Another day, another TV interview. Early morning, although not quite as sun-uppy as yesterday, my other brother Jack and his wife Nanci picked up my sister Judi and myself and off we all went to the TV station for a spot on the "San Diego Living" show.We were ushered into the Green Room at the TV station where we had been preceded by two gentlemen and a ten year old boy, all clad in kilts. Their TV appearance was to promote the upcoming San Diego Tartan Days. The young lad had a bagpipe which he skillfully played on air. Shortly after we made ourselves comfortable, me happy with my morning coffee, in came a person with two cats in a cage, and was almost immediately followed by three others bringing in Tony the Rooster and three rather large bunnies. Because it was Easter week-end, they were going to show people that the cute little chicks and little bunnies that are brought home for Easter ultimately turn into large unwieldy animals like Tony the Rooster and the three huge hares. Tony was indeed an immense black rooster, almost too big to hold, beautiful black feathers coursing down his body, proud head holding up that little red thing that roosters have. He was a very majestic rooster indeed.
A few minutes later we were joined by four women bedecked in bright red very wide flowing skirts, black sequined blouses, and fake diamond necklaces. I believe they were a singing group. Immediately following them, two women appeared with a heaping pile of Easter baking decorating a towering tiered silver platter on which a dragon also rested. I never did figure out what the dragon had to do with the Easter baking. The Green Room was starting to get a mite crowded.
The two cats made their TV appearance, appealing to those who might be kind enough to adopt deserted animals. The Scottish clan marched out, bagpipes and plates of Scottish delicacies in hand; the baking duo followed them. Then Tony the Rooster and his animal and human group were led out, leaving us and the red-skirted ladies.
Renee, the woman who was to interview me, came to meet me, chatting very quickly with me in the busy hallway, as the baking duo, balancing their goodies, walked past us one way, studio people the other. I returned to the Green Room, appreciating that most of these media appearances are of a hurry up and wait nature - we are asked to show up long before the scheduled interview and then we wait. I understand this, because most of these appearances are live, and I agree that it's important to get there early. So we make ourselves at home in the Green Room, chatting, drinking coffee and watching all the other segments of "San Diego Living".
Shortly thereafter, Tiffany the producer came for me and I was ushered into the studio. There were at least eight separate sets in that room, with the cameras and anchors moving from one set to another as the different segments were aired live. The Scots were just leaving as I was entering, just in time to see Tony the Rooster across the room doing his best to convince the audience to abandon their ideas of foolish animal purchases.
I sat in a chair and waited for Renee, trying to watch Tony do his thing. Soon I was moved to our set, my mic was attached, and then there was Renee in the chair across from me. I heard "in five" and then "4, 3 ,2, 1, live" and the interview started. There were at least three cameras and it was very cool watching Renee read the script from the cameras. It was a good, albeit relatively short interview, after which I autographed a book for Renee, and left her in the studio. Tiffany ushered me out and commented that she read that I had written a feminist haggadah for Passover. She said they were very interested in that, and maybe next year, as Passover was just over now, I could come on the show and talk about it. Of course, I readily agreed.
After stopping for a quick coffee, my entourage and I drove over to the Scripps Miramar Library where my reading was to be. It was a beautiful building with a large outdoor courtyard. We set the room up and waited.
A digression: the evening before, I had done a private reading for my cousin Kathy. Last fall, she and her family had been on vacation in South Africa. She had a brain aneurysm while in the hotel in Capetown. Within an hour she was in hospital, where she remained for many months and many surgeries. She finally was able to return home to San Diego with her husband Murray, but because she had had a stroke, was partially paralyzed and in a wheel chair. Every day is now spent in therapy and she returns home exhausted. She wanted to hear me read, but was unable to attend the noon-hour reading since she was to be in physical therapy. I went over to their home just after she returned, and did a private reading for her and Murray. It was an honour to read for this incredibly courageous woman, and after I finished, we had a good discussion about our mutual hospital experiences. Hers, of course, were very different than mine, but many of our emotions were the same. That reading was very special for me; I was so happy to see her again, and thrilled that we were able to talk about both my book and her new and complicated life. She is an amazing woman, with an incredible husband. I'm so privileged that they are part of my family.
Back to the San Diego reading - there were about twenty folks there, and they seemed to enjoy the experience. There were actually people there whom I did not know, coming because of the subject matter, and they all wanted to talk with me. This is something that makes this whole experience quite wonderful - I love connecting with strangers in this manner. After our talking, we are no longer strangers, usually experiencing some sort of mutuality.
My long-time friend (fifty years) Helen and her niece drove up to the reading from Los Angeles. I didn't know they were coming and was thrilled to see them. Helen and I first met in 1960 when we were both attending the University of Manitoba and have remained good friends since that time.
After the reading was over, my Uncle Abe took ten of us out for lunch, after which we all said our good-byes as Judi and I prepared to drive to Palm Springs where my next reading is scheduled. I said farewell to my wonderful family and San Diego, turning my head toward the desert.
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