Modelling is a family tradition that goes back generations. My mother and grandmother modelled also. Like them, I've never pursued it religiously because I've always answered the challenge of the mind. I despise women who get by on looks alone, or feel that they have a license to do whatever they want because they can get away with it. I think that most beautiful women never developed a personality or mind because they didn't have to. Cynical, but I dare you to disprove my theory.
I do know some beautiful women that actually have personalities, hearts and minds. But they're rare. (Michelle, who is a regular contributor in here and a personal friend of mine is one example of a beautiful woman who is balanced).
I started modelling when I was 15 years old. My first gig was with a major department store. Have you ever heard of Mannequin Modelling? (For more information on it, you can go here, just know I don't necessarily endorse everything on this site.) Anyway, you stand in the main store window, for everyone to see, as still as a mannequin. If you're really good, you'll attract crowds of people who will stand around staring at you - trying to figure out if you're real or not. I was the best in the group. I was able to stand perfectly still, hardly breathing or blinking, for long periods of time without a break.
People (especially teenage boys) would jump at you, slap the glass, or try to make you laugh. Again, if you were good you stared straight ahead - glazed eyes and aloof poise. I loved the challenge of it. When my time was over, I'd have people stop me in the mall and tell me incredulously that they almost couldn't believe I was real when they saw me in that window. I guess it was the prankster in me that took secret delight in having little old ladies walk by, pause, and do a double take; or had the satisfaction of knowing that no one had been able to shake me up.
I couldn't do it now, I just don't have the patience or time for it any more. I've had modelling agencies approach me to model full-time but I won't do it. Life is larger than modelling. I don't want to look back on my life with regret when I'm old.
13 comments:
I have mixed emotions on the topic. At times I wished I had the looks that would allow me to get by. I mean who would not want to be beautiful? Life however deals some of us "other" cards to play. Growing up with 3 older brothers in a tight age spread did not leave a lot of room for "pretty". Being sized to Amazon proportions did not help much either. High School is hard on girls who are less than "cute". It was not pleasant for me, and not pleasant for my youngest. (oldest takes after the other half *S*) On the other hand, my gifts took me in directions that have been very rewarding and satisfying
I envy you in that you have managed to get it all. I respect you in that you have recognized that character and intellect run deeper. One is an ephemeral gift of limited personal value, the other two are rewards of lasting value
Hugs
Mallory, Thanks, hon. Actually, you are every bit as pretty! It's funny how often we all see ourselves as less than what we are. Believe it or not, I have a very poor self image and I often mentally sit back in bemusement and watch, detached, as people tell me I'm attractive. I don't see it most of the time. I simply model because it's something different to do.
The funny thing is that most medels look great in printwork or on TV but they are of average looks (at best) in real life. I know one girl who was a Playboy model with an Amazon's body and a horse's face. But in print, all the angles and awkwardness transformed into something spectacular. And, of course, she was as shallow as Pam Anderson. 99% of them are.
er...that was models, not medels. :p
I saw some mannequin models at the mall last Christmas it was really a lot of fun to watch.
I've never had any desire to model (and I don't have the natural attributes that would make it possible anyway.) I hope my daughter doesn't have a desire to get into it, I would really worry about the whole anorexia thing. I also agree with your take on the beautiful=lack of personality and heart thing. Of course there are exceptions but many of the truly beautiful people I've known haven't had a whole lot more going for them.
Oh, I LOVE those type of models. They are really fun to watch.
That is really cool that no one was able to shake you...
Saurkraut, please don't hate me because I'm beautiful!
KIDDING!
Actually, I know lots of smart, beautiful women with great personalities -- HOWEVER, many of them weren't considered beautiful growing up -- they blossomed into beauties. I think that's a blessing. If you start off from day one being treated as "a beauty", I think that's potentially very detrimental to your development.
Pie! Pie! PIE! PIE! WE WANT PIE! ;-)
Blogs let you learn all kinds of stuff about people.
Fascinating.
It seems as if with your "head firmly fixed on shoulders" attitude you could do some modeling just for fun. It certainly wouldn't demean you.
I know many smart and beautiful women who are not afraid to speak their minds and flaunt their bodies at the same time.
Please do not blame it on Ca.
It sounds like you have an interesting outlook on life and the role modeling once had for you.
Be well.
Thank you for the compliment Saurkraut. I work hard to stay balanced. Most day's I succeed, but there are some days....
How neat to be a mannequin model!
I hope you'll post some pics of yourself.
We know you're balanced, so don't worry. We won't think you're a ditz.
Jamie Dawn, thanks, hon. But I don't dare post my pics. I've created a reputation as a high-powered female exec and I don't want anyone to connect this blog with who I am. Also, I still do modelling (I recently did a catalog shoot) that I keep completely separate from my work.
Michelle, balanced or not, you are always modest, kind, and devoted to your family.
Barbara, I know the type. But often that type is rather hard-boiled. I try never to be like that. My friends are of all types, shapes, and sizes and not one of them feels 'inferior' to me because they aren't and I don't let them. But oftentimes, women who are that hardboiled type alienate everyone around them. I used to work with a woman who was Miss Florida once, and she told us constantly "I was once Miss Florida" as she would toss back her long, straight black hair and give us a red-lipped sneering type of smile. She was a very unpleasant woman.
Oldhorsetailsnake, thanks!
Daniel, oh yes! I also haven't talked about my acting, which I will another time. I've been in movies, just don't talk about it (for the same reasons). I also dated a very famous actor once. He was actually the least significant person in my life, so it's probably not worth mentioning.
Aral, I will definately get new pics of her up this week! I have another story about her.
Eddo, thanks! It was tons of fun!
Godlessmom, oh yes, you are right! Anorexia is a huge issue, as well as the mental health aspect of it. That's why I tell people who ask me about getting their kids to model...think long and hard about it, first.
TC, *s*
I've never seen one of those models. I hate to admit it, but if I did, I would be just as immature and juvenile as the boys you described in your post.
Then my daughters would slap me senseless until I stopped. Dang!
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