Inspired by Julia

“You are the butter to my bread and the breath to my LIFE.”
-as heard while watching
The 2009 film “Julie & Julia”

PHOTO: Paris Moods,
Photo taken May 21, 2009
Have you seen the “Julie & Julia” movie with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams yet? I would highly recommend it if you like food. It’s not a 5 STAR film. I think I would give it 4 STARS though. I love how the Julie character keeps a daily blog (like me).
I identified when actress, Amy Adams, as Julie said, “I can’t help but wonder is there anyone out there reading me?”

Meryl Streep will surely get another Academy Award nomination for her role as Julia Child. She was downright magnificent! Many friends I have spoken to want to see a film just about ‘Julia Child’ with Meryl Streep reprising the role. Maybe someone can write a new script because it’s a sure fire winner idea (I think).

I loved when Meryl Streep, as Julia said, “You can never have too much butter.” That line made me laugh.

Now ‘Alan and I’ are toying with the idea of moving to Paris for a 3 or 4 month adventure of learning French and Gourmet Cooking. We will have to see if we can work it out. I think I want to experience a bit of Paris by actually ‘living there’ (like Julia Child did).

The only thing that left me puzzled at the end was when I kept asking myself, “What is marshmallow fluff?” Go treat yourself to a screening of it. That's just another line that made me laugh.

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 17, 1984
Friday

At lunchtime, Barbara Reynolds and I got food at the Crocker Galleria and ate outside near Market Street (in front of the Foremost-McKesson building).
At 2PM our training crew went to 633 Folsom for a UNITED WAY lecture (Yawn).

Then we all just ‘hung out’ in the actual business office, observing the happenings.

David Vigil was showing off pictures of him with Brooke Shields. I love her (Brooke).

PHOTO: Brooke Shields, VOGUE COVER, 1984

Once I was released from work I ‘once again’ saw Linda Nannizzi at the BART station. I gave her a ride home to Alameda from the Fruitvale Station. Tonight is our date!

I went over to Mom’s to get some mail that I had there. When I got to my pad I was excitedly getting ready for my date. I underdressed. She wore a black dress with black heels. She looked nice. Oh well, I got my leather jacket from Spain today. Just wait until Chris Cordellos sees it.

When I went to pick up Linda I met her Dad briefly. I think he kind of liked me.
Linda and I ate at Horatio’s and then came to my house to talk as we looked at Alameda High School yearbooks. We pointed out mutual people that we knew. Then we took a walk to visit Sherri Armijo and my niece, Ashley, but they were not at home.

By midnight, Linda and I were at the Southland Cinemas in Hayward watching ‘Dreamscape’, an excellent film starring Dennis Quaid, Kate Capshaw and Max Von Sydow.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=dreamscape+1984&qs=n&docid=1100469961424&mid=02820C5A75621DF4ED7502820C5A75621DF4ED75&FORM=VIVR#

I drove Linda home after a very nice evening and ended the night by giving her a few kisses goodnight. I realized that by bringing her home at about 2AM her Dad probably is NOT going to like me after all. Ouch! Who knows? We had fun and she likes me (I hope). I think so.

I ‘dreamscaped’ Linda Nannizzi all over the sheets.

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Mr. Miller & the Chicago Connections

"Naturally, with a very advanced mind you find things wrong with a lot of things a lot of the time."
-Woody Allen
in his film
"Whatever Works"

While in PARIS, France on May 23, 2009, Alan became ‘Mr. Miller’ for a few hours. We asked our concierge about a great place for seafood and the ‘Brasserie Bofinger’ was highly recommended. There were no available tables but a guest in the Hotel had to unexpectedly shorten his trip and he (Mr. Miller) had a reservation. So, Alan posed as ‘Mr. Miller’ on this evening (and we used the reservation under his name). Does Alan really look like a ‘Mr. Miller’?

When we arrived at the restaurant at 7PM at 5 et 7, Rue de la Bastille, 75004 we were seated next to Steve Flanigan and his wife, B.P., from Chicago, Illinois. The pate/fois gras that Alan and I shared was fabulous (not to mention the escargots). My salmon with flaky crust satisfied my tummy, too.

The Chicago couple were such nice company. We had a fun chat about ‘corkage fees’. Steve is a chef of a restaurant in a historic Chicago building. The restaurant he is affiliated with is known as The Gage:
http://www.thegagechicago.com/
It's on our 'must visit' list.

