'A Real Treasure'

“Try NOT to become a person of worth but instead, of value.”
-Albert Einstein

I made a decision to go to Graduate School.   I applied at USF (University of San Francisco).   I wanted a Psychology or MFCC (Marriage, Family and Child Counseling) Graduate certification.   They had similar programs at USF, so I took the steps to submit the necessary paperwork.   I already took the GRE (Graduate Record Exam), so that was one hurdle out of the way.   I needed three letters of recommendation.  I received one from my current boss and one from a former boss.   I was waiting for another from an instructor at California State University, Sacramento named Robert (Bob) E. Sellner.   I was pretty confident he'd write a good one.

Mike Miller was making me jealous with his current fitness kick.   I hadn’t been riding my bike as much as I’d like to do.   Still, I had been hitting the gym three times a week.   It could always be better.   It’s a never ending battle to feel good all of the time.

Sherri came over to mom’s house while I was there to drop the kids off.   My mom was always the willing babysitter. 

 

I brought a letter I had received from Paloma.  I decided to go to my mom’s house and reply to her there.   The kids wanted to play but I still managed to write a few words.   I loved the postcard that Paloma sent me.  It was a little wrinkled because her son got his hands on it.   It inspired me so much that I wanted to do an original painting using the concept.

 

Paloma wrote:
Le 21 Juillet 1988
Dear Michael,
Thanks for your last letter and card.   You’re right.   That’s really a great one.   I just went to see MOONSTRUCK.   I didn’t like it that much.  I think CHER was way better in MASK.   I love that movie.  This card I bought for you was really nice, too…before Jonathan played with it.    

Thanks for the picture, too.  I’m not sending it back.  Forget it.  You could have written something sweet on the back of it.   I don’t know…something like “to the unforgettable Paloma” or something like that!

I just went to Paris for two weeks.  That was fun (lots of things made me think of you). 

I don’t know the song you’re telling me about called “THE PROMISE” by When In Rome…but if you want you can send me a tape with some songs you like and I’ll do the same with French ones.   Have you ever heard about David Hallyday?   It’s not that I like him but I was just wondering if it’s true that he is well-known in the States.   I think he played in a movie called “HE’S MY GIRL”. 

I guess all the little stickers on your letter were the movies we’ve seen together.   Let me tell you that I’ve never seen THE MORNING AFTER.   That was someone else!   Was it good…by the way?   I know Jane Fonda wakes up in the movie with a dead man by her side.   What happened?   I didn’t see THE WAY WE WERE with you either!

The last letter I got from Carmela was about a year ago when she got married.   We still keep in touch but she’s really a lazy writer.   I haven’t heard from Monica in a long while.   I guess she still lives with her boyfriend in Hawaii.   When I will be rich I will go visit her.

Bonnie and family wrote me about two or three months ago but that was the first time in a long, long time.   They even sent me presents like a 49ers sweatshirt.   I think you’ve seen it on Jonathan’s picture.

Remember I worked in a Montessori School in Berkeley?   Well, I’m expecting the owner in about a week.   She wrote me she was coming to the South of France and she’d like to come visit me with her husband (I think he is a famous lawyer in the States).

Anyway, this is the last news.  

I’m sorry you broke up with Kelly…but maybe now you’re back with her (?).   What is wrong with women your age?

I had to laugh.  Paloma recalled that Kelly was younger than I.   For some reason, Paloma is one of the few that I have met who is actually the same age as me.   I think most women my age want an older man (don’t they?).   Perhaps ‘right now’ I am simply better off alone.  It’s so important to enjoy one’s solitude.

The next day I received a carbon copy of the Letter of Recommendation that my former Communications teacher, Bob Seller, sent to the Graduate School at the University of San Francisco.   I love what he wrote (especially the quote by Albert Einstein).   He wrote ‘a real treasure’ of a recommendation for me.   Now I’m sure I’ll get accepted.   He wrote:

July 21, 1988

Dear “To Whom It May Concern”:
Such a cold way to begin a recommendation letter for MICHAEL ARMIJO!   But this letter is in no way cold; rather, it’s an enthusiastic and easy one I’m most pleased to write.

