Ottawa.
July 1, 1999.

On July 1st, 1999 (Canada Day), I went downtown to meet Canadian Diva, Deborah Cox. I brought both her CDs (self titled debut, and her most recent, "One Wish") as well as the CD singles for "Who Do You Love", which happens to be my fave song off the first album. (if U R curious, my fave song off the "One Wish" album is a tie between "Couldn't We" and "Never Knew".)

So I went down to DC's hotel, and phoned her manager from the lobby. He kindly told me that DC was on her way down very soon, as she was on her way to Parliament Hill's main stage, where several Canadian acts were to perform for Canada Day. Deborah Cox was one of the headliners.

So I waited in the lobby and I took time out to wipe myself dry (it was like 100 degrees that day) and take out my CD covers and pen (I forgot to bring a felt-tip pen! oops!) and my camera, so I could be ready 4 DC. Also, I had to take time to relax, cuz I didn't want to burst out in tears like I did when I met Celine Dion last year and made a total fool of myself. Taking big breaths.

DC finally came down the elevator with her manager and I didn't even recognise her right away....

She is petite. I dunno why, but I assumed she was like 5 foot 10. I assumed I would be looking up to her. In fact, I was taller than her. you know, you put these stars on pedestals and then when U meet them, U expect them to look like they're standing on a pedestal, too. Anyways, DC is like 1000 times more beautiful in person than on any of the photos you've ever seen her in. No kidding. In fact, I've never seen any picture due her justice. Her eyes are amazing. She had really exceptional eye makeup that day and I tried not to stare, but I told her how much I liked it. She said she had it done especially for TV (the Canada Day celebrations air on live on TV across Canada).

Of course, I had to tell DC that I went to Toronto earlier that week to see WH in concert. DC asked me "how was she?". And I was like "ohmigod! she was on! her voice was the best I've heard in years!". And I also mentioned that I walked by MuchMusic headquarters in Toronto and saw a huge ad with DC's picture, and I took a picture of the ad. Then the president of Roots Canada, who was also there, said that it was a Roots ad. Mr. Roots prez was proud to tell me that the chain is about to launch their online store at www.roots.com. I knew DC was a spokesperson for Roots, a chain of clothes stores. But that picture, DC looked "hot", as my friend Carlos would say.
Speaking of which, I tried to explain to DC how "hot" she looked in the black dress she wore at the Soul Train Music Awards earlier this year. It was a "diva dress" and I was just blown away. DC couldn't remember what dress I was talking about, and I couldn't remember what show she wore it on, until after our "meeting". I guess I was a little nervous. Oh well. I'll let her know later.

Another thing: Deborah Cox is so skinny. Again, she looks a little bigger on T.V. than she is in real life. In real life, she is thin and she has a perfectly proportioned body. The only thing I can think of is to say that she has a body like Toni Braxton, minus the "too-revealing clothes". DC looked classy, and sexy, in the "girl next door" way. She was wearing a regular looking (Roots?) tee shirt and a long khaki skirt. I asked her "is this what U R wearing for your performance?". She said "no, I'll change once I get there".

Duh! what a dumb question! Like, of course singers change backstage! Obviously my brain turned to mush while I was awed by Deborah's natural beauty.

The president of Roots took 2 photos of DC and I (which have yet to be developed since the film roll isn’t finished). Deborah signed all my CDs and she even brought her own felt-tip pen! She didn't just sign them, she wrote a different message on each CD. Then she set them on a table to dry, for me.

DC is so nice and so approachable. U don't get the "diva attitude" feeling from her. She isn't intimidating. She makes you feel like you could make friends with her very easily.

Oh, and her smile is worth $1 million. Really. She makes U want to smile just being with her.

I forgot to ask her so many questions. I actually was one-on-one with DC for a long time and I didn't even think to ask her anything at all. But it was still the highlight of my Canada Day.

When DC left, I waited a few more minutes for my CD covers to dry, then I went home too. (I was sick). I watched DC’s performance of "Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here" on TV. It was poring rain on Parliament Hill, but DC still managed to rock the crowd with a sizzling performance. When the thunderstorm started, they had to cancel the rest of the show. DC only performed one song, but it was still great.

Maybe I'll scann the CD covers later.