A Tribute to Farrah

'Life has to end...
Love doesn't...
Memory becomes your partner.
as heard while watching the film
'The 5 People You Meet In Heaven'

It’s time to honor Farrah Fawcett on my BLOG. The famous poster of her was posted on my bedroom wall during a couple of my high-school years. Her hairstyle was the sex-symbol for millions of people in the 1970s. Women imitated her style (and some still do).

Farrah is an Arabic word that means “JOY”. She was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. She graduated in 1965 from W B. Ray High School, Texas, voted 'Best Looking'. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta organization at the University of Texas in Austin, graduating with a degree in Art. She was a natural athlete, something her father encouraged. After winning a campus Beauty Contest she was encouraged by an agent to pursue acting. She only wanted to be an actress.
In the beginning of 1970s Farrah Fawcett did TV commercials. In April of 1976 a poster company heard about this young and beautiful model and contracted with her agent (Rick Hersh). Her swimsuit poster was released when she began playing the character Jill Monroe of the Aaron Spelling TV series Charlie’s Angels. The poster made a record sale of twelve million copies.

In 1977 she became the Well Balsam shampoo girl.

What many do not know is her brilliance in challenging roles in the following films:

Nazi Hunter (The Beate Klarsfeld Story)
Poor Little Rich Girl (The Barbara Hutton Story)
Margaret Bourke-White
The Burning Bed

After a long battle with cancer she died on the same day as pop-star, Michael Jackson. They were both in California at the time, and she died at 9:28 a.m. in Santa Monica, CA, while he was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. after hours of unsuccessful resuscitation.

Twenty-five years ago today:

October 8, 1984
Monday

It is Columbus Day and there are not very many business calls coming in today. My section almost began to feel as though something was wrong. I did not sell anything on this day.

I enjoyed lunch with Pat, Bobbie and Barbara at Natoma’s. It was really good. Then we went for a peach yogurt at the usual place.
“How much?”
“Eighty-five cents,” he said, but gave me this look as if he were thinking ‘Are you asking me so you can have it FREE?’
He did give me a FREE one last week, but I only asked because I really did not know the price.

I went cycling until 7PM, wearing black shorts and a black t-shirt. I stopped at mom’s house and Sherri and Ashley were there. I watched ‘Wheel of Fortune’ with them and it seemed like an instant replay from days ago. I ate dinner and came home to watch the 49ers play against the New York Giants.

I really wanted to watch the Farrah Fawcett TV story about a battered wife, but ended up going to bed by 9PM instead.

I awoke to the ringing of the phone at 10PM. It was Paloma Guerra.
“I’ll just call you tomorrow,”
Paloma said as she could tell I was half asleep.

Click.

"You are my windfall on that inevitable rainy day."
-James Storm as
Girard Stiles,
DARK SHADOWS TV series

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Disappearances

Everything that is ever thought or done by people disappears. All human reasoning and actions die, because the minute they’re done with, they belong to a time past and they don’t come back.

…Well, they may survive for a while, but they are on borrowed time.

What is history then…History is only what we keep hold of in order to explain the present in a way we like.

But things, things last. They last beyond the time when their significance has been forgotten.
-Morag Joss
Half-Broken Things

Twenty-five years ago today:

October 6, 1984
Saturday

I telephoned Sue Miller about Ole’s Waffle Shop for breakfast. She agreed and we are going to go. She mentioned that she had some news about Bonnie Jayne, our Alameda High School classmate and friend.

“Bonnie called me and she had a rearrangement of her custody hearing for her daughter, Crystal Joy,” Sue said.

Sue kept on going with the Bonnie stories. Bonnie was currently living with some guy named Melvin Jackson (possibly of Native American Indian descent) in Oakland somewhere. She had not mentioned plans of returning to Alameda but she was working nights at some factory where they make string beans. And during the day Bonnie worked at a Temporary Services Agency.
“Bonnie told me to say hello to you,” Sue added.
“I miss her, but there's always a story with her. She's always pulling a disappearing act.” I said.

PHOTO: July 1975,
A Photo I took of Bonnie Jayne
during our School Days

Suzy and I walked over to ‘Piggy Malones’, a card/gift shop. I purchased my fair share of cards and postcards (a full $11.00 worth). I returned home after that and got on the bike.

I decided to ride via Doolittle Drive and out into Lake Chabot and Castro Valley (one of my favorite getaway riding locales).

On my way I saw mom in her front yard, watering down a window screen. I stopped for a quick five minutes or so to bid her farewell.

I continued on the journey and saw dad walking on Harbor Bay Parkway. I stopped to talk to him for a minute. He smiled from ear to ear when he realized it was me. I guess Dad has decided to get serious about his weight (205 pounds) and do something about it. I was happy to see that he was taking this long walk. After our brief talk I continued on the journey to Lake Chabot.

I rolled my tongue at a few people during the ride and I think it phased their day—in a good way (especially the blond cyclist that was going around the Lake).

I saw two little twin boys who were so cute. Little did I know at the time of riding that Mike Miller and I would be dancing with two twin girls from Danville that very evening! They weren’t all that cute.

After my ride and during my ride a thought crossed my mind.

‘If I ever got killed riding my bike I would want everyone to know that at the moment before the collision I would be thinking, “Oh My God…No No No!” However, just before the collision I had and have had the greatest of greatest feelings while riding my bike. Death on my bike would hurt (most definitely) but once it was over it will have been my Joy Ride to (Death) the End. My spirit will surely live on—as well as my memorabilia. Things tend to last a long time.'

