My Day with Rosie O’Donnell
This morning I headed to the Michael’s Craft Store in Skokie, Illinois for Rosie O’Donnell’s Crafty U book signing. I really had no idea what to expect and I considered not even going because I was not sure it would be worth taking a vacation day from work. Not that I don’t think that Rosie is worth missing work for, but I have been to book signings before that were cold and impersonal and after waiting for hours I was shuffled along without so much as a “Hello.” A Rosie O’Donnell book signing, however, is so much better.
For those of you who want the short version or who are wondering whether you should go to a local signing yourself, my advice is “Go. You will not regret it.” She gives everyone personal attention and the way she interacted with the crowd made me admire her even more. For those of you who want every last detail of the day, read on . . .
The book signing was scheduled to begin at noon and I spent the whole morning trying to decide when to get there. I did not want to have to wait outside for hours, but also did not want to be at the back of the line, either. I finally decided on getting there around 10:00 a.m. and that was perfect. When I arrived, there were less than 15 people in line. To be honest, I was surprised that there were not more people that had gotten there early in the morning, but of course I was glad to be so close to the front of the line.
I had brought a folding chair and set it up and starting doing some work (that was my bargain with myself. I could miss a day of work, so long as I did some work while waiting so I don’t get too far behind). I could tell other people around me wished they had thought of bringing chairs, too. The weather was perfect and the line was in the shade, so I had no complaints. The line started growing longer and longer. I enjoyed hearing everyone around me talking about Rosie, her blog, and her kids. The funniest part of the wait was seeing the bewildered looks on the faces of people driving through the parking lot who could not for the life of them figure out why there were so many people waiting in line at a craft store.
Around 11:45 a.m., they let the first 20 people in line go indoors, myself included. We were lined up in between rows of artificial flowers and stopped behind a red velvet rope. In the aisle next to us, another line formed, made up of mothers will small children and elderly ladies. I knew from Rosie’s blog that the line next to us would be getting priority. I did not mind and I think it is a great policy. Around that time, Rosie came in, although I could not see her. I heard her say “Hello! How is everyone?” and then I started to get really nervous. Mostly I was afraid that I would cry and/or not be able to say a coherent sentence when I finally got my chance to meet Rosie.
After several of the people in the kid/elderly line went through, they moved over to our line. Rosie moved to the other end of the counter she was standing at and I finally got a glimpse of her.
As my line moved closer, I was able to see how she interacted with everyone and I started to be more excited than nervous. She had a short conversation with each person, signed their items, and then posed for a picture taken by one of her assistants using the fan’s camera. The only disappointment that I had was that no video was allowed. I had planned to ask her to say “Hello” to you all of you on video. Once the line got to the point that there were only four people ahead of me, Rosie moved back over the kid/elderly line. I was actually happy with that move because it allowed me to watch her for longer and now I was so close that I could clearly see her and hear what she was saying.
Rosie has always been liked a Pied Piper for children. They are just inexplicably drawn to her and she interacts with them in a way that makes them happy and not talked down-to. She has such a gift for what to say to each child, like how she chatted with the four-year-old for a moment or two before picking up his newborn sister, although I am sure she wanted to hold the baby right away. She understands the dynamic between siblings and was careful not give anyone short shrift. She asked one little boy what he thought of his newborn sister and he said “Awesome!” It was cute. There was also the little boy dressed like Batman (below) who Rosie told the story how her son used to wear his Batman costume day and night.
She also had small toys to hand out to each child, like smalled stuffed animals for the little kids and some kind of puzzle for the older kids. There was only one child that was not interested in Rosie. The baby could not take her eyes off of Rosie’s friend/hairstylist/make-up person Eric who was standing nearby. I was not able to get a picture of that, but I did take a photo of Eric (below). He stayed near Rosie throughout and would fix her hair or jacket when it got out of place after an especially big hug or lengthy baby holding experience.
Rosie then moved over and our line started moving again. I remained surprisingly calm, although I had a stupid grin stuck on my face. Finally it was my turn! I handed my books of to the Michael’s employee and my camera to the assistant.
Rosie smiled, took my hand, and asked my name. She told me that she like my shirt, noting that it was one of the original styles of shirts from her online store. As she said this, she signed my shirt without me even asking! I guess I won’t be washing it again for fear the Sharpie ink might fade.
I then told Rosie that I started writing a View blog while she was on the show and she deadpanned, “How’s that going?” I told her how many of my readers come to my blog to read what happened because they won’t even watch the show since she left. She asked if I saw yesterday when Whoopi Goldberg and Elisabeth Hasselbeck got into an argument. She added that she feels bad for Whoopi because she is an Oscar Award winner yet she has to deal with Elisabeth everyday. While we were chatting and Rosie was signing my books, the assistant was taking photos. Rosie made the face below when we were talking about Elisabeth. I did not even see Eric there listening to me at the time.
We then posed together for a photo and we exchanged thanks and our time was over. I was then given a box of Rosie note cards, a small bottle of Modge Podge, and some candy by the staff at Michael’s. I could not stop smiling.
I got outside and saw that the line still continued to extend all the way down the block. I then immediately called my husband and then my mother, both of whom had to deal with a much less calm recap than you have all been privy to. I think I was probably talking a mile-a-minute, if not faster, in all my excitement. I suppose it goes without saying that it was a wonderful experience and I would like to thank Rosie and all of her staff, as well as the people at Michael’s for making is such a great experience for everyone there.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
What is your POV? Does Ro like EH?
