The ultimate recluse rich enough to pull it off!
Hughes idle hours spent designing bra with proper lift and thrust!
One of the things that annoys me most are people who are shallow and insincere.
And, inconsistency takes the cake.
I have resided in the West Hollywood area for over twenty years - and during that time - have come to recognize that the tiny incorporated city is pretty much a transient place.
This is partly due to the nature of the entertainment-industry beast!
Subsequently, they often settle in neighborhoods central to the hub of the biz, such as WeHo.
Then, for the next year or so, the old-timers spot them around town as they try to settle in and acclimatize themselves to the West Coast scene
One day, a larger percentage of the disillusioned will either jump off a cliff in frustration when their dreams don't pan out, skulk back to Oklahoma a dismal failure (a cliche, I know), or move lock-stock-and-barrel to Silver Lake never to be seen hide-nor-tail-of again.
Over the years, folks like me, stayed and established roots.
Likewise, during that time frame, I also began to acknowledge others who did the same.
Indeed!
When a familiar face crosses your path a few times a week (at the grocery store, the pharmacy, while strolling along the street) you're inclined to smile, nod politely, or even utter hello.
Once I personally acknowledge someone, or strike up a bond of-sorts, I am in for the long haul.
When it comes to friendship - in particular - I can be depended on.
Here's what a few notables have said about friendship:
"Life is partly what we make it, and partly what is made by the friends whom we choose."
Tehyi Hsieh
"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Books, like friends, should be few and well chosen."
Samuel Paterson
"A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails."
Anonymous author
So, with that foremost in mind,please note for the record that those who consider striking up an acquaintance with me should be aware of one thing.
I expect loyalty and "consistency" in my associations with people (on whatever level).
Cross me (or stab me in the back) and you're banished!
After all, I'm not a masochist.
I'd rather have a circle of tight-knit friends consisting of three or four buddies I feel comfortable with (and can depend on) than a posse of phony (superficial) pals who are wish-washy and not one ounce of loyalty in their fickle bones.
I don't kknow if it is the uncertainty of the times - or simply due to a lack of manners (and an inability to connect and effectively communicate) - but I have found that in WeHo (and in Los Angeles in general) that folks have a problem being sincere, following through, and committing in respect to relationships.
For instance, on occasion I have been walking down the street or glancing over a newspaper in a cafe - when a local resident (who I have crossed paths with dozens of times for months on end) - suddenly breaks into a smile and gives me a nod.
No, I don't perceive that as a signal to saunter over to their table, and pursue a hot affair in-between-the- sheets.
I like to think that a connection (acknowledgement) has been made - though - which may (or may not) pan out into a meaningful friendship.
So, I tend to take a mental note.
Next time, I will make a point of acknowledging that individual, also.
After all, isn't that how bonds develop with neighbours and strangers?
One guy I started saying hi to over the past year proved to be such a flake!
One minute he would wave hi - the next - ignore me.
Sorry, dude, I require consistency in my interactions with people.
Once there is a snub (is that what it is, or is the person just too stupid to recall the people he or she has been acknowledging for weeks on end?) I drop them like a hot potato.
And, I run away from immature a**holes who play games, like they have the plague.
I've got better things to do than try to fathom out the intent of a gaggle of losers who don't have a clue about friendship (or life in general) from the get-go (though it is usually staring them nakedly in the face).
To be honest with you - as far as I am concerned - the eyes are the windows of the soul.
In the final analysis, I'm not inclined to let just any jerk-off stare into mine, for heaven's sake.
I'll save (and cherish) that special moment for a deserving like-minded-soul similar in spirit to moi!
So, kiss off 'ya Hollywood phonies, I want nothing to do with low-life slugs like you.
And, that goes for ambitious social climbers who toil away on take-out counters and cash registers at - CVS, Starbucks, Rite-Aid, Pavillions - wherever!
Just ring up the items, bag 'em, and fork over my change (without any goo-goo eyes) please.
No wonder Brando, James Dean, and Howard Hughes were recluses.
In fact - even Greta Garbo's lament - makes sense to me now.
"I want to be left alone!"
Amen!
Greta Garbo avoided trappings of fame!
Brando intensely private & retiring off-screen!
