Good day, my fellow Social Distancers! I hope this post finds you all hale and hearty, and ready to be entertained at my expense! Yes! That’s what I said. You’d think that being stuck in Chez Badass all by my lonesome (Seashell Jesus, Placeholder the Dog, and Honey Valentine the Bear’s presences notwithstanding), I would have almost no opportunity to bring mortification upon myself.
Well, you would be wrong.
As some of you know, I live upstairs in a building that once housed a Post Office, and I rent the main floor out to a museum – the Fashion History Museum (FHM). The FHM is of course closed currently, but my tenants still come in every day to do the work necessary to maintain this high-calibre museum. Over the years I have become very fond of Kenn and Jonathan (Chair and Curator of the FHM respectively, and a lovely couple as well) and we have developed a friendship far outside the landlord/tenant paradigm.
We’ve talked a lot about the pandemic lately, as you can imagine (from a safe social distance, of course). Last week I joked with Kenn and Jonathan that I was rationing my favourite red wine, just in case it became impossible to keep “in stock” at Chez Badass as things progressed.
Imagine my glee and surprise then, when I ventured downstairs to check the mail and saw 2 bottles of the same placed by the stairs going up to my apartment.
I saw through the frosted glass doors that the lights were on in the museum, so I stuck my head in and excitedly sang out:
“Well, well! Looks like the Wine Fairy has been by and left me something!!!”
Jonathan (he of the quick wit) laughed easily and pretended to be offended, and only then did the full import of what I had just uttered hit me: I HAD JUST USED A WORD ALSO USED AS A GAY SLUR IN FRONT OF – AND IN RELATION TO – A GAY MAN.
Shit, shit, shit! How could I be so thoughtless!?! I immediately apologized while dying a little inside. And spent the rest of the day beating myself up for being such a dumbass.
I can laugh about this NOW – days later – especially since I know my innocent comment was received as just that.
Sigh. Only I could manage to commit such a faux pas – a social gaffe – of this magnitude, while distancing and isolating myself. It’s a gift; what can I say? 😉
How about you? Care to share a faux pas in the Comments section?
Rock on,
The WB
Hey Deb! I’m pretty certain that all my gay friends..and yeah, Iive near Palm Springs so I have LOTS of gay friends which I adore, would take offense at being called a “wine fairy.” Besides, these times call for acceptance and tolerance for us all. I’m doing my best to keep my judgement about those who just can’t (or won’t) social distance. I get that it’s hard but I firmly believe it is important. Glad you have plenty of friends to help you through this AND I also give a thumbs up to Unorthodox. Just started watching it last night. Did you also watch Self Made? It’s a good one too. Talk soon… ~Kathy
Shit! All your gay friends WOULD be offended? I hope you left out a word😮.
Dang! How do I fix that…that’s what I get for hitting post before I “edit.” (of course, who am I kidding…I’m not a very good editor to begin with!!!) Yes…I surely meant “wouldn’t” . In fact they would probably enjoy the title. 🙂 ~Kathuy
Whew! Thanks Kathy💕😅
And just like that, you added your own ‘Faux Pas’. Funny. Proofreading my own writing is not my forte either, so I end up doing stuff like that too, I think we all do.
Deb, I just want to forget about those verbal slips.
Leslie xoxo
Me too! Thanks Leslie💕
Your talent for misadventure is really quite remarkable 🙃🤪
High praise, coming from yourself 😜
😁
You make me smile. You gotta be who you are, then tell the tale so that we may learn from your example… of what not to do. 😉
Ain’t it the truth, Ally! 💕
I worked in design for 10 years. Gay guys have the best humor of anyone. They may act offended with theatrical flare (unless someone intentionally disrespects them — that’s different). I think you gave them a story to tell at their next party. Followed by “and she was so upset, it was hysterical!”
I think you are right, Kate! 💕
Funny post! Unorthodox looks good. Thanks for the suggestion. Have you checked out the Affair and Ozark? Incredible shows.
Thanks for your suggestions! I will check them out 💕
Do you have a little iPhone tri-pod, or did you use a camera-camera? Either way, that is an excellent photo! I agree with others. I think Wine Fairy would be considered quite the compliment, especially these days!
