I know my subject line might lead you to believe that I saw someone famous at the awards party/dinner. And I did. But first I have to talk about my most important sighting, which happened today. Damon and I met James and Charles for brunch at the diner and who was at the table next to us? The Animal Cops! Two of the officers from Animal Precinct were right there, and their cruiser was parked right outside. I was having a hard time eating my tuna wrap, I was so excited. Chills.
Now, on to the party on Wednesday.
First, let me say to all those who said, “Oh, you’ll be fine.” I WASN’T ON THE LIST! It was just like I predicted so IN YOUR FACE reassuring friends. Yeah, I was on the press list rather than the guest list. so I was set for the “VIP” (whatever) cocktail party but there was no delicious banquet food for me. But Jesus smiled. Judith Bookbinder was a no-show and I snagged her seat with an assist from my boss Stacy.
Here’s the fun stuff: The ceremony was at the Waldorf Astoria. I’ve never been there and it was as poshy-swank as you might imagine. I reminded myself that nothing would stop a girl from swinging by for a drink. It’s not like they check your bank account balance at the door (I think). Stacy and I grabbed cocktails — my first of one (Thanks Samae!) and were chatting when she said, “Good sighting, coming up behind you.” I turned in slow motion and looked full into the face of David Bowie. I am not kidding people, it was The Thin White Duke himself, sailing my way. He looked beautiful, tailored, elegant — every way you’d want him to look. I didn’t get even a moment to recover before Iman (one of the evenings honorees) swung into view. And she, I must say, cannot possibly be human because her beauty and elegance: unearthly.
The extent of my contact with them was that I stood about five feet away from them at the cocktail party and then at dinner sat at the table behind them. And that was just about all I could handle. Dinner did bring a bonus sighting, as they were right next to Salman Rushdie and his girly-lady-friend. I wanted to say to him, “I found The Satanic Verses impenetrable but I fully support your right to publish without getting murdered.”
So while I did not meet the uber-super-stars, I did get one meeting that, in all sincerity, meant a lot to me. Gloria Steinem. I love her. My love for her is based on nothing less than overwhelming gratitude. I lay many of the good things in my life at the feet of Gloria and her contemporaries. So after the requisite chit chat of an introduction I said to her, “I feel like I need to say this to you: Unlike many people who I’ve admired over many years, you have never let me down. Thank you.” She replied, “That’s really a wonderful gift. Thank you for saying that.” So gracious. And I’m sure as soon as I rotated out of her field of vision she completely forgot me. But I can live with that. I got my moment.
Oh, and Atoosa Rubenstein ate my roll at dinner. She told me her roll had olives in it and that she’s never had an olive (or a pickle) and since she saw I was done eating she was wondering if she could have my wheat roll instead. I told her I’ve never had a cup of coffee and we bonded.
This is what’s know as burying the lede: The party was an awards ceremony for Iman and Jane Fonda, who have both done a great deal of activist work. I was fired up by both of their speeches and am now ready to right injustice wherever I find it. Also, we were entertained by The Capitol Steps and that was lots of fun.
It was a glamorous night, but my coach has turned back into a pumpkin and I’m pretty comfortable with that. It’s hard to sustain the fancy pants.
jaysaint 