The Birth of a Candy Bar

"All these experiences would be worthwhile if only you'd learn something from them. But you don't seem to. It's the same thing over and over with varying adjectives, and you learn nothing. In a few weeks you go haywire again in another direction."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

The Birth of a Candy Bar

One PAYDAY, MR. GOODBAR wanted a BIT-O-HONEY so he took MISS HERSHEY behind the POWERHOUSE on the corner of CLARK and FIFTH AVENUE.

He began to feel her MOUNDS (that was sure an ALMOND JOY) which made his TOOTSIE ROLL let out a SNICKER, as his BUTTERFINGER wet into her KITKAT and caused it to MILKY WAY.

She screamed, “OH, HENRY” as she squeezed his PETER PAUL and ZAGNUTS.
“You’re better than the THREE MUSKETEERS, she sighed.

Soon she was a BIT CHUNKY and nine months later she had a BABY RUTH.

Twenty-five years ago today:

October 11, 1984
Thursday

Yesterday, Betsy told me she was ordering a $100 Savings Bond for perfect attendance. Hurrah! I should win that one.

Barbara and I ate at the Chinese Restaurant called City Eats in the Galleria in SF. We had not been there in some time. We had a great laughter festival, talking about work and memories. Barbara has sent me some great cards in my day. I love that she writes me.

I got E time. Here in San Francisco they call AX (Absent Without Pay) time “E Time”. Lee Chandler was acting Assistant Manager and he gave me the time off at 3pm. That was cool.

I drove straight to mom’s house but must have just missed her as she was working the swing shift at the post-office. Dad was there.
“I’m going to call John because he needs a babysitter between the time he leaves for work and Sherri gets back from work,” Dad said.
I ended up doing the babysitting honors, but I took advantage of the space of time by bike riding until 4:30PM.

John got ready in his new black slacks and bow tie. He was looking all slick for his bar tending duties.

After my short babysitting duties were over I went for a short bike spin and then called Karyn Kossoff at 6PM. I drove over to her place and we watched some of the Vice-Presidential debate between George Bush and Geraldine Ferraro.

We followed that by going to a kids’ Toy/Halloween store on College Ave. I had fun putting masks on. We enjoyed an 8-inch (funny, yes) pizza. I had a black and tan sundae. We saw a Woody Wood Pecker and Chilly Willy T-Shirts. I got so excited about that.

Karyn just kept going with her Pebbles Flintstone giggles. We called it a night and I went on my merry way back home.

Karyn and I made tentative plans to get together to write a screenplay. I wonder what she thinks is up my sleeve? I mean, I’ve made no real initiation to get down her pants. Today she read a note on my desk of ‘Things to Do’ which included:

Send Suzy a Birthday Card (October 12)
Find my TAROT cards
Call Paloma

Oh well, if she saw any of my lists I have to realize that she doesn’t own me. It should not matter what she may be thinking. However, I did call her tonight and arrange to see her. She knows that I like spending time with her. I read all of the FRIENDSHIP verses in this new Journal book to Karyn. It got both of us ‘thinking’.

The friendship verse on the first page:
Friends do not live in harmony merely, as some say, but in melody.
-Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
American writer.

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Misery Loves Company

“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
–Pablo Picasso

PHOTO: 1984,
ART
by Bobbie Renbarger

This artistic depiction implied my misery
after a complicated business call
while Bobbie had an easy call.
It made me laugh when I found it in my journal.

Misery loves company.

Twenty-five years ago today:

October 1, 1984

The first day of October and it was one fast-paced day at work. I could not believe the amount of calls that I handled in one day. I did it! I have started two New Connect orders but the final outcome is the big question.

Karyn Kossoff made a comment about my wearing my geometric sweater. It was funny. I knew she’d call it my “geometric” sweater.

PHOTO: 1984, Michael J Armijo,
wearing the 'geometric sweater'
while holding his niece,
Ashley Armijo

For lunch, Bobbie, Pat, Barbara and I went to the Health Food Store. We retreated to the Market Street steps to eat. Today was Pat Wright’s last day. She was going to Major Accounts in Redwood City, CA.