In 12 years of college teaching, I’ve written only two other letters for students.   But this one is my greatest pleasure for I truly believe Mr. Armijo will be a real treasure to not only your Psychology Department but the profession as well.

I’ve known Michael since 1980 when he was enrolled in my “COMMUNICATION and BUSINESS and INDUSTRY” class.   He helped to lead not just himself but to motivate others in class to excellence.   Both his exams and speeches (two rigorous exams and 12 speeches) were of superior quality.

And as a student, he reached far beyond the obvious to diligently explore each face of the subject.  Highly motivated to learn and excel, he meshed well with classmates on both a dyadic and small group level as he continually…and eagerly…sought to synthesize newfound knowledge and his growing skill into existing personal referents.   He also meshed well with other students in leadership fluency as well as kindness and inspiration as well.

Ambitious, cheerful, going far beyond “just what’s required”, he has a burning pursuit for intellectual fulfillment.   And in today’s “let it slide” world, that’s impressive.

But Michael Armijo IS just that—impressive.

Just another recommendation?   No, a commendation instead.

Albert Einstein once wrote, “Try not to become a person of worth but instead, of value.”   Michael IS a treasure, is extremely bright, motivated and articulate, and IS a person of great value.   We’ve kept in touch over the years and I am confident both you and he will benefit in your program.

He deserves the best that only your school can offer.

If you’ve any questions, please call me for more information; I’d be glad to assist further.

Best personal regards,
Robert E Sellner
P.O. Box 273
Carmichael, CA 95609
(916) 487-5311

There comes a time in LIFE when one feels on safer ground alone than when trying to find pleasures with another.

-Colette
THE PURE AND THE IMPURE

 

 

 

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Dancing Helps...

“It was the same song as the night before…”
-as heard while watching the 2012 film, THE WORDS, on September 11, 2012

 

Diary Notes/Photos July 16-18, 1988

My roommate, Michael Miller, was hanging around at the townhouse.   I captured a picture of him in his half T-shirt while seated on the couch.   I figured I could use that photo as ransom someday.

 

I received a floral card from Lottie dated July 16, 1988, Saturday, 6:45PM.

Lottie wrote:

July 17, 1988, Michael,
Your friendship makes me very happy!   Thank you for sharing YOU with me.  I hope to hear from you soon.   It always makes my day.  Miss ya!  Watch out L.A. 
Always, Lottie

The imprint inside the card:  I think you’re pretty wonderful!

After that line, Lottie wrote:  I sincerely do think so.  Love, Lottie

Lottie also sent a postcard from YREKA.  

She wrote:

Hi Michael!

Not too many clotheslines in this shot; however, people removed their laundry from the balcony railings just for one picture.   I’m kidding, of course.   Thinking of You.  

Love, Lottie

On July 17, 1988 I persuaded Michael Miller to go to South Shore beach.   We took some time to lie out on the beach and capture some rays.   I snapped a shot of Miller, wearing his shades.

After the sun-bathing time we went to my mom’s house.   She was driving in to central Alameda.  Mike Miller and I chose to tag-a-long.   I love her Monte Carlo.   It drives so smoothly and quietly.

It was a bit lucky for us because we managed to get an ice-cream cone at TUCKER’s.  

Mike Miller left to run some other errands or perhaps to see his sister.   

Later, I walked over to John and Sherri’s house.  My mom and I were invited for dinner.  It was an easy ‘hanging out at home’ kind-of-day.   I think the best shot was of Sherri lifting a kitchen knife.   She must have been influenced by that FATAL ATTRACTION movie.  I guess my camera was getting on her nerves.

The meal was good and it was a fun relaxed time.  I took a good share of other photos while I was there.

Ashley was in a dancing mood.   It’s as if she recently discovered music.

Mom  was being the best grandmother ever.   The new toddler, Holly was getting a lot of the attention.  Ashley didn't mind.  She could dance.

