The Katywompus Journal Observing Life's Little Quirks by Diane Moody

Entry #9: If Only I Could... If you could have a chat with anyone in the world, who would it be? Ever let your mind wander down that trail? Would it be someone famous? Someone you admire? Someone who perplexes you? Let's say you could choose the person, the setting, and the topics of discussion. Play along with me for a few minutes. Billy Graham would top my list. I'd like to visit the great evangelist in his humble mountain home in Montreat, North Carolina. When I think of people I respect, his name always comes first. To me, he represents the real deal about faith. I'd thank him for preaching without compromise all these years. For living what he preaches, staying away from hypocrisy, and keeping his ego in check. I'd ask to hear his favorite stories of the great revivals he's led all around the world. I'd ask him about all the presidents he's known. Maybe he'd share some funny anecdotes about those men. And I'd definitely ask him to pray with me. Imagine that. Praying with Billy Graham. Someone else I'd like to meet is Barbara Bush. I would visit Mrs. Bush in her summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. There she sits . . . that striking white hair, her relaxed manner, her keen wit . . . all those things that draw us to her as "everybody's grandmother." I'd ask her what it's like to be First Mom. How does that compare to being First Lady? Is it harder to endure criticism against her son than it was her husband when he occupied that office? I'd compliment her uncanny ability to be both feisty and gracious at the same time. I like that about her! I'd thank her for all her tireless work advocating literacy. And I'd thank her for being such an excellent role model for keeping strong family ties. Oh, and Babs? Love the pearls. As a hopeless movie buff, my list of favorite Hollywood celebrities is pretty extensive. Choosing one would be tough. But chances are I'd have to pick Mel Gibson (like choosing Mel is a hardship?) Naturally, I'd have to swoon a bit and rave over his performances in "Braveheart," "The Patriot," "Ransom," and one of my personal favorites, "Conspiracy Theory." But once the small talk began to ebb, I would have to ask Mel about "The Passion," his upcoming movie about the last 12 hours of the life of Christ. He co-wrote the script, financed, produced and directed the film which gives a far more realistic and graphic portrayal of the subject matter than previous works. It has already caused a firestorm of controversy in the media. Seems Hollywood isn't as tolerant as they portray themselves. I am profoundly impressed that this larger-than-life celebrity would undertake a project like this despite the slams and threats from his peers. He believes in the message of the story enough to risk his future career as an actor. I find that remarkable in this day and age. As a writer, I'd have to include an author, of course. No problem there. There aren't many books around I'd stay up all night to read, but I've spent many a night with John Grisham. (Wait. That didn't sound right. Sorry, John.) Every single book Grisham has written has been a bestseller, and of those 16 books, eight have been made into films. I'd ask him what it felt like to have his second book, The Firm, skyrocket to the New York Times bestseller list where it remained for 47 weeks. I'd want to know what it's like to see a story you create in your mind played out on the big screen. Is it weird seeing the characters you once pictured in your head now played by megastars like Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Gene Hackman, and Denzel Washington? I'd ask him about the mission trips he still takes with his church and thank him for staying grounded like that. Oh, and John? Would you autograph your new book for me? That's 'Diane' with one 'n' . . . Then there's all those heroes and fascinating personalities now departed I would love to have talked to. But that's another column for another day. ********************** Click HERE to send Diane an email. She welcomes your comments and suggestions. Archive She's Flying the Coop Blessed are the poor... Back to School It All Started With Eve It's Almost Here! Forget About Weapons of Mass Destruction - let’s Talk Hormones The Other "W"

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