BijouBlog

Hi folks! Will here with tales from the West! (I know, another wacky title...but, there's a story behind this, of course!)

First off, my 2,000 mile trip across our vast, beautiful country was delightfully uneventful...just the way I like it when travelling solo. Truth be told, I did have several of my favorite house plants tucked in the back of the car. I have had some of these guys since my apartment in San Francisco and some of them are still adorning our home today. The trusty steed, my SAAB 9000, took very good care of me across the country, sipping ever so gently on the petrol and keeping me safe throughout the journey. (There will be a chapter devoted not only to this car but of all of my automotive favorites in the very near future!)

My trusty steed!

OK...the title. Upon arriving, I wanted to dig in and find out about the history of this country's oldest state capital. Not only is it the oldest capital city in the country, but it is the highest in elevation—7,199 feet! My breathing apparatus took a couple of weeks to fully adjust to the altitude change. Founded in 1610, it was originally called La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asís. Translated, this means The Royal city of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi.

Playing tourist in my new home town!

The basilica pictured is located in Santa Fe's historical downtown area near The Plaza, a very popular tourist attraction. Great food and local art is to be found everywhere in this district. It was fall when I arrived. So, I had picture perfect weather to enjoy the sights. Speaking of the weather...I had never seen skies as blue as those in Santa Fe (or the rest of New Mexico!). Cerulean blue, to quote the locals!

Alan enjoying the sights of The Plaza.

 

Again, playing tourist at the gates to the ancient church at Chimayo.

I gave myself a week or so to settle in from my trek to do some sightseeing before starting my job that was waiting for me at Home Depot. That was a good thing, as the fall quickly changes to winter at this elevation. And, with that comes snow...lots of it. Not being a skier, I wasn't aware that just north of town was the internationally renowned Santa Fe Ski Basin. Boy, was I surprised when the first foot or so of the white stuff fell in mid-October! It was a harbinger of the length and conditions of the New Mexican winters. In our new and cozy casita I hunkered down to learn about my new environs. 

Winter in Santa Fe.

 

Christmas at the casita, followed by my birthday!

At first, the houses we lived in were rentals. My Alan got the bug to move about every year or so. I don't know where all of this restlessness came from. He had lived in the same apartment in NYC for many years. But, in hindsight, it gave us the opportunity to see different sections of the city and its surrounding areas. We treated every house as if it were our own. The landlords loved us and always gave us great referrals as we moved from house to house.

Better homes and gardens!

 

"Family scene."

Alan finally set down roots in Santa Fe about about three months after I got there. He had a lot of business ventures to tidy up before leaving New York. Almost immediately, he found a job at a local tobacco company. Not a smoker...this was only a stopgap position. Soon after, he put his styling talents to work for a very old and respected N.M. furniture company. He slowly climbed their corporate ladder over the years, resulting in a lot of our moves. But, it was worth it as he just celebrated his 25th year with them as their Visual Director!

My tenure at Home Depot was not a long one. Pictured at my desk in the Floor and Wall Department, I dipped into my experience in carpet sales from my past. I was frequently frustrated by being dragged away to do some cumbersome and non-related task elsewhere in the store. There were politics to deal with, as well. I guess that's the case with most larger companies. But, as I mentioned before, I do not do well with politics. I put my feelers out to find new employment.

"Just let me sell carpet!"

Serendipity struck when I was on a simple trip to a local Hi-Fi store to get some blank tapes. Although it was a Sunday and the store was shut, there was a simple handwritten sign on the front gate, stating that a position for electronics sales and/or department manager was available. I did a double take. After I caught my breath, I jotted down the contact number. I was thrilled to have an opportunity of a redux in electronics sales! That following Monday morning, I called "The Candyman," the legendary electronics retailer in Northern New Mexico.

Midnight blue magic.

My appointment was at 2PM...and with the owner of the company. It was time to pull out my magical Midnight Blue Giorgio Armani good luck suit! The owner did a double take when I walked into his office. It was clear from his reaction that few interviewees arrived in such attire! He asked me to take my jacket off and be more comfortable. After giving him my resume and chatting for a half an hour or so, he asked me if I wouldn't mind working for "a couple a three" hours on the floor to see if I would be a good fit. It worked...I worked...and I got the job! He was originally from the New York metropolitan area and we hit it off.

