Nobody Listens

'A baby's smile...
The truth of that smile was in the eye and heart of the parent and in the unfolding love that only had meaning through time.
-Ian McEwan
"Enduring Love"



After writing about 'The Incredible Mr. Limpet' movie yesterday I also remembered a book I read as child called 'Nobody Listens To Andrew'. It had such an impact on me when I was a boy. It's a great one to read even today. And so I am recommending it for my blog today.
http://www.amazon.com/Nobody-Listens-Andrew-Curriculum-Beginning/dp/0813659590/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241123094&sr=8-1


Twenty-five years ago today:

April 30, 1984

Today I shared 'spare ribs' with my brother, Tony, and Helen. It was a great lunch (even if my hands needed extra cleaning).

I called Chris Cordellos at his Arcata house at around 11:30AM. He gave me the repetitive "Yeah" treatment once again. It meant that he couldn't really talk with Barb around (I guess).

After work I ate a home cooked meal (made by mom). Mom is on vacation. Her 'sweet rice' dessert with the whipped egg whites with sprinkles of cinnamon is my favorite. I was too full to go out on my typical bike ride.

I watched a taped episode of

"The Young & The Restless" with mom.

PHOTO: Adam Walsh

We also watched a show called "Adam" that was about missing children. It was based on the true story of Adam Walsh.
After their child is abducted, John and Reve Walsh are trying to find him. But, shortly after that, Adam is found dead (quite sad). I went to bed after that.

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Incredible

"We know what we are,
but know not what we may be."
-William Shakespeare

Imagine this incredible story based on a novel by Theodore Pratt. A bespectacled, bookkeeper named Henry loves his pet fish so much that he longs to be one. When Henry's wish comes true and he's turned into a talking fish, the simple ocean life he'd envisioned proves more exciting than mundane.

The story was made into a film in 1964. I thought of it the other day and wanted to give it an honorable mention. It is one of my childhood memories when I was only five years old. If there are any children in your life. It's a must see! It will unleash a bit of fun and imagination for everyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy20eaJNdDo

The 1942 book by Theodore Pratt (Mr. Limpet) is NOT readily available except for collectible copies. If you get your hands on a copy, SAVE IT!


Twenty-five years ago today:

April 29, 1984
Sunday

After breakfast I drove out to MACY's to buy the living room area rug that I had seen with Chris a couple of weeks ago. I was happy to see that it was still there.

I had a fun-filled Noon to 3:30PM bicycle ride along the beach. It means a lot to me to 'enjoy my solitude'. It makes me feel good to see others (strangers) who are just hangin' out and connecting. Everyone will give 'goo-goo' eyes or whistle, honk or stare. It's amusing how the world can be as they search for mutuality.

I returned home and mom was gone. She was attending Sherri's baby shower at the Solomon Lane Townhouse. I decided to watch 'Master of the Game', a TV-mini series. The title seemed right up my alley.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086755/

I took a nap until 5:30PM when the telephone rang. It was Western Union calling to give my brother, Tony, a telegram. I believe it was in regard to his friend, Dennis Reno, and his illness.
"Could you call back at around eight o'clock?" I asked.
I gave Tony the message as soon as he walked into the house.

At 5:30PM Chris Cordellos telephoned with good news.
"I just laid back and did nothing all weekend," Chris announced.
He went on to say how he took in the sun and specifically did not go out on Friday or Saturday nights.
"Well, I called you Friday night and there was no answer," I said.
"Oh, there was something wrong with the fun," Chris readily replied.
Chris continued, "There we so many happenings on Friday night with Jim Severn and Edward. And I had this dream. I was driving in a car with someone and a guy was walking over the bridge. I drove up next to him and drew a curtain inside my car."

We all dream our problems. What did his dream mean? I felt fear and worry indicators about his concern about our relationship coming to an end. The bridge is not a good place for him to be because he had told me that a dear friend of his had jumped off of a bridge. When he told me of his dream it made me freak. Then again, I feel good at the same time.

Chris is a good friend and my intention is to maintain the friendship and closeness.
When I telephoned Chris again at 11PM we tried to talk but he kept saying "Yeah" a lot. This was to supposed to indicate that Barb was in the room. We still managed a reasonably good talk. We always do.

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Bodywork

"You take good care of yourself,
and I take good care of myself."
-Thich Nhat Hanh
"Being Peace"

The legendary Bob Hope attributed his longevity (he lived to be over 100) to his daily massage. If it was good enough for Bob Hope, it's good enough for you.

If you're like most folks who work in an office, you probably don't make the time or groom your budget to get a professional massage every day.

I certainly do not get a massage daily but I try to fit in one or two a month. One day I shall graduate to one-a-day. It reawakens my full body circulation and improves my posture.

Find a place near you that is reasonable. Massage therapists will make deals during these trying times. If you're in New York City I strongly recommend the Asia TuiNa Wholeness Center for a standard Tui-Na Bodywork massage:
37 East 28th Street, 8th Floor
(between Park Avenue & Madison Avenue)
New York, NY 10016

Tui-Na is a hands-on-body treatment using acupressure that is a modality of Chinese medicine whose purpose is to bring the body into balance. The principles being balanced are the eight principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The practitioner may brush, knead, roll/press and rub the areas between each of the joints (known as the eight gates) to open the body's defensive (wei) chi and get the energy moving in both the meridians and the muscles.

The practitioner can then use range of motion, traction, massage, with the stimulation of acupressure points and to treat both acute and chronic conditions.
Pretend Bob Hope just asked you, "Did you get your massage today?"

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 28, 1984
Saturday

I thought about calling my Aunt Lillian and taking my cousins Shawn and Shonette to the zoo but I didn't. Instead I called Gray Wallace about that bike ride in the hills he had recommended. His roommate said he had gone to Los Angeles for the weekend; whereby, I went on my own independent ride to Lake Chabot in Castro Valley. It was one great therapeutic, relaxing ride.

