Remember the journal I posted a while back about the time I met Nathan Lane?

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/1370144/

It occurred to me that I never went into the actual details of my brief conversation with him. So for anyone interested, I'm going to lay it out here. First, keep in mind a few facts:

1) I was recovering from a slipped disc and still in pain
2) Nathan had just finished a stage performance and was undoubtedly tired
3) I was extremely nervous

---

After the show I was led backstage, along with my father and fiancee. There we waited for about 20 minutes. The whole time, I was lost in my own excitement and worries. Would he be happy to see me? Would I make a lasting impression? Would he like the drawing I made for him? Would I make a fool of myself? I thought back to something told to me about Nathan's take on meeting fans: "He enjoys it, but for god's sake don't just stand there and gawk -- say something. Make it count." I silently wished that my father hadn't asked to come backstage as well -- there were things I wanted to say that I just couldn't be comfortable saying around him, and ended up omitting as a result.

Eventually Nathan came down, freshened up and prepared for the bitter cold weather with a coat and a Yankees cap.

Nathan (to our escort): "Is this them?"

Me (shaking Nathan's hand): "Mister Lane, its such a pleasure and a privilege to meet you."

Nathan: "Thank you, its nice to meet you."

Me, after introducing my father and fiancee: "I've enjoyed your performances for sixteen years..."

At this point, my mouth stayed open and nothing would come out. For about 5 seconds my mind went into a panic. Nathan seemed mildly amused by my struggle to find my words again. He gave me a hopeful look as if to say "C'mon, you were doing well!", and this actually helped me get back on track.

Me: "...and during that time I've come to admire and respect you, both as an artist and a person."

Nathan: "Well thank you. Thank you very much."

Me: "I don't want to take up too much time, because you're probably tired and I've got a slipped disc--"

Nathan: "Oh geez!"

Me: "But I wanted to give you something that I made for you."

Taking out two differently-sized copies of the picture I had drawn, I handed them to him. There really wasn't much difference between the two.

Nathan (smiling and nodding): "This is very nice. Er, which one should I take?"

Me: "Whichever one you like. One has better borders."

Nathan (stifling a laugh): "Better borders?"

I wanted to say, "In case you wanted to frame it." but I felt that would sound pretentious. I chose for him, putting it back in the envelope before giving it back. I would have to just hope that it wouldn't end up staying in there forever.

After that, he gave a couple of autographs, and before parting ways I shook his hand, thanking him once again for his time and encouraging him to keep doing what he does best.

So slightly awkward on my part, and I had so much I wanted to tell him and had so many questions to ask. But I managed to tell him at least some of my feelings. I feel lucky to have been able to do that much. I still kick myself for not asking for a photograph, though. :P