My night with Anthony

It really is getting crowded in here.  The voices are all starting to talk  at once. Mental illness?  Or maybe just the fantasy world I choose to live in!

I have no idea what first attracted me to Anthony Bourdain.  I must have been searching the tube when this tall, handsome man came across the airwaves.  Anthony (or as I like to refer to him as Tony)  is a chef.  A hard core culinary icon.  A drinker, thumb ring wearing, skinny, gray haired,  hard smoking, earring wearing, bad ass. He can swear with the best of them. He shuns society in his arrogant bravado. It was love at first sight. A real rebel. Right on the travel channel.

A friend had informed me that my dream man was coming to Chicago.  A one man show at the Chicago Theater. As the powers that be, a friend actually scored me 2 tickets.  Now the fear set in. What to wear.  I had plans  to  have dinner with Tony after the show.  How? Was not an option. I had mentioned this to every one in my path.  I was to meet Tony and be whisked away.  Joining him on a trip to Thailand to eat scrumptious cockroach eyeballs. (Gotta watch the show to understand that.)

I  met with one disturbing non-believer the day before my big event.  Not only did my friend not believe that I was going to see Anthony.  But he questioned "why would Anthony want to meet me"....?   Hmmmmm, game on.

Nine years ago when Nate entered this world, he was met with every negative known to mankind. The non believers where everywhere. Some thought  'he would not talk'. Some said 'he may not walk'.  The list is actually longer than Santa's wish log. Nathaniel taught me early on that setting the bar higher and higher is the only option. If it is reachable then it is possible. I can.  I will. Watch me.

Why wouldn't Anthony want to meet me?  I am a wonderful , giving, thoughtful, fun, adorable, intelligent, passionate, (a tad crazy) adorable mom of 5.  But most of all I am a person. Just like Tony. I may not be on television (soon though), or have written a book (Hello- I am a blog writer!).  But I am me. Someone worth knowing. At least I think so.

The one man show was okay.  Although my friend and I had no idea what he was actually talking about.  All I could think about was our meeting. Would he immediately want to be my friend?  Would he want  me to be on an episode?  Possibly run away with him and leave my hubby and 5 kids??  (really Hol, back to reality)
The one man show was over.  Time to make my move. (The voice was ringing loud in my ear. "Why would he want to meet you?")

It was raining (just like in the movies).  We went to the back Alley. Knocked on all  the doors. (did we think he would answer?)  A compassionate limo driver pointed  to the correct door to enter.  We were instantly  met by Bubba, the 300 lb security guard. For a moment I actually forgot that I was the middle aged mom of 5 children. I became a rock star (or at least a groupie).  My charm payed off and we were so close to my dream.  After a little smooth talking (fine, begging) we were escorted to Anthony's private party. Game on!

Holy Shit- There he was. My tall drink of water.  Right there. Waiting for me.  (Dan who?)  I was inside. The non believers are gonna kiss my tush.  Tony was surrounded by 'foodies'.  They were engaged by his stories. It was a intimate group of young and old.

Enter Holly.

I decided to bust the group up. Walk right in the circle like we were playing school yard  'break the chain'. "Hi Anthony, I'm Holly!"  He was mesmerized.  All truths. His face lit up like a Hanukkah bush.  He was all mine. (although my daughter thinks his expression was more a look of fear than true love.)  We chatted for awhile.  I am unsure if anything came out intelligible.

What made me think that running behind Anthony giving him bunny ears was a good idea?   I realized that I can do and go wherever I want.  Unfortunately, I left my mature self at home. I became a teenager. Laughing and giggling the entire night. The mere fact that I was there seemed to out weigh what I was there for. I did it.  Next the Rolling Stones.

Living in my crazy HollyWorld is an exciting  place to be. Anthony still calls.  Yet I never seem to be here when he does. I get subliminal messages through his show as he looks into the camera.  Its a perfect relationship.

Don't doubt me.
 Believe.
 Nothing is unreachable if you want it bad enough. Nate has taught me that. I am who I am and therefore worth knowing. No celebrity will intimidate me. I am a warrior mom.  One who is constantly setting the bar higher and higher.  Not only for Nate but for myself as well.

Anthony will be back. I am sure he remembers me. Why wouldn't he?