Cunning, Slithery Things

What he wants is not the issue. He's greedy and he's spoiled. He could be made to want almost anything.
-Philippa Gregory
"The Other Boleyn Girl"
While at the Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, New Mexico last month (August 2010) there were short stories provided by my bedside pillow each night. Here is one of the stories:
The Spotted Deer
There is a telling about Coyote's meddlesome ways. One day, Deer Woman and her fawns were out gathering wood. Coyote sat beside the train and watched while they tied the wood in bundles. Then he said, "Friend Deer Woman, how is it that your children are so prettily spotted?"
"Oh, that is from sitting around the fire," said Deer Woman. "When it burns, this cedar shoots out little sparks that light on their backs and make those spots."
So Coyote gathered a bundle of cedar and took it home on his back. That night, he build a big fire and told his children to sit close in a circle. The sparks began to hump from the fire and fall on the young coyote's backs.
"The fire burns us," they whispered.
"Sit still," scolded Coyote, "if you want to have pretty spots like the fawns."
But the longer they sat, the more the sparks burned, until their crying was too much even for Coyote to listen to.
And that is how it happened that the coyote's coat looks singed to this very day.
Twenty five years ago today:
September 30, 1985
Monday

This morning I chose to take Helen’s advice and decided NOT to go to work. I stayed in bed until about 11AM. Leonard left at 7:30AM. He’s on the go a lot. I am not sure about him at times. I want to be his friend ‘and stuff’ but he’s so busy. I can’t complain because he does make time to see me. He’s cool. He does make the time to call me, too.

I stayed at mom’s house for most of the day. Ashley learned how to say “Mike” today, too! It’s a neat feeling inside me to hear her little voice say my name “Mike”.

I went to the gym at 5:30PM. I was signing the register and saw Perillo’s name just above my name! Leonard was there. Rachelle was going to be there, too.

Earlier today, Dale called me and then called Rachelle. Dale had me listen in on their private call. Yes, Dale’s up to his old tricks again. He is trying to get on my good side (or so he thinks) by doing these cunning, slithery things like eavesdropping. Anyway, I heard Rachelle tell Dale that I had called her about a week ago for no apparent reason.
Rachelle said, “He just wanted to talk.”
I was remembering when I had called. The reality of the call was with regard to my two missing chess pieces. I know she has them. She’s such a snob. I hate her little games. Her way to keep our tie unbroken is to hold on to items that belong to me. I rarely relate to her anymore.

I was surprised when Rachelle said to Dale, “Kurt and I haven’t made love but he’s at the point where he wants to.”
Kurt is the long-hair guy she’s been seeing. Yuck.

After working out at the gym I saw Leonard. We talked and he does seem to know a lot of people at the gym. I noticed him speaking to a number of gym members. Hmm…anyway.

Rachelle spoke with me while I was at the gym, too. She left rather early.

Leonard and I ended up going to The Velvet Creamery for a bite. The service was lousy. I made a few sarcastic remarks that I probably shouldn’t have. I will miss Leonard when he is away in Europe for the next twenty days.
Leonard insisted, “I will call you before I leave.”
We shall see.
Each of us has our personal legend to fulfill, and that is all. It doesn't matter if other people support us or criticize us, or ignore us, or put up with us--we are doing it because that is our destiny on this earth, and the found of all joy.
-Paulo Coelho
"Genghis Khan and His Falcon"

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My Privacy and Self-Actualization

Miracles, enchantments, incantations, witchcrafts, spells, and charms, in short, all those acts improperly termed supernatural, are only possible and can only be explained by the despostism with which some spirit compels us to feel the effects of a mysterious optic which increases or diminishes, or exalts creation, moves within us it pleases, deforms or embellishes all things to our eyes, tears us from heaven, or drags us to hell. Two terms by which men agree to express the two extremes of joy and misery.
"These phenomena are within us, not without us."
-Honroe de Balzac
"Seraphita"

Twenty five years ago today:

September 29, 1985
Sunday

I woke up early (8:15AM) and had the energy to do my aerobics. This time I worked out to the end of the Intermediate workout until my mother called. She was on her way to SAFEWAY.
“Did you want me to pick you up anything?” Mom sweetly asked.

I telephoned Leonard Perillo after I took a nice, warm bath. He wasn’t home, of course. He was probably still in Santa Cruz. If I am not mistaken I recall him saying that he was having dinner with Don Carlson (his business partner) and Don’s daughter.

Don Carlson owns tons of things and has one-hundred million (if not more). He is close friends to a lot of influential folk (and he just happens to be Leonard’s business partner). I can understand why and how Leonard looks up to a man like him. At least I imagine him to look up to him in an admiring businesslike sort of way.

It is 11AM now and I am dressed. My nose is only slightly stuffed up. I am going to mom’s house for breakfast in a little while. The day looks gloomy. I don’t know what the remaining hours of this Sunday will hold for me.

I am thinking of Greg Manachevitz now. He telephoned yesterday.
“You know, Mike, I’m kind of down and out and pissed about not being able to move in to your place. But I’m over it.”
We sort of rekindled our friendship so-to-speak. We weren’t really the closest of friends to begin with. He’s okay. I guess there are no hard feelings. He made a comment of how money won over friendship. In reality, it was my privacy and self-actualization that won over both of them (money or friendship). I am all by myself.

I went to mom’s house for breakfast and hung-out for a good while. I came to my pad to nap only to return to mom’s house. I accompanied mom to South Shore Shopping Center to find Helen something for her birthday (October 1st). We ate lunch at the Hof Brau BBQ place.

I remained at mom’s house until close to 6:30PM when I decided to head back to my pad. I watched ‘At the Movies’. While watching the tube my phone rang. It was Leonard Perillo.
“What are you doing?”
“Oh, I’m just watching a movie.”
“Do you want some company?”
I hesitated for a second and automatically answered, “Sure.”
Leonard came over.

Mike Miller called me as well. I didn’t bother to mention the Greg Manchevitz moving-in incident.

Leonard arrived while I was watching ‘Spielberg’s Amazing Stories’ and the ‘New Alfred Hitchcock’. We talked a lot. I believe it is clearly understood that it really doesn’t matter what he has or what he does. I like him as my friend for the type of person he is and that’s ‘it’. He stayed the night and we slept together ‘better’ this time.

"What I mean by enchantments are those stupendous actions taking place between two membranes in the tissue of the brain."
-Honroe de Balzac
"Seraphita"

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My Newfound Friend

They were too original for each other, and too similar, both of them smart and tall and locked in private dreams of what they wanted in a boyfriend.
-Christopher Bram
"Mapping The Territory",
Selected Non-Fiction
Twenty five years ago today:
September 28, 1985
Saturday

I woke up with a burst of energy and quickly did the Beginner’s Workout of my ‘Muscle Motion’ aerobics tape.

