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Capes and the Real Men Who Wear Them…
Growing up, I loved Bela Lugosi and Vincent Price. They were men in black. Although they were outsiders, they showed me that black didn’t have to be dark, dank & horrible. Through their elegance and presence, I saw that it could be beautiful, humorous, and poetic. I didn’t look like Price or Lugosi, and with my seemingly all-American fair looks, no one would ever suspect that I identified with them. I didn’t look like them, but I felt like them. And through them I saw that as an outsider, I too could be a man in black.
They always predicted I’d be tall like my Uncle Larry and play basketball. That seemed to make things ok for me. That meant I’d be at least eye level with the kitchen counter top. Able to see Mom’s beautiful hands work her yeast rolls and pie dough. Able to exhibit an acceptable family trait, be recognizable as one of them. “He’s tall just like Larry.”
But soon I was outgrowing my favorite pj’s – the ones Mamaw made for me from her turquoise nightgown with the rhinestone buttons. Not being able to wear those pj’s changed the notion of being tall like Uncle Larry. In fact, the thought of being taller lost all its appeal.
But grow I did, and years later, I remembered Lugosi and Price and the black capes they wore. Dignified, elegant, distinctive. And in Vincent Price’s case, tall. Being tall turned out to be an assett for me after all. I found that outgrowing those pj’s didn’t mean outgrowing what they meant to me. There was a thread from that turquoise cloth to a flowing black cape. I’m now a man in black myself, a tall man in a cape. With elegance, with distinction? Maybe. But as an outsider? Definitely. And sometimes with rhinestone buttons.
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Tossing Glitter...24 Comments
My favorite line in this piece” that meant I’d be at least eye level with the kitchen counter top. Able to see mom’s beautiful hands work her yeast rolls and pie dough” That sentence puts me in so many kitchens in my youth watching, waiting and smelling goodies coming out of the oven in so many relatives kitchens. It just picked me up and literally threw me back to my youth. Wow so powerful!!!! Xoxoxo
The little things like that remind us of so much. Thanks MonaBaby for letting me know it made you smile!!! xoxo
My favorite Mona is “the thread from the turquoise cloth to the black cape.” Making childhood so relevant to today….❤️❤️
That turquoise cloth is unforgettable…. I’m thrilled you felt that Carla!!! Thank you for your support… xoxo
Oved it. Made me think how wonderful you looked and were in our high schoolplay. Brought back good thoughts. Cant wait to read more.
Don’t know if anyone knew how tailor made I was for Dracula Baby, at least in my own mind…. Good memories Cheryl and thank you for reading and feedback!!! xo
You were the first black-caped man I ever loved. I’d always noticed you during swing choir performances and walking in the hall but this was different. You were a real actor and not just any actor–one in a black cape that pulled it off without a hitch. I longed to be Lucy and have you singing to me that you were my destiny. I had no idea what a spectacular writer you would turn out to be. So much beauty bottled up inside you and all it took was black cape to release it. I treasure your writing and your courage through all of the tests life has thrown at you. Thank you for sharing the inner you with us. I’m certain I’m not the only one who is glad you didn’t take up basketball! <3
Thank you Kat!!! Don’t believe anyone had any idea how long I’d been waiting to wear that black cape!!! Your support means so much to me!!! xoxo
As each exert, beautifully expressed. I have been waiting all day and checking your site often to see if you had posted another. You far from disappointed. Drawing me in farther and farther with each posting. You are so very talented with your wording and can draw in the reader like they are there. Seems to come to you so easily. Growing up I never would have guessed, knew you were so very talented in so many ways….but would never have guessed about your writing. You did write me at least one poem, maybe more than one, I wish I knew what happened to them. I guess I should have realized by them, but we were young, I didn’t know a great writer when he was standing right in front of me. Thank you for being so good to me and such a great friend, but you are more than good to everyone I know of. XOXO <3 🙂
Thank you Kathy for such a touching beautiful comment…. These little stories have been with me for alot of years…. I lived them… Told them over and over to girls in my haircutting chair…. Then started writing them ten years ago…. Turning them inside out and looking at every angle… I’m truly flattered and beyond grateful that you are enjoying them….. Love you….
xoxoxo
and glitter! Maybe even on your eyes! ❤️
ESP on the eyes Amy!!! Thanks for supporting Farm Stories!!!! xoxoxo
Loved the story Eddie, longing for more!!
Thanks Angie!!! So happy you loved!!! Thank you for your support with Farm Stories!!!!
Don’t know exactly which part did it but I finished with tears in my eyes. Life and what it throws at us. Sigh. Can’t wait for more!
Melinda there is no greater compliment than knowing my little story touched you in some way…. Thank you for letting me know and thank you for your support!!!
Enjoyed the story!! I collect buttons, especially rhinestone ones! xoxo
We LOVE our rhinestone buttons Cindy!!! Thanks for supporting Farm Stories!!! xoxo
Love it. It made me think of you in High school play. You were so awesome in it. Also love the part about watching your mama bake. ❤️
Am so touched you remember Dracula Baby…. Don’t think anyone knew how happy I was to wear a black cape in public…. Ha!!!! Your reading and support for Farm Stories means so much to me!!! xoxoxo
Oh yes, loooved you in Dracula Baby! Love you in black, love you in cape, love you in glitter, frankly, I just love you!
Seems like a lifetime ago Pam… Opps!! It was!! Your support and love has meant so much to me…. Thank you so much!!! Love you always!!!
xoxo
Bela Lugosi and Vincent Price were two of my favs. I remember watching them on Saturday nights in the films…Dracula, etc.
From the thread to the cape….wonderful!
Those movies were filmed so beautifully…. They were a huge part of my childhood…. Thank you so much Janet for reading and supporting Farm Stories…..