Okay, as you all know, my wish came true. I met Anna. And without sounding too boastful, it was

absolutely fabulous.

Let's see. How did it all begin? Well, I got up at 4:30am and caught a 6:50am flight from the PDX airport.

The plane was a little late landing because we had to circle a while due to the heavy clouds or something.

Once I arrived and was settled into my hotel room, I got a map from the reception and started to explore

Tempe and the Arizona State University campus.

First off, I headed to the ASU visitors center to see if I could dig up some info on the dinner (?) that I heard

Billy mention. They didn't know anything about it or even that Patty Duke was speaking there that evening.

I thought that odd but they were very helpful and suggested things I might do with my afternoon.

Next I go in search of the Gammage Auditorium. It was one of the last designs by Frank Lloyd Wright. That
had extra significance to me as I did a massive 30 page research paper on him and his concept of organic
architecture my senior year of high school.

Less than a mile walk away, it stood before me. This massive, circular, terra cotta building. Very exciting
for any FLW fan. I headed straight for the ticket office. I asked the woman there what I should do with
the card I made for Anna. She send me around the corner to another woman, Susan Dubin. Susan was
wonderful. When they talk about the southern hospitality in Arizona they're not kidding. Susan rang the

tour director for the lecture series but was unable to get through because a big storm wiped out the cellar

phone use in the area. So she gave me paper and pen to write a not to Myra Richman explaining my wish.

Then she put my card with the rest of the deliveries for Anna. Susan had met Julie Andrews when she

toured with the lecture. Oh, and Susan mentioned how there was a VIP reception (invitation only) after the

lecture. I figured that must have been the dinner of sorts Billy heard about. I told Susan that I was willing to

just sit around outside and wait and she looked at me as if I were crazy. (she was probably right.) She told

me it would get very cold in the evening but I said I packed a jacket. She wished me luck and I headed of to

finally get some lunch. At this point, despite everyone's help, I was feeling rather discouraged. I was afraid I

had gone all that way, spent all that money, and it didn't sound like I'd have any chance to meet Anna. I told

myself to not give up and that I would have a wonderful time seeing the lecture even if I didn't get to meet

Anna. But I couldn't help feeling a little sad that things might not come out as I wished.

It was about 3:30 and I headed back to the auditorium. I checked back with Susan to see if she ever got
through to Myra Richman but she said she hadn't. Oh, and when I first spoke to Susan she went back to her
supervisor and I overheard them talking. No, I was not listening but there was nothing else to hear. Susan
explained that I had come all the way from Portland and how she could tell I was a "really sweet kid" and
if there was anything else she could do. Her supervisor said to just take a note and try to leave a message

with Myra. They were all very helpful.

So I decided to sit outside and wait. There was this big cylander structure made of cement that supported
the light across from the stage door. It was terra cotta pink like the rest of the building. It was pretty high

and I'm pretty short so it was a bit of a feat to be able to hoist myself up there. But it was the best seat.

Great view of the stage door, the campus (in case Anna's car showed up) and I had room to spread out even.

I had packed Kathleen's My Sweet Charlie chapter that she sent us. I was going to give it to Anna like she
suggested and I wanted to read it first before I gave it away. So I just waited and read and the time went by

quickly. At about 5:00pm some staff people for the auditorium began to show up. I headed over to the stage

door where they were and introduced myself. I felt comfortable doing this because I had been observing

them beforehand and they seemed like very nice people. They were laughing and joking and having a great

time. So I explained who I was and why I was there and they completely understood. They took my seat

number in case they received a note from Myra that they should deliver to me. Sally, who was the
house manager, even told me when Myra was in a good mood she even squeezed extra people onto the

reception list. We joked around for a while and then I took apicture of them all. Very showbiz like - they

stood in a line with their arms extended like Ta-Da!! And I told them I would just be waiting outside. Oh,

and I told them too that I was willing to wait any amount of time. I shared with them Susan's warning that it

was to be cold that evening but I figured I came all this way and couldn't give up due to a bit of cold. They
told me they wouldn't make me sit out in the cold. They said if it came to that I could sit in the office by the

stage door with them. Now that is nice.

