When I was first out of university and looking for a job (with my degree in Art with minors in Psychology and English), my mother's friend, Leah Meis (name changed to protect the unkind) insisted I meet her son-in-law to see if he had a job for me. He interviewed me in Leah's bedroom (and, no, I didn't put out) and offered me a job in the mailroom of his factory-of-some-sort in New Jersey. I didn't like him much (nor did I like the offer); I thanked him and turned him down.The next day, Leah arrived at my parents' apartment and demanded I take the mailroom job. I told her I was looking for something a bit more challenging and interesting.
Leah said, "Get the feathers out of your ass, Mitchell! You're not a peacock!"
Once I was gainfully employed, I walked into Saks Fifth Avenue and bought myself a very expensive, hand-painted, silk necktie. One spectacular peacock feather on a scarlet background.
(After another 15 years, Leah Meis retired to New Jersey and my mother, having finally decided she'd endured enough nastiness, refused to visit her.)
Dudo's Peacock Feather
On the subject of peacocks, when our niece Lindy's parents were visiting last month, her mother, Debbie, brought a bag of toys for the cats — two of each item. Included were a pair of peacock feathers from their own farm peacocks. Dudo and Moose were (and are) ecstatic.
My Ass
In preparation for our move to Spain more than 5 years ago, I finally retired that very old peacock feather necktie. I've at times considered having a peacock fan tattooed across my entire back (emerging from the crack of my ass).
(Click the images for a closer look... at Dudo, not my ass.)
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| DUDO AND HIS PEACOCK FEATHER. |
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| SOMETHING FLEW BY. |
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| WAS THAT AN ENTIRE PEACOCK??? |
Leah Meis sounds like a real peach .... bless her heart.
ReplyDeleteBetter still, the cat photos!
Bob:
DeleteDefinitely better still the cat photos.
A bedroom is a strange location for an interview is it not ...
ReplyDeleteHeron:
DeleteI sure thought so. There was a den, too. I guess I wasn't worthy.
Haven't we all had a 'Leah' in our lives!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the 'cat series' here, Mitch! Doesn't take much to get a cat 'stoned', eh?!
I say go for that tattoo.....imagine the reactions on the beach!
Jim:
DeleteWhere I grew up, there were way too many Leahs -- opinionated, outspoken, bossy, and unkind. I wonder how this Leah's two children survived her.
So peacocks have followed you for a very long time it would seem ~ must mean something ~ mantra-like perhaps!
ReplyDeleteHere kitty kitty!!
Ron:
DeleteYou'd think I would have buried this memory by now. Maybe, although I didn't like Leah, I DID like the imagery.
For a moment I was worried you were going to post a questionable picture. Have a terrific week.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteWait for the tattoo!
Peacock feathers are they not supposed to be unlucky?
ReplyDeleteJohn:
DeleteI never knew that, so I just looked it up. I will NOT be getting a peacock tail tattoo!
From the web: "Image result for are peacock feathers unlucky or lucky
The idea that peacock feathers are bad luck is traced to a superstition that began in the Mediterranean, where the eye-like markings on the end of peacock feathers are called the “evil eye.” The "evil eye" markings are said to be the ever-watchful eye of the femaledemon Lilith."
It's sad that sensitive loving people let Leah's bruise us. Like an angels wings, you have those peacock wings but only other magical people can see them!
ReplyDeleteToni:
DeleteVery kind of you. I grew up with these kinds of statements. Leah just reinforced what I constantly heard, which is probably why it hangs in my memory. That and the fact that it is a very good image.
Don't get my started on peacocks. I love them!!!!! And would have several if I could. I do however have a huge vases filled with tons of them. That lady sounds like a real pain in the ass.
ReplyDeletemistress maddie:
DeleteI love peacocks, too. Lindy's parents even have some kind of pearly white peacocks (not albinos). As for "that lady," you're being kind.
Oh, the people who not only think they can boss others around, but also take them down a peg in the process. Screw that! I may have to borrow the mental image of the "crack feathers" the next time I come face to face with a Leah Meis.
ReplyDeleteMichelle:
DeleteOh, how I hope you don't soon come face to face with a Leah Meis. I can't think of one kind thing to say about her. Wait! She owned a nice antique shop and was a very skilled (if not pleasant) interior designer. Whew!
delightful dudo! and I bet you have a cute ass!
ReplyDeleteanne marie:
DeleteDudo and my ass are delightful ... with and without feathers.
I love that story...ps someone else loved your S&M comment, she is Vintage Vix and I have a feeling you would love her...she is fabulous. Check her comment out on my blog :) And the unkind of the world may piss off!
ReplyDeleteCheapchick:
DeleteThanks! I will get back to your blog later and will definitely check out Vintage Vix. AND thanks again!
Someone once said, the best revenge, is living well. You did it your way, and it appears to have worked.
ReplyDeleteTravel:
DeleteYou're so right. And maybe she became kinder in her old age.
Staggers me that someone would even think of saying something like that. I would sure hate to be her. Imagine having that nastiness inside you. Dudo, on the other hand, is all loveliness.
ReplyDeleteWilma:
DeletePerhaps if she actually THOUGHT, she wouldn't have said most of the cruel things she did say.
I'd like to agree with you that Dudo is all loveliness (he IS adorable), but his brother might not agree. He can be such a domineering little prick. (But still adorable while he does it.)