PHOTO: Lake Chabot, Castro Valley

When I saw the pedal boats at Lake Chabot I imagined riding them with Chris. I thought it would be so "cool" to cruise around in them. I stopped for an "orange whip" refreshment at some Castro Valley park where a baseball game was in process. As I started to leave I saw Jill (a co-worker from the Residence Telephone Order Center). She was walking her dog. We talked for a while.

"Yeah, when I saw you from a distance I thought 'Mmmmm' who is that?" She continued. "And then when you said 'Hey Jill' I thought 'He knows me!"
I simply laughed off the complimentary remark.

It continued to be a great day and a wonderful bike ride except when my bike chain slipped as I shifted gears. I started the day early and arrived home by 12:30PM.

I accompanied mom to order a cake at the Boniere Bakery for Sherri's Baby Shower next Saturday. Then we went to the South Shore Shopping Center. Considering the 'admiring looks' I got I really don't think I should wear my red tank top and black shorts too often.

Before long I found myself doing another quick bike ride. I deposited my $784 Internal Revenue Service tax refund check. I signed checks to pay off some bills for my dentist, Dad and my American Express card.

Helen and Tony stopped by to wrap a wedding gift for Helen's sister, Geneva. It was good timing as mom, dad and I were leaving for dinner at the Mexicali Rose on Webster Street. We drank one big pitcher of margaritas between the three of us. We laughed and talked about the excitement of 'mom and dad' becoming grandparents.
I love when my mom drank two sips of margarita and said, "I'm feeling tipsy."
The combination dinner plates filled us up sufficiently.

PHOTO: John Edward Armijo, Kindergarten


I went to the Soloman Lane townhouse to visit Sherri later as she had more mail for me. I spoke with Sherri for a while. She enjoyed seeing the 'John E Armijo' baby photo I brought her.

When I returned home I ended up watching PAPILLON once again. This time I watched it with mom and dad, of course.

By 11:20PM I was in bed, dozing off. I was wondering about life in Arcata and Eureka.

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Growing A Garden

'I finally understand how my father felt about me.
He is a piece of me, just as I was a piece of my own dad.'
Jason F Wright
"The Wednesday Letters"

More people are getting their hands dirty to grow their own vegetable gardens. Why would one want to grow a garden? The obvious answers are to
a) improve your health,
b) simple home economics,
c) learn new skills and
d) for the sheer joy it brings in an outdoor setting.

My dear cousin, Linda Louise Korenke, lives in Idaho Falls. Her father, Patrick A Tafoya, passed away on April 10, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. She wrote me of her visit to him before his passing away. She was happy she was able to see him before he lost his fight to cancer. She sent me his obituary in the Denver Post via electronic mail. I thought I would post it on my blog in remembrance of him. I never met him but I felt I knew him. His mother (Jesusita Garcia) and my paternal grandmother (Mathilde Garcia) were sisters.
PHOTO: Jesusita Garcia-Tafoya, b.1894 d.1945

The very end of the obituary gave me a pleasant view of Patrick who loved 'growing a garden'. I believe he loved gardening for the sheer joy it brought to him. My father (his first cousin) was the same way.


PHOTO: Matilde Garcia, b.1898 d.1964

Patrick was the 5th child born to John B. Tafoya and Jesusita Garcia. Before Patrick was 18 he joined the war program training school in Salt Lake City, Utah taking night classes to finish high school. He was employed by the Ogden Air Depot in Hill Field Utah for almost 2 years prior to induction into the Army. He served in the US Army from 1945 to 1946 and in the US Air Force from 1946 to 1952 being stationed in Germany and Japan. He was a propeller specialist and a maintenance mechanic.

PHOTO: Patrick A Tafoya, b.1926 d.2009


Patrick married Beverly Jean Martinson in 1945 and born to this union are:

Patrick Jay Tafoya, Paul Anthony Tafoya, Linda Louise Korenke, Sallee Loretta DeLange, Michaela Dae Meyers (Boots), Raymond Lawrence Tafoya, Theresa Mary Wilson, Gilbert John Tafoya, Barbara Joan Tafoya, Gloria Jean Denney. Patrick and Beverly lived mostly in Idaho where Pat worked as a laborer on the railroad, in the Monsanto mine, and Georgetown mine. They later divorced in 1963.

Pat moved to Denver where he had his last son Edward James Tafoya (Henry) with Ophelia Trujillo. He raised Henry with Felipa Barrera.

Patrick worked as an ambulance driver and at the Denver Mint for 28 years. These 28 years plus his military years were added together making a total of 34 years working for the government.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Chlorinda Tafoya, Charles Tafoya, Joe Tafoya, Sam Tafoya, Johnny Tafoya, Gilbert Tafoya, Elsie Abeyta and Jean Pate and 2 children; an infant Gilbert John and Michaela Meyers (Boots). He is survived by one brother Benjamin Tafoya, and two sisters Evangelina Montoya and Eleanor Montoya. Also surviving are 8 children, 34 Grandchildren and 22 Great Grandchildren.

Pat enjoyed enjoyed reading history and war books, playing with electric trains with his sons, collecting coins,
Growing a Garden;
and after retirement hanging out with his friends and sister Eleanor at the VFW and the American Legion.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Friday,
April 27, 1984

All sorts of goodies were brought into the office today for two special events. It was the last day for David Vigil (he was transferring to Business Marketing/BSC-Business Service Center in San Francisco). It was also the birthday of Barbara Pauley.

After work it was 'Happy Hour' time as the celebrations continued at Maya Azteca, a restaurant in Downtown Oakland. I had a couple of margaritas that got me reasonably "tipsy". I bid farewell to David.
"I'll call you in a couple of weeks to go bicycling," David said as he dangled his margarita glass with the salt on the rim.
"Okay, you better!"
"And I'll put in a good word for you at the BSC so you can get into the department, too," David said as he continued to effeminately sip his margarita.

