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’.

Read More

Dance, Sing, Floss and Travel

Communication is complicated. Each person is raised in a different family with a different definition of every word.

Love.

Jealousy works the opposite way you want it to.

Nature wants us to be mediocre because we have a greater chance to survive and reproduce. Mediocre is as close to the bottom as it is to the top.

Be creative. Do one thing a day that scares you.

Take various vitamins. You never know what small mineral can eliminate the bottleneck of everlasting health.

Dance, sing, floss and travel.

PHOTO: During my 'clutter removal project' I found an old 1993 French magazine. This ad was rediscovered as I thumbed through the pages. I took this photo as 'creative memento'. It is so eye-fetching!

Twenty-five years ago today:

Saturday, February 25, 1984

I actually mounted my bicycle at 7am en route to the BART station on Fruitvale Avenue and disembarked at the El Cerrito Plaza station in order to work 'overtime' at the Final Accounts Collection Center. It was a new learning experience. That department needs all the help they can get. I did my fair share.

I was starved and ate at Burger King (of all places). Ugh!

I bought Chris Cordellos a neat Birthday Card of a striking blue water scene with a surfer and a shark that was seen sneaking up atop of a wave. He will love it.

I was able to leave at 2:45pm and didn't take BART. Instead I rode my bike from El Cerrito to Alameda on side streets. I arrived home by 3:30pm.

When I arrived home at 3:30pm I took a quick drive over to mom & dad's house for a 'Saturday greeting'. I ended up bike riding again until about 5 o'clock. It was time to nap after the mental and physical activity of the day.

Helen invited me to the Hilton with her visiting friend, Sheila, but I flaked out on the invitation.

I telephoned Paloma and suggested our going out tomorrow to the International Food Show in San Francisco.

On this night I drove all by my lonesome to Wolfgang's in San Francisco. The music was great. I did not have the greatest of times. I believe it's because of the scene. I stood around most of the evening with two 'Vodka Grapes' and a BECK's beer. I asked one gal to dance because she smiled at me. Her name was Dawn from Foster City, CA. She was nineteen, tan and cute (just back from a ski trip). The best lookin' girl at the club departed early. She was lookin' at me but she was with some 'goober bearded dude'.

The worst part of the night was all the time it took to finally find a parking space. To top it off I was unable to find my car at the end of the night. Once I found it I wanted to scratch the idea of going to the International Food Show in SF tomorrow. Perhaps it would have been best to go out with a pal tonight. It might have been fun with Chris (if he were in town). This coming Thursday night should be fun when Chris does return to town.

Read More

Maybe You'll Remember...

Alan and I drove down to Palm Desert on Friday to visit with dear friends. Alan kindly did all of the driving as I read a few articles aloud and my book (Spring Moon by Bette Bao Lord). While we were in the car we heard some music on CDs that we had made a while ago. I heard a song that got me going. I just loved hearing the tune called 'Remember' by The Underdog Project. It's a Spanglish song (with lyrics in English and Spanish). I just love it and we kept playing it over and over.
http://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=remember%2C+the+underdog+project&docid=547778002958&FORM=VIVP

When we had phone reception and I had a voice mail message from Chris Cordellos. Yes, I located him via a google search. It seems he's a hair colorist & stylist 'extraodinaire' in Lafayette, CA. We still have to talk and catch up on lost time. I saw him in the mid-1990s when he was working at a hair salon called POSH STUDIO in Walnut Creek but we haven't spoken since. It will be interesting to catch up on lost time.

Twenty-five years ago:

January 17, 1984

I had to stay at work only until 2pm today because of my dentist appointment.

It feels good to listen to my car stereo once again. It brings about such emotion and inner feelings of excitement when the "right" song is playing.

The dentist took good care of everything. I don't have to return for another check-up until June 27, 1984. I was out of his office by 3:20pm. I missed mom by only minutes as she usually leaves the house by 3:15pm for her work at the Oakland Main post-office.

I decided to go to my place and get on my bicycle again. I just love that machine. I bet my bike can't wait until it has another bicycle companion. It probably wishes it could rest. I do want to buy another foreign bicycle.