So, it seemed that I might be retracing my steps from "The Other San Francisco" after all. From Castro and Market Streets to St. Michaels and St. Francis Drives, a redux was in the making. Stay tuned for details!

Bio of Will Seagers:

Will Seagers (also credited as Matt Harper), within his multifaceted careers and participation in numerous gay communities across the country in the '70s and '80s and beyond, worked as a print model, film performer, and DJ, just to name a few. He made iconic appearances in releases from Falcon, Hand in Hand, Joe Gage, Target (Bullet), J. Brian, Steve Scott, and more, including in lead roles in major classics like Gage's L.A. Tool & Die (1979) and Scott's Wanted (1980). He brought strong screen presence and exceptional acting to his roles and was scene partners with many fellow legends of classic porn.

Will Seagers, present day

You can read Will Seagers' previous blogs for Bijou here:

Welcome Matt/Will | What's For Dessert? | On and Off the Set of L.A. Tool & Die | Wanted, Weekend Lockup and Weekends in Hermosa Beach | Honeymoon in the Palms | Birds of a Feather | The Stereo Maven of Castro Street | The Pass Around Boy | The Ecstasy and the Agony | Fitness and Fantasy | Chasing the Boys and Chasing the Sun | Becoming Invisible | The Reverse Story of Dorian Gray | Pin Money | One Organ Leads to Another! | The Wheels of Steel | Feast and Famine | An Alphabet Soup of Powders and Pills | Merry Christmas (and Getting Re-Organized) | Now and Then | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: The Badlands | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: Moby Dick Bar | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: "Just Another Stroll Down the Castro!" | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Hamburger Mary's | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Long Live the Stud! | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Club Life..."Hit me with your Rhythm Stick!” | A "Split Ticket": SoMa/Folsom and The Haight! | Staying Vanilla in a Flavorful Culture | A Little Secret | Recollections of the 1977 S.F. Gay Pride Parade | Life's a Beach | Flora & Fauna | Once Is Just Not Enough! | A Love of Cultures – A Knack for Languages! | For the Birds | It's About Time! | The Perfect Storm | Hello Chicago/Adieu Fire Island Pines! | Sex in the Woods! | My Life at the Gym | The Last Picture Show | Cumming Attractions! | The Peter Pan Syndrome | Valentine's Day Reflections | The “Idus Martias” and a Peacock! | Taxing I.M.H.O. | Nope...This Sure Ain't Kansas! | The French Connection | Water Baby | Pride: You Wear It Well! | Life Goes On... | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 1 | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 2 | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 3 | A Christmas Haiku | It's My Party & I'll BLOG If I Want To! | "Werk!" | Heart Throbs from the Past! | Homage to the Stars & Studios of My Era | Traveling the Arc | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 1 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 2 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 3 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 4 | "Brick Wall" | A Gap! | Life in South Beach | Club Memories of South Beach | Finding Love on a Dance Floor? | My First Week Back in the Big Apple | A Long Honeymoon! | "Go West Young Man!"

Hi Folks! Will Here. And, here is another title that is more like a riddle. Let's dive right in and find out what's up!

Here are your first two clues.

Although Bloomingdales was a beautiful and exciting place to work, the internal politics were not. As soon as word got out about my nom de plume, Will Seagers, and being a former star of stage, screen and bathroom wall, everything changed! It's funny how queens can be such prudes! But, that was OK... “Je ne regrette rien.” All of you Edith Piaf fans will get this one. But, for those who neither speak French or "Piaf"—"I have no regrets!" I love my past.

Elle ne regrettait rien.

So, having the summer off did give me lots of time to contemplate my next job. I came to the realization that I am a quirky guy who doesn't fit into every work situation. I needed to find a more off-center and hopefully artsy calling for my next work adventure. A friend came to my rescue.

To be more accurate, it was a friend of a friend of a friend. The ex-lover of my Alan's best friend heard that I was looking for work. He hooked me up with an interview at one of the branch stores of a made-to-order furniture company. I'm not sure if they are still in business, so I'll keep the name of this company on the QT.

My first assignment (during my interview) was to take a dozen or so objets and decorate an étagère. I got a lukewarm response from my interviewer. That didn't bother me as the objets were rather unrelated and tacky. Next, I was asked if I could sketch or draw on graph paper. To that I responded, "Yes!" I had some graphics courses in engineering school (that I knew would come in handy someday!). That perked up my potential new boss and I got the job. 

