I'm a little late on getting to the Question of the Month, hosted by Michael D'Agostino of A Life Examined, so please forgive me.
Michael's question for March is
“Have you ever met an idol/influence/someone you really admire? How did it go?”
I'd like to say I met Johnny Depp and he kissed me, but, alas, you'll have to settle for an author I admire. I've written about this encounter before on my blog.
A few years ago, Son of Junebug said, I'm coming home early from work to take you someplace. It's a surprise.
He arrived as promised, we hopped in the car, and after about thirty minutes he said, I want to tell you the surprise now because we're almost there. I'm taking you to hear Pat Conroy speak.
I burst into tears. Pat Conroy who wrote The Water Is Wide, The Great Santini, and The Prince of Tides, just to name a few.
Mr. Conroy was hilarious. He told so many funny stories. Then I bought a few of his books and got in line for an autograph. The line was long. It moved slowly because he spoke to every person and obliged everyone who wanted a photo with him.
Finally, it was our turn. I called the great writer Mr. Conroy. He said, Please, call me Pat.
I told him my son had brought me to see him as a special surprise. He immediately stood up and shook my son's hand.
We had a lovely chat. Pat was gracious, humble, and kind. I can't imagine a much better meeting with an idol, and now I have three books autographed by Pat Conroy in a prized position on my bookcase.
Recently, I received some dog bookends, so my favorite autographed books will move to my mantel to live between the dogs. You'd better believe Pat Conroy's books will be there.
Great question, Michael. Thank you.
Note: Starting now and ending when April comes to a halt, I'm taking time off from blogging. I must deal with a number of issues, including my taxes. Boooooo! I'll try to be here for the March 15 Battle of the Bands.
I'll miss you more than you'll miss me!
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
I never met anyone terribly impressive. And that's depressing.
ReplyDeleteWe can Skype and then you can say you met me. I think I'm impressive.
DeletePat Conroy sounds delightful. The only book of his which I've read is "Prince of Tides." It was better than the movie, in my opinion. Sorry to hear that he just passed away last week.
ReplyDeleteThe book was much better than the movie. I love The Water is Wide, a book he wrote when he was 24. It was made into the movie Conrack.
DeleteHi Janie, I dont know how I found you blog again but I am glad I did. I used to read it when it was on the sidebar of Suzie's. Have you heard from Suzie? Please say I said Hi if you do and that I sure miss her blog posts.
ReplyDeleteI have book marked you now. I lost a lot of blogs when I installed an upgrade on my laptop.
I'm sorry, but I don't remember you. Suzy (if you mean Soro) doesn't blog anymore. She's working on her second book, I believe. The first one, Celebrity sTalker, is hilarious.
DeleteOh I didnt know Susie had a book. She used to blog at 'Peaked in Junior High'. I used to love her blog posts. such a shame.
DeleteHope you are well
I've met a few famous authors but I wasn't impressed.
ReplyDeleteWhat does it take to impress The Chubby Chatterbox?
DeleteAh that's great that you had such a rewarding encounter. It can often be hard for people in the public eye to stay motivated to make a good impression on people. Doesn't seem to be a problem for this guy though.
ReplyDeleteHe seemed relaxed and delighted to be there, although he must have been exhausted.
DeleteJanie, what a nice treat your son sprung on you! He does a pat on the back. I hope you get things ironed out on your end. Taxes are no fun. I'm glad we got ours done awhile back. Oh well, if we don't see for BoTBs then we'll know life has caught you off balance. Be well, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI always have more to do than I can manage, but I get caught up one way or another. Margaritas help.
DeleteGlad to hear you met someone you really always wanted to meet. Hope you get everything done you need to
ReplyDeleteIt was a joy to meet him.
DeleteI would love to meet Johnny Depp too :) It's nice to hear of famous people who are still humble and kind to their fans. I'm glad you had a pleasant experience!
ReplyDeletePat Conroy didn't act as if he were famous. He was there to make us happy.
DeleteI was so sad to hear of Pat Conroy's passing. I love his books.
ReplyDeleteSo do I. What's your favorite?
DeleteI have a soft spot for The Water is Wide. But The Prince of Tides is a masterpiece.
DeleteAgreed. In spite of the sadness in The Great Santini, it makes me laugh.
DeleteNo, I haven't. Love your story though!! :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your break--as much as you can dealing with taxes--LOL! ;)
No, you haven't? I think I forgot the question.
DeleteOh, do you mean Michael's question?
DeleteYes, question of the month. ;)
DeleteHi Janie - have a good time off, take time out, relax and recover and get those taxes out of the way ...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful son ... and how generous Pat sounds ... a few other bloggers commented on his recent death and what a great writer he was.
Cheers and take care ... Hilary
He was lovely.
DeleteHi Janie - I did answer your question re White feathers .. and actually wrote a post on it last year ... I put the link up in the comment reply ... cheers H
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hilary. I found the link. How awful to be accused of cowardice simply because a man wasn't in uniform or was not fit for duty. On Downton Abbey, Mrs. Patmore's nephew was shot for cowardice. The shame her family experienced was horrible. I recently watched a six episode World War I series called The Crimson Fields in which a man was shot when he was supposed to have been sent home earlier. They called getting sent home for shell shock "a blighty ticket." He didn't get his blighty ticket, though the doctor ordered it.
DeleteI loved The Prince of Tides. How nice it must've been to met Mr. Conroy and find him to be such a nice person. I've never met anyone famous.
ReplyDeleteI've spoken to some other well-known people. A few who were supposed to be signing autographs did their duty, but didn't even look at me. I met Dr. Robert Sapolsky a number of years ago. He's a neuroscientist, a professor at Stanford, the recipient of a MacArthur genius grant, and an author. He spoke at my daughter's high school and signed her copy of one of his books. He was very nice and soft spoken.
DeleteThat is awesome you got o meet him before his passing. I have a few authors I hope to meet before I leave this world.
ReplyDeleteYou will be missed enjoy your break. I hope to have a new book for you to edit before you are back.
Keep writing! I know it can be difficult.
DeleteWhat a nice story. It does sound like an ideal "meeting of an idol". Enjoy your break.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I couldn't have asked for a better evening.
DeleteHe was gracious, humble, AND kind? You've restored my faith in humanity in one fell swoop. Good to hear you had such a great time, Janie.
ReplyDeleteHe was everything, including depressed. He had a terrible childhood as a military brat with an abusive father.
DeleteCrazy timing of your post, Janie. Pat sounds like he was an amazing man, and I know he was determined to beat his cancer. Said he owed his readers another book...
ReplyDeleteYou met Pat Conroy!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave you read South of Broad by Mr Conroy? Its one of my favorites of his.