Three of cups 🏆
Hello my little cuties. Long time, no chat huh? Insert the “What’s going on? Well *giggles*, just a lot.” TikTok sound. But you don’t need me to tell you that.
Yesterday was International Women’s Day. Among the obligatory corporate social media posts and fodder, there were some genuine stories and posts that came through the TL. So in that spirit, I wanted to highlight three women I’ve met over the past two weeks, each of whom impacted me in some way.
Three of cups Rider–Waite tarot card, symbolizing celebration, femininity, & friendship.
Andy, a hostess/waitress in the West Village - During a weekend NYC visit to see my friend Rebecca, we made our way to a popular and bustling West Village restaurant. As we waited to be seated in the crowded restaurant, where eager diners were taking refuge from the cold, we moved out of the way as a pigtail-sporting waitress came by to pick-up new table settings. I told her that I liked her pigtails. She replied with thanks, and that as she would soon be turning 30, the pigtails were her way remaining youthful.
After being seated, we were thrilled that Andy would be our waitress. We learned that she previously lived in West Philly, and that a friend of hers is a dancer at both House of Yes and its sister club House of X, where we would be going later. She and I later did a shot of tequila later as we exchanged phone numbers and Instagram handles. Perhaps it was the pigtails, her infectious personality, or the free shot that made me immediately connected with her. Andy, if you’re reading this, I hope you had the most fabulous birthday.
Daphne, a performer at House of X - After our meal, we made our way to the risqué and salacious House of X, located in the PUBLIC Hotel. To have a better understanding of the ~vibes~ here, check out this Cut article.
After about an hour of twirling and revolving around the dance floor, a man dressed as our Lordt and savior Jesus Christ entered the stage, hands extended out to the crowd, as if to bless us and cleanse us from our sins that would occur that evening.
Then, clad in red lingerie and devil horns with a cigarette in hand, Daphne entered the stage. She commanded the stage seductively and sensuously, in such a way that you had no other choice than to watch her and only her.
The 12+ years of Catholic schooling left my body, as I watched Daphne pour hot, red candle wax over Jesus’ head, followed by putting out her cigarette on his tongue (I later found out that Jesus is her partner IRL). Her presence, her power - it stirred something within me as I watched in awe. I felt compelled to DM her on Instagram the next day to share that I believe her to be incredible.
Mariann, fellow stranded traveler - After visiting my parents in Florida, it was announced while I was at the airport that my flight back to Philly was cancelled. While rebooking my flight, I met Mariann, a fellow Philadelphian whose daughter is also Penn Stater (my alma mater). We bonded as we re-booked our flights, searched for our new gate, and spent much of the next 6+ hours together. We shared a plate of nachos and stories while we had dinner and drinks together. She gave me life advice, and I shared my favorite Philly restaurants (Pesto being number one). I talked to her sister and daughter on the phone, ensuring them that she was in good hands with me. After a turbulent and tempestuous flight back, we made it home, and hopefully we will meet again.
I can’t wait to see whose path I cross next.