Keep It Simple

Son,” he said, “son, just remember this.  Right or wrong, I’m behind you.   Right or wrong, I’m your father and pal.   And I wish you all the luck in the world, believe me.   How’s that from a father to a son?”
-Darcy O’Brien
A WAY OF LIFE, LIKE ANY OTHER

I received another funny card from Dorothy Rua.  I liked the amusing dogs pictured on a sofa.   Dorothy wrote:

9-2-89
Michael,
As I mentioned on the phone, I love the CLIFF HOUSE card.  It speaks to me!  How 'grand' and beautiful it must have been!   I MUST find my way to Sutro Gardens--if I can't have emerald green or crystal blue water I'll settle for a view of the great gray sea!  How I love the ocean!   Thanks for thinking of me.

How do you like these dogs?  I like to think we all have a lot more life in us than these deadbeat dogs appear to have.  Maybe they just finished a fun-filled night of dancing (and drinking those strange colored drinks) at some hot spot down South of Market way.   Isn't that first dog wearing your sunglasses, though--and that's definitely Tonee behind the white shadows!

By the way, how was dinner with "Gizmo's Mother"?   I want details as long as they don't make me ill. 

Don't think I overlooked your new zip code ending with "69" (90069) underlined.   And all this time I thought dear, sweet Michael as innocent.   Well, surprise, surprise, surprise!   What else will I learn as our friendship grows?   Don't tell me, it'll be fun finding out.  
Love, Dorothy

I was happy to receive a letter from Dustin Nipper, my fellow modeling pal.   She's much too young for me at eighteen but I'm flattered.  She's a senior in high-school!  Yikes!   I really like her but now I'm moving to L.A., so is there a future for us?   She wrote me on September 4th, acknowledging the musical tape I made for her.  Each person I know makes me think of very different music.  I like calling her "Dusty". 

September 4, 1989, 8:30PM
Dear Michael,
I just wanted to write you to THANK YOU for all the kindness you've shown me;  I'm so glad we met.  I really enjoy the tape you sent.   In fact, I'm listening to it now.   The postcard is on my wall.   It always cheers me up to read it!   I really enjoyed myself on Saturday; hope you did.   I know it's a real drag to drive here (to Pleasanton) but maybe I'll head out your way some time or we can meet in the City.   I'll give you a call and maybe we can make plans to meet somewhere at THE CURE.   Well, it's almost nine o'clock and tomorrow is the first day of school, so I better get off to bed.
Until I speak with you...you'll be in my thoughts.
Yours Truly,
Dustin C Nipper (and Jamal)
P.S.  The picture you gave me is in my wallet if you were wondering. 

September 6, 1989It was mom’s 54th Birthday today and I thought I’d surprise her with a card that I came across of ELVIS PRESLEY.   It was clearly known that my dad would always be mistaken for Elvis during his heyday, so I bought the card.   The card said it all in front with the words TO MY TEDDY BEAR, HAPPY BIRTHDAY.   Inside I kept it simple and tried to forge my Dad’s signature, JOE N ARMIJO.   I believe it pays to KEEP IT SIMPLE.   I think my Dad whispered to me from above to make this move.   She loved it.   I know she misses him.   I miss Dad, too.

A few days later I received a CINECURE pamphlet from Paloma.   It’s the local theater where she lives in the South of France now (Balaruc).   It was cool to see the movies imprinted in the promotion.

Paloma also included a write-up about her recent trip to Marbella, SPAIN.   I wish I could visit Marbella.   Here is an excerpt of her letter:…While in MARBELLA last week I saw “RAINMAN”.   It was a great movie.   I loved it.  Have you seen it?  
PHOTO:  Mel Gibson in TEQUILA SUNRISE

TEQUILA SUNRISE is just coming out here.   You said something a while ago about that movie, didn’t you?   Was it good? So…you’re living with your mom.   I guess it’s better that way. 

I’m going to stop this letter now.  I’m not in a great mood because of no special reason.   It very often happens to me on Sunday night.   I miss you very much.  Write me.
Love, Paloma

P.S.  The enclosed wasn’t exactly the same card.  In fact, I think the other one said something about the GREEN M and M’s inside.   Do you remember?
I was nervous.  Perhaps a handful of green M and M’s would help me.   The Fashion Show was next weekend.  I am to wear a suit and my idea was to walk on stage and press the electronic button of my umbrella as it would click and poof open, VOILA!  That's the plan.  I'll 'Keep It Simple'.

I wrote Paloma a postcard on the same exact day she wrote the above to me:
9-6-89
LIFE’S A BEACH
Paloma,
Today is mom’s birthday.  It’s 7:30AM and I’ll be at work at 8AM…Yuck!   I am in a San Francisco parking lot writing to you.  I’d rather be on the beach on this card, laying out with you, listening to Modern Alternative Rock.

Did you get the big box yet?
How’s Jonathan and Alexandre?
You haven’t mentioned your brother, Luis, or your ma and pa and stepma…What’s the scoop with them?
Oh well, I better go to work.  At least I’m thinking of you.   I met a gal named DUSTY.
More later (nothing like keeping you in suspense)…
Love, Michael J Armijo

"Against the background of this luminous and sparkling stage Bond stood in the sunshine and felt his mission to be incongruous and remote and his dark profession an affront to his fellow actors."
-Ian Fleming,
Casino Royale, Chapter 5