Last night I went to hear Heather Reisman interview Elizabeth Gilbert for her new book Committed. Elizabeth Gilbert is extremely known for her triumphant post divorce journey, both geographical and spiritual, Eat Pray Love. Her story has been documented in over 5 million copies and in 30 languages . Film rights have been sold and she is being played by Julia Roberts and her lover by Javier Bardem. Although I am not normally prone to jealousy, it is killing me that she gets to neck with my fantasy boy, if even one step removed.
The evening was sold out and populated by a largely female audience. It is true most men and many women would have far preferred the tremendously exciting hockey game. Sports fans likely not her demographic.
I did not go to hear her being interviewed as much as to somehow get the opportunity to meet her. She is a woman who un self conciously shared her story without trashing her marriage or her ex husband and overcame the depression and aimlessness that can often accompany this life change. Plus she is self-deprecating and very funny.
Her moment of glory was when she said that we all wander the earth with a list of what we want the other person to be. She said we should be more working on who we are and becoming the best that we can be. Basic but brilliant stuff, worth chanting at daybreak everyday to ourselves and our teenage daughters.
Our seats were at the back and there were several hundred people between me and her. She was not noticing me in the slightest. At the end there was a Q and A but I had to leap over a few dozen rows to get to the line up. I wanted to be discreet but I really wanted to meet her more . In the end I never got to ask my question as they ran out of time. Good thing as I had no idea what I was going to ask her.
The book signing was next- my book in hand, I stood in line,trying not to push, with several hundred people. We would not have time to chat. When I got to her I handed her my copy for signing-smiled and told her very quickly-youaremagnificentthankyouforyourbookeatprayloveitliftedmewhenIneededit.
I then handed her an envelope with a hand written note and the URL to this blog-saying”pleasetakealookatmyblogIknowyouwillloveit”.
Chances are good she threw it in the trash. But not certain.
Hey Nancy,
you’re amazing, inspiring and awesome at whatever you do! Thanks for giving me motivation to do what I need to do today
Robyn
thanks so much robyn-xn
Her journey was such a great one with so many learning experiences but I think that your journey has such a different path. You are the mother of two beautiful girls, you have a business to run and you have given us more thoughtful advise without Italy, India and Thailand. You can’t afford the luxury of taking all the time you need to become yourself – not with homework, meals, classes. There will be a huge audience of readers who want to know how you managed to find yourself with all that on your plate.
interestingly, if I could choose the work I have done here with my children and on myself v.s. travelling I would choose this. The magic is right under our noses.
thank you so much for your amazing input and interest, Marianne.
I am feeling so much support.
I know you paths will cross……. wish I could have been there with you to push you to the front of the line… you will definately stand out from the crowd when she visits your blog. Thanks for continuing to share.