Waiting for former First Lady Laura Bush at Books-A-Million in downtown McLean
By Bobbi Bowman, The McLean Ear
Former First Lady Laura Bush greeted more than 400 men, women, high school students, and former members of the Bush administration in the downtown McLean Books-A-Million store where she signed her new memoir which went on sale today.
Dressed in a black jacket with white flecks, a black shell and gold necklace, the First Lady never stopped signing “Spoken from the Heart” as she graciously greeted those who had waited for up to three hours to briefly see her. She started a little after 12 noon and by 1:30 pm. the double line that had formed outside the bookstore was gone. She stayed until 2 to greet stragglers and sign books.
A signed copy of Spoken from the Heart
Some of our McLean neighbors explain in their own words why they attended the book signing with Laura Bush:
Mark V. Rosenker
Mark V. Rosenker, former director of the White House Military Office and former director of the National Transportation Safety Board: “I haven’t seen Mrs. Bush since I left the White House. She looks fabulous. But she always looks fabulous.” His office in the White House was directly across from Mrs. Bush’s office. Barney, her dog, would often visit and Mrs. Bush would come to fetch him, Rosenker recalled.
Chandler Ebeier, left, and her mother Candy Stoltz
Candy Stoltz and her daughter Chandler Ebeier: “I was born and raised in Midland (Texas)” Mrs. Bush’s hometown. “I’ve known George W for 30 years. I think she’s a wonderful First Lady. I told her I’ve known your grandparents for years.” Mrs. Stoltz also said she worked in the Bush Administration.
Chandler, a sophomore at Langley High School, came “just to say I met her.”
Lori Wiseman, left, her mother, Anne Blodgett, center, friend Stephanie Singleton
Lori Wiseman and her mother Anne Blodgett, of Palm Springs, CA.arrived at 9 a.m. Mrs. Blodgett came because “I’m a died in the wool Republican. I first met Mr. and Mrs. Bush when they came to Palm Springs.”
Lori Wiseman: “I admire Laura Bush but I came from my Mom. I wanted to get the book as a surprise for her for Mother’s Day.” Mrs. Blodgett came to surprise her granddaughter on her 18th birthday and to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Stephanie Singleton, a friend, came because “I always liked Laura Bush, She represented the U.S. very well.”
Mary Beth Nethercutt, left, Linda Nutter, right
Mary Beth Nethercutt, wife of former U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt, of eastern Washington state: “I worked for her husband’s administration. I thought she epitomized what a First Lady should represent. She kept her priorities of her marriage and her daughters at the top of the list.”
Mrs. Nethercutt said she was director of the congressional legislative office for NOAA, an agency within the Commerce Department.
Her friend Linda Nutter: “I think (Laura Bush) has been one of the best First Ladies. Our son Aaron worked for the administration for three years. He was one of the bike riders that President Bush liked to ride his mountain bike with” for exercise.
Erin Winland, left, Alexis Eakin, center, Tyla Winland, right
Alexia Eakin : “I really respect Laura Bush and was excited to meet her. She’s very personable. It was a fun experience.. . . I was impressed that she made eye contact with every person.”
Tyla Winland: “ I really admire and respect Laura Bush and her husband for the service that they gave to this country. . . She was so much for education as First Lady and I respected her attention to that. . . She’s a classy lady and I just wanted to meet her.”
Daughter Erin Winland: “She’s a role model. She has two young daughters — very classy.”
The Scene
At 9:45 am. Ladies and a few men were already camped out in front of the Books-A-Million store awaiting the former First Lady’s arrival.
The ladies, many seated in lawn chairs, watched as the Secret Service detail setup metal detectors outside the store and did the sweep with a bomb-sniffing dog inside. The Secret Service also inspected some delivery trucks that arrived at other stores in the small shopping mall. Then the lawn chairs disappeared and the standing began.
Those waiting to see Mrs. Bush walked through metal detectors and were prohibited from carrying any bags, cameras, strollers, backpacks and even pens into the store.
On Monday, store staff bought an ornate gold chair from Treasure Trove and a cushion from Squire Chase to make Mrs. Bush as comfortable as possible as she signed an expected 600 books today. Both stores are located in McLean.
What was the day like for merchants who were neighbors of the bookstore: Tim Hong, assistant manager, at Total Wine said at one point the line blocked the entrance and exit to his store. He asked his neighbors to double the line to solve the problem. “Everyone was very understanding,” he said.
On the other side some of the staff members at the Bank of America had signed copies on their desks. They said they couldn’t talk to the press.
Other merchants mildly complained that some of their customers had trouble finding parking in the crammed parking lot.
By Bobbi Bowman, The McLean Ear
The McLean Ear 