An Autograph
I am often told that I have an "old-fashioned" way of experiencing the world. Just as often, I agree, and treat it as a neutral comment - not a compliment and not a pejorative. :-)
In preparing to meet our guys in Burbank, I knew that I wanted David Soul's autograph. A lot of folks were right there with me for the guys' John Hancocks -- the line was non-stop on Saturday.
But other folks told me that autographs are a dime a dozen (just look on eBay!) and probably not worth the wait in the line. I was true to my nature, however, and queued up in line. I had a great time talking with friends as we waited, and peered up now and again to the three guys at the table, pens in hand, scribbling away.
To me, an autograph signifies something very special. We take our name, the gift from our parents and from our lives, and use our hand to write it out - in a style uniquely our own. No one's handwriting is identical to another...we sign as we live - as individuals. And written words are precious to me, almost mystical in some ways, including our names...
I had carefully prepared my "Picturing David Soul" book for his autograph. I found the page with a quote of his I love and, fearful that he would only have a black pen (the background of the page was black), I taped a white label to the place I wanted him to sign.
When it was my turn, I actually had six transactions to conduct. And talking to him was such fun.
I shook his hand and said what an honor it was to meet him. He shook mine, looked into my eyes and gave me a warm smile.
Then the conversation went like this:
Angel: I have six separate names for autographs. The pictures for each are in order. I have written down their names (I gave him my day planner) for easy reference and easy spelling.
David: (Glancing at my scrawling reference sheet): Could you read them out to me and spell?
Angel: Sure!
Each time I tried to spell for him, he would say, "I know how to spell that."
Angel (each time): Oh. Very good!
Then he got to my book and I put it in front of him.
Angel: This one is mine. My name is Angel.
David: Your name is 'Angel'?
Angel: Yes.
David: Are you sure?
Angel: Yes.
David: And your name...is? (Grin)
Helen (David's wife) speaks from the side: Her name is Angel.
David dutifully writes it down and signs.
Helen: It's a lovely name.
Angel: Thank you so much. It was an honor to meet you. And (to Helen) you as well.
I know...a boring story in some ways...but it is my story and I was thrilled to meet him this way - and get his autograph! :-)
Here is my page:
Take care, flist...more stories coming!