I drove Helen to my parents' house for dinner after 'Happy Hour'. Tony was making a 'tortellini pasta' dinner for us. Both of my parents were working. I also gave Steve Gaster a ride to his Alameda home.
"You know, Steve might be a possible roommate for you," Helen suggested.
"Yeah, maybe," I said as I did some second-guessing that living alone might be better.

After the 'tortellini pasta' dinner we watched PAPILLON, the movie (Tony, Helen and I). At 11PM I telephoned Chris Cordellos but there was no answer. After all, it was a Friday night. I went to bed.

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Solitude Isn't For Me

"Why the devil didn't you at least drop me a line?
Or had you forgotten my existence?"
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Anthony Hopkins, the British actor, bought a huge Spanish-style mansion in Ojai, California.
"I walked around thinking this is beautiful," he said. "But it was lonely. I'd sit on a kitchen stool watching TV every night. Solitude isn't for me, so I sold it for a lesser price and moved back to L.A."
-as recently read
in PAGE SIX
of The New York Post

PHOTO: Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter M.D.

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 26, 1984
Thursday

Today marks twenty-four years and eleven months since my birth.

At 9AM I called Chris Cordellos at Humboldt Bay. We discussed our not-so-hot conversation of yesterday.
"I had a bad dream thanks to you," Chris said as I listened intently before I gave my spiel.
"Well, I admit to making a few snide remarks, but it was merely my jealousy at hand. I have my own selfish yearnings that need reassurance. I mean, with Jim Severn visiting you every night, you having fun parties with Barb and Leandra and others. How do you think I should feel?"
We cleared the air by talking. We are back on A-1 terms. We can't wait until our Huntington Beach escape in August. We feel good and glad about one another again.
I ended the conversation by saying, "Watch the mailbox. I mailed more photo prints out to you today."

At noon I shared lunch with my brother, Tony, and Helen. Helen brought the homemade lasagna for us. It was so good!

After my workday I went bicycling until 6:45PM. It was quite windy.

Later the telephone rang from our neighbor across the street, Leilani Leonard. I learned that our next door neighbor, Terry Johnson, shot himself to death! He didn't commit suicide in the house next door (360 Magnolia Drive) but in an apartment in Central Alameda. It was such a surprise. He's married with two twin daughters. He was obviously troubled. I had heard he had a drug problem.
"He was a coke dealer," my Dad had said.
It's another reminder that "Life is too short" to waste on troubles, worries, fixations, habits and the 'wrong people'.

I telephoned mom at work. I couldn't wait to give her the neighborhood gossip. When I told her the news of Terry Johnsons' suicide I think we both imagined him mowing the lawn next door (as we always did). Mom sighed in that shocking way.

And to think that Robert Kennedy's 28 year old son (David A Kennedy) died yesterday as well. The media has reported the death as a drug overdose. The media timeline of David Kennedy's death is as follows:
January 1984: David drops out of Harvard again – back on drugs
Early March 1984: Spends 10 days in California.
March 19: Enters St. Mary’s (now Fairview Southdale Hospital), a drug rehab facility in Minnesota.
April 19: leaves St. Mary’s and flies down to Palm Beach, Florida for Easter.
April 25: Dies in room 107 of the Brazilian Court Hotel from an overdose of Cocaine, Demerol and Mellaril.
April 27: Buried in the family plot of Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline, MA.
PHOTO: David A Kennedy

http://www.davidanthonykennedy.com/essays/

I watched a bit of the News show 20/20 and a favorite film called "A Touch Of Class", starring Glenda Jackson and George Seagal. I love the ending tune from that movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT5gMGxQBJk

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We Are Hard-Wired To Seek Affection

"Of all the rotten apples I've come across in my life...you are on the top!"
-James Storm
as Gerard Stiles
Dark Shadows, episode 1123

During my JetBlue flight into New York on April 15, 2009 I was watching the National Geographic channel. There was a program about feral children. A feral child (or wild child) is a human child who has lived isolated from human contact from a very young age, and has no (or little) experience of human care, loving or social behavior, and, crucially, of human language.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feral_child

There was story in particular about a little girl named Oxana Malaya who was left with dogs since the age of three. Her parents neglected her because they were alcoholics and she lived with the dogs until age 8 (found in 1991). The study learned that the brain depends critically on experiences. She learned to act and respond just like a dog!


During a 2001 interview after she'd been in an orphanage and had come to learn some English she said, "I like to run around like a dog. It is my nature." I found a wikipedia link that provides more on the story. Amazing!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxana_Malaya

Here is some video of Oxana. She was born in November 1983 and as of 2006 (at the age of 23) Oxana was living at a home for the mentally handicapped, where she helps look after the cows in the Clinic's farm. She has expressed that she is happiest when among dogs.
http://vodpod.com/watch/1330499-oxana-la-ni%C3%B1a-perro?pod=eldigital

The most interesting factoid while watching the National Geographic story was to be reawakened to the fact that humans are 'hard-wired' to seek affection...no matter what.

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 25, 1984
Wednesday

At lunchtime I shared a liverwurst sandwich with Tony and Helen. I picked up my slide prints at FOX Photo. Then they walked with me to my parking lot so that I could place the prints in my glove compartment.

During my last break I telephoned Chris Cordellos at the US Coast Guard Base in Humboldt County.
"I am cutting lawns today," he said in a sorrowful tone.

He could not speak very long. I didn't let it distress me. It kind of pisses me off when I call him and he doesn't say much of anything though. I finally got fed up during this telephone call. I politely and blatantly 'hung up'.

I went to The Sperm Bank and made another "deposit" I wonder what happened to the check they were supposed to pay me?

I received a $45 check from the State of California. Whoopee!

My white football shorts arrived from the International Male catalog order.

"You got a call from Chris Cordellos at about six o'clock," my brother, Tony, announced.
I must have just missed that call because I walked in the house at 6:05PM.