I accompanied mom back to her house after dinner.    It was a Sunday, so I didn't stay for very long.   The next day was the usual commute to San Francisco. 

I am still dwelling on the beautiful Laura Munoz, John Wayne’s granddaughter.   She is still disregarding my calls, so I’ve given up on her totally.   It’s clear she has no interest as she is avoiding me.   Cest la vie.

Music is soothing me.   I'm taking the tip from my niece, Ashley.  I find music to lighten my mind load.  Dancing helps keep one in-shape, too.

Fast forward to April 14, 2009…

I found Laura on the social media website LinkedIn.com.

I wrote:

I met you at Zachary's Pizza in the late 1980s. We went out a couple of times. One time you came to my place in Alameda and saw a poster of JOHN WAYNE.
You said, "Oh my God, that's my granddaddy!"
Remember? I was born the same date (May 26th) as John Wayne.
Cool to see you here. I sent you a message via your company website too. Let's see which one reaches you first.   I'm on FACEBOOK, too. I live in L.A. and NYC now.
Hugs,
Michael J Armijo

The same day, April 14, 2009, Laura wrote:

Sure of course I remember you Michael!  How are you?  What are you up to these days?  I really rarely use LinkedIn and don't use Facebook.  Too much to do and seems like I'm easily distracted on the internet.  I’ll go in to search for one thing and next thing you know hours have passed.  So fill me in.  What are you doing?

The next day, April 15, 2009, Laura wrote:
Hi Michael-

No "real" surprises in your email.  (Except that I heard from you...nice surprise...especially that I know you’re 'gay' and involved).  I'm happy for you...sounds like you've had a colorful life with a partner to share in your experiences.

I remember when you came into the Zachary’s for lunch you were with two gay men and you denied your "sexual orientation" at the time.  Besides you were far too nice and romantic to be a straight man:-) (I say that with a grin).  If I do the math right- your daughter was alive when we dated?  You met Alan when I graduated from college?  Wow that is a long commitment...good for you!

Well, my story is long too but I am typing on a blackberry with no access to a computer for a week, so I’ll spare you the details.  I am on vacation in La Jolla with my 3 children Romano(13) Isabella(10) and Joseph(7).  I've been married for 15 years....we have moved 6 times!!!  Each time we moved I went dreadfully but somehow always settled into a comfortable spot with amazing friends.  I was in sales for ten years with XEROX and then pharmaceutical sales with ROCHE for another decade +/- .  Both wonderful fulfilling jobs.  The moves took a toll on the kids though, so when we moved to Arizona I took some time to regroup and get everyone settled.  Boredom set in with all kids in school.

Photo:  Scottsdale, AZ

I still picked up a few small acting gigs here and there but it’s not so stimulating and commercials don't really challenge the "inner actress".  I decided to put into motion one of the many ideas that I thought "wouldn't it be cool if...."  And so became Chiaya.  (Which I think you've probably checked out from Linkedin?).  Anyway...the "jobs" are plentiful now....stimulating, stressful, wonderful, exciting, scary etc. The good news is I get to travel to wonderful places to promote my product.  The hard part is so little time!!

I’ll be in Napa in May will you still be there? How lucky you are!  Take care

Laura

December 29, 2010

Michael
How are you?  OK fill me in…what’s going on in your life?   I came across the link to your 007 blog.  I wandered thru it and can’t make sense of too much (as my time is limited, my ad is kicking in and I’ve plum forgotten what I actually logged onto my computer for in the first place!)

Last we connected you were with Alan...turning 50 and going to Europe for a few weeks for your birthday.  Fast forward...there’s a Rachelle, Paloma and Chad!

Hope you are well!
Laura

On January 27, 2011 I sent this email to Laura:

Hi Laura...

How are you doing?  I've been back in L.A. since Jan. 6th (after that Aussie to New Zealand Holiday Cruise).  It was pretty fabulous but I was happy to come home and initialize my FITNESS kick...I'm doing really well with that.

Refresh my memory...you're in the La Jolla/San Diego area, right?

