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"

By Josh Eliot

The 1978 Alex DeRenzy film Pretty Peaches was made during what many call the golden age of pornography in America. Desiree Cousteau’s performance won her the 1979 AFAA Award for Best Actress, but she wasn’t the only standout in this classic film. A brand new starlet was cast in a scene opposite Joey Silvera and even though it was her first time on-screen, the audience and critics noticed her energy and gave rave reviews of her performance. This rising star with charisma was none other than Sharon Kane. Sharon Kane and Desiree Cousteau were both working as dancers in DeRenzy’s theater, The Screening Room at 220 Jones Street in San Francisco, when he offered her the role. Little did she realize at the time that she embodied the qualities that superstars are made of. With decades of work featuring the inclusion of diverse roles, great performances and the introduction of her original music into the productions, it’s no wonder that her star shines like no other.

In 1991, Sharon Kane began work on her first project as a director on the movie Stairway to Paradise for VCA Studios. The cast was considered A-list, a testament to Sharon’s nurtured relationships within the industry over the years. She cast Nina Hartley, Randy Spears, Aja, Peter North, Victoria Paris, Lee Carroll, Kay Parker and her very first co-star and friend, Joey Silvera. Based on an original story by Sharon, the script was formed by the man responsible for making her directorial debut possible, Jim Holliday. Holliday and Kane met on the set of Sorority Pink (1989) and continued a true friendship and working relationship with each other throughout the years. The movie itself follows Nina Hartley’s other-worldly experience, including a regression into her previous lives. The movie’s mystical edge, added to both the storyline and sex scenes, sets it apart from the more mainstream themed features of the time period. Sharon waited to read the finished script before writing the official theme song so that she could incorporate a good deal of the movie’s content into the piece. The 1991 original theme song, “Stairway to Paradise,” has a holistic feeling and is enhanced with an addicting melody.

She is credited with creating an enduring legacy within the industry, which included working on set in the role of art director, make-up artist, musician, production assistant and producer. She’s won numerous awards for Non-Sexual Performer, as well, including for her role as Joan in my bisexual movie, Cracked! She’s credited with a solid reputation for creating songs and musical scores used by top directors throughout the gay, straight and bisexual industry. In 2011, Sharon Kane left the industry and relocated to a quiet, rural community. In 2022, she was introduced to musician Jimmy Michaels, who was working on a project with adult actor Richard Pacheco.

Jimmy Michaels started making music at a very young age and, as a member of the hard-rock duo, Waco, he produced and recorded the song “Dark Lady” in 1995, which became a local rock hit in Philadelphia. When the band broke up in 1996, Jimmy thought he was done with music. Nearly a decade later in 2007, associates convinced him to open a studio and label to begin producing and recording indie rock bands. By 2009, he was honored with a listing from the Independent Music Guild of America as one of the top ten mix and mastering engineers in the United States. In addition to engineering music from 2007-2014, he released solo albums, including writing and recording with 1970’s Disco icon, D.C. Larue. With the introduction of “at-home” mixing technology, Jimmy closed the doors to his studio in late 2016. He currently manages the worldwide licensing for Dick Hieronymus and his publishing firm, Mumbles Music.

In 2022, Jimmy was producing audio books for adult film star Richard Pacheco’s two novels he had written. They had the idea of finishing the second book with an original song that Jimmy would write about Richard’s life, and they wanted a female in the adult industry to perform it. Richard suggested Sharon Kane as his choice; the problem was that she was retired and living out in the boondocks somewhere, so it turned into a huge challenge to track her down. Finally, success!

To say that Jimmy and Sharon hit it off on their first phone conversation is an understatement. Aside from sharing the same birthdate, they connected on many levels musically and personally. It was like two kindred souls finding each other. When Jimmy noticed that Sharon added background vocals to his original song, and those vocals enhanced it, he was sold on her talent and immediately asked her to come out of retirement and work on a project he was producing. The project involved 1970’s and 80’s pop hits, and once that was complete, they started working on the Stairway to Paradise album.

Jump forward to the present as Sharon Kane and longtime collaborator, Jimmy Michaels, announce the re-imagined version of her song—with an additional third verse added and an expanded running time of 7:23. The completely new recording gives this 35 year old song a big, bright, beautiful new life! Not only was that 1991 classic given the special treatment by Sharon Kane and Jimmy Michaels, it is also just one song of a complete album. The album, also entitled Stairway to Paradise, features an otherworldly cover of both Kane and Michaels and is packed with new recordings and reinterpretations of works from both Sharon and Jimmy.

On the Paradise album, as well as other releases the duo worked on together, Sharon uses the pseudonym Char Char. When I asked her about it, this was her exact reply:

“I used to have chickens. Jimmy and I would be discussing music and I would abruptly mention I had to 'go feed the chickens'. So he started calling me farmer Char Char. At the time the first album was being released, I was debating whether I should use my real name or another name. So I said, 'What about Char Char?' And there you have it! 😁 It was a nickname from Jimmy.”

This album is one awesome collaboration, and I want to thank them both for sharing the songs with me. The full album is now available, for a reasonable $7.99 price, at Bandcamp.com.

A new interview with Sharon Kane was released recently on Barefoot and Independent’s YouTube Channel, where they discuss her directorial debut movie, Stairway to Paradise, and the new release of her song and music video. The interviewer, Jason, does an extensive comparison between the original song and the re-imagined disco version, before screening his PG-Rated cut of the movie and a follow-up chat with Kane. The full uncut, extended interview between Sharon and Jason was also just released.