I gave Barbara Reynolds a card to mail on my behalf. I could rely on her getting it to the post-office. It was that ‘airplane’ card/letter to Paloma. Since it’s going to Berkeley, CA she should have it within a day.

I forgot to mail Helen Wong a card but I left a ‘Happy Birthday’ message on her telephone answering machine.

I was a bit mind boggled again after work today. I went straight to mom’s house and played with Ashley for a while. I ate dinner there, too. I fed Ashley some chocolate pudding. She sure smiled at the taste.

When Sherri arrived from work we watched a bit of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ together along with an episode of “The Young and the Restless”.

Now I am home and Jim Koran, Karyn Kossoff and Paloma Guerra are all on my mind. Frank and Chris are becoming faint memories. And I have about given up on Maria’s reply from Mexico. There will likely be no confirmation of my visit to her at the end of this month.

I sent Karyn Kossoff my LA 1984 Olympics BIKE Card. I hated to part with it but I believe she’ll treasure it.

It was funny running into Sandra Wilson who is an Assistant Manager in IC (Installation Center) now. We used to be Directory Assistance operators together way back in 1977. It’s a small, small world. Eventually old acquaintances do remix and re-meet.

I wish I made the money an Assistant Manager makes these days. I could use the funds. I could save more and be much more comfortable. I sure as hell cannot complain, considering what I do have now. Most do not have what I’ve got.

I strive for only one thing. I strive to be happy.

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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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Delightful Tickling

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
-Sally Berger

The following is on page 8 of the 'Te Matare Ramirez'
Restaurante menu in Buenos Aires, Argentina

She has always been like that. Innately fun loving, just like me, or perhaps, even more than me. Justiniana is never wrong concerning matters of pleasure. It is what I like most about her, even more than her voluptuous hips or her silky pubic hair, so delightfully tickling to the palate: her swift fantasy and accurate instinct to recognize, within the confusion of this world, the sources of amusement and pleasure.

Her small mouth of red lips will kiss my foot and will suck each one of my toes as lime and lemon are sucked during the feverish summertime afternoons. We will soon be intertwined, frolicking in the sibilant silk of the blue blanket, absorbed in the sheer bliss from where life springs. The forest will hear us sigh as we swoon and, all of a sudden cry as if fatally wounded. A second later we will be heard laughing and kidding. And still entangled, we will doze off in a peaceful dream.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Saturday, March 31, 1984

It was raining during this Arcata, California morning. I didn't let it depress me. Chris didn't mind it. Barbara didn't mind the rain either. We drove together to the Samoa Cookhouse. I treated them to breakfast. It was delicious home cooking. I had scrambled eggs, french toast and sausage.

We continued on to the Old Town of Eureka. I bought a few 'future journals' for myself. I also found a 'Baby Book' that Sherri might like for little 'Shane' or 'Ashley'. I bout a tie for $6.99. Chris found a fashionable jacket to match for $22 at the Vintage shop in town. It was great fun browsing the boutiques.

We continued on for miles to a small town known as Ferndale. We looked through shop after shop. I bought a few postcards and actual greeting cards from Mom and Barbara Reynolds. I found a cool 'bike pin' and a 'bike charm' that I now use on my silver chain that Helen gifted me.

After the exploring of Ferndale, California we were a bit tired and enjoyed some ice-cream at Bon Boniere in Old Town Eureka. We had to return to 'Chris & Barbara's' home to lounge now. I took some pictures and we listened to tunes.

Barbara was sweet to make a home-cooked meal for the three of us. The main course was chicken and snow peas.

Jim Severn and some other Coast Guard fellow named Dan stopped by. We drank wine and 'wine coolers' and got ready to go to "Mojo's". This is a big place with a live group called 'A Band Of Desperate Men'. Chris and I heckled about the name of the band.

A blond chick, visiting from Los Angeles asked me to dance. She was actually from Coronado.
"You dance like you're from L.A.," she said while we were dancing.
I couldn't help but take that as a complement.

We left the Mojo's joint. It was fun doing a little slam dancin' with Chris and Barbara.

