“I fell in love with a French Canadian fireman this week,” I gushed as soon as she answered the telephone.
“Oh la la, do tell, where did you meet him, and how in the hell did that happen? I just talked to you a few days ago!”
It happens that there were 20,000 international firemen in Denver this week for a conference. Yummy, right? On Tuesday night, I was working at the Wine Loft, this very cool and very new wine bar in LoDo on Wazee Street. Not much action save for a few ladies drinking Vinho Verde on the patio in the sun. It was a beautiful afternoon.
The Wine Loft just opened on Saturday. It is an elegant wine bar. The floor plan is wide open and it looks a bit like a grown up living room with subdued golden bronzy walls, sheer bronze drapery, and plush brown couches from ZGallerie. The space is littered with gilded mirrors and illuminated with candles. It is truly beautiful. We offer a delectable menu of haute cuisine small plates and nearly 200 different wines are on the diverse list. I really enjoy working there. I am assisting in the creation and expansion of the wine list. It’s been a great experience for me. I love, love, love wine.
Around dinner time two distinguished gentlemen walked in and sat at table 17. As I walked over to greet them I could hear them speaking in French. “Great,” I thought, “Good looking and French…I’m in trouble.”
I turned out they were from Montreal, in Denver for the firemen conference, and were looking for a good bite to eat and a great glass of wine when they stumbled upon the Wine Loft. They stayed for hours and we talked about wine, food, and French. They prompted me to speak with them in French but I became intimidated as usual and reverted to English. The few phrases I attempted were met with patience and with praise. I really appreciated that. They told me a little bit about their week and I told them a little bit about mine. They would be sight seeing and going out on the town during their free time. I would be in classes and working on Thursday, Friday, and on Saturday. They said they might stop back by. And they did.
They came in on Thursday for a bit to eat after attending the Breckenridge Brewery Beer Festival with a group of comrades. They were not into the burger and beer thing so they came in for some “real food” and good wine. Table 17 again. I was busy that night and didn’t wait on them but I did have occasion to stop by and chat a bit. They visited Boulder and Golden but didn’t make it to Estes or Red Rocks. I learned that Yves is a fan of mountain biking and wants to bring his bike to tackle some of our finest trails. I told him that Lance Armstrong just competed in a race in Leadville. He was impressed. We talked about snow and the climate differences in Quebec and Colorado. Claude gave me several suggestions for the menu and the websites for two prominent Canadian Sommeliers. One is traditional and one is avant garde. During our conversation I could feel chemistry building amongst the three of us and I was not sure exactly where it was stemming from. Was it Claude or was it Yves. Both men were vying for my attention and both were getting it. We said our good byes and I exchanged business cards with them…just in case I get to Montreal to see the autumn colours…I knew they had dinner plans with the Korean delegation on Friday and wanted to come in afterward. The evening was out of their control.
On Friday, it rained all day and was only 60˚F; which for August in Colorado is rather unheard of. I love the rain and gray days give me energy and make me very happy. I had a meeting with three wine reps at the Wine Loft and drank a lovely bottle of Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne with them. After my meeting I treated myself to a nice dinner at Crepes et Crepes. I wandered back to work around 7:00 pm. Downtown was empty. It was still pouring rain and the Wine Loft was quiet. A few friends of the bartender were sitting at the bar but the house was empty.
I was very surprised to see them walk in early; at 7:30 pm dressed in suits and looking gorgeous. Mmm I’m smitten…but, with Yves or with Claude? Claude is taller and brawnier. He has chocolate brown eyes and graying hair. He has a boyish smile and has a direct and intense personality. Very good looking. If I had to guess I’d say he is a Scorpio. He is definitely the talker and commands more attention. He is the Director of Operations for the Quebec Fire Department Academy based in Montreal. He is 41 years old. He used to play keyboard in rock and jazz bands and he hopes to again. He gave me an official Quebec Fire Department pin. He knows his wine and loves to share his point of view.
