Barfly
No, I'm not talking about the 1987 film with Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway, I'm talking about my experiences at the bar and the things I observed. Look around and look closely and you can see a lot in a bar. So many little dramas unfolding right before your very eyes.
I was getting a little stir crazy sitting at home. No one wanted to go out. The reasons given were weak at best but no matter, I'll make this a solo mission. It's not at all unusual for me to roam around the streets of New Haven solo, jumping from one establishment to another. Back in my acting days it was a great way to find little bits and pieces of humanity to put together characters. People have so many quirks , ticks, gestures and mannerisms that tell a story. Some are interesting, others are not but an artist can't create in a vacuum.
So off to the bars I went. Actually, just one bar. You see, a fire was raging in one of the buildings on the street that I was driving on and it was a one way. In front of me were firetrucks that came to a dead stop blocking my path. Behind me, several more firetrucks came roaring in destroying any possibility of me trying to back out. To my left, a fire hydrant, fuck the parallel parking. But to my right was an overpriced parking garage. I hate these places but I had no choice. I pulled in and forked over the money after running to an ATM machine and letting them hold my keys as collateral.
The Bar
There is one place that I particularly enjoy that's downtown but sort of hidden away from it all. Let your attention drift and you may miss it. It's a swanky little martini bar with very modern but uncomfortable stools and chairs. But hey, looking good is feeling good, right?
I took my seat and ordered my usual Tanqueray and tonic. The owner, a very suave gentleman, works the room making sure everything is perfect while greeting the guests. He's done this before, it's effortless and minimal energy seems wasted. I would say he's African American but by his slight accent I'd say he's from one of the Islands. He recognizes me from prior visits and pats me on the shoulder and gives smile. He asks how I'm doing and before I can give an answer he's onto the next customer. Classy, slick, efficient.
To my left is a couple uncertain about things. Actually she seems to be. They're around my age and don't look like regulars. I think this is one of many stops at various bars for them. I overhear her conversation, she's not sure if she's going to be a good mother. I run the thought through my own head. Yeah, she may be OK , hard to tell. I can't decipher if the guy wants to have kids or not. He listens more than contributes. Or is he ignoring her? I think they are a couple but maybe not with the distance the guy is putting up despite his close proximity to her and physical contact.
To my right are 2 guys that resemble Lenny and Squiggy from the old show Laverne and Shirley. They have something smart to say about everyone but it's really just to prop up their frail ego. They wouldn't last very long in a bar more rough and tumble. They said a few snide things about me once they ran out of other people to berate. I thought of beating the both of them senseless, which wouldn't have been hard but I didn't feel like spending the night in jail. Neither of these 2 poor sods could hold up more than a few moments in a real scuffle. One was tall and lanky, the other was barely above 5 feet. The tall one got up to go to the bathroom, my turn to have a little fun. I followed, waited for him to exit the bathroom and I made my way to the bathroom and gave the bump and nudge along with a very evil look. Like, "Don't fuck with me, I have a gun." I don't have or own any weapons but the look worked. He nodded, backed off and quickly headed back to his seat. Sometimes the acting skills pay off in all sorts of fun ways. If he were more of a man I wouldn't have tried it, but heaviest combat this dude has seen was probably playing World of Warcraft. Therefore, advantage Ricardo without even throwing a punch. Just a look and a nudge. I'm not much of a brawler anyway and fighting isn't my thing. I don't provoke it, I don't seek it. But if I have to, I will and you will feel it the next day.
I headed back to my stool at the bar and noticed the cult film Vampyros Lesbos was on. I own this gem on DVD because of it's trippy early 70s sights and sounds and steamy lesbian vampire action. These things stimulate me. Also it features on of the most beautiful women I've ever laid eyes on, Soledad Miranda. A B movie siren who's life was cut short by a car accident. Life and death is not a fair game.
The Somber
Among the crowd were others sitting alone with blank looks on their faces. They weren't observing, they weren't reaching out. They were turning inward and letting the drinks speed the process. Would this be where I would end up one day? I hoped not. I wondered what went wrong. Were they just tired? Were they sick of it all? Had they given up. The best vibe I could get from them was a little of all of the above.
This was not the direction I needed to go in. I asked the bartender where she got the notion to put on Vampyros Lesbos. We began a talk about the film and my lust for the late Soledad. That prompted Lenny and Squiggy to chime in about her as well. They were under her spell. They asked me more about her films and where she was from. I gave them the rundown and the wise guy cracks tempered and they were talking to people instead of at them. But I'd still smile if I saw someone braking their fingers.
Behold the healing power of lesbian Vampires. The night belongs to me.
Coming up next.....
The beauty of long red hair.
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Finally! :)
I take it you're a lover of the Ginger Freedom Front?