Today I met Sheila and Liz on the beach as I rode by. Sheila's a cute blond. They were both freshman in high school though. How embarassing. What a drag. Though I sometimes wonder... Who knows? I told them I'd see them on Saturday as we exchanged a few words with one another.
"Maybe I'll see you on Saturday as I usually ride along here," I told them.

I just remembered that the El Taco gal, Nancy, has never called me. Oh well.

I haven't called Leslie Fonseca either. Perhaps that is no great loss. It's just an added attraction (her child). There were some familiar favorites seen as I continued to ride my bike along the shoreline in Alameda. There were some new prospects of both gender. It was quite interesting.

My brother, John, took Sherri out to dinner to "H's Lordships" in Berkeley, for her birthday. I chose to eat alone at the 'Sizzler'. The waitress, Katie, flirted--or so it seemed. I believe we both shared in the flirting. She was very nice but seemed to be that way with all of the guests.
"You look a lot like that actress, Jessica Lange, who was in that movie 'Frances'," I said as I realized the girl had no idea who I was speaking about.

Shit! Why do I have 'call waiting' when my phone doesn't even ring. I decided to break down and call Paloma myself. I was so glad that I called her. We had such a good talk about the subject of depression and 'why' and 'how' people should not be burdened and find a balance in life. Paloma and I may go dancing together tomorrow night at I-Beam in San Francisco. She even said she might come to visit on Sunday to watch the Mel Gibson movie "The Road Warrior" after we watch the SUPER BOWL.
"I promise I will give you a tour of Stinson Beach one day," she added.

I am getting to a high point of really liking Paloma once again. Where? And how far it will lead is undetermined.
"Well, Thank you for calling me and making me feel better over my depressed mood," Paloma said.
"Oh...you just need something that will brighten up your spirits," I assured her, "it could be as simple as buying a new scarf, a new friend, a new place, an old memory, an old story, a poem or a good old-fashioned movie."
I was so happy to know that I lifted her spirits. She did the same with mine.

January 18, 1984

I dressed a bit more exceptional for work today, wearing my brown tweed sport jacket. I received more than one or two 'double-takes', too.

I called Paloma more than a couple of times on this day. It was settled that I would come by to pick her up at 6:30pm. She wore a gray dress with black stripes. Coincidentally, I wore black with my gray "Bebe" brand jacket. We seemed to 'match' as the ideal couple.

We just did a random outing to Round Table Pizza (nothing fancy). It was funny when we were both 'carded'. We both proved our respective 'twenty-four' year old ages. After the pizza we went to the UC THEATER on University Avenue to see "Spetters", a film from Holland, directed by Paul Verhoeven
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nyTX_BguFg
and a 1974 French comedy drama film called "Going Places" (Les Valseuses).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going_Places_(1974_film)
They were entertaining films. I was a little surprised to learn of the explicit sex scenes. I was a little embarassed to look over at Paloma during those parts. I will never forget those movies as being entertaining and shocking. Both films proved 'There Is No Such Thing As Simple Love'.

I enjoyed our date. I kissed and hugged Paloma at her doorstep. She confirmed the date for SUPER BOWL Sunday (along with 'The Road Warrior' movie).
"I'm thinking of going back to France for good," she confessed.
I think she wanted to see or hear my reaction.
"Oh...ahh, no!" I exclaimed. I am wondering if she may be looking for a commitment with or from me? Am I reading too much into it?
I was impressed when she said she used to work for Paco Rabonne, the fashion designer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paco_Rabanne

Once I returned home I found John and Sherri on the couch, watching 'Joan Rivers' guest hosting on 'The Tonight Show'.
"Oh, Gilbert called...as did Alexis Budabin," John said.

Read More

A Slice of Middle America

"My mother kept reminding us about other 'strays' of the world, "Don't forget, she may be some body's mother.'
-Janet Frame, An Autobiography

I received a letter earlier this month dated January 9, 2009 from a postcrossing.com friend in Middle America.
www.postcrossing.com
I will change the names to protect the innocent and not disclose the State. I simply feel like sharing an excerpt to show a 'sign of the times' and another slice of life in America today:

Hi Michael,
...I hope you had a Great Christmas, what was it like? Ours was very quiet, just the six of us. My husband, Robert, the grandsons and my son Mark and his girlfriend. It was fun and filled with lots of laughter.

