As a writer, there are some authors I can really relate to. I am a fan of Shakespeare and anything by Edgar Allan Poe. Collete, Simone de Beauvoir, and Jane Austin will always have a special place in my heart (they were pioneers.) Along the more recent fronts, Debra Ollivier (writing about all things French) and Mireille Guiliano (ditto) can count me among those contributing to their retirement funds when their most recent publications hit the shelves. David Sedaris is a kindred spirit who shares a passion for the snark. But one person in particular writes from a perspective that I admire so much I practically stalk her in anticipation of the next publication...Maureen Dowd.
This woman has written some amazing pieces. Yesterday the New York Times published her thoughts "Making Ignorance Chic" which simultaneously relays poignant sentiments of Marilyn Monroe while calling to our attention the problem with modern-day ignorance adorned in designer duds. (Yes, Sarah Palin, I am addressing you.)
I really want to meet Maureen Dowd for a cup of coffee. Or a glass of wine. Or for dinner. Anywhere I can bask in her expertise and glean some of her talent for bringing education, wit, enlightenment, (I could go on all night) to the masses. In a world where Dear Abby's daughter comes off as a half-wit, "Dilbert" and "Pearls Before Swine" epitomize of the majority of society (present company included), and the most honest political news derives from The Daily Show, Maureen Dowd is an exhilarating breath of fresh air.
Of course, I do understand when we become BFF's I will need to stop referring to her as Maureen Dowd...it has too much of a "Bob Dole" effect. Remember that? "Bob Dole likes this" and "Bob Dole likes that." Maureen is waaay to cool to follow the Bob Dole school.
So Maureen Dowd, when you read this (and you will read this), please give me a call. I'm really not a stalker...much.
Dear Beth Hazelton,
ReplyDeleteYou are a fast learner, you are smart and clever, you know exactly what I am referring to. Enough about blogs.
Your poetry reveals an intelligence and passion that exceeds smart. I wonder, do you edit yourself for the sake of family? I do know your days of being critiqued by children are over.
You are brilliant, and just a little bit scary, which is good.
Your voice is powerful, clear, and has left me wanting more.
Thank you so very much for the featured link to my blog.
So Beth Hazelton, when you read this (and you will read this), please send me a puppy.
X David, NYC
David,
ReplyDeleteYou're so great...I'll send you two!
To answer your question, yes, I do edit myself for the sake of my family. And sometimes this sacrifices the effect of my work; but in the end, I want my parents, my husband, and my children to always be proud of me. Or, at the very least, not ashamed of me.
This is a struggle I have endured for a long time after suffering a fall-out over something I had written (and won an award for) that a family member did not appreciate.
Stay tuned and see how this unfolds...
Maureen Dowd is a favorite of mine too! When you have that drink, maybe she'll bring along her Pulitzer and you can rub it for good luck :-)
ReplyDeleteLast month I discovered that The Daily Show is on TV in France on Saturday mornings and has not been dubbed over. Saturday mornings are now my favorite time of the week. My husband is not allowed to speak between 7:30 and 8am on Saturday mornings. It's my moment of Zen.