There was no bicycle riding tonight. I simply felt lazy. It looked so windy outside, too. I ate dinner, showered, slept, watched "DYNASTY" and called Helen.
We chatted a short while about Helen's career competition (a black woman named Bianca). She made my tummy groan when she mentioned the homemade lasagna that she had made this evening.
"We might be celebrating at the 'Maya Azetca' restaurant on Friday. It's David's last day at the Oakland RASC," Helen announced, knowing I would not be too thrilled.

I gathered several photographic prints to mail to McKinleyville (for Chris and Barb). I am betting they will surely appreciate my thoughtfulness in sending these photos from their visit to the Bay Area.

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Mystery Walks In New York City

"Old photographs...
that was where Michael got his passion
for clinging to people who were gone
and events that were past."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

That is part of the 'wonder' of New York City. Yesterday, after the stock market closed at 4PM a walk was decidedly taken into SOHO. Alan and I found ourselves at a small gallery at 28 Wooster Street in SOHO. An artist from Kentucky (Theo Edmonds) was having an exhibit from 6pm to 10pm tonight. We were randomly invited by a kind French woman, so we told the her that we'd drop by later.

I took a Mixed Media Paintings catalog of Theo Edmonds' work. There was a brochure of his 'WORDS' that intrigued me. As I walked home I loved this story that he wrote about how 'rebels embrace mystery':

Mystery novels are consistently some of the best selling books. Why is this? I think that one reason we love mystery is because it is...mysterious. A mystery is not to be feared. A mystery has freedom unlike any other type of story. Mystery is magnificent.

We enjoy the journey through a mystery story because we fell confident that at the end of the story, when all is said and done, everything will be revealed. The mystery, however, is never revealed until we are at the end of the book.

Without knowing what tomorrow might hold, be confident that you can enter tomorrow like turning a page. Only when that page gets turned will you get closer to everything being resolved. Do not fear the mystery of your LIFE. Turn the page. Enter tomorrow. Follow the mystery of life knowing that everything will be okay in the end. And, the more pages you turn, the closer you will be to solving the mystery.

Later came and we attended the gallery happenings. The LIVE band was a bit too loud, but the artist, Theo Edmonds, shared a few words with us. He's definitely from Kentucky and now has an artist studio in the Harlem area. His mixed media works have interesting titles and seem to tell varied stories. They're like excerpts of his life.

Here is a link to the website of THEO EDMONDS:
http://www.longitudeart.com/Theo_Edmonds_Work_YYWE.html


Twenty-five years ago today:

April 24, 1984
Tuesday

This morning I couldn't take it anymore. I had to call Chris to get the latest "scoop". Barb answered the telephone (of course).
"Oh Hi Michael, Chris is at the base," she said as she took a sip of some unknown beverage, "he's on light duty."
Light duty meant that he is doing "nothing".
I did not have the chance to talk to Chris but it was nice to chat with Barb for a while. Her comfort level improved while speaking to me. She started by confirming receipt of the picture postcards I had sent. It thrilled her to no end.
"Yeah, Chris and I had a really big fight last Saturday, but now things are all squared away. I have to tell you how sorry I am about the way I snapped at you last Tuesday."
I was in awe at how sweet and apologetic she sounded.
"Well, tell Chris I called and that I hope his lower back feels better," I said in closing our conversation.

At 1pm today there was 'one hell of a jolt'. It was the first earthquake I had ever felt that shook me up. It must be the effects of being on the fourth floor of a Downtown Oakland building. I actually crawled underneath my desk.

The bad news of the day was the receipt of a letter from 'Bank of America' about my Auto Insurance. My car loan was not acceptable because my collision deductible is not $250 (it is $500). I wrote them a nasty letter. I may simply pay off my auto loan sooner than I had planned.

Michael Thoennes telephoned to share his good time experiences during his visit to Oregon.
He expressed the idea of an invitation to me.
"I may go to that nude beach I told you about in a couple of weekends. I'll invite you when I definitely decide to go, okay?" Michael asked nonchalantly.
"Yeah, let me know," I replied happily, knowing that he could not see me biting my nails over the idea.

I telephoned Gray Wallace tonight about the bike ride outing this Saturday. He was not at home.

Luckily, I was home at 8:15pm to remind my Dad that he has to be at his Traffic School from 7pm to 10pm tonight, Wednesday and Thursday. He had to get ready in a hurry, knowing he was going to be late on his first night. He can always say he drove slowly for fear of getting a speeding ticket. Maybe the "earthquake" really did shake every one up after all.

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Music Is My Life's Breath

"You are so transparent
...to me at least."
-Angelique Collins (Lara Parker)
to Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid)
DARK SHADOWS, episode 1133

May 26th. THAT is my birth date. Yesterday, I learned of all of these musicians that are born on the same date:

Peggy Lee
(FEVER)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYxoAJ3Boyc
Al Jolson
(MAMMY)
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2031424457
Stevie Nicks
(SARA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmQ_1sXZJxI
Lenny Kravitz
(BELIEVE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLDIcIrZO8Y
Hank Williams Jr.
(FAMILY TRADITION)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHjaW9sXl7s
Miles Davis
(JAZZ MELODY)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-fsn7JD6Kw

Have I missed my calling? Perhaps there is still time for me to sing or learn my instrument. Look at the wonderful spontaneity of Susan Boyle. I might have to hire a voice coach. What songs would I want to record? I think I do have a good voice. I hear myself singing in the shower. I've never smoked, so my vocal chords are 'in the clear'. Or maybe I shall continue to recall that line from Montgomery Clift in the 1949 film, The Heiress (as it applies to me):
"A great appreciation of music...that's a talent in itself."

Maybe music "is" in my life's breath. Peggy Lee will live through eternity with that line. Peggy Lee is buried at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Westwood, CA. On her marker in a garden setting is inscribed, "Music is my life's breath."