Helen telephoned to say, “I’ve been calling you but you haven’t been home.”
“Oh, I was probably at the gym,” I said as we continued with a quaint chat.
I shared with her a bit about Lorraine Garcia at the gym and my new pal, Leonard.
She started to talk about AIDS which led me to believe she may have doubts about me. I don’t like listening to her sometimes.
“Thank you so much for the gifts from Paris,” Helen added at the closing of our conversation.

Mom stopped by and brought me a box of TIDE detergent. That was a subtle hint for me to wash clothes. Ha-ha.

Leonard Perillo surprised me with a phone call.
“Hi, I just wanted to see how you were feeling?”
“Oh, I’m better,” I said reassuringly.
He continued about his departure at noon for Santa Cruz today.
“I’ll probably see you on Sunday or Monday,” Leonard said in closing.
I began to get the feeling that he may have called because I sounded a tad down in tone when I spoke to him last night. I think he heard signs of my downer mood swings when he had said he had dinner plans in Menlo Park. I was a bit down but I certainly don’t expect him to turn his whole life in a sudden motion around me. I know he never would anyway. Still, I am glad he called me this morning. The phone call tells me that he cares. It seems that I am a special friend to him. I am beginning to consider Leonard Perillo my ‘newfound friend’ right now.

Paloma’s brother called me. He came over to pick-up a few things that I brought for him from Paris. He plans to go to Paris in a week or so. I took the liberty to give him a TV GUIDE to give to his (and Paloma’s) father. Paloma’s dad wondered what a US TV Guide looked like. I also gave him a cassette tape with music that I’d selected especially for Paloma. He stopped by and left very quickly.

I watched a STAR Games competition that featured part of ‘The Young and The Restless’ soap-opera cast.

Mom called.
“Hi, what’s up?” I asked.
“Guess what?”
“What?”
“You and I are invited to dinner by Dad to ‘Mexicali Rose’.”
“That sounds good to me, I’ll be right over.”
I was starving, so I jumped on that offer.

I showered and went to mom and dad’s house. I drove to Webster Street to Mexicali Rose. Dad was in a pleasant mood and urged on a whole pitcher of Margaritas. We were buzzing. It was a filling dinner and so much fun. I returned with them to their house and laughed over a few sit-coms on TV. Then I watched “The Other Lover”, starring Lindsay Wagner (of Bionic Woman fame). Mom had taped the movie as it was aired last Thursday night (the night Leonard was spending the night at my place).

“The Other Lover” reminded me of the Meryl Streep/Robert DeNiro film called “Falling in Love”. I liked it. The primary lesson was ‘don’t fiddle with married folks’. It may feel good in the beginning but it will only hurt someone in the long run.

By midnight I was driving myself home. I’m happy tomorrow is Sunday.

It won't last forever...nothing does.
-Eat Pray Love, 2010 Film

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A Preppy-Type

Ideas come in a flash, but only fools act on them without thinking.
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

Twenty five years ago today:

September 27, 1985
Friday

Leonard Perillo left my house at 6AM. He had a 10AM meeting in Fremont, CA about a short-term loan negotiation. I kept thinking about how he explained his almost marriage to a woman named “Mae”.
Leonard said, “I love going out with special girls.”
I felt the same way. We seem so alike in many ways. I really believe that we have a connection.

Leonard did state that he has a close friend of the ‘same gender’ that he’d never go out on. This led me to believe that we’d be nothing more than friends. There was no way he was referring to me. In any case, Leonard left.

And silly me, as I recall I made an 11AM appointment with FACES INTERNATIONAL. So I kept the appointment for the fun of it. I met with Cindy Bishop. Cindy had intentions of recruiting me. Gullible me…I went for it. I figured, “Hell, I’ll get some professional photographs out of it.”
I listened to her spiel and said, “I will call you with my VISA card number later today.”
And yes, I did call her with my VISA number.

During my drive home I kind of got excited about the whole idea of it.
I thought, “What the hell.”
The plan is for me to meet with Cindy Bishop on Monday nights to discuss my wardrobe and what I will wear for my photo shoot. She sure gave me some nice compliments that I didn’t take too seriously.
She said, “I’d say you’d fit in the ‘Rob Lowe’ category as a preppy-type.”
She went on about all of this other stuff.
She said, “I can see you in film, too. The photo you brought in reminds me of Miami Vice.”
I laughed.

Leonard predicted that by noon today I would be feeling really great. That wasn’t actually the case. I felt better but not “great”.

I stopped at mom’s house and told her all about the FACES INTERNATIONAL experience.
I insisted, “Let’s keep this hush-hush. I’m only telling you about it. If something comes of it then maybe we’ll tell…depending, okay?”
“Okay,” mom said.

I was at my place by 4PM and finally called Greg Manachevitz.
“No, I’m sorry, Greg. You can’t move-in because Russ is moving in.”
It was a white lie because I knew full well that Russ was not moving in with me. I simply did not want Greg living with me because of his chewing tobacco habit and other obnoxious ways.

I broke down and gave Leonard a call to see what he was up to on this Friday night.
“Oh, I have plans to go to dinner at about seven o’clock out in Menlo Park. Then there’s Santa Cruz tomorrow,” Leonard said quickly.
“You sure do make the rounds, don’t you?”
I hung up not long after the brief post get-acquainted chat.

I boldly went to the gym until 8pm. I felt so out of energy, realizing I hadn’t eaten very much all day. 

I stopped to visit Dad and stayed there until around 9:30PM. We had a pretty good talk. Dad was being ‘Mr. Nice Guy’. I went home after spending the evening with Dad and watched some of the DALLAS TV series. After DALLAS I showered up and ‘hit the hay’.


One can learn from the most unexpected sources, and you sometimes find knowledge aslant, with a detour through reality.
-Christopher Bram
"Mapping The Territory",
Selected Non-Fiction

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Cough, Caring and Love

"Suddenly I found myself face to face with the young man whose personality had so strangely stirred me. We were quite close, almost touching. Our eyes met again."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Picture of Dorian Gray"

Twenty five years ago today:

September 26, 1985
Thursday

I lounged about at home today. I really am sick and need to take care of myself more seriously. I managed a short trip to mom’s house for breakfast. I faintly recall watching the soap-opera, “Young and The Restless” until I dozed off.

I kept thinking a lot about Leonard Perillo.

