When Pat and I were in Palm Springs last month, I had a chance encounter with James Lipton, the longtime host of "Actors Studio".
Pat and I were having lunch at our favorite vegan eatery, Nature's Cafe in Palm Springs. While I was waiting for Pat to collect our order (no waitress/waiter service) I noticed that James Lipton had entered the restaurant with friends.
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| Pat waiting for our order at Nature's Cafe, Mr. Lipton and his friends came in that door to the right a few minutes after I took this picture. I didn't take a picture of them, respecting they privacy. |
I mentioned to Pat "There's James Lipton." Pat said "Who is James Lipton?" I told him that James Lipton was the longtime host of the PBS program Actors Studio. Pat wasn't aware of that program. Pat and I have a lot in common but I know a way lot more of celebrity, both Hollywood and New York, than Pat does. But then Pat knows way more music groups than I know. Vive la difference!
I excused myself and went over and introduced myself to Mr. Lipton. I tapped him on his shoulder, and as he turned I said to him that I was honored to meet him or something to that effect. He turned his head to acknowledge me and responded "You're going to ask me for an autograph are you?" I told him I wasn't and actually I wasn't. I don't ask for autographs of celebrities. I told him we had similar names. He replied "Oh." I only spent about a minute talking to him and left him and his friends to place their order for food. I am very careful when I encounter celebrities (which isn't that often) and invading their privacy. But I do feel a need to acknowledge them if the opportunity presents itself.
Later in the week I encountered Mr. Lipton again, when Pat and I were attending an event at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Mr. Lipton was there with the same group he was with at Nature's Cafe. He was attending a movie at the Camelot Theater. He was also wearing the same flowered shirt. I didn't say anything to him at that time, figuring I already bothered him enough. However, I did tell the counter clerk who Mr. Lipton bought popcorn from who Mr. Lipton was. The counter clerk didn't know him either.
Thus I was very surprised this week when I read in the paper that Mr. Lipton died. He seemed fine when I saw him in Palm Springs two weeks ago. Just more proof how fragile life is. You could be her today and gone tomorrow. A cliche for sure but this is one reason I visit Palm Springs. For most of my life I've put off taking trips, "doing things", waiting for that perfect time. Well, now folks it is the perfect time.
My time in Palm Springs with Pat, who is the perfect travel companion/buddy, is a realization of some of my lifelong dreams. I'll probably never move to Palm Springs full time but I do love visiting this oh so perfect location in the midst of winter. A dream come true.
Right now is the best of times folks. I don't know how much longer it will last but for now, I'm living and enjoying every moment, hour, day, week, month and year.
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| Pat and Ron in Palm Springs, 2020 |