“I’ve never fooled anyone. I’ve let people fool themselves. They didn’t bother to find out who and what I was. Instead they would invent a character for me. I wouldn’t argue with them. They were obviously loving somebody I wasn’t.”
– Marilyn Monroe
I’ve never been a Marilyn Monroe fan. It’s not that I disliked her, or even thought her talentless. In fact, she was pretty good in Some Like it Hot. I’ve just never been one of those people to be star-struck I guess. I’ve been poet-struck, humanity-struck, philosophy-struck and even love-struck at times in my life, however I’ve never really “gotten” the star-struck phenomenon.
Although when I was wondering around Palm Springs alone last Friday afternoon before heading home I found myself confronted with a 26 feet tall Marilyn statue. Essentially the artist turned her into an amazon – larger than life. Originally I was simply captivated by the photo opportunity but after arriving back at my hotel to pack my things I began wondering what it was about her, besides her look, that held so many people, including the artist who sculpted the statue, in such awe. I spent some time while home researching the buxom blonde a bit more and found that although she was a stunner to look at, she also seemed to have a brain as well, which I respect.
In fact, the quote above seems suited for many people – myself included. I find that when people actually take the time to get to know me – not what perceive me to be – but really know me – I often hear, “I had no idea you were an artist, write poetry, like to… [insert word here]” Sadly, some of those people have been part of my life for years.
This amazon woman, standing 26 feet tall in the bedazzled and bejeweled city of old Palm Springs perhaps should have a small plaque beside her gigantic foot that begs the question – Who do you really know?
One Street Shy 
This post really represents the way in which I have come to know you these last few months that I have been following my blog. You are never set in stone – here you take a person you’ve not ever really been struck by and then you challenge that opinion and you go on a little journey of investigation, which ends in a lovely insight. You are a wonderful wandering soul. I love it! Have a lovely Christmas and ‘see you’ in the New Year xx
What a wonderful compliment. Thank you very much.
It’s funny, but sometimes I think I’m going to write about one thing (for instance, I was originally going to write about an art studio I found in old Palm Springs as well as it’s owner) and before I know it, my mind takes an entirely different path and a completely different piece appears.
I hope you have an amazing Christmas as well. I look forward to reading all about it! Many warm wishes your way 🙂
I like the way your message flows clearly from you post. Something you do so well…very nicely done my friend! I really liked it!
Well thanks Wendell. I’ve been quite neglectful in my writing as of lately. Hope all is well and you are enjoying the holiday season. Enjoy!
gabrielablandy’s comment leaves not much room to comment on this post. So I guess all I can do is say that you nailed it. A nail that cut through appearances, first impressions, and assumptions, and which hole let air and light in the drawer where Ms Monroe was locked in your personal cabinet. The final hammer blow of your work being, ” Who do you really know?”
Well….it’s true, no? Who do we really know?
Thank you for the lovely comment, Antonio.
It is indeed true.
You’re welcome. And if you ever come and vist Lisbon, maybe we can meet for a coffee or a cocktail. Let me know!
oh most certainly.