It’s been so long since I’ve posted anything on here, I feel like I need to break out the Windex and wipe off a massive layer of dust! But rather than wasting words explaining my two years worth of blog neglect, let me jump right into my story that inspired me to post again.
I recently went to a screening of Sex and the City 2. Came with some girlfriends and just laughed and had a great time. If you haven’t seen it yet, you're in for some fun!
As I mentioned, this was a screening, the day after the big premiere at Radio City, and the writer/director Michael Patrick King (who is also behind the first movie and many episodes of the TV show, see his IMDB page for his very long list of credits) was there for a question and answer session at the end. You could see his background as a standup comedian coming out, he was very funny, and clearly brilliant, and I was just taking in how SATC has become such a huge phenomenon on a global scale, and so much of that has to do with him. What one person can accomplish…incredible is an understatement.
But if that’s all that had happened, cool as it was, that would not have inspired me to post at all.
We didn’t think we would have any opportunity to meet him as the theater staff rushed everybody out due to another movie about to start. I went with my friend to the restroom, and when I emerged- he was still there! Casually chatting and posing for pics with fans. As soon as my friend came out, we realized this was too good of a chance to pass up, so even though he was about to leave we went ahead and asked if we could take a picture with him, and he very graciously said yes, and a third friend of ours saw and swooped in just in time!
Okay, that was also pretty cool, but I have been in pictures with other famous people before. If that’s all that had happened, this still would be The Blog Post That Never Was. Which is why I am not bothering to even post the pic.
I know, I’m milking this out, aren’t I? I haven’t blogged in a while so pardon me if I’m having a little fun with this… :)
Really, it’s all about what happened after the picture was snapped. As I was standing right next to him, I just had to say something.
I told him I was a writer too and would love to be in his shoes one day…were there any words of wisdom he could give me?
He took my hand and looked me straight in the eye.
How he said it was much better than how my less than perfect memory is repeating it, but basically, he told me you just have to keep working at it. What you have on the page is what you get so keep working, keep improving…
The whole exchange probably lasted no more than a minute or two. But it was such an intense moment for me I almost cried.
It was everything together, not only what he was saying but how he was holding my hand and looking at me…I felt so strongly that he understood how hard it can be. Even mega-successful writers like him have had their struggles…and perhaps because of that, he actually cared enough to share a little wisdom and encouragement with me.
Due to living in NYC and enjoying the arts/entertainment scene, I have met a few celebs before. Many are nice and down to earth, while others are divas that simply cannot be bothered. But what happened at the movie theater that night, for me, was far beyond meeting another famous face that would fall into the “nice” category. It was a brief but beautiful moment of one human being reaching out to another, at a time when I really needed it. And if I ever am in a position one day to take someone’s hand and tell a person to keep at their dreams, I would love to pay it forward.
And I will keep working at it.
Thank you, Michael Patrick King.
