Once upon a time, there was a princess named Anne Moss. Now she wasn’t a real princess just one in her mind. She surmised that the delicate Southern sensibilities with which she was raised, elevated her to this status. Besides that, her daddy always told her she was.
This princess was devastated when the resort at which she had been staying to attend the NSA (National Speakers Association) Conference in Colorado, didn’t have a room the last night for the grand ball.
After calling every day for two months prior, others not recognizing her royal status, placed Marriot award point holders at the front of the “waiting list,” leaving the princess to have to hunt for another hotel room in the area.
Given the number of events in Colorado that evening, there were few rooms available and she found one at the Quality Inn Hotel a mile from the event.
As she prepared herself for the ball, she donned her full length sequined gown, summoned her carriage, also known as an uber ride, and floated across the Quality Inn’s amber colored tile that could best be described as chickensh*t yellow with a seaweed-gray grout. As she passed through the lobby, she took in the curious scent that was not unlike an old thrift store packed with musty, unwashed clothing.
Holding her head high, she sashayed gracefully into the dull red Volkswagon Jetta with minimal denting and genuine vinyl gray seats, while her driver, Starla, who had more ink than actual skin, introduced herself as the princess marveled at the sheer volume of body art.
After having attended the ball, danced the night away with new friends Carol, Sally and more, she was offered a ride back to her hotel by her new NSA friend Carol. Gratefully, she accepted.
Upon her arrival at her destination, she asked her new friend to capture the moment in a photo next to the sign to preserve the magic of that mythical evening.
Just for the record, the two women who warmed up the dance floor that evening were the two speakers who spoke on suicide prevention, while all the leadership speakers fastened themselves to the sidelines before venturing out on the dance floor thirty minutes later. And soon the room was vibrating with dancing and celebration while the kindling that got it all started left feeling satisfied of a job well done.
Anne, you look and are a beautiful princess, A true tower of strength leaving your mark on all you reach out and touch. Remembering that little girl on Holly Lake in Medford, New Jersey many moons ago. So very proud to know you. Hugs to you and your family. Carol Dragum
Ahhh Carol thank you. And I do remember I had awesome hair thanks to Dragum’s Den!
Awesome! Keep letting your light shine🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
Thank you Tony. I appreciate your support and cheerleading.
You.are.my.hero. I could see you saying this as I read, as ONLY A-M can! So stinking proud of you my friend.
Thank you Liz. I had fun writing it.