By Bobbie Cimo
I think every girl growing up wishes she was like someone she has seen in the movies. Well, I was no exception to the rule. The moment I saw the original Gidget, starring Sandra Dee, I fell in with the character and with of course, her leading man, Moondoggie. Moondoggies have come and gone, but to me, nothing compares to the original one, James Darren. Or as his friends call him, Jimmy. Me, I just call him Gorgeous.
So in love with the movie, I named my first car “Gidgetâ€. Once, I had a puppy…well, you guessed it…I named her Gidget, too. But I think the most memorable thing I did, in honor of my idol, was when I asked my father to put my bicycle up on cement blocks, lifting the wheels off the ground, so I could balance my feet on the pedals and pretend I was on my very own surfboard, shooting the curls. By the way, did I mention I wasn’t a well-balanced child? .
As I was growing up, it saddened me when I grew past 5’2â€â€” because we all know Gidget was pint-size. We won’t even discuss the weight issue. Once on vacation in Hawaii, I tossed myself across a surfboard and asked a total stranger to take my picture. I don’t know what was more dangerous, taking a chance that the stranger could run off with my camera, or me falling in the ocean and unable to swim! Luckily, they both turned out okay.
Years later in Vegas, with camera in hand—they didn’t call me the Kodak Kid, for nothing—I happened into Caesar’s Palace, which was a top hangout for celebrities in its day. That particular night was no different. Everyone appearing in town was out to celebrate Tom Jones’ birthday. For those of you too young to know, Tom Jones was a young sexy singer who sang on stage while women tossed their undies to him. And in case you’re wondering— No, I was not one of them.
I was standing in the marble corridor, in front of a bank of elevators that led to the penthouse suites, when I looked up and saw Tom Jones and my very own Moondoggie coming towards me. James Darren AKA Moondoggie, looking more gorgeous in person that I could have imagined, and he couldn’t have been nicer when I asked if I could have my picture taken with him. What I remembered most, was that he held me tightly against his chest, as we posed together. Oh, and that my father referred to him as Bobby Darin to his face—which didn’t go over all that well, since Bobby Darin had just died a few months before. But Moondoggie was quick to forgive. I wish I could say I remember all of our conversation, but because I have a tendency to zone-out whenever I become overwhelmed, I can’t tell you what we talked about. All I know for sure is that the picture turned out beautifully and it’s proudly displayed in my office at home to this day.
James Darren went on to star in several TV shows, and even became a successful television director. In the last few years he has revived his singing career— recorded a new CD and began making personal appearances tours.
A few years back, when I heard he’d be appearing in Orange County, I decided to venture out to one of his performances. Not only did I have an excellent seat, but I managed to hook up with an aspiring Kodak Kid named Kim. From a younger generation then mine, she was just as in love with Moondoggie as I had been at her age. Kim offered to take a picture of me and Moondoggie as he signed my CD. Posing for the photo with him, I told him of my pictures from that night in Vegas. He said he had just been talking to Tom the night before and then he asked me if wouldn’t mind sending copies of the photos to him. Me refuse Moondoggie? Never!
I dug up my old pictures and found the negatives. But when I had them develop, I found they were as yellow as Bucky Beaver’s teeth before he used Ipana toothpaste. (This might be too old for our younger readers) After I had new negatives made from the original photos, I ended up spending $50.00! But, after all, it was for my idol!
I happily mailed the photos, but not before writing and rewriting the perfect note to go inside the packet. Several months passed without a word or a thank-you note. I worried that perhaps they had never reached him. Not only was I out $50.00, but my Moondoggie would probably think I had flaked out on him.
The following year of—2003, I think it was—I learned James Darren would be appearing at an outdoor concert at the Santa Monica Park. I dragged my sister along, insisting she had to see him in concert. He had gotten older, but looked just a delicious as he did in his youth. Again, I got an excellent seat. And after the concert was over, I went over to where he was signing autographs. I waited until nearly everyone had left before asking if he had remembered the pictures I had promised, and if he had gotten them. My heart sank when I heard him say, in a matter fact tone, “Yeah, I did get them.†Is that all he could say to me? But then he said, “Don’t go away. Can you wait a moment?â€
After he finished signing his last autograph, I went around the table to stand next to where he was seated. He turned and looked up at me. Then, in a most sincere voice, he said, “Thank you so much for sending those pictures to me.†I answered politely, “You’re welcome.†Just as I turned to walk away, Moondoggie got up from his chair and took hold of my hand and slowly pulled me near. In the fashion of a Gidget movie, he brushed his lips against mine…and sweetly kissed me on the mouth.
What could be more perfect but to be standing next to the Pacific Ocean, being kissed under the stars by Moondoggie? I’m almost certain if he had his fraternity pin, he would have asked me to wear it. Just like with Sandra Dee, I would have replied, “Oh-boy, would I!â€
And that’s how this Gidget finally got her Moondoggie.
Bobbie Cimo
OCC/RWA Program’s Director
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Great story,but then you have so many.
Andi
Bobbie, I love this! Every girl should get her “Moondoggie.”
Sandy
What a fantastic story! I smiled at the spots where you got on your bike and the surfboard, held my breath when Moondoggie grabbed your hand, and sighed happily when he kissed you. Thank you so much for sharing!
Sandra Paul
I loved it — see you are a natural stalker ….you’ve turned it into an art form since then….
Sandy
Really, really entertaining. Made me grin and, best of all, made me feel as if I was there right next to you.
Marie
Bobbie, I love reading your stories. You always make me laugh (and jealous, the way you hobnob with these fantastic guys!). Lucy had nuttin’ on you!
Sheila
What a nice story Bobbie and you did have me guessing what was going to happen next. Very nicely written! Such a wonderful memory you have, you lucky girl you! Cindy
Bobbie: Beautifully written and lots of fun to read! I’m glad Moondoggie didn’t disappoint you, like you tried to lead us to believe he might. I would have had to sic my 90 lb. puppy-dog Riley on him and have him lick Moondoggie until he apologized! Take care. 🙂 Connie
Well done Bobbie…I knew you could do it. I,too,wanted to be Gidget. Only I had red hair, never tanned and was taller than Sandra Dee when I saw the movie when I was 10 years old. I keep thinking if only my freckles would all blend together and then I wouldn’t be SO white. It’s so very cool that you got moondoggie, not once, but twice. A fantasy come to life. Kowabunga(?), Dude
THat’s so sweet, Bobbie!
— Louise
All I can say is Wow!! Moondoggie!!!
-Ger
You have such great star encounters, Bobbie. I love this one about Moondoggie. I also love the one about meeting Dean Martin! Who else do you have up on your wall at home?
Bobbi,
This is a great story. I smiled all the way thru. I remember Gidget. And yes, Moondoggie, in today’s terms was hunky! I’ve always loved James Darren and wondered what happened to him. Thanks for sharing. You’re one lucky girl!
Charlene
That’s so sweet. Couldn’t happen to a nicer girl. 🙂
Bobbie, what a fun story. How amazing you kept those pictures and were actually able to find them. I can’t find my bills, let alone something from my high school days!
I LOVE this story!!!
Thanks for sharing, Bobbie.
MIchele
(another Gidget fan)