I went to their "academy," located across the Hudson in New Jersey at their factory/headquarters. This was a rather tedious week of repetitious sketching and learning the different styles they manufactured. Truth be told, I thought all this Formica furniture belonged in a John Waters movie. But, hey! I have sold many things with which I wasn't enamored.

Sorry, John. I couldn't resist.

I was a quick learn. And, within a couple of months, I was running one of their stores in the Murray Hill section of Manhattan. Oh...did I mention that more than half the employees of this outfit were gay?! Hallelujah! No pretenses...and lots of that artsy feel I wanted from most everyone. I was at that location for about six months and then was promoted to one of their flagship stores in the Upper East Side.

Two men owned the company. One was very handsome and had a very beautiful wife. Oddly enough, they used to be regulars at Fujiyama Mama's restaurant and were devoted clients of my Alan. I only found this out when Alan and I attended the company's Christmas party, and the three of them started screaming when they saw each other. This whole company was a party group. That's what made it fun to work there. But, all fun things come to an end.

The company ran into financial troubles and was bought out by a rather run-of-the-mill investment company. The new head honcho did not like gay people, and my neck was on the chopping block. Not only did I lose my store and manager position, but they wanted me to commute to New Jersey and work as a salesman at one of the stores over there. When I figured out that this move to working in New Jersey was grounds for me to leave and collect unemployment, that's just what I did. It was time for some serious thinking. And, I had some help from above...the stars!

I remained in touch with my friend Bob, the Vedic Astrologer in South Beach. It was his couch and apartment that I called home for my last few weeks in Florida before heading to north. He had family in upstate New York and would always drop by for a few days to visit Alan and me in New York City. One of his visits came right after I left the furniture company. I was distraught. I couldn't contemplate growing old in the harsh and helter-skelter climes of the city. I thought about moving back to San Francisco...it had been my rock for 14 years. Bob intervened. He very brusquely said, "No! You've already done that." Next, he put an astrology "map" together for Alan and me. It was called Astro-Cartography. With our combined birth data, he found that both Alan's and my Venus lines went straight down the middle of New Mexico. "New Mexico?" I said. He said this was great, in that Venus ruled relationships, and most people's Venus lines ran through unreachable places, like the middle of the Pacific Ocean or up in the Arctic circle!  A synchronicity began to happen. A good friend and co-worker of Alan's at Good Enough to Eat restaurant had family in Santa Fe. This friend promptly made arrangements with her mother for us to have a place to stay while we investigated this new proposal.

Astro-Cartography...a road map from the Heavens.

We were only there for a week, and we both fell in love with "The Land of Enchantment"! In that week, we found ourselves a lovely, brand new casita right across the street from our friend's mother. I even went job hunting and landed a position with Home Depot. It was there and waiting for me when I arrived a month later. That job was another shortstop in my resume...but, N.M. wasn't.

Bienvenidos and adios!

It was late September of 1999. There was a slight chill in the air. And, after taking a sentimental drive around town to say goodbye to my favorite spots in the Big Apple, I pointed my lovely Saab 9000 towards the George Washington Bridge to "Go West Young Man"! I started my cross-country trek solo...to be joined by Alan later that week. Please check in to see how this odyssey unfolds!

Giddyup, Will!

 

Bio of Will Seagers:

Will Seagers (also credited as Matt Harper), within his multifaceted careers and participation in numerous gay communities across the country in the '70s and '80s and beyond, worked as a print model, film performer, and DJ, just to name a few. He made iconic appearances in releases from Falcon, Hand in Hand, Joe Gage, Target (Bullet), J. Brian, Steve Scott, and more, including in lead roles in major classics like Gage's L.A. Tool & Die (1979) and Scott's Wanted (1980). He brought strong screen presence and exceptional acting to his roles and was scene partners with many fellow legends of classic porn.