I returned to my place and lounged while observing Ann-Margret on a talk show. She looks okay but not as great as she used to look.

Well, I got excited and received a phone call from Leonard Perillo this afternoon. It all happened so fast. He is going to come here around 6PM to watch “BRAINSTORM” with me!

When I opened my front door at 7PM I immediately said, “You’re late!”
I think he liked my directness. He later confessed to me that I was being like him for saying that (“You’re late!”).

Leonard was wearing a bright red jacked that looked very nice. He has neat light eyes and a good, cool smile. The color RED means ‘excitement’, so I assumed he was excited about coming over, too. We talked a bit before the start of the movie. While we were watching “BRAINSTORM” I seemed to sense both of our brains thinking ‘things’. One thing led to another as we enveloped into a deeper and close friendship. I shared with him about my wish for the MICHAEL J Clothiers business along with my Michael J magazine cover ideal.

Leonard has a heightened level of awareness that I admire. He seems to have connections, too. Maybe he can give me an offer I can’t refuse (someday). I mean, I won’t make Pac Bell my entire life. Will I? Then again, I will not rely on Leonard either.

Anyway, Leonard stayed the night. We didn’t sleep too well. We had a ‘good time’ despite my recovering cold.


"There are three things a person can't hide. A cough, caring and love."
-IL MARE (2000 Korean film)

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A Newfound Spunk of Energy

"Tchaikovsky feared public knowledge of his homosexuality would destroy the accomplishments he worked so hard to create."
-Tchaikovsky (2007 film)

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 25, 1985
Wednesday

Good morning world and ‘Hello’ to another sick day. I called-in to the office. I bathed and felt better.

Mike and Greg left at about 11AM (finally!).
I exclaimed forcefully, “Greg, I will give you an answer tomorrow about whether or not you can move-in.”
I ‘sort of’ want to say yes but I did tell him I needed to talk to Russ (from the gym) first. I guess I really don’t want Greg to move-in. I am especially not pleased by the shower he took this morning. The ring of hair he left by the drain was “ugh”! I won’t even mention the fact that he doesn’t even know how to wash clothes. I don’t need to teach a twenty-two year old fella the "do’s and don'ts" of bachelorhood.

I went to mom and dad’s house and did a 'laying out under the sun' stint from noon until two o’clock. While I was listening to the radio I heard an ad about Faces International, a place in San Francisco looking for ‘new faces’.
I thought, “Hey, I’m a new face. I think it’s a decent looking face with potential, so…why not check it out.”
I had to share.
“Hey mom, I just heard on the radio that they’re looking for new faces.”
She said, “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, maybe I should go. I can take a picture of Ashley, too. She’s really a NEW face. You never know…she can become famous on a TV commercial or something.”

By 4PM I was home again and I had a newfound spunk of energy to do an aerobics class. However, I arrived to the gym too late for the class. I settled on a bike seat on the Life Cycle. I also did a set of workouts with the weights. I saw Russ as I was blow drying my hair in the men’s room. I know he saw me but he failed to speak to me.
I thought, “Figures, I guess I can forget him as a potential roommate.”

I also met another interesting fellow who smiled at me last Monday at the gym. He was there again tonight. His name is Leonard Perillo. He has a nice smile. I began speaking to him more on this very night.
Leonard asked, “Did you just go to Paris?”
“Yes, how did you know? I had a really great time,” I replied, giving him some insight on my experience.
“You know, I went to school in England for a while. I love it in Europe. In fact, I am taking my brother next Wednesday to Italy and Germany.”
I was envious to say the least. He seemed pretty interesting. As the night progressed he became an even more interesting conversationalist.

As I was leaving the gym with my gear I saw Leonard getting into a baby blue Porsche sports car but I pretended not to notice. Then, he actually got out of the car and waved over to me, saying, “Good night, Mike!”
I walked over and said, “Yeah, good night.”
“It sure is a nice night,” Leonard added.
I agreed to the beauty of the night and wondered if it was an invitation. I put my brave foot forward and made a suggestion.
“Do you want to splurge and try a yogurt next door?”
“Sure, why not?”

So, Leonard Perillo joined me as we sat outside, chattering away.
I came to the conclusion that Leonard’s got ‘the bucks’. I was impressed to say the least to learn more about his business ventures. He had acquired real estate properties that have made him money via shopping center complexes, apartment buildings and hotels. He mentioned his business partner, Don Carlson, a fifty-five year old gentleman with over one-hundred million dollars. Leonard took me back a few paces with his next question.
“Mike, tell me what your dreams are.”
I hesitated and then said, “My dream is to takeover Hallmark’s ninety-percent market in the greeting card business."
He smiled.
I added, “And in the short-term I aim to become an Advertising Sales Agent with Yellow Pages or work somewhere in the Advertising field.”

One thing led to another as we kept chatting away non-stop and I found myself going with him to his place in the Hayward Hills. He invited me, so I decided to go along. When I saw him get into the baby-blue colored Porsche I made a comment loud enough for him to hear.
“It figures.”
Once again he smiled, but then said, “Try not to notice.”
I was trying NOT to notice, too. I am a firm believer in ‘it’s NOT what you drive but who’s behind the wheel’.

I later learned that he had heard I was in Europe from Lorraine Garcia.
“You know, that Lorraine girl really likes you a lot.”
I didn’t know what to say.
“Well, I told her to try not to think about it.”
I laughed.
Leonard continued, “She is quite young.”

Leonard’s condominium was beautifully furnished. I liked it a lot. He had a lot of gray and black colors which signified a sort of ‘depressed loneliness’ through my eyes. The décor was still quite impressive.
Leonard was persistent in knowing more about me.
He said, “So tell me about your other dreams besides owning your own card stores.”
“Well, I’d like to write my own book one day. Maybe write a screenplay or produce my own film someday.”
He seemed impressed with my ideals even if I wasn’t doing anything about them. It’s true. I am not taking action. I should make the time. Leonard really built up my confidence while informing me that I could do anything if I really wanted to. I do believe that, too.
I liked when Leonard said, “Your bills will get paid no matter what.”
He said it in such a matter-of-fact way even though he knew I had some financial difficulties. Then I began to realize that my bills would get paid eventually (wouldn’t they?). I also confessed a bit about some of my “credit card-itis”.

