A Whole New View
I went back to The View yesterday—for the first time since leaving 15 months ago.
I have to admit I was nervous when we pulled up to the ramp. I knew I was "going home" to a place where I had once lived for 9 years, and yet it felt strange. Maybe because this time I was entering the building as a "guest."
Amidst all the warm welcomes from my old friends, I made a mental note that the hallway rug had been replaced (good call), and there were new pictures on the walls (Where did mine go?).
As I sat in the green room, watching the "hot topics" that start each show, I had to control the urge to run out to the table and put in my two cents. It wouldn’t have done me any good, anyway, as all the seats were occupied. So I sipped my coffee backstage and did what I had urged people to do as the show’s moderator for all those years: I took “a little time to enjoy The View." As usual, it wasn’t long before Joy had me in stitches.
Then it was time for my guest appearance. As I sat chatting with the ladies, it hit me that novelist Thomas Wolfe was right—you can’t go home again. Not really. I was proud of the show, and proud to have been a part of it. But I had moved on, and so had The View. And that was okay for all of us.
Exiting through the show's stage door, I knew I would always have my friends there, and no shortage of great memories. But moving on to Today has opened the door to another “stage”—Studio 1A—with its own wonderful friendships, great opportunities, and, yes, a whole new view.
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: A Whole New View.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://meredithtoday.ivillage.com/system/mt-tb.cgi/2330
You were great on The View yesterday, Meredith. Good to see you and Joy together again. I do wish they'd have stopped yapping to let you talk, but then again, it wouldn't be The View if they let the guest speak! Loved how you were immediately comfortable and tucking your legs up under you.
Today is a wonderful fit for you, but it's great to get back to the old stomping grounds too.
I saw you yesterday on the View and you were great! I bet it did feel weird there on that stage. You are great on the Today show, you ROCK!
It was Meredith that brought all the class to The View. She made the right decision to leave for TODAY. Bravo to Meredith for going back as a guest, and BOO to BW for making it all seem awkward.
You did look a bit uncomfortable at The View. So did the others. What they do there isn't for everyone. The Today Show is a family venue with a different tone. It's good that you recognize that.
It was so good to see you on "The View". When you came out and asked "How are you 5 b******?, I cracked up. The Meredith we know and love was back. Maybe you can't go home again, but I'm sure glad you visited.
We can't go home again, but what we create from the foundation of the home, leaves little loss in the new one. Seems like every seven years, for the last couple of decades, I have made major changes and my life today does not even resemble what it was, outside of my children and grandchildren, but no regrets! I didn't burn any bridges, just crossed them.
Linda
Meredith
It was so good to see you on The View yesterday. I haven't watched it in so long due to work, but having the time yesterday and having you on, only made it that much better.
Yes, the View is very different now, I loved you as their moderator, but love you more at Studio 1A.
Hi Merdith,
I loved, loved it that you were on The View yesterday, seemed like the good old days because I have not missed an episode of The View and it gets hard to get used to a new person especially since I liked you so much, I cried the day you left.
I have to say I do love Woopie, Sherry, Joy and Barbara, Woopie and Sherry have added a nice touch to the desk and I like the way Woopie keeps the girls in line when it comes to talking too much.
I do now watch Today because you are on it and I have come to really like that show too.
I don't know what it is about you but you are a very likable person, would love to have you as a frined.
Love you, Meredith
Joan K.
Wisconsin
Meredith, your wonderful and I cant actually believe you answered a question of mine. I got an question answered by a true STAR! I'm glas your at TODAY and I did watch you on the view, but seeing on TODAY is the view we've all have been waiting for.
Are there ever times when you regret leaving "The View?"
Was disappointed to hear reports of you using the word b****** while on The View yesterday. Why would you do that on the heels of the Isiah Thomas case involving that word? It's a term that demeans women, so why sanction the use of it by using it?
If you've ever worked with troubled youth, you know what a problem teen pregnancy is. You know that girls who think of themselves as their boyfriends' b****** are more likely to get pregnant and you know that those pregnancies perpetuate poverty for mother and child.
