Monthly Archives: May 2011
Hello Debbie ! ‘A Fabulous Luncheon 2011′
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| Debbie Reynolds, Me, and my High School Teachers |
They said I couldn’t do it. They said, ‘Debbie Reynolds ? No way.’ I love doubters ! This Dream was born 3 months ago. It came to fruition 2 days ago. Built on alot of Heart and alot of Faith, it all became reality on May 14th when I walked into the Grand Ballroom of the Ritz Carlton in Dallas. Thank you , God !
Jonathans Place- A Home for Abused Children in Dallas, is very close to my heart. When I decided to help raise awareness and money for the facility, I knew I had to think ‘BIG’. Well…It doesn’t get any bigger than ‘America’s Sweetheart’, Debbie Reynolds ! I envisioned a beautiful afternoon Luncheon with Debbie Reynolds as the Keynote Speaker. How did I get her ? O.k…here is the secret: Lean in close, and don’t tell anyone…you ready ?? Here goes…I CALLED HER !! And when I did, the answer was almost an instant ‘Yes.’ Then my heart started to beat triple time and I thought,’ What have I gotten myself into ?’ No need to panic. Time to get to work. I got on the phone and started looking for sponsors. That was tough. But, I never gave up. United Healthcare (the awesome Kim Whitaker) was on board immediately. Then God sent Karen Lukin with Whole Foods. The rest of the sales came from individuals from Dallas/Ft. Worth to Houston who were dyin to see Debbie ! Talk about a Home grown event.
Of, course, there was a little chaos. First of all, she arrived in town early. Wouldn’t you know it ? I did not have time to change into one of my cute outfits, redo my hair/make-up, or even change shoes. Her first impression of me was a frantic girl in blue jeans, askew hair, and sunglasses. She reached out her hand and said, ‘Hello Nicole, I’m Debbie Reynolds.’ When I heard those words, I wanted to scream, ‘I KNOW !!! I LOVE YOU !!’ But, I remained calm, and at her command, sat down and had a glass of wine. Let’s relax . And, I was just that. Now, only in Nicole’s World, would I be sitting in the bar of The Ritz Carlton with Debbie Reynolds, and in walks: Tony Bennett ! ‘ Hello Tony’, she says..’Hey Kid !’ he responds. I love it when old(er) people call each ‘Kid.’ They chat and hug, and I felt like I just jumped into a TCM movie ! And, the weekend only got better.
On Saturday, the Luncheon was held and she shined ! She was funny, witty, a little risque at times, but the audience couldn’t stop laughing ! In her speech, she told the story of growing up poor in El Paso, Tex and then Burbank, California. A former Miss Teen Burbank, she won a studio contract and the rest is ..Herstory ! She took questions from the audience, did a dance or two, and she closed with her signature, ‘Tammy’. Afterwards, she signed autographs and took more photos in the foyer. Everyone had a great time and felt that it was time well spent. And, we weren’t done yet..
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| With Film Legend, Debbie Reynolds having dinner at Al Biernat’s Restaurant |
That night, I had the Honor of escorting her to my favorite restaurant, Al Biernat’s in Dallas. When we walked in a slight silence fell over the bar area as we walked to our corner booth. Debbie, Jenny (her Assistant), Karen(my Assistant) and, myself- the Awesome Foursome ! If that booth could talk. We shared political views, religious, and of course the entertainment business. We laughed, we cried, and we knew that we had all met people that we would surely not forget.
I am grateful to Ms. Debbie, Jonathans Place, Whole Foods, United Healthcare, and everyone who helped make this magic happen. It was truly the best day of my life. Debbie Reynolds has a way of making anyone feel ‘Unsinkable !”
We are already talking about, next year…..
Bin Laden is Dead….So, now what ?
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| The scene at Ground Zero when it was announced that Bin Laden was dead. |
Don’t forget to take the poll on the right !
When I walked into one of my favorite restaurants, I expected to hear chatter and laughter. Instead, it was unusually quiet. I said, ‘Hey’ to the server and he just pointed at the TV. I looked and there across the CNN bulletin, the words: Osama Bin Laden is Dead. And, there I stood with the rest of them. Was this real ? Did they REALLY get him ? The questions swirled in my head until I came to realization that it was true. A 10 year nightmare had reached an explosive ending. The World’s Most Wanted Fugitive, had been captured and killed by U.S Navy Seals…WOW ! The next 24 hours for me were consumed by CNN and FOX News. I wanted to know everything. Who was there ? How many people ? What did they have in the form of weapons ? And, how many WIVES did this fool have ? It is alot of information to take in, and of course, the story keeps changing. For example, the ‘human shield’ that they kept referring to was actually a woman who was caught in the crossfire. And, for those who are MORBIDLY awaiting the photos of a dead Bin Laden (who am I kidding, I am a ‘little’ curious also), President OBAMA said today that he WILL NOT release the photos due to ‘possible violence from the Bin Laden supporters. We don’t want to gloat.’ I can appreciate that.
I can also appreciate that it took President Obama 3 years to accomplish what President Bush could not do in 8. Now, I realize that some of my followers are Bush supporters, and it so happens that President Bush is now My neighbor. Well, he lives across the freeway, down 2 blocks, make a right, go up 3 streets, turn right, and enter the neighborhood, but it’s still close enough. I wish him no ill will, and look forward to meeting him and his wife very soon..However, facts are facts. This happened on the Obama watch. And, folks, that means something. And, oh, yes, the NAVY SEALS ! I can not wait to see them on the cover of Time Magazine as ‘Men of The Year’. Not knowing what to expect or whether they would come out alive, these Men went in, and ‘executed’ their mission. Well done, gentlemen. Well done.
No need to comment on Sarah ‘Show the Picture’ Palin. All I can say is, she is pretty. I was pleased that the President received due credit from both sides, but once the glow fades..we shall see..
Now, there is one question on my mind. Now, that Bin Laden is dead, what happens now ? Who do we fear ? Who do we hunt ? As most of you, I will never forget September 11. Where I was ? What I was doing ? And, how I felt when I saw the Towers fall. Since that day, we as a country have never been the same. We don’t travel the same. Many of our practices had to be altered, or put under scrutiny because there are so many ‘security clearances.’ And, through it all, one thing was a constant wish..solution…GET BIN LADEN ! Well, now we got him. Are we safe ? Sure,we feel better in the form of justice for those who we lost. But, I am curious as to what other impact this may have on our country. Does this secure Obama’s re-election ? Does the business community feel more confident, therefore maybe a boost in the economy ? This has to mean something. We have to MAKE it mean something. This was not just for revenge.
My personal feeling : Bin Laden had to be captured. He knew he would not ALLOW himself to be taken alive. That wish was the last thing Osama Bin Laden got from the United States.
God Bless the U.S Navy Seals, President Barack Obama, and the United States of America
Nicole Barrett