Yves is more unassuming, not as tall and thinner. He has soft blue eyes, dark blond hair and an enchanting smile. He is more gentile and a bit shy. He is the one who tried to get me to speak French and asked me questions about myself. He is the Coordinator of Programs for the Q.F.D.A. He is new to his position. He just sits back and watches the conversation flow. He participates when he has something important to contribute…a Libra maybe. He taught me the proper way to present a toast…with held eye contact, and meaning. He commented on the U.S. habit of avoiding direct eye contact and touching. Claude agreed. Claude won’t call us Americans because Canadians and Mexicans are technically Americans too. Interesting. Yves was a rigger for concerts and rides a Triumph. Sexy. He was attentive and there was a pleasant surprise on his face when he learned I too ride a motorcycle. He commented that I am quite a woman. He kissed me on the cheek when he left, and he invited me to come to Montreal.
They left Denver on Saturday and that evening at the Wine Loft there was an emptiness in the room. Table 17 was lonely for guests. Every time I walked by I noticed a sad little smile on my face as I felt the presence of the two men in my heart. I felt a certain longing to talk with them and see their smile and hear their voices immersed in a conversation in a language I am only beginning to understand. I think they stole my heart when they left.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
the most fabulous clothes in Denver
There is a clothing trend in Denver that is everywhere and it seems as though every girl wears it. Day and night, summer and winter…I call it the “Going Out Outfit.” It begins with too tight, low rise, dark wash, boot cut jeans paired with chunky heels in the summer or black boots in the winter. It is always topped off with a jewel toned, sparkly, cotton camisole or a sequined, jersey knit baby doll that conceals the tummy and the over-hang that occurs with the low rise of the jeans. In the winter some girls add a little sweater or a cardigan to the look. It can be a nice look, except everyone ends up looking the same.
The “Going Out Outfit” look is simple and requires very little thought or planning and it fits with the busy lifestyle of the Denverite woman. Add a cool necklace, perfectly highlighted and blown out hair, and she is ready to go out on the town with her girls. I see ladies of all ages wearing the “Going Out Outfit.”
It seems like everyone shops at the same two or three stores: Banana Republic, Bébé, and Arden B. Most stores carry very similar lines with subtle color and cut variations. Banana is the most conservative and Bébé, and Arden B carry nightclub attire that some people try to translate into business or daywear. Even if people shop at department stores or discount stores the clothes all look the same. Why bother even looking at Vogue when it’s all pre-selected for you anyway?
And then, once in a while, I see a lady with a sense of style all her own. She may be pretty, or just interesting, but she definitely stands out from the crowd. She may be a girl that travels the world and shops as she goes, picking up uniquely fantastic pieces when she finds them. Or, maybe, she has a secret little shop in Denver where the selection is an amazing array of famous designer lines and up-and-coming trendsetters. What ever her secret…she is the girl to study.
There is a little boutique tucked away in Cherry Creek North just like this. Garbarini at 3003 East Third is an oasis of style in a sea of trends. The original Garbarini was a beautiful little shoe store on my favorite street-Larimer Square that started over twenty years ago. It has evolved and expanded many times over the years and in its latest incarnation it is truly a haven for beautiful, timeless yet chic clothing, jeans, and shoes. Garbarini has the coolest selection of shoes, belts, bags, and other accessories of any boutique in Cherry Creek. The selection of classic business wear is the best I have seen in Denver. Nothing in the store looks stuffy, matronly, or boring. The clothes are modern and fashionable without being merely trendy. The styles are timeless, feminine, and most importantly, they are beautiful on just about any chic woman.
Garbarini carries classic Euro style as well as modern American designers. Designers found at Garbarini include Ya Ya, Jon, Plein Sud, Vertigo, Alvin Valley, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Vincent, Pons Quintana, Old Gringo, Donald Pliner, and Gianni Bravo...the list goes on.