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 23, 1984
Monday

Barbara Reynolds took a 'sick' day from work. Beth Neroda came by to have lunch with me. She and I went to the Maya Azteca. I treated ($15.00). I am too kind. (And to think today the office had 'Baseball Day' with complimentary hot dogs and root beer.)

When I telephoned Chris Cordellos this morning Barb answered the telephone after the 10th ring. I hung up when I heard her voice.

When I gave my mom a call I learned that Sherri had to go to the doctor because she felt like it was almost time. She was spotting blood and had a slight cramp! Who knows? I may be an "uncle" soon. Why does that line from I LOVE LUCY come to mind when she was about to have Baby Ricky ("The Time Has Come")?

I was surprised when Dave Vigil stopped by my desk today.
"I am thinking of partaking in a triathlon this summer and I want you to help me with some bicycling techniques," Dave said as strummed his fingers on my cubicle partition.

I spoke to a customer named Graham Wallace about payment arrangements on his telephone bill. He remembered me and suggested bike riding in the hills.
"Why don't you give me a call one weekend?" Gray asked innocently.
I just may take him up on his offer. It could be fun. I could also make a new friend. Gray?

When my workday ended I was bicycling until 7PM.
"You just missed a call from Mike," Dad said as I entered the house.
I'm sure it was Mike Thoennes. I bet he received the postcard I sent of the photo I took of him. This means Barb, James the Dog, and Chris received their photo cards, too.

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My Matador Cousins

"I had a handful of girlfriends.
Dating was exciting,
and I played my part."
-Marcelo F Pinto
Dallas, Texas
in the book
"Telling Tales Out of School"

I was intrigued by an episode on "60 Minutes" last week about Francisco and Cayetano Ordonez. They are the bullfighting brothers in Spain.

They are the grandsons of the great Spanish bullfighter, Antonio Ordonez. To be a "matador" is to be a principal bullfighter who is appointed to make the final passes and ultimately "kill the bull".

The "60 Minutes" episode depicted the challenges they face every time they enter the ring. It's rather frightening but these two brothers are in the limelight as 'much loved' celebrities in Spain. It's worth watching if you missed it.
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4531401n

I am not really directly linked as a cousin to the Ordonez brothers. It's just that I always feel a 'kinship' to anything Spain. I do sense the connection and their passion.

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 22, 1984
Easter Sunday

I did not go to church today. I did pass St. Albert’s Church while on my bicycle and said a silent prayer of meditation as I rode by. I washed my car, too.

I did not have as long a bike ride as I did yesterday. There was no point in subjecting myself to a ‘tank top’ sunburn like last Saturday.

I received a phone call from Chris Cordellos at 10:30AM. He was bummed out once again.
“Yeah, Barb is all pissed because I went dancing with Leandra and some other chick,” Chris exploded, “and she was not invited to tag-a-long!”
“It’s not like Barbara owns you.” I said reassuringly, “You don’t have to tell her where you are every minute.”
“I know, huh?” Chris agreed, “Happy Easter.”
We laughed because that greeting came unexpectedly as I continued to console him.

We’re anxiously anticipating May 26th.
“I want to get you a certain something that you truly need. And I don’t want you to tell anyone that I gave it to you,” Chris said with regard to my 25th Birthday present.
What could it be?
I told him I only want your presence (not presents).

I did more bicycle riding in the early evening (after a short nap). I was lying out in the backyard for a while and had to listen to a bunch of squids (US Navy types) having a barbecue in the adjacent neighbors’ backyard. Their football came into our backyard for a second and I had to toss it back to them. After I tossed it back one of the guys’ popped his head over the fence.
“I just wanted to see what you looked like,” he said. I pretended I did not hear that (whatever it meant).

Later that evening I began watching ‘Norma Rae’, starring Sally Field, with mom. My eyelids had trouble staying open for the full length of the film, so I turned in early.

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A Gift To France

“I did it MY WAY.”
–Frank Sinatra

L’Osteria in PARIS is a most magnificent ‘hole in the wall’ restaurant with the finest Italian cuisine. I must talk about this fantastic place today. It is located at 10, Rue de Sevigne in the 4th Arrondissement. The decor is simple but it has a series of varied 8 x 10 framed art images on the wall that I admired.

I have visited L’Osteria twice on my last two visits to PARIS. I highly recommend it as a regular stop if you ever find yourself there. Simply take the METRO to St. Paul (Line 1). I will be in PARIS again in late May 2009 and I plan to stop in for ‘at least’ lunch. The pasta alone is worth the visit with the house wine and a bit of fresh bread.

You may recall that the ‘Statue of Liberty’ was a gift from France to America in 1886. Well, I decided to send a gift to this favorite restaurant in France (L’OSTERIA)—even if it is an Italian restaurant. Smiles. A month or so ago I created a collage of images (illustrated above). I framed it and sent it to the attention of the propietor of the L’OSTERIA Ristorante as ‘My Gift to France’. I am hoping I will see it on their wall when I re-visit Paris in late May 2009. What do you think? Will I see it on the wall?

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 21, 1984
Saturday

I woke mom at 8:15am or so and started my Saturday morning bowl of Wheaties cereal when Suzy Miller called. She was inviting me to join her at Ole’s Waffle Shop for breakfast. How could I refuse?

We both ordered the delicious ‘blueberry waffle’. Afterwards, we decided to go biking together along the beach and 'in and around' Bay Farm Island. I actually bumped into my first cousin, Joey Armijo, in Alameda. That was an out-of-the-blue sighting.

Suzy and I continued our bike journey with a visit to my mom’s house. Suzy retired by 1:30pm and I continued riding until 3pm. I napped from 4pm to 5pm. When I woke up I called Suzy to see about arranging an outing for a movie or something. We both were curious about “Moscow on the Hudson”. It looked like it could be a good one. We were goin’ out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1jX0tbL0e4
Sue and I had to settle for a seat up in the third row of the Southland Cinemas in Hayward, CA. “Moscow on the Hudson” was pretty good. It wasn’t as enjoyable as my recent viewings of “Romancing The Stone” or “Against All Odds”. “Romancing The Stone” seemed to have the better story while “Against All Odds” had the scenic escapes and pretty faces.

