I saw John Travolta. Yup, I did.
He was strolling down 5th Avenue, checking out the elaborate Christmas windows at Bergdorfs on a Friday night just like some sort of normal guy in New York in December. It was chilly, the crowds had thinned enough that my mom and I could really see the windows up close and then, BAM! There he was, John Travolta, walking down the street, carrying a baby, laughing with his family.
He was glowing.
Really, he actually had a bright light shining around him. Oozing out of him. Even his baby was glowing (probably why Mom completely missed JT as she goggled over the lit-up baby). The Travoltas: magical beings carousing on 5th Avenue; beamed down to Earth to spread their light and bring joy to the masses.
And joy they brought! I was star struck. I whipped out my phone to text Kate that I’d spotted the real Urban Cowboy, the better-with-age Vinny Barberino, our god-in-the-flesh Tony Manero in all of his one-piece-jumpsuit glory. I told everyone who’d listen about my special moment. My 3 second brush with celebrity gave me a weird rush; as if being in the mere vicinity of JT’s fabulousness somehow made me fabulous, too!
His glow made me glow.
On the train down to the city I got a phone call from one of my students letting me know that she’d been accepted Early Decision to an incredibly competitive college. I cried. And then I giggled uncontrollably. The woman one seat over gave me a funny look, not knowing that the stifled weird squeaking noise was my version of holding back from jumping up and down and yelling to the whole train about my student’s amazing news. While I was giggling a giant spotlight seemed to shine on me with that loud Thunk! you hear in the movies when the stage is dark and then it isn’t. I’m sure the entire train was looking at me; like that scene in “The Lonely Guy” when Steve Martin goes out to dinner alone. Only they weren’t looking at me because I was awkward; they were looking at me because I was experiencing the fabulousness of someone else’s magical moment. I was glowing.
Celebrities are cool. But they’re only cool because of us. Not to discredit JT. He’s pretty amazingly cool.
But, so are we!
My friends shine light like there’s no tomorrow. And my students, my students are stars. My nieces and nephew, beaming. My brother, on fire. My parents and the rest of my family are all kinds of lit up with coolness. And, on a good day, when I’m surrounded by all of the energy and light of the amazing people in my life, I am a firework.
That’s UBUNTU. You glow, I glow, We glow.
There’s enough light to go around. Shine some. It’s fun.
grounded growth 
Dec 12, 2011 @ 22:10:57
That explains it all…ubuntu. And, btw, that baby really was glowing, and cute as can be!
Dec 13, 2011 @ 20:13:35
glowing babies. we could market that!
Dec 12, 2011 @ 22:25:29
You are amazing….I check every day to see if there is a new post and I anxiously open it up and wait on my slow computer…..AHHHHHHHHH, you are a breath of fresh air-a lift when I need one-thank you for sharing your insights and everydayness with us all!!!! XOXOXO
Dec 13, 2011 @ 20:14:31
KAT! Thank you! Sorry to leave you hanging on most days…just knowing you are out there is a breath of fresh air for me. xoxo
Dec 12, 2011 @ 22:43:47
girl, you are the glowiest of glowers, even when you don’t know it. i love you.
Dec 13, 2011 @ 20:15:03
TonyBaloney, I love you, too, you glowworm.
Dec 12, 2011 @ 22:45:48
wish kerwin was here to read your posts…..j.t’s love child.
i love you babe
Dec 13, 2011 @ 20:15:54
…always with us in spirit, that sweet boy. I love you!
Dec 12, 2011 @ 22:47:24
I’m in live with your incredible writing, your effervescent words, and your contagious happiness! Thanks for being you and spreading the good word! XO
Dec 13, 2011 @ 20:16:41
DIRTY! Thank you for your lovely comment! YOU, my friend, are fabulous.
Dec 13, 2011 @ 03:49:12
you always know how to brighten my day dear one! don’t forget the glow we got that time we saw nicole richie on the bus to martha’s vineyard! love you girl!
Dec 13, 2011 @ 20:17:30
Jazzy. Seriously? Those glasses…OMG. Nicole and her tiny little bathing suit…I’m still recovering. Love you, girl.
Dec 13, 2011 @ 10:20:22
LOVE this post! Thanks lady for glowing today and every day.
Dec 13, 2011 @ 20:18:29
…I’m still living in the afterglow from a weekend so full of YOU! xoxo
Dec 13, 2011 @ 11:16:34
Your insight is inspiring! I’ve had so many great things happening to friends and family these past few weeks its nice to be reminded to sit back and enjoy it all!
Dec 13, 2011 @ 20:19:37
YES! Celebrate it! Enjoy it! And write it on the wall…(remember when we used to do that?!)
Dec 13, 2011 @ 12:39:35
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine, Susannah!
Dec 13, 2011 @ 20:19:56
I love you, Dad!
Dec 13, 2011 @ 20:55:33
Couldn’t help it. One of my favorite “shine” scenes from the 80s came to mind.
Dec 13, 2011 @ 21:11:17
It’s been WAY too long since I’ve seen the Gelflings!!! I love it.
Dec 13, 2011 @ 21:49:32
This is so good, love it and your writing. So thankful Amy led me to you!
Dec 14, 2011 @ 22:13:52
Caitlin! I’m so glad she led me to you! I’m loving your blog and glad you’re finding some fun in mine. Hope to meet you one of these days. 🙂
Dec 20, 2011 @ 15:37:20
Nicely written and so true about family and friends!! Let the light shine.
Dec 20, 2011 @ 20:06:42
Thanks, MJ! Positive energy is contagious…
Dec 20, 2011 @ 21:15:39
Not only was I loving this post I think I am even more in love with the comments and your replies! You should be a professional comment responder!!! Dang! Each one unique, personal.. just lovely girl! read this on my phone when you posted but my fingers are too fat to type a good comment so sorry for the comment delay! I just love your blog girl. LOVE IT!! you made me shout. XO….. class of 91′ can’t beat me
Dec 21, 2011 @ 15:36:05
Don’t make me get loud! (c/o 92!) Yup, I’m a comment replying fool…the truth is, the comments people leave make me feel great, provide me with more inspiration or questions and they make me feel connected! So I guess it’s my way of connecting back…not sure if anyone ever sees them!!!!