On a recent shopping spree during the famous Cherry Creek Sidewalk Sale, I found a beautiful pair of hand made Donald Pliner, distressed lacquer pumps in an amazing shade of copper marked down from $335 to $49. I came away with a pair of Claudia Ciuti black and white patent spectator booties also marked down to $49. I found a black and tan, polka dot, chiffon wrap blouse by BCBG Max Azria for $29, and a summer weight, grey wool fitted jacket by Alvin Valley that was $500; I got it for $49. I paid $29 for a great pair of black wool trousers by Jenne Maac. I also bought a gorgeous silver linen skirt by Jon that was $300 for $49 and a blue and white linen tank by Majestic Paris priced at $100 for $15. My favorite steal is a cocoa coloured, featherweight cashmere sweater marked down to $15. It is deliciously soft. I wish it wasn’t 97 degrees today because I am dying to wear it! This incredible sale happens twice a year and the deals are unbeatable.
I have every piece I have ever purchased at Garbarini and I can still wear them. They are well constructed and timeless; always appropriate. Every time I wear a piece I receive compliments and approving looks. Everyone wants to know where I shop. I look like a million dollars, and, I feel like a European movie star when ever I wear my Garbarini collection.
http://www.garbarinishop.com/
The “Going Out Outfit” look is simple and requires very little thought or planning and it fits with the busy lifestyle of the Denverite woman. Add a cool necklace, perfectly highlighted and blown out hair, and she is ready to go out on the town with her girls. I see ladies of all ages wearing the “Going Out Outfit.”
It seems like everyone shops at the same two or three stores: Banana Republic, Bébé, and Arden B. Most stores carry very similar lines with subtle color and cut variations. Banana is the most conservative and Bébé, and Arden B carry nightclub attire that some people try to translate into business or daywear. Even if people shop at department stores or discount stores the clothes all look the same. Why bother even looking at Vogue when it’s all pre-selected for you anyway?
And then, once in a while, I see a lady with a sense of style all her own. She may be pretty, or just interesting, but she definitely stands out from the crowd. She may be a girl that travels the world and shops as she goes, picking up uniquely fantastic pieces when she finds them. Or, maybe, she has a secret little shop in Denver where the selection is an amazing array of famous designer lines and up-and-coming trendsetters. What ever her secret…she is the girl to study.
There is a little boutique tucked away in Cherry Creek North just like this. Garbarini at 3003 East Third is an oasis of style in a sea of trends. The original Garbarini was a beautiful little shoe store on my favorite street-Larimer Square that started over twenty years ago. It has evolved and expanded many times over the years and in its latest incarnation it is truly a haven for beautiful, timeless yet chic clothing, jeans, and shoes. Garbarini has the coolest selection of shoes, belts, bags, and other accessories of any boutique in Cherry Creek. The selection of classic business wear is the best I have seen in Denver. Nothing in the store looks stuffy, matronly, or boring. The clothes are modern and fashionable without being merely trendy. The styles are timeless, feminine, and most importantly, they are beautiful on just about any chic woman.
Garbarini carries classic Euro style as well as modern American designers. Designers found at Garbarini include Ya Ya, Jon, Plein Sud, Vertigo, Alvin Valley, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Vincent, Pons Quintana, Old Gringo, Donald Pliner, and Gianni Bravo...the list goes on.
On a recent shopping spree during the famous Cherry Creek Sidewalk Sale, I found a beautiful pair of hand made Donald Pliner, distressed lacquer pumps in an amazing shade of copper marked down from $335 to $49. I came away with a pair of Claudia Ciuti black and white patent spectator booties also marked down to $49. I found a black and tan, polka dot, chiffon wrap blouse by BCBG Max Azria for $29, and a summer weight, grey wool fitted jacket by Alvin Valley that was $500; I got it for $49. I paid $29 for a great pair of black wool trousers by Jenne Maac. I also bought a gorgeous silver linen skirt by Jon that was $300 for $49 and a blue and white linen tank by Majestic Paris priced at $100 for $15. My favorite steal is a cocoa coloured, featherweight cashmere sweater marked down to $15. It is deliciously soft. I wish it wasn’t 97 degrees today because I am dying to wear it! This incredible sale happens twice a year and the deals are unbeatable.
