Anecdote #27: As I mentioned in an earlier anecdote, I had the honor of being "governess" in the Boorman household for about a month while he was visiting NYC. John Boorman is an incredible director of films. Notably, The General, Excalibur, and the notorious 1972 thriller, Deliverance. On my first day John and I took his three children on a long walk to the park. I was obviously (and regrettably) star struck, and in gushing all my highest regards right to his face, I could hardly pay much attention, at all, to my 3 new charges.

Me, blathering excitedly, "I really love your films Mr. Boorman! I think my favorite would probably be The General.... but it's really hard to choose.... because.....Well,... Excalibur being so shadowy... AND colorful at the same time!"

His distracted response, "Ah, thank you, yes, right, well? yes, ...thank you, Ok."

But this is not the story to tell.

When we arrived at the park, I had to show him what a grand babysitter I was. I pulled out my best Haydee Freaking Poppins. With confidence I unbuckled strollers, got out juice boxes, and began the proper mysterious rapport you have with children you meet for the very first time. John decided, I guess, to begin a familiar conversation with his children to include me in their familial practice. He said to the three year old, "What does a cow say?" "Moo!" proudly said the young boy. "How about a kitty?" "Me-ew!", he exclaimed. "Now what does a dog say?" "Wurf!", spoke the boy. This whole time I was just waiting for the punch line, I mean my God!

Then it happened, John Boorman spoke one of the most prolific lines in film history, like an inside joke, just between us! "Now how’s about a pig?" Inside, I’m like, "Really? This is happening?!" when he finally says it, YES... "Squeal like a pig!" Of course, this completely inappropriate gesture at the time, was a gift just for me, and I was grateful.