So I waited some more. By this time I had finished reading the chapter and it was really getting cold. I guess

they had a big storm a few days before. It was really cloudy all day. I was anxiously swinging my legs over

the cement structure partly becuase I was excited, but mostly because I was trying to stay warm! My

fingers felt like ice.

Susan came out and she was shocked I was still sitting there. "You weren't kidding when you said you'd

wait!" she said. Later at about 5:45 she said "Just 30 more minutes. That's all I'll tell you." I was so excited
and she flashed me a big smile.

The time seemed to crawl by and I couldn't sit still. I was too cold. I actually contemplated doing some
jumping-jacks to warm up but I thought that might scare off the Stage Door people. I saw more and more
people begin to show up for work. At about 6:00 I saw people already showing up for the 7:30 lecture. Some
had Anna's books in there hand and I watched them walk around the building and sort of linger by the stage
door. THey looked at me and we exchanged smiles. But nobody waited. I guess they just went inside.

At 6:30-ish most people were inside are still arriving. I was the only one outside the stage door. A black

town car showed up and pulled right up to the No Parking area directly in front of me. I knew it was Anna.

And then she opened the door and she stood just a foot away from me. Mike got out too. I was completely

gob-smacked. They they were right in front of me and I couldn't say a thing. And running through my head

(all very fast - mind you this was only within a few seconds) was the realization that I had come all this way,

waited all this time, and if I didn't say something right then I would lose my only chance. And believe me, I

have no probably talking. As Billy or Kathleen can attest, I hardly stop. I was just so awe-struck that I was

speechless.

Right, so I summoned up my courage and said something to this affect. "Hi Anna. My name is Lisa Thomas.

I flew here from Portland, Oregon to attend your lecture. I made a card for you. They have it inside. I

wanted to make sure you got it." And Anna said something like "Oh! That is so sweet." And then I told her

how I was hoping to speak to her for a few minutes. Myra, the tour director, said they were in a hurry

(which I already knew) and I explained that I was willing to wait. Anna said where. I said where ever she

wanted me to wait. Mike asked if I had tickets to the lecture. I told him that I did but not to the reception

afterwards. But I explained I was willing to wait until after that even. Anna said "Okay. We'll meet you out

here afterwards." I thanked her and then I got my ability back to communicate like a normal human being

and excitedly remarked "You must be her husband, Mike! I am so happy to get to meet you. I'm a friend of

Billy." (Billy said I could use that! LOL) And he said great, he'll meet me after the reception. On their way

to the stage door I overheard Mike comment "That Billy has friends everywhere!!" It made me laugh.

At this point I was so happy and giddy and overwhelmed that I was smiling in the parking lot like a complete
idiot I am sure. And I didn't know whether to laugh or cry because they were so sweet and it just touched

me.


People where entering the auditorium so I joined them. Inside we were standing around as they were not
seating people yet. One of the staff people came over to me. I was so excited - I was wondering if they had
a note to deliver to me that might say something about meeting Anna afterwards. Even better.....the

woman, nicknamed "Hoover" - something from the army that was never explained to me - asked me what

row I was sitting in. I thought it odd since I had already written my seat number down for them. Then I

thought maybe she was seated near me. I told her "Row 24." She asked me, "How does row 2 sound?" I

could have screamed! Row TWO! That is unbelievable. This evening was turning out better than I ever

expected. And just 4 hours earlier I was doubting ever having made this trip!

It was a complimentary pass and Hoover and I sat together. I thought it funny since my nickname at work is

"Toaster Lisa." We were two appliances. Anyhow, when the orchestra pit is not in use it is raised and
becomes rows A, B and C. So we were technically the 5th row. No matter, it was perfect. I was a little to
the right of center, in seat 20. The stage looked like a living room. There were couches and chairs, coffee
tables and plants. And up front of course was a glass podium surrounded by three massive flower

arrangements. Hoover and I nervously chatted. She told me all about the auditorium. It was like a personal
tour. And then they announced Anna.