Will Seagers, present day

You can read Will Seagers' previous blogs for Bijou here:

Welcome Matt/Will | What's For Dessert? | On and Off the Set of L.A. Tool & Die | Wanted, Weekend Lockup and Weekends in Hermosa Beach | Honeymoon in the Palms | Birds of a Feather | The Stereo Maven of Castro Street | The Pass Around Boy | The Ecstasy and the Agony | Fitness and Fantasy | Chasing the Boys and Chasing the Sun | Becoming Invisible | The Reverse Story of Dorian Gray | Pin Money | One Organ Leads to Another! | The Wheels of Steel | Feast and Famine | An Alphabet Soup of Powders and Pills | Merry Christmas (and Getting Re-Organized) | Now and Then | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: The Badlands | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: Moby Dick Bar | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: "Just Another Stroll Down the Castro!" | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Hamburger Mary's | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Long Live the Stud! | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Club Life..."Hit me with your Rhythm Stick!” | A "Split Ticket": SoMa/Folsom and The Haight! | Staying Vanilla in a Flavorful Culture | A Little Secret | Recollections of the 1977 S.F. Gay Pride Parade | Life's a Beach | Flora & Fauna | Once Is Just Not Enough! | A Love of Cultures – A Knack for Languages! | For the Birds | It's About Time! | The Perfect Storm | Hello Chicago/Adieu Fire Island Pines! | Sex in the Woods! | My Life at the Gym | The Last Picture Show | Cumming Attractions! | The Peter Pan Syndrome | Valentine's Day Reflections | The “Idus Martias” and a Peacock! | Taxing I.M.H.O. | Nope...This Sure Ain't Kansas! | The French Connection | Water Baby | Pride: You Wear It Well! | Life Goes On... | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 1 | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 2 | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 3 | A Christmas Haiku | It's My Party & I'll BLOG If I Want To! | "Werk!" | Heart Throbs from the Past! | Homage to the Stars & Studios of My Era | Traveling the Arc | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 1 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 2 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 3 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 4 | "Brick Wall" | A Gap! | Life in South Beach | Club Memories of South Beach | Finding Love on a Dance Floor? | My First Week Back in the Big Apple | A Long Honeymoon!

By Josh Eliot

Which came first? The “Pizza Oven” or the “Pizza Boy”? In the case of the William Higgins 1985 film, The Pizza Boy: He Delivers, the concept of the Pizza Boy came first, then Higgins used the movie’s budget to gift himself a pizza oven. Even though the opening shots of a fully cooked pizza-pie coming out of an oven were actually shot in a real pizza parlor, Higgins had one of the rooms in his house transformed into a faux pizzeria, where much of the movie’s storyline took place. Just one of the perks of being the writer, producer and director. Even though the cheap wall paneling and fake brick ruined the realism, it certainly wasn’t the focus for the audience, who was treated to a movie jam packed with hot stars. The film made such an long lasting impact that there were many other studios trying to cash in on the delivery boy theme, but there are only three official sequels released by Catalina Video.

The box cover photo art for Pizza Boy was everything! A 6’ 1” tall, naked muscular stud lying on red satin sheets, looking sexy and vulnerable. I remember those very sheets when I started working with Catalina Video in 1987, as they were part of our inventory in the wardrobe and props department, just like the wrestling uniforms from Down for the Count, which I used years later in SwitchCraft and The Rascal Joins the Wrestling Team. I never thought to take a black light to the outfits or props we had stored at the studio, but if I did I’m sure it would not have been pretty.

Steve Henson was the chosen one to grace the movie poster and VHS cover for the film. He was someone Higgins had pined for since he met him through Matt Sterling in 1984. Sterling’s movie Like a Horse (1984) was a massive hit, which also featured Steve Henson on the cover. He was the new “It” boy of the moment, but exclusive contracts weren’t really a thing back then and the big wigs of the major studios (HUGE, Catalina and Falcon) all played nice—mostly—and shared with each other. Nine times out of ten, Matt Sterling, John Summers or John Travis got a hold of the new studs and prepped them for stardom. In addition to narrating the movie, Steve Henson performed in the final scene of the film with co-stars Chaz Holderman, Brian Hawks and Matt Ramsey (Peter North). Side note: Peter North has a new documentary coming out discussing his career—the trailer is on YouTube! He was such a nice guy when I shot him for Valley of the Bi Dolls, and from what I can see from the trailer, it was not a fluke. My cameraman, Brad Austin, begged me to let him shoot the cumshot from underneath and I obliged, of course. Who knows, maybe I would have taken one for the team if I was single at the time!

