Does anybody read these?

The Dinner Party

On my MySpace page (I linked to it like any of us still use MySpace, ha ha) there is a question about whom you’d like to meet. I didn’t really have an answer for that. I’ve already met a lot of really cool people in my life. And, honestly, I think living in Nashville has made me kind of blasé about the whole celebrity thing, because that’s how Nashvillians roll. I was explaining to someone the other day that Nicole Kidman lives here because no one cares that she is Nicole Kidman. (Well, that, and the fact that her husband is the hottest thing to ever be part of this town’s music scene.)

Anyhow, if you can run into that chick from Sugarland at the grocery store or shoot the shit with Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton in your everyday tasks, why would you need to pee your pants over meeting someone famous? Seriously.

But, that question does remind me of the age-old question, “If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be?”

I think you all know me well enough to know that I make enough food to feed the Russian army and I throw dinner parties.

So how could I really just pick one person?

I couldn’t. So, here is my list. With commentary, because I love commentary.

Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt. I got the idea for this blog from reading some FDR quotes today. These two people, hands down, are not only heroes politically but as human beings, as well. If you have not read their writings and speeches, I encourage you to do so, especially in the current times facing our nation. They were profound, philosophical and kind people with a can-do spirit, and I do believe that there might not even be an America, and it would certainly not look like it does today without their contributions.

Thomas Jefferson. There is a famous John F. Kennedy quote (when addressing the attendees of a White House dinner for Nobel Prize winners): “I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.” I thought of that quote when I compiled this list. I’m sure having Thomas Jefferson at your dinner table would be a fascinating time.

Mother Teresa. Another selfless, brilliant individual. I would love to hear about her call to serve the Lord, her travels, her work, her observations on our Church. Maybe if I could only meet one person, it just might be her. Maybe.

Princess Di. I’ve always been fascinated with the British monarchy, especially the Windsors and Diana, Princess of Wales. A lot of people respect her contributions and good works in our world. She was taken too soon and who knows what she could’ve achieved had she lived.

River Phoenix. He was my favorite actor growing up. He lived a fascinating life and had some interesting perspectives.

Jon Stewart. He makes me laugh. And his political commentary is usually spot-on. Seriously, can you imagine him at a table with the Roosevelts, Thomas Jefferson and …

… Patrick Kennedy. My favorite Kennedy. I’ve met him (actually, I hugged him, but I’m not one to brag). I am pretty sure I love him. And he would be a great addition to my dinner table, but only if I am allowed to sit across the table and stare at him with admiration.

Morris Dees. Morris Dees is one of my personal heroes. He is a leading civil rights attorney and has made it his life’s work to fight bad guys. And by “bad guys,” I mean Klan members, neo-Nazis and other bad racists, some of whom had orders to kill him. He is the reason I wanted to go to law school, until I realized I’d never be able to pay off $150,000 in student loans working at Legal Aid.

Melissa Etheridge. I wrote this list a long time ago. And when I wrote it, I included Melissa because I love her music and she seemed like a cool chick. However, after all this mess with her wife and their break-up, I am not positive she is not a diva. And if I’m going to invite a diva, it will be Aretha Franklin. If I need a token lesbian (wait, don’t I have Eleanor Roosevelt?!), then I am picking Rachel Maddow!

Wayne Gretzky. I love hockey. I’ve always had a huge crush on Wayne Gretzky. He’s the Great One. So, Wayne can come to my dinner, but as a Detroiter, I should probably invite Gordie Howe too.

Peyton Manning. Everyone I know who’s met Peyton Manning says he’s brilliant. Not just about football, but life in general. After all, he stayed at UT that fourth year not only to get a Heisman trophy (oops) but also to get a master’s degree, when most players don’t graduate with any degree. So, we could talk about Big Orange football, whether the NFL will strike in 2011 and whatever else he wants to talk about.

Matthew McConaughey. He’s a little odd and quirky. He’s definitely entertaining. And he’s hotter than a firecracker.

And, last but not least, Jesus. I could say something about how He is my Lord and savior and it would be great to meet him, but I know that I will meet him one day without my silly dinner party. Really, we all know Jesus would dine with anyone, and He is the only person who can keep the peace with this motley crew!

posted by Laura at 11:27 AM