We got there a couple hours early and spent most of the time rotating--a couple people would stand in line while the others would browse. Other than the book mentioned above [buying the book was compulsory to get a ticket to the signing] I only picked up one another thing. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan.
The one thing that was rather disappointing about the book signing was the strict no photo/video policy. When I went to the local John Green booksigning, they had a policy of no posed photos [time constraints] but I could take as many photos as possible. But we were told that Julie Andrews has been in the spotlight so long that she really, really didn't want to be photographed. I understand but I was a little disappointed. They even hid her signing table behind a large sheet contraption. Very top secret. I honestly didn't get to see her until five minutes before she signed our books.
In our group of five, I was the first person. Books were signed in groups and so at first all five of us were just standing there starring at her [probably quite creepily] in awe. But she was so gracious and open and kind. She thanked us for coming the event and for purchasing her books. She asked us if we were doing anything after the event. She recommended a warm cup of tea--very British of her. But we had a lovely--if short--conversation about going dress shopping for my little sister's prom. It was so surreal.
But the highlight of the day was when my dad asked if he could shake Julie Andrew's hand. The woman who was helping her sign looked as if she was about to have a heart attack. How dare this commoner ask to shake her hand. That's Julie Andrews. You could tell by the look in her eye that she was horrified that my dad would ask. She was going to say no but Julie Andrews, being the gracious woman that she was, said that it was okay and reached out her hand. I had already moved to leave and I didn't get to sign her hand because I felt that it would have been awkward to go back. But my mom got to shake her hand too. That's okay. I'll shake her hand next time.
It was a fantastic day! I would do it again in a heart beat. Also, just in case you were wondering, we DID find a dress for my sister. It is a lovely cobalt-blue dress. While I don't have a picture with Julie Andrews to prove that I actually met her--you will just have to take my word for it. I wouldn't lie to you, would I? Just kidding. Or am I? But I do have a picture of her signature. Does that count?
