I did something tonight that’s been on my mind for some time – years, I think.
I always thought that if the opportunity would arise, I’d take it, but likely not seek it out myself.
It’s not something that a lot of people in my circle of friends have done, or do, although I know they’ve thought of it once or twice. After tonight, I find myself in the realm of people who… well…
I just returned from a date… without my husband.
Want to know what I did?
I went to a local film festival of short, independent films tonight and gratuitously crossed off #19 from my List! (so what if I added it just now, only to cross if off. My List, my rules.)
For years, I’ve wanted to take myself to the movies alone. I know, I know, no big deal, right? People do it like, all the time. Ya, sure, but I haven’t. Being in a relationship as long as I have (and no, I’m not complaining, ya’ll) you sometimes forget to take time to do things alone, which, like I’ve learned a lot lately, holds a lot of value.
You talk… to yourself
You argue… with yourself
You agree… with yourself
You enjoy your favorite neighborhood in the whole city… with yourself
And that’s awesome.
I bought my “ticket for one, please” for a mere $2 and sat mid-way up the theater and had the row to myself. Score. I stretched out, took up three seats (one for the coat, the purse and, of course, myself) and sat quietly as the screen flickered from black to gold.
Two years ago, this wonderful, not-for profit cinema, The Revue (which dates back to the vintage and beloved days of Art Deco) nearly closed down. The community was devastated. But, some angel purchased it; fundraisers were held; articles were written and all media in Toronto published or aired stories of the sadness that was the Closing of the Revue on Roncesvalles. And so, it received a face-life and remains open today.
And that’s how I ended up at the 10th installment, second annual Drop Your Shorts (as in, um, short films) festival… with myself.
*On a side note, my aversion to the cold lately has kept me indoors and in the bath way to often. So much so, that I had no idea that two of usual haunts have succumb to the remnants of the recession and the ongoing construction on Roncesvalles Ave – ironically, this construction is meant to “revive” the community long term. I guess when there’s change, there’s casualties. Two of the fallen include The Queen of Tarts bakery (the best ginger bread cookie in the city) and Silver Spoon bistro (the best creme brulee from here to Mexico).
Recession + major construction to Roncesvalles Avenue x lost business = store closures. That’s the new math on our beloved street.
I need to reconnect with this lovely neighborhood, the one we sold our loft for, so that we could rent our asses off and live in a too-small apartment, above a drug dealer with three noisy kids and a wife with questionable cooking practices. Yes, we must reconnect, indeed. I love this city.
To review all the films from this evening (there were eight, in varying lengths) wouldn’t be my style. Instead, I’ll leave you with the film that left me speechless (which was a good thing, because people who talk to themselves live one neighborhood over, anyway) and reminded me to remember the things I love most about the people in my life.
I hope you enjoy it, too
-For more info on this artist, please visit justinewart.com.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s awesome. I have done that once before when I was young (always to a movie during the day that wasn’t crowded), but not in the past 12+ years. My husband and roommate go to restaurants alone, I just can’t bring myself to do it. It feels weird, like that scene in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” when he goes into the restaurant and the host behind the counter makes such a big deal about one guy eating alone. Why do I care? No idea, but somehow I do!
Love love love this. I never go to the movies alone anymore, but the couple times I did, I adored it.
Why thank you, lovely. Today, while running errands, my husband was like, “i’m headed to a super bowl party… want to join me?” I turned to him and said, “naw thanks… i have a craving to go to the movies.” I’m hooked!
Congrats! I marked that one off my list last year and I went to see Marley and Me. I was glad I went alone because I was cryin my eyes out at the end! I haven’t been to another one alone since then, but I feel more free knowing I can. In fact, I might go this weekend to see Dear John.
I loved the video. It makes me want to post something about who I would miss and why. And you know what? I think I am.
That’s awesome, Lily, do it! I’d love it you wouldn’t mind linking back to this post, to help support the artist?
Congrats on #19! I did that for the first time when I moved here because I didn’t know anyone in the city. It was actually a weird, but good feeling. I actually like seeing movies alone because you get to pick exactly what you want without worrying about whether the other person will like it. It feels very indulgent in the best way possible! :)
That’s so sad that the construction is hurting businesses. I was wondering if that would happen when I first heard about what they were doing…
Wow. Bravo. Just wow. That is so cool that you went by yourself. There is something very liberating about doing that. And that clip was chilling-amazing. Thanks for sharing!