Size them up and break them down. That's whats up. I think a lot of us want to put people in their place when they start acting out. I'm speaking of the two dudes and how you bumped one of them.
I cannot say I haven't done what they were doing. I find it a source of entertainment, just for laughs. When the night is slow wise crack on the folks around you. I'm a humble dude though and never think I'm better than anyone. Just hope someone doesn't try to break my fingers. LOL... But I'm willing to fight when the time is necessary. I prefer to love though.
I like the fact that you can go off alone and do your thing. Making the best of a situation and rolling with the punches.
People find it odd when I venture out on my own. If you're not down with what I'm doing, willing to take a step out of your norm, or making excuses for reason not to then my life still must go on.
What a trooper Ricardo is...
Looking forward to the next post.
Saadia - The movement does not appear to be as active as it once was on the net. I think a read head is just another frontier I'd like to explore. LOL!
Urban - I have done what they have done too but there's the right way and wrong way. They were doing it the wrong way. Let's face it there are some idiots out there that look like rejects from the Springer Show so how could you not say something.
I prefer to love instead of fight too. Fighting is a LAST resort.
Sometimes you just have to take a step out there and go it alone, I agree. I notice so many more things when I do that and it clears my head and gives me ideas. I will remain a trooper. You do the same my friend.
I am a vampire, but not a lesbian, sorry. But let's hit the martini bars! Bombay gin straight up, with an anchovy olive!
Much respect on your ability to head out solo and observe the scene comfortably and with confidence - one of my favorite past times for sure.
It's a trait rarely found in others, I've noticed. That said, on a few occasions I've been that solo chick at the bar inwardly downing as many bevvies as possible in the shortest amount of time, not caring who was around, not wanting to talk. Just wanting to be numb.
Been there, done that ~ on both ends of the spectrum.
I really enjoyed this post!
I'd like to share martinis and anchovy olives with an enemy of the republic.
sounds like fun
I *love* going to bars and people watching. I really *love* listening to the conversations happening around me.
Great post!
Ha! The funniest thing to me is that those people have no idea that their conversations & evening out made it to the internet's' (as GWB would say). :)
enemy - I like that idea. Let's do it.
Huckdoll - thank you and I have felt
the need to get numb now and then myself. I think it happens to all of us. I once drove up to Montreal by myself and had a blast there. I guess sometimes I just like going solo.
Nursemyra - She's got the right idea I'd say. i think each of you would make excellent drinking companions.
Meleah - We should do this one day. We would get ourselves into trouble but in a good way.
Leah - LOL! The "internets." I can't believe this guy is the leader of the most powerful nation in the world.
Ahhhh....observing bar room drama can be quite fun (especially when you are sober). I played in a local band on the regional bar circuit for nine years straight and witnessed some bizarre behavior and situations that were so surreal that they can only be described as priceless. However, I dont miss it at all.
Sounds like you were in a interesting place to be showing a film like Vampire Lesbos.LoL
Clay -I bet you saw an eyefull! I say you get the band back together.
It was quite fun back in the day Ricardo but it would be pointless to start some midlife crisis band that plays hair metal songs from the 80's that no one ever wants to hear again.
sorry didn't mean to neglect you. My mind probably wasn't working properly when I stopped by. :) Waking up at 0200 am every morning is starting to take it's toll.
Clay - Retool the band a better reflect these modern times. I'll manage you. Think of the screaming women shouting your name. LOL!
Marsha- No worries, I'm just teasing you. Waking up at 2 AM is rough and nobody has a brain that's functioning at full capacity at that hour.
That must have been an interesting evening, but my question is: where were all my cell phone shots that you send me when you see someone cute? I'm very disappointed in you my friend!
It's nice to see more and more people comfortable enough in their own skin to go out by themselves and be at ease with it.
Kudos!
I'm with the the others who are giving you the thumbs up on venturing into a bar solo! I've thought of it (not to meet anyone, just to hang out) but I really do like some company when I sip wine and hang out a bar!
I may go to what looks to be an easy-going artist/Yuppie/urban bar with a nice long happy hour that's near one of the train stations after work one day. Just to chill.
I love your descriptions of the people and their energy - you're definitely an observer (and most writers are!).
The Lenny and Squiggy dudes, hahaha! You looking menacing makes me think of that photo of you in the knit cap playing the Bad Boy. I am sure you could pull it off!
I watch people on the train. Unlike a bar, they aren't usually talking but dang, the things they do! Plus those one-side cell phone conversations can be fascinating...
Even if you don't blog, I hope you never stop writing...
Deb - Nothing will stop me from having a good time I tell you! You know what? I should put up those pictures. LOL!
MsQ - The solo thing is really no issue at all with me. It's become second nature. Yes I can look very menacing. I like that.
The train is a different dynamic. People are more closed off or think they are in a bubble where no one else can see them. But we can. What strange things have you seen? Share!
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