A handful of years ago, one of my girlhood dreams came true. I was sipping wine across the dinner table from Naomi Wolf (pictured above), the woman who's credited with launching a new wave of feminism in the 1990s. She's an acclaimed writer of "The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women" among other noted publications. I was mesmerized by her searing blue eyes, her wit, and piercing intelligence. I'm not a drinker by nature (I can barely hold down half a glass of wine) but I couldn't say no as Naomi kept re-filling my glass because I desperately wanted to be her equal.
I wasn't alone at the dinner table. I was accompanied by other women who traveled to upstate New York on a leadership scholarship to spend the weekend with Naomi and a crew of professionals designed to give us the real deal on how to succeed as professionals in the workplace, how to get in touch with our feelings and process our past, and how to give a hand out to other women.
When the retreat came to a close, Naomi invited those who were interested to spend yet another weekend at her personal cabin. She offered to prepare all the meals but asked for personal space as she worked on a memoir of her father. I had work obligations that prevented me from going but she graciously gave me her phone number if I changed my mind.
I was in heaven! I remember calling all my friends to brag that I her personal contact info. I've never felt so close to a celebrity. It's neat to be in close proximity to someone you so admire. Jeff has been hounding me to invite people from church to our home for dinner...But if I had my way I'd invite the following people over:
1. Amy Grant--I've flown to Texas and back just to meet her backstage and attend a coffee/continental breakfast she hosted for her Fan Club. I endured the stomach flu while taking pictures and talking to her. It was a dream.
2. Beth Moore--My favorite Bible study leader. She's so dynamic and I highly recommend her blog. Great stuff.
3. Marie Osmond--I got to interview her via satelite two years ago. I propped up her dolls on my lap while talking to her. I was sweating so much and was so nervous, my doll's velvet dress was drenched. It was worth it all.
4. Anderson Cooper--CNN anchor. I want to BE Anderson Cooper. I highly recommend his book, "Dispatched from the Edge."
5. Bono--Who's cooler than Bono? All U2 fans need to see U2-3D.
6. Maria Shriver--Great reporter, great hair. She gave it all up to support her husband as governor. I always want to ask her: Was it worth it?
7. Barack Obama--Right now he's Hawaii's pride and joy. If he doesn't get the Democratic bid, I'll be sick.
8. The Makers of Settlers of Catan--I want Jeff to get into the game business. He'd be so good at it. This game has changed our lives!
9. Aaron Sorken--What's up with the cancellation of Studio 60? I want Matt and Harriet to get married!
10. Anne LaMott--Love her writing. Gotta love the Ham of God.
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