In 1985, Steve Henson worked with Troy Ramsey in the opening scene of Pizza Boy. Troy Ramsey also worked for Catalina Video in The Young and The Hung, and Bi Coastal in 1985 for director Tom DeSimone. He returned in 1988 and I worked as videographer with him in The Big One and Powerline. Steve Henson then went on to work for Sterling again in Inch by Inch in a threeway with Brian Estevez and another Pizza Boy alum, Tony Stefano. Tony Stefano made only one other movie in his career before leaving the business, Delivery Boys (1985), where he was introduced as Tony Marconi. Prior to that, he made a couple of solo posing films in 1980 for the Athletic Model Guild. After leaving the business, he worked in New York City as a bartender at Uncle Charlies, then died at age 30 of an accidental overdose. Steve Henson’s career kept rising, with a role in Falcon’s The Other Side of Aspen 2 (1985) with Eddie Marks and Jeff Turk, and in Giants (1987) with Brian Maxon, Cory Monroe, Mark Miller and Bill Bix. In 1989, director Marc Fredericks cast Henson in two scenes for View to a Thrill opposite Adam Grant and Rex Chandler. After that movie, Steve Henson left the industry, and there is little to no information about him since then.

Even though the image of Steve Henson as the original Pizza Boy is burned into the brains of all of us from that era, the movie itself featured an amazing cast of players, which includes Chad Johnson, David Ashfield, Grant Fagan, Brent Woods and Michael Gere, in addition to others. The sequel, Pizza Boy 2: Meat Lovers Special (1999), features Tuck Johnson as the beloved delivery boy with something extra. I produced and Mark Jensen (Mike Skiff) directed the feature. I have to say that Tuck Johnson was always, always one of my very favorite models to work with. Super sexy, handsome, with a big ole dick, all wrapped up into the sweetest, kindest soft spoken guy you could ever meet. I directed him in Boy Band, Voyager, Score, The Rascal, Escape to Echo Beach and others. If you are not familiar with his work, I urge you to look him up; what an underrated, stand-out performer--who never needed Viagra! A powerhouse top or bottom who left it all on the set before going home to where he lived with his mother—so sweet!

Hans Ebson took over the role in Pizza Boy 3 (2000) for director Peter Romero. Hans shone in Hostage in the Grand Canyon (2000) as the kidnapped victim held captive by an escaped mental patient. This storyline was, as Chi Chi would say, “Hot... So hot.” As for his stint as the lead in Pizza Boy 3, it was a little uncooked, so we stopped continuing the series after that one. I’m ashamed to say that I even made the director use a frozen pizza in a scene just to keep the budget on track. However, after Channel 1 Releasing purchased the company, they put out a fresh from the oven new version entitled Pizza Boy 4: Slice of Pie? (2017), starring Xavier Hux and directed by Catalina alum Chi Chi LaRue! I know absolutely nothing about that movie, as I have never watched it, but if Chi Chi was involved, I’m sure it is a solid piece of entertainment. It kind of speaks to the quality of Steve Henson as a performer—when you start with the best, it’s really hard to improve.

Bio of Josh Eliot:

At the age of 25 in 1987, Josh Eliot was hired by Catalina Video by John Travis (Brentwood Video) and Scott Masters (Nova Video). Travis trained Eliot on his style of videography and mentored him on the art of directing. Josh directed his first movie, Runaways, in 1987. By 2009 when Josh parted ways with Catalina Video, he'd produced and directed hundreds of features and won numerous awards for Best Screenplay, Videography, Editing, and Directing. He was entered into the GayVN Hall of fame in 2002.

Hi folks! Will here. This title explains the fun, travel and adjustments my Alan and I had over the first year or two of being together.

Since the two of us have similar humor, we spent a lot of time laughing and poking fun at life in general. Alan has a great smile. So, it was always on my to-do list to make him laugh and smile. He always obliged!

I think one of the things that helped in our relationship then and now was our diverse working schedules. When I met him he was working at two very successful restaurants and making a bundle from both! Fujiyama Mama's, on Columbus between 82nd and 83rd Streets, was the first of his work locations that I visited. It was pleasantly wild and avant-garde. Great food, cocktails and ambiance were always "on tap." Add to that a very theatrical waitstaff and you have more than an ordinary late 1990s night out.

Way more than a Japanese restaurant.

