Sometimes...it's all just Too Much

“I love discovering something new.” 

“Sometimes books don’t find us until the right time.” --Gabrielle Zevin, THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY, a novel 

Sweet, former co-worker, Gloria Romero, finally retired after an astonishing 40 years at the phone company. She sent me a Thank You note: ‘For your love and friendship and gifts, a day I will treasure, my 40-year retirement party. Love, Gloria Romero’. I liked that she included a small photo of herself, too. 

Dorothy Rua wrote a charming card at the end of this January 1998 month using a Melissa Harris Meditation Artwork card with these words imprinted:

‘Hold her sacred. Honor yourself each day by making time to connect with your own Divinity’.  

When I read the word ‘Divinity’ I thought of my mother who used to say, “I love divinity fudge.” Ha-ha One can go online and find a recipe for Divinity Fudge. Perhaps I can make it one day. Dorothy wrote the following, reminding me of my wonderful meeting with her while I was in Alameda for the holidays: 

1-30-98 

Dear Michael, 

Has a month really passed since our day in Berkeley? What a special day that was, the identical cards were the “topper”. Did Alan like the “Weekend Get Away” Book? My regards to him, too.  

Your gift of the journal still warms my heart. How sweet of you to give me my first journal ever. I have not written in it yet. Guess I’m still gathering my thoughts because writing about our day in Berkely makes me feel I should add some background on the evolution of our special friendship and all you’ve meant to me over the years. How you’ve helped me through many trying times without knowing. And how I have valued you. Where do I begin putting thoughts and feelings to paper?  

I could also write about some of my “dirt” in the journal but won’t. Some things you just don’t put on paper. Maybe when we’re visiting that White Veranda, rocking in those wicker chairs twenty years from now.  

Loved the TANGO LESSON card. How very sensual. Hope the film is good enough that you’ll recommend it. 

I may look for a good Blues gig in Berkeley or San Francisco. A friend, Jay (Peter’s best friend) says he’ll be down from Sonora to visit and wants to go to a Blues event with me when he’s here. We both love the Blues. He even plays guitar and sings. No, there’s no “dirt” between us...just good friends. 

Feel like I need to go on a weekend trip somewhere. I just need to go on a long two-to-four-hour drive that’s easy and relaxing. Nice cruising with good music—maybe alone, maybe with a friend. It is supposed to rain hard this weekend and through the early part of the week. That’s okay. I love the rain, especially hard rain.  

Say, when do I get that solo picture of you (the one returned with non-deliverable Christmas Cards you sent)? Maybe even the one with Alan and me under the umbrella taken with your Polaroid. 

As Always,  
Love, Dorothy 

On the first Sunday in February, Alan and I along with Jack and Gloria and the girls (Lauren and Carrie) spent the day at THE J PAUL GETTY MUSEUM. It’s so beautiful up there. We must go more often. There’s just a feeling of space and beauty there. I took some unforgettable photos while we were up there. 

My Aunt Lela wrote to me on the exact day that Dorothy wrote to me. I imagined them both writing simultaneously. Aunt Lela chose a beautiful ANGELIC card:  

1-30-1998 

Dear Michael, 

So, how’s everything with you? We’re all getting over all the flu bugs and colds, etc. that go with the winter season.  

George’s mom had pneumonia again. This time it really sent her into a more progressed state of senility. Well, she will be 97 in April, it’s to be expected, I guess. It’s just hard for us because we’ve been so used to her always being so alert and all.  

So, how were your holidays? Our holidays were good. I can’t believe how fast this month has passed. 

I’m flying up to spend February 22 (Mona’s Birthday) through March 1 (one week). I haven't seen them for over 18 months, which is a record for us. We were getting up there at least every 6-months. I’m going alone because George must care for mom, and he’d rather save our vacation week for a relaxing time just the two of us. I can’t blame him. It seems we have grandkids over every weekend.  

Well, just a few lines to keep in touch. I think Joey’s going to get a hold of you to get connected online with all the family info. Let me know if you’ hear from him. 

Our regards...Love and God Bless, 

Always 

Aunt Lela 

And Barbara Reynolds in Berkeley sent the ‘coup de grace’ card with the headline: Sometimes...it’s all just too much. I know we can all relate to that. When it rains in pours. Unexpected and unwanted things happen—when it’s the good, loving and happy moments that we need to remember to treasure. Barbara wrote: 

31 Jan 1998 

Dear Mike, 

Finally saw GOOD WILL HUNTING today. Finally. Wow! Loved it, Great! Have you seen it? 

How are you? Happy Chinese New Year. Year of THE TIGER. How is 1998 treating you? One month has gone, eleven more, then just year until the year 2000. 

I feel serious about going to a different company like working assets Berkely Police Department, City of Berkeley, County of Alameda or Children or an attendant for disabled person or just finish some schooling.  

How is Charles Schwab & Co.? Time for taxes...Oh it is now 1 February, a rainy Sunday and leaks from the roof of my garage. Yuck! I’ve got to make a phone call since the roof is only three years old. 

The new sofa bed arrived, and I am getting furniture back in place. David will arrive February 11th and perhaps my Florida friend will be here for a week February 10-17th. I’m going to have vacation time 11th—13th and hopefully will not HAVE to work the 16th. I’m hoping. 

I have a new physical therapist and I’m doing my exercises more diligently and I promise I’ll get to the YWCA a bit more. Every little bit helps. I’m still walking to work. Yeah! 

Yard work helps, too. Hard to get out there and spend less that 1 ½ hours. It’s a good meditation for me.  

Seen any good flicks? 

Where will you travel this year? 

I’m thinking Hawaii...or Mexico with David at the end of March. 

How is the rain treating you? 

Family matters? 

I thought I would visit my only Uncle today since I did not have major plans; however, since I spoke with him this morning, he has discouraged me from coming there due to the rain. It’s been more than one year. Oh well, I hope to see him soon. 

Guess this is bye for now. 

Love & Peace, 

Barbara  

In the heart of London, there was a blog that had gained immense popularity - The 007 Gentleman Blog. It was run by a mysterious individual known only as "M". M was not just a blogger; he was a connoisseur of fine suits, fast cars, and thrilling adventures, much like the legendary spy, James Bond. 
 
One day, M received an email from a fan of his blog, a young man named Niyo. Niyo was an aspiring gentleman, inspired by the elegance and charm that M showcased in his blog. He sought advice on how to navigate the world with the same confidence and style as 007. 
 
Moved by Niyo's earnest request, M decided to take him under his wing. He began to share more personal stories on his blog, detailing his journey of becoming a gentleman. He wrote about the importance of respect, courage, and kindness, along with tips on fashion and etiquette. 
 
Niyo eagerly absorbed every word, applying M's advice to his daily life. He started dressing more sharply, speaking more eloquently, and most importantly, treating everyone around him with respect and kindness. 
 
As months passed, Niyo transformed from a shy, awkward young man into a confident, charming gentleman. He was grateful to M and sent him a heartfelt thank you note. M, reading the note, felt a sense of fulfillment. He realized that through The 007 Gentleman Blog, he had not only shared his love for the Bond-esque lifestyle but also made a positive impact on someone's life. 
 
And so, M continued to write, inspire, and guide his readers on the path of becoming a true 007 gentleman, reminding them that being a gentleman is not just about fast cars and fine suits, but about respect, kindness, and courage. --Michael Joe Armijo