What I’ve Learned So Far – Being a Celebrity

I’m definitely not a celebrity. As far as LuLu goes, however, even people who are unaware of our recent social media presence absolutely love her. I can’t blame them because I absolutely love her, but it has been a learning moment about interacting with people and what it means to be noticed.

If you’re familiar with the LuLu community, you’re familiar with this sentiment. If you’re new to our little corner, part of my excitement for our journey is finding this sense of community all across the country. It’s something I feel I lack and its something I decidedly want. So far, I’ve enjoyed the numerous people who stop me any time they see me with LuLu to tell me how much they love her. Believe you me, people are regularly asking how much I want for her. She isn’t for sale, but I’m glad I’ve accurately predicted that as a fail-safe.

It wasn’t until last weekend that I realized her noteworthiness also means I need to be “on” any time I’m around her. It’s not a requirement, really. I don’t exist for anyone else’s pleasure or comfort, but it is something I hadn’t given really noticed before.

Usually, when someone stops me, I’m milling about for one reason or another. Getting gas, walking to the door of the store, etc. This time, I was outside actually doing work on LuLu. Maybe that was the difference.

Regardless, I felt a man in a truck pull up to the stop sign at the corner. If you’re a woman, I’m sure you understand what I mean when I say felt. My reaction was immediate – don’t look that direction, don’t make eye contact, don’t engage. It’s all too familiar when you just know a man is going to cat-call you. I did my due diligence, he yelled, and then drove away. I pretended I didn’t hear him.

And then about 15 seconds later I realized what he yelled.

I love your van!!!

That was the moment I realized while I’d been doing a great job so far of being “on” when people approach me regarding her, I definitely ignored this person. He was just as excited about her as any of us. I’m going to have to remember to anticipate these interactions when I’m around LuLu.

I imagine celebrities feel the same. You don’t want to disappoint your fans but you also want to just enjoy your meal at a restaurant once in awhile. I didn’t mean to ignore him, I just forgot for a brief period of time that I was standing next to this really cool car! I foresee that at some point in the future, I’m going to be hanging outside LuLu wanting to be alone and someone will want to strike up a conversation. I’m sure I won’t always want to be “on”. But now I can brace myself for that and have grace in those moments.