Meeting Karl Rove

A few weeks ago I met Karl Rove. To set this up, a few pieces of information about me are probably appropriate.
1. Smart is my biggest weakness.
My husband spoke 5 languages.
At a real estate convention in Myrtle Beach a few years back, all the attendees were buzzing because the Chairman and CEO of the franchise parent corporation was the keynote speaker. He was introduced and this short guy with glasses takes the stage. I turned to my friend Linda and said in dismay, "That's him? The short guy with the glasses?" Thirty minutes later, Linda had to restrain me from throwing my room key on the stage! His speech was brilliant, witty and visionary. I was hooked.
2. Good manners are a close second on the weakness scale.
Please hold the door for me. Please say please and thank you and smile. Please treat everyone with respect.
3. My first impressions are pretty much on the money.
My husband would always marvel at this ability. I remember one conversation when he said, "I have worked with that guy for 2 years and have just figured him out. You met him 15 minutes ago and you just nailed him! How do you do that?" What can I say? It's a gift.
4. I have a rich and flourishing fantasy life.

We found out that Karl Rove was coming to do a book signing 3 days before the event. I was in alt! Then we got the "instructions" for the event from the publisher. I'm thinking, "Who does this guy think he is?" Now, my friend Jamie, who has been doing this a lot longer than I have, saw my dismay and assured me that it was just a "cut and paste" from the publisher and that all these publicist instructions look this way. (Note to self: If you ever get famous, remember to review what the publicist sends out in your name cause dam!) So now I was wary. Well, when I saw him, my first impression was...."What a nice, cheerful guy!" By the time he left he had charmed us all. For 2 full hours his energy was contagious, his manners impeccable, his smile endearing and his interest in every patron genuine. He was already down the stairs and leaving the building when a customer came in and had just missed him. He came back up the stairs to meet the gentleman, signed his book and posed for a picture! I was hooked!

So why am I relating this story? Well, it's not often in life that you get to see how those you cherish in life view you. In relating the events to my family and friends here are some of the reactions.
Sister #1:
Me: Ten years I'm a widow and I finally meet someone I would date and it turns out to be Karl Rove.
K: Gee, Bets. You don't have high standards do you?
Translation: Reality check!!!! That's what sister's are for!

Sister #2:
Me: I really had fun!
B: You were just giddy and he could tell. He's a dirty old man. (Sorry, Karl)
Translation: You are naive and need to be protected. Which, at my age, when you think about it, is very, very sweet! That's what sisters are for!

My daughter:
Me: Did you see the picture?
E: Yeah.
Me: Well....
E: It's cute Mom...2 old people flirting. (Again, sorry Karl!)
Me: Thanks, Rid.
Translation: I may be old but I can still flirt!

My 2 best friends, a niece, a nephew and my 3 brothers:
All: Did you give him your phone number?
Translation: They actually see no reason why Karl Rove wouldn't want to call me. You gotta love these guys!

So, I've discovered that when one event happens that you thought of as fun and memorable, sometimes the after effects are what really count! There are so many people who cherish me and see me as someone special and interesting, and who want to protect me, and want me to be happy. I am truly blessed!

So Karl, if you read this, (this is where the rich and flourishing fantasy life comes in) give me a call. Lots of people think you should.
Did I mention that the store actually got a thank you note from him? (Manners...I really am hooked!)