Grumpy

Originally Posted Friday, April 5, 2013

There are many things sleazier than naked bodies.  Most things, really.  Crispy Creme donuts, religion, etc.  Last night I shot with a young model who apparently, even after looking at my images, thought I was Glam Shots or that I was working for the Spiegel Catalog.  I did not get mad at her.  I was just irritated.  I tried not to show it, but I laughed a lot.  I probably made some fine pictures because I am good like that, but I really don't want to give them to her without charging her.  Apparently she thought I was working for her. 

I'm getting grumpy.  I know this.  I feel trapped between decadence and prudence.  I don't like the choices.  Both are sleazy and corrupt.  I want people to laugh wholeheartedly.  The things we do should be fun. 

But what I have to do now are all the things that I leave undone because they are not fun.  Taxes.  Bills.  Home repair.  I am taking the day off from the factory to try to catch up.  I won't.  But I'll try in my own feeble way. 

Grumpy.  I feel like I am Jay Leno up against some Jimmy Fallon.  There is no winning that. 

Siskel and Ebert are together again in that big Movie Theater in the sky.  We each take another step closer to the line.  There are plenty to take their places, but they left their mark.  What mark have you made?  I keep thinking about that.  Not your mark.  Mine.

Grumpy.  A friend keeps telling me that is what I have become.  I should make my mark.  I'll open a restaurant--Grumpy's Famous Chicken.  It will have old tables and chairs as you would see in a Parisian cafe with blue and white checked table cloths.  There will be an open brick oven where young men in white outfits cook everything.  We will serve onion soups and thick vegetable stews.  Pizzas.  And daily specials.  But you will always be able to get chicken.  And beer.  And wine.  And we will give away aperitifs at the end of the meal.  No, that is digestif?  Yes, I think that is correct.  And all the waiters and waitresses will be young and pretty and handsome, but mostly they will be happy and fun.  They will smile and and you will think they are dancing when they walk just by the subtle swaying of their hips.  The walls will be brick as well and hung with fabulous artworks.  It will be well-lighted.  It will be a haven, a place you will not wish to leave.  Grumpy's Famous Chicken. 

The sleaziness of last night's shoot is still with me.  The imperturbable posture, the unquestionable grin. 

O.K.  I've got to go.  The fellows passing out The Watchtower are knocking on my door.