The sky started darkening about 5:00 p.m. which caused some worry amongst us. Okay, so I was really freaked about rain! My fine hair just goes limp after getting wet, and that was not how I had envisioned myself while meeting Viggo! It eventually started to sprinkle, and I then remembered a stand on the opposite corner which sold “leather” goods and various sundries, so I made a mad dash for the corner and bought a cheap (as in quality) $5 umbrella. It lasted just long enough to cover my sorry head while waiting and it promptly fell apart just before we went inside.

While we were waiting I commented on every limo that went by, saying, “Hey maybe that’s Viggo!” My friend said, “No, no…that is NOT how he’d arrive!” We debated this for a little bit, and I agreed that he wasn’t the “limo” type but didn’t really see how he could get past the crowd and into the building without people freaking out!

As time grew near, about 5:50 p.m., my friend comments that maybe Viggo is already inside. We could see into the lobby from where we were standing, and just as she says this, she then exclaims, “Oh my gosh, there he is!” And sure enough, there goes Viggo, with a backpack slung over his shoulders, walking into ICP just a simple as that, just a regular guy! Excitement rippled down the line as people realized he was there. We were talking to one of the security guys later and he said they feared for a couple of minutes that they were going to have a teen idol type of reaction, but then everyone settled down and acted with decorum (thank heaven for that!).

We waited a few more minutes, and then they let us in. I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I was not quite ready! Most of my body wanted to run out as quickly as possible, but Chutney and Madeline made me stay! I had brought along Recent Forgeries and had been concerned that they would only allow one autograph each so I had asked my friend if she would take that up for me while I had Sign Language signed. She was also the “official” photographer, and was wonderful in getting these great pictures! Go her!

One of the staff from ICP walked down the line, and then announced that the signings would be limited to two apiece, and that it was preferable that it be Sign Language as one of them. The man was standing right in front of me and I asked him if Recent Forgeries was alright, and he took it from me, held it up, and announced to the crowd that this book was okay too. Whew! My friend didn’t have to pretend that we had the same name!