15 Minutes

Fame?

Have I told this story?

Many years ago, my neighbor’s girlfriend stopped me on the street and asked if I had a wet suit.

“Yes.”

“Want to make $50?”

“Sure.”

“I’ve got a photographer coming from Houston to do some shoots to fill out his web site. He needs some old guys who look like they can still get it up. Show up at dawn on the beach, we’ll take some photos, give you fifty bucks, and you’ll be on your way”

Pretty weird explanation, but $50 is $50. In those days it would take Lacey and me to a pretty nice dinner.

I showed up. They took some photos. Gave me fifty bucks and I went home.

“Hey Lacey, I just made the easiest fifty bucks ever. We’re going out to dinner.”

I forgot all about it until, maybe a year later, a friend was driving on the I-5 in LA and saw this billboard.

Someone knowledgeable about that world explained that the photographer had sold the photo to a photo library, and people could use it for a fee to him.

The friend who took the photo of the billboard, wondered if I got a royalty when it was used. I explained that I had been paid fifty bucks and signed a release.

“Maybe you need an agent,” he said.

“What for? I got my fifty bucks, as promised.”

For a couple of years I kept getting emails from people, with photos of the countless ways that image had appeared. It was thrilling to be known as a shill for Forest Lawn cemetery, burial ground for the stars. Maybe even more so, someone sent me the little paper insert from a container of Metamucil, with the picture on it.

Then it went the way of all fame.

Dead people and constipated people, turning to my erstwhile image, for comfort.

Adventurous, Passionate, Prepared.

Who writes the copy for these things?

I’m so happy to have been here for this life. I could never have imagined how it has unfolded.