Today was an “artist date” to top all artists dates. You’re supposed to take only yourself on an artist date, but today I had to break that rule. A fellow writer friend was badly in need of an artist date herself, I had the perfect venues picked out, we love each other’s company, so how could I not make it a two-for-one deal?
My friend Ann and I went to see the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the Cape Cinema. The movie was hilarious, heartwarming, and right on target for us baby boomers. We laughed out loud and left with just the right amount of “feel good” you want when leaving a movie. The general message the flick left us with was “stop waiting for someone to tell you you deserve to follow your dream” – just start walking.
Although the movie was great, it was the movie theater we saw it in that made the afternoon extra special. It’s an old movie house on route 6A. Driving in, we found a little complex consisting of the Cape Cinema, the Cape Playhouse, a restaurant and the Cape Cod Museum of Art. We arrived early and just walked and talked and appreciated the appearance of the sun on what what supposed to otherwise be a rainy day. We were immediately captivated by the pond containing a castle in front of the museum. We looked like two tourists exclaiming and taking pictures. Hanging around the pond, we inspired each other by talking about our latest writing endeavors and how important these “artist dates” we’re to our work.
Time for the movie was drawing near, so we moseyed over to the cinema. We bought our tickets and entered the auditorium. It’s a unique place that could only be found on the Cape. We chose our seats from the armed dining room table chairs arranged in rows and covered in white cloth. The paintings on the ceiling caused me to instantly jump up and run around taking pictures from all angles. I felt like I was a fifth-grader on a field trip. Then we settled in for the movie.
Since the concession vendor didn’t show up, and the movie was 190 minutes long, needless to say food was a necessity by the end of it. The quaintness of the day continued as we made our way to the Borsari Gallery Tea Room just down the road. It’s a beautiful restored barn on 6A, dating back to the 1800’s. Our experience with afternoon tea and sandwiches was as elegant as it was nourishing. We sat and talked for almost 2 more hours, enjoying the ambiance of the unique eatery. Any of you visiting the Cape this summer might not want to miss either of these places our little island has to offer.
On our drive back home Ann and I commiserated on how lucky we are to live here, how fortunate we are to be able to pursue writing careers in such a rich artist community, and how proud of ourselves we were that we actually made today happen. Ann commented that living here, she often just drives by places people come from far away to visit. I agreed. Living here permanently for 3 years now has had that effect on me, too. After today, I resolve to take more advantage of the places I pass everyday on my errands for future artist dates.
Sometimes we trip over the best things life has to offer. We’re so busy looking ahead and forging ahead that we can’t see what is right under our noses. Every town has their own special gems. I encourage you to play hooky on a sunny afternoon mid-week and see what’s in your own backyard. I have come to believe that artist dates aren’t just for artists. There’s a “fifth-grader” hidden in all of us just itching to come out and explore and wonder and appreciate.
And so, as another day goes by, is there not a cooler place to see a movie? And…I have written.
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