She wore a navy blue suit much like the one she wore on the Screen Actor Guild Awards that following
Sunday. But no white collar. Her hair was short and blondish and very cute. And there she was standing just

feet away and I couldn't believe I was in the audience.

To hear her speak was just like I imagined. When you read Call Me Anna you can just hear her. Her writing
is so real. But to hear her speak, in person, about those events is so exciting. At first you could tell
she was a little nervous because she sort of fiddled with her papers but then she relaxed. And it was so

strange because she would be explaining some of the worst things and yet she had such a great sense of

humor that she was able to make light of it. But not everything. Of course there were times she described
events and it brought tears to her eyes and ours.

She discussed many things but one thing she said was too funny. Anna was describing her quicki mariage to
that guy who was subletting her apartment. She explained how he said "I'll marry you." and she answered

"Okay." Later Anna said, "I was manic. I don't know what his problem was!" I loved that. And she said

how every so often she'll be at a restaurant and see some guy and think "Is that him?" She said it's good to

be married to someone who understands these things.

During the question and answer period many people shared stories of their experience with

manic-depression or a family members. Anna was so sweet and she would walk all the way over to these
people at the corner of the stage and give them hugs and kisses. They also took questions via cards you could

fill out and pass to an usher at the end of the aisle.

One question was at what point did she realize she was really manic and needed help. Anna said it was
sometime when she was on the Dick Cavett show (I'm sorry if I have that show wrong, but it was some sort
of talk show) and she was telling him how she was going to build an ark in the desert between Bakersfield

and some other location. She said "I drove myself to the hospital that time."

Another person asked Anna how she felt about children working in show business. Anna said her own

children are in the business and it was easier for them because their parents were already. But one thing she

stressed was that parents always remember they are the parents and they are responsible for everything

that happens to their child. They should be there for the child and look out for their welfare and not let

other people take over. Obviously she was referring to the Ross'.

One question I asked Anna was what she thought about the emphasis on THIN bodies for females in

Hollywood. Anna said how at one point in her life she weighed 73 pounds and thought she "looked great."

She said how she was anorexic before it had a name. But Anna also said how it's wrong that women of a

certain size, colour, or even age (referring to herself) have a much more difficult time finding work.

Someone asked how Anna has kept the weight off being on Lithium. Anna explained that if you gain it's only
a few pounds and after that you just have to realize it's you cramming all that food into your mouth. It

doesn't get there any other way. It was funny because she was saying this as she pantomimed shoveling food
into her mouth two-handed. But Anna admitted how she was a smoker and how when you smoke as much as

she did you don't need to eat. She then told the audience that she has been clean from smoking for 6 weeks.

I was glad to hear that because the last time I had spoken to Billy he told me she had started up again. I'm
proud of Anna for continuing to try to quit.

Anna talked about many more things but at this point in time I am having trouble remember all of it. If I

think of something really important I have left out - or even semi interesting, I will tell you all later.

So the Q&A period ended and Anna said goodnight. I sat there a little while with Hoover. We had started
talking to the two ladies sitting to the right of me. They told me they had invitations to the VIP reception
but would be unable to make it. They asked if I would like their ticket. Would I!!! Oh, and one of the ladies

told me she was born in Portland. So that was funny.

So Hoover and I were led with the others back into the auditorium lobby. There were fancy little desserts

and coffee. I was too nervous for any of that. Then Anna and Mike came into the lobby. They had a table set

up for her to sit at but Anna just stood there by the door. People crowded around her for autographs and
pictures. Anna was very gracious with everyone. There was also a table set up where one could purchase

her books so people were having those autographed as well.


It was funny because I overheard one woman comment how some gentleman was Anna's husband. I looked

at the guy and realized they had it all wrong. I said "That's not her husband. Her husband is the tall blonde

man right next to her." They were a bit surprised and embarrassed when I told them the person they

thought was her husband was actually the driver.

