My Bette Midler meeting is still a blur, but the explanation must go on! Actually when I left the meeting I sat down outside on the coliseum steps and processed for an hour! I didn’t notice that Jackie and Laura had been texting me! They found me sitting there, quiet and reflective. I felt like a dream and as if it never happened! I’ve been a fan for so long and I never, ever thought that I would get a chance to meet her. It finally happened and was everything I wanted…except it was such a blur of happiness and emotions!
Upon getting the will call tickets, I was given a personal liaison who went to the counter and got me a gin and tonic and then led me to my seat. #406, front row. I met all 5 other people, a guy from Phili who was gay and didn’t know it, an older couple who received the meeting and concert as a 50th wedding present, and a young couple from Stanford. I talked to them all. Ms. Midler’s assistant came out and said we were to wait in our seats when the show was over and that we would be hurrying somewhat as Bette had a flight to catch. As a result, she told us that we wouldn’t be able to have anything signed. I brought up my dissertation to those people like an egg timer until they were all passionate that they would help me get it signed.
The concert began and was absolutely amazing, as always. This time though I was in the front row. I must say, there is nothing like being in the front row. I have never been in he front row to notice how much better it is. Because you don’t see anyone, the experience is intimate and she makes eye contact with you. You actually feel as if she is singing to you! She definitely sang Mitzie’s song “Glory of Love” to me, seated on the edge of the stage, quiet with just her voice and the ukulele. It felt so heart-full and just perfect. My sweet Mouser’s song too!
After “Wind Beneath my Wings” we were led out by her assistant to an elevator and brought to a room with brown curtains all over the wall. The room was deep red and brown and creams, very Zen and relaxing. While walking, I saw Marty (her road manager). I began talking to him and again, my dissertation. I don’t know why, but I was so determined! We sat on a couch waiting. I thought I was going to puke! Then about 10 other people came in who hadn’t been sitting front with us. None of us knew what was going on but we did think, “Wow, that’s a bunch of people. Hope we get to talk to her still!”
Bette came in still in her bugle boy sailor costume. She asked Marty who were her “Smugs,” the people with the package, and he pointed to us. She came to each one of us and shook our hands. “Hi, I’m Bette,” she said to each and then, “I look forward to our talk in a few minutes.” It felt so human and so inviting. My nerves calmed some then. She then asked Marty what all of the others were doing in the meet-n-greet room. He explained that they were from the company that blah blah blah. She seemed perturbed saying, “Okay, how odd. Well, hi and this is really for my fans…You all will have to wait. It is weird you all are here. Humm.” I must say, it sure must not have felt good to be them. It did make us regular folk seem important however!
She then went behind a dark brown curtain and Marty told us to line up. So, the couple from Stanford went first and then myself. I stood with my dissertation clutched to my chest. While waiting, I again talked to Marty. So, when it was my turn, he introduced me, “Bette, this is Jenny. She has an amazing book she wants you to see and sign. I think you should!”
Bette: Well, come show me, Jenny.
Jen: This is my dissertation. I’m a teacher and I did a study for my doctorate that looked at children and how they develop their identities in classrooms. But, the part of the book that I especially wanted to show you is the names I used for the children. (turned to page which charts each kid’s identity) and the dedication.
Bette: (Holding the book). There is a child named Bette?
Jen: Well, yes, they all are pseudonyms created from roles you played or people from your life
Bette: Wow.
Jen: I felt I needed a place to pay homage to you, to the double role you play. I mean, I always thought of you as having two identities, one the performer, and one of a booky, quiet person. I am the same way. I feel a bit like a performer each day. I get in front of students and I am loud and bawdy, and fun, and happy. Then, at home I am quite studious and quiet, a lot like you. I feel a sort of camaraderie with you for that.
Bette: Do you like being a teacher? I’d imagine kids make one happy.
Jen: Yes. It lights me up, I suppose.
Bette: So this is a book about that?
Jen: Yes. I wrote it for my doctorate. I used small connections to you because I’ve always felt a bit like you. So, the kids names are your characters and the acknowledgements are all using your song lyrics. (Turned to page in book).
Bette: Wow. How neat. Interesting.
Jen: Sometimes songs say it better. You capture the human experience in your songs, so they are reflective and wonderful for me. I guess you capture my experience. That sounds so corny!
Bette: Thank you. Wow. So, it is bound and everything.
Jen: Yes. That was a requirement. It is a book, copywritten and all.
Bette: From Texas?
Jen: Yes.
Bette: I’ve met others from Texas.
Jen: From the University of Texas or the state of Texas?
Bette: the state. This is the first book I’ve been in from a university though. So interesting. Lovely. So you teach kids. I would like that, I think.
Jen: I must sound so cliché, but you have been in my life for a long time. I just love that your songs seem to capture the human spirit, my spirit. Im so blessed to meet you.
Bette: You’re welcome. How lovely you are! Come here and let’s take a picture. That wasn’t quite right. Jenny, lean in and show me that you like me!
Jen: (Feeling so happy). (SMILE). Thank you so much!
Bette: Let me see…(Holding the big, black book). Where do I sign?
For Jenny- With Aloha and Affection, Bette Midler. (She begins flipping through the book). It is weird to see all these names I know!
Jen: I imagine. It took me 7 years to get it all together.
Bette: 7 years! Wow. You know, I’ve written books too! Maybe they aren’t as brainy, but they are smart, I think.
Jen: They are. Writing is hard so I’d say anything one writes is smart!
Bette: I suppose so. It’s very nice to meet you Jenny. I hope you will come again. Please come see me again, I’d love to talk more. Thank you for bringing your book. What an accomplishment.
Jen: Thank you.
It felt as if her and I were the only people in the room. I didn’t feel rushed and I completely forgot time and place. Her eyes seemed to sparkle. They were these tiny, slivers of deep brown with a light-filled sparkle. I still am overwhelmed as I write this and I am not sure that it was said as eloquently as explained here, but, this is my story and that is how it occurred in my head!
Oh yes, I forgot to say that the three back-up singers, the Harlettes, were waiting for the elevator with me. They were humming in key and laughing. I said hello to them. They responded hi. Then I told them that they needed to update their blog! They were surprised to see someone who knew about the blog, and continued to say that they have some good stuff to add on but havent. As we walked out, Jordan told me, "See you soon. Nice to meet you," and they all wandered off to their cars. How could it ever get any better?
