AUTHORS WEAR MANY HATS!
When the email arrived, I almost deleted it. After reading
the whole message, I wondered why are they asking me, an author over sixty, to
be a model in a style show? I’m kind of a recluse, who spends most of my day in
my black yoga pants sitting behind a laptop. I have only a few dresses in my
closet that I seldom wear except for weddings or funerals. When I found out six
other authors were participating and that the “Style Speaks Volumes” show was a
benefit for our local Stillwater Public Library Foundation, my author conscience
kicked in. How could I possibly say no to that?
The fact that it was a collaboration between three local
businesses: Valley Booksellers who would be selling our books, the Sash
clothing store that offered a special discount, and Reve’ Bistro which included
a complimentary lunch, I figured what the heck. I decided even if I had to wear
a push up bra and give up my yoga pants for a couple of days, the experience
would be well worth it.
After I jotted a quick reply and hit send, panic set in. Since
retiring I had seldom worn high heels, much less walked down a runway. The only
modeling experience I had was at an outlet mall in a small town in Minnesota
years ago. My younger sister had talked me into it and only a handful of women
showed up. I thought about calling the organizer to tell her I had changed my
mind, that I was too old and not a qualified runway girl, but a little voice
inside of me said do it.
A few days later, I called Carol the owner of the clothing
store to set up a time to try on outfits. The day I walked into the shop, Carol
welcomed me with a big smile. We had a lot in common. She was a widow and had
recently retired from teaching. Now she was following her dream of owning her
own clothing store and loving it. After an hour of trying on a variety of
clothes, I selected two coordinated outfits and a coat to model.
Then Carol walked me across the hallway to the Reve’ Bistro
which was in the final stages of construction. She assured me it would be ready
on time and showed me how I’d weave through the dining room, pause at each
table and model my outfit. Then quickly go back to the dressing room and
change. As I drove home, a sense of calm rolled over me. I was excited about
the event and totally relieved that I didn’t have to wear high heels or
navigate a runway.
The night before the event, a snowstorm hit, closing schools
and making travel difficult. But this is
Minnesota. With a sold out crowd and seven authors turned models, the show went
on. The day was magical. Stylists from the Monde salon set up an area in a
small alcove where they styled our hair and did our makeup. I, along with the
other authors, loved the pampering.
Dressed in my first outfit, I strolled into the Bistro
filled with women of all ages, stopped at the first table and twirled around.
The ladies greeted me with a smile and an oolala
as they admired my comfortable red and black outfit and ran their fingers over
the fabric. Before I moved on, they found my picture in the program and asked
about my books. With the room filled with laughter and energized conversation,
I looked around at the other authors and their smiles said it all. Stepping out
of our comfort zones was well worth it. As we sat around a table enjoying our
complimentary lunches and signing copies of our books, I realized it’s never to
late to try new experiences that enrich our lives and help us grow! Diane's Website:
