Sellevision - Augusten Burroughs [41]
On camera, Adele answered a viewer’s question, “I actually don’t know what my given Navaho Indian name is, but if you’d write this question down and send me a letter, I’d be more than happy to ask around my family and get back to you with the answer. Just remember to please include a SASE.” Adele smiled.
Adele thanked the caller and then immediately took another call. As of that night, Dream Catcher Jewelry was going to become a permanent show on Sellevision. Adele had hit a nerve with America’s Indian community, and they were embracing her by the thousands.
“My very own great-great-grandmother may have crafted a belt buckle just like this with her very own hands. Think of the history and pride involved in making such a piece. I really believe that it’s so important to respect and honor the original Americans, because we are all connected, and by claiming our past, we claim ourselves. Once more, this is item number J-7330, it’s sixty-eight dollars and thirty-four cents, and it’s the Running Wolf simulated turquoise cabochon belt buckle.”
A SOLD OUT graphic appeared on screen.
“Another great show, Adele—congrats,” the assistant producer said. “And those beaded moccasins are darling,” she added, pointing to Adele’s feet.
“Thanks, Amanda. I added the beads myself. I’m just really getting into my whole heritage thing, it’s like Roots or something for me.”
“I wish I had some Indian blood in me, but no such luck—Wisconsin bred through-and-through.”
Adele waved good-bye to the various cameramen, stylists, and backstage crew. Before leaving the set and heading to her office, Adele paused to thank a lighting technician.
“I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate what you’ve done for me in terms of lighting. The overhead thing for my cheekbones is great.”
He smiled at her. “Sure, Adele, no problem. It’s always fun to do something different.”
She walked through a set of double doors that led from the soundstage to the hallway where all hosts’ offices were located, along with the lounge.
“Hi, Trish, what’s up?” Trish was checking Leigh’s hours on the hosts’ schedule.
“Oh, nothing.” She spun around.
“Oh my God, is that the ring? I haven’t even seen it yet, let me have a look,” Adele said, tucking her hair behind her ears.
Trish automatically extended her hand for Adele to admire the ring.
“It’s incredible. Have you set a date yet?” Adele asked.
“Oh, I don’t know. No, not really.” Then an image of brown leaves scattered on the ground, dried grass, and bulky, unflattering sweatshirts entered her head. “Maybe the fall.”
Adele smiled. “Oh, the fall is my favorite time of the year.” She thought of Thanksgiving and maize. “Well, I better get back to my office, I have tons of research I need to get started on.”
After Adele walked away, Trish looked back at the schedule, silently tallying the hours that each host had on-air.
Adele sat down at her desk and did an Internet search. Keywords: Unusual American Indian Artifacts.
P
eggy Jean kept a chart on her refrigerator door, a chart with the names of her three boys, the days of the week, and the numbers one through ten. It was their Behavior Chart, an easy way for her to keep a motherly eye on her children. At the end of the week, she reviewed the chart with the boys and they talked about any dips. As a concerned parent, Peggy Jean kept a close watch on her boys’ emotional well-being. It seemed so many children these days were ignored, became violent, brought guns to school, and performed mass executions. Not to mention drugs and premarital sex. And each time the parents of these deviant children were interviewed on television, they said the same thing over and over: “I had no idea.” Peggy Jean was determined not to lose touch with her children.
So on Thursday evening, the evening she had agreed to take them to a movie, she saw on the chart that each boy had exhibited an exceptionally good level of behavior all week long. Nines across the board. Behavior deserving of a treat.
“Tonight at the movies,” she told them as they were