07/07/2005
Royalty Swat...
A few years ago I had the honour of being invited to speak at the Diamond jubilee celebrations of the UK Asthma Society.
I was anxious to do my best, naturally, and all went well until the patron of the society arrived...
I'm sure her various attendants had the ability to act like normal people... but suddenly they, as well as many of the people around me, were transformed into one of two categories- Stormtroopers, or Uriah Heap (ever so 'umble)
I was rather bemused, said royal having been a typist (much like any one of us), in a previous incarnation. She also seemed rather pleasant and unpretentious from what I had seen of her in the newspapers. Those acting on her behalf were not.
I was quietly minding my own business, running over my speech in my mind, as I like to carry notes for reassurance, but speak 'off the cuff' wherever possible- and heaven knows, where asthma is concerned I've got plenty of 'cuff' to go at! when suddenly a cry went up... 'She's here!!! She's here!!!'
From the strangled announcement I imagined the Wicked Witch of the West, Cruella de Ville, or possibly Medusa herself had turned up.
Not so.
Like a rush of wind, a number of security staff led a parade of 'Hangers' On' (well, what would you call them?) OK, then... sycophants... straight past me- the lead creep thrust out her arm slamming me (in all 'me' finery) against the wall.
Never been swatted before, girls, but I guess there's a first time for everything!
The interesting thing was... behind this line of self-important (calm yourself Susan... breathe deeply like you're always telling your heroine's to do... in for 3, hold for three, out for 3) (that's better) idiots, hurried a rather pleasant looking woman.
How dreadful to be genuinely 'nice', and yet find yourself surrounded by these ghastly social climbers (successful too, they made it right to the top!!); creeps you can't get rid of, because they're part of 'The Firm'.
As I recovered from being swatted my heart went out to the royal. I knew she was just a cog in an unforgiving wheel. Fortunately, and possibly because this woman did know something of the 'real world', she has survived to carve out a happy and successful family life.
Am I going to tell you who she is?
Half the fun is finding that out for yourself, isn't it?
More tomorrow!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
I was anxious to do my best, naturally, and all went well until the patron of the society arrived...
I'm sure her various attendants had the ability to act like normal people... but suddenly they, as well as many of the people around me, were transformed into one of two categories- Stormtroopers, or Uriah Heap (ever so 'umble)
I was rather bemused, said royal having been a typist (much like any one of us), in a previous incarnation. She also seemed rather pleasant and unpretentious from what I had seen of her in the newspapers. Those acting on her behalf were not.
I was quietly minding my own business, running over my speech in my mind, as I like to carry notes for reassurance, but speak 'off the cuff' wherever possible- and heaven knows, where asthma is concerned I've got plenty of 'cuff' to go at! when suddenly a cry went up... 'She's here!!! She's here!!!'
From the strangled announcement I imagined the Wicked Witch of the West, Cruella de Ville, or possibly Medusa herself had turned up.
Not so.
Like a rush of wind, a number of security staff led a parade of 'Hangers' On' (well, what would you call them?) OK, then... sycophants... straight past me- the lead creep thrust out her arm slamming me (in all 'me' finery) against the wall.
Never been swatted before, girls, but I guess there's a first time for everything!
The interesting thing was... behind this line of self-important (calm yourself Susan... breathe deeply like you're always telling your heroine's to do... in for 3, hold for three, out for 3) (that's better) idiots, hurried a rather pleasant looking woman.
How dreadful to be genuinely 'nice', and yet find yourself surrounded by these ghastly social climbers (successful too, they made it right to the top!!); creeps you can't get rid of, because they're part of 'The Firm'.
As I recovered from being swatted my heart went out to the royal. I knew she was just a cog in an unforgiving wheel. Fortunately, and possibly because this woman did know something of the 'real world', she has survived to carve out a happy and successful family life.
Am I going to tell you who she is?
Half the fun is finding that out for yourself, isn't it?
More tomorrow!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
