Don’t confuse fame with success.
Madonna is one, Helen Keller is the other.
Erma Bombeck
“I’d love to watch Pippin!” my husband said and I pretend not to hear–quietly thrilled to get a birthday gift idea straight from the horse’s mouth. His parents used to take him to watch all the original Broadway productions in his teens. It was like coming full circle dragging our own teens–wondering “Who/What is Pippin?”–to watch this revival of a young man’s search for fulfillment and happiness. For who wants to be famous? Apparently every human with the urge to eat and procreate.
My favorite characters in the show include the grandmother who drops her old crone cape for a trapeze act with a muscle man, the stepmother who artfully insists that even a queen is just another housewife and mother “Just like all you housewives and mothers out there!”, and the not so young widow who lets herself be bullied by the narrator, aware she’s getting old and can easily lose the part.
Ah, the yearnings of youth… the hankering for excitement and success that always remains a distant mirage! As we grow older yet continue to feel the occasional pangs of such longing, what do we tell those who miss the point of a grand finale stripped off fancy glitter and spectacular fireworks?
And what’s great about being less than famous?
1. You can be yourself–or explore your many selves–without worry if your choices fit the persona you’re supposed to be selling.
2. You’re not a commodity that’s hostage to arbitrary social rules and trends.
3. Your friends still like you even if you don’t tweet, post, comment, share, like,… at all.
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xoxox
© Sharon Birke
201 697 1947
Glamour Portraits of the Goddess in Every Wife & Mother
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Oct 13, 2013 @ 11:01:33
What will Sharky have to say about apples?; I thought to myself as I had a quick peak at the blog title. Then later when I was able to finish reading, I was on the same page with the kids, I had no clue! We discover each day, something new.
4. You may not have an opportunity to become a “ROYAL PAIN IN THE B—” , like J.B., think about it, it will come to you.
Mountain
Oct 15, 2013 @ 10:14:16
Ha! My teens have an amazing ability to be exactly that minus the fame.
Oct 15, 2013 @ 22:57:57
LOL! Hopefully never to that degree. 🙂