Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Drink Beer and Cry


What’s it like to be close to fame, but never quite famous? What happens when people keep telling an actress she’s good, and funny, but she can never quite land a big part?

That’s the subject of “Take Your Shirt Off and Cry,” a book by Nancy Balbirer. I went out last night with Gary and his friend Joy to see a reading performance by Balbirer at Joe’s Pub, and it was great -- both hilarious and poignant. It included a couple of other well-known comedians and show biz types like Charles Busch, who wrote the movie “Die Mommy Die,” and Mike Albo, whose book “The Underminer” I recently read.

Afterwards, Gary, Joy and I retired to McSorley’s, where we drank a few too many beers and whispered conspiratorially about our cute Scottish waiter.

A fun night, but holy cow. For a Buddhist I really fell off the low-alcohol, mindfulness bandwagon!

(Photo: Madison Avenue reflections, April 2009)

10 comments:

utahDOG! said...

Bandwagons are there for the falling off of...

Reya Mellicker said...

Oh, wish I'd been there! Everything about the evening sounds great.

R.L. Bourges said...

Steve: I'm amused by the fact this acress may end up making a name for herself by telling about all the ways in which she failed to hit the big time :-)

Bet you the cute waiter enjoyed all the conspiratorial attention.

on a totally different subject: I'm told you once had your blog deleted. Since I'm dealing with the problem at my place right now, if you have any practical advice of the how-to-get-it-back category, would you mind dropping me a line? You can reach me by email (address on my profile page.) Thanks, Steve.

Merle Sneed said...

Today is another day perfect for climbing back upon the bandwagon. Or not.

Barbara said...

I'm so glad you had a night out on the town with Gary and Joy. And it's OK to have one too many among friends. I'm sure it will have no lasting effect on your Zen practice! :)

Ronda Laveen said...

Biffing it off the wagon just makes you all the more mindful, yeah?

Gary said...

Steve,

It was a great show indeed! I was moving a bit slowly this morning as well but made it through.

Barbara said...

I meant to say that is the coolest photo ever! I could stare at it for a long time.

Winston Riley said...

Steve. I'm an old friend of Reya's and have seen your comments. Thought I'd come to your place and hang. Wow! You two have a photo blog likeness thing going on! Very cool. Take care,

Wendy said...

Great shot. I don't always comment, but I keep checking back in to see what wonderful photo you've added! I enjoy your work!