I've had some good people come passing through my life. Though their names aren't important, the part they played to a shy, insecure girl is one I'm forever grateful for.
In no order of one being any better than the other, here is a list of The
- The Dancer. This week end favorite is as close to having a handsome BFF as you will ever get. This guy doesn't care who's watching, what his friends will say, he just wants to pull you out on the dance floor and see you smile. Bobby Z's face is the one I always see when Walking on Sunshine comes on.
- The Holiday/Special Day Rememberer. Oh, man, this one. Not a birthday, 6 week anniversary, Sweetest Day, or Earth Day passes without a lovingly signed card slipped into your college backpack. A genuine sweetheart with a heart of gold. It's Mark R I see when the stores start announcing Time To Buy A Card!
- The Sharp Dressed Man. Enjoy it for as long as you can stand sharing the mirror with someone almost as pretty as you are. How fun is it to know a guy that likes to shop as much as you do? And one who really cares about his answer when you ask, the blue or the grey shoes with this one? Fun times. Gary B, you still that sharp dressed man?
- The Talker. Michael A, how you would listen and have opinions and get as upset as I was when I told you what my crap roommate was pulling. I loved it. Walking and talking and holding hands for hour long walks, when you made me feel as if you didn't want to hear any one else's stories but mine at that moment. I heard you were married, I hope you're still listening like this, to your wife. If you are, you've kept her a happy woman.
- Oh, the allure of the World's Most Handsome Man. Whew. How great is that while it lasts? To walk into a place and have jaws drop at who has their arm draped around you. Bill K, I always made it seem like you were the one lucky to be seen with me, actually, that summer we were together I felt like Angelina herself, and I couldn't have walked prouder. Remember the carload of girls at the gas station that just about ran over the gas pump when they saw you get out to fill up?
- The Sweetheart. Wouldn't the world be so wonderful now and then if these sweethearts were able to dole themselves out to everyone, just a few months here and there, so we'd all get some of this love and devotion? The sweetheart who calls you like he promises, rides his bike over in the rain, learns how to make homemade pizza just because you mentioned how much you think you'd like to try it. Chris H, when I ran into you and your three little kids at the toy store 15 years ago, I could tell right away, you hadn't changed a sweet hair on your head. What a lucky wife you have.
- The Comedian. Once again, you are here, Gary B. No one has made me laugh harder at absolutely nothing than you. It's this gift of humor that you had that meant I could never stay mad at your shenanigans. And you know just what I mean; being an hour late and showing up as if you hadn't realized it was an hour late. You knew, and you packed some jokes you could pull out in your defense as soon as you rang the doorbell. It was my admiration and love for how you made me laugh that kept us friends from the time we were 16 until we were over 30 years old. That's a long time to be friends. And then you had to move in with that jealous girl, Tammy 15 years ago. I hope you are doing well, because I think -- of everyone here -- I am most grateful for you.
There it is, the list of Must Have Men In Every Woman's Life. The memories are almost sweeter than the real thing.
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| Is this No. 1, No. 3, or No. 4? Or all of the above? |
xo
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Gary B. sounds like he is the guy! The guy that makes the rest of us look bad! Seriously, now you've got me thinking about the women who have come into and out of my life over the years. I wonder if I could come up with something like this. Great post!
ReplyDeleteAs far as that photo goes, I can only vouch for good looking. Anything else would have to be a guess.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure which one is luckier... You for having the chance to know all those wonderful men, or them, who clearly knew an amazing woman when they saw you.
ReplyDeleteI don't have that much luck with the men in my life. Most of the men sort of fell into "The Arsehole" category. Yes, I take, ahem, some responsibility for being an arsehole magnet ;)
I believe that you were blessed with so many good influences in your life, Alexandra, because you're a kind, generous person inside and out. Karma. You've paid it forward, dear friend.
I believe the people we meet shape us in some way.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder you are amazing - look at all these lucky men to have had the opportunity to cross paths with you!
and you call yourself lucky....need to find their blog...i bet u make a similar list... smiles
ReplyDeleteI loved this!!! In college, I preferred male friends to female ones... and I think I had one of each that you described here. I really love men. The only one I've always wanted but have never had is the Best Gay Friend. I'd so love that....