June 10th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Oh Winnie what a wonderful experience. Thank you so much for sharing it and in such detail. I felt as if I were there and oh how I wish I were.
Rosie is such a down to earth person and is loved so much by her fans. She is also missed very much but at least by way of her blog she keeps in touch with all of us.
Congratulations on getting to meet Ro!
P.S. I can only imagine how difficult it was to work on The View with the likes of EH and it was very candid of her to express that in sympathy for Whooopi. Let’s see if they do a split screen on Whoopi one day…
June 10th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I am so happy for you. What a nice experience! I have only done one book signing, Mitch Albom for Tuesdays With Morrie and I felt it was totally worth it. I love that she signed your shirt!!
June 10th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Thanks for sharing your story with us. I was excited and nervous for you while reading it! lol I’m glad it went well. Too bad you didn’t show your picture with her but I understand it’s your blog and your privacy.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
So cool, Winnie! Thanks for writing about this
She seems very personable and I love how she dished about EH with you! I bet she’ll seek out this blog to read now. Did you tell her to google Winnie on Italian Google?(ha)
June 10th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Winnie, I am so happy for you. Sounds like you had a great time and Rosie was a lot of fun. What an experience; one I am sure you will cherish for years.
I echo Lopez’ question: Soooo, what vibe did you get about EH from Rosie?
June 10th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
As everyone else has said,
thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.
I am so happy for you!!! I also felt as though I was there in line with you.
I fear I would have been mute when it was finally my turn.
I have never been to a book signing, but I’m sure that Rosie’s is way different than most.
What a nice way to end my long day. thanks again Winnie.
June 10th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Great review! I just hope ET or another tabloid show doesn’t find this and pick the part about what Rosie said about Whoopie being an Oscar winner, yet has to deal with EH every day and exploit it on their shows. This was a very positive review about Rosie’s booksigning, but the negative is all they want about her. Too bad, because she’s obviously a genuine, and down to earth, good person.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
What a GREAT recap, Winnie! And it was so suspenseful how you told it. I was holding my breath. I loved every minute of it and couldn’t be happier for how much joy you got from the experience.
Rosie’s done so much for our country, it’d be nothing short of an honor and privilege to see her in person, shake her hand, let her know how much she is appreciated.
Thanks for sharing. If she ever comes to my area I will now take off work too and see her.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Thanks Winnie!
June 10th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
what an exciting day! That is very cool that she was so nice to everyone and I think it is very interesting that Rosie still watches the show.
June 10th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Hey Winnie!
I was given the link to your site by the rbloggers who I just joined after meeting a bunch of them today athe Skokie signing.
Batman is my little guy! You’re right. Rosie is definitely the pied piper of kids. He was pretty indifferent about seeing her today but did you see how enthralled he was with her and the HUGE hug they gave each other. It was so sweet!
I’ll definitely be reading your blog since I have left View viewing since Ro left. I just catch the juicy bits when Perez or someone talks about it.
June 10th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
That is so awesome!! Glad you had such a great experience!
June 10th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
workout mommy, on her blog she says she no longer watches the show. she saw the WG and EH clip online.
June 10th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Uber cool.
June 10th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
That’s great Winnie! I’m glad you told her, since the departure, many would rather come to your blog than watch the show.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Congratulations. You deserve a moment like this.
June 11th, 2008 at 10:31 am
That truly shows Rosie’s Charcter! She took advantage of that moment to bash EH! Come on Rosie!!! Get with it!
June 11th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Change the “o”" to an “e” ….
June 11th, 2008 at 11:16 am
I’m very happy for you!
June 11th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Rosie is so awesome with her fans, I have always liked Rosie and you can tell she is a genuinely good, fun person, glad to know my perception of her is right! Winnie, that must have been so fun getting to meet Rosie. Glad you had a great time!
June 11th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Stacee, it took me a minute to get it(ha)! LOL
June 11th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Stacee, you’re so clever..LOL!
June 11th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Stacee (#19) - I got it too!! U could be right!
Winnie, thanks for sharing your Rosie experience … I felt like I was right there w/you (nerves & all)
So very cool that you seized the day.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
# 12 Jenn M.
Welcome, I think you’ll enjoy it here.
# 19 Stacee,
I’m not saying anything,…I’ve learned my lesson.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Sandy…LOL
June 11th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
What a great day Winnie and thank you for letting Rosie know how much we miss her! Did you get a chance to tell her that you tried doing the crafts yourself?
Thumbs up Stacee!
June 11th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Winnie– I am happy for you- how cool.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
[...] an aside, did you all read the comment on my post yesterday about meeting Rosie? The mom of the little boy dressed like Batman stopped by and said hello! Small [...]
June 11th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Stacee (19). Not this time. I am pretty sure
June 11th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
I think its awesome that you got to see her Winnie, thanks for sharing your experience with us!! You’re a great writer, I loved reading that.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Ahh, okay. Thanks Winnie
Jenn M, your little guy is adorable. How cool that you found this site. Welcome!
June 12th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
OMG stacee.. it took me a few mins to get it and i LMAOO out loud! Your too funny.. btw.. hello peeps.