I have every piece I have ever purchased at Garbarini and I can still wear them. They are well constructed and timeless; always appropriate. Every time I wear a piece I receive compliments and approving looks. Everyone wants to know where I shop. I look like a million dollars, and, I feel like a European movie star when ever I wear my Garbarini collection.
http://www.garbarinishop.com/
Monday, July 7, 2008
What is wrong with Married Men
I am not sure what it is about married men, but; they have a thing for me. In the past two years I have unknowingly attracted a whole string of them. I never seek them out and I am not the type of girl to settle for seconds. I may have unconventional views of marriage and monogamy but I’d never force them on another married couple.
When I get into a flirtation with a man the second question I ask them is, “Are you married?” They always respond with a “No,” or something along the lines of “I’m separated,” or “We are getting divorced,” or my all time favorite, “My wife just doesn’t understand me anymore.” One man actually said, “Why couldn’t I have met you while I was still single?”
Let’s see, there have been the Wine Maker, the Italian, the Ball Player, the Chef, and most recently the middle-aged Barista. One thing they all have in common is that they are all in their forties or fifties.
This cute couple always came into the wine store to buy a bottle of Italian red for him and Jack Daniels for her. They were happy, friendly, and interesting. They seemed made for each other. The man is half Italian and his long time, live in girlfriend is one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever met. A year ago, in the spring he started to come in alone to make their purchases. I’d always ask about her, and how they were doing. He’d always ask me about my studies. I study at work when it’s slow. Apparently, she traveled frequently for her job. As it turned out, his daughter was in one of my classes. He was very impressed that I maintain a 4.0 GPA and I work full time. I guess the daughter doesn’t pull those kinds of grades.
We became friends; talking about hopes and dreams and the future. He wants to travel through Italy and see where his family comes from. He is a cyclist. I suggested he give winery/cycling tours through Italian wine country. I thought he was a great guy; friendly, caring, interested, but involved and in love with his girlfriend….so I immediately put him into the friend category. We talked about the demise of my last relationship and all of the lies and deception I went through. I began to trust him.
When the semester was over he offered to take me to lunch to celebrate my good grades and a much-needed break. We went around the corner to a little place for an alfresco lunch late one afternoon after I got off from work. He was so easy to talk to and we had everything in common. After lunch he walked me to my car, and then he kissed me. I was shocked and very put off by the kiss. I didn’t know what to think. I got in my car and simply drove away.
I didn’t hear from him for a few days. When he did stop by the store he apologized for surprising me with the kiss. I asked about his girlfriend. He said, “We are probably breaking up, and she has accepted a job in Detroit. She is moving there and I am not going to go with her...My life and my family are here...” After a moment, he said, “I’d really like to see you again, will you go out on a real date with me?” I told him I’d think about it and gave him my number. We went out that Saturday night and there were definitely sparks.
We went out for three months. We went for dinner at Via, and for drinks at Samba and the Cruise Room. All summer long we wandered the streets of LoDo hand in hand and made out like teenagers at the DCPA. We were both enchanted. I was beginning to fall for him. We had very hot sex all over his loft; on the kitchen counter, in the living room, in the bedroom, up against the wall...We had long, heartfelt conversations about our dreams, hopes, interests, lives, and our ex’s. The conversation quickly became a “we” conversation. He told me he was falling in love with me and that they were over. Then, one day…he told me that he and the soon to be ex-girlfriend were going to Mexico for a week on a vacation that they had planned before the break-up. I was upset and didn’t understand why anyone would go on vacation with their ex even if it was already paid for.