I forgot to mention to him about my aspirations of my very own ‘MICHAEL J Clothiers’ shops (along the lines of Wilkes-Bashford) in LA, NY and SF. And I failed to mention my dream of being on the cover of a major magazine.
Leonard said, “A psychic once told me I would be well-off and famous.”
Leonard actually foresees himself as a leader in Reform Politics which is an up and coming issue. I do foresee the possibility. I could tell that Leonard liked me. I noticed that he had some gorgeous looking photos of some female models in his apartment. They were so beautiful.
PHOTO: Lynda Carter

Leonard also mentioned a Gala dinner he attended in Palm Springs and how he didn’t know who Lynda Carter was as she was seated right next to him.
Leonard explained, “There were a lot of influential people there. I am not trying to brag or anything.”
This made me think he was trying to brag. He also mentioned the name Pat Montandon, an elite socialite of San Francisco who appointed him Vice-President of some Foundation for Children while meeting with foreign leaders, etc.

By midnight I felt yawns coming on and I was ready to leave. Leonard actually gave me some medication for my cold. We “hugged” good-bye. We also exchanged telephone numbers.
After he gave his number I wrote mine down and said, “Just in case you can’t sleep tonight.”
I felt that was a brave hint. He seemed to have more to say.

When I got home I didn’t get a phone call.
I thought to myself, “I have to be very careful with this one. He plays with people. If he sees a project he likes he goes for it. If he sees a person he likes he goes for it. And I truly believe that while he’s going for it he likes to maintain full throttle control and be the LEADER of it all. In other words, manipulate is what he will do if he has to in order to have his goal wrapped around his little finger.”

And so, I shall not call on him like he assumes me to do. I will wait until I run into him again. I was impressed with his ambitious and confident ways. I am no gullible fool who will get hyped-up over a ‘fella’ that’s bound for fame and glory (and happens to have more money than me). I’d like to be his friend first and see what happens.

I did invite Leonard to my place to see Natalie Wood’s last movie (BRAINSTORM) because he had never seen it. No actual date was designated though.

My talk with Leonard Perillo tonight got my brain waves thinking. He is a special guy; however, I won’t allow myself to be used or intimidated or misdirected. I need concrete facts of this guy’s intentions. I will PIBE (Play It By Ear) and wait n’ see.

"A man cannot go to Europe without being tainted, as you well know."
-John Adams to his wife, Abigail
in the 2008 mini-series, JOHN ADAMS

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Planet Of The Apes

Just because something was in print didn't mean that we should believe it.
-Christopher Bram
"Mapping The Territory-Selected Non-Fiction"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 24, 1985
Tuesday

I received a surprise phone call on Saturday from the Sperm Bank about getting tested for AIDS. I won’t comply with the request though. It’s not necessary.

I called in sick today. I figured after three and a half years of perfect attendance is long enough.

I lounged all morning. I went to mom’s house for some homemade oatmeal. I returned to my place for a nap only to return to mom’s house for lunch. The sandwich and soup was first-rate. Now I plan to remain home, take a bath and simply RELAX.

I have an interview on Saturday afternoon with Weber Motors. They are a BMW Affiliate. I am leery as to whether the interview is to hire me part-time or to get me to buy one of their cars.

I lounged most of the day. My energy level was definitely down.

Greg Manachevitz kept calling. He is being so persistent. It’s obnoxious at the same time. I invited him and Mike Miller over to my place.

When Greg and Mike arrived we watched two and a half movies (EXPOSED, THE TERMINATOR and a part of PLANET OF THE APES). They were nice enough to go out and get a pizza for me, knowing that I was still in recovery mode. I just couldn’t take Greg’s spitting of tobacco into a Styrofoam cup and his overt farting. I allowed them both to spend the night.


"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at stars."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Importance of Being Earnest"

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A Quaint Talk

"Don't be so open-minded that your brains fall out."
-Unknown

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 23, 1985
Monday

Paige accompanied me in my car to work this morning. We shared coffee and a pastry together at Elsie’s. I left for the office and Paige was meeting her girlfriend in front of my office building within the next half hour.

I really felt sick this morning but I decided to appear at work anyway (mostly because Paige needed a ride in to The City). I did not work overtime.

I actually had energy to make it to the gym after work. I saw Russ there.
Russ said, “Yeah, you know something…they raised my rent to five-hundred and twenty bucks, so I moved-in with my folks. I’m looking for another place though.”
I, of course, gave him my telephone number about renting at my place but I don’t know if he will call me on it. I think he’s enjoying the free rent right now.

I saw Buddy at the gym, too.
“Where have you been?” Buddy asked.
“Oh, I was in Paris for the last two weeks.”

As soon as I arrived home Greg Manachevitz called again and he is so serious about moving-in here. I may just let him do it.
I explained, “I am waiting on word from this guy named Russ first. I will be able to give you an answer by this coming Friday.”

 I telephoned Rachelle. We had a quaint talk. I mentioned my two missing wooden chess pieces because I know she has them. I also explained my ongoing predicament with Dale and how I am avoiding him now. I reasoned with her about Dale’s flashing the King-sized bed Vegas arrangements and spreading word around about things he has read in my journal.
“Yeah, the journal seems to be doing more damage than good,” I confessed to Rachelle.
“How did you find out?”
I went on to explain how I was confronted by my sister-in-law, Helen.

I went to bed, not feeling so good. I forced myself to smile and dream. I needed rest.


"A smile is a curved line that sets everything straight."
-Unknown

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The Bad Seed

"...can you define the word friendship for me?"
"It's when you like somebody."
"Sure, but what is it that makes you like somebody?"
She shrugged.
"Friendship--my definition--is built on two things," he said. "Respect and trust. Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have respect for someone, but if you don't have trust, the friendship will crumble."
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"

Twenty-five years ago today:
September 22, 1985
Sunday

I slept in again. It felt so very good to do so. I am adjusting to my regular Pacific Coast time frame. I went for a good bike ride. Of course, I did see some definitive QBL’s (Questionables) on Shoreline Drive, along the beach. I was home by 11:30AM; whereby, I made a pit stop at mom’s house for breakfast.

I actually returned home and watched the Oakland Raiders versus the San Francisco 49ers game. While watching the game I received a phone call from Paige LaBris of Sacramento at precisely two o’clock. I flashed back to the time I initially met her at a local park when I was attending college at Sacramento State.
Paige announced, “Michael, you won’t believe it but I’m coming over.”
I felt a chill coming on (and an actual cold).
I said, “Okay Paige, no biggeee, come on over….Yeah, please come over!”

Paige arrived and we ended up going to La Val’s for pizza, chatting away about the latest.

PHOTO: Paige Labris

Greg Manachevitz telephoned.
“You know, Mike, I really want to move in to your place.”
I knew he must have been having issues with his folks again. I may—or may not---let him move-in.