I'm in Rancho Mirage now...we have some business here lately.  The weather is right---just not really a 'Palm Springs/Desert' type person.   I guess it's good for a weekend.  lol

...still doing my BLOG...I dished out several last Sunday so I'm up to date until Feb. 4th...lol.   I'm anxious to see what I wrote when I first met you at that Chicago Pizza joint.

Send me an email when you get a chance...don't sweat it.  I know you're a busy gal.

Hugs,
Michael J. Armijo

January 28, 2011

Hi Michael
Speaking of desert...no kidding ...I'm actually in Arizona!  Argh!  …been here 5 years!  Not my choice but other than location my life is good!

So…explain your blog a little…  Is it fiction or non?  Are the names changed to protect the innocent?  

You said “I'm anxious to see what I wrote when I met you....".  Have you written that already?  Do you have a date that I can specifically refer to?

What was your favorite part about your cruise?

Laura

September 9, 2011

Hi Laura,
I was sure I replied to this email from you months ago---but just in case, I wanted to let you know I was still around.  My blog is still posting, too.  Ha-ha...I better catch up on doing more this Sunday because I only have them done up until Sept. 14th.

I heard about the loss of electricity in San Diego and Arizona yesterday---I hope you weren't included in that.  If so, I do hope your power is up and running now.

My daughter (age 26) just broke up with her boyfriend of 4 years...and plans to spend the weekend with Alan and myself in 'Napa Valley' for the weekend of Oct 6-9, so I'm looking forward to that.

Aren't you still doing a bit of fashion creativity with your business called Chiaya?   Alan's daughter is a fashion designer in New York and just made a deal with Bloomingdales in New York.  I’m so excited for her.

I hope to read a bit from you again soon.

Hugs to you and your family,
Michael J. Armijo

And so…it has been over three years since I have heard from Laura again.   I know she is busy with her business and her children.   Time is an issue.   Perhaps we shall reconnect once again someday and really become greater friends.   I still feel that connection with her grandfather, John Wayne.   After all, we are born on the same day:   May 26^th.

Like most men capable of servicing (if I may put it that way) a great many women, possession, which is lightning quick, provoked in him a wretched feeling of hopelessness.

-Colette
THE PURE AND THE IMPURE

 

 

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John Wayne's Granddaugher

"Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway."
Actor John Wayne,
b. May 26, 1907, d. June 11, 1979

Diary Notes/Photos July 9-15^th

July 9, 1988

Needless to say, I was nervous and anxious.   I was all excited for tomorrow and my date with Laura Munoz.  I’ll see her in just twenty-four hours.

July 10, 1988

After work I showered and shined in preparation for my big date.   I confirmed her address last night and found a Victorian-like house in Berkeley.   One of her friends must’ve been looking out of the window because Laura came out of the house as soon as she saw me drive up in my black Mustang.  

We went for a drive around Alameda, showing her where I went to high-school.   I also explained the three sections of the west side near Webster Street, the central part of Park Street and the hidden neighborhood enclave of Harbor Bay Island (where I live).  

We went to Harbor Bay Landing for a bite to eat at the Ice Cream Dock (they don’t just serve ice-cream).  It was casual and nice to be near the lagoons and houses.

“Let me show you where I live, you won’t believe how close it is.”
“Okay, that’ll be nice.   I had no idea this area existed,” said Laura.

“I’ve heard Newport Beach is really nice.”
“Yes, it is.  I really miss it sometimes.”
“Well, school will be over and you’ll be back.   I’ll have to visit you.  I've never been there.”
“Yeah, that would be fun.  You would love it.”
"That's what I hear."

I drove to my townhouse in a matter of minutes and showed her my pad.  

I grabbed my Polaroid and said, “Oh wait, I have to snap a picture of YOU.”
She posed a bit and gave me that luscious smile.   I loved her combination of pink and green colors.
PHOTO:   Laura Munoz, John Wayne's Granddaughter

 

I took her upstairs to the bedroom.   I showed her my bedroom.
She looked at the wall adjacent to my bed to see my life-sized poster.
“Oh My God…that’s my granddaddy!”
“What?   Are you kidding me?”
“Yes, he’s my granddaddy.”
“That’s wild.   Do you know why I have that poster of him on my wall?”
“No, why?”
“Well, we are born on the same day, May 26th!”