I still want to start my People File. I will do it. I can even will a personal item to each person as instructed within each file. What a great idea.

Mom and Dad came over to my pad while I was riding my bike. Mom made my place all the more ‘spic and span’. She loves doing it. I love her thoughtfulness for doing so.

Mike Miller and his friend, Greg Manachevitz called and we were all going to go out. I had previously telephoned Paloma but she did not return my call while I was at home. When I tried calling her again she was not at home.

Mike Miller drove Greg to some overweight girls’ house in Oakland on 8th Avenue. Mike and I met her seventeen year old sister. They had a 5th grade chubby brother, too. He reminded me of me when I was that age.

Mike and I ended up leaving and ate at NIKKO’s in San Francisco on Van Ness. We walked by the Hard Rock Café but we didn’t get in the ridiculous line. It was hard finding a parking space. I was happy that Mike was doing the driving for a change. We cruised around the Kabuki Club and then headed over to Barnaby’s. I enjoyed one Long-Island Iced-Tea and I Madras cocktail. We had a good time hanging out there. We met some twin girls from Danville and danced with them. Though I like Mike a bit more than I should—we always have a good time when we go out.

On our way home some idiot went through a red light illegally. I am really glad that Mike went by his instincts and did not “GO” on the green light or we both may have been “gone” at that very instant.

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The Chalkboard Lesson

“Why am I doomed to be rejected?
I need answers.”
-John Cusack
as heard in the 2000 film,
“High Fidelity”

While staying at the W-Hotel in San Diego recently I loved how the hotel room had a chalkboard. I had fun writing something new on the board each day and night.
I started to read ‘The Complete Stories” by Franz Kafka, so I decided to write some excerpts of his words on the chalkboard. It would be our lesson for the day. It is a good way to re-read some of his words for new found significance.

John Updike wrote that ‘Kafka and Shakespeare have this in common: their reputations rest principally on texts they never approved or proofread.’

Here is one excerpt by Kafka that I wrote on the chalkboard:

At length his eyesight begins to fail, and he does not know whether the world is really darker or whether his eyes are only deceiving him.

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 23, 1984
Thursday

Oh well…it is another day at the Training Center. It was not really so bad. Bobbie Renberger and Barbara Reynolds helped to make it so much more bearable for me.
Yesterday, Barbara had told me that the quiet hour service for our ex-tub mate, Randy Evans was between 7 o’clock and 8 o’clock. I was very glad of that fact because I knew I could make it for his memorial.

I recognized a few people from the office while at the memorial but only managed to exchange a few words with Robert Parks, Pat Overshoun and Barbara Reynolds. It is so shocking. And the realization that ‘life is so short’ makes my heart grow fonder for all of my friends and family.

Today I telephoned Chris Cordellos…or NO! He telephoned me when I arrived home.
“I had an okay time last night. I met Clay’s folks who were visiting,” Chris said.
"Whatever," I thought silently and refrained from saying aloud.
“I’ll meet you at Baxter’s in Concord between 8:30 and 9:00 if you want,” I said, figuring I would just let the recent events go.

Just before I left for Randy’s memorial service Suzy Miller called me. She wanted to invite me on an outing to MACY’s with her. I explained about the quiet service and she understood. I went on to inform her that I stopped by her apartment yesterday. She gave no reasonable explanation as to her whereabouts (not that she had to).

I drove out to Baxter’s in Concord and some chick named Diane Landers came up to me.
“Are you alone?” she asked.
“Well, I’m waiting for a friend of mine,” I replied.
“Why don’t you join me and my friends?”
I sat and talked to them. They were all pretty nice. Diane Landers is going to Sacramento State, studying Fashion Merchandising. She wants to open a shop on Rodeo Drive. She is not too together…but who knows? If she is successful one day it will be good for her. Her friends (Cathy, Carol and Joyce) were not “lookers” but they were okay to talk to for a while.

Chris Cordellos finally came in at around nine o’clock. I introduced him to the ‘geeky’ chicks. He felt uncomfortable and did not like the vibes of the place. I was relaxed and did not mind being in a ‘straight place’ at all. I went along with having a good time after only one Long Island Iced-Tea. I treated Chris to a drink. At one point he was going to leave but decided to return.

While at Baxter’s I noticed Katie Jones’ girlfriends (Karen Dagg and Myra Dini) who were with a new gal named Sharon ‘something’. Chris liked Karen but came to the conclusion that she was ‘stuck up’. He made no real effort to talk to her, so I could not understand how he could say that. I don’t know but I did see his point. I talked to her and she seemed ‘okay’. Myra thought I was about twenty-six years old. Wow…a year before my time.
“So where is Katie?” I asked.
"We can't answer for her," said one of the girls.
“She is only nineteen,” Myra blurted. So that explained a few things (like my ‘naive nineteen’ philosophy).
Chris and I finally decided to ‘blow this Popsicle stand’ while Myra and Karen were out on the dance floor with two other fellows.

Chris and I talked in my car about our relationship.
“Yeah, I met a dude named Ron at Sun Valley Mall and he came to my house,” Chris revealed, “but nothing happened.”
“Oh really?”
“Yeah, but Ron wanted something to happen. You know I love you,” Chris announced.
“Me too.”
“I just want to play it cool in terms of making love,” said Chris.
I understood his point to a certain extent. I could relate and I agreed with the idea of 'playing it cool' for a while. I drove him to where his car was parked.
“Oh yea, my folks invited you for brunch this Sunday!”
“That’s nice,” I said.
I was home in Alameda by one o’clock in the morning.

