When all else fails, give instead of taking.

I'm not a celebrity hound. I usually turn and run away when I see someone famous because as much as I'd love to say something, I just get all tongue tied and think, "What could that famous person possibly find interesting that I might say?" This is what made me scuttle away to hide in the action flicks section of the video store when I (literally) ran into Steve Martin in Sherman Oaks in about - uh - 1982. And Richard Dreyfuss at the Willard Hotel in Washington D.C. in 1997.  I'm really empathetic - and a natural introvert - so I imagine that everyone would just really prefer to be left alone.

So anyway, last month, I found myself being ushered into a jumbled reception line with Susan Sarandon of movie stardom fame at a New York City hotel in the Village. Now let me tell you, I love Susan Sarandon even more than Steve Martin and Richard Dreyfuss - and that's saying a LOT.

I was getting all goofy in my head trying to figure out how to slip out of the line and get back to the poor, harried business executive I'd been chatting with, trying to help her relax and think about her little baby girl instead of this crowded reception. But there were too many bodies around me and pretty soon I saw Ms. Sarandon patiently greeting each person that shuffled up to her - with her foot in a cast (from a recent trip to Haiti to raise awareness - donate again here)! I started to sweat wondering what I'd say ... and then it struck me. Everyone comes up to her and wants something from her. What if I just saw her with my magical eyes? Does anyone ever do that to her? Just give her love for being her?

Immediately, I became calm. She turned to me and shook my hand. I smiled warmly into her eyes and said, "Thank you." She looked surprised and asked, "What for?" I said, "Just, thank you," and in my heart I meant for everything, for being you, for being here. And then she gave me the most beautiful smile and I could see her relax. It warmed my heart. The photographer captured it in this picture, which warmed my heart again.

When was the last time you asked nothing of someone? When was the last time someone was willing to give you something of themselves and you gave them yourself in return? It's a wonderful feeling. I hope Ms. Sarandon keeps a bit of that smile she gave me in her heart. I have it in this picture.

Love, lights, and cameras,
Dana