Danny Garcia telephoned also. We had a good talk.
“Did you get my postcard from Paris?”
“What? No, I never got it!”
“I sent it to your San Ramon address.”
“Oh, no wonder…I moved from San Ramon to Walnut Creek.”
I wonder what ever happens to postcards that never reach the correct destination. Danny’s birthday is this coming Wednesday.

Paige and I watched “The Bad Seed”. I couldn’t believe she had never seen that classic film. Then we went to bed. We simply slept (though I think she wanted something more). How can one do anything after watching “The Bad Seed”?

Perhaps we may one day be together in the world where LOVE never dies.
-Honroe de Balzac
"Seraphita"

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Smiles

"So...you've come back from PARIS, tell us all of your triumphs."
-The Tudors, Season I
Episode #6

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 21, 1985
Saturday

My mom came by to see me this morning. It was nice to see her after two weeks had gone by. I shared with her more about my experiences in Paris, France. She helped me organize my new Entertainment Unit. I liked her ideas for where to place things.

I went over to mom’s house later and I ended up joining mom and dad for a dining out experience at GALLAGHER’s in Downtown Oakland/Jack London Square. We had a teensy weensy argument before we left because Dad wanted me to drive. It’s ridiculous when I dwell on it now.

Dinner with mom and dad was FUN. I ordered a bottle of wine that Dad and I thoroughly enjoyed. We were all smiles by the end of the night.


"Everyone feels better after a hug."
-KYLE-XY, Season II

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Play It By Ear

She felt wonderfully calm, as serene as a meadow falling into shadow in the evening.
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 20, 1985
Friday

I am supposed to call Denise Vinsonhaler tonight (after work). She is so nice. I am tempted to invite her to the Horse Races Event. I wonder if Karen Melton, the Ice-Capades gal, will return by that time.

I went to my Great Western Deputy Teller machine in Alameda this morning. I saw two PG&E guys who looked familiar. I guess I looked familiar to them, too. They kept looking…or maybe it was just the shininess of my recently washed Ford Mustang.

Work ended and I was home, doing my aerobics before long. I drove out to Walnut Creek and met with Denise. She lives in a nice black and white house with palm trees landscaped on the outside. I liked the look. She is kind, yet ‘tough sounding’ (as a girl cop should be I suppose). I like her anyway.

Denise and I headed over to the Walnut Festival. Denise had a dorky friend tag-a-long. It was okay. After the festival we went to Lyon’s Restaurant for a brief bite and a few good laughs. Denise was sharing stories about a few of the strange folks that she has met at Baxter’s. I’m glad I wasn’t included on the list.

I was home by half past midnight. All in all it was a pretty fun ‘play it by ear’ sort of evening.


For this quiet, unprepossessing, passive man who has no garden in front of his subsidized flat, books are like flowers. He loves to line them up on the shelf in multi-colored rows, he watches over each of them with an old-fashioned delight.
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

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It's Either Me or The Cigarettes

"Breakfast, lunch and dinner, he could do without, but afternoon tea mattered."
-Pat Barker
"REGENERATION"

I recently published a mini paperback of forty-nine poems titled "A Pocketfull of Marbles".  Yes, Pocketfull is purposely spelled with two L's.  The forty-nine poems are not meant to read all-at-once.  They are meant to read one-a-day or even once-a-week.  If you are in the mood for a joyous escape, then CLICK on this link for a taste of it:

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/a-pocketfull-of-marbles/12428226

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 19, 1985
Thursday

Before I fell asleep last night I received a phone call from my sister-in-law, Helen. We had a very nice chat. We also had an interesting carryover conversation. Apparently, Dale Orlando (Mr. Big Mouth) has entangled a web of lies in my life that must be broken immediately. Word has somehow traveled from my San Francisco office to the Downtown Oakland Office.
Helen said, “You should know that this Dale person has flashed around a reservation slip for one King Size bed the time you went to Las Vegas together. He’s also been telling certain people that you have a journal and he knows a lot of interesting facts.”
“Oh, give me a break,” I said disgustedly.
I could only assume that Dave Vigil might be involved as he talks to Deborah Smith, the Assistant Manager there a lot. Deborah is a big gossip. Anyhow, it all just burns me up. Helen and I continued our good talk. I appreciated her giving me the scoop. I agree now---and should have known long before—that Dale cannot EVER be trusted.

I must tell Dale that I cannot baptize his son, Andrew, for my own personal reasons (even if he does already have my middle name, Andrew ‘Michael Joe’ Orlando). It would just create a bond between Dale and I that I don’t necessarily need. He should ask one of his favorite brothers to be The Godfather.

Dale spoke to me on the phone last night and today. He could easily sense that something was wrong with me. He figures I was hurt from my talk with Rachelle at the gym recently (of course that is not the case at all). It was the shit rumor and lies that I had heard about from Helen that was bothering me.

I spoke to my brother, Tony, today.
Tony asked, “Do you want to buy some Bruce Springstein tickets for tonight?”
I replied, “No.”
It was sure nice of him to ask.

I wanted to go to the gym but I ended up babysitting for John and Sherri. They were going to the Bruce Springstein concert.

My Entertainment Unit was delivered at around 7PM. Ashley cried when the delivery guys arrived.

Suzy Miler telephoned.
“How was France?”
“Oh, I had so much fun!”
I had to cut it short because the delivery guys were here. I tried calling her back but she wasn’t home.

Denise Vinsonhaler called me and invited me to the Walnut Creek Festival tonight.
“Sure, I’ll come,” I replied.
I figured it might be fun despite her smoking habit (something she says that she enjoys). Yuck! Well, if she wants to enjoy me it’s either me or the cigarettes.

I wrote out a couple of checks to pay bills last night. The day my bills are out of my hair I shall rejoice.

I went to bed at John’s house as Ashley was fast asleep. I fell asleep in front of their TV until 10PM when Heidi (Sherri’s pal) arrived. I was watching old episodes of The Edge of Night. Once I returned to my pad I had no energy for any aerobics. I went straight to bed. Yawn.


"Instead, he stayed at his home in Malibu, monitored the phones and watched CNBC."
-Tom King
"The Operator: David Geffen Builds, Buys, and Sells the New Hollywood"

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Reasonable Workout

"Without emotion there is no action."
-Joseph Conrad
"The Secret Agent"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 18, 1985
Wednesday

Work flew by today. I was not as tired as I was yesterday but I still tend to naturally work too hard; therefore, I am tired.

