Randomness: I WANT TO LIVE

The wine became satisfying, plain and clean, like the café.
-Matthew Stadler
ALLAN STEIN, a novel

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 27, 1987
Monday

Irene and I woke up and I decided to take her for a drive to Contra-Costa County where the weather is a bit more on the sunny-side. We were suddenly at Sun Valley Mall and I thought it would be fun to pop-in on Chris Cordellos at his hair salon, HEIDI’s. We stopped in and I snapped a photo of Chris, doing his style tactics.

Irene and I departed from Concord and on to Napa to the BERINGER WINERY in St. Helena. We had lunch at CINNABAR in Calistoga. It was a beautiful, sunny day. I enjoyed the escape. 

Bill Matson met us for lunch and we went to check out his surroundings at The Napa Inn.  It was a cozy little place. I know Irene appreciated the randomness of our day.

We were home in Alameda by 8PM. We joined together to make a salad and sort of watch a Lindsay Wagner TV-movie that was a remake from the Susan Hayward classic called “I WANT TO LIVE”. The Susan Hayward version is much better.   She won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance of a woman convicted of murder and facing execution.   I remember my mom always loved this movie and 'Susan Hayward' in general.

I really had fun while in Napa Valley with Irene Keenan.  I love that place.  I regret having to return to work tomorrow. Ugh! I figured Irene would have a peaceful, solitary time while I was back at work.

Irene wrote in my HOUSE BOOK:

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
Mike,
I can't believe how sweet, kind and generous you are (you are so patient, too).  You are such a great being - you are in such a great state.  I am learning a lot about life from you.   Thank you!  
Irene
PS-Napa Valley was a pisser.

“…I have a feeling about this place. I could at least mark it for future work.”
-Tucker Malarkey
AN OBVIOUS ENCHANTMENT