Sue and I ate at The Lyon’s Restaurant after the show. It’s the only place that’s conveniently opened around there. I drove her home and gave her a quick peck on the lips. It was early when I arrived home (around eleven o’clock) and mom and dad were about to watch some Biblical epic film called ‘Jesus of Nazareth’. I wasn’t in the mood for it, so I went to sleep. I was thinking about the events of the day. I was wishing for more. And I was wondering what would be next as I entered a dream.

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End Of The Road

To study the way is to study the self,
To study the self is to forget the self,
To forget the self
is to be awakened
with ALL things.
-A Mental Hideaway

There is a song by a group called HOTHOUSE FLOWERS called 'End Of The Road' that inspired me yesterday (while watching a film called 'The Borstal Boy').
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKxqm4_DEAI&feature=related
I have to share the tune. I couldn't find a music video but you can hear a sample of it at www.amazon.com by paging down via this link and giving a CLICK to the 'End Of The Road' track:
http://www.amazon.com/Into-Your-Heart-Hothouse-Flowers/dp/B0002YCOYO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1240246343&sr=8-2

End Of The Road
Words and music by Peter O'Toole

It's gonna be too late
If we wait for another day
Some things just can't wait anymore
This is do or die
For you and I
Is this the end of the road

All your sweet talking
I've heard it all before
I just wanna know what's turning you on
This is do or die
For you and I
Is this the end of the road

So what's done is done
Never gonna change it
We can kiss it all goodbye
When you don't know what to say
Just don't say anything
We can try (we can try) we can try (we can try)
You're as good as how you take it
We can try (we can try) we can try (we can try)
You're as real as how you fake it

If this is your way
Of giving me what you've got
I just don't need it anymore
This is do or die
For you and I
Is this the end of the road

So what's done is done
Never going to change it
We can kiss it all goodbye
When you don't know what to say
Just don't say anything
We can try (we can try), we can try (we can try)
?It's so good that you can make it?
We can try (we can try) we can try (we can try)
You can give it or you can break it

There's a part of me that's living for new things to do
There's a part of me that's dying baby
Cos I know I'm losing you
This is do or die, for you and I
This is the end of the road

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 20, 1984
Friday

When I called Chris Cordellos today I was happy to learn that the 'slight lump' in his crotch area was nothing serious.
"They took care of it," Chris said as my eyebrow rose in wonder to how they did so.
Chris' friend and Coast Guard cohort, Jim Severn, was there when I telephoned, so speaking freely was a problem for him. We 'beat around the bush' and were able to get our messages across nicely.

I went on a rapid bicycle ride after work, quickly changed my clothes and hopped in my car to make the dinner date with Helen Wong. We ate well and discussed a variety of topics. She confessed that she and Tony are 'somewhat of an item'. Helen shared some photographs from old photo albums. I was in sweet heaven while eating some of the lemon meringue pie she made for me. I left her place by 10PM.

I had videotaped Joan Rivers' last night show and watched that episode along with her appearance on the Tonight Show on this very night. Then I watched some of the funny 'Friday Night Videos' with Dad. We laughed over some of the silly scenes. I went to bed right after that.

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What Is A Lush Life?

"It's possible to express new ideas using old forms."
-Ludwig Van Beethoven
as heard in the Broadway play
"33 Variations"

I recently returned to New York City and the signs of recession seem absent in the area of Tribeca. There were many people coming, going and shopping on a Thursday Spring Time afternoon. Alan Freiman and I stopped for soup at the local Bouley Bakery Cafe. I was amused by a solitary woman in one corner of the cafe. She was reading a book called 'Lush Life'. The secret is not out as to where I get some of my random book selection ideas. I become intrigued when I see the expression of people's faces as they are reading.

This 'Lush Life' is a novel by Richard Price. From the information I have gathered the story takes place in Manhattan's Lower East side and explores the repercussions of a random shooting of a bartender. The ended is supposed to be expected, yet shocking. The author supposedly digs deep into his characters with perfect dialogue and details. It's an urban crime fiction novel.

From the look of the girl I saw at the Bouley Cafe & Bakery I expected a different sort of 'Lush Life' story. The word lush is characterized by extravagance and of being extremely abundant. I believe one could come up with a new, sparkling novel that really delves into a 'Lush Life'. Still...I will give the Richard Price novel a chance and add it to my Amazon.com 'Wish List'.

I would imagine the life of Ludwig Van Beethoven to be lush. Listen to this excerpt from a most favorite film of mine, Immortal Beloved, to see and feel for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yvrTbEFWI4

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 19, 1984
Thursday

Today was a good day. I got paid a NET check of $598. I ate at the Pot Belli Deli and enjoyed a citrus wine cooler to cap off the rest of the afternoon.

I telephoned Chris while simultaneously the song "Hold Me Now" by the Thompson Twins was playing at the Pot Belli Deli and at his house. It is 'Deja Vu' a lot of times when things really click with us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpZ9gEKBoYI
Chris went on to tell me he was laying out in the sun and that Jim Severn and another fellow were there for lunch. I decided to let him go to enjoy his free time.

PHOTO: Sharing The Path
by Hanne Reid
of Aldergrove, B.C, Canada


Helen invited me to dinner tomorrow night. She plans to make me a lemon meringue pie, too. It's my favorite! WOW! She's too sweet.

At around 9PM Chris Cordellos telephoned me to say that his doctor found a slight 'inner lump' in his crotch area. It does not sound too good, but he is sure that it's nothing serious.