I used a camera-camera 😁, on a little tri-pod with the self-timer setting. The things I get up to, in self-isolation 😂. Thank you Tracey💕
Oh man – that’s one of those situations when you really, really, REALLY wish you had a rewind button. But know what? The burning shame and gut-wrenching discomfort will eventually fade away.
Know how I know? Because I’ve been there and faux pas’d that and lived to tell you that I don’t remember one example.
Unfortunately I remember every example 😩😳. Thanks Maggie💕
Oh that is something I would do because the “[insert magic here] fairy” is a saying. In my head it’s like a job as opposed to a label. It wouldn’t even occur to me I’d stuck my foot in it!
And I love that parody. Might steal it for my blog…
Exactly what happened to me, AJ💕. Glad I’m not alone. Steal away!
Just blame it on the wine.
I would, TG. But I hadn’t ingested any yet. Thanks 💕
Well, they didn’t know that.
Oh I get it! That should be my story and I should stick to it😉
I loved Unorthodox!! And just posted the Do Re Me as well.
Excellent! 💕
Every gay guy I’ve ever known—and that was a lot of guys, being in the floral industry years ago—would have loved that comment. I’ll bet he enjoyed your uncomfortable apology too.
Glad you are doing well up there!
Thanks Jean💕 Maybe he enjoyed it, but Jonathan strikes me as too kind-hearted.
Hi, Deb – You’ve mentioned Kenn and Jonathan before. From your description, they sound SUPER COOL, so I’m sure that they would not be offended. Although they now may want you to share the wine!
They are super cool people to know, Donna. My life has definitely been enriched since they came into it. You’re right – no offence was taken. And we have shared many a bottle of wine over the years as well! Thanks💕
You are right, Deb. You should be staying out of trouble! Huge laugh on the Wine Fairy. I could use one right about now.
What have you done to the first movie I ever watched? My favourite movie of all time? You have made me smile all the way to the end. A smile is welcome. Hugs.💕
Hehehe! Thanks Erica 💕
Hi Deb – gosh I’d have done that too … in their generosity of leaving me two bottles of vino … so glad it all got taken in good heart … and things came right. Actually I thought you were going to say you’d walked upstairs, tripped and lost said vino … look after yourself and hope you’ve lots of other hidden goodies to treat us to – all the best – Hilary
That too would have been embarrassing, and a mess and a tragedy! Thankfully the wine made it upstairs safely😄. Thanks Hilary💕
Oh, those moments! I once said in an off-hand, unscripted comment during a presentation, “… that would be like going from the frying pan into the kettle.” I choose to think at least 50% of the audience saw it as a joke. – Marty
Hehehe! And the other 50%? How did they see it?
Let’s just say that it was a regular source of amusement at post-conference happy hours for years thereafter.
Love it! Thanks Marty💕
Oh, my. I would have felt rather similarly… and wanted so tremendously to be able to walk over and give each a hug. Hugs to you, too, dear one. xxx
Thank you Del💕🤗
That museum is fascinating! Just looked at the web site, signed up for their news, and am wondering how far from the border (around Niagara Falls) its located… Sadly, not planning any visits now, of course. 😞
It’s about a 1.5 hr drive from the border at Niagara Falls, Del. I hope you get the chance to visit someday! Sadly, by that time, I probably won’t be here anymore.
Oh. That’s right… Well, perhaps something could be arranged… Meanwhile, will continue enjoying your posts and greatly appreciating your joie de vivre, and this information.
Thank you Del💕
Well, at least you had two bottles of your favourite wine to drink, and thus blot your mortification from your mind. But seriously, I can think of countless times that I’ve said the wrong thing and been truly sorry that I might have have hurt someone’s feelings.
Jude
Same here, Jude. Same here. 🤦♀️💕
Hmmm… 😉 As I don’t care for wine (shock– horror!!! 😱) me thinks WordPress has had some fun with accidental mis-placement. 👻
Wine Fairy? Oh did I ever snort! 😀 Thank you, that’s perfect. My brother did similar many years ago when hosting a dinner at a restaurant with a combination of his friends and those of his wife (who he was meeting for the first time). Everyone wanted red wine except for a couple down the far end of the table who asked for white. My brother being a rugger-bugger announced to the wine waiter “6 bottles of red and 1 of white for the poofs at the end”. It was only when he saw his wife’s face that he realised … The wife is now an ex, but the “poofs at the end” are still his friends 🙂
Glad to learn I’m not the only one with foot in mouth disease😁. I’m not sure what a rugger-bugger is, or a poof either, for that matter…LOL! Thanks Deb💕
Ah yes, I forget about English slang 🙂
Rugger-bugger is typically a privately educated man who plays rugby – they tend to like their beer, being rude/sarcastic to their friends and decidedly suffer from foot in mouth as a result. Poof is another slang word for gay, but is also used when someone’s being a bit soft or in circumstances where some might say “man up”.
