It's joyful, learning to fly! Or is slumming with the stars really for the birds?

In retrospect, joyful would be too strong a verb - but it does make for a title that titillates... or am I deluding myself? Hehehe.


Tonight's a big night for me and CV. We're off to have dinner with that most wonderful of local wordsmiths, John Van Der Ruit - He of SPUD fame. I've read both instalments and am now in a queue to read the forthcoming release - 'Learning to fly'




This excitement is rather inexplicable though. You see, I'm not prone to staring at stars, the celebrity type, not the astrological ones - of course. I appreciate that the artistes have worked very hard to perfect their craft. This is after all why we pay money to see them on our big screens or small screens or on stages or pop their recordings into our CD players and i-pods or loose ourselves in their captivating prose.


Once upon a time, I lunched with the former 'Kyle' of Isigingo and found it absolutely fascinating how random people would stop and stare or ask for autographs or the latest plot twists in store. It turns out he had more personal problems than anyone could hope for in one lifetime and his star was about to flicker out and die.


And then I vividly recall visiting a friend who was working at a salon in Melrose Arch one day and I ended up making small talk with a certain, if I recall correctly, Vanessa. As small talk goes, I don't fare all that well, but trying valiantly I innocently asked her, 'What is it that you do?'


She looked momentarily perplexed, amazed even as she primly drew herself aback and raised her palm softly to her chest: 'I'm Miss South Africa.'


Determined to remain un-phased, I said, "Oh that's nice. I'm an events promoter. How's being Miss S.A been for you?"


In any event, my point is - at the end of the day, they also have to sleep and (to be far more polite than I normally would be) use the bathroom. I don't get giving them the inflated adoration. It just doesn't make much sense.


I know they've worked incredibly hard to achieve perfection in their craft. I applaud their achievements. But then again - so do many of us work hard. Sometimes, I think even harder. All we get at best though, is the adoration of our little ones and the cheers and support of our spouses, family and friends.


I will never fully get why people swoon over stars. Hmm - come to think of it, I don't think I get celebrity culture at all.


I'm sure Mr Van Der Ruit is a thoroughly nice fellow. CV and I may just pick up a thing or two about successful writing - or maybe we'll pick up absolutely nothing. Either way - I think I'll be pleased if he carries himself across as just a human being like me and you and not a pompous ass - like some stars apparently can be. Truthfully though, never having been to this restaurant before, most of all, I hope the food and wine and other company are good.


CIAO4Now