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12/07/2004: "Romance Heroes in Real Life"
Yesterday I went to my husband's ship's commissioning ceremony, which I SO didn't want to attend. The guests attending included senators, congressmen, mayors, admirals...a bunch of people I just didn't feel like schmoozing with. I'm not a schmoozer. Never have been.
But I sucked it up and went to play Officer's Wife. Thing is, it wasn't that bad. I took my camera and got lots of great photos of the two ships that were being commissioned, and of the ceremony. And oh, the food was awesome. My husband thinks I only went for the food. 
When I wasn't eating, I was taking pics, and I realized I was surrounded by inspiration for romance heroes. The officers participating wore their dress whites, complete with swords. Let me tell you, there were some HOT men in uniform yesterday. I made sure I got pics to post. 
Then there were the reporters. I've read romance novels with reporter hero and heroines, and some of these guys...yummy. Not sure if I got pics.
There was a handsome Mississippi senator. I got a picture of him, but he didn't float my boat. I mean, he was handsome. Dignified. Well-spoken and well-educated. But I dated a politician once, and the life just isn't for me. So I didn't waste a lot of film on him. You know who DID get a lot of pictures (besides the Coast Guard and Navy guys?)
The senator's goons. Yep. His plain-clothed, sunglass-clad, microphone-wearing, gun-toting thugs. They stood there, all serious and fierce-looking, just waiting for someone to make a wrong move. Naturally, I had to get pictures. But I had to do it covertly. You know...didn't want them to think I'm a weirdo taking pictures of goons, even if I am.
So I act all nonchalant, and when they noticed me trying to get pics, they'd move aside like they were in the way of the photo. In the way of what? That bumper of the Ford Expedition they were standing beside? Then they'd look all confused when I followed them with the camera eye so I could get a pic. I'm not sure what they thought of me. And when my husband figured out what I was doing, he just shook his head and said, "You know, I can introduce you to them. They'd let you get REAL pictures."
Oh. Hadn't thought of that. 
Anyway, my point is that I had all these guys around me. Guys so different, yet so perfect to write as heroes. The handsome, refined senator (who may be a complete slime, but as a hero, he could be a good guy,) the reporters who sometimes risk their lives for a story, the military guys who just look hot in uniform, and the thugs, who have a dangerous appeal.
The experience made me think about how I sit and dream up heroes, but how I don't often take them from personal everyday life. There are possiblilities all around us, but do we always see them? I think I'll try a little harder from now on.
And I'll post those pictures soon!
Yes, yes. Please post! 
Now you've got me thinking that I just might the next time I 'need' a hero. Hmm...
