The Wisdom of Phylicia Rashad.

Her magenta blouse flowed evenly and free as she walked on stage in radiance. When she reached the center of the stage she broke into dance (her introduction music was Diana Ross' "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"). We, the audience, stood roaring with applause. She sat down on the sofa with a smile and when the music faded away she spoke in the sing song rhythm that was in the living rooms of so many of us for so many Thursday nights.

Not unlike the others, this Smart Talk event made me feel like I was not an audience member but a best girlfriend with whom Phylicia Rashad was catching up with. Or perhaps more appropriate to my generation, a best girlfriend's adult daughter with whom she was sharing life's lessons. And share some lessons with me she did.

Phylicia Rashad's life journey is magnificent. She talked about how her life, from the first spotlight she ever graced in her Houston, Texas childhood to the beauty and love in child rearing. A radiant and calming presence, she spoke from her heart with such purpose and grace. Her wisdom ever apparent as she shared stories of her life, always highlighting the moments of love, determination and strength through success and triumph.

Through everything, the sun "followed [her] wherever [she] went because [she] was special". It was this determination that nurtured her talents and gave her such a notable career and a privileged life. And also frequent phone calls to her mother for advice. Her humility was remarkable.

Encouraged by Phylicia Rashad's stories, I walked out of the theater ready to dust off old dreams and pursue them at all costs. I am confident I will carry Phylicia Rashad's words with me for sometime as I live day to day, making decisions and navigating through situations. There is opportunity for love in everything and I know the sun will be wherever I go.

She is truly an inspiration and I am so very happy I heard her speak.

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Next month SmartTalk brings Diane Keaton to Minneapolis. She will be speaking at Orchestra Hall on May 21st at 7:30pm. Tickets are still available, you purchase them online here. You too could be inspired.

xoxx

Can't Wait to See Phylicia!

I think the Cosby family is the only television family I really wanted to be a part of. They were all so smart and always had a great time together. And the parents, Cliff & Clair were so in love and carried on the ideal equal partnership.

Clair Huxtable was a working mom who did it all and could still have a great laugh at the end of the day. As a mom, she was fair and wise with a lot of humor and love. Clair Huxtable was kind of a Donna Reed for me; when I imagine myself as a mother, I hope I can be just like Clair.

While I am completely serious, I am also realistic.

I do realize that Clair Huxtable is not a real person and only lives in the heart and minds of NBC viewers who watched Thursday night television in the eighties. But she was brought to life ever so perfectly by Phylicia Rashad.

Phylicia Rashad is coming to Minneapolis this coming Tuesday, April 21st! She will be appearing at Orchestra Hall as part of the Smart Talk series. As you can imagine, I am very much looking forward to hearing what she has to say - I know it will be great!

If you want to go (you should) tickets are still available. Go here to purchase them.