A Whole New World

Thank you for tuning in to the second episode of The Real Housewives of DC. I know some of you are big fans of mine, while others may still be on the fence. Please forgive me for not immediately responding to your comments through Twitter and a Facebook Fan page, but the truth is I've never done this before. It's a whole new world for me. I need lessons, and there just aren't enough hours in the day. But for now, I’d like to respond to the most talked about comments that I have read on my Bravo blog page.

"Inviting second tier people seems so unnatural."
For those of you who think I am an elitist, visit my personal website at www.lyndaerkiletian.com to get an inside look at who I REALLY am. Keep in mind, I was filmed for only a short time, and what you see is just a small snippet of what my life entails.

Now, back to my “second tier” comment. Let me give you the backstory. I was not referring to a social status, but a guest list. Ebong was hosting an intimate birthday dinner for Mary that included her family (huge!) plus her closest friends. For whatever reason, Mary decided at the last minute to invite the Salahis without anyone’s knowledge. I was surprised because Mary knew that I had a history with the Salahis that made me uncomfortable. The fact that my boyfriend was hosting this dinner and we found out at the last minute that they were coming was very unsettling for both of us. I would like to think that I remained a lady and greeted them properly; however, I just could not make any sense as to why they were invited since they are not part of the family or one of her closest friends, hence inviting “second tier” people felt unnatural to me.

“She is entering the danger zone."
I’ve known Michaele for over 15 years and I have witnessed both of us going through many changes in our lives. My comment about her weight loss was out of concern for her well-being. I NEVER used the "A" word or said she had an eating disorder, as I am being accused of saying by Michaele and quoted throughout the media and web. As an agent, I know better! I am not a doctor but if I feel someone is falling into a danger zone, I will recommend therapists and nutritionists to help them achieve a healthy mind and body. Unfortunately in this case, it appears as though I am being judgmental, and in some ways I am. I suspect there is more here than meets the eye. Having read articles regarding her husband Tareq’s alleged financial and legal problems, I knew she was under a great deal of stress. My heart was in the right place, but my attitude towards them will hopefully be justified in the coming episodes. In this week's episode my table gets showered with champagne and I take a cork on the derriere. I think my life lesson here is to avoid dining under the same roof as these people!

"We cater to ambassadors and diplomats"
OK everyone, calm down, and shame on YOU! We are in the nation’s capital, an international city, home to Ambassadors, diplomats and dignitaries from all over the world. For over 26 years, THE Artist Agency has represented models and stylists in the DC metro area. In addition to advertising agencies, department stores, and publications, our clientele also includes Embassies, which makes our agency unique in the industry. Embassies host cultural and philanthropic events that often include an element of fashion, which is how we “cater to ambassadors and diplomats." For example, the runway casting you saw in the first episode was for a fashion show and cultural event showcasing the designer, Clara Lawson Ames, from Burkina Faso, one of the most impoverished nations in the world. The event's theme was "Discover the New Faces of Africa" to showcase their unique culture and traditions and to focus on something other than natural disasters and poverty. This event was a huge success, which you may see in an upcoming episode.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of who I am and that you’ll give me a "get out of jail free" card for at least another week! Id like to leave you with you a beautiful poem...

"Thinking"
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you would like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out in the world you’ll find
Success begins with a fellow’s will.
It’s all in the state of mind.
Full many a race is lost
Ere ever a step is run,
And many a coward fails,
Ere even his work is begun.
Think big and your deeds will grow,
Think small, and you’ll fall behind;
Think that you can, and you will –
It’s all in the state of mind.
-Walter D. Wintle

Wishing you happiness and peace within,
Lynda