New Kid On The Block

“My name doesn’t matter; neither does yours.   What IS important is what lies beyond names and beyond questions.”
-Dan Millman,
WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR

I was counting the day for the escape to L.A.   I was reminiscing on the recent trip my mom and I experienced on that weekend to L.A when I found my new pad.   I am happy about the condo.   I didn’t want to rent an apartment.   I was lucky to have found something.  


The recent Fashion show a couple of weeks ago was a learning experience for me, too.  It was the big ELITE MODELS Fashion show in San Francisco.   I was so nervous.   My mom knew about it but she was working that night.  I really didn't want her to be there.  She sees me enough anyway.   I didn’t tell any of my friends outside of the ones who are fellow models (Dustin Nipper, Blake Bell and Maria—who works for Elite, of course) about the show.   I didn’t need the added pressure of realizing that people I know would be in the audience.   I certainly didn’t tell any of my PAC BELL coworkers (scary!).  I did get the good news about the lateral transfer to work in Los Angeles though with Pac Bell Directory.   They want me to start on or around November 6, 1989.   I’ve accepted.  I’m excited.  I'm going to finally experience Southern California as an actual resident.

I was told that after the Fashion Show on Saturday there would be postings on Sunday for ‘call backs’.   A call back is when a modeling agency took notice of you during the show and is interested in signing you as a client.   Some models don’t get any call back.   I was worried that I wouldn’t get a call back.   Of course, the agency held our hands and reassured us that it doesn’t mean we won’t get picked up by another agency somewhere along the line.   I compared the show to being a ‘New Kid on the Block’.  Every model was new and agencies were looking for new, clean, inspiring red meat.  I kept hearing the latest song by the boy band, NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, called HANGIN’ TOUGH.   I thought that was funny as I chose to simply ‘hang tough’, go with the flow and just do the show as planned.

I felt the applause when I opened my umbrella as I was one of the first to hit the runway during my assigned segment.   It was kind of a cool thrill for 5-seconds; however, there were so many models.   If I am remembered I know it will be because I did the umbrella flick of the switch trick. It worked!   I had call backs from agencies in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.   Obviously, the only one I looked at were the two in L.A. because I knew I was moving there.   One was called ICE Models.   I kind of liked the name.   I simply took the number and figures I’d call when I felt the time was right.  I was in no hurry.   I was just a ‘new kid on the block’.   They’re a dime a dozen. 

For now, my focus is on Los Angeles.  I will get settled-in at my job at PAC BELL DIRECTORY in L.A., then I’d see what other opportunities may arise.   I know one thing I am excited about more than anything is the new bike riding terrain amidst the many palm trees and all around the groovy beaches.

Just when I thought Dorothy Rua was sending really cool greeting cards she gets blown away by some stellar ones sent to me by Paloma (of course).  Paloma sent this cool French gal at a CAFE in Paris postcard that makes me want to be there!
7, Sept 89
Dear Michael,
Thanks for the long letter and the picture.   You look great.  My dad is here for two weeks and I told him about your plans to become a famous model.   He said you should be able to make it.
He said, "He's got the look for that."
See...they remember you as a very good looking man.   So was that leather jacket a good buy?   I remember it as one of the most gorgeous leather jackets I have ever seen.   And I love leather!   I haven't got the jeans yet.   I hope nobody on the way is wearing them.   The guy who brings the mail here seemed really interested by the pair he brought me!  He is very nice though.

The other card she sent was ultra cool of a gal dressed in dots and her spotted dog.
9, Sept 89

Michael,
I took Jonathan out for the first time yesterday and he was screaming, crying and everything.   Some good beginning!   I hope it's not going to be this way for '20' years!
Guess what I just got today?   The card you sent me on July 22nd (the one with an index card taped on it).  Do you remember?  This one sure took the long way to get here, too. 
Thank you sweetheart for thinking that picture of that baby was a picture of me.   That picture was from around 1910...let me just remember you for that, dear!   Love Paloma.

On the night of 09-09-1989 I had a date with Dusty Nipper.  We went to see THE CURE at the Oakland Coliseum.  It was so much fun.   I adore the music and it was very special to have Dusty with me on that night.   I had to drive all the way to Pleasanton to pick her up and take her home though.   That was a long ride.   Too bad she couldn't just spend the night with me.  I wish...

On September 10th, Dorothy Rua found a special beach card for me.   The scene looked quite inviting.  She wrote:



9-10-89 Dear Michael,
It had been a long, busy week when I pulled into the Walnut Creek post-office after work, this past Friday evening.   I didn’t get out of the car right away.   I just put my head back and closed my eyes for a few minutes, feeling the need to re-charge my batteries.   It wasn’t until I opened my mailbox and discovered your card that I finally smiled and left feeling better.  You have no idea how much I appreciated hearing from you.   Thank you.

If I had known you were going to offer to take me to Sutro Gardens I definitely would have waited.   Fun times are always MORE fun when they’re shared.   I didn’t know…and your card made such an impression on me.  I went looking for (and found) Sutro Gardens last Sunday 9/3.   Most of the statues are gone but I found myself standing at the stone wall where the “man on the chair’ was back in 1900.   I thought the view must have been magnificent when the OLD CLIFF HOUSE existed.   It’s still quite beautiful.  You’re right.   It isn’t the same but being there I could clearly imagine just how grand it all must have been.   After a bit of explaining I also found the remains of the old Sutro Baths too.  Yes, it would have been nice to have you there.   Interesting…the journey one can lead another on, isn’t it?   Thanks. You’re right about the job keeping me busy.   In addition, the past week and part of this week includes school starting and in-laws visiting.   Will I be ready to break out soon…or what?

Will I join you at the beach on your recent card?   Of course?   But where on that crowded stretch of sand would we fit?   Who cares, right?   There’s always room to swim in the ocean.   Maybe we could even find a spot with emerald green water and palm trees—like this card.   Ah…to dream! I don’t even know what’s going on with YOU these days.  I’ll try to call later this week.   Hope things are moving along in the direction you want them to go.  Maybe one Sunday we could ‘do’ lunch and explore around the bay afterwards.   Before you head south?  Sounds like fun to me…Thanks again for your card (cards).   Talk to you soon.

Love, Dorothy P.S.  Thought I’d share the picture I took somehow I can’t help wishing for the old CLIFF HOUSE.

And then..."Dusty" sent me a quite revealing, eye-catching card.  One has to love a unique Black and White vintage photo from yesteryear.   Dusty wrote:

September 11, 1989 Dear Michael,
I decided to be creative and make my own postcard.  I found this picture in INTERVIEW Magazine.   This photograph sells from $15,000 to $75,000 dollars in a gallery.  I believe it’s from the early 1930’s.  I had a great time at THE CURE with you!  
Thoughts of You,
Dustin
P.S.  Hope to see you soon!

"Everything has a purpose; it’s for YOU to make the best use of it.”-Dan Millman,
WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR