BijouBlog

Hi folks—Will here! I hope all of you are enjoying a pleasant respite from this past summer's intense heat...I know I am!

As this title indicates, there's some movement at hand. But, first some highlights and crowning touches on the Santa Fe chapter of our lives. I only say the town and not the state because New Mexico was still in our hearts as well as on our horizons.

As I mentioned towards the end of the last blog, I left my position at the Candyman to work for the same furniture company as my Alan, literally right next door. My departure was probably the most violent and negative in my working career. While I was in the middle of closing a rather large whole-home electronics purchase, without notice or introduction, the store owner swooped in and decided to take over (obviously thinking he was a better salesman than I.) How I kept my cool in front of the customer and acquiesced my presentation still eludes me! But, with my natural love of theater, I went to my office, grabbed my coat and headed out of the building. When questioned by the owner, "Where are you going?" I blurted out, "You obviously don't need me!" My delivery scorched the owner and he followed me out to the parking lot where we had an extremely heated argument. My rage was actually the result of a lot of pent up frustrations over the past year and a half dealing with his micro-management style. I was asked to resign two days later...which I did. But, I was pleased to learn that the client bought all of the gear that I had presented! (My happy ending!)

I chilled for a month or so before submitting my resume and being interviewed by the furniture company's Director of Stores. I wanted some time to pass so as not to jump out of one frying pan and into another fire! I interviewed for the job of warehouse manager, which I got. (This happened to be one of the "hats" that I wore at the Candyman along with hiring, firing, selling, training and designing systems.)

In my new job I walked into a political firestorm, as two long-time employees thought they were more deserving of the position than me. So, except for one very handsome young man in the department who was cooperative and showed me what he could of "the ropes," I was pretty much on my own in terms of self-training. The disrespect was rife from these two people, and it made working there pretty miserable. But, help was to arrive in the most unexpected way.

My Alan was in charge of the staging and set up of this store by this point. He was happy and doing well. A former salesman from that store had moved on to selling mattresses at a leading dedicated retailer in town. He called Alan and asked if he might be interested in coming onboard to earn what he described as a rather healthy living. Alan said no. But, he knew that I was unhappy with my current status and told me about the opportunity.

After a quick visit to this mattress store, where I observed a young man all by himself and selling with ease, I decided to give the furniture store two weeks notice and move back to selling. This young man provided me with the basics that I needed. I was rather astonished with the speed with which I took to this new job. It was not all "roses," however. He was rather bossy and was prone to fly off the handle if I questioned any of his methods. I found out I was not the only one who was dismayed with this. One Saturday afternoon, he actually took on the owner of the franchise in a heated debate on the phone...after which he was immediately dismissed! Oh no! Here I was only one month on the job and running the store solo. I took a deep breath and plowed through the rest of that day, making frequent calls to other stores for help. But, I made it through and the franchise manager took notice. With only one month there, I was made the store manager. The recently departed young man's tale of good earnings was really coming true. AND, for the first time in my life, I got to work by myself. I think that was the key to my success—no one looking over my shoulder.

A sea of mattresses!

A quick throwback to my Santa Fe "Star Gazing" happened when Lynne Anderson (of "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden" fame) happened into my store one evening. I recognized her right away and cordially welcomed her in. One of the luxury brands of mattresses we carried was Stearns & Foster. That year all of their models all had the word Rose in them as well as having roses embroidered into their quilting. Secretly and deliberately, I steered her over to a model that I wanted her to try. She got on it, got comfortable for a few moments and then asked me when could it be delivered. She asked me why I had such a big grin on my face. I replied, "This model is called, 'The Rose Garden!'" We all had a big chuckle. I told her I was guided by the Stars!

"I never promised you a rose garden."

Just as my adventures at the mattress store were taking off, my Alan was given a substantial promotion as visual director of stores for the state of Arizona. I was neither happy with the prospect of giving up my new found success nor did I want to impede Alan's growing success. My regional manager and the franchise owner were both dismayed with the prospect of my leaving. But, I could see that Alan was on a steady and upward trajectory with his company. In no way did I want to impede his success. Nor did I even entertain the thought of us splitting up over this.