I thought I had scored miraculous points with her.   When would she ever meet a man born on the same day as her granddaddy, John Wayne?   I couldn’t believe she was John Wayne’s granddaughter.   Apparently, John Wayne was married to three Hispanic women:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wayne 
 

PHOTO:  The Young John Wayne

He was married to his first wife, Josephine Alicia Saenz, from 1933-1945 and they had four children:

Michael Wayne
Maria Antonia Wayne LaCava
Patrick Wayne
Melinda Wayne Munoz
Laura’s mother was Melinda Wayne-Munoz.  Needless to say, I was surprised.   We watched a bit of TV but she had classes the next day, so we cut the night short.   I drove her back to Berkeley.   While parked at the curb of her house I gave a quick peck of a kiss.
“So, when can I see you again?”
“Call me.”
“Okay…I will.  Have a good night.” 
She smiled 'that smile'.
I couldn’t wait to see her again.  

 

 

July 15, 1988

 

I kept calling Laura.  Her calls are being screened by her college roommates.   I am beginning to get the message that she doesn't want to see me again.   Why?   What did I do wrong?   I will call her again in a few days.   It's her last chance.   She won't even answer the voice messages I leave.  It's annoying.  I don't understand it.

"I've had three wives, six children and six grandchildren and I still don't understand women"

-Actor John Wayne,
b. May 26, 1907, d. June 11, 1979

 

 

 

 

 

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Love At First Sight: LAURA

He has evidently some deep problem in his mind, for he keeps a little notebook in which he is always jotting down something.
-Bram Stoker, DRACULA

Diary Notes/Photos July 4-8, 1988

The Fourth of July weekend was busy.  I accomplished the completion of painting mom’s house at ‘356 Magnolia Drive’ in Alameda with the white and black trim.   It came out beautifully and mom was happy with the interior of her house as well as the exterior ‘for the time being’.   She loves it ‘spic and span’.   I was pretty proud of how the house appeared now, too.

John Kennedy Tuzziano arrived over the 4^th of July weekend with a couple of friends from Los Angeles.   I know they were experiencing San Francisco and other sights but they managed to come over to Alameda to visit me.  I showed them around Alameda and took them for a ride into Berkeley.   I really like Berkeley, so I thought it would be a pleasant switch of scenery for them.   I took them up to North Oakland and we walked along College Avenue, browsing a few shops here and there.  

They were hungry and it was pre-dinner time, so I suggested a cool pizza joint known as ZACHARY’s.   It’s known for their deep dish Chicago-style pizza but the thin crust is also quite good.   There was already a line out the door but we managed to arrive early.   The wait wasn’t very long.

I believe John Tuzziano had an ‘infatuation’ with me but I couldn’t be sure.  I don’t think I was in any interest mode ‘at the time’; however, something challenged me when I saw HER smile.   I think it was ‘love at first sight’.   Laura was her name.   She was our waitress at ZACHARY’s.   Each time she came to our table the eye contact and smile she gave me was NOT exaggerated.   I know she felt something strong as well.  It was the ideal mutuality connection.

I learned that she attends UC Berkeley and that her major is PSYCHOLOGY.  

“How impressive,” I thought.
I managed to get a new question thrown in every time she came to the table.
“Where are you from originally?”
“OH, Newport Beach.”
I asked John and his friends, “Do they ALL look like her in Newport Beach?”  
Sigh.  
This was my final chance. 
“Can I get your phone number?  Maybe I can show you around the Bay Area one of these days?”
She smiled, took our check and came back with a little slip of paper signed, ‘Laura Munoz', with her telephone number!
I was ecstatic.

John and friends returned to Alameda with me.    As soon as they departed I went to mom’s house only to find her in front of the house that evening, watering her lawn.  