The most eventful part of the evening was our non-stop cracking up while at Denny's. The waitress looked like a "poodle". We tried to walk out without paying for our meal just to see what would happen. It was an embarrassment that we would not quickly forget. We weaseled our way out of it by saying we were 'out of it'. It sounded like a good explanation and I am a smooth talker. Chris tried to foolishly run. I remained calm. During the drive home we talked and talked and talked about the foolish motive. We all regretted it.

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Run After Me

"Run after me
and I will run away,
Run away
and I will run after you."
-Paloma Sanchez Guerra-Alquier

I am starting to detect early signs of Springtime here in Southern California.
It reminds me of a recent poem that I came across:

The grass may wither, but the roots die not
and when Spring comes it renews its full life;
Only grief, so long as its roots remain,
Even without Spring, is of itself reborn.
-Ch'en Shan-Min,
Sung Dynasty

Twenty-five years ago today

January 25, 1984, Wednesday

I called Paloma at 9am to invite her a 'second time' for lunch on this day.
"I have to be at school at 11:30 today," Paloma declared.
I assume this means I will be taking a rain check for some other time.

Helen was absent again from work. I tried calling her to express concern. She was still asleep. Is she really sick?

I broke down at lunchtime and enjoyed a 'hot dog'. I called mom during my lunch hour.
"What's new, mom?"
"Well, I called Cecelia and told her that I'm going to be a grandma," she said with a bit of laughter.
Abruptly I cleared my throat. "Ah, so the news is out."

I never received a call back from Bill Myers at that San Francisco Placement Center today. What gives? What a flake. It's his loss anyway.

Carol Barling, Assistant Manager at Pacific Telephone, overheard me tell Rose that I received a job offer. She kept trying to eavesdrop. What a nosey wench! I am still curious as to why Carol Barling made print copies of my personal telephone bill. That is my business. I can only wonder if I am even trusted within my own company. It pisses me off. I should question the matter. I will do something if I sense her persistence. I think she hates me or is jealous of me for some reason.

Tomorrow is our conference at the Oakland Hyatt. I can't wait to impress every one with my new business suit.

I filled my 'ARMIJO5' mustang with fuel at the MOBIL station right after work. I heard my phone ringing in the house as I drove into the garage. I missed a call from Chris Cordellos. I believe it was him because he called five minutes later.
"Yeah, I wanted to call to tell you that my back is acting up. It hurts me when I walk," he explained.
Chris has a recurring back problem due to some car accident (I think). He said he was calling from Riverside. It surprised me that he would call long-distance from there.
"I hope you feel better," I said with a touch of empathy.

Chris is a nice guy. He seems to keep to his word. He was to call me today and he actually did.
"I will call you on Friday with the latest chain of events regarding my back and the report from the hospital," Chris promised me.

I ate dinner at mom's and watched the Ronald Reagan State of the Union Address with my Dad.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQwcAxgSW7s&feature=related

When I returned to my pad I found a message on my machine from Jackie Woods, the black girl that I met at STARGAZE, a dance club in Fremont, who seems to have a crush on me. I neglected to return her call but I did call Nancy DeSilva once again. Nancy and I made a date for next Saturday, February 4th.
"I might drive by this weekend and see you bike riding, too," she said in her flirtatious way.
I thought quietly to myself, "Yeah, sure...if you're lucky."
We continued the telephone conversation on various subjects such as school, my cousin Patrick Markus, cheer leading, high school sports, Art, Chabot College, exercise, Los Angeles, and southern California beaches. Nancy seems to be a real "Rah Rah type" and a gal who is very much 'on the move'. I shall learn more during our forthcoming date.

I called Helen who explained that she had left work early on Monday because she was vomiting.
"I may not return to work until next week sometime," Helen said.
I will miss her.

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Jaded

"Mark this day of remembrance of who we are and how far we have traveled."
-Barak Obama,
Today, January 20, 2009,
during his Inauguration speech

Jaded (adjective): tired out or lacking enthusiasm after having had too much of something.

I was jaded by all of the hoopla by the media over the previous three days in anticipation of the official oath by the 44th President of the USA. I hope and pray he will bring about marked improvements throughout the globe for the next four years.

