Haight-Ashbury, October 2007 |
Despite the infidelity, narcissism, and lack of reciprocation, he was safe. Familiar. Predictably disappointing. She'd settled for the kind of less that's incapable of ever being more, a languid déjà vu of unilateral apathy which absolutely crushed any possibility for true affection or spontaneity. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose, n'est-ce pas? Idealism was her Achilles heel. Their reunion after two mostly incommunicado decades was proof that, unlike a reliable Napa Valley vintage, some things are better relegated to the past; they simply don't improve with age.
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"Kick-boxer Guy" |
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"She Likes Her Dress...But Will He?" |
Part II: Detour
Part III: Marvelously Fresh, Decidedly Vague
Part IV: From Cupcake Epiphany to The Future Now
What a wonderful read!! Loved it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Michelle!
DeleteVivid and compelling as always. Love the paper grail. I laughed out loud because I was lifting mine just as I read that sentence.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is serious business...I'd drink it from a bedazzled chalice if it'd fit in my car's cupholder! :-D
Delete"Maybe indifference would cure her ambivalence" -- Great line! Really enjoying this one. Keep it coming!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janene. It was fun thinking back to exactly what was running through my head that afternoon...
DeleteAnother great story Kris. Just to think that all "that" runs thru a women's head at any given moment gives me the chills. Even when we think we are the safest with what we think we know, we are hit by life which has other plans. Sometimes we need the "same shit different day" shaken up a bit.
ReplyDeleteWe're (unecessarily) complicated, aren't we? I totally agree about shaking things up.
DeleteKris, your story is a perfect example of how past experience can prejudice and diminish one's experience of the present.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed. The rest of the story is a life-changer.
DeleteKris, I love this glimpse into your past. Such an excellent and very honest piece of writing. Love the photo of you in Haight-Ashbury. My husband and I lived in San Francisco for nine years in the North Beach section of town (near Telegraph Hill), and my husband’s sister lives in Haight-Ashbury.
ReplyDelete"She’d settled for the kind of less that’s incapable of ever being more," so well expressed and I know that all too well. Idealism has often been my Achilles heel too. Going on a blind date, even with a handsome guy with nice teeth and a hard to resist love of Java is still an iffy proposition because you never really know how it will go. I applaud your courage for taking that risk. And I understand the fail-safe too. Re: that previous semi-disastrous date with can’t find my money to cover the check guy, OMG you had me laughing out loud with the "mercy fuck" line! Loved your comeback.
That’s a beautiful ceramic piece by Elaine, happy and colorful. Going for that coffee with Kick-boxer Guy turned out to be an excellent decision. Spartacus does have a great smile! :)
Madilyn, I always appreciate how thoughtful your comments are. That trip to SF was magical in SO many ways...maybe I'll finish the story in the weeks to come; it was a life-changing experience. When that picture at Haight-Ashbury was taken, I'd just finished a 10 mile walk with two of my dearest friends, Allen and Bryan. Had to take a taxi back to the hotel! Dating in my 40s was a real roller coaster-ride, but I made sure I was never taken for granted. I love Elaine's ceramic work; I have a couple of her pieces. She presented them to me, saying, "You can serve potato chips in these." That's a true artist for you! RE: Spartacus, yes, coffee proved to be unsafe in the best possible way.
DeleteHaight-Ashbury? Now that conjures up some memories.
ReplyDeleteLoved some of those lines Kris-
- a "tall latte with just enough milk to make it tan."
- some things are better relegated to the past; they simply don't improve with age.
- Java love was something they had in common, safe yet satisfying, a buzz guaranteed to be uncomplicated by regret.
Good plot, & yes, you ladies do lead a hectic life inside those heads of yours. Now men; on the other hand? Not much happening there. Sounds like its a lot easier inside the operating room than outside.
btw, liked the snaps, & yes, that finish worked.
Cheers, ic
Ian, did you spend some time in SF? What a fantastic town! I've held on to my California medical license because I guess I'm still California dreamin'. This piece pretty accurately represented exactly what I was thinking and feeling at the time; yes, I was a hot mess. I think you're right about life being easier inside the OR than outside!
DeleteOnce again Helena, I couldn't stop reading, you always seem to have a good way with words and keeping me engrossed. You've had a very interesting life, and I must admit I had a big laugh over the guy who didn't have enough money to pay his way, ha ha ha ha. You should have paid for your half and left him sitting there with the waiter working out the physics of money, ha ha ha ha. Great Post :)
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for some more.
RPD, I do hope that your recovery is progressing well and that you're feeling better. Can you believe the guy who showed up for a date with $12 in his pocket?! My Steel Magnolia persona definitely came out to play on that date!
DeleteHelena, I was swept off my feet and absolutely loved riding the wave of your narration! It was powerful, even if brief, and packed many tales in short bursts. Wonderful language and symbols; that last line set me thinking!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment, US. I've very much enjoyed visiting your blog as well; you're a wonderful writer. Glad to have you at BC.
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