A few weeks later, after nothing from him, She walked in the store. I was definitely surprised to see her but used my acting chops to cover it up and muster the courage to ask her how she had been. She told me she had been in Detroit for two months working on a contract and that she was so thrilled to be home…
As soon as she left I called the cheating, lying bastard and told him that his lovely girlfriend and I just had a fabulous conversation and she told me everything I needed to know about him. Immediately I stopped calling him and wouldn’t accept his calls. I told him to leave me alone. What a complete jerk. I now realize that he lied to me over and over just to use me for a hot, summer fling. He knew how badly I had been hurt by lying and cheating in my last relationship and he was angery with my ex for treating me that way, but, the entire time we were together he was lying to me as well. That is evil.
Over the last year he still comes into the store and flirts with me and asks me out on the occasional date. He still tells me how enchanted he is, how beautiful and sexy I am, and how much he wants to be with me. He still tries to kiss me. And, until yesterday, it was so hard to resist him. But now, I see him for who he really is. ( A few months ago I ran into her in the park and she told me she is going to Australia for a month this summer.) Like clock work he came to see me the minute she left.
Two days ago, he came by my work and had big tears in his eyes and I could tell he was miserable. He told me he missed me and fumbled around with his words. He told me I looked amazing, elegant and beautiful, and that he couldn’t resist me anymore. He asked me to lunch the following day, which was yesterday. I accepted his invitation and thought to myself, “This is the perfect time to tell the Italian bastard off once and for all.”
Just as I was getting ready to walk out the door for our lunch he called:
“I don’t think we should have lunch today.”
“Why.” I asked, casually.
“Because you entice me, and intrigue me, and you are so sexy that you scare me.”
“What is so scary about me?”
“I want you and I shouldn’t, I don’t know what to do, but we can’t have lunch.”
“Ok, no problem, but, then you need to stop seeking me out, and coming to see me, and calling me. I am never seeking you out. You need to leave me alone.”
“Ok, (followed by a very long pause) are you sure?”
“Oh yes, yes, and you need to delete my number from your phone.” I replied very calmly.
And with that I deleted the Italian from my life. What makes him think that I deserve to be jerked around like that? It was the lies that killed it. Had he been honest things would be different. What makes him think that I don’t deserve more than that? Is it because I am sensual, and sexy, and understanding, and compassionate? Am I just that unattainable wildfire that every man fantasies about but doesn’t have the courage to be with? I guess I will never know. My only question now is, “What in the hell is wrong with married men?”
When I get into a flirtation with a man the second question I ask them is, “Are you married?” They always respond with a “No,” or something along the lines of “I’m separated,” or “We are getting divorced,” or my all time favorite, “My wife just doesn’t understand me anymore.” One man actually said, “Why couldn’t I have met you while I was still single?”
Let’s see, there have been the Wine Maker, the Italian, the Ball Player, the Chef, and most recently the middle-aged Barista. One thing they all have in common is that they are all in their forties or fifties.
This cute couple always came into the wine store to buy a bottle of Italian red for him and Jack Daniels for her. They were happy, friendly, and interesting. They seemed made for each other. The man is half Italian and his long time, live in girlfriend is one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever met. A year ago, in the spring he started to come in alone to make their purchases. I’d always ask about her, and how they were doing. He’d always ask me about my studies. I study at work when it’s slow. Apparently, she traveled frequently for her job. As it turned out, his daughter was in one of my classes. He was very impressed that I maintain a 4.0 GPA and I work full time. I guess the daughter doesn’t pull those kinds of grades.
We became friends; talking about hopes and dreams and the future. He wants to travel through Italy and see where his family comes from. He is a cyclist. I suggested he give winery/cycling tours through Italian wine country. I thought he was a great guy; friendly, caring, interested, but involved and in love with his girlfriend….so I immediately put him into the friend category. We talked about the demise of my last relationship and all of the lies and deception I went through. I began to trust him.
