Upon entering the bookstore, I was in awe of the crowd. It was Monday evening and many avid readers had gathered at Quail Ridge Books & Music. Some sitting. Some standing. But all filled with anticipation, anxiously awaiting the author of the book they held tightly in their hands.
I nodded and smiled as I passed in between the people standing and stopped to hug sister friends I had not seen in a while. I looked around for a seat, but there was not one, single solitary seat to be had. I noticed some people sitting on the floor space directly in front of the row of chairs. I joined them.
The place was buzzing. People were laughing, talking, hugging and all clasping a book or two or even a stack of em. Everyone was there for one purpose and one purpose only - Terry McMillan. I had never been to a book signing before no less one involving such a renowned author. How exciting it was to be in the space. Who hasn't seen the movie, Waiting to Exhale, or heard one of the title cuts from the soundtrack on the radio. Even Oprah gave the movie rave reviews as she interviewed the cast on her show years ago when it first came out. I joined in as Whitney Houston sang, "Everyone falls. In love sometimes. Sometimes it's wrong. And sometimes it's right. For every win. Someone must fail. But there comes a point when, when we exhale..eh..eh..eh...shoop shoop shoop shooba doop shoop shoop..." I bet you're even closing your eyes and nodding to the music you hear in your head right now. Aren't you?
Introductions made. Hearts pounding. Anticipation heightened. Everyone looking around to catch a glimpse. She enters. The room erupts into cheers, hand claps and whistles as our sister, Terry, walked through the narrow pathway amongst legs and feet to the podium. While walking, she is looking around with her mouth opened. She is completely blown away. She grabs her auburn colored mane from the back and blinks in disbelief. This only rouses more thunderous applause! The whistles and yells get louder. I can't describe the feeling!
I must admit I expected to see her with long braids or locs, a floor length dashiki and sandals. Was I ever wrong! She had a large fro that she pulled on nervously, apologizing for it "looking a mess." Though her raw honesty was endearing, I strained to see what was wrong. In my eyes she was flawless. Fitted white cotton blouse hanging over black leggings with stylish heels. Even dressed casually, she had an air of sophistication. When she spoke, I couldn't help but compare the tone of her voice to Cher with an urban sassy mystique. I chuckle when I think about it.
In a word? Inspiring! I was transported to the home of Savannah, 15 years later, as she read Chapter One from her new book, Getting to Happy. She read with such a knowledge of the character until you felt you were a fly on the wall, observing her every thought and movement. But what was even more inspiring was her response during the Q & A when she was asked what writer she most admired or emulated. With sharp frankness, she said that she emulated no one. She had her own voice. When she said that, I felt something deep inside agree. She said that she wasn't like anybody else. This reinforced for me the reality that my effectiveness is tied to my voice.
A close second was when she said she was 59 years old. My mouth dropped and all I could think was Ohhhhhh Myyyyyy God. She gave kudos to Mac Cosmetics. Man, I need to check that out, I thought. I took in her energy, candor, wit, no nonsense, infectious spirit but most of all was her comfort in her own skin. Oh how I want that. She also looked like she took care of herself. Gurlfriend was fit! She had pep in her step and flexibly did backward leg curls while reading. Impressive. I might not be able to manage 4 inch heels but I certainly can catch the deeper wisdom. Being 50 doesn't minimize my purpose or potential. Here, this woman was promoting what I'm certain will be another best seller at age 59 and inspiring women of all ages and stages to release the past and get to happy.