I went over to stand near Anna and Mike when Mike waved. I turned around to see who he was waving at.
There were only ornamental trees behind me. I looked back at Mike and asked if he was waving to me. He

said "What should I have done? Hit you?!" And then he turned to some person near him and said "Lisa flew
here from Portland, Oregon." And I was so excited because he remembered my name even!

Anna was standing just inches from me. And I wanted to hear everything she was saying but I found myself
having far too much fun talking to Mike. He told me how he lived in Italy for a while when his children

were very young. And he said how he is a fireman now and will be taking his EMT (? I think it was that) test

soon so he is busy studying for that. I told Mike how I was so worried he and Anna would be afraid of me
considering I truly did "stalk" them all the way from Portland. He just laughed and said how you learn real
quick who to be afraid of and who not to worry about. He could tell I was safe. LOL. He said I wouldn't be
standing there if he didn't think so. Then Mike asked where I was staying. I told him at the Holiday Inn. He
asked how I got to the auditorium and I told him I walked as it was less than a mile away. Then he asked me

how I was going to get back and I said I'd walk of course. And Mike told me "No you're not. I have

daughters and I wouldn't want them walking alone at this hour! We're finding you a cab." And then Mike
asked Hoover and Sally (the auditorium mangers) if they would help me arrange for a cab. So sweet and

fatherly of Mike to worry like that.

Oh ya, at some point I talked about all of you guys. I said how everyone was wishing to get a table at the big

Helen Keller function in NYC that Carrie and Billy told us all about. Mike asked "What Helen Keller

thing?" And I was like, uh-oh, did I get something wrong? Was I not supposed to say something? Does Anna
not even know anything about this? I told him how I understood it was some function where tables started at

$5,000 and tickets $500. Or something like that. And Mike sort of laughed and said "I know. I was just
wondering how you heard all of this. Sometimes I wonder where Billy gets all his information." Mike and I

joked how Billy knows so much and how he ever has time for school. Mike asked if I had met Billy's father

(I told him Billy and I have only ever spoken on the phone) and told me how nice Billy's dad is.

At some point I asked Mike for a picture with him. I handed my camera off to another person and Mike
whispered to them "Be sure to zoom in on her in case we need a mug shot for a wanted poster!" I loved

that.

Oh, and I asked Mike if Anna would have any time the next day to possibly meet (because everyone was

packed around her that evening and I didn't think I would get to her) but he said they were leaving the next

day for L.A. I couldn't for the life of me think why they were going there and I didn't want to ask. I don't

know why, I asked nearly everything else! Later it dawned on me that Anna was presenting at the SAG

awards.

Myra, the tour director, was very impatient, or so it seemed to me. She kept coming over and often looked

at her watch. Mike and Anna were very patient. Anna especially. She just stood there the entire time.
Literally in a doorway. She didn't even accept a seat. Sally and Hoover had to get Anna her water and hold

it for her between autographs. Anna and Mike kept telling Myra they were okay and not to worry.

At some point I think I was the only one left besides Anna, Mike and the auditorium crew. So I decided it

was my turn and I asked Anna for a picture and autograph. I had the Me, Natalie lobby card that Kathleen

from the group gave me when we met in August. It is the scene where Natalie is lying in the

flower-painted bathtub reading the paper. Anna commented "Me, Natalie?" And I told her it was my

favorite movie. I wasn't sure if her comment was surprise that I liked the movie or if it brought of painful

memories considering her state when they were filming or what. She asked how I ever got it and I told her

how we all chipped in and Billy sent us copies.

Then came the best part. I decided to confess to Anna that it was me who sent her postcards from Europe. I
had signed my name on them but I didn't figure she would have made the connection. I was worried sending
those postcards to her because I didn't want her to think I was some freaky obsessive fan. (only sort of.

LOL.) So I told her how I wanted to share my great vacation with her because I considered her a friend,

even though we had never met. Anna said "That was YOU?!!! I still have all of those." That was the

greatest thing to hear. Not only was she not afraid when she received those postcards but she even kept

them. So that was terrific.