The other restaurant to which Alan added his charm was Good Enough to Eat, also located on Manhattan's Upper West Side. At the core of the success of this restaurant was its wonderful home-cooked comfort foods and its family-like atmosphere. Again, as mixologist and server, Alan made a very comfy income. Here, one could very well be rubbing elbows with a lot of New York's elite who were dressed down and surprisingly inconspicuous. I remember him coming home many times telling me who he met while working. He was most impressed with JFK Jr.!

The name says it all!

He was also a very talented florist. He had two friends in the business that loved his work when he was available. When his stint at Fujiyama Mama's suddenly ended, one of his friends with a flower shop in Manhattan and a second one in South Beach gladly scooped him up and put his talents to work! This would lead to a couple of extended stays in Florida. I was not a fan of that. As the old saying goes, "absence makes the heart grow fonder." But, it also gave me the excuse to go down on weekends and visit him in South Beach—still one of my favorite getaways! At that time (the late 90s), Pan Am was a major player in the New York-to-Florida flights, and their fares were great! One memorable client of the South Beach flower shop was Oprah Winfrey. She didn't make appearances at the shop. To brighten up the place, she would have Alan or the shop owner come to her condo on the all-too-exclusive Fisher Island of greater Miami Beach! 

Another of his talents was as a stylist—setting up scenes with photographers at various shoots around town and ultimately Florida. If you are getting the impression that Alan is a workaholic—you're absolutely right. So, while in Florida it wasn't uncommon for him to be off on shoots with photographers there and all over the Caribbean when not at the flower shop.

Our wonderful friendship with Patricia in South Beach and New York.

When I "Pan Am-ed" my way down on the weekends, I did command a personal audience with Alan! We partied a lot at local clubs, restaurants and, of course, the beach. It was an exciting and growing chapter in our relationship. It was at the beach where we first met our wonderful friend Patricia. She was in and out of Miami frequently as a flight attendant for a German carrier. IMHO, this all happened during the pinnacle of South Beach's "Gay Revival" history. Like in San Francisco, gay pioneers went into run-down neighborhoods and gentrified them. But also like in San Francisco, more hip straight society was right on their heels and more or less took over. Regardless, who could resist all that Art Deco architecture and the fabulous beaches?

Be careful whose heels you come in on!

Of course, time marches on and things change. The South Beach flower shop was sold, taking away half of Alan's income. So, his return to the Big Apple was imminent. This was supplemented by more stylist shoots and a foray into a new SoHo flower shop. Needless to say, I was happy to have him home again, even though I had to share him with his work and our growing bird family!

Me and the kiddies patiently waiting for Alan to get off work.

Meanwhile, I had gone through a few changes (workwise) myself. All that glitters is not gold. And the short-lived glitter of Bloomingdale's came to an end after just six months. My initial impression of my co-worker situation was spot on. Between the back biting of the assistant manager of the department and the cattiness of the other sales people, it was at the end of my probationary period that they sacked me. It was (almost) comical at my exit interview. I have never heard the phrase "below standards" used to describe my work. It didn't bother me—I knew it wasn't true—I considered the source. My sales were good and I had a lot of complimentary letters from clients. But, I did leave with at least one golden memory. It was spotting Catherine Deneuve on the main floor and locking gazes with her. After a second or two, she actually smiled back at me. I'll never forget how beautiful she was!

It was the beginning of the summer. I decided to take my time and not rush into another "seemingly perfect" job. Oh, and did I mention that Sandy Hook and the Jersey Shore were just an hour away? I made good use of that proximity and had a great time until once again gainfully employed in the fall. You see, things just have a way of working themselves out. More on this enchanted journey coming up. Stay tuned!

Bio of Will Seagers:

Will Seagers (also credited as Matt Harper), within his multifaceted careers and participation in numerous gay communities across the country in the '70s and '80s and beyond, worked as a print model, film performer, and DJ, just to name a few. He made iconic appearances in releases from Falcon, Hand in Hand, Joe Gage, Target (Bullet), J. Brian, Steve Scott, and more, including in lead roles in major classics like Gage's L.A. Tool & Die (1979) and Scott's Wanted (1980). He brought strong screen presence and exceptional acting to his roles and was scene partners with many fellow legends of classic porn.