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Chances Are...

The chance factor in life is mind boggling.
-Woody Allen
as heard while watching his 2009 film “Whatever Works”

My DNA cousin, John E Spencer, of San Francisco sent me the Johnny Mathis GOLD 50th Anniversary Celebration CD for my birthday. For the last month or so I have been listening to the first two tunes (Chances Are & Wonderful! Wonderful!) because they equate to a total of 5 minutes and 51 seconds.

Each night before bedtime and ‘in the morning’ before getting up out of bed I play the two tunes while I go into the YOGA child’s pose. It helps me to sleep and to gradually begin my day.

I was told by an authoritative person in the meditation/fitness field that by doing child’s pose every night and every morning (for 5 minutes) it will help.
It works (for me).

I really like the CHANCES ARE song, too. Listen:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=chances+are&docid=1042086298333&mid=16449FEBA86969B11D4816449FEBA86969B11D48&FORM=VIVR24#

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 22, 1984
Wednesday

My morning went well. I completed my last role play assignment case and did very well. I spent the latter part of the day doing puzzles and such.
For lunch we all ate at The Victorian and I had one and a half Long Island Iced-Teas. We were going to meet at ‘Raggs’ afterwards but I ceded to make a run for it and meet my appointment with Barbara at the Women’s Feminine Health Center.

I also telephoned Chris Cordellos on my last break to see what was happening tonight.
“Clay is coming over. If he doesn’t come over, do you want me to call you?” Chris asked.
What an asshole!
I think I said, “Yeah, I’ll catch ya later!”
I don’t intend on calling him again. I used to think I was on the top of his priority list in terms of friends and ‘spending time’ but I can see he wants to lower himself to another extreme this time. I am being very objective after what he said last night (about seeing other people and not feeling any guilt on each others’ part).

I made my minor donation at the Sperm Bank today. After being drained last night there wasn’t likely very high volume today (I don’t think).

When I arrived home I telephoned Linda Nannizzi. I was pleased when she answered the phone.
“Hi, do you want to go bike riding?” I asked sweetly.
“Well, I was just leaving to a movie,” Linda replied.
“Oh, well how about we go out this Saturday?”
“I’m going camping this weekend.”
“How about going out the next weekend?”
“That would probably be okay.”
She was so uncooperative in her speech.
“If I am badgering you…tell me,” I said sternly.
“Well, I’m sort of getting back together with my other boyfriend.”
Needless to say, it was another fantastic, thrilling moment in my day to hear that!

I think Linda's being ‘naive at nineteen’ and my being twenty-five and perhaps her Dad may have influenced her decision to try to avoid me. I got the feeling by getting her home at 2AM on Friday night did not help matters. Oh well, it’s just as well. She is not for me.

I cannot believe I was actually considering Linda ‘marriage material’ so soon in our 'whatever it was'. She is definitely NOT. I don’t really want that ‘tied down’ commitment anyway. Now…do I?

I went bicycling from 6:30PM until 8PM. It was a good way to relieve any anxieties I might be holding within. Once I returned home I telephone Karyn Kossoff. We had a wonderful talk. I enjoy talking to her. We had a good ‘one on one’ conversation about one another and the direction we are heading.
“I want to spend more time with you,” Karyn said.
I don’t because I don’t want a relationship right now with someone I work with day in and day out. Or do I? Through my eyes I wish to think of her only as a friend. It is a ‘one way street’. She is on the ‘one way street’ and I am yielding before the falling rock and at the same time avoiding the ‘slippery when wet’ roads.

I had a nutritious meal for dinner (steamed broccoli, a bag of Doritos and water).

While riding my bike I saw Steve Gaster. We talked for a short while. I stopped by Suzy Miller’s apartment but she was not at home.

I have a feeling Chris and his pal, Clay are at “The Hub” bar in Walnut Creek. Grody! I hate that place.

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Mitrevski

“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious.”
--Albert Einstein
introduced to me in a letter
from Barbara Louise Reynolds
postmarked July 24, 2009

PHOTO: Instant Freedom (City Life by Mitrevski)
Over the past several years I have come to know many fine photographers all over the world. I plan to feature each one over time but I want to feature my friend Aleksandar Mitrevski today.



PHOTO: Intuitive
(Portraits by Mitrevski)

Aleksandar Mitrevski was born and raised in Denmark to parents of Macedonian descent. He would often travel to many other parts of Europe as he was growing up. I believe his early years of travel gave him the gift of keen observation.

PHOTO: Mirrored Dream
(Landscapes by Mitrevski)

Mitrevski sees himself as having a deep and passionate personality. I would say that these few photographic samples of his work I have posted on today's BLOG will prove that fact.



PHOTO: Calling
(Photojournalism by Mitrevski)


His main interests in life are “Unconditional Love and Art”.
He writes, “The depth of that kind of living always inspires me.”



PHOTO: Woody Windows
(Still Life by Mitrevski)




Mitrevski enjoys ‘living in the moment’. I appreciate and envy a person who has the power and strength to enjoy the present, without dwelling on the past and worrying about the future.

His love for travel and photography is just one thing we both have in common. His sincerity and wish to pass along love and peace is another.

PHOTO: Eating (Wildlife by Mitrevski)


Please feel free to inquire with Mitrevski about further information on his photographic works, ongoing projects, exhibitions or bookings at his email address:

contact.mitrevski@gmail.com

I know he would be happy to hear from you (especially if you mention this BLOG by me, The Happy Man).

