THE TAKING OF MACCHIATO...

Dennis Lehane

You have seen me throughout this blog posing with different celebrities. I am usually pretty lucky with attracting stars, but, not always…

Dennis Lehane is a famous writer with friends even more famous than he is. When he talks about Clint, Sean, and Leo, he’s referring to Clint Eastwood, Sean Penn, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Mr. Lehane is living my ultimate dream. Not only is he is a well-received writer, but, some of his books have been successfully turned into movies. You may recall Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone, just to name two. When I heard Dennis was going to be a guest speaker at this past Boston Book Festival, I immediately made plans to attend.

On the way to hear his presentation, I stopped at Starbuck’s to treat myself to one of their decadent six dollar drinks, a rare treat. This was a big deal because I only had six dollars. I was hungry and cold, and the event was about to start. My Venti Carmel Macchiato would make my day. Imagine sipping a delicious drink drenched in caramel while hearing the inside scoop on what it’s like to have Clint Eastwood and Martin Scorsese direct movies based on your books. As soon as I reached the over-crowded auditorium, the man at the door told me I could not bring my drink in. He was serious. But, I could not part with my Macchiato so easily. I said okay, walked out, and went in another entrance. I found the last available seat and made myself cozy. No sooner did I take the cover off and whiff the alluring aroma when that same security man appeared. He told me I had to leave immediately, or give him my warm, sweet, brew. I had to make a quick decision. Dennis was about to go on. I handed over my fancy cup of java and remained seated. 

The talk, From Page to Screen, was great. I remember Mr. Lehane saying as a writer you must put in your one thousand hours. He was referring to honing your craft and paying your dues. I felt good because I have done that. He talked about some of his Hollywood experiences. As a screenwriter myself, hearing him speak was just as exciting as I can imagine hearing Mr. Eastwood would be. It was worth giving up my coveted coffee (at least in the moment).

After the event, I thought it might be worth it to go back to Starbucks and ask if they would give me another drink. I was hoping I could have my Macchiato and Dennis too. Just as I approached the counter, I saw Mr. Lehane with a few people waiting for their drinks. I thought it would be fantastic if I could get a picture with him for my blog. I walked up to the author, said hello, and thanked him for the talk. When I asked if I could take a picture he said, “Not today.” Now, as a writer myself, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt, and say maybe I shouldn’t have bothered him. Maybe lots of people had already asked him. Maybe he just didn’t like the way he looked that day. Then I thought the Starbucks we were in was in close proximity to the event. Since Dennis Lehane was part of the Book Festival, shouldn’t he have just let me take the picture? “Maybe next time,” I said, as I walked away. I never (till this day) got my Macchiato!

What do you think? Was I out of line, or should he have let me take the picture….

Dennis, if you are listening, it’s okay. I know people that know you, and they tell me you are a nice guy. Could I just get a part in your next book/movie? That’s what it will take to get over the Taking of (my)Mocchiato! However, if you really feel bad about turning me away, I would accept a Starbuck’s gift card for six bucks (the price of a Venti Caramel Macchiato).

For more on Dennis go to: http://www.dennislehanebooks.com/.

In true Renee fashion and in one of my boldest moves yet … I did get a picture with the other famous writer who was speaking with Dennis. But, you have to follow Ageless for more….

MY KIND OF GIRL...

Alicia Silverstone * The Kind Diet

I had to meet Alicia Silverstone for a few reasons. First of all, I love her new vegetarian (cook) book The Kind Diet. Second, she is a celebrity, and third, it’s the Renee thing to do, considering my motto is Where There’s a Will There’s Renee. When you have ten thousand in attendance at a book festival (with most people wanting to meet the featured author/actress Miss Silverstone, and you know only a small portion will) those with chutzpah prevail. Besides, my friends and family anticipate me coming home with a story or a prize every time I go out the door…and I don’t like to let anyone down.


When I arrived at the event Alicia’s talk was sold out, and there were still people in line. I went up to the front just to get a feel for things and it wasn’t looking too good. They had stopped letting anyone in. But, since I really wanted to meet Miss Silverstone, I decided to look for another possible entrance. I found a side door where the organizers had planted a friendly young girl, probably to try and keep people like me out. I mirrored her smile and asked if I could go in when someone else comes out. Before she could answer, when an older gent walked out, I casually walked in. It happened that quickly. And lucky for me, the teeny-bopper at the door didn’t send security in looking for me (which may have happened once or twice before in my pursuit of celebs).

I grabbed the lone seat up front and listened to Alicia inspire everyone as she raved about the benefits of giving up meat and adding more vegetables to our diets.

As soon as the talk was over, while the audience was still applauding, I ran over to the adjoining room where the book signing was going to be, and nabbed a great place in line. Having already purchased the book I was one step ahead of everyone else, and closer to meeting the actress/author. The line started to move and suddenly I was face to face with Alicia Silverstone. She was so down to earth and approachable, we just started talking about barley tea, the benefits of being vegetarian, about book writing, PR, and how her book had even helped Aunty. Something told me that if there were not eight hundred people in line behind me, we would have sprouted some grain bread together, or at very least, compared brewing temperatures before drinking our organic twig tea.

After our little tete a tete, I walked away to see what Alicia had inscribed to me. When I opened my book, I was completely awed by her kindness…. She wrote: Dear Renee, Thank God for you!

Thank you Alicia, that meant so much to me, and to you my readers, I can’t wait for the day when I am sitting there signing my books for you! I am kicking my motto into high gear to make that a reality soon…