I knew I had made the right decision when the furniture company invited me on their private plane to be ferried to Tucson to have a look at the lay of the land and choose a new residence for us. From the first mention of this move, I was brought back to pleasant memories of my 1975 stay in the Phoenix area where I played chaperone to my former roommate in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Back then, we frequently made weekend trips south to Tucson where we met with friends and reveled in the desert's beauty. Secretly hoping to recapture some of that youthful bliss, I surrendered to the move "Further South...Further West!" So stay tuned for a compendium on that next year and a half! Happy trails!

Cactus garden.

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!" | "The Other San Francisco" | Star Gazer!

Hi folks! Will here.  A very Happy Autumn to all!  

I want to backpedal to my last blog about Santa Fe being the highest state capital in altitude to help explain the title. With that altitude come some amazingly clear night skies for appreciating the stars above.  And, as usual with my sense of humor, there is a second underlying reason to mention this.

As many of you might know, a lot of Hollywood luminaries have made their homes in Santa Fe and its environs.  Most of them are rather palatial even though they are referred to as ranches.  And, to keep their occupants comfy and up to date with the latest in electronica, they usually relied upon the wares and services we provided at The Candyman.

The original store and the monument that followed.

Inside the monument!

 

As I mentioned a few episodes ago, I had the pleasure of encountering my first luminary, Catherine Deneuve, at Bloomingdales...even though it was only a distant smile and recognition from her.  In my new Santa Fe position, more "close encounters" were on their way.

Ali MacGraw and Jane Fonda...true luminaries!

 

 

Although my first two stellar encounters were rather brief with little conversation, to have the likes of Ali MacGraw or Jane Fonda standing within feet of you asking for assistance can still have you on your toes!  With Miss MacGraw it was similar to my Bloomingdale's experience...from a bit of a distance.  From my vantage point in the Audio/Video Department, I caught the unmistakable profile of Miss MacGraw.  I stared intently from about 30 feet away hoping to make eye contact.  I don't know...maybe it was the vibe I was launching...but, sure enough she looked up my way. I beamed over a wide smile and was thrilled by the one that was returned to me.  It was incredible!  With no exaggeration, she lit up the whole room!

My second close encounter was with Jane Fonda.  I saw her coming from afar.  She was trying to keep anonymity with a huge brimmed hat and large dark glasses amid a few other customers on the electronics mezzanine.  With somewhat of a tone of impatience, she called out for someone to help her...her disguise and anonymity were instantly blown!  Everyone on the floor immediately recognized her voice and turned towards her. I apologized for the delay of instantaneous service and went about asking her needs for that day's visit.  If I remember correctly, she needed to be connected with our custom installation department for work out at her ranch. That was it...short, sweet but memorable!

Gene Hackman meets Sony headphones!

 

 

My next two experiences were more lengthy.  First, was with Mr. Gene Hackman.  Although he was a regular at the shop, I never had the pleasure of either meeting nor working with him.  Very casual in dress and in demeanor, he never willingly drew attention to himself.  With his unpretentious old red Nissan pick-up truck parked out front, he usually made his way through the store in jeans, a flannel shirt and a cap of sorts. This morning, he walked straight up to me at the counter, said hello and told me he need a new pair of headphones.  With a rather encyclopedic knowledge of my department and its wares, I knew what to offer.   At this point I looked up at him and said, "Good morning, Mr. Hackman, what kind of music would you like to sample?"  He returned with, "Popular or classical will do fine."  Although a little flushed in the face by the experience, my mind was reeling along steadily!  In an instant, I thought to make his testing experience a special one, I connected an upper line Sony headphone to a new (at that time) Sony hard drive player.  The device allowed you to download hundreds of CDs into files.  (Keep in mind this was cutting edge technology right around the millennium!)  After a brief audition, Mr. Hackman said he was pleased with the headphones.  My thrill was that he asked to purchase the Sony hard drive unit, as well. I have to confess that as a seasoned salesman, this was my intention all along!  LOL.  When the owner found out about my "double play," he invited me into his office for a quick Johnny Walker Red...neat!

