How many times have you ever watched a show on TV and thought, “Wow, I’d really love to meet the cast!”
Back in 1991, I had that very thought about The Young Riders. Aside from the fact that I was 20, with hormones raging, I just really thought it would be neat to meet the stars of a show that I loved. Every week faithfully, I would watch my favorite show all the way to the end credits and I happened to notice something. The credits were kind enough to note something along the lines of—Filmed live in Mesa and Old Tuscon, Arizona. How handy, thanks!
My parents kind of understood that once an idea (no matter how far-fetched or crazy) enters into Diane’s mind it kind of gets lodged there. They understood that I was going to find a way to go, so they decided to become a part of it. My father was nominated to go along with me for my 4 day crazy weekend and I payed all the expenses out of my waitressing money.
We flew out to Tuscon, Arizona, found a cheap-o hotel and geared up for the adventure. We drove out to Mesa and it literally was one stoplight and stone roads. Not an exciting way to start. Along the one road we found the live set of where they filmed……unapproachable. A giant truck was leaving the set so we decided to follow it. It actually headed back towards our hotel. We followed along and one exit away from our hotel exit it got off and entered a small warehouse district. It lead us right to where the show was filming indoors. My dad and I went in and just stood around trying to look casual. A couple of the stars brushed by us including Stephen Baldwin who we watched jump up and down letting out yelps of delight. Apparently, he had gotten some really good news and was excited! We hung out for an hour or so and decided we’d better leave before we were impolitely escorted out.
Our next stop was Old Tuscon. This is a famous tourist attraction/movie set that is used periodically by westerns that need a place to shoot. Through a series of events, I ended up meeting Alex, a lighting guy on the set, who took pity on my situation. I gave him our sob story of how my Dad and I came from NY and wanted to meet the cast. Because I was there with my dad and not a bunch of screaming, crazy girls, he let us into a closed set being filmed. I met Josh Brolin who looked like the perfect “Marlboro Man” cigarette ad and he was kindly gracious. Then the director noticed me and asked me my story. He was also impressed with my determination. He took a tiny chair and set it next to the two giant director chairs right up close to the action. I literally held my breath when they said “quiet on the set, rolling” and let it out at “cut.” It was truly exciting and something I will never forget. We also were invited to a local lounge to hang out with the cast afterwards, but my dad didn’t want me to look “easy and sleazy”.
So there you have it, another piece to the “Diane really is crazy” puzzle! I know at some point in time, one or both of my kids will come to me with the most far-fetched idea imaginable, and I will be the one going with them to the ends of the earth. How about you, any crazy stories from your past that you’d like to share? Can I truly be the only one who does these types of things????
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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello! Saw this blog at Wendy’s place and have to say, I LOVE IT! Especially the post about releasing the pain, the tension.
Hmmm. Scenes from my past? They’ve been woven into my books.
A rather humorous one my daughter keeps bringing to the forefront. After hard rains, I scurry to the front yard and save worms swollen from the surge of water. Just can’t stand to see all the puffy and limp remains on my driveway!!! Worms help the soil!!!
Blessings, and hope to see you at my place!
Patti
I hate worm season. It is sad and gross!
Good for you! I’ve never followed a whim before- you are a woman of adventure! Beautiful memories that will live on- I bet your dad cherishes that adventure too.
How great of your parents to support you in your adventures!! And how great that you go through with what you are determined to do…even fly across the country for ‘just a chance’!
You inspire me, Diane!
Can’t wait to hear what your own kids come up with…
That is so cool! Determination is an awesome gift. I have to keep remembering that with my own little 2 year old. And I thought his older brother was determined… Haha!
I don’t even remember that show. I’m losing more and more memories as I get older! So what was Stephen Baldwin’s good news?
No idea. A job maybe.
You are a go-getter! What a cool story. Something to remember always. That must have been so much fun. Wish I had something that interesting to share. I guess I’ll smile vicariously thinking of your adventures Diane. Any more adventures planned??
Diane, that is so cool! Your parents were wonderful to do that for you, without making you feel foolish about it. I hope to be as supportive of my kids should they get crazy ideas like that.
What a great story! I will have to tell you about my being an extra in the movie Mannequin sometime.
Dish girl!
I have known you for almost 10 years and I have never heard this story. That is way cool that your dad took you. I also know that you will take your kids anywhere too.
I can’t say I have an adventure like you. I know that my parents gave up putting a deck on their house so that I could go to France with my classmates when I was in High School.
I’m sure you have secrets tucked away too :O)
I love this about you, that once you get an idea in your head it lodges there until you DO it. You are tenacious–a perfect quality for a successful writer. Yes!
A funny story from my past? Oh dear. I once forgot my name while answering the switchboard at a bank where I worked. I found it hilarious, but the caller wasn’t amused. Some people have no sense of humor!
What a great dad you have, to do that with you!! That is very exciting!
I have met Stephen Baldwin…ok, “met” is a strong word. He was talking to my husband and keeping him from noticing me at the airport the night the missions team was returning from a 2 week stint in Brazil. Ok, “talking to” isn’t quite right as he was just patiently listening to my husband talk to him.
Oh yes, I saw who my man was talking to…but star struck or not, it had been 2 weeks since his arms had held me, so move over Mr. Baldwin! hee hee ACTUALLY…Mr. B was very nice. My husband’s back was turned towards me so Stephen, seeing me looking excitedly impatient, pointed at me and said “I think she’s here for you.”
Very cool, Miss Diane!…but not as cool as a homemade pie. Mmmm-Mmmm good!!
He came to our chuch once and is a decent guy.
How fun that you got to make a dream come true and that your dad joined you for your adventure.
Ack! How exciting!!! I wish I had that extra bit of backbone at times. Sounds like it’s something you will never forget. Plus, you just sound like someone who would be really fun on a road-trip!
Oh, I am!
You are an adventurer, aren’t you! Great story! Your dad sounds pretty cool, too!
What a cool story!
This is great!! What an awesome story!
That’s awesome. Especially the easy and sleazy part. I think I posted most of my crazy stories on my blog last week. Though I’m sure there are more if I thought real hard about it.
Nice! What fun you had, huh?
How cool of your Dad to do that! Seriously.
Oh man, every day I live is a crazy one. My college roommate (who was also a travel agent – lucky me)and I up and went to LA to stay with a guy friend she hadn’t talked to in years, and his 3 roommates (also guys) at the time (I was 21) I thought – oh how exciting! But now I think back – OMG I didn’t know them at all – what were we thinking. We had a blast – I mean – totally awesome, stories to tell the kids – okay maybe not all of it – blast. So ya never know, unless you take chances!
Great story Diane ;o)
I can’t believe you never told me this story!! I would have been WAAAAYYY nicer to you all this time if I had known you had a “Hollywood in” p.s. you really are crazy. love you, though.
You are totally hard core. I’ve never done anything that crazy.
When my husband and I were in college we were out driving to the grocery store one afternoon and we decided to just keep driving and stay the night at a tourist town 6 hours away. We didn’t even pack anything. That was kind of crazy.
Cool!