PHOTO: Self-Portraiture (by Mitrevski)






Twenty-five years ago today:

August 16, 1984
Thursday

It was a nice day. I enjoyed my lunch with Bobbie Renbarger at the Crocker Galleria. It is expensive eating out.

I could not go out on my usual evening bike ride. My flat tire is still NOT fixed.

I went to Mom & Dad’s and hung out there for a bite to eat. While I was there I telephoned Michael Miller. We talked for a while and he leaves for Belgium on September 1st. I know I wrote that in the diary yesterday but I feel like writing it again.

Chris Cordellos is arriving into the Bay Area next weekend (supposedly). His arrival would be on or about August 25th. Wait until I tell him the news…per Eva, I agreed to change my vacation again to the week of September 15th.

I was going to give Linda Nannizzi a ride home after the workday because her car is in for repair. She was nowhere to be found, so I just left.

I went to bed fairly early. I needed the shut-eye.

I spoke to Karyn Kossoff again and we discussed the idea of meeting every Monday night to write a screenplay. I think we would collaborate well together with our many story ideas. I just don’t know though. I have to tell her that I love our relationship but it could be risky if she tries to add romance into our recipe. I am not interested in her that way ‘right now’.

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Life Changes on a Dime

He paced up and down on the porch,
feeling hot and restless,
running nervous fingers through his hair.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path

Who coined that phrase ‘Life Changes On a Dime’? It really is a true point in thought.

On July 30, 2009 my cell phone rang at around 2:30PM and it was Bob Lewis. Who is Bob Lewis? Well, he is the father of my sister-in-law, Sherri Lewis-Armijo. When one gets a phone call from someone who does not call very often it is usually a cause for concern.

Bob called to inform me that Sherri (my sister-in-law) was in a four car pile-up accident on July 29, 2009. She was the only one to get hurt, breaking both of her forearms. She was in surgery from 6PM until 2AM.

The next morning (July 31, 2009) I updated my Face Book status to this:

Michael J Armijo is upset & sad after learning yesterday that my sis-in-law (Sherri) was in a 4-car pile-up accident. She was the only one hurt: broke both forearms & was in surgery from 6pm till 2am on Wednesday!!! ;(

I received an overwhelming response for her ‘getting well soon’.
That evening I received this heartwarming email from my niece, Holly Alyssa Armijo, who wrote:

PHOTO: Holly A Armijo,
April 2009

Hey Uncle Mike,

I’m not sure if you heard yet, but my mom got in a really bad car accident yesterday morning. It was a chain reaction and my mom was the 4th and last car.

There was nobody in the car with her but she was the only one that got hurt. She broke both of her arms from her elbow to her wrists (her forearms). She broke pretty much all the bones in her forearm and in more than one place. I’m not sure about the numbers but I know her right arm had about 6-8 breaks. Her left arm had about 4 breaks.

She was in surgery all last night because they are putting metal plates or whatever they are called in her arms. Depending on how she is feeling they may release her tonight...or hold her for a couple of days.

There is no permanent damage and she will be OK. She really is a strong woman and I know she can pull through this, even though she won’t be able to use her arms for a while and will need a lot of assistance.

Sorry to put a damper on your day. I love you very much.

-Holly

PHOTO: Ilene R Kaplan,
January 2009
One dear family friend (Ilene Rosenzweig-Kaplan) had emailed me that she and her husband were just talking about how ‘Life can change on a dime’.

It is a reminder to us all that when things like this happen we must treasure our time here. We are so thankful that this accident was not fatal as so many can be. Shower the people you love with love.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=shower+the+people+lyrics&docid=987654783117&mid=4CF802460ECF2FE640DC4CF802460ECF2FE640DC&FORM=VIVR#


Twenty-five years ago today:

August 10, 1984
Friday

I did my usual exercises in the morning (fifty arm curls, fifty push-ups, one-hundred and a half sit-ups and one-hundred jump ropes). It was not too exciting to know that Linda Nannizzi had called in sick. I would not be seeing her at the BART station. Oh well…

Training was a long, dull, trying day as we learned about Directory listings. Peggy (one of the instructors) keeps teasing me. I get even with her though. I think I am her ‘pet’ in class.
After work I walked to the Embarcadero area and waited until Ron Shelly showed up with Jim (the fat Mexican that French-kissed Karyn on her Birthday without her consent). Ron gave me my repaired bicycle pendant. Ron and I had a good talk about relationships and ‘the like’. While we were seated Ron unexpectedly grabbed my leg.
“You have nice legs,” Ron said.
I did not bother to say ‘most bikers do’.

Later that evening (and after a few drinks) Ryan grabbed my rear end while my back was turned. It was obvious that it was him.

Karyn was being her usually bubbly, friendly and ‘touchy’ self. I had finished about three Long-Island Iced-Teas.

Ryan and I went downstairs and I snorted a little coke (cocaine) from his key. This was very unlike me but I was feeling adventurous. Later, Ryan, Ron and Maurice went to Maurice’s mom’s car for some additional coke snorting (not me).

And then, even later that evening Ron and I went into some bathroom to snort another line. I thought it was really nice of ‘Ron and Ryan’ to want to share their lines of coke with me. I, especially, like Ron. We talked again about being Gemini’s, and the topics of love and lust. Ron complements so nicely, too.
“You’re good-looking,” Ron said.
He is being too nice. I have to be honest and truthful here. Everyone likes to hear nice things about oneself from someone new every once in a while.

