Monday, September 14, 2009

How "The Other Half" Lives...

In my voracious need "to know", I've been reading a lot of autobiography over the last few months. These are my most recent forays into the lives of the "famous". These are my thoughts as I've closed each book.

Some people just have WAY too much money. Some people spend that money frivolously. Some people would be too embarrassed to write about all that over abundance (while some obviously are not). Some people have raised children (or one child) who feel they deserve a life of entitlement. Some children really do learn what they live.


I'm not a "fan" per se of Maria Shriver's, and this isn't really an autobiography, however, when I saw this book on the shelf in the library I was intrigued as to what sort of "things" Maria wished she had known before she went out into the real world. These are valid points spoken with truth and humility.

Goldie Hawn is one of those women who is breaking molds...the way we think about life and age, the way we think of women who reach their prime and then some. Goldie is not some ditsy blond who hasn't a clue. This is a woman who has lived and loved, learned a lot along the way and has a warmth that flows from the pages. Makes me want to say, "when I grow up I want to be Goldie."

Aside from the drugs, the rehab, the perks that come with celebrity, Marlee Matlin has survived abuse, she has done good works on behalf of the deaf (closed captioning on your television being one) and she proves that having a disability is not a handicap. Interesting bit about Rob Lowe as well!!

I don't recall watching "Little House on the Prairie" or any of the television movies Melissa Gilbert appeared in, but I certainly knew who she was. Another tale of alcohol addiction (par for the course in Hollywood perhaps, but also addictive as part of her personality), this woman up to three bottles of wine per night (I'd be dozing off by the end of the first, never mind the extra stress on my bladder!), another abusive relationship (due to alcohol and drugs on the part of the abuser) and more information about Rob Lowe. That boy really got around!!

At the end of the day I'm glad I'm on this side of "the other half", but there is always much to learn and much to be grateful for when you peer into the lives of others.

11 comments:

Kim Mailhot said...

The grass sure ain't greener there ! I would rather have my life with its financial limitations over their crazy lives anyday !
Life is good today. Feeling like a squirrel gathering nuts as I get all stuff together for Squam, or ,maybe I am feeling a little nuts, whatever ! Life is good ! So excited !!!!

Bonnie, Original Art Studio said...

Oh no!! Laura Ingalls - an alcoholic?? Say it isn't so. I watched Little House with my children and now my grandaughters are watching the series with their Mom - a family tradition. Just never know what it all leads to or what is going on behind the scenes.

Snap said...

I don't think being *famous* is the way to go. I like my little, nice, calm, crafty life. Thanks for the reviews!

Beth said...

As part of “the other half” (and that would be the half you too are a part of!) I also find the lives of celebrities to be rather fascinating. And some of their stories certainly do reinforce how good it is to be just plain normal. Whatever that is... ;)

Maria said...

Love, love Goldie Hawn! I've wanted to be her since I was little and watched her on Laugh In. Don't really read autobiographies but have read hers, interesting and real.

Coastal Sisters said...

I am like you, I am glad I am on this side of the other half! More books to put on my list. I just finished reading "Sullivans Island" by Dorothea Benton Frank..it was wonderful!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Chocolate Covered Daydreams said...

I'm on the same side you're on as well. I admire celebrities that can live normal lives, whatever normal is. There aren't too many that remain down to earth in this crazy reality infested world we live in.

Kathleen Grace said...

We tend to envy the rich and famous but with all that money and power comes some real baggage and bad choices. When I grow up I want to be airbrushed like Goldie! lol, I must say, I always love to read about the rich & famous though, we are all so curious about how the other half live!

Cathy Bueti said...

I was a big Little House fan. I read Melissa Gilbert's book recently too. Couldn't put it down. I have been thinking about picking up Goldie's and now I will be sure to check it out! Thanks for sharing these!

Migraine Chick said...

Thank you for the book recommendations. I read Tori Spelling's book, but maybe I should read her mom's, too!

Carolyn said...

I`m waiting for Goldie`s book from my library !!

It does show - who ever you are - famous or not - that we all have our problems in our lives . Talking about it and sharing with others - hopefully will help people and make you feel grateful for what you have .