I have to say that a couple of times, I forgot I’d declared today Total Disclosure Day, and I didn’t take time to run the tape backward so I’m not sure I was completely, unvarnished-truth honest, but here’s something funny that happened, anyway:
I was on a radio show today (mentioned earlier, whatever, lemme stop flogging that, ‘k?) and as I adjusted the headphones, I thought, “Oh, no! I have to tell the truth!” I wasn’t like I’d planned to lie while on-air, but it’s a funny time to try to be honest, participating in a public forum that generally requires not so much that you are Honest, but that you are Interesting.
So. The three others on the show are far, far, far more culturally savvy than I. They certainly know their movies and books, and I found myself sitting quietly while they talked because honestly? If I’d tried to add anything, I’d either have to pretend I knew what I was talking about, or I’d say something egregiously dumb. So I said nothing. I’m not sure I was a fabulous radio talk-show-guest, but I was an honest one.
That photo of me? That was shot by the fabulous and ever-talented Chion Wolf. When it was shot, I believe I was chanting to myself, “Don’t lie, don’t lie, don’t lie” but you can’t tell because I’m all cool and stuff. Anyway. I find these little exercises to be interesting, because even though tomorrow is not Total Disclosure Day (it is, as I’ve mentioned earlier, my Own True Birthday), I will probably be a tinge more honest all day. Probably. This probably makes me sound like I rack up fibs every day. I don’t, but I do manage to skim the truth more than is probably decent.
Anyway: Onward to Fairly Honest But Not All Bent Out of Shape About It Day.
Happy Birthday! And you sure look beautiful.
Why thank you, Patrice! So do you!
I still remember your old Courant photo — in which you looked about 18. And at one point in one of your columns you said that you went out to interview a young man, and he was a little surprised — asked you how old your pitcher wuz!
Of course, 60 is the new 40, so you’re about… what? 33?
I have been telling people I turn 29 tomorrow, mostly because I like to watch them struggle with the math. I once had a kid behind a counter tell me I didn’t look a day over 33. I was 36, and spent a few minutes schooling Junior on the importance of shaving off more years. Don’t bother with three. Go for 10.
I lie up. So I say I’m 77. Which makes me older than my mother. I’m a miracle!
I did that once. Someone asked me my age, I added 10 years, and got loads of compliments for how very well-preserved I am.
I have been honest all day and I honestly think you look at least 10 years younger than your age.
Lighting’s just right…I promise I look my age. But thank you!
You look mahvelous dahling!! Chion takes great pics. Happy birthday!! Have a zippy day. Enjoy every minute!!!
Backatcha!
Honestly, I completely forgot that today was Total Disclosure Day, because there’s no one here to pin a note to my shirt to remind me. Nevertheless, I have been my usual honest, if not Totally Disclosing, self. And you don’t look a day over 30 in that photo.
I am 7.665 days over 30. I know because I used a calculator. But thank you.
I thought you were an excellent guest. With all due respect to the others, I thought you conveyed the most authenticity. And the importance of authenticity can hardly be overstated – it’s what makes Terry Gross my favorite interviewer probably ever.
She’s mine, as well, and thank you. I told the other guests I intended to appear next with people who know less than me so that I will look smart and stuff. The other guests just have a different way of expressing themselves. I know two of them quite well and believe me, they’re loads of authentic. I think in that environment if you talk slow and wait your turn, you come off as having gravitas — whether you have it or not.
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday, dear DJ!
And may the dear Lord bless you!
Thank you!
Happy Birthday, DJ!
Thank you, too!
Happy Birthday!
Back at ya!