Friday, July 17, 2009

Fame...I wanna live forever...!



I read a review of a new book that's out in the stores on Aug 4Th.
The title... IF IGNORANCE IS BLISS, WHY AREN'T THERE MORE HAPPY PEOPLE.
The book is a collection of "smart quotes for dumb times"
Sounded very intriguing to me, being a self confessed quotation whore,.. and what I read didn't disappoint!
There is a section in this book where some of the rich and famous comment on their fame.

Like Tony Curtis...
"It's like having Alzheimer's disease. You don't know anybody, but they all know you"

Cary Grant was quoted as saying...
"Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant"

Bob Dylan was a little more forthcoming...and frank.
"Just because you like my stuff doesn't mean I owe you anything!"

I used to think that it would be wonderful to be a talented singer and be able to entertain people from all over the world. All the frills and adoration that go with it sounded great to me.
My Grandfather had a beautiful tenor voice, and his vocal coach wanted him to tour Europe and then tour the US. I remember him singing to me when I was very young and being mesmerized by his voice. The tour never happened, he had a wife and five children to support and success is never a sure thing.

After reading this review, I couldn't help but think of Michael Jackson and wonder if he would have even traded his fame for a life of anonymity? Or was fame as addictive to him as any other drug of choice. I guess we'll never know for sure. He was a man of many special talents, but a tormented soul for sure!

Being famous is still a priority in our culture for some. The success of reality TV, and shows like American Idol are examples of this, and the number of new shows continue to rise every season.

Maybe French painter Edgar Degas said it best.
"It's wonderful to be famous as long as you remain unknown"

16 comments:

  1. I always loved Andy Warhol's words, "Everyone is famous for 15 minutes." I don't think I've used mine yet! LOL

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  2. i agree...interesting quotes. a normal life is for me...

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  3. I have always thought that being famous would be truly awful.

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  4. I am perfectly happy being "me" although there have been many times I wished I could do this, be that, etc.,etc. but...Have a nice week!

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  5. Is there anyway to cash just one of their paychecks without a camera going off in your face? :)

    Never wanted to be famous. But I do love the quotes. Besides, I like the one by Will Rogers, "Everyone can't be a hero. Some of us have to sit on the curb and clap."

    Here's a rousing round of applause for you. :)

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  6. Kay D;

    I hope I haven't used mine up yet! Not the fame part, just the time!
    I'm coming over to your blog today for house tour #2!.

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  7. Laoch;

    I now think that being famous would be aweful. Back when I was 16, I loved to sing and with my voice coach pushing me, I began to believe. Now I'm glad for everything that I have and the path that my life has taken!

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  8. Tony Curtis's quote made me laugh; I'd never thought of it that way!

    I love love LOVE your header photo.

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  9. Excellent post, Peg! I imagine being famous sounds glamorous but in reality, it's gotta start bugging the heck out of you. So that's where you got your voice from, hunh?

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  10. I love Abe Lincoln's

    "better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

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  11. You know, our youngest is in CA right now and when she first went there she was "going to be famous", but she has come to the realization that the fan thing may not be what she wants. She is doing a little singing but keeping it "real", so to speak right now. You would have to be a very strong person to handle that kind of fame.

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  12. I don't think I would want to be famous... I think I would rather be just understood..

    Alli xx

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  13. I am the ultimate quote lover- we must be twins separated at birth! The new cat also looks like my cat Scout. When's the 2 yr old dog arriving?[already through the housebreaking and puppy stages!]? A friend of mine just adopted a 6 yr old westhighland terrier and it is going great...for both of them. Hope you are feeling ok. I have been doing an uphill battle with my RA. Went back on prednisone cause I'm tired of my knees being the center of the universe! I am already walking better. A rough afternoon with Flo yesterday, but all is well. Hang in there!

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  14. Alli;

    Me too, being understood is far better!
    Thanks for stopping by !
    I will do the same!

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  15. Mare;

    I'm glad your doing better now. I call prednesone, the miracle drug!
    Not only does it take away the pain , it makes my nails grow like crazy.
    I love westies,I had three t one time before my last lab.

    I am enjoying the cat for now, but my husband is very aware that it could change at any moment.
    The cat fits into my lifestyle right now,having to drive up to Chicago to see my DR. Being in limbo is tough sometimes but it's better then the alternative of having to be on chemo.
    Sorry about Flo, hope things are better!

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  16. I just HAD to take a quick peek to see what you were up to although KC will pull me away in a minute. I was taking a nap earlier downstair and when I came up I saw that BOTH Tif and Art were asleep and KC was playing quietly by herself until she saw me.

    I don't think I'd ever want fame. I wouldn't mind the extra cash though. LOL

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