Now we have another reason to visit Chicago (The Flanigan's). Our friend and Hotel Manager guru (Alberto) lives in a Chicago suburb now; my photographer pal (Arlene) is in Skokie, IL; Alan’s cousin (Leslie, husband & son) lives in Peoria, IL. And another good reason to visit is that because I have only been to the O’Hare Airport between flights (never left the Airport). I really have no idea what Chicago is all about.

Twenty-five years ago today:

July 21, 1984
Saturday

I woke up on this Saturday morning and started to wash clothes. I was writing in my journal when the telephone rang at 8AM. It was a surprise to hear Chris Cordellos’ voice.
“I am writing in my journal,” I said after he asked what I was doing.
“Oh, I thought maybe you were seeing someone else because every time I call there is no answer.”

I made a deal to call him back at ‘Dan and Joetta’s’ in an hour at 707-442-1973. He could only talk for a minute because he was at a public pay phone.

Tonight I want to see a futuristic movie called ‘Kamikaze 89’ or see a band playing in The City called ‘The Translator’. Chris was going to drive down but his lower back is acting up (which means he may not). He is quite bummed out and he misses it here.

Tomorrow the Golden Gate Branch Business Office picnic takes place. I want to go, so it is best that Chris does not show up. I just hate the fact that he is up there in Humboldt County snortin’ jointin’ or whatever with all of those other semi-losers that he associates with in the US Coast Guard.

When I telephoned Chris he was not in too high of spirits. I guess I made myself sound like I was having too much of a good time these past few days. His jealousy turned into resentment. I really did not feel like listening to his negative, bummed out attitude. Again, he could not really talk but said he would call me back.

I went bicycling and it felt good. It felt so good to have my own self-therapy (with my bike). Everyone should choose some activity (even jump rope) for fun and the release of anxiety.

I stopped by to visit mom for a while. The day was rather muggy. I decided to come back to my pad and take a nap.

The second surprise phone call came from Nici Maurino.
“Were you surprised that I came over last night?” Nici asked.
“Now that you mention it, yes,” I replied.
“Tell me something. Why didn’t you take advantage of me when I was lying there next to you? I was giving it to you on a silver platter,” she said in her own curious way followed by some loud laughter.

Could I really tell her? For one thing, she smelled like sweat and dirty pussy. If she had smelled fresh and like clean puss it might have been a different story. If I wasn’t sleepy or if she was massaging or rubbing aromatic lotions on me (and I her) it might have been a different story. I, as a man, like foreplay as well (long-lasting foreplay). Who wants a ‘wham bam let’s get it on’ kind of scene (unless, of course, I was really ‘hot & horny’…which is often, I’d say).
I laughed and shrugged it off as our conversation ultimately came to an end. It is clear she really did want me to seduce her.

At 3:30PM Bruce called me about going out. I suggested the futuristic movie ‘Kamikaze 89’ in San Francisco. He was all for it.
“I’ll call you around 6:15 when I get out of work,” Bruce said.

I had told Chris that I would probably see the afternoon matinee of that futuristic movie. I ended up being lazy, sleeping and finishing up my laundry. I ate dinner at moms’ house.

Bruce called at 6:30 and we went to The City. I picked him up on Madison in Oakland where he resides with his mother. He really is a nice, harmless guy---but ‘that’s it’ as far as I’m concerned. He is funny. He is not very attractive. I know I’ve heard his laugh somewhere but I can’t seem to place it.

I finally found a parking space near 16th Street. The movie was downright ‘shitty’. It was in German and just plain not very good. After the show we left ‘The City’ and had milkshakes at Jack-in-the Box in Alameda. Then I decided to go to my house where I turned on the TV. It was weird because the TV was ‘on’ but neither of us was really watching it. I could sense that. We talked and he went on about liking my place. He made all sorts of complements over my bicycle (which I keep in my living room). It’s just easier to clean ‘in the house’. He complemented my bed and other items, too.
“You’re a good decorator,” Bruce said.
I got the feeling he was surprised by my pad.

