March 2. I was working on a story in my usual spot at my usual Starbucks, along with a dozen or so fellow coffee-imbibing patrons. For once, I was thoroughly engaged in my work. I rarely lifted my eyes from my computer screen to observe the endless stream of normals that wash in and out with the workday tide. I remained transfixed on the task at hand, dedicated, motivated, unmovable,
Until...
Someone walked in with an entourage of men in dark suits and dark glasses. I didn't see the commotion. I felt it. The energy in the room went from zero to giddy instantaneously. People no longer sat, but stood and gawked and pointed every manner of portable electronic device at this person, hoping to snap a frame of proof that, yes, indeed, they were there when
Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger walked into my local Starbucks!
Finally, I noticed the three black Ford Explorers outside, the cops, and the man himself as he approached the counter to order his coffee. And finally I realized that I, too, had some manner of portable electronic device that I could point at him because, hey, why not snap a frame of proof that, yes, I was there when
Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger walked into my local Starbucks!
My friend Trevor got to take his drink order. The rest of us had to buzz like star-struck bees around a hive. Or is that like flies around a steaming pile? I guess it all depends on your political proclivities.
In any case, I did get two pictures of the Governor, but truth be told, they could be photos of Vin Diesel, Jean Claude Van Damme, or the Korean guy who does my dry cleaning for all you can tell - cell phone cameras kinda suck, by the way - so, I don't have any solid evidence to back up my surreal tale. You'll just have to believe me when I tell you
Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger walked into my local Starbucks!
Photo or no, the episode reaffirmed an important principle. Writing for countless hours at your local Starbucks while you nurse your coffee-enhanced beverage and your private delusion that you have a frappucino's chance in hell of making it as a writer DOES have its rewards -
Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger may walk into your local Starbucks! Woo-hoo!
Oh, yeah, and possibly your writing will improve.
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Charles Yoo
MissingK8
vzn
Indiana_Joe
Kerry Lauerman
Joan Walsh
Salon.com
Comments
My CQ (Celebrity Quotient) is so low I would wondered what the comotin was all about.
Get a slim digital camera and you will better evidence of your brushes with greatness. These cameras are very slim, easy to carry and usually pack lots of mega-pixels.
Good luck with your writing, but, by the looks of things, you don't need luck just a chance.
Camera phones aren't all that practical. I recommend toting around one of those olde timey jobs with the tripod, collapsible lens and curtain. It's a hassle to carry around, but if you're camping in a coffeeshop all day waiting for celebrity politicians to walk in, then you don't have to worry about moving it around much. Another drawback is the glass plates are a lot more expensive than film (or digital), but as Ansel Adams proved, it really brings out the best in huge California landmarks.
And I think they make those cameras with phones on them nowadays.
I saw him playing basketball in a gym at a local park. Some kids on the playgorund told me: There's a BIG movie star in there!
He's not tall and not super buff. But he's the Governator all right. (Wonder if he still likes his job.)
And I think they make those cameras with phones on them nowadays.
As much as I enjoyed the voice in your post, Michelle, I also have to acknowledge how much I laughed at Craig Johnson's "advice."
"...buzz like star-struck bees around a hive. Or is that like flies around a steaming pile?" is pretty funny, too.
I twisted around to find Arnold, eighteen inches away and naked. All I could say was, "This is terrible. I've gotten some other gay man's fantasy life. I ordered Marky Mark."
(rated)
M. Chariot, wherever did you find that shot??
Seems like decades ago now -- the event, the gig and the HUMMER Happenings -- a lot can happen in a few years.
Wonder who the next Gov will be... anyone's guess is as good as mine!
Have fun today - MJM