We are looking forward to Memorial Day Weekend and the last weekend of August when we plan to visit Huntington Beach in Southern California. We surely have more good times ahead.
"I talked to my old chums Lyle, Tim and Elliot today," Chris said, "but you're my best friend."
He is my best friend. When I think of George Jones now I realize what a jerk he really was to me. I find Chris to be a one special chum. When the telephone rang tonight I thought silently to myself that it would hopefully be Chris. When I answered the telephone to hear is voice it was all the more exciting.

My bicycle ride was tough riding West as the wind was against me. I managed and the resistance was well worth the effort.

I watched Joan Rivers host The Tonight Show tonight. Loretta Lynn was a guest, singing "Always On My Mind". It made me think of Chris and how we are always on each others' mind.

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The Susan Boyle Sensation

"I won't be lonely anymore."
-Susan Boyle,
comment on her sudden fame.

By now many of you have heard the singing sensation who became famous globally within a matter of twenty-four hours after appearing on the British reality talent TV show called "Britain's Got Talent". Her singing debut took place on April 11, 2009. She is already loved by so many all over the world. The expectations were nil as far as a great performance based on her appearance. She blew them away. KUDOS!
Take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRC0V-dvNEg
So what if she's 48 years old, has frizzy brown hair and bushy eyebrows. This self-confessed virgin might easily be the next worldwide superstar.

The Susan Boyle Sensation will likely be the study of future Internet College Courses. The news spread so rapidly and everyone around the world was able to watch her sing via "www.YouTube.com" and other streaming video websites.

The other fascination of the week was made by Ashton Kutcher, the actor. He challenged CNN to become the first one on "www.Twitter.com" with over one million followers. Isn't his M.O. (modus operandi) simply to build his fan base? Most actors are lonely people and they wonder what it's like to be a regular person with "real people" in their lives. They always have the notion that someone likes them for their celebrity status. I believe Ashton Kutcher is an amazing marketing guy. Who else would marry a woman old enough to be his mother? That alone has given him much 'eye-opener' power as being 'different'. His wife, Demi Moore, was born in 1962. He was born in 1978. That's a sixteen year difference.


Now that Kutcher won the battle as the winning "Twitterer' with more than one million followers I expect him to now steal Sally Fields' famous Academy Award line:
"You really like me!"

Perhaps Ashton Kutcher is 'lonely', too, in many ways. We are all humans. We are always searching for more out of life.

I confess that I do my own fair share of tweets. I mostly use it as a place to denote the many quotes I read or hear in books, movies, periodicals and songs. I will share a little something else from time to time but I don't feel it's necessary to share the kind of soap I'm showering with this morning or what my plans are for any given moment. Get real!

The bottom line is that it's a wonderful feeling when you find someone that deserves the recognition. This time 'Susan Boyle' is winning the votes.

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 18, 1984, Wednesday

I was wearing my new gray boots that I purchased from HEADLINES, my black 501 jeans and my new jacket that I just purchased yesterday at MACY's. I looked cool. The material things are one thing but I never let 'things' go to my head.

At 9:30AM I called Chris on my first break. I love it when he's home. It's gratifying to know that he still gets excited when I call, too. It's true. I am quite excited when he answers the phone. We talked about the fun we had yesterday at A&W and the 10th Floor Furniture Department of MACY's. It's the 'just plain being together' part that makes it special.
"Barb made another snide remark about you being conceited," Chris secretly revealed.
"Oh, what did she say?" I asked.
"Oh you know when you said MACY's and then added 'M. A. Sees'," Chris said.
"Big deal!" I exclaimed. "So I'm 'stuck up' now.
We both agreed that Barb is a typical damn "wench" who annoys us after a while. I wonder if Chris is planting a seed for me to be against her. I wonder why.

I did mail a postcard to Barb and I wrote a key verse:
Treat your friends as you do your pictures, and place them in their best light.

I send a postcard to Chris, too. I transcribed these words from a female poet:
Men kick friendship around like a football but it doesn't seem to crack.
Women treat it like glass and it goes to pieces.

I wonder how they'll react to the thoughtfulness of my respective postcards. I do appreciate their friendship and hospitality. I like them both. Chris...even more.

After my sperm donation today I learned that my 'throat culture' test was negative. This means I am 'in the clear'.

I ended up getting a haircut today at "Proper Cuts". There was some dense chick there named, Rose, who cut my hair. I would have rather been clipped by James again. The cashier, Mona, gave me the biggest smile one would NOT believe. I guess I really did look good in my new boots and jacket. Ha...or is it just "moi"?

I ate tacos for dinner tonight. I dropped over at SAFEWAY because I have to bring 'treats' for tomorrow's meeting. I bought some stamps for cards I'm sending to Michael Thoennes, Chris & Barb and 'James The Dog'.

DYNASTY was not on television tonight. That's okay. I can live without it.

Chris is a bit bummed out about his friend, Clay. He is not looking forward to his coming up to Arcata to stay for 30 days!
"If I had to choose between Clay's friendship or yours it would definitely be you," Chris confessed.
That made me feel good in a strange sort of way. Chris makes me feel special and wanted. He's great for my morale boosting.
"You're the best thing that's ever happened to me." Those words are still ringing in my ears. It's true for me, too. He means more and more as time goes by.

Helen asked, "When are you coming for dinner?"
"When I'm invited," I replied.
I kept it quiet that Wednesday evenings is one of my "every-other-night" bicycling nights. It's also the Sperm Bank evening.

I am so happy that payday is tomorrow. I want my IRS refund check, too! Money, Money, Money...I want that rug that I saw at MACY's.

This Friday is Good Friday and I may accompany Helen Wong and Barbara Reynolds to the 1 o'clock mass at the local church. God is with me. I know because I feel like a 'Happy Man' (like the 1981 Greg Kihn song).