Shirley MacLaine meets Sony cassette!

 

This next experience really rocked my world in a couple of ways.  Not only was it the stature of this luminary, but in the length of this visit and of visits to come.  I am speaking of Miss Shirley MacLaine!  Just returning from lunch, I noticed a rather bewildered look on the faces of my two salesmen at the counter.  I asked, "What's up?"  They both pointed to the sound room behind the counter and said, "Shirley MacLaine."  I asked why was she was in the sound room all alone.  They told me they tried to help her with a question about a cassette deck that she had purchased.  But, neither of the two could get to the gist of her needs...they were waiting for me.   

Knowing who I was going to meet, I immediately immersed myself into "chill mode!"  Masking a pounding heart and a slight feeling of dizziness, I calmly walked across the sound room.  Then, with the best acting skills I could muster, I said, "Hi...I'm Will, and how can I help you today?"—pretending not to know who she was.  She totally knocked me off my mark with a huge and glamorous smile.  To this I responded with, "Miss MacLaine?"  We both chuckled and I began to ask some questions about her visit. The long and short of it was that she only really wanted to have a cassette tape duplicated.  She had purchased the machine from us, but never learned how to operate it.  I asked if she had eaten lunch. She replied, “No.” I said, “Splendid!  You have a nice lunch for about an hour or so and I will have the recording completed when you come back.” So, about an hour later she returned and came to my counter where the tape was waiting.  Before leaving, she looked me right in the eye and thanked me by name.  Wow! Had I left an impression on her?  I was thrilled and always looked back at that as my "closest encounter" with Hollywood Royalty!   

After my tenure at The Candyman, I moved to a new job just next door, to the furniture store where my better half worked.  One afternoon, while unfurling some new rugs, I looked up when I heard, "Hi, Will!"  It was Miss MacLaine...I guess I must have made some kind of impression!   

So, at Santa Fe's 7,200 foot altitude, we really were closer to the heavens. Being a Star Gazer came naturally...and really paid off!!  Please stay tuned to see what else streaks across the skies!

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!" | "The Other San Francisco"

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!

Coming back to the Big Apple.

Hi folks! Will here. As I closed up my recollections on my time spent in South Beach, I needed to add some info on why I was "driven" to make this move back to N.Y.

Number one, I had no success at finding decent or lasting employment in any of the areas where I was qualified. Although I was not broke, I had the foresight to see that continuing on a "wishful thinking" path would eventually land me in a dangerous spot. My last few weeks in South Beach were spent at a friend's apartment - sleeping on his living room couch and living out of my suitcase. I appreciated his generosity and we remained friends long after my departure from Florida.  This was almost a duplicate of the situation I faced just before I left N.J. - sleeping on a friend's couch before the big move to South Beach. I was 44 and felt unhappy with what my life had become. The cold chill of reality told me that I needed to give up on any pipe dream of making South Beach work. 

I had remained in touch with friends and family while in South Beach. One person in particular, my sister-in-law, knowing my dilemma, offered me "a couch" until I could find my bearings. That was a life saver. In mid-March I called her and took her up on her offer. I don't even know if my brother (her then husband) was even in on her offer. By the end of that month, I had squeezed as much of my life and belongings back into that tiny Toyota MR-2 and headed up I-95 to their Bay Ridge, Brooklyn home.

I shouldn't have left it behind.

I was able to get almost everything back in that car except one suitcase full of photographs. The suitcase itself was a memoir - it was my Eastern Airlines flight attendant suitcase.  I was depressed and bitter at the time of leaving Florida and consigned the suitcase and its photos to the garbage heap of a life that I was trying to leave and hopefully recreate.  So many times I lamented over that decision. Those photos encapsulated many wonderful years and times that were irreplaceable.  Hindsight is so 20-20!  Enough of my maudlin moaning!

The trip back to New York was forgettable. I don't even remember if I stopped for a break at a motel. As I crossed into the familiar territories of northern New Jersey and finally into New York, my mood lifted dramatically ... thank God. My two "friends," the original twin towers of the World Trade Center, were there to greet me as I arrived in N.Y.  By then, my mood was soaring.

