Dear Mr. Scabby, I know you never touched on this subject and I wondered if you would some. You see today we would like to take our Mother out to eat at a resturant. Here is where my problem comes in. My Mother writes a colum in the local paper and has writen a few books, love stories. Well when ever we go out to eat someone will come to the table want her to sign something or take her picture with them. Oh she does it and smiles for the camera. But I hate it. The flashes or feeling like we are on display. No one thinks about us kids sitting at the table trying to have a dinner in peace. I guess they think of her as the gonzo of this town and want a piece of her to show to all the blue hair ladies at their country club. We dont get to go out or do things that often and just this once I want everyone to just not come up to the table. I mean is that too much to ask. I am crying now so bare with me. Can you or would you speak on this subject. It would help alot. I just want one normal day just once if you can help me I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am one of your readers of your blog. Peace and love Just once |

Dear Mr. Scabby,

I know you never touched on this subject and I wondered if you would some. You see today we would like to take our Mother out to eat at a resturant. Here is where my problem comes in. My Mother writes a colum in the local paper and has writen a few books, love stories. Well when ever we go out to eat someone will come to the table want her to sign something or take her picture with them. Oh she does it and smiles for the camera. But I hate it. The flashes or feeling like we are on display. No one thinks about us kids sitting at the table trying to have a dinner in peace. I guess they think of her as the gonzo of this town and want a piece of her to show to all the blue hair ladies at their country club. We dont get to go out or do things that often and just this once I want everyone to just not come up to the table. I mean is that too much to ask. I am crying now so bare with me. Can you or would you speak on this subject. It would help alot. I just want one normal day just once if you can help me I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am one of your readers of your blog.

Peace and love

Just once

Asked by Anonymous

Dear Just Once —

These are the things that go along with fame. Your mother bought the ticket, and now she has to take the ride. Does it bother her, or is it just making you uncomfortable? She probably loves it, I would assume, or at least accepts it graciously as something that comes with the territory. What you may not be taking into account is that for a writer who lives and works in a bubble most of the time, these little signs of validation from fans are not always seen as invasive - at least for some of us. Maybe you should ask your mother how she feels about it.

Still, if it’s that much of an issue for you and your siblings, why don’t you just invite her over to your place for a meal? Or maybe you could take her on a little ”field trip” to another part of town where you won’t be likely to run into blue haired ladies from a country club?

By the way, how famous is she? I mean, if she’s like Anne Rice or something, there really may be nowhere that’s ”safe.” If that’s the case, I’m sure she’s learned to live with it. Maybe you should too.

Good luck!