Happy New Year!
01.01.10
Well, here we are, a brand new year & it seems everyone is ready for it! I can’t find anyone who liked 2009 very much at all! Ours is a society of instant gratification, we want it (Whatever “it” is) NOW! Basically, we’re spoiled! Change sometimes is slow & that’s for a reason too. I see things turning around slowly & things will get better. We all must learn patience & must change our lifestyles & patterns also. Hang in there! There’s so much good to come. Our kids learn from us so, if we set a good example, they will learn this & be ready for the depression/recession that will happen to them in 30 years & hopefully they will be better prepared than we were!
Speaking of change, I have been telling you that I have BIG news & here it is…
“Joan Rivers – A Piece Of Work!”
This is a documentary about Joan Rivers & it was filmed over the course of a year. A film crew followed Ms. Rivers filming every aspect of her life.
One year ago, I flew to Minneapolis, MN to spend the day with the REAL Joan Rivers thanks to QVC & my sister Jennifer. I had the time of my life – especially since I have corresponded with her for 30 years & impersonated her for 21 years. She has been a family friend in good times & bad. Her phone call to my mom when my mom was dying of cancer. Her support of my brother & kindness in his death as well.
The film crew found out that I was an entertainer who had traveled all the way from Branson, MO to be with Joan. They asked to film me & as you know, I’m rather camera shy… NOT! So they filmed me 3 different times. One – who are you & where are you from, why are you here, etc… Two – my one-on-one with Joan herself, which was awe inspiring, exciting, emotional, etc… And three – after my get together with her – how was it, why were you crying, etc… It was all so incredible!
She was wonderful, truly kind, & gracious to a fault! She signed her 2 new books for me & then I had brought along with me 2 photos of me dressed like her – which she loved – & signed those as well. They filmed all of this which was exciting in itself.
Here is one that says, “Dear Terry, I wish I had your legs! love Joan Rivers”
This one says, “Terry or Joan? We’ll never know for sure. XOXO Joan Rivers”
Last month (Dec.) I received an e-mail from the producers of ‘Joan Rivers – A Piece Of Work’ saying that the film was completed & it was accepted to be premiered at the Robert Redford Sundance Film Festival. It will be held the last week of Jan. 2010. Plus, he said that I am in the film! The press release of the film is as follows;
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (Directors: Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg) — A rare, brutally honest glimpse into the comedic process and private dramas of legendary comedian and pop icon Joan Rivers as she fights tooth and nail to keep her American dream alive. World Premiere.
As you know Branson slows down during the next 2-3 months (Jan. – March) & then boom a whole new season filled with “musical chairs/theatres”. I am off from Silver Dollar City until the 2nd week of March when they open-up with their 50th anniversary celebration! It will be my 31st year with them! I have been so blessed to do what I do for a living, not only working at Silver Dollar City for 31 years, but The Vacation Channel for 13 years, & this will be my 4th season in the Shepherd of the Hills play. I do special appearances too & if all goes well, I will be playing Joan Rivers on the red carpet/hosting an award show for an international corporate meeting in Los Angeles,CA the last week of Jan.. So, on my way back I hope to make a pit-stop in Provo, UT. for the world premiere of ‘Joan Rivers – A Piece Of Work!’
From my heart, I can’t tell you all how much I appreciate you all for your love & support. Hang in there, it’s going to be okay. Remember, it’s not the destination, but the journey itself. My family & I wish you only the best, God’s blessings, & Happy New Year!
Always, your friend, Terry ‘Homer Lee’ Sanders