I haven't been very concerned about my age. Sure my eyes are wrinkled and my fingers are getting knobby, but I assumed I was still blending in with the 30-something set. Wasn't it just a month ago, on New Year's Eve, that Candace asked me if I was 29?
The events of Saturday night caused a cosmic shift in my perspective. We went to see The Sadies at the Bug Jar . I've mentioned before that life with Larry is an adventure and this jaunt was no different. Always early, we arrived an hour before the doors opened. Once inside, we discovered that the bug jar consists of the bar area and the adjoining "concert hall" which is about as big as my parents living room. Standing room only.
There were only 6 other people in the bar when we arrived. Larry was thrilled. He was able to watch sound check, talk to the band and get autographs while I sat at the bar drinking seltzer water and watching the Sabres. Looking around I noticed that except for the bartender(below), I was by far the oldest person in the place. The more I looked at the bartender, the more I thought he was younger than me too!
As the first band ended, we bravely made our way to the front about 3 feet from the speakers- big mistake!! . Once the music began, I remembered what amazing musicians these 4 men are and how much I dislike!! being in a crowd so close that if one person sways everybody sways!
After the 4th song I headed for the back. How I squeezed through the 6 inches people gave me to pass by is a miracle. Finding no standing room in back I made my way to a big empty table on the side of the bar.
For a while I felt a bit awkward. After all, I was sitting in a public place, alone, surrounded by fun loving "kids". I cleaned out the messages on my phone, downloaded Solitaire, updated my Facebook page, checked in with Beth and glanced around the room once in a while.
To my left there was a group playing pool. I especially noticed a blonde, good looking guy who had dimples just like Ladd Beach. He seemed to be the community builder of the group.
After a while the awkward feelings vanished. My head started bobbing to the music while my fingers drummed the table. I started trying to figure out the scenarios playing out on the "stage" before me.
My attention captured by a particularly animated couple, I didn't see the man walking toward my table. Suddenly, leaning over, looking right into my eyes, was Mr. Dimples. Without an introduction he said "We (pointing to the pool players) can't stop talking about you, we love you."
OK -this got my attention. I didn't know whether to laugh, give him my best "no bullying" speech or call 911. It was his next words that cut deep!!
He said something like "You are an older person in a bar that is CLEARLY for young people, and yet you are having fun and you're TEXTING" as he pointed to my phone "and we love you for it."
I wish I could remember his exact words because it was even more clear that the "boys"(men?) who couldn't stop talking about me, were wondering why Grandma Moses was taking sitting at a table in their "home bar", texting her friends.
We went on to have a short but fun conversation that covered topics from sleeping at rest stops to playing pool for a living to dimples. When he mentioned that he had graduated from college 12 years ago, my stomach flipped.This man who considered my an "older person" in a young person's bar was not 21 or 22! He was 31 or 32! So much for blending in with the 30-somethings.
I sat there trying to analyze what really prompted the conversation. Did they wonder if I was a private eye, a senile lady who had lost her way or worse? I decided to accept the "kindness" at face value. It isn't every day that a good looking, dimpled, pool playing 30-something man tells you he and his friends love you.
As the band was finishing their last song, I had a burning desire to color my hair and contact my doctor for a face lift !
As we were leaving, I found my dimpled friend and thanked him for coming over to chat saying "You made my night..." He gave me a hug and kiss and we were on our way.
Chances are I will never encounter Mr. Dimples again but every time I think of him I will smile. Unusual surprises are rare at 53!! Now excuse me - I am calling my hairdresser and taking out a second mortgage for a face lift!!
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