Will Seagers, present day

You can read Will Seagers' previous blogs for Bijou here:

Welcome Matt/Will | What's For Dessert? | On and Off the Set of L.A. Tool & Die | Wanted, Weekend Lockup and Weekends in Hermosa Beach | Honeymoon in the Palms | Birds of a Feather | The Stereo Maven of Castro Street | The Pass Around Boy | The Ecstasy and the Agony | Fitness and Fantasy | Chasing the Boys and Chasing the Sun | Becoming Invisible | The Reverse Story of Dorian Gray | Pin Money | One Organ Leads to Another! | The Wheels of Steel | Feast and Famine | An Alphabet Soup of Powders and Pills | Merry Christmas (and Getting Re-Organized) | Now and Then | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: The Badlands | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: Moby Dick Bar | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: "Just Another Stroll Down the Castro!" | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Hamburger Mary's | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Long Live the Stud! | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Club Life..."Hit me with your Rhythm Stick!” | A "Split Ticket": SoMa/Folsom and The Haight! | Staying Vanilla in a Flavorful Culture | A Little Secret | Recollections of the 1977 S.F. Gay Pride Parade | Life's a Beach | Flora & Fauna | Once Is Just Not Enough! | A Love of Cultures – A Knack for Languages! | For the Birds | It's About Time! | The Perfect Storm | Hello Chicago/Adieu Fire Island Pines! | Sex in the Woods! | My Life at the Gym | The Last Picture Show | Cumming Attractions! | The Peter Pan Syndrome | Valentine's Day Reflections | The “Idus Martias” and a Peacock! | Taxing I.M.H.O. | Nope...This Sure Ain't Kansas! | The French Connection | Water Baby | Pride: You Wear It Well! | Life Goes On... | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 1 | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 2 | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 3 | A Christmas Haiku | It's My Party & I'll BLOG If I Want To! | "Werk!" | Heart Throbs from the Past! | Homage to the Stars & Studios of My Era | Traveling the Arc | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 1 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 2 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 3 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 4 | "Brick Wall" | A Gap! | Life in South Beach | Club Memories of South Beach | Finding Love on a Dance Floor? | My First Week Back in the Big Apple

Hi Folks! Will here. For the first time in a while, I have a title for my blog that pretty much explains itself! So, let's dive back in.

My warm welcome to Brooklyn, followed by a magical night at the Roxie, only needed a third component to prove that good things come in threes! And, this third component was finding a great job at one of NYC's famed "Carriage Trade" retailers within the first week of being back!

One of my first sights when arriving in Brooklyn.

I have to give credit to my sister-in-law for coming up with the idea. But, after all, she did spend a lot of her career as a "headhunter." I'm sure she was motivated to get me gainfully employed, so I could find my own apartment and give them back their "couch!" LOL.

All suited up for my new job.

I remember the interview as being a rather quick and straight forward - a "one-two punch" in terms of how quickly the personnel manager looked me over and hired me. My retail experience, communication skills and the fact that I was wearing my favorite midnight blue Armani double-breasted suit, helped me to land this spot in one visit. BTW, my sister-in-law and my niece not only came along to show me the way, but accompanied me right into the waiting room of the personnel department. I have to say they were my good luck charms ... particularly my little niece. You see, in 1992 right after her birth, I was asked to be her Godfather. It was and still is an honor, and is something I really cherish to this day.

So, with my prior sales experience in the men's department of a very prestigious San Francisco retailer, I was assigned to the Men's Designer Department of this legendary New York store. There was a vacancy in the department created by an internal promotion. So, they urged me to start the next day. I was thrilled!

A great place to start my endeavors in New York.

That next day was a bit of a challenge. The department manager and his assistant were both very cordial and welcoming. But, that's where it ended. I could virtually feel a chill from the other sales people in the department upon my introduction. It sort of reminded me of scenes from the movie The Women, when Joan Crawford was interacting with her fellow sales folks at the perfume counter of Blacks Fifth Avenue. LOL. Yes, this was the wonderful reality of the commissioned sales world ... competitive doesn't even scratch the surface! (Meow!) Even thought I am sensitive by nature, I was not going to let a bunch of puffed-up sales queens get in my way. So, I wanted to dig right in and let them know that this was not my first (retail) rodeo!