I drove Bruce home at about 1:30AM. It got a little strange when I dropped him off.
“What are you doing next weekend?” Bruce asked as I sat parked in front of his house.
I think I was hoping he’d just hop out of my car and that would be the end of it. That was a strange question. It was as if we had gone out on ‘a date’ or something.
“I don’t know,” I answered with a yawn, making it appear that I was too tired to discuss it.
“I’ll call you,” Bruce said as he unlatched his passenger door.
I don’t know if that’s a plus on my part. He looks so ‘geeky’, but he’s super nice. I can’t be mean.

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The Model

"You have no idea what goes on inside me,
and as far as I know,
you've never even wondered."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

In the late 1980s I met a model named Dustin Nipper. She was tall, gorgeous and reminded me very much of an actress known as Morgan Brittany.

PHOTO: Morgan Brittany

She was a lot younger than I. She was about eighteen and I was around twenty-eight at the time.
She seemed more mature than the typical eighteen year old; whereby, I thought we made an 'eau de naturale' couple when we went out.

I remember meeting Dustin's dad (who reminded me of the actor, Perry King).

PHOTO: Perry King

She lived with her mother in Pleasanton, CA as her folks were divorced. Her mother was quite nice and attractive as well but it was a little bit uncomfortable going into Dustin’s bedroom and playing “kissy kissy”. It is still an unforgettable memory for me (and probably for her). They were 'great' kisses, after all.

When I would hear that classic tune by KRAFTWERK called ‘The Model’ I would think of Dustin. I loved pedaling my bike to that tune.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=kraftwerk%2C+the+model&docid=653196460434&mid=D593C439FC79F7E58DE8D593C439FC79F7E58DE8&FORM=VIVR

I never continued to see Dustin on a regular basis because I ended up moving to Los Angeles in October 1989 for career reasons. We wrote to one another a few times and our connection simply faded with time.

Fast-forward to the Internet age and Dustin had read some of my book reviews on Amazon.com. She managed to email me and we reconnected after many years. It was fun ‘catching up’ and learning that she was still living in the Northern California Bay Area with her husband.

PHOTO: At 'IL VICOLO' Ristorante,
Paris, France

Alan and I met her and her husband, Amit, in Downtown Napa for lunch one day a year or so ago. Thanks to email and FACEBOOK we keep in touch more regularly.

Coincidentally, we learned that Dustin and her husband, Amit Bhatnagar, were planning a trip to Europe at the same time we were. We managed to arrange a dinner together in PARIS at a place called IL VICOLO (34, Rue Mazarine, 75006, Paris). The Italian wine was just what we all needed after the process of getting settled after the long flight. They had flown in from San Francisco (versus our New York), so they had a few more hours of adjustment challenge.

We ventured on to Spain while they explored Rome, Italy. I know they had as great a time as we did.

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 14, 1984
Thursday

Well, I have been falling behind with writing in my journal. It is time to play ‘catch up’. Let’s see if I can recall all the way back to Thursday (as it is Sunday now). I am lying out on the Alameda South Shore Beach right now, feeling the good sun and listening to tunes.

I know I went to work on Thursday, June 14th. I believe Helen Wong brought lunch and we ate at the cafeteria with Cedric Green.

After work I rode my bike, too, of course. I remember dropping by to give Sherri some mail that she received at the Cook Lane townhouse address. It was mail about a Baby Pageant. I guess Ashley is going to be in her first Baby Beauty Pageant. Sherri gave me some tickets to sell (at my office) for votes for Ashley (for The Baby Pageant 1984, Queen of Diablo Valley).
“I will try and sell the whole book for you,” I said excitedly.

I received a package from International Male (my black night shirt, Moroccan madras shorts and underwear arrived).

Once home I was rather bummed out. I guess with Chris away I did not really want to go out ‘on my own’. So, I turned in early on a Thursday night.

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A Fun-Filled Day With Frederic

"Every experience shapes us
to who we will become."
-as heard while watching
the TV series, KYLE-XY, Season I
If you have been following my blog you may recall the framed collage gift that I sent to Paris, France to the L'Osteria Ristorante. I was so happy to see it hanging in the Ristorante on May 21st when I peeked into the window (the Ristorante was closed at the time). I had arranged a lunch with Frederic Deltour on May 22, 2009 at this same Ristorante. I was hoping he would show up. Who could be certain that he would?

When Alan and I were in Paris in December 2006 we saw Paloma, her husband, Alexandre, and their son, Jonathan. I tried to see Frederic but he was out of town at this time.

