Rita's Reflections: The unique perspective from a comic's musings

Larry and I enjoy reading together. We’ve read everything from humorous to head-scratching. Reading about intuitive people has helped Larry understand me better and how difficult it is for me to be around people filled with negative energy. I call them energy vampires. They suck the life out of me.

Carrie Fischer’s Wishful Drinking was a fast and entertaining read. I wish I could be half the writer Carrie was without her Cinnabon hairdo from "Star Wars" and manic depression.

Carrie’s mom was the legendary Debbie Reynolds. Debbie died of what they call broken heart syndrome shortly after Carrie passed away. Which reminds me of a woman who thought it was unhealthy for a mother and daughter to be that close. From my perspective, the woman has an issue with intimacy. She appears to love everybody long distance and at arm’s length. That seems like an unhealthy way to live and certainly not something I can relate to.

The Home for Friendless Children, written by local author C.L. Olsen, is a memoir based on her husband’s remarkable life. It’s a story of triumph over tragedy and a lesson that our beginning in life does not define who we become. I cherish my autographed copy from my new friend.

We laughed heartily at Kevin Nealon’s caricature book “I Exaggerate (My brushes with fame).” Kevin hawked his book at his stand-up gig at MCCC last October. Kevin said he “forgot” the book and called a local bookstore and asked if they had “I Exaggerate” by Kevin Nealon in stock. The sales clerk informed Kevin yes, they had a copy and asked if he would like to reserve a copy. Kevin dryly replied, “Yes, and my name is K-e-v-i-n N-e-a-l-o-n.” “Okay, Mr. N-e-a-l-o-n, I will set that book aside for you."

Along with each caricature, Kevin tells stories about the person. Most of his sketches are of his famous friends, but a few he sketched because he liked their unusual look. Kevin’s buddy Brad Paisley roasted him with a song on his 50th birthday with lyrics too racy to repeat. The Peyton brothers hacked into his phone, and the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor taught him to use a bag of frozen peas on his sore back.

Besides sketching/acting and doing stand-up, Mr. Nealon invites famous friends to hike with him while filming for his YouTube special “Hiking with Kevin.” I enjoyed the one with Martin Short. At nearly every turn passersby would notice Martin, but not Kevin despite Kevin is well over six foot tall and carrying a selfie stick; remarkably steadily I might add. At one point Kevin said to Martin it must be difficult going anywhere and not be recognized.

The late Gilda Radner and Martin dated in the early days of their careers. I bet Gilda was a fun friend. I can picture the two of us riding tricked-out Harleys — Goofy Gilda and Rebel Rita cruising the open road looking for innocent mischief. Perhaps checking in with Larry and Marty before taking a hike.

Larry and I were surprised when Kevin wrote about Kurt’s Cobain’s penchant for wearing dresses on stage — often floral in design. According to Kevin, Cobain saw no shame in wearing a dress and femininity was nothing to be ashamed of. Shortly before his death Kevin asked Kurt to sign an unauthorized biography for an auction item. Kevin decided to keep the book when he read what Kurt scribbled: "I am not Liberace! Kurt Cobain."

Maybe Kurt was on to something. I wear Larry’s boxer briefs when I sleep. If that makes me a cross-dresser, I like it! I prefer Hanes, but any fruit of the loom will do.

— Rita Wyatt Zorn is a wife, mother, grandmother and lifetime Monroe County resident. She can be reached at 7.noniez@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Rita's Reflections: The unique perspective from a comic's musings