Such a great song by Elvis Costello! The song is indicative of this day, as I had orientation for my house manager role again this year for Pandemonium, the tremendous annual fundraiser for Cleveland Public Theater. Wrapped around that was my first rehearsal for what you will see posted here for a while until it happens, the upcoming DJC Play & Fashion Show. Reminder, click the poster below for your tickets, help us raise awareness of domestic violence. Pump it up, indeed!
Out in the fashion show,
down in the bargain bin,
you put your passion out
under the pressure pin.
Fall into submission,
hit-and-run transmission.
No use wishing now for any other sin.
Pump it up until you can feel it.
Pump it up when you don’t really need it.
Let my friend set the table for you on this day, September 10, 2026!
I got to the library where we had the fashion show rehearsal early and had to knock off some work. That was, of course, done at a local Happy Hour. Now, understand I am across town from where I live, a good 45-minute drive. And yep, someone at the bar knew me! I could not stay long at the rehearsal; it was my first direct interaction with everyone. Let me tell you how happy and proud that I am welcomed in this portion of the local fashion community and I am mostly likely the only Caucasian involved. And I am completely and utterly accepted!
Pandemonium orientation was wonderful as I am clearly valued and respected. There is on-going construction on the Cleveland Public Theater campus and my “house”, Stage 4, the church, has been transformed. Soooo cool! I saw person after person that I knew, drawing smiles. One very sad note, RIP Bill. Gone after 102+ amazing years of service and giving on this planet. No one lived a more giving life! I know you are already running things in Heaven… This was the last time I saw Bill, with the fabulous designer, Kenneth Cole at The Cleveland International Film Festival. He was also a huge presence also at Pandemonium.
I was going to head home, but feeling my oats, I stopped for one before heading back home. The bar immediately next door, XYZ Lounge, is a place where I have had quite a few memorable times. This was no different as I met a couple, Michelle and Jason, who lived within walking distance and now I am invited to quite a few awesome parties they throw! Sherry, don’t let me forget to invite them to A Very Sherry Christmas, as they love Luxe. Anyhoo, we immediately connected and talked as if we knew each other all of our lives. What a great evening!
This post is both one of the greatest Kandi days ever as well as a reminder to never, ever take anything or anyone for granted. Magda has become a close friend, and Jim, who passed a few years ago, is still missed, especially each and every Saturday morning.
14 Miles
So I mentioned in my recent post about the Human Rights Campaign Dinner something awesome occurring. Let’s dive into that!
As you have read, the day prior I had to work (4:30AM alarm), hustle home and get myself ready and then attend a kickoff event (cocktails involved). Back home to get cleaned up and catch a few hours sleep.
So on August 20, 2022 the alarm went off at 5:00AM. I spent an hour getting ready to run with my friend Jim at 6:30, with a half hour commute in there. We were going to run 14 miles. I am training for a marathon in early October, with the goal of qualifying for Boston in 2024 to right the wrong that was my awful performance there this past April.
Jim and I met a few years back. He works for a home builder and needed an easement from me to begin a new development right behind our house. I trust no one anymore. He calls, I am somewhat of an a-hole, but long story short, I requested a fence (which I got) and he got the required easement. During that process, we of course met, and chatted (I was no longer an a-hole). He is a life long runner. A friendship was struck.
He had run Boston some years ago. I was aspiring to do so. We started running together every Saturday. During runs, we talked, at least for the first half of our runs until we simply ran in silence, trying to grind out the end of that run. Jim always brings his dog, Harley, along. We have run hundreds of miles run together. Runs have ranged from a paltry 13 miles to as long as 20 miles. We have run in temperatures below freezing. Nothing better than a 20 mile run with temps in the teens (not!). It was often hours before I could feel my hands (literally). We have raced against each other (I kinda won those); he has fallen and injured himself; we have supported each other; we have really become close. For someone with quite a few lifelong friends, to make a friend with whom I feel so close in a relatively short amount of time has been wonderful.
During these runs, we talk. We have shared more about each other than I have with most other male friends. Jim shared his battle with alcoholism (you would think I would heed his warnings) and I have shared my time in prison. We have referred to our family members, but have not gone into much detail in that regard. Men generally don’t share in that fashion.
So fast forward to my volunteering for the HRC, greeting every person attending the event. I am standing in my lovely Michael Kors dress, smiling from ear to ear, chatting people up. Then up the escalator comes Jim and his wife. I don’t really notice them until I am greeting them. Jim had no clue, despite the fact that only a few hours before, we talked while we ran (remember, Kandi and I speak in the same voice). No clue. Instantly, I say to myself, WTF. This is an LGBT event, so all inhibitions are gone.
There was an immediate connection! Now the interesting part, which I did not know. Jim and his wife’s son is gay (never came up, but then again, I didn’t completely open up either). Now the good part, his wife is in charge of diversity for a local college. And we have a few mutual friends, including Kim, whom I just met the day before.
Letting the genie out of the bottle was amazing! Now there is no chance in hell I can do this with all of my friends without losing many. But Jim, unbeknownst to me, was the perfect friend to open up to. I wasn’t looking to do so and made a split second decision, but am glad I did.
So here we are (with Jim’s permission) at the dinner. Jim, his lovely wife Magda and Godzilla in the middle. A photo I am extremely proud of!!
How can he wear a suit! Yuk!
Seriously, Jim I thank you and Magda is amazing! Our runs may be a little different from now on….
God bless you both!
