9/26/09 Meeting with Murray Abraham

Luke had a childhood friend who became a movie star and won a oscar. So . . . when he came to Indy to star in ISO's gala: Copland's "Lincoln Portrait," Luke called and asked if he wanted to have coffee and a chat.

Luke wanted me to go with. Well, I was concerned about it being too much on a day when I had a lot of other chores to get done. Birthday related chores that had to be done today. Also I thought that it might be more fun for Luke to chat with his friend sans wife(me.) Luke invited Em because the actor and his wife had the same gyn as we did. At least one of his kids would be the same age as one of our kids. I thought it was Rain, who is in Conn at her sister-in-laws wedding; Luke thought it was Em.

Well I just decided to go. I was curious and I wanted to please Luke. So, I cut my chores, did not exercise, and I was ready--sipping my coffee--when Em came to pick us up. She works down town and she's used to driving downtown. It was also nice to have her with us.

The actor's name is M Abraham. Actually, Em and I didn't like him and weren't comfy in his company. I don't think he was comfy with us either.

Right from the start. I greeted him when he got into Em's car, but I didn't talk much. I would have had to twist and turn around. I thought. We'll talk in the restaurant. He made a sharp remark that I was too quiet. There was sarcasim in his voice. I didn't understand the judgement thing--I just met him. I know he's a movie star but . . . .

We parked underground. He opened the car door for me. I didn't know if Luke had mentioned the cane. I made a remark about being glad that I was alive--which I am. He got sharp again. He said we all have to face . . . I think he said . . . death. God. I was creeped out. I didn't say I was dying, just the opposite. Why was he so ugly with me. I just met him.

I don't care about a person's fame. Honestly, I've been around famous people all my life--so I'm not impressed. I don't like mean people; people who feel they have the right to judge you right away--just because they are famous.

We sat down at the restaurant. M said that he had already eaten and just wanted a drink. He got one of those things that look dry and have an olive in them. I love Palaminos. I like the decor and I like the food. Em and I got mushroom salads. The mushrooms were perfect with just a hint of garlic. The salad veggies were fresh. The iced coffee was good as well. I thought, maybe this guy is depressed or maybe he had a drink and didn't eat before he joined us. Or maybe he's just concieted and stuck up.

In an effort to warm things up, I brought up the one and only memory that I have of M when he was young and cute and very friendly. We went to the same gyn in NYC. For some reason Luke and I were looking at the name Janilie for the child we called Rain. M called his daughter, Janilie. When we talked about that M actually smiled.

Later he told us that his wife has M.S. and can't travel with him anymore. They have been married almost as long as we have. Maybe he's depressed about that? Probably he is. Also, he drinks. He admits it. He just looked so unhappy.

I thought. Here's a man who has made a world famous career and has tons of $$$$. He's making a new movie. He has homes in Italy and NYC and maybe somewhere else as well.

But the only thing I saw him light up about is his 7 year old granddaughter who lives close to him in NYC. He says that she loves him and when he says that he lights up.

Finally, M leaves Palaminos and we get to leave as well. I don't feel to hug him.

Em drops us off at home. She's going to a wedding and has to rush.

I am really, really tired. I feel ickk. I have to ask Luke to help me pick up his bday present and his cake. I thought this will work out. He can see his HD t.v. at Best Buy and then make up his own mind--does he like it or not? Well he was thrilled like I knew he would be. When he saw it visions of sports games danced in his head. He was thrilled, and I was thrilled.

Then we drove out to Taylors Bakery. My fav bakery in Indy. I want one of their amazing oatmeal raisin cookies. Luke and I will share so it won't have mega calories. After I eat my half of amazing Taylor's cookie, I feel like my energy is coming back to me.

No. I'm not sorry that I spent time with M. It was interesting, and I suported Luke. I'll be thinking about the expereince for awhile.