***Be forewarned–This post is a little risque but what happened on this night was never intentional (“Oh, sure,” some of you say.) Seriously, my blunder turned out to be hysterical. Then again, I had a great audience.
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I’ve really gotten to love it–going in front of groups and talking about topics I’m passionate about. And there’s nothing I’m more passionate about than being at war with breast cancer. Why? I’m one of the survivors, ten years out, and I never forget how fortunate I am.
Because they know my warrior spirit, the owners of the Beauty Lounge at Magnolia Salon, in Cranston, Rhode Island, asked me to speak at their gala charity event, “We Care from Behind the Chair,” as they do their part to “Knock Out Breast Cancer.” It’s an annual event for them to raise money for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
And because it‘s a worthy cause, I said “Yes.”
I arrived at 6:45 PM to a sea of pink balloons festooning the wrought-iron rails of the outer deck. The whole place was lit up in pink. The theme continued inside, where tiers of pink cupcakes sat on tables joined by hors d‘oeuvres, strawberry punch, and a pink Cinderella cake (donation of a customer.) Two giant vases filled with gigantic pink roses adorned another table (I’ve featured one above.)
The place had literally been turned into a Pink Wonderland of feather boas, pink wigs, pink nails, where customers enjoyed services and products by Pinkberry, Swarovski, etc.
Co-owner Christine Hilaire introduced me as featured guest speaker and I strode to the front of the audience which stood all about. In front of me were many young people (some in the 8-12 age group), smart young women dressed snazzy for the event, as well as grandmotherly types, like me.
Many of the older women had had breast cancer.
As I spoke, they nodded their agreement to the fear one feels upon diagnosis. I spoke of the hope I found everywhere from Rhode Island Hospital to Dana Farber where I went for a second opinion (I met women there who were at stage 4 in the process, but ‘doing well.’) I told them a verdict of breast cancer is not the Death Sentence it was once. I gave them some tips, too (like “Never go to a mammogram appointment alone but bring a trusted friend.”)
What was the singular moment? Well, I launched into my talk explaining that I’d been asked to speak because I knew one of the stylists–in fact, I’ve gone to her for years. Yes, Donna Simonelli does my hair, but I admitted that on that particular night I couldn’t give her credit, for I‘d done my hair myself (I held up a limp strand to prove it). They chuckled.
I then admitted: “I can never do it the way Donna does a blowjob.”
The room turned dead-silent and jaws dropped. It was then I realized what I’d said.
Now, I’d I meant to say “the way Donna does the job of blow-drying my hair.” I’d just shortened the phrase and melded the words…but I never intended the consequence.
Suddenly, I heard the lone male hairstylist burst out laughing from the back (“Thank you, sir.”) He was first. Snickers followed and then, outright pandemonium… when all learned of my ‘mistake.’ As I sought to correct, everyone laughed even more which made the entire episode even funnier.
My word mix-up had turned into a major coup.
From that point on, I ‘had them.’ I continued on with my talk. We laughed often…We had fun while I peppered my talk with the real information I wanted to impart.
I told them I’d soon be talking to medical audiences about our patients’ needs whereby I try to bridge understanding between doctor and patient. But frankly I’m not sure I’ll ever have as much fun as I did with this group who could take a blunder on my part and turn it into a real success.
Now, enjoy the pictures of a Pink Night of Promise and Hope.
Little one in the picture is stylist Debbie’s granddaughter held by Mom. Gorgeous women all.
Interested in Colleen Kelly Mellor (Biddy Bytes) speaking at your event? Please connect via this website or go to www.colleenkellymellor.com. I promise I’ll keep it “clean.”
***Click here for Colleen Kelly Mellor’s story about her own diagnosis of breast cancer: “I Got the News All Women Dread” (forgive the highlighted key words–I had to take it off the internet.)
Now, if you were there on that wonderful night, please log in via Comment section below and share what impressed you most. You can even be anonyous or use another name (I’ll never tell) ; your e-mail is never given out. Then send this post to friends, so they can become part of the ”Biddy Bytes” family, too. Subscribe to Biddy or add her on Twitter, so you don’t miss a post.
Oh Colleen, you made my day! Wish I’d been a fly on the wall to witness this hilarious incident in person (fly?) Glad to see you maintain your sense of humor, intentionally or not. Please stay as wonderfully outrageous as you are and continue to spread your enthusiasm and inspiration for the benefit of others. Promise to give Paul a hug from us? Miss both of you guys!
That was a wonderful story because the greatest gift we have is HUMOR, and laughing at life and ourselves in a wonderful way is life enhancing.
I love this story because I KNOW you are a terrific speaker and will bring information to the groups, but also courage, optimism, creativity, and energy.
Most of all you inspire us all to live in the moment and keep the faith and the fight alive always.
I love humor in pretty much all things. Even in the cancer wards where I put in so much time (husband had terminal illness for 18 months), and we all looked for even a sliver of “fun”…usually found it, too, even if of the gallows variety. Thank you, dear friend, for the words of appreciation, and yes, many of us are there, trying to keep the fires alive, spurring others, too, on to greater heights, refusing the negative messages we get daily. Why? We are hopeful in the belief that the core of the human spirit is a wonderful one. Sometimes we just need peel back the layers…
I love what you and GWP expressed. You both make the world a better, more wonderful place:)
I love the way you can see the beauty and strength of the human spirit and core. You are terrific Biddy, I love the gifts you have given me, they are with me daily and never grow old.
You have been a big part of my healing and getting better, and I smile, knowing you are in my life and have been a dear friend forever.
What a hoot!!!! Your “blunder” was worth a million! When I was a kid, my favorite uncle would slip me five bucks when I said something cute…. Well, Colleen, I owe you a fin!! Thanks so much for presenting at our event- it was the highlight of the evening!
How about you “slip a million” instead? I mean, that’s what you said it was worth:)…It was wonderful for all of us. I had a blast. Love sharing the message of hope.
Olxpwh…yes…I was there when u tried to dig yourself out of that one. Only thing pinker on that pm was ur face!
Reminiscent of Shepard Smith’s gaffe years ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIOREqBcFuY
Ian, my man….I am on the floor killing myself laughing. I never heard “the Ol’ Shep” (so sanctimonious, usually) ever slipped in such a way. Thank you so much, and now Biddy fans can enjoy, too. I do appreciate.
You’re great- looking forward to your return
Thank you, dear friend, Rita…and give a big hug and kiss from me to Ken, our wonderful friend and gym partner (even tho’ he’s in his 90′s). We hope we’re still committed like that at his age.
Oh Colleen I loved it…nice to know that I am not the only one who’s mouth run can ahead of my brain.
Hmmm….”mouth run can ahead”…..? (You are too funny and this is a perfect enactment of your point)!
Yes, in recent years I have even wondered if I’m dyslexic in that I switch letters and words around, creating the weirdest situations…like the time I went into hardware store and asked for “salmonella candles” (instead of citronella). My mind really appears to be on “auto-pilot.” But then I guess I’m OK if it’s on ANY pilot. Thanks, Marty, friend in North Carolina…Glad to see you on board.