Saturday evening we went to our usually Karaoke place in Brigantine, NJ, St Georges. The place was pretty crowded so we looked towards our usual sitting area to see if our friends had saved seats for us, they waved us over.
Millie went directly over but I usually get "button holed" by some people and for me being accepted is VERY important so I want to talk with them, it only took about 20 minuets before I got to the tables that are pushed together. There was a new couple sitting at our spots but chairs were placed for Millie and I to sit between them and our friends. I of coursed introduced myself to the new people, they were cordial and when I heard them speak it was obvious they were from the south (Bible Belt).
I attempted to have a conversation with the new woman, but I could tell she was somewhat guarded so I backed off rather than make her to uncomfortable. I did introduce Millie as my wife and mentioned how long we've been together so that they would know I was accepted by my wife and not soliciting anything ulterior.
As we were leaving and saying our good nights, the woman said to me, I'm a Baptist and I've never met anyone like you, I don't judge people but I just didn't know how to react but you seem like a very nice person, I thanked her and said we come here most Saturdays so possibly we'll see you again. She said we have a business nearby and we're her permanently and I've sang all my life so we will be back, she did sound great and seems to be competition for my wife.
THE NEXT DAY
Sundays my wife and I go to breakfast in Somers Point, we got there late this Sunday and I mentioned to my wife, I have a whole new group of people to break in, only because (I think) I dress in an androgynous way, I don't look fem by any stretch but I wear women's jeans, jacket and women's horse back riding boots so I really draw attention. As my wife walked into the restaurant an elderly gentleman (89 he told me) was walking to his car next to me and noticed my outfit, he asked if I rode horses, I laughed and said no, I introduced myself and he just wanted to talk about my boots. He was with his daughter (middle aged), he kept pressing about my boots, I said I'll give you my card if you don't get upset, I handed it to him and he said WOW, that's the most excited I've been in 30 years, his daughter said he'll show that to everyone in the rest home.
As I go into the restaurant to locate my wife, I'm again stopped by another older guy (84), I like to ask ages. Turns out he was connected to the Philly mob in a vicarious way due to the nature of his business. We also had some mutual acquaintances because he was now retired in Longport and I had a lot of customers from there. He had also asked if I rode horses and I gave him my card too. I thought he would be rude and direct, but instead he said he was going to invite me to a party. To be honest, I have been invited to quite a few parties, but if everyone who said they would did, I'd never have a free night.
So finally, after 20 minuets again I get to sit with Millie, the waiters had to bring a warm cup of coffee and Millie asked, what happened to me?
We just finish ordering our food when the couple we met the night before is seated next to us, I ask Millie if they were the people we met and she confirmed. I said I have to break "balls", so I go to their booth and stand there staring at them, the lady looks at me in a thinking way, do I know this person, her husband looks at me for a few seconds and say's OMG and leans over and tells his wife "It's Louise" from last night. The Lady jumps out of her seat and grabs me in a bear hug and kisses me, what a reaction. After we ate they asked us to sit with them and just talk.
I love the reactions.
1 comment:
Louise,
These were two great stories. I really like the small world aspect of the back to back encounters with the Southern Baptists.
Your form of outreach by simply being yourself out and about as a friendly face in a nice dress is what all of us need to do. You are an excellent ambassador and role model for many.
Pat
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