In July 2008 we found ourselves in Paris once again but I neglected to notify Frederic until the last minute. He read my email 'too late' and we had already come and gone.

This time it all worked out. We were to meet at 1 o'clock. Alan went inside the restaurant to see if he was inside. I remained outside as 'lookout' on the Rue de Sevigne. As I turned around I recognized Frederic straightaway. I smiled and he smiled back handsomely. It was as if we'd been 'old chums' who simply had not seen each other in a few years. The reality was that it was our first meeting. I hugged him 'hello'. Alan did the same and we entered the most fantastic Italian eatery we know in Paris.


I pointed out my framed Art collage that was now hanging inside the place. Frederic shared a lot of interesting facts about himself. He is involved with a business now but has a passion for MEDITATION. He hopes to create an annual MEDITATION trip/hike in the South of France and other global locations. I hope to participate as 'meditation' is something I strive to incorporate more into my life. In my opinion 'meditation' is all about being PEACEFUL with body, mind and spirit (and letting it shine and pass on to those around you).

Frederic's smile would thrill any one. He does possess a magic. He's a pleasure seeker. Yes, I am, too.
"What are your plans today?" Frederic asked.
"We were just going to walk Paris and maybe go to the Gallerie Lafayette food court. We like to be spontaneous," Alan replied.
"Yeah, we like to travel spontaneously," I remarked.
"You're welcome to go with us if you don't have any plans," Alan mentioned politely.
"Sure. I like that 'not planned' way of travel," Frederic said.

PHOTO: Michael J Armijo, Frederic Deltour, Alan Freiman
Outside the L'Osteria Ristorante, Paris, France

Frederic plans to take a trek this summer with his girlfriend to Spain. I learned more about his feelings on meditation and dealing with stress. I stressed the importance of 'balance' in one's life. Frederic's positive energy made us feel at ease in his company. He spent the day walking with us all over Paris. We even got lost for a few minutes. It's fun getting lost in Paris (as long as you eventually find your way).

I look forward to a future journey on one of Frederic's meditation excursions. If you're interested in participating on a meditation/hiking adventure, please leave a comment on this BLOG and I will provide details as they come available.

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 12, 1984, Tuesday

Hoorah! Accomplishment! I am starting my handwritten Journal #5 today. I am proud of myself for having begun all of these stories and 'eventual future memoirs'. I will be even more glad of it during my retirement days. I am sure. What will I have remembered and what refreshed memories will return?

I went for my typical bicycle ride this evening until 7PM. It was a good, "meditational" ride. I wondered if Chris was wondering if I was riding while he was riding. Now that his car is parked here he rides his bike to and from the military base. It is very difficult for him, considering the mountaineering type of bike that he has to use. It's no SCHWINN 12-speed Le Tour bike like mine.

"I can't come down on Thursday like I thought because I have to work on Friday," Chris said sadly.
"Ahh, too bad," I said as I took a bite out of an apple.
"I thought I was going to be free on Wednesday but there was a mishap at work. I will probably come next week though," Chris said with a reassuring tone.

It is all 'just as well'. By the time Chris does return for a visit I will be all situated and back in my Solomon Lane townhouse. I went to bed early: at 'nine-ish'.

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The Future Is One's Past

It is scary to discover that one's future is also one's past.
The anticipation of a world is inevitably the myth of an eternal return.
-Jules Verne
"Paris in the Twentieth Century"
(The Lost Novel)

Michael, 'The Gemini'
At 11:59pm Pacific Time I was born fifty years ago today (May 26th) in Oakland, California. I celebrate my 'New 30' in Barcelona, Spain. Viva Espana!

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 26, 1984
Saturday

What a way to start my Birthday morning!
Chris’ lower back was ‘killing him’. He couldn’t take it and I didn’t know what to do. The pain eventually subsided and we managed to have a great morning. We showered and then headed for Carmel.

We ate at a nice outdoor restaurant after I bought a cool, new pair of shoes. The shopping could not be helped among all of the neat little shops.

It looked like the weather was going to be nice but it remained gloomy so we decided to head for the Santa Cruz-Los Gatos area.

We found our way to Seacliff Beach in Aptos, CA. We enjoyed the ‘walk & talk’ as we checked out this entirely new beach, feeling the warm sun along the way. We had fun joking around about the nice bods, the grody bods and the great lookin’ asses and vice versa. It made me laugh hearing Chris talk so spontaneously and directly. There was no jealousy involved either. It was just plain summer fun and goofing off.