PHOTO: Gemini image ceramics
I painted the brunette while my mother painted the blond during one rainy day in Alameda, California 'way back when'.

We all ended up dancing at Barnaby’s until about 11:30PM. We followed the wild atmosphere by going to a quiet bar.

The new destination was the downstairs lobby of the Hotel Miramar on Market Street (a tacky Hotel bar if you ask me).
Karyn, Tom Kidwell, ‘Ron and Ryan’ and I moved on to ‘Ron and Ryan’s’ apartment and we all spent the night there!

“If you get stood up I’ll leave with you to some other bars,” Ron told me.
I laughed and continued to think of him as very ‘cool’.

Karyn and I slept together on a very uncomfortable box spring. It was twenty-something amusement. It was cool. We woke up at 8AM. Ron had to go to work. Karyn drove me to the BART station. I drove Tom Kidwell home (he lives in Alameda, too). Tom said he went out with Renee Miller and knows Don Cotton (Suzy’s infatuation and ex-boyfriend), too. Tom said he had just attended Don’s wedding. It’s a small world after all.

I was just relieved that my car was untouched after being at the Fruitvale BART station parking lot all night.

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The Power of Hugh

"Feeling love is very important,
but loving is the necessity."
-Amy Irving
in the 2009 film "ADAM"

Nope, I did not mean ‘The Power of You’. I really did mean ‘The Power of Hugh’. I am referring to actor Hugh Dancy, an up and coming one to appreciate.

I first took notice of his performance in the 2002 film “Daniel Deronda” via a Netflix ‘random pick’. I still remember him in character as Daniel Deronda (in a romantic scene) saying, “I spent my life in doubt and confusion, but it was your voice I always heard.” After seeing his fabulous work in “Daniel Deronda” I wondered ‘Who is that guy?’


I realized that I had actually seen Hugh Dancy before in the 2000 film “Madam Bovary” and in the 2007 film “Evening” (another favorite—and it’s no wonder he became engaged to actress Claire Danes after seeing her lavish beauty shine in that film and “Stardust”). Wonders never cease.
Yesterday, Alan and I went out to see British born Hugh Dancy in his most recent released film, “Adam”. It had a soft opening with limited release in theaters in Los Angeles and New York. The film is getting critical acclaim as I read a tidbit in Venice Magazine, the Los Angeles and New York Times well before the release date. We ‘fell in’ on the screening last night as the brilliant Writer/Director, Max Mayer, and the lead Australian actress, Rose Byrne were there for commentary and a ‘Q & A’ session after the show.

“Adam”, the film, is about a young twenty-nine year old man who has Asbergers Syndrome (a form of autism). The initial piano melody that begins during the funeral of Adam’s father is sensitive and heartfelt in and of itself. Adam seems to show such genius qualities as he has such impressive knowledge of how the universe was formed after ‘The Big Bang’.

Here is a website that gets into detail about ‘The Big Bang’ theory:
http://www.big-bang-theory.com/

The film shares a heartwarming story about raccoons in Central Park and how ‘they don’t really belong here, but here they are’. This line ties into the whole “Pretending to be Normal” premise of the Asbergers Syndrome. The music was sensitive and soothing as the audience felt the close knit connection between the main characters. I have already put my order in for the original soundtrack:
http://www.amazon.com/Adam-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B002BNTO4C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1249060632&sr=1-1

I loved it when Adam was courting his neighbor (played by Rose Byrne) and she said, “Eating mac and cheese every night is a meager life. It lacks stimulation.”
The actor, Peter Gallagher, says it perfectly in the film, “There are things you do, things you have to do. We make our choices.”

If you do one thing this month, make the choice of seeing “Adam”. You won’t be sorry. Now that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences are nominating 10 films this year I will not be surprised if “Adam” is a top contender with Hugh Dancy as a hopeful ‘Best Actor’ nomination.


Twenty-five years ago today:

August 1, 1984
Wednesday

It was fun. Our training group had a field trip outing today as we visited our new Business Office. I had a great time. We left at 1PM but it was encouraging to see the entire work group being productive.

I enjoyed lunch with Barbara Reynolds at the Health Food Store (great turkey/avocado sandwich).

After work I went to see a film called “Another Country”. It was not as good as I had hoped but well worth my viewing time (even if I did not ride my bike). It was a smash hit London play that was turned into a film. The film explores the effect of Public School life in the 1930’s on Guy Bennet (played by Rupert Everett) as his homosexuality and unwillingness to ‘play the game’ turns him eastward towards communist Russia.

After the movie I went to John & Sherri’s house once again to play with Ashley and deliver some mail that came to my address. I watched bits of the Tom Cruise movie “Risky Business”.

I left to keep company with Dad while mom was at work. I prepared myself a hamburger there while I watched the Women’s gymnastics.

Once I returned home I took a relaxing shower and decided to give Karyn Kossoff a call at about 9:30PM. We talked until about 10:45PM or so. She loves talking on the phone and admits to it. She mentioned the idea of having a Happy Hour drink this Friday (after work). I cannot believe it is almost Thursday. I did say “okay” to the drink idea.

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Uncertainty

“Somehow I don’t believe his love is as convincing as mine.”
-as heard watching the On-Broadway
Dramatic play “Mary Stuart’

"Letters To A Young Poet"
by Rainer Maria Rilke

'But this is what...people are so often and so disastrously wrong in doing:
they (who by their very nature are impatient) fling themselves at each other when love takes hold of them, they scatter themselves, just as they are, in all their messiness, disorder, bewilderment...