When the semester was over he offered to take me to lunch to celebrate my good grades and a much-needed break. We went around the corner to a little place for an alfresco lunch late one afternoon after I got off from work. He was so easy to talk to and we had everything in common. After lunch he walked me to my car, and then he kissed me. I was shocked and very put off by the kiss. I didn’t know what to think. I got in my car and simply drove away.
I didn’t hear from him for a few days. When he did stop by the store he apologized for surprising me with the kiss. I asked about his girlfriend. He said, “We are probably breaking up, and she has accepted a job in Detroit. She is moving there and I am not going to go with her...My life and my family are here...” After a moment, he said, “I’d really like to see you again, will you go out on a real date with me?” I told him I’d think about it and gave him my number. We went out that Saturday night and there were definitely sparks.
We went out for three months. We went for dinner at Via, and for drinks at Samba and the Cruise Room. All summer long we wandered the streets of LoDo hand in hand and made out like teenagers at the DCPA. We were both enchanted. I was beginning to fall for him. We had very hot sex all over his loft; on the kitchen counter, in the living room, in the bedroom, up against the wall...We had long, heartfelt conversations about our dreams, hopes, interests, lives, and our ex’s. The conversation quickly became a “we” conversation. He told me he was falling in love with me and that they were over. Then, one day…he told me that he and the soon to be ex-girlfriend were going to Mexico for a week on a vacation that they had planned before the break-up. I was upset and didn’t understand why anyone would go on vacation with their ex even if it was already paid for.
A few weeks later, after nothing from him, She walked in the store. I was definitely surprised to see her but used my acting chops to cover it up and muster the courage to ask her how she had been. She told me she had been in Detroit for two months working on a contract and that she was so thrilled to be home…
As soon as she left I called the cheating, lying bastard and told him that his lovely girlfriend and I just had a fabulous conversation and she told me everything I needed to know about him. Immediately I stopped calling him and wouldn’t accept his calls. I told him to leave me alone. What a complete jerk. I now realize that he lied to me over and over just to use me for a hot, summer fling. He knew how badly I had been hurt by lying and cheating in my last relationship and he was angery with my ex for treating me that way, but, the entire time we were together he was lying to me as well. That is evil.
Over the last year he still comes into the store and flirts with me and asks me out on the occasional date. He still tells me how enchanted he is, how beautiful and sexy I am, and how much he wants to be with me. He still tries to kiss me. And, until yesterday, it was so hard to resist him. But now, I see him for who he really is. ( A few months ago I ran into her in the park and she told me she is going to Australia for a month this summer.) Like clock work he came to see me the minute she left.
Two days ago, he came by my work and had big tears in his eyes and I could tell he was miserable. He told me he missed me and fumbled around with his words. He told me I looked amazing, elegant and beautiful, and that he couldn’t resist me anymore. He asked me to lunch the following day, which was yesterday. I accepted his invitation and thought to myself, “This is the perfect time to tell the Italian bastard off once and for all.”
Just as I was getting ready to walk out the door for our lunch he called:
“I don’t think we should have lunch today.”
“Why.” I asked, casually.
“Because you entice me, and intrigue me, and you are so sexy that you scare me.”
“What is so scary about me?”
“I want you and I shouldn’t, I don’t know what to do, but we can’t have lunch.”
“Ok, no problem, but, then you need to stop seeking me out, and coming to see me, and calling me. I am never seeking you out. You need to leave me alone.”
“Ok, (followed by a very long pause) are you sure?”
“Oh yes, yes, and you need to delete my number from your phone.” I replied very calmly.
And with that I deleted the Italian from my life. What makes him think that I deserve to be jerked around like that? It was the lies that killed it. Had he been honest things would be different. What makes him think that I don’t deserve more than that? Is it because I am sensual, and sexy, and understanding, and compassionate? Am I just that unattainable wildfire that every man fantasies about but doesn’t have the courage to be with? I guess I will never know. My only question now is, “What in the hell is wrong with married men?”
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