My buddies. I watched them being built when I was a teenager.

I arrived in Brooklyn and found my way to my brother and sister-in-law's flat by late Thursday afternoon, March 30th. I was warmly greeted by them and my lovely young niece upon arrival.  We had a nice dinner and then I crashed. I was emotionally and physically spent!  After a great night's sleep and a day of recovery, I started thinking about the weekend, New York and The Roxie! In my last years in N.J., before my trek to South Beach, I spent almost every Saturday night at that iconic dance club at 10th Ave. and 18th St. in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan's lower West Side. I wanted to celebrate being back in The Big Apple and could think of no better way!

Boys, girls, balloons and fans by my favorite bar.

Once inside, I was overwhelmed by all six thousand square feet of this epic club. Between the sound system, lights, all of the beautiful people and of course the wonderful drag queens, I was home again. I went to a section of the floor where I used to hang out ... not too far from the entrance and the main bar. I ordered a Cape Cod to get started and then wandered all over the joint!  The thundering music was new and fabulous - just like it had always had been!  Without a dance partner (as of yet), I inched my way onto the dance floor and let the rhythm and lights take me away. I was never averse to dancing alone.

The club ... in private and in the masses.

On a side note. In preparing for this episode of the blog, I did some research on The Roxie ... its history and the impact it had on the many cultures that graced its floor. Keeping it to a minimum, here are some basics. The club opened on December 5, 1979 as a "roller disco." This was at the height of this form of entertainment. That opening night was attended by the likes of Mick Jagger, Diana Ross and Dustin Hoffman, to name a few celebs. Other regular attendees who regularly performed there were Madonna, Cher, Bette Midler and Beyoncé. This place was an icon of entertainment.

Once again ... in private and in the masses.

Things were not always smooth sailing for the club, however. Over the years it transitioned from the roller disco of the late 70s, to the hip hop of the 80s. Violent clashes on the floor and even gunfire in and around the club forced its closing by the late 80s. But, in 1991, under the new ownership of John Blair, the club went through a huge $1.3 million renovation centering on internal architectural restructuring and a maple hardwood dance floor!  With the stewardship of Mr. Blair and his "Chelsea Boys, " the next 15 years brought the club fame and notoriety.

Myself, I was drawn to the club primarily by the music. You could always count on the fabulous music of DJs like Frankie Knuckles, Junior Vasquez and Victor Calderone - just to name a few luminaries! The sound system was legendary, too. To my knowledge, I believe it was a Richard Long system.  Studio 54 and Paradise Garage were two other of his achievements. All of that aside, the club had a very welcoming feeling. Whether you were alone or with a group, the whole monstrous dance floor and its revelers felt like one big private party!

I remember a popular song from the late 80s - "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life!"  I have to take that and put a spin on it: "Last Night a Club Saved My Life." Let me explain. On or about 4am, with the entire 6,000 square feet of the club in full swing, and me out there on the dance floor (solo), a most beautiful and exotic man danced his way right in front of me me and took away my solo dancing status!  Very handsome and reminding me of Yul Brynner (from The King and I), I was taken not only by his looks and great dancing, but by the aura around him. I knew within an instant that he was very special. I couldn't tell just how ... but, I knew that my life had changed. I know this must seem corny and melodramatic, but, we are still together 31 years later!

The familiar sight of sunrise as you leave the Roxy.

We danced together till dawn. I wanted to be with him. But, he asked if we could get together at a later date. I tried being forceful and persuasive ... to no avail. I got his number and thanked him for a wonderful night. Not "getting together" that night put this whole encounter on another level. After my persisting with a few calls and conversations, we had our first date. The night of that date was both mesmerizing and scorching!  Soon, I was renting an apartment about a block away from his ... that is, until I was welcomed into his home permanently!

So, thank you Roxie ... you magical place!  So many dance songs have lyrics about people meeting and falling in love on a dance floor. I am living proof! Please stay tuned ... as the next 31 years are pretty special, too!

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! | 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 | Homage to the Stars & Studios of My Era