It all started out as a quarantine project for me, but it turned into much more. I have always had a passion for writing, wether that be creatively or articles, it's just always been there. During the pandemic lockdown, I decided to take on the project of writing my memoir.
Those of you who read my blog know that I am a major fan of Paula Abdul. I've met her countless times and spent many of my days and nights with her on television or in person. She is a kind soul and one that I would love to be when I grow up. I was inspired by a friend to write a book about my experiences with her but I never had the time. Then came COVID, and suddenly all the time in the world was there.
Writing is a very personal thing for me. I have always loved curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and my laptop. I can express my feelings and really get everything out and on paper. As the quarantine days passed by, I woke up excited to get to my desk to write my book. Some days, I wrote chapter after chapter.
Being that this book was very personal to me, I wanted to be able to give Paula a copy of my book in person. I wanted to physically hand it to her and explain to her what this project was. One of my friends had pointed it out; there has never been a book written about Paula from a fan perspective, just the typical biographies.
Well the wait to give Paula my book was a long one. I was discouraged time and time again as news of the pandemic grew worse. I published my book in May 2020. As 2020 turned to 2021, I was growing desperate for life to go back to normal. I was finally able to get vaccinated in April and as spring turned to summer, life seemed normal again.
In late August, I got an email to let me know that tickets for A Night of Wigs and Wishes were on sale. I've been going to the charity event for about eight years now and I eagerly bought my ticket. The week after I bought my ticket, I got an email that Paula would be there in the flesh this year. Finally, reunited.
As preparations began and the hunt for a dress was in full swing, I grew nervous. Realization finally hit that I'd have the opportunity to give Paula my book. I reread my book many times, hoping that she wouldn't find anything in my book offensive. When I took off on the six hour drive to Philadelphia for the gala, I had such a nervous stomach that I almost puked multiple times.
The morning I woke up on the day of the event, I was calm and ready. This was the event I had waited 18 months for. I got my hair done and got ready and off we went to Philadelphia's Rivers Casino. The event was absolutely beautiful but gut wrenching. I cried 10 minutes into the show.
Over the years, I've befriended a lot of people in Paula's inner circle. My friends and I are especially fond of Paula's makeup artist, Faustine. She's the sweetest girl and we're lucky to know her. She assured us that Paula wanted to see us at Wigs and Wishes and that she'd be back to get us to bring us to Paula. The 20 minutes between reuniting with her and standing in the ballroom were the longest 20 minutes of my life.
As soon as I saw Paula, I couldn't describe it. She just latched onto me and hugged me so tight. We hugged for about 30 seconds. As soon as we stepped into her dressing room, I just shoved the book in her hands. Thank God that a few of my friends video taped it, because I for one did not hear her tell me how incredible the book was. I had signed her copy for her, and I asked if she'd sign mine.
With Paula, presenting her with my book at Wigs and Wishes, October 2021
The moment is indescribable. She told me how proud she was of me. "I've seen you grow up. You were 15 when we first met, I've seen you go to college and graduate and start your career." Sometimes it blows my mind that I actually know Paula and she knows me. It's the 15 year old in me who still loves her just as much as I did then.
One of the things I'd love to do career wise is to help Paula write her memoir one day. I told her that at Wigs and Wishes and she just gave me this big smile and a kiss on my cheek. She looked so happy. I knew I missed her during COVID, but I didn't realize how much until these moments in her dressing room.
Another one of Paula's friends, Jimmy, who I have known for years, looked at my book and asked me what it was. I told him that I'd written a book about my experiences with Paula. He smiled and told Paula that they had a new bedtime story to read that night. I can only hope that they started my book that night.
Now that I'm back in Virginia, I'm waiting (impatiently) to hear from Paula when she finishes my book. I can't wait! This book was a joy to write and I'm so proud that I saw it through to the end. I hope you love it Paula!
Signing off,
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