'And what can happen then? What can life do with this heap of half broken things that they would like to call their happiness, and their future?

'And so each of them loses himself for the sake of the other person, and loses the other. And loses the vast possibilities...in exchange for an unfruitful confusion, out of which nothing more can come, nothing but a bit of disgust, disappointment and poverty.'

Twenty-five years ago today:

July 7, 1984

I drove home and arrived in Alameda at 9:30AM. Michelle called me.
“Echo Beach is closed and I just wanted to let you know that Cedric and I are still going out tonight,” Michelle said.
“My friends, Danny and Mary, may go to Echo Beach or as it’s now called, Dancers, and I may meet them there,” I said.
“Sounds cool,” she said even if I did detect a mediocre not-so-thrilled tone in her voice.
I wonder if she likes me. Steve Gaster had previously told me that he thinks she does.

I went bicycling and called Danny at around 1:30PM. I left a message on their recorder. I left for more bike riding and left another message at 4PM. They did not call me back. I went biking again from 5-6PM after a wonderful visit from ma and pa. I doubted that they would call.

I plunged into a quick shower and a nap when Cedric called at 8:45PM.
“We’re going to ‘Cinco Patients’ in The City, so if you want to go?” Cedric asked.
“Hey, that’s a high class joint. Sure, I’ll go since Danny didn’t call it sounds good to me. We’ll have a fun time,” I answered.

I started to get ready when Danny called at 9PM.
“I made other plans,” I said.
“So,” Danny sighed in a still wondering sort of way. I could tell that he cared that I had made other plans.
“I still want to go out with you,” I explained.
“I called you at around six-thirty,” Danny said.
“I guess I missed your call while I was cycling. It’s okay,” I pointed out clearly. We then hung up with polite goodbyes.

I waited impatiently for Michelle and Cedric to arrive. They did. It was 11PM now. We left and I got a speeding ticket driving down Fernside Boulevard in Alameda. It was a minor fiasco because I told the officer I wanted to speak to Sergeant Al Jayne before I signed the ticket. I almost got arrested. I got frisked, cuffed and set in the police car). Finally, I signed the speeding ticket but went to the police station to see Al Jayne. He gave me the scoop.
“You can avoid the citation by going to night court and talking to Charlie Brown. You let him know that I’m your buddy,” Al said.
His reassuring conversation made me feel better. I’m lucky to have known his daughter, Bonnie, since sixth-grade.

We continued our adventure into San Francisco. We ‘sort of’ got lost. Cedric kept opening my car door to only scratch the curb, making a horrible sound. I hated that more than words could describe! I hate all people that do that. I tried to NOT let it get to me. By 1AM we arrived at Syncopation on Howard Street. We danced until 2:15AM. I asked a tall blond girl to dance.
“I just finished dancing,” she said as her explanation for saying ‘no’.
I decided to ‘later’ her and not ask her again. It’s very much her loss.

I drove Michelle home. We really had a fun evening despite the speeding citation. I was happy to be in my very own bed by 3AM. Yawn.

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When You're Gone

PHOTO: A film clip image
I found in Puymirol, France

He stroked her with both hands-a long relishing stroke that began at her bound wrists, slid down over her arms, breasts, and loins, and became a voluptuous tickling between her legs. He repeated the exciting stroke again and again, his hands hot and sharp-nailed, and then, when ready-ready-more-than-ready, he slipped a hand under her buttocks, raised them, lodges his hardness against her, and pushed it powerfully in.
-Ira Levin (b. Aug 27 1929, d. Nov 12 2007)
in his book "Rosemary's Baby"

When I am on vacation I have my fascination for taking pictures. I also try to search for new things like 'a new song' or 'a new book'. While in Europe last month I discovered a few new songs and here is one of them that I am featuring on the blog today. It was heard on the EUROPA FM channel. It is called 'When You're Gone' by Avril Lavigne. I adore her talent.

PHOTO: Avril Lavigne
It is quite an amazing song (maybe you already know of it). I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Before you CLICK the link to watch and listen to the music video, please read the lyrics:

"When You're Gone"

I always needed time on my own
I never thought I'd need you there when I cry
And the days feel like years when I'm alone
And the bed where you lie is made up on your side

When you walk away I count the steps that you take
Do you see how much I need you right now
[Chorus]
When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too
When you're gone
The words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it ok
I miss you

I've never felt this way before
Everything that I do reminds me of you
And the clothes you left, they lie on the floor
And they smell just like you, I love the things that you do

When you walk away I count the steps that you take
Do you see how much I need you right now
[Chorus]
We were made for each other
Out here forever
I know we were, yeah
All I ever wanted was for you to know
Everything I'd do, I'd give my heart and soul
I can hardly breathe I need to feel you here with me, yeah

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=when%20you're%20gone%2C%20avril%20lavigne&docid=812840845422&mid=C14426C0291CD4AF83FDC14426C0291CD4AF83FD&FORM=VIVR23

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 13, 1984,
Wednesday

It hadn't dawned on me until just this evening but Chris Cordellos got caught in his own lie. I telephoned him at the Coast Guard Base to tell him the amount of his new telephone bill. He was actually 'at the Base'. Yes, I just realized. It was strange.
"Did you call the house?" Chris asked.
"No," I replied, acting dumb at the time. (I was actually dumb.)
"Good that you didn't because Barb is there and I know you'll both gossip about me," Chris said.

