Dumping My Dirt

“It’s a process. It’s ongoing.” --Abigail Dean, GIRL A, a novel 

Willy Ronis is a French Photographer. Dorothy Rua sent me a card that had a depiction from Paris in 1948 in the Menilmontant neighborhood of the city’s 20th Arrondissement. I need to explore that area someday. I just love the shadows and romantic mood of the image: 

4-28-98 

Dear Michael, 

This card is long overdue. You have remained in my thoughts throughout these past couple of months to the point where I almost hopped on a plane earlier this month to visit with you. Then I realized I needed to clear my head/my heart of all the things that have been weighing me down before I end up “dumping my dirt” on you in Marina Del Rey. 

Yes, I have journal material that will never make it to paper—stuff I’ll add to my sorties “down memory lane” when we’re sitting on that veranda rocking on those white wicker chairs. 

Just returned from a business trip to Minneapolis. The customer meetings were productive and successful, though the schedule was tiring. 

Time for me to sit down and make some new career plans for this year and a few plans for my personal life. I’ll let you know if a move to Berkeley is included. I know I’ll feel better once I get myself focused.  

Enough about me. How was your trip to NYC this month? Did Alan find a place to purchase? And most important, if I ever get the funds for an airline ticket to NYC, may I stay and visit with you guys? One of those things I’ve dreamed of doing, enjoying NYC with someone who can guide me around. What a treat that would be, especially since I enjoy both of you so much.  

Relly enjoyed your last few cards, especially the Black and White L’HOMME card. Great choice and quite unique. HOT! 

To answer your question, I cannot remember the name of that movie where the guy poured mild on the girl’s chest, but I do remember some of the scenes. I have not rented BLISS yet. I enjoyed GOOD WILL HUNTING recently. And yes, I liked the soundtrack for TITANIC.  

How are you doing with your Family Tree? Expect any new faces at the upcoming Family Reunion?  

You always have fun trips planned and until I get a life of my own, I’ll live vicariously through you. But not for long. I feel it in my bones. 

What’ Alan up to these days? I’m sure he has something brewing on the stove. Say HI to Alan. 

As always, thinking of you with love, 

Dorothy 

P.S. The $1.00 was your change from your Berkeley haircut.  

I almost laughed when Dorothy mentioned the movie BLISS in her letter. I had forgotten I told her about it. It's a drama/romance from last year, starring Craig Sheffer (known for A River Runs Through It) about a newly married happy couple who visit a sex therapist to determine why the wife can't achieve an orgasm with her husband. I hope she watches it.

And a letter from Cousin Marie-Antoinette... 

04/30/98 

Dear Michael, 

Sorry it’s taking me a while to answer but lately my days have gotten so short. I’ve just got to get back on my schedule again. Anyway, I’m glad you like all the little doodads I send. I only send some to those who are near and dear to me. I think I told you that once before. Mom, Ruben and all the family are fine. It’s me that’s a little frazzled around the edges if you know what I mean. Chuckle-Chuckle 

I’m planning a trip to Denver to visit the Mother Cabrini Shrine. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it, but I’ll take pictures of it for you.  

Clarence Levens, my Aunt Lugardita’s son lives near the Shrine. We usually get together with him and Bertie, but it’s been a while. I told him of my plans, and he wants to see us when we go down there. As soon as I’m clear about the weather here I will also plan a trip to Cerrillos, NM to search for my old diaries I told you about.  

About you possibly moving to New York City—I tell you you’d fit perfectly with those ‘classy’ looks. Heck! You’d fit in any big city. Good luck Michael in whatever you do. I’m your biggest fan, so go for it! 

I’ve always lived with one thought in mind and that is to do what makes you HAPPY!  

Photo: Mother Cabrini Shrine, Denver, CO

Right now, we’re remodeling the house a little. I got tired of my old kitchen so I’m having a few things done over. Hopefully, if and when you come to visit everything will be done. I usually go off the deep end and think of new projects every once in a while.  

If you get a chance next time you write, tell me a little about my first cousins: Your Aunts and Uncles: Betty Jean, Ernest, Fidel Jr., etc. I remember very little. We were so young when they moved away. Are you close to them? I remember Uncle Fidel (your grandfather), God rest his sweet soul. I remember him being strict with the boys but then again, so was my dad with my brothers. Maybe that’s why Joe Pat (my brother) was a little rebel. It seemed like he preferred to go against the grain, always in trouble. I don’t think my mom and dad (Lourdes and Joe) were that bad to us otherwise all of us would have turned out terrible.  

Then, of course, I recall my sister, Josie, telling me that when I was born dad really changed. Certain individuals have told me things about dad, but I don’t believe them because I only remember a sweet and loving man that was always there for me. 

Well, here I go again rambling on. Sorry Michael, I’d better close. There are still a few things I need to get ready for Bernadette’s graduation. I can’t believe she’s finally nearing the end of a long journey. She’s been offered a few positions in different fields, but I think she’s still weighing the pros and cons. I’m sure the Lord is guiding here in whatever she decides. God bless you for her generous graduation gift and I’m sure she’ll be in touch before too long.  

Love to all the family and take care, Michael, until I hear from you again. 

Love Your Cousin, 

Marie Antoinette and Family 

Cousin Patty Richfield also wrote me from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 

5-1-98 

Dear Michael, 

Finally, I got my Spring cleaning finished. It takes me longer and longer every year. Sounds like you had a great time in NY. There is no place like it. Believe it or not, I was there one New Year’s Eve a long time ago—Time Square. It was fun and I was very young. My girlfriend met her husband that night or over that weekend. I don’t remember exactly. 

I got a letter from MaryAnn in Colorado Springs. You are all busy organizing a family picnic reunion. I hope all goes well for everyone. Maybe at the next reunion I’ll be able to make it. Aunt Eve says I don’t look like her Aunt Matilde (your grandmother), so I don’t know. When I get a photo of myself, I will send one to you. Well, cousin, I’m running out of room. I'll write again soon. 

Love, 

Patty 

‘A letter that I received this afternoon contributed, more than anything else, to my complete recovery, and aroused in me a lively curiosity.’--Maurice LeBlanc, GENTLEMAN BURGLAR