Eleanor Mondale
Since the beginning of civilization common people craved distractions from their dull lives, whether sought Mrs. Cravitz-style peering through closed blinds at the antics of our neighbors, or through tabloids providing detailed transcriptions of Brad's Obviously-Not-Yet-Over-Jen spew. The children of our celebrities and politicians often supply our expanding appetites for diversion. Before we had the Kardashians and the silliness that is Reality TV, before talentless hotel heirs sold sex tapes for fame and fortune, before Barbara and Jenna's drunken public brawls, we had Eleanor.
During the Carter-Mondale inauguration ceremonies, Eleanor stole the spotlight from the other players with her zesty choice in wardrobe, including the tuxedo she donned for The Ball. That's when I first took notice. Never having been a fashion plate myself, I am in awe of women who dress with style and wit. That same smirk and wink guided her into acting, journalism, gym ownership, radio gigs, and serial dating/marriages. Never satisfied, she collected careers and men and wardrobes. Those of us watching her knew she wasn't a silly girl. Her experiments were not mindless narcissistic empty searches. She reached for life itself.
For a very brief period in the early 90s our paths crossed (did I mention brief?). I'd see her at her club or out with friends. Once, I had the guts to say hello.
It was State Fair time, and because it was hot I was able to wear my summer uniform which included black biking shorts worn under oversized t-shirts in lime green or flamingo pink, and a pair of white L.A. Gear high-tops. My daughter was a toddler, and as we walked hand-in-hand through the Fairgrounds she showed excitement and wonder at everything, especially when she spotted Eleanor standing near the Grandstand with an entourage of good-looking men.
Eleanor and I had that succinct moment of sizing one another up. Then her broad toothy smile acknowledged me: we were wearing the same outfit. Of course, fit and lean Eleanor wore it better, but her nod of approval remains with me today.
We were all a little smitten with her. After our exchange, my daughter named every doll and animal Eleanor for a few years. And I've delighted in watching Eleanor's continued maneuvering of careers, men, clothing and hairstyles.
Now that we've lost our local link to celebrity and diversions, I just feel sad. Kim, Khloe, Paris, and the Bush Twins could have learned a lot from Eleanor about public conduct. It is possible to be a little bit outrageous while keeping your dignity in tact, even during questionable fashion phases.
During the Carter-Mondale inauguration ceremonies, Eleanor stole the spotlight from the other players with her zesty choice in wardrobe, including the tuxedo she donned for The Ball. That's when I first took notice. Never having been a fashion plate myself, I am in awe of women who dress with style and wit. That same smirk and wink guided her into acting, journalism, gym ownership, radio gigs, and serial dating/marriages. Never satisfied, she collected careers and men and wardrobes. Those of us watching her knew she wasn't a silly girl. Her experiments were not mindless narcissistic empty searches. She reached for life itself.
For a very brief period in the early 90s our paths crossed (did I mention brief?). I'd see her at her club or out with friends. Once, I had the guts to say hello.
It was State Fair time, and because it was hot I was able to wear my summer uniform which included black biking shorts worn under oversized t-shirts in lime green or flamingo pink, and a pair of white L.A. Gear high-tops. My daughter was a toddler, and as we walked hand-in-hand through the Fairgrounds she showed excitement and wonder at everything, especially when she spotted Eleanor standing near the Grandstand with an entourage of good-looking men.
Eleanor and I had that succinct moment of sizing one another up. Then her broad toothy smile acknowledged me: we were wearing the same outfit. Of course, fit and lean Eleanor wore it better, but her nod of approval remains with me today.
We were all a little smitten with her. After our exchange, my daughter named every doll and animal Eleanor for a few years. And I've delighted in watching Eleanor's continued maneuvering of careers, men, clothing and hairstyles.
Now that we've lost our local link to celebrity and diversions, I just feel sad. Kim, Khloe, Paris, and the Bush Twins could have learned a lot from Eleanor about public conduct. It is possible to be a little bit outrageous while keeping your dignity in tact, even during questionable fashion phases.
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