Martha Encounter

My first non-fiction book purchase in NYC (apart from my school materials) came with a handshake and a signature. During my lunch hour today, I rushed to Barnes and Noble at Union Square to attend Martha Stewart's The Martha Rules book signing event.

I was not intending to buy her book and was thinking "Is it worth giving up my lunch money for a closer glimpse of The Martha?" I entered the velvet ropes and sat at the back with the group of people who are just there for pictures. There were at least 100 people there. She made a short speech about her book, talked about passion and being an entrepreneur and started signing books. (I was waiting for that famous "It's a good thing" line, but didn't hear it this time.)

The people lined up orderly to have her sign her book, and so I took my time to read the book's (biased) reviews and skimmed through its first pages. Although the content is probably nothing new, reading it suddenly reminded me of talks with my family about finding your passion and translating it into a business. A perfect gift! (I would have bought 6 copies for each of us, but that's insane) Plus, it's an easy-read.

I bought it anyways, and it costed me $21.63. Then, I lined up along with the other Martha fans. As I got closer to her, I felt one with the paparazzis. I had my camera handy and shot away! (It was not allowed of course, but I didn't care)

I finally approached her, handed my book and kindly asked if I could have her dedicate the book to my family. The _____ Family. (I even wrote how that spelled on a piece of paper for her convenience) Then, her (prick) assistant said she doesn't do dedications. Martha looked at me with sorry eyes and said, "Well, I hope your family enjoys it." - and signed it with what read like Marti Stewat. I shook hands with her and said thank you.


I was elated. I am not a huge Martha fan (I disdain her The Apprentice show), but I read her works, followed her scandal case, love her ridiculously expensive flowers and use Martha Stewart Living bathtowels. There is something about her that is charming - yet authoritative.

It took me an hour just to get my book signed. I was late for work. With no lunch (and dinner, let alone) money. So, I darted out of BN - $21 bucks poorer, but a Martha experience richer. So, I quickly dropped by Mcdonald's and ordered from The Dollar Menu.