Thanks for the definitions! I will add these to my vast library of inappropriate words🤣😜
Deb, the first best part of this blog is the photo of you flanked by your bears!!Love it. Not much social bear distancing going on there!
And then your faux pas!! Hahaha GREAT story. Just love it. Having MANY of our best friends who are gay we are quite sure that your wine fairy comment made their day and was the highlight of some good storytelling on their part. One of the features of our new beach is that it is predominantly made up of gay guys! In a time of crisis being around gay guys is the best place to be as you already found out by receiving your lovely wine delivery gift!! If one must go through hard times, might as well do so in style and with levity and sass!!
Thanks for all the comments with the Netflix recommends. We also really enjoyed Unorthodox, it was SO well done. The ultra orthodox in Israel right now are creating a huge problem as they are refusing to social distance and of course as a result the virus is spreading in their community like wild fire.
BEST post!!
Peta xo
Thank you Peta💕 I’m trying to step out of my comfort zone and take selfies in which I am doing something silly. Like watching TV with stuffed animals and a picture of the son of a sky god decorated in sea shells (whom this pagan doesn’t follow). If I can make someone laugh, that is my reward for looking ridiculous! If I can offend someone, even better😜. JK, I never go out of my way to offend…🙄 although it probably happens more often than not as I am not shy in speaking my mind. Stay well and keep enjoying life in Mexico as we get through this, alone together.
Haha I loved the Covid-19 video “watch tv drink lots of wine” that sounds like me 😉 Be safe!
Thanks Debby! You as well.💕
Ha! Your faux pas slipped right by me until I read a little further. That is probably because I am so good at inserting foot in mouth, myself. But I find people who really care for us know our hearts and realize that we are not deliberately being derogatory, our foot in mouth is truly an innocent action.
Yay for free red wine from sweet, thoughtful friends.
Thank you 💕 It truly was an innocent action and thankfully received that way!
Deb for some reason, my comment inserted itself up above???
haha! He probably didn’t even notice! I once asked a non-pregnant friend if she was pregnant. I will NEVER do that again. EVER.
Yeah, I did something similar – a colleague had bought a house and I asked if one room was going to be a nursery. She snarked something along the lines of only if she can find a surrogate to have a baby for her. I was so embarrassed I swore I’d never ask anyone anything pregnancy or baby-related ever again. When I delivered my son, a woman came in to my hospital room to see my roommate and said to me – don’t worry dear, your turn will be soon! I said – Ummm, I gave birth a couple of hours ago. She fled.
Awesome post. My favorite movie. I did a tour of Austria to all those places in the song years ago. When this is over, hope to go back and see it again!!
I hope you do too! Thank you💕
So, you were a “dumbass” instead of a “badass” for a few seconds? 🙂 I think that was an easy slip-up. Blame it on English not being your first language! That’s what I would do. But, I wouldn’t even realize that “wine fairy” had any connotations.
To answer your question. I have a pretty big mouth, but never mean to offend anyone. It just so happens, as I’m too honest and straightforward for my own good. 🙂
Hah! Good one, Liesbet💕 Yes, I have been known to be a dumbass from time to time 😄. And let’s not forget the good ol’ Dutch bluntness. Which has been sanded down somewhat in my personality but still happens from time to time.😉
That’s what I’m talking about – in myself as well – that Dutch bluntness. I love it (in others). We must have the same ancestors! 🙂
So, you were a “dumbass” instead of a “badass” for a few seconds? 🙂 I think that was an easy slip-up. Blame it on English not being your first language! That’s what I would do. But, I wouldn’t even realize that “wine fairy” had any connotations.
To answer your question. I have a pretty big mouth, but never mean to offend anyone it just so happens, as I’m too honest and straightforward for my own good. 🙂