ReplyDeleteGary B. With those clothes and that cigarette, who else could it be?
ReplyDeleteAw, I love this. Personally I'm still just waiting for my rich 'uncle'
ReplyDeletexoxo
yes. love this. so wonderful that you got to experience these delicious qualities in a few different men over the years. i have known quite a few that fit this bill, too, and have loved them all the more for it. and sense of humor--that one goes such a long way for me.
ReplyDeleteXOXO
I could make a list of 7 kinds of men that I could have done without. Buuut, I guess they all led me to where and who I am, so maybe I'm thankful for them, too. Love the post!
ReplyDeleteI try to forget most of the men in my past. I laughed at Erica's "7 kinds of men that I could have done without." Amen, sister.
ReplyDeleteThe man who was the love of my life was 6 out of 7 of these. The cards? Not so much. But this is why he was impossible to get over and makes it so hard to find someone else that great. I'm convinced he was a one of a kind man.
ReplyDelete*smile* You instantly brought back a flood of memories I thought I had lost forever.... And I must agree that each of these amazing and unique men was truly blessed for having crossed paths with such an illustrious woman! Now I'm off to listen to my own music and wrap myself in the warmth of so many magical days from the past! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAh--sometimes I want to go back (other times you couldn't pay me), but that little thrill--the wonder of the unknown future...I mean the snoring and farting are super sweet, but sometimes...
ReplyDeleteMusic IS my memory. I have so many people that I will never see, never know again that come to me in a song. It's the sweetest kind of nostalgia.
ReplyDeleteI really loved this post.
Fantastic post about some wonderful people who are lucky to have met YOU - and now I want a cigarette so desperately. Yummm . . . nicotine.
ReplyDeleteLove this, what a nice way to frame it. I like to think back on all those didn't-work-out-guys as the training regimen for the one who did.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how music has this ridiculous power to transform us to a different place. I had to work hard to reclaim one of my favorite songs, With or Without You, to NOT remind me of an ex. :-)
ReplyDeletePS. My favorite has always been and will always be the Comedian. So glad I married one.
You dated a smoker? I never would have guessed
ReplyDeletehello, sweet people. This was such a fun post to write. Music, it always overtakes me. My oldest is just like that, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments. We're still in D.C., SO MUCH RAIN but the Smithsonian is (it's actually 19 museums...can you believe that?) it;s all so interesting and we're learning so much. The best part is all of us getting to be together...I love that.
We'll be home soon, can't wait to catch up with you all.
Miss you all!!
xo, Alexandra
Isn't it amazing how much music kicks up old memories.
ReplyDeleteLove this and Gary B and his shennanigans that we can shrug off.
Even if he says "Babe, I think I want to do something constructive. Have a job that makes a difference. I want to be a farmer"
Yea, that's my GB.
What a lovely walk down memory lane. ...thank you for sharing it with us and in my opinion, each and every one of those guys were lucky to have you in their lives!
ReplyDeletei enjoyed this thoroughly. you were talking so intimately with these men and allowed us to listen. what a dynamic writer you are. i am grateful for you.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a cool idea for a post. And of course you hit it out of the park. I've known a couple of those guys, but your inventory has me replaying my own and wearing a very private smile and likely a bit of a blush. Good thing it's late and dark in here, since Phin doesn't know all my secrets.
ReplyDeleteThere have been a few of those in my life. But, since I've been married to my husband for so long, it's hard to remember. What I should say is that he's all of those wrapped into one. He definitely has the comedian end of things down.
ReplyDeleteI have never been, and will never be a dancer. Even though I don't care who is watching, or what I look like, my "dancing" is, um, well, I think a deceased water buffalo has better moves.
ReplyDeleteI'd add The Artist, or The Musician to this list, though. Every woman needs to feel that she's a muse, at least once in her life, if not every day.
That picture looks like Celine Dion and David Bowie.
ReplyDeleteHey I know those guys-
ReplyDeleteI adore this post, so very much. Stunning.
ReplyDeleteYes I'm there too with the 7 men I could do without!! :-) Boy did I date some disasters.
ReplyDeleteThe only man I could do with, I AM with. ;-)