Posing for the photo op, Gloria rested her hand on my knee for balance.
Gloria Steinem. Touching my knee. I was certain that she had to be transmitting some marvelous wisdom through her touch and that when I left, I would be imbued with knowledge and enlightenment and a sense of overriding purpose.
Sadly, I’m just as clueless today as I was before the GreenStone Media launch, but ecstatic in my cluelessness for having met and talked to one of the greatest smart asses of our time. She’s funny, that one. And so sincere. And at 72, really smoking hot. I mean it.
I’ve never been too wowed into worship of celebrities. I never even had a New Kids on the Block poster. But I went all dumb and doe-eyed the minute she turned her attention on me. And as she and Sarah chatted, I watched and listened hoping to absorb some of her … her whatever it is that makes her such a presence.
She digs the lady bloggers, too. Which, of course, means she knows a good thing when she sees it.
The launch party was a congregation of who’s who in media. We were rubbing elbows with the likes of Jane Fonda, Deborah Norville (extra nice), Rita Cosby (holy shit, the makeup on this woman could have, as my father says, choked a camel), Emme (astoundingly gorgeous in person) and… Dee Snider of Twisted Sister. Yeah, you heard me. And despite making an entrance that said, “I am too cool for school and yes, bitches, I do need my shades indoors,” he was awesome and super patient during our camera malfunctions.
I can’t wait to share the photos!
Leaving the party was something of a downer and a huh?. Or rather, the gift bag was a big huh?. At the launch of a women’s radio network – the concept of which was really lovely and empowering – guests were given any combination of the following items:
A diet book
An apron
A pot holder
Mmm hmm. I met Gloria Steinem and got an apron. Confused, I dug around in the bag but just couldn’t seem to find my instructions on how to get barefoot and pregnant in just four easy steps. I’ll have to look it up on the internet, I guess.
The apron did have a saving grace, though. It was a Sweet Potato Queens apron. And there’s nothing under-empowered about those ladies. God, I love them. And I am committed to using that apron just as they would have me do.
I’m gonna prance around my apartment in it – otherwise completely naked. Except, of course, for my tiara.
so is this connected to your new job?
Wow! I saw Jane Fonda on the Today show for her radio gig, and it’s so cool that you were at a party in connection with that. Anyway, longtime lurker here, with the same question as Derek above – I’m so curious…
If I met Ms. Steinem, I’d probably die or something and then fawn all over her and not let her eat her lunch. Love her.
A diet book, an apron and a potholder? I wonder what Gloria had to say about that. Me, I’m speechless.
Oh you must send that picture to Mr. ZZZZZUH! A pic of you in your apron (naked of course) holding your pot holder, reading your diet book and wearing your tiara and new velvet pumps!
Could it have been a joke????
I am a long time reader, first time commenter. I had to post a comment though because I had actually just used this piece of information recently in one of those “tell us something interesting about yourself that no one knows” situations.
I shared an office with Dee Snyder. You heard me. He wrote a movie that was produced by the film company I was working for and while it was being edited he needed a place to work on his other business interests so they put him in my office. Having escaped my home town in upstate New York, where Acqua Net was used freely by men and women; the day he walked into my office was the first time I ever felt the desire to attend my high school reunion.
He is a fantastic guy. I was newly engaged at the time so we talked a lot about weddings. He had a lot of great ideas. I hope that doesn’t spoil his badass image.
Gloria Freaking Steinem! How about we trade lives? You’d really enjoy teaching middle schoolers in subzero temperatures, Fish.
hey fish,
was looking at the links @ veer.com and one linked to a video by an improv group wearing no pants on the subway back in january. i think you might be one of the innocent bystanders in it — but maybe i’m mistaken — check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7snbtwG5wc
great event! I walked behind Dee Snyder outside Rockefeller Plaza once – cute to hear that he’s a great guy.
Holy cow! That IS me! How on earth did you recognize me? Can you tell I was having no part in giving them attention? Heh.
you’re looking mighty uncomfortable too! hahahh
(From This Fish: I don’t remember being uncomfortable at all; just didn’t want to look too amused. Stubborn, is all. I mean, I *thought* it was funny but I hate being anyone’s patsy.)
Fish, I saw you on the video. I love your green bag. So cute!
Bless your heart, Fish, you’re probably too young to remember this, but Dee Snider actually testified before Congress back in the mid-1980s and quite reasonably advocated the anti-censorship case. (Surprised a lot of people, particularly in comparison to co-witness Frank Zappa, who was thought much smarter but who came across as just kind of contemptuous and obnoxious.) Those of us of a certain age remember that and therefore are not so surprised to learn that Snider is capable of acting like something other than a music-video caricature.
Now: Are you going to be working for this outfit? And does this outfit have a deal with XM yet so that I can listen?
If you’re a SPQ fan, then you need to come to Jackson, MS for next year’s St Paddy’s Day parade where you can see the SPQ’s live and in person.
i don’t think i necessarily would have recognized you, but with recent postings which included photos i guess your face was in my visual memory when i watched the clip.
I once stood behind Roger Ebert in line for a hot dog…your account here beats the pants off of that.
Oh. My. God.
Not only do I love the way you blog, but you know who the Sweet Potato Queens are??!!
Heather, you just crossed over into goddess territory yourself.
Wow. I’m truly impressed. That sounds so exciting. And to think, the closest I’ve ever come to celebrity was meeting Colin Powell at the Sprint store and rapper turned preacher Mase.
If this is connected to your new job, you are a very lucky girl.
Sweet Potato Queens?! Maybe you’re a Southern Belle deep down.
Just check and make sure the window cleaners are not around before you prance
PLEASE tell me that you have found out the giftbag was given in some sense of irony…Between Gloria Steinem and Jane Fonda, heads are bound to roll if that wasn’t some sort of joke!!!! I am deeply jealous of the company you got to keep!
Get back in the kitchen!
Fish: Wanna come over and bake fat-free brownies? Wear your apron and I’ll use my new potholder.
From the sound of Sarah’s blog, I missed out on the gossip fest. Next time…
This is really random, but an odd coincidence. I am in journalism..and we have to write this paper on like famous journalists and such..and there is a list of about fifteen, and I was researching them, and found that Gloria Steinem was the most interesting to me. So, as we speak I am writing my paper..and decide I need a break, and haven’t seen your blog in ages..so I just go on, and what is your latest blog on? You meeting Gloria Steinem..what an amazing ironic world we live in. Hah. Strange.
Wow! I think you have just led me to my people. Empowered women with tiaras what could be better?