It was a welcoming alternative to what would be a blah Tuesday night. B invited me along to a networking function hosted by Matchbox Pictures at their office in The Rocks.
Very glam for this Mama.
Alongside Performance 4a (an organisation supporting Asian Australian performers, writers and directors), the topic of discussion was “Diversity on Screen.”
Guest speaker was Benjamin Law, author, columnist and all round funny, cool guy.
Having read his books as well as participating in his ‘How to be a Freelance Writer’ workshop at the NSW Writers Centre to say I’m a huge fan of Ben’s is an understatement.
So, it was all a bit too much for my fan girl crush when immediately stepping out of the elevator, there he was right in front of me.
“Hi, I’m Ben,” he flashed a pleasant, warm smile, shaking my hand.
“Hi, I’m Ben…” I found myself echoing.
Hi, I’m Ben??!
What the?
“Grace! I mean, my name’s Grace!”
For someone who likes to think she’s – for the most part – socially capable (I don’t have parsley between my teeth, right?) and has managed many public speaking engagements for up to audiences of 200 plus, I was horrified.
Boom, crash…starstruck!
Desperately trying to salvage my dignity, I started rambling about how I loved attending his workshop (swoon).
“Oh yes, I thought you looked familiar!”
Ben was so polite and sweet to ignore my stupid blunder.
Back in the all clear zone and hopefully no longer suspected that I was a complete weirdo, I added that, thanks to him and the workshop, I had my first article published.
Again, he was extremely gracious (swoon, swoon) and said how much he loved helping people become writers.
Soon after he proceeded to introduce me to his friend.
“This is Grace. She’s a writer”
Benjamin Law just introduced me as a writer. Wow. Could this Tuesday get ANY better?
And it did.
For all the guffaws and the amount of swooning fit for a herd of One Direction fans, Benjamin Law indulged me in a photo. How perfect is that one eyebrow raise? (Swoon, swoon, swoon).
Best blah Tuesday night. Ever.
Are you a Benjamin Law fan? Ever been starstruck? Ever introduced yourself as the person who just introduced themselves to you? Am I the only idiot out there who masters in social faux pas?
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Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
LOL
I’ve never introduced myself as anyone but me. But my daughter introduced herself as me once. She is so used to me speaking first when were are in a group situation that she gave herself my name instead. Funny.
Glad you recovered and got some good swooning in!
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Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life says
I’ve said similar things so often when I’ve met someone I admire! I’m not sure why but I do get very flustered and tongue tied when I meet anyone even vaguely famous.
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Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
Sounds fabulous. I haven’t got my name wrong (yet) but can faux pas like a boss and am the Queen of Social Blunders. Looks like an uber great night!
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JodY At Six Little Hearts says
Hilarious blunder Ben! …I mean, Grace!
Glad someone else does these slip-ups too. 😄
Sadly, I have never heard of Ben! There are so many famous peeps these days that I just can’t keep up.
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Amy @ handbagmafia says
Classic! I would do the same- Ben Law is amazing!
Amy @ handbagmafia recently posted..Undies. Period Undies.
Kathy Kruger says
Cool night Grace – and maybe it because of your little slip-up that you got those fan-girl moments. He sounds like a genuinely nice guy. I got to chat with Li Cunxin not long after he wrote his book Mao’s Last Dancer that became a movie too, and of course with our China connection it was pretty special. Now that he;s Director of Queensland Ballet we saw him again backstage briefly after a performance and my ballet girl is crushing.
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Lydia C. Lee says
I have to admit I don’t know Ben Law (but the name and face are familiar) but I follow Daniel Dae Kim on twitter and he often points out the lack of diversity on the screens – and it’s interesting how much we don’t notice because Hollywood and TV wash it out….off to google Ben Law
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..Reflection
Vicki @ Knocked Up & Abroad says
I always f*@k up what I’m saying around moderately famous, cool people. Like as if I meet them all the time but I used to work in the acting industry pre Vicklets so often I would meet someone of note and sound like a real loser, no one. I guess ‘cos I was but still I liked to pretend ya know? It’s a fun buzz when you meet someone like that though isn’t it? Not bad for a Tuesdee evening xx
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Sarah @sarahdipity says
Well now that is very cool!
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Eva @ The Multitasking Woman says
I honestly haven’t heard of Ben but that is very cool! I also love a good networking function!
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Raychael Case says
Never heard of him. I clearly need to get out more. I honestly can’t remember the last time I was starstruck either.
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Natalie @ Our parallel connection says
Feel bad but I haven’t heard of him Grace but anyone who can make you turn from a confident woman to a man in minutes, must be good.
Natalie @ Our parallel connection recently posted..To every mother with girls
Ai Sakura says
Wow I totally get it.. that’s the way I felt when I met all the blogging rockstars at my first PBevent!!! ;p So happy for you and you should just frame that photo, provided Mr Surfer doesn’t get too jealous hahahah
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Deborah says
We all like to think we’d be very cool and calm but I’m sure I’d totally be fangirl-ing as well.
I’ve had a few encounters with famous people and not done anything TOO embarrassing but later wondered if I’d been a bit try-hard-ish!
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Brenda says
You funneh. hehehe.
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
Naw that’s so cute and FUNNY!!!!! So happy for you my fellow writer!! xx
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sarah@tomfo says
Hi I’m Ben!
I had to reread that twice to see what was wrong….
obviously,
I would have said the exact same thing.
You, my girl are a very funny writer, thanks just made my night and reminded me it’s red wine o’clock x
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Kimba Likes says
Who doesn’t love Ben Law? So funny, so talented, so thought provoking And now that I know he is generous and sweet too? Love him even more.
I never remember anyone’s name. I remember their IG handle or their dog or their kid. It’s awkward.
Melissa {Suger} says
Ooooo, so jealous. Looks like a fun night, Ms Writer. 😉 x
Emily says
I luuuuurve him and probably would have made an idiot of myself. I remember making an idiot of myself when I met James O’Loughlin. Thank goodness I held it together when I met David Astle, because I’ve seen him again a few times since!
So glad you had a fab time x
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