While we were watching television later that evening I nonchalantly announced, “Oh, I met someone.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, her name is LAURA and she goes to UC Berkeley.   I don’t want her to think I’m too desperate so I’m not calling her until tomorrow.”
Mom laughed.

July 6, 1988

I found a cool, vintage Sonny and Cher postcard.   Realizing how Paloma had this fanatic phase for CHER.  I had to send her the postcard.  I wrote:

July 6, 1988

Paloma,

Being the postcard collector that I am I would normally NOT send you this postcard.   I’d keep it but I knew you’d get a kick out of it—because I did.   Do you remember how you said CHER was your idol?  And how you admire her?   Well, this proves that certain people do improve with age!  Ha-ha.

Thinking of You…

How’s Jonathan?
Ashley, Lauren, Leigh and Holly Armijo are all FINE.
I’m yearning to go to FRANCE again.   Next year maybe…
Hello to Alexandre.
Always,
Michael J Armijo

I didn’t mention LAURA.   It’s too early to report anything of substance.
 

July 8, 1988: 
My grandmother (mom’s mom) came to stay at mom’s house for a couple of nights.   I stopped by while mom was cleaning the garage.   Grandma was sipping coffee.   Mom was clearing out the garage of old junk.   She found three toilet plungers and we all laughed.    I think it was more hysterical for mom and grandma when I got my Polaroid and took a photo of the two of them with mom holding the three plungers.   Silly me…but a funny, memorable moment.

When Grandma left I thought it was only fair for mom to photograph me with one of the plungers, so I allowed her to take one of me by the kitchen sink.   Once again…we laughed.

More importantly, I am ever so excited.   I have a date planned for July 10^thwith LAURA.  That is only two days from now!   I called her and she was pleased to hear from me.   I will pick her up in Berkeley and bring her to Alameda.    She lives in a house with three or four other college girls.

We’ll probably go to the Ice-Cream dock for a light meal and then come to my place for a possible video movie screening.   I can’t think about anyone else right now except Laura.   She’s THE ONE!  She is my ‘Josette’.   Her name is LAURA MUNOZ, so I think she’s part Spanish.  

PHOTO:  Laura Munoz

He had never before encountered such a look in anyone’s eyes, a look at once so searching and so loving, so innocent and so critical, radiating such kindness and such omniscience.
-The Glass Bead Game, a novel by Hermann Hesse
(A CONVERSATION)

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A Visit to the Alameda County Fairgrounds

“The universe is winding down.  Why shouldn’t we?”
-Woody Allen,
as heard in his 2009 film WHATEVER WORKS

Diary Notes/Photos June 29, 1988

The day was planned for a visit to the Alameda County Fairgrounds.   I went over to mom’s house.   She was waiting for John and Sherri to appear with the baby (Holly).   I asked her to snap a photo of me but it came out blurry because she failed to press the shutter button lightly for the lens to focus.   I became impatient and she got a bit upset with me.   I know…it was silly.   I was saved by the bell as her trim line phone rang to save the day.

Ashley was already at mom’s house, having spent the night.   She was being a very cooperative model for my camera today.   She was overly excited about going to the County Fair, too.   She was acting like ‘goody two shoes’.

Holly was looking a little surprised at all of the commotion.  I don’t believe she knew what was happening.   She was just going along for the ride.   Of course she was very observant with me taking pictures of her.   She needs to grow some hair.

John and Sherri arrived and they allowed me to document their arrival with a Polaroid photo as well.

I was excited about going to the Fairgrounds with them.   It made for a fun family outing.   Mom took another photo of me on her couch.   Her new family room furniture had just arrived yesterday and I was taking advantage of the new comforts.

We arrived in Pleasanton quickly.   John did the driving and the first thing Ashley wanted to do was ride the pony.   The pony’s name was MARY LEGS.   I couldn’t figure out how someone would come up with a name like that one.   Ashley seemed to enjoy the ride.   I only wish they had big horses for an adult to ride.   I felt a little jealous.   I wanted to go horseback riding.


