Tuesday, June 13, 2006

the measure of a woman

I've just been over to Susannah's site and she has some great headers with Marilyn on them. She inspired me to share this picture. I have been holding on to this for a really long time. It is an ancient Nike ad. I remember the first time I saw it in a magazine. I ripped it out carefully and put it in a big book. Over the years I have found and loved it over and over again.

I'm not sure why I loved Marilyn. I went through a real phase when I was younger. I read all of the books I could find on her. I loved how beautiful and fragile she was. Sometimes growing up the images I found of women were all about being tough and ballsy and in a world of strong role models I think I found her femininity and curves reassuring.

And now as I get older and learn more about the world I appreciate that femininity even more. I often think that somewhere along the line while women were trying so hard to be equal to men many of them forgot that equal doesn't mean the same. Learning to embrace being a woman is something that has taken me a long long time to get to. I wish I had started this journey earlier. I think it is going to be amazing.

10 comments:

Deirdre said...

Through all my life changes and challenges, through hating my looks and being disappointed in my life, through needing to be stronger than I ever wanted to be, I loved, loved being a girl. I feel so sad for people who find themselves in the wrong body. It should be a celebration and is too often a chore. We could probably all use a good dose of "Marilyn".

Jennifer S. said...

I love being feminine - and strong...

Kay Cooke said...

She's gotts be one of the most photogenic women of all time. Beautiful photo of her. Yes let's celebrate femininity.

liz elayne lamoreux said...

yes. embracing who we are as women...body and soul. love this my dear.

Susannah Conway said...

A beautiful picture of MM, and your beautiful thoughtful words to accompany it - it's funny, i didn't read your comment last night till i'd posted my own pic of Marilyn, and there you were doing the same! great minds sweetie.... can't wait to see you Friday - give me a ring tonight, absolutely
Sxx

Amy said...

Oh my, I, too, found strength in her femininity and those beautiful curves. Becoming a woman is a beautiful and extraordinary event and she embodied much of that greatness.

Beautiful post, lovely girl!

Anonymous said...

That's an awesome picture of Marilyn Monroe...I've always been fascinated by her as well. She was an extremely bright woman, and wanted to be seen as such, but her physical beauty and sensuality made it impossible for people (OK, men) to see both sides of her as one.

And she was a Gemini too. :)

I've been thinking about all of this femininity stuff too, lately, especially since becoming a mother of a girl. What behaviors am I modeling to her? I don't pay much attention to my body anymore--dress it in any old way, don't much exercise. Hmm...

Clearly, this is something to think about it. Thanks. :)

tara dawn said...

I completely agree...let us all embrace our womanhood!
xoxo

Colorsonmymind said...

I too am trying to embrace being a womanly woman-and stop trying to be so much like a manly woman. It is tough! Thanks for this post-it wi;; stau with me-maybe I need to put up some of these gorgeous marilyn photos from these posts to remind me:)

Hugs

Di Mackey said...

Good lord ... I do love your site. Thanks for this too :)