PHOTO: by LaWanda Wilson-Cornmesser

We were soon in Los Gatos, CA where we had ice-cream at Swensons. The traffic was hectic for a good while but I had my share of cool, alternative tunes to help pass the time.

Before long we were back in Alameda. Chris fled to Concord to change clothes and shower. Chris returned about two hours later and we ventured over to San Francisco’s Top of the Mark to see the wonderful City Lights view on my 25th Birthday.

I was feeling tired after the long day. We left the Top of the Mark and walked (regretfully) to Polk Street and walked into a 24 hour restaurant called GRUBSTEAK. It was a drastic change from the Top of the Mark clientele. We left as Chris started to feel tired, too.

I had to drive home with Chris dozin’ off. He was not in the mood for ‘anything’. So I remained silent listening to mellow tunes. When we arrived home Chris fell asleep in his car and I went inside to sleep in the house. He didn’t want to come in, so I left. I guess he left after his nap (or maybe after a scary dream of me or some other face knocking on his window).

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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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Hollywood Glimpse

"Do not think that beauty means much in life."
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"


It is the 81st Annual Academy Award presentation tonight. Hugh Jackman is the master of ceremonies.

I saw him in the 2008 film AUSTRALIA. I absolutely loved it. I would have chosen it as a 'Best Picture' nominee. He has great showmanship and I believe him to be a great choice.

It will be interesting to see who wins the coveted Oscar this year. My personal choices for Best Supporting Actor and Actress are Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) and Penelope Cruz (Vicky, Cristina Barcelona).


My personal ARMIJO AWARD goes to Kate Winslet for 'The Reader' and Sean Penn for 'Milk' as Best Actress and Best Actor.

They are both so OUTSTANDING.


I would not be disappointed if Frank Langella won for 'Best Actor'. I saw his performance in the 2007 film "Starting Out In The Evening" which was phenomenal. And his "Frost/Nixon" performance was truly brilliant.

The Best Picture will likely be "Slumdog Millionaire". It is the all around favorite.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIzbwV7on6Q
I liked the "Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "The Reader" better.
There were more significant lines throughout these films that captured me.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L6K3fkwr-Y
"The Reader" was one of my favorite books this year, so I knew a lot of the intricate details while watching the film. It's quite emotional.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kifRQG_M-Do

I read in the Sunday New York Times this morning that an honorary Oscar will go to Jerry Lewis. It's so well-deserved after so much time. It will be fun to see the film clips of his magnificent career.

I will be watching the entire Oscar show at the CAMEO THEATER in St. Helena, California tonight. Exciting!

Twenty-five years ago today:

February 22, 1984

My work day was all right. I telephoned Chris Cordellos this morning. We are going to see the Nastassja Kinski film tomorrow night. His father has promised to pay for his therapy in Arcata, CA. I guess that means he will be moving further North in about eight weeks time. Who knows when he shall return? We have made plans to celebrate on March 3rd or 4th for his 21st birthday.

I watched a preview of the movie "Angel" today. I actually saw some of the actual filming in Hollywood, CA (when I was there in June 1983).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xLhYLToOuk
I have not heard from Paloma, Leslie or Nancy. I guess they are now part of my past.

I forgot to document my visit last Sunday to the Ice-Cream Dock. I had an orange sherbet freeze there. It is so cool and refreshing. I bought some Cookies n' Cream Ice-Cream for my brother, John. Then John had to go and rent a dumb movie again (Spring Fever). We watched 'Dynasty' together afterward.

Ann-Margret is on my agenda for tonight. She has a guest appearance on The Tonight Show. I am so looking forward to her world premiere TV movie "A Streetcar Named Desire". Everyone "desires".

I fell 'in love' with Ann-Margret after watching the exciting chemistry between her and Elvis in the classic film "Viva Las Vegas".

I applied for a CITICORP Visa with a $5000 credit limit. How exciting!

Do you love shocking surprises? I was informed by Chris today that he is 'definitely' leaving for Arcata.
"I have to leave at eight o'clock tomorrow morning," Chris said sadly.
This was discouraging news. He made a point of expressing his sadness. I, too, felt rather distraught.
"Oh well," I thought, "another one bites the dust."

