Dehumanizing Hollywood

  This morning I had my coffee, got the kids off to school, and went online to pay some bills. Yay. Once a week my morning ritual consists of paying bills and once I'm finished, I troll breaking news or Hollywood gossip. There, I said it! I look at "news" in Hollywood such as who is divorcing or separating, who is on what show, who is gay, what stars are wearing, etc. The subject matter is endless. I read things such as the Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom split, or George Clooney allegedly "smack" talking some other actor. I find it fascinating and ridiculous at the same time. Why should I really care about these alleged incidences in someone else's lives? I mean, whether Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr split doesn't concern me. It's not as if I am privy to their reasons or that I am a shoulder for either one of them to cry upon. George Clooney supposedly had a beef with Russell Crowe and Leonardo Dicaprio. I don't care. But before anyone can judge me for reading it, I'll admit that yes I did and it was my choice, why am I reading it? Why are we so fascinated with famous people? 
  When I watch a movie, I am simply watching it for entertainment purposes. I either like a film or I don't. It's that simple. What they are wearing or stories such as "stars without make-up" seem so silly to me. I want to know real things like hearing about success stories, how a person began acting, why they began acting or modeling, what that first feeling of knowing you "made it" must feel like. Acting is a career choice driven by the love and passion for the arts that many successful actors have made it, pursued with passion and perseverance, and succeeded in. 
  So much media seems to zone in on how an actress can't walk in her heels, or another actress is in rehab again. Comedy shows goof and make fun of them, make jokes at their expense, and basically verbally assault them while people laugh. Really when you think about it, it's disturbing. For example, It is solely my opinion but, take Lindsay Lohan. She is a beautiful young actress who has had many troubles. Why has she had them? All joking aside, she didn't get to the point she is at all on her own! The stress of her career at a young age. Could that have played a role? It is food for thought. Does anyone ever think about the first moment in which she saw a derogatory comment about herself? How old was she? Where was she? Was she alone? How did she handle it? No one thinks about that because it would make her human.
  Sometimes I will see pictures of stars from the past week. Some of them holding their children. Were they asked permission to photograph their children? I know that when I sign my daughters up for an activity in our town, I have to sing a waiver for them to be photographed or not for the newspaper or other news media. Yet, actors/actresses walk into a store or go to the playground with their kids and are photographed. Strange. I find myself annoyed and disgruntled that children are photographed. They did not ask to be in the picture. Just saying. Even pictures of famous people out and about. The caption will say something about their hat or how they are at a basketball game. Does anyone notice their facial expressions? Do they always look thrilled to have their picture taken? 
  It seems that society is fascinated with the rich and famous because they are untouchable, beautiful, and world wise. It is probably a wonderful experience to jet set, visit many places, and to be able to meet so many people, wear designer clothing, win awards. It is the unknown for us and it is intriguing. I get it. Once in a while it would be nice to see a picture that was allowed and not secretly snapped or read an interview about someone's favorite breakfast or what their favorite Christmas present was as a child. A real interview. A real snap shot. No artifice.
  I remember a long time ago, before children, I went to New York City. I stood in a long line at Starbucks for a coffee. I was getting antsy, moving back and forth and looking around. When I turned around in the line I made eye contact with the man directly behind me, someone who was/still is very famous. He was wearing a hat low on his head and glasses. I stared briefly and in that very short moment I swear I could read from him hesitance. A "please don't out me in front of others" type of look. I simply turned around in line and waited my turn. Briefly I thought to myself, who gives a shit about him, ask for an autograph. Who cares if he's just trying to get a latte or some other shit. At that moment I thought to myself, I have my pride and I'm not going to make a fool out of myself right now. I did that for myself, not for him. Don't get me wrong, it ate at me for a little while. It wasn't the time or the place and he was not inviting attention at the time and I respected it. It didn't mean he was a jerk or unapproachable. It just meant not right now. Sometimes the power of observation really is a powerful thing, which came in handy at that moment. I also realized that for a split second I didn't care what he thought and was going to "out him" anyway. Where is the respect in that? If I enjoy his acting, why would I be such a douche bag to him in person? Crazy and interesting thoughts.
  This is just a rant from someone who is extraordinarily ordinary and sure, I have favorite actors and actresses or writers. Yes, I would love to meet some of them or talk to them, but I'm a realist. I also treasure my anonymity because it is something that we all take for granted. Yes, many famous people knew what they signed up for, but that shouldn't be an excuse to exploit and disrespect any of them. They still are, just human.

Mother Nature's Psych Issues

Dear Mother Nature,
  I know it has been a long time since we have spoken. You seem angry this year, what with all the snow, wind, and cold here in New England. I haven't wanted to upset you any further but, the fact is, I think that it was time you see someone for your anger issues. These long and cold winters are doing a number on everyone, and I think on you too. Maybe some Prozac or Zoloft? I think a nice, sunny, flower filled Spring is in order and you might feel better. I mean, Father Time has contributed with his early "Spring forward" and all. Don't you think it is time you spread some warmth and happiness? Maybe you need to vent. I understand that. Everyone does from time to time, but enough is enough! I really don't want to have to go full scale intervention but I will if I have to. I don't mean to revert to threats, so no need for a flash flood or anything. Don't you want to wear sandals and keds again? Get a pedicure?
  I know you have a job to do. Four seasons a year is a lot of work, especially when you don't have a whole lot of help. We all know Father Time is slow as shit, everything takes him at least 24 hours (you know it's true, Father Time). Then you got those other freaks like the Easter Bunny, working for a couple of weeks and sugaring everyone up. And not for nothing but, your freaking huge and frightening, Easter Bunny! I saw Donnie Darko, not cute and fluffy!
 Santa Claus is just to busy and overwhelmed. The elves need to be monitored constantly because they party way too much, and let's face it, He's not exactly in the best shape. Way too many cookies and his cholesterol is super high. I mean, he is on the heart attack super highway and I know no one wants that catastrophic event on their conscience.
  Listen, I'm here for you if you ever want to talk. I will plant lots of flowers, wear sandals, and even put on some shorts. The birds will be ecstatic! The squirrels...well they are just crazy and hopeless. The point is, we need you to lighten up, warm up to us, smile your sunny smile! We miss spring! We need spring!

Yours Respectfully,
Kim

Plymouth, Massachusetts

After Christmas of 2012, we decided to go to Plymouth, Mass for a little break. It was very stormy and the ocean was very rough the night before I took these pictures. Enjoy!