I think I asked something about Kevin not being there. She said how he is fine by himself but they have to
have someone to watch the dogs. 10 dogs they have. During the lecture Anna said how they live on a "mini
zoo." I don't know what possessed me to say it but it just flew out of my mouth. I said how I am a

professional house-sitter and how my former teachers and principals are always asking me to house and pet

sit for them. It's true. In fact, when I got home from Arizona I had a message from a science teacher to stay
at his house during Spring Break. Anyhow, Anna laughed and said "How are you with dogs?!" I guess you

had to be there but it was funny.

Right, so they were on their way out to the car. I followed them out. I was very nervous but I asked

anyway - if I could give Anna a hug. She said "Of course" and gave me a big hug and a kiss. I asked if I wrote

to them if I would hear back and they both said yes. I'm not sure if it was just an answer they always give. I

guess I'll find out the next time I write.

So that was it. They drove away. And I realized she still had my pen. I also figured she still had an

employee's name tag. There was a worker also named Anna and she and Anna had a picture together. Anna
Patty Duke wore the other Anna's name tag in the photo. Looking through my pictures I noticed Anna
Patty Duke was still wearing that name tag in all the other photos. I think she probably forgot and wore it
all the way home. Maybe she always keeps odd souvenirs like that!

I headed back to the stage door office with Sally and Hoover because they had a brochure of the auditorium
to give to me. They let me use the phone and I arranged for a ride. The hotel I was staying at actually had a

free shuttle service. We arranged for them to pick me up at the International House of Pancakes. But I

didn't know where that was and some worker who I had not met until that very minute offered to drive me

over there. I couldn't believe how nice these people were. She asked where I was staying and I told her at

the Holiday Inn. She said if she had known sooner she would have just drove me there. I thanked all of them

for a wonderful time. Thanks to everyone's help and kindness I had an evening I will
never forget.

The shuttle ride to the hotel was funny because I asked if the restaurant there was still open. The guy told

me it had closed at 10:00 and it was nearly 10:45pm now. (Anna had been at the auditorium from about

6:30-10:30). But the drive said how there were fast food places open and we could go through the drive

thru. He was a college student and I think he understood. I told him the closest place would be fine because

I didn't want him to have to go out of his way for me anymore than he was already. So we went to Wendy's

and I had a chocolate milkshake and french fries. At that point I was wishing I had eaten some of those fancy

little desserts at the reception.

Back in my room I called my parents right away. They said they never doubted that I would have met Anna.

I thought that odd because I had doubted myself earlier that day. I wanted to call Billy but it would have

been like 1:00am and besides, I had misplaced my numbers he gave me.

The next day I went back to the campus and bought some thank you cards for the Gammage Auditorium

workers and for Susan Dubin. I wrote them a little note and delivered them. Then I went on a tour of the
auditorium. I was the only one there until one other person showed up. THere was an organ player

practicing and the acoustics in that place were amazing. It was like my own private tour. I could ask all the
questions I wanted. I won't bore you guys with that however.

And then I pretty much just wasted time in downtown Tempe. I had to find my sister a birthday gift. I

checked out Urban Outfitters and found her some pajamas. I found something else too. They had the

Valley of the Dolls novel for sale. I thought that funny. And they had the greatest lamp - a gnome lamp!! I

had them call the Portland store to make sure they carried them. And Sunday my mom went to pick one up

for her and me. (I collect toaster things and gnome things. I have odd tastes I guess.)

It was time to leave Tempe and I took the hotel shuttle to the airport. My plane was delayed for an hour or

so. I bought a crossword puzzle book to pass the time. I was so excited to get home and show my parents

my autograph. On Monday I went downtown to have my photos developed. They turned out great. My
pictures are already in a scrapbook. I will scan them as soon as I can.

And that's all folks. Thanks for listening. Thanks for caring. I couldn't have done it without the support and

best wishes from all of you guys. I thought of you all while I was there. I wish you all were there with me.

Maybe someday we'll all be able to meet and maybe Anna and Mike will even be there. A girl can dream
can't she?!

If you made it this far I congratulate you. Take care.

Cheers,

Toaster Lisa