If I were to say BOD to you, in the context of being a fan, would it mean anything?
If not you’re not a rugby fan. The initials stand for Brian O’Driscoll one of the best players of the last 30 years, an Irishman of much talent and a splendid commentator and analyst.
On Friday, Dog and I have finished a walk and I’ve popped into a local cafe to buy two cheese straws for The Textiliste and myself. As I stand in a queue of two I see this profile, then hears this voice. It is BOD somehow sitting having a coffee just a few yards to my right.
Apart from staff there were maybe 3 other people in the cafe in addition to BOD and his companions.
Now, I’ve never been a collector of autographs or taker of selfies but I’ve had so much enjoyment watching this man play a sport I love, I was instantly drawn to the idea… maybe… this time…
I’m the archetype of a pale stale male and I have no clue of the etiquette. Obviously be polite and accept a rebuff but should I even contemplate this. in short, would approaching him, dribbling my hero worship merely single me out as an ineffectual tosser.
I sat outside, having bought a coffee I didn’t need. I tried a selfie over my shoulder but merely captured my ear and the bread stand.
In the end I gave up, satisfying myself that I’d shared a modicum of space with him.
But really I know I missed a trick. I just didn’t know which trick I’d missed.
TanGental 
I think on the whole it’s best to leave people alone, as you did. It’s wonderful to have encountered him so treasure that 😊, you haven’t missed a trick. Anyway, suppose he had actually rebuffed you? Would have made you cringe for years after!
These people have a sixth sense that someone’s clocked them, so I expect he was grateful you let him be.
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Yes that last point is very apt. He probably accepts it when he’s at a match but it may well bug him otherwise
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What trifflepudling said.
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Seconded. 🙂
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I once sat opposite Rob Andrew on an intercity table seat from Newark to Kings Cross. I felt it only right to leave him be.
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I worked with him. He could be an a***
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Surely a requirement of a top class player. Perhaps as well I didn’t attempt to engage him.
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Maybe. And maybe being high profile in another area (he was a commercial letting agent or similar when I crossed him) meant it was protective
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Good job you didn’t. That was my nephew Herbert!
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Now who knew. Do let Herbert know of his lucky escape
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Most of the time these “stars” are more than happy to have a picture taken. Except of course H and M.
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Natch! They need their privacy. I think I’m glad I held back.
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Your dignity is intact, and you have a lovely memory. Well done, Geoff.
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Thank you John. My dignity does take a bit of a pounding
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😀 I’m sure the ear and bread stand looked great.
I’ve done the same thing. They’re just a person, after all, and maybe want to enjoy their breakfast in peace.
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There’s where I came out. I got amoment in ‘the presence’ so I’ll take my thrills vicariously
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And now you have a wonderful story to share. 🙂 P.S I would have done the same thing.
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Thanks for the boost. I’m happy in retrospect
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Definitely the right thing. It must be weird being famous and having everybody checking you out all the time. Fortunately I will never know for sure!
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Me too. Anonymity has its pluses!
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Some celebs like to be recognized and others don’t – I generally give them a thumb’s up and smile.
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That’s nice. I’ll remember that.
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Oh! Geoff really … Too much English in you ! You should of just asked …
Even a rebuff would of been better than nothing…you could dine out on a rebuff! I am sure he’d of been only too pleased to oblige.. so next time …if there’s ever one put on your big boy pants and ask!
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I’m still not sure that’s really me. I think on balance I’m happy with remaining coy
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Ah! Bless you 💜💜💜
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It is easy to make a fool of yourself on these occasions so I expect that you chose the right course.
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I think so too.
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Oh, dear. You did miss a trick. I suspect, though, that I’d be like you.
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I’m glad looking back. I could easily have made a tit of myself
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I once asked Gordon Lightfoot for his autograph in a bar where he was having a drink with some of his bandmates. He said he’d rather not as he just wanted a quiet drink and if he gave me his autograph, others would want one. He was very nice about it. I said I understood and thanks for the great music. When we left the bar, I looked over at him and he smiled and winked. That was better than any old autograph!
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Yes I indeed. Experiences are always better than stuff!
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