Today I went to the cupboard and brought out the box marked "Phyllis Diller." Phyllis is gone and I want to refresh my memories of the times I became Phyllis Diller.
My grandmother, Mary Keiper, started it all. She was in great demand for her recitations, most of them funny. Reuben Proposed was a favourite at weddings, Twinkle Twinkle little Star was hilarious at any program, as was Olé, my favourite. When Gram decided it was time to quit reciting she gave me her materials and said, "You can do it." So I said some of her verses and some of my own, until I saw Phyllis Diller on TV.
I was so taken with the outlandish clothes, the boots or platform shoes and the frightful hairdos along with gloves and a cigarette holder I had to learn more. I watched her and practised the laugh and mannerisms. I bought her books on Housekeeping Hints and the Marriage Manual and found them so entertaining I read them more than once.
When I was asked to give a reading at a shower, a farewell, a reunion or a talent show, I was ready with words of wisdom from Phyllis Diller, and acted the part.
Here in my box I have the gloves and cigarette holder. I can also find three scary wigs along with a couple of "wild" outfits. The books are here along with an envelope of all the times I spoke to groups over the span of 40 years. I always hoped I might meet Phyllis, but never got that chance. But I did see her at a Silver Spoon dinner where she performed a great show.
After reading Phyllis's autobiography I admired her even more for her courage to takle life as it came. She helped many aspiring entertainers along the way.
The world is a better place because Phyllis Diller loved. She wanted us to lauigh so let's do it.
