you sit around tables in regular chairs and sofas. There’s a $3 entrance fee. It’s great fun. Movies are either second-run or classics. It’s built for the frequent movie goer. Very comfortable with lots of leg room. Anyway, I’ve got to go now. 

So, I’ll “TALK” to you Later, 

Love, 

Carol 

The visit to Alameda was off to a sweet start. Mom picked me up at the Oakland Airport. Mom and I sneaked up on my niece, Ashley, while she was working at a snack bar. She gave me 'the look' when she saw me pull out my Polaroid camera. Ha-ha, Ms. Entrepreneur.

Holly’s game was a blast. She’s so sporty and athletic. 

Mom and I had fun with my idea, “Hey mom! Let’s give ourselves avocado facial masks!” 

When we washed it all off, I said, “Oh My God, you look twenty years younger!” 

She laughed.  

“Mom, it’s the only face we have. We must take good care of it!” 

Mom was also a sport to accompany me to see my dad’s half-sister, Aunt Nellie (same mother; different fathers). I took a group photo—but I wasn’t pictured in it. The lady in pink is Nellie’s daughter, Victoria Ortega (my cousin). My mom is next to her. The other couple, the guy with white beard and the reddish haired woman are a mystery—friends of Aunt Nellie, I think. Then, newfound cousin, Oscar Cordova is there with his arm around his mom (my Aunt Nellie) and Oscar’s wife, Elsie. We discovered that Elsie’s maiden name is Lucero—same as my mom’s! So, there’s been a lot of inter-marriage going on in New Mexico and Colorado. Wow!  

Dorothy Rua sent a cool postcard from her business trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin. That’s one state I’ve never visited. Is there really any reason to visit? I imagine you could see the entire Green Bay town in a matter of minutes. 

4-19-97 

Dear Michael, 

As soon as I stopped off the propeller plane from Chicago, I could smell I was in cow country. Wonder if I’ll get to taste the local cheeses while I’m here? 

Don’t know if I updated you but instead of flying home tomorrow, I’m on to Des Moines, Iowa. It is 20 miles from the BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, then on to Minnesota for my company, VALENT). My schedule will be so busy I probably won’t get a chance to get to Madison County. Boo Hoo! We'll see. Thinking of you. 

Love,  

Dorothy  

“...this is the way the world works. Some people are in the middle, some are on the border. Patience is needed for dreams to grow and give fruit.” --Rohinton Mistry, A FINE BALANCE