There will be an Office Horse Races outing event that is slated for November 2, 1985. I think I would really like to go since I have never been to a horse racetrack event.
I asked Dale, “Hey Dale, don’t you want to go to that Horse Race thing?”
“Sure, why not?”
“So we should go,” I suggested.
“I’ll go with you but I plan on taking along a date if I do go.”
I nodded as I was simultaneously taking a customer phone call but then I thought about what he said later. Who does he think he is? I hope he doesn’t think he’s the only person I could choose to accompany me to that event.

My weariness caught up with me by the time I arrived home but it didn’t stop me from going to the gym. The weights were much harder for me to lift than usual. I had a reasonable workout. I actually saw Rachelle Davies at the gym. She gave me a few material things that belonged to me. She also gave me a loveable looking smile. I don’t get it? I really know I do not want to involve myself with her any longer. She is much too young. And by the way, Rachelle looked much too pale tonight. I won’t even mention her potential drug recreational habits.

When I was home I tried calling Denise Vinsonhaler but her line was busy. I went to bed when Mom called me. I guess my mom’s sister, Betty, is on vacation. That’s sweet of mom to call me. It makes me feel special. She’s so very special to me.


He was acutely aware of his loneliness at that moment, hating the vulnerability that solitude created within him.
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

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The Eye

"Do you ever try to read your own face?
I do, and I can tell you it is not a bad study, and gives you more trouble than you can well fancy if you have never tired it."
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Played With Fire"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 17, 1985
Tuesday

The flight back home took forever. I arrived in New York and there were all sorts of London folks situated near my Gate who were going back to London. There were a lot of cute ones, too!

I took a brief break in the bathroom and hung out at a local airport lounge/bar, drinking five White-Russian cocktails. I was playing ‘head games’ with a lot of the gals and guys by simply giving ‘the eye’. Then again, they gave me ‘the eye’ first.

The New York to San Francisco flight took forever. I had to sit next to some old, San Francisco man. I also met two guys who happened to be seated in First Class. One claims to be a second line manager at AT&T and the other is a lawyer. I believed them but when I told Dale he didn’t believe me. Oh well, whatever…

Dale picked me up at San Francisco airport.
I said, “Well, I’ll most likely never see those First Class guys ever again. I know their names were Patrick and Paul.”
Dale politely listened to the Al Corley cassette tape of songs during the drive home. I felt like I was in France again when I heard the Al Corley tunes.

I was so very tired. I had a million things to do. Voila! I ended up getting up at 4AM. I successfully unpacked, washed a load of clothes, got dressed and did a great set of sit-ups, etcetera. Accomplishment!

Karen Melton has NOT even written to me. Maybe I will call Paradise Productions in New York to get some sort of scoop on things going on with her in Korea.

My first day back to work was fine. It is okay since it’s only a four day work week. I will get two paychecks this week too (Hee-Hee).

I am pissed off because I just had my new ‘space’ pen from France. I recall zipping my window of my convertible and now the pen is nowhere to be found.

I hope I’ll be able to stay awake all day. I feel so tired now. Dale and all of the rest in this office will surely keep me awake (I hope).

Well, I had a fairly good welcome from a number of people in my section. Barbara Reynolds and a few others were extraordinarily nice. It was kind of like the first day back-to-school.

By the end of the day I was extremely tired. I did manage to slip my Muscle Motion aerobics videotape into the slot for a good workout.

I went over to visit Dad and I also saw my brother, John, and my niece, Ashley. Ashley has grown. She’s a cutie pie, too.

Steph Redding telephoned and we talked a bit. Thereafter, I went to bed.

While I was sleeping Mike Miller telephoned. Then Helen, my sister-in-law telephoned. Mom called me, too. It was neat but they all kindly let me go back to sleep. Maybe I will ask Mike Miller to go to the gym with me tomorrow.


"You walk around feeling like a teenager and immortal your whole life, and suddenly there isn't much time left. But one thing is for sure--I don't mean to spend the rest of it in this glass cage."
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest"

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Lola & The Last Dancer

"You have the ability to be a GREAT dancer. You just have to believe it!"
-as heard while watching the 2010 film
"Mao's Last Dancer"

I saw a film called “Mao’s Last Dancer” in August 2010 that amazed me. A major portion of the story took place in the late 1980’s and it is based on a true story. I highly recommend seeing this one. The music and dancing alone is mesmerizing. It’s a great story of strength and determination. Watch this clip by CLICKing here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6FU7-BmDX0&feature=related

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 16, 1985
Monday

Paloma arrived at 8AM to take me to the airport. We took some last-minute photos next to my luggage. Then we headed for the airport. She was unusually quiet as was I as we listened to French tunes. One song played by Al Corley called “Cold Dresses” and some of the lyrics had some significant messages for me during that time (especially because I knew I was about to wave good-bye).  I was sure that we were both listening to the words of the song during that drive to the airport.

CLICK to listen to “Cold Dresses”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY3prM3e4xk

Lyrics to “Cold Dresses”:

I live my life forever
I live my dreams come true
If I can't forget,
I wave good-bye to you
Say so long my lover
Say so long my friend
The end is never near
As near as it might seem
Life is motion
And not in motion
No isolation
Justification
Life is motion
And not in motion
But how
Did I know
And how
Did I know
The cold dresses that she wore
That you wore
The cold dresses that she wore


Why did it take some long
For me to understand
I held on, held on too tight
As only lovers can
I wish you all the good, girl
Forget and don't look back
I won't wish that you were gone
'Cause I made sure of that
Life is motion
And not in motion
No isolation
Justification
Life is motion
And not in motion
But how
Did I know
How
Did I know
The cold dresses that she wore
That she wore
The cold dresses that she wore

Life is motion
And not in motion
Life is motion
And not in motion
No isolation
Justification
Life is motion
And not in motion
But how
Did I know
How
Did I know
The cold dresses that you wore
That you wore
The cold dresses that she wore
The cold dresses that you wore
That you wore
The cold dresses that she wore.

While at the airport things were already not turning out so smoothly. I was asked to pay fifty-dollars more for my extra bag of luggage. How stupid!
Paloma and I kissed good-bye.

I said, “I am SURE I will see you again soon!”
However, I thought to myself in wonder as to when we will actually see one another again—if ever. I recall two comments that Paloma made last night. They stick in my mind.
Paloma had said:
1. “I know you only love me as a friend.”
2. “Do you like the name Lola for a girl?”
Yikes.

I am on the plane now, headed for New York as I am writing. I was happy to have two vacant seats next to me until three people from Philadelphia came along. I guess they were positioned in the smoking section of the plane in error. Now, I will have to write to Karen in Korea. I wonder if she has even taken a moment of time to write to me.

