Mixed Messages - Softcover

Martel, Arlene

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1477266720 ISBN 13: 9781477266724

Publisher: AuthorHouse, 2012

Synopsis

Let us not assign a value to a journey based solely on how long it took to get to our destination. Looking back upon this extraordinary experience . . . I have few regrets. And those would be the times when I concealed and repressed my observations and true feelings out of fear of losing a most precious person. In reflection . . . these have been the most creative two years ever. I was awakened to my calling again (acting and writing) and my health certainly is an example of the path I chose to follow. I wish for each of you to find the courage to go beyond your "comfort zone" Oh yes, we'll meet again and share our adventures with all that includes. And connected to the best that has been given to me by God, I feel exhilarated by all that took place and most importantly . . . I still believe in the Power of LOVE . . .

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

MIxEd MeSsaGEs

By Arlene Martel Jeff Minniti

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 Arlene Martel with Jeff Minniti
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4772-6672-4

Chapter One

To My Friends, Family, Fans (and other kind spirits)

You may already know me as "T'Pring" in "Amok Time," Spock's Vulcan wife from the original Star Trek series.

Or ... Perhaps you knew me as "Consuelo" from the Outer Limits episode of Harlan Ellison's "Demon With a Glass Hand."

The fact is you have never known me as I will be revealed in these pages ...

I must confess that my participation in this endeavor was a role I had never played before. I was whirled and spun into a new galaxy of emotions and I may never be able to return to my former self ...

Nor do I wish to.

Arlene Martel

Muhammad Ali once wrote: (to me in 1986)

"Love is the net ... where hearts are caught ... like fish".

The following real life story that you're about to become part of, unfolded from two peoples attempt to find that part of themselves that had been obscured for a long time and found each other through a social network ... called "Plenty of Fish."

Are you smiling yet? Well if not yet ... you will ... and perhaps even shed a tear.

Okay, I was single again, celibate, and accepting a life without a romantic partner. After all, I was now in my seventies and had known some legendary lovers and had been married to three different men ... (not all at the same time of course). What had I done to occupy this net with this curious "Blowfish" who swam round me, "Ms. Dolphin," in such an odd and beguiling way? Something was compelling us to swim closer to each other ... something unknown ...

Our "special friendship," started ... (on land) with a few brief email inquiries and gathered momentum before we had a moment to find our sense of direction ... where would we go with this?

Swim with us and see ... Okay ... buckle up your Life Jackets and take the plunge

NOW!

*(This is what was originally posted on our Plenty Of Fish profiles and what initially captured our mutual interest.)

Original POF (Plentyoffish) profile:

Details: 5' 5" 74 year old woman

Religion Non religious

Ethnicity: Mixed

Intent: amartel is looking for a relationship

Favorite quote: "what is essential ... is invisible to the eye"

About Me:

I look forward to meeting a gentle man who responds to Life with enthusiasm, humor and compassion. My life is exciting (and always has been). I act, write, travel, meditate, and enjoy meeting new friends, and sharing with "old friends". I love to cook organic gourmet (vegetarian), Theatre, watching great movies, "La Strada," "Woman In the Dunes," "Farewell My Concubine" and other foreign films on that level, have greatly influenced my life ... I was raised with music in our home and continue to attend concerts, (mostly classical and jazz and afrobeat). Drawing, sculpting, knitting, singing, dancing (learning to Salsa now), working and interacting with children, are other skills and talents that I enjoy ...

Jeffrey Minniti: (aka BIGCEREBELLUM)

Interests:

Encephalomyeloneuropathies

Stanford Athletics

Proprioception

A World Where Children Do Not Suffer

Questioning Everything—Including Myself

Tenderness/Affection/Holding Hands

Pulmonology

Otolaryngology

Maintaining My Inner Child—Until I Die

Being A Worthy Adversary

Making My Parents Proud—I miss them

Exploring The Road Less Travelled

Hitting The Pick-6 At Santa Anita

Rheumatology

Biking/Hiking

Finding Someone With Patience

Trying To Be A Better Friend

Kissing Until I'm Ataxic

About Me:

My profile was sorely in need of revision. SO, here goes ... I am not well-suited for most women (and vice versa). I am not a conventional person who is confined by "in the box thinking." I am intelligent, warm, kind, charming, witty, formidable, aggravating, and intermittently loveable. I read voraciously although it is usually medical journals/studies. I am currently putting the finishing touches on a children's book about the importance of overcoming adversity through perseverance and ultimately redemption. I adore children and find them endearing. I have a special fondness for people who refer to their dogs as "doggies." I have avoided the "altar" religiously. I think that Atheism is lunacy. I believe in a higher being that transcends all. Politically, I am a devout radical (it's not as bad as it sounds).