Halle Berry is well beyond poverty, but young girls who emulate her behavior stay impoverished. When you praise a single woman for not marrying the father of her baby, you also contribute to kids continuing impoverished lifestyles.
Halle Berry is a great actress and appears to be a nice person. She'd be a more responsible person if she realized that as a public person, the consequences of her actions affect many people.
Why can't famous people with money see what they're doing to others?
Love you on Today.
Much better than 'that other lady.
YOU GO GIRL!!!
Hey Meredith,
I have a couple of "Millionaire" questions:
1. With tapings of 07-08 season from late-July to early Nov.
(compared to the tapings of the 06-07 season having been done from late July to early Dec.), does this mean there will be more repeats of "Millionaire" this season (07-08) than last season (06-07)?
2. You said that your contract with "Millionaire" runs until 2009, but does this mean that it will be renewed for the 08-09 season?
Thank you,
Joe :)
Hi Meredith! It's Grace from Boston. I met you yesterday when you were leaving The View parking lot. It was so kind of you to take the time out of your busy day to talk to me. You are so down-to-earth. Thank you for all of your wonderful advice regarding journalism and for signing my sign. It meant the world to me. I hope to meet you again if I go to college in New York. You are such an inspiration to me. Again, thanks for eveything, that was something I'll never forget.
xoxox Grace
i really enjoy watching you on the today show. I never watched you on the view but respect you. You are bright, poised and someone I would want my children to look up to. I was very surprised you used the "b" word on your return to the view - I was embarrrassed by it and think you should be above it. I would not think NBC would be proud of such a statement.
we need to set the example for young people today and that should not be an acceptable on national television
Hey didn't get a chance to watch the show. I would have loved to..You look great on TODAY and everyday morning brighten up my day with your lovely smile. I like the chemistry you and mat share on screen for Today!
Dear Meredith,
It was so great to see you back on "The View" yesterday. You did such a great job. I miss watching you on "The View" but enjoy watching you on the "Today Show". Congratulations for all the great work that you did on "The View" and best of luck in your future endeavors on the "Today Show"
Hey Meredith, wow let me just tell you, you are not only talented but hilarious. Love watching you on the Today Show as seeing you on the View this past week. I didn't realize you can be so crazy, but in a good way. Your career has skyrocketed, and being an aspiring news anchor, and even dreaming to work at the Today Show one day, I only strive to accomplish at least HALF of the things you have done so far :)
why won't you read rosie's book?
You are tons of fun! I watched an old clip fron The View on YouTube just now. Some guy put Cool Whip in your hair, your face was priceless.
I love the rain hat you wore this morning - where can I get one just like it? I am coming to NYC tomorrow and hope to see you Friday morning outside! Wish you were on all 4 hours!
So does that mean there will be no more guest appearances?
Hi Meredith,
I watched parts of your guesting at "The View" on YouTube. You look a little bit more of yourself there, no censors, whatsoever. I loved it.
To all regarding Meridith's statement on the view....Lighten UP! If you had watched the View AT ALL you should have realized it wasn't meant in a prejoritve way and if you had paid attention to the expression on the co host's faces you would have realized they weren't offended in any way. It was pretty funny actually.
Dear Meredith
I love you on the Today show with Matt. You guys seem to get along so well.Since you have joined the show, you make it a lot more fun to watch with all the crazy things you do. I had never watched The View and I will tell you this,When they announced Katie was leaving the show and you were replacing her, I thought that the show would not be interesting. BOY was I wrong. It is a pleasure to watch the show before work. I enjoy your jokes and everything you do. Keep up the good work. You have a fan for life.
Do you not read...or do you have a closed mind? I bought Rosie's book ysterday and finished it last night. It gives you a real VIEW of her and her feelings. When you read the whole book and not just excepts, you really get to know how she really loves Barbara and where she is coming from.. Give yourself a chance to know her. She is a feeling person. Thanks. I love you too.
Re the "5 b******" comment, Felicia, and to a lesser extent, Marsha, get over yourselves! I won't even bother to explain to you why it made the perfect entrance.
