| The Plan We would present our Bridge magnets en masse for his signature. Then Denise would make her presentation. We knew the Bridge magnets would slow the line down a bit, but we had no idea that Denise would halt the whole proceedings. First the Magnets Gentle Reader, let me remind you that in September I created 8.5 x 11 magnetic sheets with photos of B and an icon that represents The Bridge as commemorative pieces for the finale dinner of the Brunothon. General Alfonsi and Chef Chaput had instructed us to bring the magnets back so that on the night of March 17, we could have them signed by B. We had, we did, with one exception. Mine didn't get signed with the pack. Bruno did, however, ask who had created the magnets. And when the Bridge shouted Prisca, B looked up and said to my face, well done. Which in plain black and white doesn't seem nearly as exciting as hearing it said in that warm caramel voice of his with just a touch of an accent. Goodness, all of a sudden it is warm in here. But then, the eager others began to push forward so General Di had to seize the moment. She called up the troops from the rear. Denise came forward bearing her gifts. A wonderful presentation clock with a commemorative panel. An album. A press kit she had purchased on e-bay to return to its rightful owner so that he could raise funds for his favourite charity. And a donation to his favourite charity. Le gars gars took his time examining everything closely. Asking for explanations and receiving translations from Maurice his capable assistant and our very own General Di, who had transformed herself into Communications Central, a return to a position she has long held in the Bridge. When, he at last, understood, that the music box was really a clock, his first question was, ""How do I change the batteries?" All of this was captured on video. Denise, Lisa and I sharing the duties of videographer. Posterity, don't forget us when someone wants to do a retrospective of his career in 25 years. Behind me are the whining, snivelling and restless hordes who never had imagined that their moment with the man would be thwarted by these women of the Bridge. Maurice brought order to the situation. The Bridge retreated and I began to sniffle inside because I had not achieved my objective...no signature for my magnet. And A FULL SIGNATURE TOO! General Di called us to attention. Gave us our orders. Lisa and Prisca were to request of Maurice (pronounced More-iss) a photo opportunity of our very own at the very end of the autograph session. |
