took the paper out of my hand!
When I got it back I had my own
freshly written “Taylor Hicks” (more
like, “T – Hic –“) on a ticket that
wasn’t mine. Success!
My knack for chasing ink followed me
overseas, when I just happened to be
studying abroad in England during
the Royal Wedding.
Don’t worry, I didn’t try to run after
Prince William for an autograph on
his wedding day.
He had a more important signature
to make. And I don’t think the Royal
Guard would have let me anywhere
near Kate Middleton’s dress with a
black marker.
Now armed and
dangerous, I could enjoy
the thrill of being one
with the crowd.
Waving my arms and
screaming, “Taylor!” with
the other fans was an
experience until then I
didn’t know I was
missing.
38
JASMINE'S PLACE
It was Meredith Vieira I was after.
Along with the rest of NBC’s Today
show cast, Vieira was reporting on all
things “Will and Kate” the last few
days before their anticipated
nuptials. While the mostly British
crowd in Trafalgar Square was
singing along with some boy band I’d
never heard of (i.e., not One
Direction), I surreptitiously made my
way to the back of the tent Vieira
was in preparing for her next
segment.
There was one friendly security guard
guarding the entrance. I handed him
a piece of paper and asked him if he
could give it to Vieira to sign. He
obliged, but came back empty-
handed, explaining she “may” sign it
after her segment.
That could take forever. Not wanting
to miss my chance and just stand
backstage like a dud, I walked back to
the crowd to watch the live taping of
Vieira interviewing Kate Middleton’s
bridal jewelry designer.
After she finished the interview,
Vieira graciously made her way up
and down the line of fans, stopping
and chatting with each person.
Oh, and I didn’t mention it was my
birthday. As soon as she shook my
hand I took the opportunity to tell
her meeting her was a great present.