Yesterday Morning

Well, the party went well. The birthday boy enjoyed the surprise though it was kinda screwed up by a co worker who dragged me up to the room way too early (she was s’posed to keep me in the background and I was to make a grand entrance). Oh well. So there I am face to face with the b-day boy (he is the Treasurer’s Chief Legal Deputy) and he was surprised, but it wasn’t time to sing yet. Awkward! So, I went back to my place in the back of the room, only to be called up again by someone in the office – before my time. I just decided to go for it that time so I didn’t look like a total idiot. But as soon as I took center stage – so to speak – in the middle of the office, I was fine and did some quick improv to get folks laughing.

The party was held in the Office of the Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, who is an elected official who really digs what I do. And I adore her. She exudes goodness and enthusiasm and her office loves and totally admires her. Everyone says: “She’s amazing!” “She’s a wonderful person!” “I wish I had her energy.” – all of these comments are given with total admiration. I’ve never seen anything like it. She is totally in touch with me – talent wise – and so appreciative and I love her for that. You know how goofy and sentimental I am.

She is the Queen Bee, the Empress – she is beyond the Boss – she is the Treasurer of Cook County (Chicago). After I finished singing she commanded that I be driven home in a town car. Love that! And don’t give her any shit for sending me home in a car! I provided a service gratis. I am sure that I added some joy to the office environment and I reckon folks had a happier work day, thus the ride home was justified!

I sang “Happy Birthday” with a little tribute to Marilyn Monroe by adding a breathy “Happy Birthday Mr President…” followed by current favorite: “Me & Bobby McGee” which is a perfect song to perform a cappella. He loved it and the rest of the office – there was a crowd of fifty or so staff present – didn’t seem to mind either.

The birthday boy first saw me last February when I sang in the Treasurer’s office as part of a Black History Month event. Treasurer Pappas gave me the “Award of Excellence” for being a: “skilled songstress and Diva Extraordinaire – THE Toast of Chicago” (I swear to you, that’s what the award says!). A friend in the office, who works directly with the Treasurer, thought he would be thrilled if I surprised him with a birthday song.

And that, my friends, is that!

Thanks to Bob for asking how it all went yesterday!