Grandsons had a blast. We had a white Christmas for the first time in years, so there were lots of snowball fights, sledding and making of snowmen. My youngest son built an igloo for my other grandson. Fun was had by all. It's all gone now. It's back to being brown and not appealing to the eye.

I don't have a desire to fly, so I don't see my traveling very far. I am a chicken when it comes to that. Once I thought to go on a cruise but then changed my mind. I am a land lover. That is for sure.

I am reading a book about corrupt politicians (as if there aren't any in the world).

My daughter, Jane, runs a Day Care out of her house, for now. She was a phone representative for Franklin Covey until they closed the office. She is trying to find something similar. For now the Day Care pays the bills.

My youngest son is a Journeyman Framer. He works for a company that is building a new hospital. He does the welding of the framework, fire proofs the walls and things of that nature.

Mark, my oldest son, is a different story. He is almost thirty years old and has NOT grown up yet. He got mixed up with drugs at a young age. Then gave up the drugs and got his CDL. He was truck driver for a few years. He had his sons Jake and Donny and ended up back in the drug scene. From there...his life went downhill. The mother of the boys went way over the edge. When she was pregnant with Donny and learned she was having a boy she starting doing drugs in order to try to miscarry the baby. It didn't work. So when he was born she breast fed him while doing drugs which caused him to have what they call 'failure to thrive'. So we (my son Mark and I) fought and got the baby away from her. That was when Donny was eight months old.

Donny is now doing well. He just had several thousand dollars worth of dental work done for what they call "Meth mouth". All of his teeth rotted from her doing so many drugs. He is really sharp which I find amazing. He is little for his age (only 37 lbs). We had a huge party when he finally made it to twenty pounds at age 4 1/2.

My son, Mark, still hasn't grown up. My husband and I took in the boys to raise. Mark lives in our backyard (in his trailer) with his girlfriend. He does odd jobs to pay for his drinking habit and cigarettes. His girlfriend is thirty-two weeks pregnant with a baby boy. My son just went to stay with my sister to see if he can find a job in her area, so maybe he will finally decide to grow up.

I can pray. We have tried to get through to him but he is so bull headed it just ends up in a huge fight. He wants to raise the new baby boy (I pray he does). He doesn't have a clue what it costs.

Okay...enough of that story. What's new in your life?

It just makes me sad. With all of the opportunity America has to offer. Some just tend to take the wrong path.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 16, 2009

My office section "A" has to prepare for our introduction next Thursday at a planned conference. My alias on that day is "Machine Gun Mike". I just wonder what will be in store for us on that busy business day.

Helen called in a 'sick day' today. I was on my own at lunchtime as I walked over to the new Dairy King that recently opened around the block.

After the work day it was still daylight and I took this opportunity to go for a bicycle ride for about an hour. It became dark very quickly. I was back home again by 6:30pm. I continued with floor exercises at home as I listened to modern, alternative rock tunes on QUAKE FM99 radio. While exercising the phone rang and it was none other than my new pal, Christopher Cordellos.

Chris seems to be a really nice fellow. He spoke of his folks, his sisters (one is 26 years old and the other is "missing") and his brother is a drummer. He invited me to a 'backpacking and camp out' trip early tomorrow morning that could last until Friday.
"I'd love to go, Chris, but with work and all I will have to take a rain check," I answered in appreciation of the thoughtful invitation.
"Oh okay, man.," he replied with hesitation, "I might move back to Riverside because that's the only place I know I can get a half way decent job, man. I hate my boss right now. He's into cocaine a lot, man. You'd probably think he was cool."
"No, I doubt that," I interrupted.
Chris kept using the word "man" a lot. I found it annoying and couldn't stand it every time I heard it. Otherwise, I find Chris to be very friendly, down-to-earth, and level headed (or passable).

After I got off of the phone with Chris I completed my exercise routine of sit ups and leg lifts. I watched some of 'The American Music Awards'. Entertainer Michael Jackson cleaned up in terms of being the top Award winner. It was funny. The next day a customer asked my name.
"Michael," I said.
"I bet you wish you were Michael Jackson," she announced.
I agreed...but in actuality I am glad that I am "Michael Joe Armijo".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy8kIXA4STs

Read More