Arnold & Me!
When Barbara Baker met Arnold Schwarzenegger in the late 1960s, the encounter sparked a loving, exhilarating relationship that would last several years.
The close-up experience prompted Baker, a Thousand Oaks resident and Moorpark College English professor, to write a book about the time she spent with the 22-year-old Austrian who is now California's governor.
"Arnold and Me: In the Shadow of the Austrian Oak" was published by Author House last September.
Baker will host a "Discussion and Signing" event at the Barnes & Noble in the Promenade in Westlake Village at 7 p.m. Mon., Jan. 29.
The book describes two totally different people who succeeded in life despite their differences. Schwarzenegger surpassed his dreams while Baker learned to cherish life on life's terms.
Baker found Schwarzenegger to be a unique 22-year-old: He was funny, focused and confident; he seemed to be a born leader. Despite the differences in their cultural backgrounds and temperaments, they enjoyed talking and spending time together.
Baker fell in love with him, and for six years she was devoted to helping him pursue his goals. Schwarzenegger was a strong person inside and out; he had amazing insight and undeniable charisma, she said. He displayed both tenderness and a zest for life.
While he wanted to go wherever bodybuilding would take him, she hoped to marry him and have his children. When it became obvious that Schwarzenegger wasn't looking for a wife and family, Baker decided it was time to move on.
"The journey post-Arnold was demanding because his presence was everywhere," Baker said.
Although it was hard to find another man who would measure up to her former love, after three unsuccessful marriages, Baker met her current husband, John Baker. He's not intimidated by her past and the fact that she continues to think of Arnold Schwarzenegger as a friend, and the two plan to move to Texas this summer, she said.
For more information about Baker and her book, visit ArnoldAndMe.com.
Global Arnold Staff
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