JADE

Jade was the fairest of stones and possessed five virtues:
Charity, for its lustre.
Rectitude, for its translucence.
Wisdom, for its purity of sound when struck.
Equity, for its sharp edges that injure none.
Courage, for it can be broken but not bent.
--Bette Bao Lord
as written in her novel SPRING MOON

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 20, 1984

I received a phone call while at work from Leslie Fonseca. She claimed that she received a message from her mother that I had called her. This wasn't true but it was a smart way of being sure to reach me.
"I have made other plans this weekend," I told her.
"You are always busy on the weekends," she said.
That gave me a silent laugh. Then again, it seems to be true lately.

The work day seemed to drag on. Helen was absent again for the fifth day in a row. Poor thing. I hope she is feeling better soon.

Not long after I arrived home I received a 6pm phone call from Chris Cordellos.
"I am in Santa Rosa and I will be delayed in coming over tonight," he said.
I gave him directions to my place in Alameda and he arrived at 9pm. I gave him a tour of my place and we talked a good while. We also watched TV and looked at some of my photos.
"I still may move to Riverside or Arcata," he said as he paged through the photos.
"You really think so?" I asked.
"Ah huh, I quit my job and everything is up in the air for me right now," Chris said.
He went on to say that his trip to New York for July is still 'on'. He has a modeling gig of some sort with VIVA Models.

Chris and I mutually decided to go out to see the new CHRISTINE movie, John Carpenter's 1983 adaptation from the story by Stephen King.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ5M11m9vI0
By the time we reached the HAYWARD Cinema 5 I realized that I had looked at yesterday's newspaper and the flick was no longer playing there. We decided to grab a bite over at LYON's Restaurant instead. I don't know what possessed me to order sausage and eggs. Chris ordered a burger (I think). We continued to talk more about our music preferences.
"I might move out to Walnut Creek," I said, "it's always warmer over there."
We kept making eye contact. It was like we kept staring at one another in this fixated sort of way. I complemented his hair and he went on about his haircuts.
"My roommate supposedly hates me now," Chris confided.
"Oh...why?" I asked.
"The other day I just decided to ditch the scene because of his "long hair" friends he had over who were drinking Budweisers," he confessed.
I laughed.

After our bite to eat we returned to my bad and watched one of my favorite videos. I popped in the bike movie "Breaking Away". There was more trouble because the VHS seemed defective suddenly and I had no idea how to fix the 'horizontal hold'. The movie watching was not in our favor on this night. And so, we didn't watch any movies and we decided to go upstairs to lay on my bed and watch 'Friday Night Videos' on my portable TV. We ended up 'touching and smooching' a little. We discarded our clothes and did more 'touching and smooching'--but that was all.
By 2am I had put my undershorts back on. Chris was soon fully dressed and he decided to head for home.
"Hey, maybe we can get together and watch the SUPER BOWL together this Sunday," he tested for my affirmative answer.
"Oh well, I sort of have other plans," I replied.
"Oh...I see," he said with this sad look on his face that made me feel guilty.
I wasn't going to break my date with Paloma. We had a set date to see 'The Road Warrior', too. I thought if she cancels out I may be able to see Chris again.
"Look," I said reassuringly, "I'll call you and let you know for sure on Sunday."
"Okay, Cool," He said.
"Later...Chris."
"Later...Michael."

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Now and Then: The True Joys In Life

I have returned to the Los Angeles metro (Marina Del Rey, California to be exact) after a weekend in Santa Fe, NM. It was a busy return over the last couple of days with mail, work and other domestic duties. I opened my top desk drawer today and found a handwritten quote that I scribbled a few months ago on my 'Success Begins With A Dream' notepad. I heard the words by the actress, Jacqueline Bisset, while in character during an episode of the cable television series 'Nip Tuck'. She was speaking to Dr. Troy in her provocative tone when she said, "The only true joy in life is being in love and having those feelings reciprocated."

I had to write those words down when I heard them. It was a wonderful, unexpected find for the day. It is always good to be reminded of the true joys in life. Don't you agree?