"I'm sorry...we were just bad timing."
-actress Julia Roberts to actor James Franco
2010 film, EAT PRAY LOVE

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A Heated Discussion

"If I didn't know better I'd say you were a woman on a mission."
-as heard while watching "Further Tales of the City", 2001

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 15, 1985
Sunday

We woke up at 11AM or so (which is fine since we went to bed at about 3AM).

Paloma dropped me at The Louvre since she did not want to go. I scouted The Louvre until 3PM and met Paloma again at around 5PM at the Trocadero sector. We went to her dad and stepmom’s apartment and looked at the pictures from the dinner we shared a week ago. They came out pretty good.

We left and selected a variety of pastries at some French bakery. We also ate dinner and had a heated discussion about marriage. Paloma was practically yelling at me (but she claims that she wasn’t). I guess I imagined her voice getting louder.

After dinner we went to the suburbs to meet with Coco and Zon-Zon. It was fun to see them again. I like them a lot. 

We looked at pictures, watched some French television and talked a bit. They’re really very nice.

Paloma and I left eventually. That was my last night in Paris.

"Why does this sound like the end of some "B" movie affair?"
-as heard while watching "Tales of the City", 1999

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Pleasure With Friends

One had the right to judge of a man by the effect he has over his friends.
-Oscar Wilde
"The Picture of Dorian Gray"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 14, 1985
Saturday

I slept-in as my usual ‘on vacation’ self is supposed to do. I only slept-in until ten-thirty this morning at least. I decided against calling Loic again (mainly because he had said he may be busy this Saturday and may not be able to get-together). I simply decided not to call him. I may not even write to him. I’ll give him a chance to write me first—perhaps. I’ve decided to spend the day with Paloma.

I went to her store. The store is called “Les Failletes”. Once again we had a great time. It made me feel good when she sold something in the store.

For lunch we met with Bernadette and ate at the Italian Restaurant that we’d eaten at before. I kind of hate it when they both talk only in French.
Paloma explained, “It doesn’t translate because it’s way over your head.”
That was really nice. I don’t think she realizes that it wasn’t a nice thing to say though.

After lunch, Anne came by the store. I gave her an American dollar bill mainly because she gave me her bike chain bracelet. I loved her giving gesture based on the fact that I liked it so much. Anne was dressed like Nina Hagen (I suppose) with black eye-shadow and black lipstick today. It was funny. I took her photograph, too.

PHOTO: Anne

Later on this same Saturday afternoon Zon-Zon, CoCo and Reggie came by the store. They started choosing items throughout the store. They ended up buying ‘one’ item at twenty-percent off (a complimentary gesture by Paloma). I guess Paloma doesn’t feel too great when they come by and think they can get things for free. However, they did get quite a bit for free when all was said and done. They are very special friends to her. I do like them, too.

I took photos together with them. I am going to miss them. I know I will miss the other friends and relatives that Paloma has introduced me to as well. I liked them all so very much.

After closing the store, Paloma and I took the train (RER) with Bernadette to meet for dinner. An ex-boyfriend of Paloma’s was going to dinner with us. His name is Didi. Didi’s wife and Paloma’s brother, Luis, were going to be joining us for dinner, too.

We no longer had access to a car. Paloma’s car broke down that morning amidst heavy traffic. Too bad for her (tee-hee). At Paloma’s brother’s place we ended up having some straight whisky before going out to dinner.

Didi (Paloma’s ex- from way back when) looked pale. She lived with him for six years. He kind of reminded me of the actor, Matt Dillon. 

Photo: actor, Matt Dillon

 
Paloma said, “Didi told me two days after he had heard that I was coming to France that he and this Asian woman were getting married.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, and even though she has a baby that wasn’t his own.”
I thought that was pretty juicy information.
They all seemed to like my new leather jacket. I guess they should, considering it was about 3,700 French Francs! It looks nice, too, so that explains it best.

Didi said to Paloma in French, “He looks like Robert.”
Paloma had previously told me I looked like someone named Robert; however, Paloma said, “But you’re much better looking.”
I heard that this Robert guy is into heroin and everything else, so I would hope I’m a little bit better looking. Geez. I came to understand that Didi is an ex-heroin addict. He is now addicted to codeine pills, taking them daily. This reminds me of Sharon Quinn, the drug-addict (it always seemed). I worked with Sharon when I was a Computer Operator at Pacific Telephone in Downtown Oakland. She was always popping a pill of some sort.

We finally found a nice place to eat. I had canard (roasted duck). It was so good. There were two gay guys at the next table, kissing. One of them kept giving me the eye. He got up to go to the bathroom and made me aware of it. I know it was an invitation but I didn’t go.

I had wine with dinner and after dinner (along with dessert and an after dinner drink of Cognac). I’ve never eaten so much in ‘one meal’s time’ as I have in the meals I’ve had in Paris. It’s always so filling and I always feel kind of ‘wasted’ afterward.

The Asian lady (Didi’s wife) got on the wrong foot with me when she referred to me as a “gringo” after I said the word ‘hospital’ in Spanish.  I don’t like that 'gringo' term.  Gringo is a slang Spanish or Portuguese word used in Spanish-speaking countries to denote foreigners (often from the USA). And so, I chose not to speak to her very much.

As a matter-of-fact, I only spoke to Paloma for most of the time throughout my whole trip here in France. It’s a good thing she can translate everything for me.

After dinner we went to Luis’ place once again to talk and stuff. Bernadette gave me a gift to give to my mom (a set of gold silverware). I thought that was extremely nice of her. 


Photo: Bernadette and Paloma

Paloma and I went to the little apartment together. Paloma spent the night but we pretty much only slept. We started to ‘you know what’…but we didn’t. I’m nervous now, wondering if she may or may not be pregnant from the last two times. Oh well, if she is…it’ll be her choice as to have it or not. I know she will, too.

He: "I have never searched for happiness. Who wants happiness? I have searched for pleasure."
She: "I am searching for PEACE," she said, "and if I don't go and dress, I shall have none this evening."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Picture of Dorian Gray"

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Dramatic

"Men as well as boys can only learn by trying."
-James Mitchell Clarke
"Luis of Gudalajara"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 13, 1985
Friday

I woke up and went to Paloma’s store at about 11:30AM or so. I had lunch with her and Anne at Marco’s Café. It was nice.

I went to a bank to convert my last fifty-dollars into French Francs. I have one other fifty-dollar bill but I’m saving it. I hate to break it.

Anne gave me her bike chain bracelet because I admired the unusual aura of it. She’s too sweet.

I took a photo of Paloma and ‘Zon Zon’. I think ‘Zon Zon’ and Coco are sweet people (very good-looking, too).

