Scratch art was always fun to create. I first learned about it during my childhood. Instead of crayons as an underlay are you several watercolor washes. Then an ink wash set for last. I scratched the image of the legendary singer and songwriter Donna Summer. She was a pioneering Artist with the hypnotic vocals. Donna summer was an amazing vocalist.
I had the honor and privilege to meet Donna Summer at her book signing at Barnes & Noble.
At the time, I was working for an organization that helps families and children placed in shelters. Some were battling life threatening disease, abused physically or mentally. As a teacher's aid in the classroom inside of a tenement building in the shelter to provide education for preschoolers. Also, it was a safe even for the children. My struggles were nowhere near like the families and the children in the program. But it could be stressful at times.
So instead of going home after work and just rest for the next day, I decided instead of taking The Bronx bound train, so I took the downtown train to meet my Idol, Donna Summer. I was expecting a small, intimate gathering maybe I was delusional and tired. When I got out the train station and I looked at Barnes & Noble I said to myself, "Of coarse this long line is for Donna summer maybe they'll start moving maybe I won't have to stand for a long time". The line wrapped around three blocks I finally found the end of the line and I just stood and waited. I think I was the only female on the line.
Next thing I knew three hours have passed, the sun went down and we only moved a couple of feet. I kept in my head, "Please, if you could just get around this corner and then maybe the next corner they let us in. My knee started to walk in place and I kept on crack in them as getting a line there were so many times when I want to say just go home it's not worth it. But I have my book.
The man behind me noticed my discomfort and asked if I was okay. I told him my knees were sore. He told me that he felt my pain and not to worry, we are half way there.
And just when we made it around the last corner before the store entrance. A representative came outside and said sorry Donna summer will no longer signing any more books. Oh my goodness the sounds of boozes and hisses began. The men began to chant " Oh no he didn't! " Not fair!" "We want our queen!" The man behind me shouted, " Yeah! This lady has been in pain, let her in!" Don't worry girl, we got you! I tried on to laugh.
A few minutes later, the same representative came out and told us despite of her tiredness, she is willing to see everyone. He instructed us to enter the bookstore quickly and quietly. And most important, follow instructions!! Then the doors to Barnes and Noble were locked.
I wanted a picture of Donna Summer but too shy. I debated whether or not to take her picture. I brought my Nikon DX 50 manual camera just in case.
The Zigzag line inside the store was shorter. I could, actually see Ms. Summer at a distance. Yes! I will take her picture! Suddenly, a loud and Repetitive, " Get her book ready to the page for her to sign, No standing around Ms. Summer! , no conversations with Ms. Summer! , and absolutely, no pictures!" The flash was placed on the camera already....but they said no pictures. The aperture was set in place.... but they said no pictures. Lenses focused on the subject...... but no pictures. When will I get this opportunity again........no pictures. But they said no pictures. I always followed the rules, I was never a troublemaker. I am next in line.... no pictures. Next! They yelled.... screw them... I whipped out my camera and pressed the button! The flash shocked everyone!
I walked slowly to Ms. Summer and waved hello to her. She said hello in return and ask for my name. I said Tracey. I didn't dare tell her the correct spelling (At this point I didn't care if she wrote Stacy). She asked me instead," how do you spell your name?" I had the biggest smile on my face. She was considerate and kind. Ms. Summer asked how was my day and ask what I did for a living.
She said thank you for coming I appreciate you waiting. I said are you kidding, no thank you, you have no idea you made my day.
I wanted to talk to her about everything. How loved her music since I was in preschool. How I use to secretly sing, dance and choreograph moves to all her songs in my living room! Instead, I quickly said thank you, and wave goodbye to her and husband, Bruce Sudano, standing off to the side. Her handlers gave me dirty looks, I didn't care, Ha!
Today would have been Ms. Summer's 64th birthday......
RIP Donna Summer