I saw the film 'The Reader' tonight. I was pleasantly surprised as it seemed to cover all the bases with a few new twists and revisions. I read the book first and I knew most of the intricate details. Now I am on a rampage to read books before I see the film versions. I am hoping to read 'Revolutionary Road' before I see the film version now. After screening 'The Reader' tonight I came up with this idea to revisit some of my old words from years gone by in my very own private journals. Some of it may seem like gibberish, but it might make more sense over time as I continue to share some of the old thoughts. I hope to learn from the flashbacks.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 15, 1983

The atmosphere at work is so very lax. There is no pressure at all. I am having so much fun working with Salima Nasardeen and Barbara Reynolds.

I walked with Beth Neroda and Salima Nasardeen to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station. Salima was giving us the 'inside story' on Ida's employee observations of the new Pac Tel Business Office Service Representatives. She spoke of the temporary new Administrator from Walnut Creek. They were typical, funny stories in the world of the telecommunications biz.

I arrived home and prepared myself for Bancheros, a Mexican restaurant that was chosen by co-workers. I met a lot of the Residence Telecommunications Order Center representatives there. It was just an 'okay' sort of time. We laughed. I learned that I like Louis Martini wine (at least that night I did).

After dinner I went to the Stargaze club in Fremont, CA. I asked one girl to dance and she said, "Later". I said later to her in my own mind. I ended up spending the evening with Suzanne Kowalski from Fairfield, CA. She attends Cal State University, Hayward. We danced a lot. I worked off my ravioli. It was fun.
Suzanne now has my personal telephone number. She may call me because she says she might be moving to Berkeley. By the time I arrived back home it was one o'clock in the morning. I crashed.

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It Starts With An Idea

"It's the good girls who keep the diaries...the bad girls never have the time."
--Tallulah Bankhead

Last night I laughed when I came across the above quote inscription on a Fantesca Cabernet Sauvignon wine cork. It made me think of the wild and zany ways of Tallulah Bankhead. She was quite the attention getter in here heyday with her 'off the wall' remarks that would make anyone raise an eyebrow.

Coincidentally, I recently read a delightful screenplay by two writer/friends (Christopher Bram and Draper Shreeve) called TALLULAH. Christopher Bram is one of my favorite authors. He wrote the book 'Father of Frankenstein' which was turned into the film starring Ian McKellan and Brandon Fraser called 'Gods and Monsters'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFhK0ia7oG0
His book 'The Nortorious Dr. August' is one of my all-time favorites. I will soon be reading 'Exiles In America: a novel' in which Chris inscribed "11-28-08, To Michael, From one artist to another. It's an honor and a pleasure knowing you. All good things, Christopher Bram".

The TALLULAH screenplay is an excerpt of her life that tells of the events that led to an actual trial brought upon by her maid. The screenplay depicted her true colors. I would love to see it made into a film. The screenplay was sold to producer, Jayne Baron Sherman. Jayne made her Broadway debut with A RAISIN IN THE SUN.

The feature film about Tallulah Bankhead was in development with Philip Kaufman as director (for a time) but seems to have fallen out of the loop. These economic downturn times do not make it easier to have a film made. I am crossing my fingers that it won't be one of those projects that will take ten years to make. I believe Jayne is in search of another producer to help get the project rolling, so if you have a suggestion for me--let me know. You could be on a red carpet, accepting an Oscar if all goes well.

If you take a few minutes to read the biography of Tallulah at wikipedia.org you'll be quite amazed at the substantial stories surrounding her:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallulah_Bankhead

I already have my sights set on specific actors giggling at the Algonquin Hotel with Tallulah. The landmark hotel in midtown New York City opened in 1902. It was destined to be at the center of New York 's literary and theatrical life. In addition to Tallulah there were illustrious clients who lunched daily at the The Algonquin's Rose Room.

I really think I need to arrange a Tallulah Bankhead "marathon film screening" of three or four of her films. I am eager to see her in action.

Then I think I want to find myself a 'Rose Room' to meet a group of several friends daily to exchange ideas (just like the Cafe de Flore in Paris, France where my dear friend, Marie-Paule, now hangs out whenever she can).

"Do you believe people can enter our lives...for a purpose?"
--Ian McKellan as James Whale
in the film GODS & MONSTERS

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