What happened to single-payer health care? Our health care (correction "disease care") system is merely an instrument for companies peddling poison, device makers, insurers, overzealous trial lawyers, and physicians who push the drugs. The all feed from the same adulterated trough. Most deaths go unreported and can be directly attributed to medical "misadventures." It's now all about covering your ass from litigation. Ill-advised polypharmacy is rampant in this country (particularly among the elderly). Sedatives are routinely given (to make patients more compliant). Drug-induced TOXIC-metabolic Encephalopathy and/or neuromyopathy are common are common (with the advent of cholesterol lowering medications like statins and fibrates). Delayed or missed diagnoses are rarely acknowledged by physicians. We, as a nation, pay an exorbitant amount of money for this mediocrity.

With the exception of ER/Trauma and palliative care, most allopathic practitioners are BEST AVOIDED. They participate on most medical boards. Our national longevity is a disgrace and rivals that of a third world country.

Let's see now ... we went from a record budget surplus ... to a record deficit. We've done nothing to address the future of Social Security. Our border with Mexico is like a sieve. We refuse to execute repeat violent offenders. Who needs that garbage walking the street? Where was the regulatory oversight of mortgage lending? Who the hell is verifying income? When is real preventative care going to be incorporated into our health care system ... specifically interventions? For example, Vitamin D Deficiency is very common in this country ... yet it goes untreated most of the time for cardiovascular disease, multiple cancers, autoimmune disorders, and Alzheimer's Dementia

Okay, I'll take a deep breath now. If this resonates with anyone, feel free to contact me.

First Date:

Have intelligent conversation. A long hard bike ride ... or an Alternative ... Hiking in and around Mt. Diablo. Maybe take in a few races at Golden Gate Fields ... the equine aromas that emanate from the paddock are truly invigorating ... and stir the olfactory senses like no other. Perhaps dinner at an unpretentious Italian restaurant (with recipes de la famiglia) ... kinda like the place where "Sollozo and McClusky" were whacked in Godfather

To message BigCerebellum you MUST meet the following criteria:

have to be female ...

must not have messaged users looking for intimate encounters or sex

must not do drugs.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 5:40 PM (Arlene to Jeff)

Hi Jeff,

Arlene wants to be friends with you on Facebook.

Wednesday October 20, 2010, 5:51 PM (Arlene to Jeff)

Well blow me over! There you are! "You must really like that photo to post it.

And I can see why you would ... RUMPLED, WARM, and REAL."

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 9:34 PM (Arlene to Jeff)

Jeffrey, there are so many things you mention that connect to my life. I wonder how it is possible to intuit in such an accurate way.

You mentioned Marlon ... he was part of my life since I was 16 years old.

You mentioned Paso Robles where the first love (and lover) James Dean in my life came to his final moment here (on Earth).

You meet with a family who has autistic children. My granddaughter Molly Rose is 10 years old and autistic ...

and there are other things ...

I have a friend who lives in Discovery Bay, Ca. who is trying to find a "holistic practitioner." Her name is Mary De Coite. Would I have your permission to have her contact you? If your schedule is on overload perhaps you could to someone?

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 11:22 PM (Jeff to Arlene)

Hi Sweet Lady,

I am about to lay me weary head to sleep.

That is quite a litany of ironies. There is actually one more irony that you Overlooked ... it pertains to your first love ... and is easily discerned in one of my pictures.

I'm very sorry to hear about your granddaughter. The rate of prevalence for autism has grown exponentially in the last century ... and really accelerated in the last 25 years. That clearly points to a toxic/metabolic etiology. We are exposed chronically to so many toxins, that it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin. Theories abounded that Thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative contained in most vaccines). Most studies are inconclusive. Another issue with mercury is the advent of amalgam dental fillings many years ago. Serum testing for mercury is essentially useless ... but histological testing methods using hair can provide clues. I often incorporate a regimen of Methylselenocysteine. This is an organic version of selenium that has a good safety antagonist to elemental mercury. It also is an important co-factor in the body's production of glutathione. Glutathione is routinely depleted in autism ... and has strong anticarcinogenic properties (and also serves as the body's main detoxifying mechanism). It is standard practice in a hospital ER to administer parenteral Acetylcysteine to patients with acetaminophen toxicity (Tylenol). The Acetylcysteine is a direct precursor to glutathione (which is depleted in OD's). That is the whole concept with antidotes ... repleting nutrients that were depleted by toxic agents. That is why IV Thiamine is administered to those suffering from acute or chronic alcohol toxicity. Alcohol is a strong thiamine antagonist.

Sorry to go on at such length. I just want to share one little facet. That is merely an example of how I begin to address/attack problems. There are other interventions in autism that are worthwhile ... and can often help to alleviate symptoms. It is very important to keep expectations low. At the same time ... the human body has a tremendous capacity to heal and thrive if it is provided all the necessary "building blocks" ... aka nutrition. Feel free to have your friend Mary contact me. I'll see if I can get her a suitable referral. Again, I am not a licensed practitioner. Many neuropaths are best avoided. I do not operate within the constraints of licensure. I no longer "sell my soul." If she can relay some basic information about her health problem ... it will help me to guide her. OK ... off to bed. I have a 6 am appointment with the bike trail. Arlene, I like you. You emit very good karma ... and you make me feel good ... Sweet dreams ... Jeffrey,

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 11:52 PM (Arlene to Jeff)

Ah yes Jeffrey,

Thank you for your comments about autism. My daughter Avra didn't believe in vaccinations and tries to adhere to a gluten free organic diet for Molly. Please let me know about the irony I omitted ... I have happy feelings about getting to know you ... and not only because of what you know but equally important about what you are capable of feeling. I'm observing my dear little doggie "Millie" who reads me and she seems to concur with as a smile arises in her eyes.

