Share the Love

So finally, in the living, laughing, and loving, I had a chance one time, uh, when I finished working in Saudi Arabia, to go hang out with some friends in Finland. I only go to places of extremes: 140 degrees, minus 40 degrees. So, I was in Finland in November, which is not the best time, but I was finishing up my tour, my after two and a half years or so in Saudi Arabia, on the way back home, went to see some friends. And so we were hanging out; we were playing; I was in a good living, laughing, and loving mood. So, we went out one day – and so they decided to go to a club, and this was the like the nicest club in Helsinki. It’s kind of like Studio 54 or something like that. It was the hottest thing; you had to wait in line to get there. So, we said, she said, “We’ll have to wait in line a little while.” I said, “No problem.” So, we’re decked out. I am in, now picture this, I am a size eight maximum, not like this fine, uh, 16-18, uh, that I am now. So, I’m a size eight maximum, and for my height, size eight, trust me, it was all that and six bags of chips. So, we’re standing in line; I’m wearing red leather pants, red leather vest, red snakeskin boots, and a mink coat down to my calf, cuz you know, I was in Saudi Arabia; I could afford that. Had on a bad little hat and some muffs. Well, we’re outside, and after a while, it’s cold in Finland in November, okay? So, we’re standing there, and standing there, and after a while, I say, “Look, I have to go inside. I’m a southerner; I can’t deal with this.” So they said, “They’re not going to let you in.” So, I said, “Okay, well, it’s okay. I’m just going to go inside.” So, I walked inside, and I said, “Sir, I’m really sorry, but, you know, may I come in to use the bathroom?” He says, “Of course, of course. What’s this about?” So, I said, “Uh, it’s okay.” He says, “Of course.” I said, “Really?” He said, “I said, well, uh, can I bring my friends? ‘Cause I got three more friends out there.” “Of course, bring them in.” So, I bring in Arya and UA and Dana, and so we go in, and they said, “Valda, what did you do?” I said, “I told the man I had to use a bathroom.” He said, “Come on in.” I said, “Okay.” They didn’t believe me, so they danced, and we had a great time. Great time. So, when it was time to go, one of them went up to that same guy, the bouncer, and he said, “Uh, sir, you know, we’ve tried to get into this club many, many times, and have not been able to. So, how is it that we got in here tonight?” He says, “I will never make the mistake of not letting the famous Diana Ross into my club. [laughter] You know, back then, people thought I was Diana Ross. Now, people think I’m Oprah. It’s all about perspective.

So, my last word to you is, I hope that you will go forth this evening, and that you remember that you need to live. You don’t just need to work; you need to get up and look in the mirror every day and explain to yourself, state with conviction, that you are the most important reason to be alive, that you are the person who brings joy to the other people in your life, and you will give time for yourself. You need to love; you need to find someone, something, a hobby, or a commitment that brings you joy and brings joy to people who are in your life, because it will come back to you many times over. And you need to laugh. You need to get up; you need to laugh; you need to go and play; you need to make fun of yourself, and you just need to laugh out loud, bring people together to laugh with you, because hopefully, in your life, you will be able to laugh at yourself. If you can’t laugh at yourself, remember the woman with the fine, PHAT, fierce hips, who had to pee in public. And I want to give you this last thing that will take you on your way, from the words of the immortal Sam Cooke. [singing] ‘There were times when I thought I wouldn’t last too long. Somehow, you’ll be able to carry on. It’s going to take a long, long time coming, but I know a change going to come, and you’ll be it.’ Thank you, excellent.