Divine

“Making music together is the best way for two people to become friends.” 
-THE GLASS BEAD GAME,
a novel by Hermann Hesse

December 14, 1988 I received my usual Christmas Card from my Grandma (Mary Genevieve Leyba-Lucero).   She’s so cute the way she includes a twenty-dollar bill.   I’m beginning to feel the holiday season.  Mom is making those holiday M&M cookies that I love so much.

December 18, 1988There were other things going on this month that provided a sweet ‘holiday feel’.   My niece, Ashley, was preparing for her dance recital and she looked so cute in that red “too too” ballet outfit or whatever it’s called.


I took some unforgettable photos of Holly and Ashley in front of mom’s Christmas tree.    I found a funny hat and managed to get Holly and mom to wear it.   I was so happy snapping away with my instantaneous Polaroid camera.   My collection of photos was growing.It was crispy cool outside and mom and I went out with Holly.  I had mom take a photo of me with Holly on my shoulders in central Alameda.   I could hear Holly giggle as she was on top of the world (even if it was only on top of my shoulders).

Mom loves decorating for Christmas.   It was fun in the evening to see her turn on the festive lights.   It made the ‘holiday feeling’ all that much more real for me.   I was simply happy that I was having a divine holiday month.
I received a letter from Paloma a few days later, she included a fantastic 'fashionable' postcard that I really love, too.  She wrote:
Le 20 Decembre, 1988Dear Michael,
I just got your card and your surprise today (at the same time).   That is so great!   I don’t know how to THANK YOU.   I already have some of them.   I have about 800 perfume samples so it’s hard to find samples that I don’t have.   You sent me two new ones (the LIZ CLAIBORNE and the ESTEE LAUDER).   I am so happy I can’t tell you.   Please…if you have the boxes send them, too.   I also collect them.   Thank you for the little silver box.   It’s really pretty.   I put all of my diamonds in it!  
We just got a new cassette recorder.   Once in a while we’re recording videos for you (French ones); this way you’ll see who sings.   We’re going to PARIS on Saturday.   I’ll look around for cards of your favorite kinds of movies.  
On our VCR I saw THREE MEN AND A BABY.  You’ve seen it right?  Do you know it’s a remake of a French movie called TROIS HOMMES ET UN COUFFIN?   And for once—believe it or not—the French one was better.Do you know that some of us also dream of going to California and Hawaii?
PHOTO:  Postcard of "DIVINE", American actor, singer, drag queen (aka Harris Gleen Milstead)
b. Oct. 19, 1945 d. March 7, 1988 

Thank you for the test of the two postcards.   One of these days I’ll send you one, too.   Alexandre did it too.   He said the right one was DIVINE.   I’m asking for a divorce.

I’m not 30 yet, sweetheart…but don’t worry you’ll know how it feels in May.  Ha!
Lisa is writing me all the time now.   She’s had some problems and she might come to visit next summer but I don’t really believe her.
Wait for the 501’s.   I’ll let you know Alexandre’s size pretty soon.   First let me know if you think I can send you money in a letter.   
Who did you celebrate Christmas with?   Too bad Jonathan can’t play with all of your nieces.
Do you know what the MINITEL is?   With this machine we can call someone in New York (if that someone has a computer) for about twenty-cents a minute.   Pretty interesting…isn’t it?   I just read that yesterday in the French COSMO magazine.  I don’t know yet if it would work with California.  Well, write soon.  Happy New Year to you and your family.Love, Paloma

I also sent another Christmas Card to Paloma.   I wrote:
December 1988,  Hi Paloma,
Yes!  It's another Xmas card from your dearest/closest USA friend.

I've enclosed three snaps of acrylic paintings I've done by looking at postcards you've sent me.   It wouldn't have been possible without you!   Do they look familiar?

The shoe didn't come out very clear because the flash reflected off the glass.   I also have a surprise coming for you.   Clue:  they smell good.   I'm still working on the Catherine Deneuve and Gloria Vanderbilt perfume samples.   Much love at Christmastime to you, Jonathan and Alexandre.
Always,
Michael J Armijo


The BEST poems were ones in which the poet’s temperament, his capacity for love, his sincerity, humanitarianism, and deep respectability, found expression.
Our days are precious but we gladly see them going
If in their place we find a thing more precious growing;
A rare, exotic plant, our gardener’s heart delighting;
A child whom we are teaching, a booklet we are writing.
-THE GLASS BEAD GAME,
a novel by Hermann Hesse