I took my bike for a spin until 6:30pm to analyze my situations. A few new people crossed my path and gave me nods of the head or a brief "hello". I am curious to know the lives of some of these people that I randomly see as I pass them on my bicycle. Perhaps I shall.

"I told one my good friends, Clay, about my feelings about you, Michael," Chris continued, "and I told him how I have continuous thoughts of you."
"You did?"
"Clay couldn't believe it," Chris said.
Chris went on to say that Clay told his friend, Elliot, about it all. Elliot got angry and 'chewed out' Chris.
"I don't want a faggot as a friend," Elliot screamed at Chris.

I could understand Chris' hurt feelings. Even though I have never experienced anything like this I understood the discrimination. I tried to reassure Chris that 'Clay and Elliot' seemed NOT to be as great of friends as he thought they were. Chris felt better after we had discussed the incident. In time, our relationship might work.
"I am learning who my real friends are," Chris said.
It made me wonder who my real friends would be (if they knew about this other side of me?).

I was dozing off after the 'Dynasty' episode when the telephone rang. It was for me. I was kind of surprised by the phone call.
"Oh, hi, it's you," I said when I heard Paloma's voice.
It looks like there has been a turn of events as Paloma and I made a date for tomorrow night to see Nastassja Kinski in "Moon In The Gutter".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wgj__wUFzM
I was beginning to feel that Paloma and I were so "over" because whenever I tried to make a date on a Friday or Saturday night she would never commit. It was only weekdays with her because she would prefer to go out with her girlfriends. At least this is how she makes me feel. I won't even get into how she 'faced me' with three excuses regarding the potential lunch dates. I don't know what to make of it. She did make a point of saying she would definitely meet me for lunch sometime.

"I'm going to Paris for two months this summer," Paloma said.
Everyone is going somewhere (except for me). I am envious. I wish I were going. At least I can trust that my Huntington Beach, California trip will be a provocative escape.

Paloma and I had a most exciting chat this evening. I even made a suggestion that she become my roommate. (?) My brother John will be moving out. I don't know. Maybe Chris should be my roommate. All I know is that I am so happy that Paloma called. We are going to see "Nastassja" tomorrow.

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Couldn't You Use A Hug ?

"I think of you constantly."
-Montgomery Clift
in the 1949 film,
The Heiress

Photo: Strangers-This photo was taken in Paris, France in July 2008. The three flirtatious fellows asked me to photograph them with the two blond tourists. I obliged. When the three mischievous fellows asked to use my camera to take my photo I did not oblige. I could easily envision them running off with my camera. All I have left is the memory of their faces and the random 'hugging'.

I rediscovered these words on a sheet of paper in an old photo album yesterday:

We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.

Hugs make us feel happy. They are so good for us that some psychologists say when we don't get enough hugs, we feel stressed and alone. But if you aren't receiving and giving 12 hugs a day, you don't have to go without. Just Ask! Now I bet you're saying, "Ya, right". But you would be surprised how easy it is because everyone loves to get a hug.

Why does hugging make us feel so good? It helps the body's immune system. It cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.

Huggins is all natural. It is organic, naturally sweet, it has no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and is 100 percent wholesome.

Hugging is practically perfect. There are no movable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic check-ups, no monthly payments, it's inflation proof, non-fattening, theft proof, non-taxable, non-polluting and, of course, fully returnable.

So, consider this letter worth one hug in the mail. Now, I want you to make sure you get enough hugs each day for growth! I'm going to check on you.

Share A Hug Today.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Monday, February 13, 1984

My day started out "crappy" because I was caught in the middle of a traffic jam on Highway 17 (because of some accident). The tardy didn't count against me because so many of my co-workers were late as well.

I read my Bicycling Magazine during my break. I spoke to Steve Gaster a bit. At lunchtime I skidaddled over to the Art Supply store for some order filler. Robert, the clerk, was overly accommodating. It was a kind gesture though.

I received a Valentine from Barbara Reynolds. Helen reminded me to bring goodies to work tomorrow. I think I'll bring fortune cookies for Valentine's Day.

Jerry Chalmers telephoned, asking me to give him a call tomorrow.
"Let's do something over the weekend," Jerry suggested.
I don't know about that idea. I only know I wanted to go on a bicycling galore excursion over this three-day weekend. I am loving my Bicycling Magazine. It inspires.

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