Oh well. I am understanding. Chris is probably low on funds and that is why he didn't want to come down to visit. He could have (should have) explained. What the heck. He does not need to give me an excuse for every decision he makes.

I went to the Sperm Bank and talked to Carol, the girl who works there who is from back East (Massachusetts, I think). She is really nice and kind of cute. I like her. I sort of asked her out for dinner but she gave some flimsy excuse of having to work late for some seminar deal. I didn't push it. Some guys meet girls in school or a bar. I meet them at a Sperm Bank. Hilarious.

PHOTO: Ashley M Armijo, 1984

I did not even bike ride today. I retrieved my mail that had accumulated at the Solomon Lane townhouse where John and Sherri were still living. When I got to mom and dad's I 'porked out' on mom's BBQ chicken. I ordered some clothes at fifty-percent off from the latest International Male catalog. I read some of my ESQUIRE and BICYCLING magazines. Then I just lounged about with the television for company.

I have not called on Frank Vasconcellos about the "Streets of Fire" movie (starring Michael Pare, Diane Lane and Willem Dafoe). It's just as well. He has not telephoned me either.

The interesting article this month was found in ESQUIRE magazine. It was titled "Carnal College" and went on to explain the challenge for college students to ultimately write a paper for themselves (not for the teacher, a course or a grade). The article suggested a student write their own 'sexual autobiography'. I laughed as my journal is an A plus (and then some) in that respect.

I showed my office coworkers the photographs of my niece, Ashley. They loved them.

My brother, John, is a baseball card fanatic. He is an avid collector now.

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It Made Me Cry

"One trouble never comes alone."
-as heard while watching
the HBO series
"John Adams"

There are NOT many situations where I find myself unexpectedly crying. The act of crying (or sweating) is an actual benefit. It helps to release endorphins into the bloodstream. Endorphins are chemicals that act as mood-elevators and pain relievers. Most people feel physically better after having a good cry.

I remember crying many moons ago while watching a movie starring Lana Turner called "Imitation Of Life". It's a classic story. It is on the list of one of my all-time favorite films.

The other night I attended a Broadway dramatic play called "Irena's Vow". It made me cry. The story is based on a book of memoirs by Irene Gut Opdyke called "In My Hands". Irene Gut Opdyke has received international recognition for her actions:
The Israeli Holocaust Commission named her one of the Righteous Among the Nations, a title given to those who risked their lives by aiding and saving Jews during the Holocaust, and so she was presented with the Israel Medal of Honor, Israel's highest tribute, in a ceremony at Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.

The Vatican has given her a special commendation.

Her story is part of a permanent exhibit in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.

I will not spoil the storyline for you (should you read the book or see the touching play). I will share a couple of lines that I did take with me after seeing the play. They are words to live by.

What we do is who we are.

Every time you hear hatred you MUST stand up against it!

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 11, 1984
Friday

I enjoyed lunch at the Maya Azteca with Sharon Meadows. We talked about her work in the Public Office versus the Residence Marketing Service Office. Sharon always makes me laugh.

I telephoned Barbara in Arcata, CA. I could not believe what she said.
“Yeah, Jim spent the night here on Wednesday. In the morning he was taking a bath! I was so pissed about that! The fact that Chris always says he is going to do something about it and doesn’t keep his word is even worse,” Barbara exclaimed.
“What other times does he not keep his word?” I asked.
“Well, for example, his vow to quit smoking,” she said.
“From the amount of his telephone bill he is making way too many phone calls,” I said.
She agreed. Barb was also ‘down and out’ because her grandmother had a stroke recently. I tried to console her a bit.

When I telephoned Chris Cordellos at the Coast Guard base during my last break I learned that he was already ‘down and out’ from his busy day. I guess things had not been going so well. I decided to add fire to the flames.
“Why are you smoking? And why didn’t you tell me that Jim was spending the night?” I asked.
“I didn’t know I had to report to YOU!” Chris shouted.
I hesitated for a moment, realizing that everyone has a right to make their own decisions.
“Yeah, but don’t you think it’s a stupid choice?” I said in reference to the smoking (especially when his mother has emphysema after her years of making this choice).
It was obvious that the conversation was not going too well. He could not really talk. We decided to end it at that point.

Once I arrived home that evening I accompanied mom to ‘John and Sherri’s’ pad to see Ashley Marie.

At lunchtime Helen and I went to Emporium. I bought Ashley a dress, a doll and a summer outfit.
PHOTO: 1984: John, Sherri and baby Ashley

When mom and I arrived at 'John and Sherri's' pad Sherri’s parents, Bob and Janet Lewis, were there. My brother, Tony, stopped by, too. We all stayed there until about 8:15PM saying “goo goo” to Ashley. I wonder if she understood our feelings of joy and love.

Or maybe Ashley was thinking, “I’ve been in the dark so long. And now I have these weird faces gawking over me! Get a grip.”

When I returned home with mom I was starting to feel slightly depressed. I kept thinking about the whole Barb and Chris conversation about smoking and Jim ‘spending the night’.

I decided to start up my engine and drive out to Fremont to the StarGaze nightclub. I met a girl named Ann Sharpe of Los Altos, California. She seemed “okay”. She attends Foothill College. I gave her my business card. Will I ever hear from her again?