I did manage to go down one of the slides with Ashley and my mom was holding my camera and snapped me at the bottom of the slide.  
“How embarrassing is that? No one can EVER see that picture.   I’ll have to hide it in a book that no one would ever open.”
Mom laughed.  

I took a couple more snap shots of Ashley on some of the rides.   She was definitely getting all of the enjoyment of the day.   Sherri looked exhausted.  Holly didn’t know what was going on.   She was too young to go on any rides.  She wasn’t even 3-months old yet.

I think John was starting to feel tired too.   He seemed to snap out of it after a while.

Once we returned back at mom’s house in Alameda we found comfort once again on her new family room furniture.   John was relieved to be home.   It’s not easy with a baby and a very active, fun-loving little girl that has an endless amount of energy.

I sometimes wondered what Holly might be thinking at this infant stage when I would take her picture.  Her eyes always had that look of ‘alarm’.  

Ashley, on the other hand, was happy to continue to allow me to take photos of her.   When she had her Grandma’s night shirt she allowed me to take a smashingly good one of her.  I think that was my favorite.  Earth tones seem to be her color.

It was a fun-filled day.   I know I had a good time.  Family time keeps my mind away from this non-relationship phase and the doldrums of my Pacific Bell work week.  Ugh…

“When all else fails…we don’t.”
-as heard while watching the 2009 film
GI JOE: The Rise of Cobra

 

 

 

 

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Searching for Reality

“In your 20’s you have to pursue your LIFE’s goals.”
-as heard in the 2010 film THE DEBT

Diary Notes/Photos June 22-28, 1988

I’m still enjoying frequent telephone chatter with Amy L Platt.   She seems a bit bored in the Contra Costa Valley area and always seems ‘chipper and cheery’ whenever I happen to call.    We’ve gone out dancing a couple of times to Bobby McGee’s in Concord and Baxter’s in San Ramon. 

She gave me a few modeling photos that she had taken for some local boutique clothing store.   I liked them.   After I spend time with her I have fun but she gets a little bossy, argumentative and opinionated.   I’m not so sure I like that.   It must be from her New York upbringing.  Most California girls don’t act so headstrong.   A part of me likes it but then I find that I need a breather from her. 

PHOTO:  Amy Louise Platt, June 21, 1988

I promised mom I would help paint the exterior of her house.  It has been an elf green (with white trim) for the longest time.

“I agree, Mom, it’s time for a change.”
I suggested white with black trim.   She liked the idea.   I explained how I would accentuate the door with the black trim and she’s all FOR my creative plan.   I’m looking forward to doing the work for her.  It will be done by the end of this month.

June 27, 1988
I have some new postcards from Paloma.   She finds great cards for me.   This photo of three young stewardesses must have really caught her eye, knowing that she has wanted to be a flight-attendant for AIR FRANCE for so long.   On this card she wrote with encouragement about my doing more original painting on canvas.  I do enjoy the calm, creativity while I am holding a paint brush.  Paloma wrote:

...I’ve seen CHER has a perfume in the American COSMOPOLITAN magazine.  

You can do some more paintings.  They look really good.   You’ve always had such great taste (that’s why you liked me!).   Aren’t you glad we have each other to tell the other one once in a while how beautiful, smart and EVERYTHING we are?

You didn’t tell me how and where you got the perfume samples.   Did you have to pay with your body?  I’m really happy.   That proves you think about me.   I miss you very much.  
Well, I have to go to bed.   I get up at 6:30AM now but I’ll write again soon.  You know that!   Write me a long, long letter.  
Love You, Paloma

Everyone is talking about Mike Tyson, the fighter who knocked out Michael Spink in ninety-one seconds in Atlantic City, NJ.  Ouch…I imagine Spink didn’t know what hit him.  

I also found an older letter from Paloma that I re-read.    She wrote it at the time that she initially met her husband, Alexandre, while they were working at CLUB MED.   She wrote:

….this is NOT the worse part.   Before that I’ve got to stand up on Alexandre’s shoulders with my arms up in the air.   Let me tell you that it’s pretty scary.   Alexandre is—I guess---about six feet two inches tall, plus we’re on a pretty high stage and we’ve got about one-thousand people watching us.   That’s a nightmare.   I’ve got to do it every two weeks.

