"If dreams were wishes, elephants would fly." Chioma Onwudiwe
"Those that know, know what they know...." Chioma Onwudiwe
"Run with what grows in your womb. For one day (at the right time), you will birth it." Chioma Onwudiwe
For every one sad and miserable naysayer, I ever encountered in my life. I have been blessed with seven others, to counteract their evil motives, unkind and hopeless words.
It was a mildly breezy and chilly evening, as I ran hoops to catch the Uptown Bus. I was indeed, a sight to behold. Bags bouncing of my shoulders and hands flailing recklessly in the air, as I desperately implored complete strangers to hold the bus. They did kindly and thoughtfully. I eventually climbed on, heaving breathlessly. While furiously digging for my fare-card. The Bus Driver tried to reassure me (in between my gasping for air), that it was not the end of the world. It was okay to take a seat, regain my composure and then come back to dip my fare-card. Or maybe wait for the next bus.
Thanks but no thanks, I thought to myself. The next bus might not be rolling by, for another three years. And I doubted, that I had that kind of time or schedule. However, I felt victorious and Olympic medal worthy. To have been able to catch this particular one, at that off time. So I resolved, that I would sway along with the vehicle's bumpy and winding swerves. Hurtling through narrow streets and twisted avenues. At some point, I would dig out that card and pay my fare. Then proceed to find me a comfortable spot, to recuperate at. Besides, I do not like to procrastinate. I do things when I need to do them and thus move on to the next page. Simply because, I almost always have a full plate. Anything deferred, that could have been done at the present moment. Might lose its place, importance and impact. At least for me it does. So I found my fare-card, paid for my ride and sauntered all the way to the back of the bus. Nine heavy shopping bags (maybe or maybe not), and a tired soul in tow.
No sooner had I settled in the back of the bus, than a very impeccably dressed and upscale looking group (three couples to be exact). Got on the bus and you guessed it, headed for the back too. Great minds I presumed, do think alike after all. As they approached my conquered territory (aka; back-of-the-bus-lounge), I noticed that they all had what looked like brochures in their hands. And they were loudly discussing a Broadway show, that they had just seen. Their discussion was not of the catty stuff; You know things like I don't like her voice, or the color of her hair stinks. Nothing that foolish at all. It was more of an in-depth critique, as to what might or might not be changed about the show. I drifted in and out of their conversation, with great but concealed interest. Then conscientiously chastised myself, for intently eavesdropping and minding the business of the masses.
Suddenly one of the older gentlemen (from upscale inc.), turned to me and asked; "How is the young lady doing this evening?" He was polite and friendly. "Very well thank you." I responded with a tired smile. "And are you coming from anywhere interesting?" He continued, still smiling pleasantly. "I just finished an Actors seminar and I am headed home now." Was my simple reply. "Oh, so you are an Actress," came his almost gleeful reply. "I try." was my solemn response.
Then he immediately pointed, at one of the ladies in his group as he asked; "Do you know who that is?" "No." I said, shaking my head regretfully. "Have you heard of ________?" He continued, as he mentioned the name of a well known American Icon. Unarguably, a pioneer in the entertainment industry. "Yes I know the name," I nodded in response. "Well that is his granddaughter!" He announced with pride and joy. And she is following, in the family's footsteps. "Oh..." Was all I could muster in surprise, as he turned to the lady in question and introduced me as an Actress.
What happened next, was the most classy, graceful and surprising conduct that I had witnessed in a longtime. The said granddaughter, now gently and smoothly broke the conversation that she was initially involved in. Then with a knowing smile and a quick glance my way, turned to her friend and earnestly said; " Yes, I could tell right away..." "There you have it!" Exclaimed the older gentleman, with a sheepish grin. "Take it from the expert and run with it!"
A week ago, I heard an insider news. That she was one of the executive producers, of a brand new production coming soon. May God bless her and him too. That external acknowledgement, of what I already knew internally. Added an additional and insurmountable amount of fuel, to my burning convictions. Like he advised, I ran. Faster than ever before and still running....
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