(And mine)

Arlene

Also if you haven't read the short stories in "Winesburg Ohio" by Sherwood Anderson ... you must. Oh Lord there is just too much to share isn't there?

A Big Hug for you. No one listens like you do ... Hey ... I'm still hugging ... don't stop ...

Arlena

Thursday, October 21, 2010 10:34 PM (Arlene to Jeff)

I love this little boy. I want to play with him. Maybe the zoo would be good and paddle boating. What do you think he would enjoy?? Puzzles? Rolling down a green hill? ... Any more photos of yourself as a child?

Thursday, October 21, 2010 10:45 PM (Jeff to Arlene)

Dear, Dear Arlene,

I was remiss in not replying to the email sooner. I segued over from POF ... while you continue to be in mid-slumber. I would enjoy (immensely) listening to your interview. As enlightening as that might be ... I think I learn more about people when I personally interact with them. Experience their mannerisms. The way they treat the elderly, children ... and animals. The way they look at me. When I look at them "that way." The sound of their laughter, the taste of their tears ... as I comfort them with a kiss. Feeling my hand in their hand.

Jeffrey

Friday, October 22, 2010 3:00 PM (Arlene to Jeff)

My father "Maurice" lived in California. I only met him once when I was 10 years old. He was manic depressive, chain smoked, and (4 packs a day) and died at the age of 48 due to coronary thrombosis. When I reluctantly flew out to attend his funeral there were only three of us there. His supervisor at Lockheed Aircraft where he had worked as a mechanic, a long lost brother, and Me ... an estranged (and strange) child. I looked at him in his coffin with the makeup on that was supposed to make him seem "lifelike." What a mockery! I was overcome with sadness, rage, and confusion. My mother "Matilde" died when I was just 28 years old. She died of metastasized breast cancer. I adored her and felt the guilt ... (still do) of having missed the opportunity to serve her needs when she came out here from NY to be near me. I was totally immersed in my own goals and wasn't able (or willing) to be inconvenienced even as to driving her to her CT Scans at UCLA. The remorse is often unbearable especially with the contrast of my daughter Avra who has and does go out of her way to provide whatever she can for my well being. My mother's last words to me were "I forgive you." I asked, "For what?" Her answer (with a wave of her little hand) "oh ... for anything ... everything" ... My mother smiled and said "My Darling don't bother to visit the gravesite; after all ... I won't be there. I'll be THERE" and we both laughed. And now my dear Jeff, please know that our exchanges have helped immeasurably with healing and prolonging my own precious life.

Over two years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and refused the "traditional treatment" (chemo and radiation). I opted for following an alternative path, although the modalities offered that I believed in were all too costly. Hydrogen peroxide infusions were well beyond my means. My two oncologists marvel at my energy, stamina, and all over exuberant spirit. They have me on Arimidex 1 mg 1X/day. Avra arranged for me to go to The Optimum Health Institute. It's in Lemon Grove, CA (part of San Diego). What a place for healing! People come from all over the world and most often return with significant changes in their health status. The tumors that re-occurred in my left breast when my beautiful grandson Shane died now seem to be shrinking. (He was only twenty.) Three hours after his mother Nancy was declared dead from her lymphoma, Shane found his father's gun and shot himself. His father ... my son Adam is still grieving, as we all are. I see some tears in your eyes. Hey, "Don't cry for me Argentina!" I am one of those born to celebrate ... each ... moment. (I will not be leaving for awhile.)

I want to be here for Avra and Molly and Millie ... I do not fear Death itself. You know how I love to "travel ..." (I just don't want to go through any "unnecessary" painful procedures.)

Glad to be embarking on this trip and this "ship" ... with you ... Arlene

Friday, October 22, 2010 10:41PM (Jeff to Arlene)

Hi Arlene,

I just made it home. I don't really understand what's happening. I'm 48 years old, and I live over 400 miles from you. I've never spoken to you (maybe I have). I thought I had very little in common with you. Now, it feels like I have everything in common with you. I have developed feelings for you. THIS IS CRAZY! I am not crazy though ... I am pragmatic, analytical, and methodical. I cried for you today ... and you somehow knew. It was the type of crying I hadn't done in a long time. I'm not going to cry for you anymore. I am going to be your friend ... and try and help you (in any way that I can).

(Continues...)

Excerpted from MIxEd MeSsaGEsby Arlene Martel Jeff Minniti Copyright © 2012 by Arlene Martel with Jeff Minniti. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Edition details

• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1477266720
• ISBN 13: 9781477266724
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192