While visiting Los Angeles last week, I met a charming young woman. A blazing star. I was so touched by her effervescence that I asked her “do people applaud you for your zest and amazing energy?”
“Some people do,” she said a bit bashfully. “And some people have asked me to shut off two of my bulbs.”
Mind-boggling.
I immediately set her straight. Why would anyone in their right mind want to dim the lights of someone who has the courage to wear her heart on her sleeve? Isn’t it wonderful to be around someone who has a delicious sense of self? (Aside: I forgot to tell her about her frenemy problem but perhaps she will consult page six of The Essentials of Fabulous. And yes, I have no shame.)
Are there taxis where you live? When you come to New York, you’ll figure out that a cab is available when the light on the top of the car is on. When the light is off, it means the cab is unavailable.
That’s how it is with people you want to spend time with. When their lights are on (all of them), they’re driving us out of the darkness of pessimism and hopelessness. We can look out the window and see the sky, the shops, the people — even the lunatic who plays the guitar clad only in his underpants in Times Square. We’re moving, going places, perhaps heading to meet someone wonderful. When someone’s lights are off, they’re busy and unavailable. (Take the subway.)
I hope I persuaded this supernova to revel in her power to flood the room with her passion and move me to tears with her youthful joy and optimism. I hope she keeps those bulbs fully lit. She must keep those bulbs fully lit. Forever.
She would still be remarkable without the extra light but should we meet again, I must remember to bring my sunglasses.
She is a blazing star, like you.
Dear Mrs. Bass: You’re the supernova, the brightest star in the sky. I thank you for all the beauty and energy you’ve brought into my life. Forever in your debt. Your E.
Ellen….having lived with someone for lo these 50 years whose “glass is always HALF EMPTY….Never HALF FULL….this blog gives me pause to think about how that postive attitude can color your days….keeps one on the path of keeping your bulbs always “fully lit…..”great blog!
; ) You really need to host self-empowerment classes. I know I would be in the front row!
Continue to encourage!
Dear Norma: You won’t be in the front row. You’ll be on the stage! I’m crazy about you….Your E.
Dear MoJo: You look at life through the prism of goodness and graciousness. You and the Chizz light up everyone’s life with your remarkable joie de vivre. Is it any wonder that people miss you the minute you leave? You are out of this world fabulous. 4-ever, E.
Taxi analogy is brilllllllllllliant!
Dear Pamela: We seem to enjoy stories about taxis, don’t we? When you cut short the call on that ride downtown, I knew you were “the one.” 4-ever, E.
How right you are. Everyone should get up in the morning and throw the switch!
Dear Emi: You know how to bring the sunshine and the incandescent bulbs wherever you go. You’re just remarkably consistent when it comes to your humor and sympatico. Most admiringly, E.
You made my day, you possess remarkable wattage! Now for a little story…I was sitting at a table with seven women, someone asked to take my pix, one woman sounded annoyed, she yelled, “There she goes again with that smile”, I hope I was able to bring a smile to your face as well.
Dear Gail: “There she goes again with that smile?” Absurd. You brought a huge smile to my face as I know you recognized the envy in the woman’s comments. Keep smiling! Lovely to hear from you. E.
Brilliant post, thank you!
Dear Andrea: I am truly touched by the compliments. You are fabulous! I love hearing from you, always. E.
Loved the Forever Blog. I’m sure that you are a person who always has her bulbs on. Thanks for so many thoughtful blogs. I enjoy everyone.
Mary Jean
Dear Mary Jean: So lovely of you to write! I appreciate your words of encouragement and hope to keep those bulbs on forever! Most affectionately, E.
She got her batteries recharged from you am sure!
Have fun!
Sreemanti
Dear S, I sat back and let her inspire me. I too need the extra wattage. A continued delight hearing from you. Most affectionately, E.
I couldn’t wait to finish reading this blog so I could reply to you. Having arrived a little late to this party I saw that every single reply that you received wrote the exact same thing I was thinking only in their own style. Look how many people you touch, influence and inspire! Your light is like a giant generator!
Have I told you how much I adore you and your metaphors? I am a giant generator? Love it!