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An Allergy Answer

"I believe a person can go back and change what has already happened."
-David Selby in character
as 'Quentin Collins'
Dark Shadows-episode 1133

On Tuesday I was subjected to heavy winds and the many Spring Time pollens blowing in the air. It didn't agree with me. Allergies kicked in and I had a flight to New York. It was a miserable flight of sniffling, nose blowing and restroom visiting. My right inner ear was clogged with mucus from the allergies. I was expecting my ear to "pop" from within so I could hear. This led to an uncomfortable first night in New York City.

The next day, April 16th (yesterday) I took an afternoon walk with Alan to KING's PHARMACY and discovered ZYRTEC-D. They are extended release tablets used for allergy and congestion. It really helped.

I capped off the first tablet with a most delicious vegetable soup with chicken broth at the new BOULEY Bakery in Tribeca. The nap a few hours later helped, too.

I would do a 'believe in it' testimontial for ZYRTEC-D. I can hear out of my right ear again. I am feeling better. Have empathy for those who are not feeling good.

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 17, 1984, Tuesday

I decided to get "spiffed up" today, wearing my best tie and slacks to work. I was excited about Barb and Chris taking the time to meet me in Downtown Oakland for lunch. I was especially happy because I was given AX time (Excused Absence Without Pay Time) right after lunch, too.

We ate at "Monica's" for lunch and took BART into San Francisco. Chris and I went one way and Barb was to meet us at a central point on Powell Street at 3:30PM.

Chris bought some 'soap' (what an odd purchase). I bought some black pillows (what an odd purchase). We stopped at A&W for a nibble and talked about how good we are together.
"You know, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me," Chris shared, "we are just such a plus."

Chris and I chose the MACY's furniture department displays to go lounge on. The way Chris talks it's as if his folks are very wealthy. Perhaps I am wrong. All I know is that I like Chris a lot.

We met Barb as planned, taking BART back to Downtown Oakland. We all gathered to my parking lot and I drove to San Leandro to the MACY's Clearance Place. I bought a jacket and a shirt. I also bought Chris a jacket that was regularly priced at $70for $17.50. I'm such a 'big spender'. He was so happy.

We went to The Red Robin at the Bay Fair Shopping Center for a 'Cookie Magic' drink. It was delicious. We continued to browse at the regular MACY's at the Center until we decided to end our day. I had to drive Chris and Barb back to their car in Downtown Oakland. We bid farewell and departed-until further notice. We had a good time but I was tired to say the least.

When I arrived home I looked through my developed pictures that arrived in the mail. There were 'ok' except for one set of pictures that belonged to 'God Knows Who'.

I am simply happy about how things have worked out and are continuing to work out. I trust it can only get better. Chris seems to think Barb is jealous because he has a friend like me.
"You're 'together' and 'good lookin' and she has no boyfriend," Chris had said.
I guess she could be envious. I think Barb likes me, but I'm all for Chris.

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Stress Management Technique

"I knew I liked boys more than I should.
I had already had a torrid,
if one-sided, affair with Montgomery Clift and several other actors
I saw on late-night movies on TV."
-John DiCarlo
"Telling Tales Out of School"

The other day I received an email from Barbara Reynolds about the latest 'stress management technique' that is being recommended in psychological journals. It supposedly really works. Personally, I think it might work best if a gentle voice is reading the suggestions:

1. Picture yourself lying on your belly on a warm rock that hangs out over a crystal clear stream.

2. Picture yourself with both your hands dangling in the cool running water.

3. Birds are sweetly singing in the cool mountain air.

4. No one knows your secret place.

5. You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called the world.

6. The soothing sound of a gentle water fall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.

7. The water is so crystal clear that you can easily make out the face of the person you are holding underwater

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 16, 1984
Monday

When I telephoned Chris at 9:30AM this morning I was pleased to hear his voice. He was overjoyed to hear from me.
"I wanted to make sure you and Barb arrived home okay."
"Yeah, when we got here we went to see Lyle. I was talking to him about you, the Billy Idol Concert and the time we've been spending together," Chris explained.
Chris continued, "And Clay says he is going to come up and spend like thirty days with us!"
I just don't like that Clay is trying to influence Chris against me. Clay has never even met me!
PHOTO: Student Stress, Cambridge, England, July 2008

Helen, Tony and I shared tuna sandwiches for lunch. The work day flew by quickly. When I arrived home I went bike riding until 6:30PM. The batteries on my SONY headphones are running low and that interferes with my bike riding musical experience.

I ate BBQ chicken and relaxed as I watched 'Entertainment Tonight' and 'Wheel Of Fortune'. I started to dwell on my earlier conversation with Chris. I almost had the impression that he couldn't really talk because Barb was in the room.
"I guess I'll see you in May," I had said.
"Okay," Chris replied nonchalantly.
Just then...my doorbell rang. To my shock and speechlessness I could not believe my eyes. It was Chris and Barb right there at my doorstep!

We fed 'James the Dog' some ALPO. Then we went to 'The Royal Pub' but the service was horrible, so we left. We eventually found ourselves at 'The Lung Kong Restaurant' for eats along with a bottle of champagne. I treated them to dinner. Afterwards we went to McGee's bar on Park Street in Alameda. This led to more talking, laughing and drinking. We hopped out and over to Croll's on Webster Street, too.
"I have to talk to you," Chris whispered.
I was bummed out. I learned through his whispers that Clay and his old friends are trying to influence him to 'later me'.
"They think we should just be friends," Chris confided.
I was confused. Just this morning he seemed to realize something totally different.

By 12:30AM we were back at my house. I showed Chris some of my family pictures. I saw tears show up in his eyes. It was because he was feeling very close to me. I felt truly touched by his sensitivity. It made me feel that Chris was my very favorite person and 'best friend'.

Barb lounged in the living room as Chris and I politely excused ourselves to the backyard area. We rapped about our happiness and held things 'close knit' and 'very together'. We have good vibes right now. Despite our small quibbles I just want to be happy. He seems to want the same.

Chris and Barb are coming to visit me tomorrow during my lunch hour.

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