I lingered at the club a bit longer and met a blond gal named Marley. She was a mere sixteen year old. One must be eighteen to get into this club. How did she manage getting in? Marley said she lived in San Francisco.
“Yeah, I can give you a tour of the City,” Marley said.
Marley gave me her telephone number. The question is when shall I call? Or will I call?

There was a muscular white dude hangin’ out at the club. He was a very “questionable” one as he kept glancing in my direction. I hung out around him for a while but there was no further communication other than the eye contact. Then I just decided to split the scene. I drove home, thinking of and relying on the mending of my relationship with Chris Cordellos.

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Lost In Cloud 9

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Love really "is" enough.
-Robert Frost

The following is on the LAST page of the
'Te Matare Ramirez'
Restaurante menu in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Now that she is already smoldering inside, her little head glowing
with lubricious images, I will climb her back and will wallow on the
satiny geography of her body, tickling the propitious zones with my wings.

I will frolic like a happy puppy in the warm pillow of her womb.
These antics of mine make her laugh and stir up her body, sparking it
into embers. When she laughs her nipples harden and rise as though an
invisible mouth was sucking them, and the muscles of her stomach vibrate
under her smooth skin, which smells of vanilla and suggests the rich
treasure of warmth and moisture of her privacy.

At the moment my turned up nose can smell the aroma of her secret juices,
reminiscent of overripe cheese. The perfume of that sensual suppuration
drives Don Rigoberto mad and on bended knees, --so she has told me-- as if
he was praying, he breaths in the perfume and fills himself with it until he is drunk with joy.

"As long as you smell like this, I'll be your slave," she says he says,
with the loose tongue of those who are drunk with love.

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 5, 1984
Thursday

A few co-workers noticed my absence during my escape to Humboldt County. I still didn't feel too hot this morning. I made some hot chocolate for my brother, Tony, and I.

At lunchtime I took a walk with Tony and Helen to my monthly parking agent. It was time to make my monthly payment. I have determined that Helen is definitely "head over heels" over Tony.


I learned that Tony accompanied Helen last weekend, helping her move into her new apartment. And now they have a date this upcoming weekend! Who knows where it will all lead? For now, Tony and Helen seem to be a "silent item" as of today.

I drove Helen to her apartment after work. I proceeded on my way home after picking up a few of my personal things at the townhouse. I scared Sherri half to death when I appeared. It's like she's all moved in and didn't expect me to drop by. I had the spontaneous opportunity to meet her mother, Janet Lewis.

This evening I enjoyed a tuna sandwich and soup with "pops". I showered and went to bed. My mind needed sleep.

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Leaving On A Jet Plane

"The majority of society are judgemental and cannot let go with regard to sexual behavior. It is a difficult and intense subject for most to discuss."
-Dr. Steven Zlutnick,
USF Graduate Studies Professor
Human Sexuality
As found from my 'saved notes' dated January 26, 1989

The following is on page 4 of the 'Te Matare Ramirez'
Restaurante menu in Buenos Aires, Argentina

All human shapes have vanished except you and me. Everything that could have distracted or impoverished us at the time of supreme egoism, which is the time of love, has disappeared.

Here, as it happens with the monster of the God, nothing restrains or inhibits us. This room is the reign of pure instinct and of the imagination that serves it, in the same way that your winding tongue and your sweet saliva have served me and have been served by by. We were a man and a woman and now we are ejaculation, orgasm and only one fixed idea. We have become sacred and obsessive. Our knowledge of each other is total. You are me and you, and I am me and you: as perfect and simple as a swallow or the law of gravity.

Vicious perversity-to put it in words which we do not believe and we both despise-is represented by our own eyes, the contemplation we so eagerly practice-as you are doing now, the essential nakedness that each one demands of the other in the feast of love and this fusion that can only be accurately expressed by discomposing the syntax: I to me you give myself, you to me masturbate, you me we suck ourselves.

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 29, 1984
Thursday

I had an in-depth discussion with General Manager, Nancy Guzman, today about the Walnut Creek trial that begins on April 23rd. We explored how the new 'business office' may change the way we do business along with the entire Oakland Residence Account Service Center.

I enjoyed a burrito lunch at 'The Happy Burrito'. I ate alone at the park.

My complete physical was done right after work. I am in A-1 health as far as they could tell. I hated the rectum exam (when that lady doc put her finger up my ass). She probably loved it. I think I detected a slight smile when she saw my "bod". Yeah, it's that good.

I signed my contract and didn't realize that I'd be receiving a whopping $25 for ever 2 cc's of sperm that I donated.
"You'll start receiving a check on or around May 7th, 1984," announced the administrative clerk.

After my appointment I stopped over to visit my Dad. We ate homemade tamales. It's rare for my mother to make them and she makes them in such an authentic Southwestern style. While I had my casual dinner with Dad I perused my mail (primarily my Preferred VISA statement). My balance was $2,218 only because I charged my $2000 Great Western IRA Contribution on the VISA. I did it out of convenience. It's not a big deal. There were some nonsense brochures, too. The tamale was far more enjoyable.

I returned home and learned that Chris Cordellos had been trying to reach me. I telephoned him to confirm my arrival time of 8:40PM tomorrow night. My visit ought to be fun.


Michael Thoennes also called and wanted to talk before I left on my long weekend escape. He's a nice guy despite his ugly smoking habit. I look forward to the BART, Bus and fly transportation excursion tomorrow. It should prove an exciting adventure. All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go...
Have you ever heard Cass Elliot and John Denver sing "Leaving On A Jet Plane"?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKdknYaSHgE

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