Felicia and Marsha, come on already Merdith and the other girls call each other Bitch, even Miss Walters has said the "terrible" word, some people just can't see humor in anything anymore and look for a reason to jump on someone at every chance they get. If they wouldn't have wanted the word to be heard they would not have allowed it to be heard but they did so it was and BIG DEAL. Loosen up girls or just don't watch the show but there is nothing wrong with what Meredith said.
Love you, Meredith
Joan K.
Wisconsin
Hi Meredith,
It's great that your fans can communicate through this blog with you. I am an NBC fanatic and when Katie left I was kind of doubtfull as to how you'd replace her. But you did a great thing of not replacing her. You simply found your own "view" on the "Today show". You are so natural and it's just great "to have" you home every morning and share a cup of coffee, a cookie and laughters.
You are a character when it comes to "incidents". It's funny how you describe this leaf poisoning you might have had, or the squirrel adventure you had last autmn (when you started on the today show)I feel there is so much more that you don't share hehehe :-)
All the best, and I'll visit more often.
Kind regards,
Aida
WE MISS YOU ON THE VIEW
Hi Meredith,
I saw you on "The View" yesterday. It was great to see you back on the show, although the show hasn't been the same since you left. I guess you can't go home again, but it was nice to see you visit for a little while. I noticed you seemed a little uncomfortable at times. I just wished the others would've given you a chance to talk more. Meredith, in my opinion, you were the best moderator for "The View" and no one will ever replace you. You are fantastic on the "Today" show. I would stay where you are. You and Matt are great together!
Best regards,
Matt from New Jersey
Using the B word is much like the issue of using the N word. When you carelessly throw it around, you tell others that it's OK to use it. As Isiah Thomas found out, it isn't.
I loved you on "The View", but love you more on "Today". You are such a bright spot in the morning. NBC made the right choice choosing you and you made the best choice in doing "Today". You're the Best!
Hi Meredith - You were great on The View. I stopped watching The View when you left, but had to see it when you were a guest. When you came out and asked "So, how are you b******?" I laughed so loud. You are the funniest. I think Today is a great fit for you now. You have class, a strong presence and a great chemistry with Matt.
I haven't missed you as moderator of the View but I do miss Katie on Today. Honestly, I wish Wolfe was wrong so you could go home again. I'd much prefer watching Today 5 days a week instead of the View but someone over the last year, the View has been more watchable. I can barely stomach Today post Katie and Matt.
Hello Meredith Vieira,
You have good Comments on The View and The Today Show.
Hi M,
I read a couple of your blogs. I'm impressed. You are both beautiful AND smart. Those blogs are interesting also. Good job!
kp
Meredith you have more class and integrity in the palm of your hand than most people have in all of their soul. I miss you on The View but am glad The Today Show has been such a positive experience for you. Rock on lady!
Are you told to cut off every. single. guest. you interview? Or is it something that you just do? It is painful to watch.
10/11/2007
Meredith,
I told kids for 40 years to say Rabbit-Rabbit on the first day of the month for good luck.I also told them that they had to say it before their feet hit the floor that morning. I retired from teaching fifth and sixth grade last year. Where did you hear about rabbit-rabbit? Now that I am retired I can enjoy you and all of the Today Show gang everyday. What a great way to start the day. I watch the show on WNDU, Channel16,South Bend, Indiana
Enjoy the day and everyday,
Tom Szumski
Granger, Indiana
Hi Meredith- It was great to see you on The View. You look wonderful and happy as always. I am glad you and Joy are friends still. Barbara was not very diplomatic or warm. Best Wishes and enjoy the Red Sox!
