My friend Darren called me to tell me that I needed to take a shower and get ready for a party in the Valley at Miko's house. Both Darren and Miko were attending the Guitar Institute in Hollywood, even though Darren was already a shredder.
I protested on two grounds. First, I never go out on New Year's Eve as a practice; drunk people aren't very interesting. Second, I never go to the Valley, as I was happy in Brentwood.
Twenty minutes later, Darren and four other long-haired musicians walked into my apartment, and I capitulated. Soon we were on our way over the hill and into the Valley. I had no idea where we were going, other than Miko's house.
I was standing in front of the door when Edward James Olmos grabbed my hand and asked me to come in. Miko is Edward James Olmos' son.
You would know Edward James Olmos from Miami Vice, Battlestar Galactica, and the movies Blade Runner, American Me, and Stand and Deliver.
Miko took everyone to the garage to party and play guitars, while Olmos and his wife gave me a tour of their house, including a look at an award, but most were in storage, and a piece of art that I believe was a Picasso, but I am no longer certain. I spent a wonderful evening with the actor and his wife.
In 2024, you will have several opportunities. If you refuse these opportunities, they may be lost forever.
