Walking With Uma Thurman

My friends and family are always amazed at the amount of celebrities I encounter when in Manhattan, so it came as no surprise that on a recent excursion through Central Park, I was walking side-by-side with Uma Thurman.

There have been moments in my life where I’ve felt what could-have, should-have would-have were dangled in my face. I have no regrets, I made my choices and love guided them all. Now that my children are growing, they are taking me to places that I have only dreamed of and living the life I wanted, however now, it is that much sweeter because I can live vicariously through their triumphs and watch them flourish where I couldn’t. The sense of accomplishment is overwhelming; I molded them for greatness and they are achieving it daily, and I am more than proud. Now those moments of temporary disappointment are not made up of what could have been, but what will be, with 100% clarity.

Number three son, my 13-year-old, was invited to partake in the registration of an elite private school in New York City. The admission process is rigorous and highly competitive. As we waited, we walked amidst the wealthy and pretended we belonged Uptown.

The beautiful fall day took us to Central Park. It is in my nature to be observant. I am often caught with my eyes fixed upon a person’s scalp; it is part of my job description. But as a woman living in a harsh world, I have also been taught to notice my surroundings and pay attention to people, locations, landmarks, etc. for safety’s sake.

Whenever I am in the city, I see people: Madonna’s daughter Lourdes, Bill Evans, Curtis Sliwa, and John Legend. And they are just a few I have been inches from. What is great about Manhattan are the people, the residents, the students, the workers, we don’t care who is next to us. So on this glorious autumn afternoon, in a posh neighborhood full of celebrities, it came as no surprise that Uma Thurman and family would trot alongside of us as we took in the scope of the most famous park in the world.

Friends and family asked if I took a photo, got an autograph or even said hello? NO! She was enjoying her day with her girls as was I with my husband. Uma carried her toddler, Luna, on her shoulders as she plodded along the trail and two other girls, one who must have been her older daughter, Maya Ray, followed behind pushing a stroller.

The 43-year-old caught my ear as she vociferously described her whereabouts to her party. I turned at the bellow and realized immediately who it was, not because of her overwhelming beauty, but thanks to her striking blonde hair (that’s the hairstylist in me) and her stature; she stood very near to my 6’2″ husband. Uma Thurman blended with the masses and I am sure that is how she wanted it. Although, she did look at my husband more than a few times as if to say, “Don’t you recognize me?” Frank could care less. I had to squeeze his hand and whisper to him repeatedly that the star of “Pulp Fiction” was walking with us. (My children recognize her as Poison Ivy from “Batman and Robin” and Medusa from “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightening Thief”.)

The only thing I did say, and it was more to Frank than to Uma Thurman, was how cute the baby was, as I would have for anyone bouncing a tot on their shoulders.

Wear glasses and a hat if you do not to be recognized when in the Big Apple. Because when I am there , I will find you; it is just what I do!