UPDATE: I’m happy to announce that their newest project was just released as I was finishing up writing this blog! The pair released yet another album, this one called To Josh With Love. This new album is a remastering and re-working of the songs Sharon Kane wrote and performed in movies I directed for Catalina Video. I am very honored by the title, obviously, and am so thrilled to now have the full uncut, remastered versions of these songs available, complete with all the bells and whistles.

I’ve had a lot of people ask where they can find the soundtrack music from many of my movies, and now I can let them know that for $7.99 they can download them. Unfortunately, Sharon was not able to locate “Friends and Lovers” (CatalinaVille), even after going all the way back to her floppy disc collection! That one will be missed.

I’ve added some great links for you, including:
-The new Sharon Kane interview with Barefoot & Independent and their censored Stairway to Paradise cut
-The new “Stairway to Paradise” music video
-The album download page for Stairway to Paradise
-The newest album release, To Josh With Love
-And the most important—The Official Sharon Kane Bandcamp Page, featuring all of Sharon’s (aka Char Char's) musical releases, past, present and future.

She’s also on Spotify, which I also linked, so add her to your playlist! Her legacy continues!

SIDE NOTE: If you still haven’t had your fill for all things Sharon Kane, check out my blog from two and a half years ago, “The Many Faces of Adult Film Star Sharon Kane,” where I wrote about all of the amazing characters she portrayed in my movies.

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 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. Telling a life story can be a bit challenging... especially, if you are trying to keep facts in an accurate timeline. I discovered that I had a gap between the ending of my last blog and the lead-in to my move to Florida.

Before I headed to sunny South Beach, my last year in the bleak and wintry northeast had some (of what I considered) warm and fuzzy parts to it, too. I made two friends... one from the gym and one from the legendary beach at Sandy Hook, N.J.

A great (nude) beach with a spectacular backdrop!

I was at a pivotal point with my musical/sales career. My position in the company had become increasingly political. My immediate supervisor/general manager was uncomfortable with my successes that were being noticed by the company's owner.

In my last year with them, I was shuffled around the stores like a game piece. And, the moves were not to bigger and better offerings. It was under the guise that I could "improve" these less profitable showrooms. With a waning income, I made my plans to bail from the company.

It was my friend from the gym who offered me a lead to another sales job - this time to a popular Northeast retail electronics chain. This liaison not only gave me a great opportunity for a smooth job move, but we also became roommates. It was perfect timing, in that I had not renewed my apartment lease after the "endless winter."

He was "the one that got away." Although proclaiming to be straight, he gave off the most intense sexual vibes. I thought he was very cute. He was medium in height, had a very tight, muscular body and had "nice junk," to boot! I never took advantage of this situation, as I wanted to keep the home front as secure as possible. But, I sure had my fantasies.

After mentioning that I frequented the nude beach at Sandy Hook, he became very curious and asked to come along to see what it was like. I said sure! So, we drove to "The Hook." My curiosity about him was piqued when after laying out our towels et al, he sprung a lovely woody! It took everything in me not to react in kind. I often look back and wonder why I didn't jump on him right there. But, I feared if anything got complicated, I would not only lose a friend but also my (temporary) home. I had already started making my plans to move south while living and working with him.

Another curious thing was that he took me to his parents' home in Staten Island. He introduced me as his "new friend" and roommate. I thought at our respective ages, 33 and 43, there might have been some shade thrown. But, they didn't bat an eye. Maybe I should have at least "tried something" with him. Still... cooler heads prevailed... mine, unfortunately!

And, from this very same beach came the person with whom I drove to Florida. We had started flirting the year before at Sandy Hook. I mentioned my intention to move south within a year or so. Surprisingly, he said he had thought about that, too. The next thing I knew, I had another quasi-sexual relationship in the works. We never did anything. It seemed like it was being "saved" for the future.

I had set September of 1994 as the travel date for my move to Florida. My beach buddy asked if he could join me. I said sure! Little did I know how ill-fated this journey would be.

Meanwhile, my other friend (and roommate) got ready for the split up. I had thanked him profusely for letting me share his apartment. There was an air of tension mixed with sadness in his behavior. Maybe I was right all along. I sure wish I had at least tempted fate!

In the weeks leading up to my leaving his apartment, he was fixated on trading cars with me. I couldn't figure it out. He had a nice red Toyota MR-2. I had a rather plain Toyota Tercel hatchback. Go figure. I think there was something up with the registration or title. But, the transfer of titles went without a hitch. And that's the car that I piled high with my belongings for the trip down the Eastern Seaboard. In retrospect, I think he wanted something of mine to remember me by.

My ride to Florida... exact right down to the wheels!

What a trade!

My other friend and I stayed at his mother's house the night before we left for Florida. That night was as chilly as the overly air-conditioned bedroom where nothing physical happened between us. I should have paid attention to that harbinger.

We left the next morning, heading for I-95 South. He had a van that he had packed to the rafters. He was a rather slow driver. That became a point of contention. He asked why I was speeding and losing visual contact on the road. I wasn't speeding. By the time we reached our motel for the night, a fight was brewing.

I thought it was a little early for regrets. But, from then on the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Tired from all the driving, we rented a motel room at the midpoint of the trip and slept in separate beds. And, by the time we reached our Miami condo sublet, we were in separate rooms. Need I say more?

We both circulated around South Beach looking for jobs. I lucked out with (what I considered) an excellent opportunity, which I will expand upon in the next installment. My friend did not enjoy the same luck. Within two weeks, he had decided to return home to N.J. We were staying with a friend of his - meaning I was shit out of luck and homeless in Miami!

This brings me right here, where I want to be - a place to correctly start the tale of my adventures in South Beach. 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!" | It's My Party & I'll BLOG If I Want To! | 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"