I knew you’d like the third photo I sent you.   I took it especially for you.

You’ve got no idea the things they make me do here.   My image is in bad shape!   My favorite part is when I do Donna Summer’s playback to MACARTHUR PARK:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV1oafB3grM  That’s pretty funny.

Talking about your last picture…was that an underwear commercial?  I thought that was a wrist watch commercial.
PHOTO:  Michael Joe Armijo

What happened with that girl named JOYCE?  Did you go out with her?  You start a story and then you don’t finish it.   Now you’re telling me about Sue…pretty confusing!   Take a break sometimes!

I won’t go to the States with CLUB MED since for the moment there is only one there in Copper Mountain, Colorado and I’m not very attracted by a mountain village.   I’d rather go to a beach but I could go to a village in what we call the American zone like Mexico, the Bahamas or places like that.   We (European staff) have to speak English very well to go to the American zone.   No problem for me, right?   DON’T YOU LAUGH!   The problem is that Alexandre doesn’t speak English, so I don’t think I’ll go for a while.   When he is Chief of SPORTS then maybe we’ll get to go.  CLUB MED already asked me if I wanted to go to Playa Blanca, Mexico next winter but I won’t without him.  

My family is fine.   Thank you.   Except I heard my brother (Luis) and Bernadette are NOT together anymore.   I don’t exactly know what happened.   After ten years that’s pretty sad!

I think Reggie, Coco and ZonZon are in SPAIN these days and it is not very far from here.   I’m afraid they might show up one of these days with their Mohawk haircuts and stuff!   How do you think my boss is going to like it?  (HuH?  …as you would say).

You said you’ve got no real ties.  You’ve got to be kidding.  What about the millions of dollars you owe your bank because of your credit cards?   Those are called chains.   Come on, Michael, I’m just kidding.

I showed your last picture to some of my friends who happened to be around when I got it.   They asked when you were coming.

I would have loved to see you running the marathon with your ‘too small’ tennis shoes.   I bet that was something!   Michael, you are just too FUNNY…just thinking about you makes me smile!

How is your family?  I guess your niece is pretty big now.   You’re going to be able to date her pretty soon.   Are you still putting bows with glue on her head?

Well, I better stop this letter now.   Keep sending me pictures.   I love it.  I will too.  I promise.  Hope to read you soon.   Love You, Paloma

After I read that I asked myself, "Who in the hell is JOYCE?"   I guess she was one of those quick introductions at a dance club that never amounted to much of anything.   Now fast-forward to recent times as I have received a scenic postcard from Paloma’s town of AGDE in the South of France with these latest words:

…a big hug from Jonathan to his Uncle Michael   I don’t think I could get along with a 22-year old boy.   My brother in law is twenty-one.   That IS really young!   I think he is really a lot of fun and he reminds me of lots of good memories but I couldn’t imagine having a date with him (even if I think he is really cute).  Maybe it’s different with him though.   They mature earlier.   I don’t know. 

I saw Didier in Paris.  He is getting a divorce.   That’s really too bad for their little boy.
Here is a view of my town.   I like it around here but not right now.   It is so crowded.  You can’t even imagine people from all over Europe and even the States come here.   Well, Michael, hope to read you soon!  Love Paloma
By the way…you look really good on your picture.  I know you were expecting that!

And so…reading old letters or new letters always make me homesick for the fun and laughter of Paloma and the feeling of France.  

I suppose I can pick up the phone now and call Amy Platt; however, it’s not as exciting.   She has issues.  Or is it me that has them?  A part of me tends to see all of life’s experiences as a dream; however, there is more to life than just dreams.   I’m still searching for reality in everything.

“Should we be mindful of dreams?   Can we interpret them?”

The Master looked into his eyes and said tersely, “We should be mindful of EVERYTHING, for we can interpret EVERTHING.”
-THE GLASS BEAD GAME, a novel by Hermann Hesse
(A General Introduction)

 

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