I tried contacting you on "The View" when you were still there via that website. I recieved no reply. Hoping you're reading this. I have MS. It reached it's worst during the majority of 2001. That Jan., I woke up & was completely blind in my right eye. As I was SO "fatigued" (doc's word, not mine) I was sleeping 12-17.5 hours/day. I also had so little energy about all I did have the energy to do was watch tv or read. so it was especially devestating for this to occur. After treatment and about 4 mo. I went from 20/40 to 20/1000 in that eye. I was told that I would NEVER see better out of that eye than 20/1000, and to expect the other eye to follow soon. Not encouraging. I fired my docs. Very little they said made logical sense anyway. I mean "spontaneous recovery"? WTH is scientific about that? I guess it sounds a tad better than "I dunno". Recovery occurs for a REASON, They just do not know what the CAUSE of that recovery IS. As I went from 8 attacks/yr. to none in like 4yrs. & 20/40 vison in my right eye...
My wife and I watch the show (TODAY) show every morning. BUT, I'm having problems trying to get information on a author you had on the show 10/11/07 I think his name was Ted Bermann it's about books that he wrote about funny accidents in sprots and other places. aLSO i'M A REITRED COP WHO WENT FROM WRITTING TICKETS TO WRITTING CHILDRENS SHORT STORIES. i'VE WRITTEN 6 SHORT STORIES BUT NEED A ILLUSTRATOR. The books will be my legacy to my grand kids (8 The characters are Birds and the actions are those of my grand kids. HELP GREAT SHOW GLAD YOUR HERE. LEE
Hello Meredith-I think you are wonderful, and being on Today Show makes it great. I think you, Anne, Hoda,Matt,Al and Tikki looks great setting together in the studio,you are a beautiful woman and you bring lots of love and joy to the show. I watch you every morning on wavy tv 10. Keep up the good work.
Meredith, the best response to rude people like Lyn is to just concentrate on your work and do well. And that's exactly what you've been doing for the past year. Just carry on with that. I'm sure you already know that some of these comments make absolutely no difference to your happiness or well-being. Like many others above, I appreciate your presence on the Today Show.
Meredith, does it ever amaze you as to how much trouble, people will still go through in order to represent themselves in a negative way, especially when it come to comments? You know the older I get the more I understand and accept, the responsibility that comes with the "free speech package" that we are given as Americans!
Anyway, have a great weekend and again, I can't tell you how much I really enjoyed seeing you, out and about the networks this past week! Girl, you are "HUGE"!!!
Best wishes
Meredith, I watched you for all nine years on The View and it was such a gift to see you back there. The View hasn't been the same since you left!
Hi Gorgeous,
Saw you on the View. Miss you and love you. Love Millionaire! You are so sweet to the contestants, especially ones young like your own. If I am awake I watch you in the morning.
I really do love and admire you. You are not ONLY gorgeous on the outside but the inside as well. That has ALWAYS been my goal. But never achieved the outside part. I KNOW NOW that I am GORGEOUS on the INSIDE lol.
I think that is bc I am an incest survivor and was tortured and put down for 20 yrs. I am older, much older now and I peer counsel other survivors. I am trying to find a publisher for my long overdue (needs to get out there) book. I would also like to start a safe house for females and their kids. (a temp. place to stay) Anyway, I wish more shows and More people would do stories about sexual abuse survivors. There are billions of us. It truly has reached epidemic proportions.
Thank you for being a role model for women both young and older. You ROCK!
Love and hugs,
Becky {{{{{{{{{{{{ }}}}}}}}}
Hi Meredith,
My name is Ashley, I'm a freshman in college and I just wanted to say you're the best. You always make me laugh but your serious stories are amazing too. It was awesome seeing you on The View the other day. Joy and yourself were/are my favorites!! Thanks for all you do, good look with everything!
dear meredith,
i have been a fan since back in your 60 min. days. i've always admired your spunk and intelligence, not to mention your decision to put your family first. i was so excited to see you on T.T.S. and have watched since day one! however!!!! meredith!! where has all that spunk gone?? you seem to be intimidated by matt and are soo nice. come on girl!! get your groove back!! we miss the opinionated, funny strong side that we know is there!! we're rooting for you!! BUCK UP!!
without you....it has denigrated to it's lowest level...and please tell Joy to develop some new material - lewinsky jokes are sooooo passe. Keep the faith and your classiness...you got them all BEAT BY A MILE, 2, 3, 4...1000....