Rubbing Elbows with the Kennedys

Yesterday Tom called me and said, "Guess who's going to be at Dutton's book store in Beverly Hills doing a book signing tomorrow?" When he answered "Caroline Kennedy," I knew then nothing could keep me away.


James with Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg. (10/17/2005)

After all, it's not exactly every day that you get to meet the last surviving child of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier (Kennedy Onassis). So when an opportunity like this presents itself, you simply must jump at it ... even if it does mean driving in the rain for two hours to get to Beverly Hills (it's only an hour in good driving conditions).


Books compiled by Caroline Kennedy. (10/17/2005)

Tom came with me, naturally. He is the only person I know who would be as excited as I am to meet one of the Kennedys. We got to the bookstore with 15 minutes to spare. There was already a line, so we quickly purchased our books and got in it.


Yep, that's me with JFK's daughter. (10/17/2005)

I couldn't see Caroline from the end of the line, but we did spot her husband, noted exhibit designer Ed Schlossberg. I was hoping to see some of their kids (JFK and Jackie's only grandkids), but I don't think they were traveling with her on this book tour. School is in session this time of year.


Caroline Kennedy, with James at left. (10/17/2005)

The book she was promoting is called "A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children." The book even contains a few poems written by her amazing mother.


My book signed by Caroline Kennedy. (10/17/2005)

We were still in line, about five people away from getting our book signed when things took an an amazing turn. It was at that moment that Caroline Kennedy's cousin — one Maria Shriver Schwarzenegger — walked into the store. Tom spotted her before I did and said to me, "There's Maria Shriver!"


James & Maria Shriver Schwarzenegger. (10/17/2005)

I thought he was pulling my leg, like he always does with his faux celebrity sightings. He replied "On my honor dude, that was seriously her." At that point, I couldn't contain my enthusiasm. That's two Kennedys for the price of one!


Look out Arnold, Tom is making a move on your wife. (10/17/2005)

First was Caroline, who like her mother, was very gracious and polite (and also somewhat guarded). She signed both our books and even personalized them for us (most of the time she would simply sign her name). Then afterward, we approached Maria Shriver who was talking with Ed Schlossberg and asked if we could take our pictures with her.


Caroline Kennedy signs books. (10/17/2005)

And like a good politician's wife, she was all over it. She was definitely more outgoing than her cousin, but I guess you have to be when you're the First Lady of our great state.


My poetry book signed by Caroline Kennedy. (10/17/2005)

By the time we left the store, Tom and I were high-fiving each other. All in all this event delivered like dominoes. I was so glad I was there.