I left Paloma for a while and took the RER train to get my boots that I had seen. I didn’t buy them after all. Instead, I bought two outfits totaling 3,100 Francs (that’s three-hundred and sixty dollars). It’s okay (I guess).

PHOTO: 'Zon Zon' and Paloma

Paloma and I took the train later to meet Bernadette; whereby, we enjoyed dinner along with Luis. Paloma’s mom was there, too. It was a pretty nice evening. We all had a good time. The desserts at these places are getting me fat though. I feel it.

Dale telephoned me when I got home to the little apartment.
Dale said, “Oh Michael, your mother was crying when I left.”
“Why?”
“Oh, she was calling Rachelle a bitch and how she doesn’t know what she’s missing with you and how she hurt you.”
“What? I don’t feel like she’s hurt me all that bad.”
Dale really surprised me when he explained how dramatic my mom had been.
Dale continued, “Well listen, I’ll tell you more when you get back.”
I thought, “That was nice of him to call me all the way over here. He sure had lots to say. Talking to him makes me miss home.”

 
'I wish you were here. I even miss your sharp tongue.'
-Philippa Gregory
"The Other Boleyn Girl"

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My New Leather Jacket

'She flashed her natural smile. The one Picasso dreamt of at night but never used because he couldn't paint a face beautiful enough to match.'
-Jason F Wright
"The Wednesday Letters"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 12, 1985
Thursday

It’s almost noon and I think I will shower and stuff, then go to Paloma’s store. I may go to The Louvre museum thereafter.

Nope, I didn’t go to The Louvre.

Anne’s sister was nice enough to get me some batteries for my camera. I was able to take a few pictures. I hung out at Paloma’s workplace for most of the day. It wasn’t so bad. I felt bad for keeping her out so late the night before. It’s a good thing she had a large bottle of water to replenish herself.

PHOTO: Michael J Armijo
in his new Paris leather jacket

After Paloma’s work day we went to an American Restaurant. That was fun, too. I liked it. I saw some boots I wanted through a closed store window. I thought the boots would match my new leather jacket.

Paloma and I escaped to a movie after dinner. We saw the new James Bond flick, “A View to A Kill”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMPoNQXiV_8&feature=related
There were scenes in Paris and San Francisco, so it was extra special for us both. We really enjoyed it.

Sexual pleasure is not a direct sensory experience, it's akin to an emotion. It's a sensation generated in your brain, which is reflecting on what you're doing and thinking, just like the sensation of humor or anger.
-Ray Kurzweil
"The Singularity Is Near"

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Staring At Me Differently

Simply allow life to happen without there being any fixed point.
-Tony Parsons
"As It Is"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 11, 1985
Wednesday

I woke up at 10:30AM or so to Paloma’s phone call. Then I lazily got up and went to the gift shop where she is working. I stayed there for a while when three of her good friends showed up. First, there was Ann, who had a weird haircut and a zipper in her ear. Sandra was another one with a weird haircut. And then there was a Western outlaw-type long-haired dude. They took me to the Boulangerie where I had two croissants and a hot chocolate. Marco, the guy who waited on our table was nice. I thought he was QBL (Questionable), too. He kept staring at me ‘differently’.

After that late breakfast I went back to Paloma’s store for a while. Then I left for the gym in the Pigalle area. The gym was really kind of small but it was ‘okay’. I worked out only for a little while. It was hard.

I left the gym at 2PM or so and then went to that famous street that has all of the expensive looking stores. I was looking for some suede boots but didn’t find any. I decided to head back to Paloma’s gift shop. I had no trouble on the METRO train this time. I remained at Paloma’s store until 6PM (when I decided to come to the apartment for a nap until 7PM).

Paloma and I went to have dinner at a Chinese Restaurant with some of her other friends: Reggie, Coco, Beate, Pelo and Jiggie. It was fun.
I especially liked when Coco asked, “Do you know the girl in the Chinese cap?”
What she was really trying to ask was, “Are you familiar with that sort of cap that the girl is wearing.”
It was fun. I had wine with dinner and afterwards, we went to Reggies’ parents house where we had Champagne and more wine. They were trying to get me to mention famous people in France that I knew.
I said, “I only know Catherine Denueve and Julio Iglesias and maybe a few others.”
They seemed disappointed. I just didn’t know of other French actors, etc. 
PHOTO: Catherine Deneuve

Coco and her boyfriend left. Paloma and I stuck around only to find ourselves drinking gin and more wine at Reggie’s apartment. Paloma and I were really “wasted”. It was fun though. I even lit a cigarette for the fun of it. We left by 1:30 in the morning. I just crashed on the bed when I got home to the little apartment.

He waited, strangely disturbed, as if he had walked through a mirror and found everything the same, and yet nothing similar.
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"

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Homesick

What the custom was in this township he did not know.
-Franz Kafka
"Wedding Preparations in the Country"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 10, 1985
Tuesday

Paloma left early on this morning. I slept-in until 12:30PM or so. We had plans to take pictures all day but my camera shutter was black after I took pictures of this cute, little apartment.

Last night I had a portrait sketch drawn of me by an artist in Paris. It’s okay. I don’t like it that much. We also went all the way up to the third deck of the Eiffel Tower last night. It was scary hearing each click-clack while the elevator was ascending. Yikes!

I took the METRO to the KLEBER station. It’s the station nearest to Paloma. We went to the Pigalle area for a hamburger and fries. Then we went to the Sacred Heart Church which is beautiful. The only thing is that we had a lot of steps to climb to get there! It’s one beauty of a church.

We mulled through some of the local Montmartre shops that were here n’ there. It is fun just sitting as a passenger in the car and watching all of the Parisians.

Paloma’s car had trouble. It needed water in the radiator again. Thank God that’s all it needed (luckily). We went to visit her brother, Luis, and Bernadette for a while. I had a mixed drink of whisky and Coca-Cola. I watched a bit of French TV. In the news there was sensationalism about a New York child that had contracted AIDS. There was a huge ‘Mad Mother’s’ protest on the streets of New York.
PHOTO: Paloma

Paloma and I left shortly after and I went home to go to sleep. Paloma left, too, since she had to be at work tomorrow. It was 9PM or so when I decided to telephone mom. She was pleased to hear from me. She still had not received any postcards. I explained to her how we had missed out on meeting Pat and Richard (and how terrible a feeling it was to be lost). 

Mom suggested I get an earlier flight for Sunday but I said, “The flight times were all prearranged and I can’t just change them.”
I felt homesick. I miss her.

You forget how much you rely on something as simple as a phone until you don't have one.
-Julia Child
"My Life In France"

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