-as heard while watching the 2012 film, THE WORDS, on September 11, 2012
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.
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. 
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.
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’ll be in Napa in May will you still be there? How lucky you are! Take care
LauraDecember 29, 2010
MichaelHow 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 MichaelSpeaking 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 26th.
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.
-ColetteTHE PURE AND THE IMPURE
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