Meanwhile, my social life had become just as busy. I had a potential new beau. Although it was not "sex at first sight," something inside me told me it would be worth the wait ... and it was. The fireworks and sizzle were certainly there ... but, I could sense a lot more was just below the surface. I had the same kind of feeling just after meeting my first partner, Tommy. That relationship was my "rock" for 14 years. It was only his demise from A.I.D.S. that finally separated us in 1989. Remembering this very special and unique feeling, I knew I was more than ready for him, us and the rest of our lives! Like I said before - this might sound corny and melodramatic - but, here we are 31 years later.

My stay in Brooklyn quickly proved to be awkward for all parties involved. My intended mission was accomplished (and then some!). I was working, dating and doing a pretty good job on "Take Three" of living in New York. It was time for me to have my own place. It turned out well that I didn't try to live with my new beau right away.

Washington Heights ... my new digs.

I found a nice, simple studio apartment just north of his place on Riverside Drive and 155th St. in Washington Heights. "The Heights" was an adjustment. It was so far away from central Manhattan and my work. But, I had my heart set on this new man and knew my proximity to him mattered a lot. I got to meet his friends and got invited to a lot of dinners and events.

I knew my ambitions were starting to take shape. I just had to be cautious ... something that I am not used to. But, patience paid off some six months later, when he acknowledged my diligence and asked me to move in with him. I was so happy! This is when the greatest (and ongoing) chapter of my life began! So stay tuned, as I return with my next episode - The growing pains of love and living together!

Bio of Will Seagers:

Will Seagers (also credited as Matt Harper), within his multifaceted careers and participation in numerous gay communities across the country in the '70s and '80s and beyond, worked as a print model, film performer, and DJ, just to name a few. He made iconic appearances in releases from Falcon, Hand in Hand, Joe Gage, Target (Bullet), J. Brian, Steve Scott, and more, including in lead roles in major classics like Gage's L.A. Tool & Die (1979) and Scott's Wanted (1980). He brought strong screen presence and exceptional acting to his roles and was scene partners with many fellow legends of classic porn.

Will Seagers, present day

You can read Will Seagers' previous blogs for Bijou here:

Welcome Matt/Will | What's For Dessert? | On and Off the Set of L.A. Tool & Die | Wanted, Weekend Lockup and Weekends in Hermosa Beach | Honeymoon in the Palms | Birds of a Feather | The Stereo Maven of Castro Street | The Pass Around Boy | The Ecstasy and the Agony | Fitness and Fantasy | Chasing the Boys and Chasing the Sun | Becoming Invisible | The Reverse Story of Dorian Gray | Pin Money | One Organ Leads to Another! | The Wheels of Steel | Feast and Famine | An Alphabet Soup of Powders and Pills | Merry Christmas (and Getting Re-Organized) | Now and Then | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: The Badlands | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: Moby Dick Bar | DEEP INSIDE THE CASTRO: "Just Another Stroll Down the Castro!" | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Hamburger Mary's | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Long Live the Stud! | Diving Into SoMa/Folsom: Club Life..."Hit me with your Rhythm Stick!” | A "Split Ticket": SoMa/Folsom and The Haight! | Staying Vanilla in a Flavorful Culture | A Little Secret | Recollections of the 1977 S.F. Gay Pride Parade | Life's a Beach | Flora & Fauna | Once Is Just Not Enough! | A Love of Cultures – A Knack for Languages! | For the Birds | It's About Time! | The Perfect Storm | Hello Chicago/Adieu Fire Island Pines! | Sex in the Woods! | My Life at the Gym | The Last Picture Show | Cumming Attractions! | The Peter Pan Syndrome | Valentine's Day Reflections | The “Idus Martias” and a Peacock! | Taxing I.M.H.O. | Nope...This Sure Ain't Kansas! | The French Connection | Water Baby | Pride: You Wear It Well! | Life Goes On... | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 1 | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 2 | The Dance Floor and the Booth, Part 3 | A Christmas Haiku | It's My Party & I'll BLOG If I Want To! | "Werk!" | Heart Throbs from the Past! | Homage to the Stars & Studios of My Era | Traveling the Arc | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 1 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 2 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 3 | Music Is My Way of Life, Part 4 | "Brick Wall" | A Gap! | Life in South Beach | Club Memories of South Beach | Finding Love on a Dance Floor?