An Evening with David Sedaris

I knew there was a reason why i shopped at the Vroman's in Pasadena as opposed to Borders, or on-line. There's something about that store that i love--the store layout, pretty respectable staff recommendations, etc. Anyway, shopping there finally paid off; i was able to get a ticket to see David Sedaris do a reading and book signing last night for his latest book, When You Are Engulfed in Flames.

I loved Davis Sedaris ever since i randomly picked up Me Talk Pretty One Day circa 2001, and read about his experience in France and having to proudly explain to old Frenchmen that the bag Jodie Foster was carrying in a magazine picture was in fact, dog shit. Needless to say, i was excited last night to hear him speak. It was a packed house and he seemed to want to please and entertain, and genuinely felt appreciative towards his audience, taking time to answer questions. and yes, he actually did wear a "stadium pal"! what he read from the book was one of my favorite pieces, ("Of Mice and Men") and he even read something he had written for This American Life, that never actually made it on air. (it was about the pretentiousness of the pronunciation of "nicaragua" by a white professor of his. haven't laughed that hard in forever!). he afterwards spent well over the required time with each person waiting in line to get their book signed. I unfortunately had to wait over 2 1/2 hours! but in the end it was worth it.
i had a feeling my name was going to be the center of conversation, and it was. my post-it was lost, and he said, "no worries, i'll spell it." when i said "griselda," he jokingly looked up at me: "why is it that all the people that lose their post-it have the hardest fucking name? what kind of name is 'griselda'?!" hahah. he said it sounded like a witch's name. exciting and great night!