by Carol
I LOVE to hear people tell their stories. I like to see the paths that people travel to the places where they end up. I don't care if it's in the classics, or in People Magazine, if it's in a documentary or in a TV show - when someone starts to philosophize about their life, I'm hooked. Because I like people and I believe everyone has something to teach us. And you can learn....if you'll only take the time to listen.
Today, I was inspired by an interview with Goldie Hahn. Are all (or any) of you old enough to remember her start in "Laugh-In?" Here is how that career-making character really happened, according to Goldie.
Goldie was not a comedienne, nor a stand-up. She hadn't acted. Her self-identity was as a dancer. When her agent told her she had a chance to audition for a new show "Laugh-in," she didn't see at all where or how she could fit in. But - and here's my point - she went anyway. Walking down the long hallway in, she was a nervous wreck - not a clue in her head about what she should be showing the producer.
She started out honestly, telling him how outside her skill set this experience was. He told her to read anyway. In those days, before prompters, a man with hand-written cue cards knelt just below the camera. Although Goldie was undiagnosed at that point, it turns out that she is somewhat dyslexic. As she read the cue cards, she flubbed one after the other and giggled nervously. She stopped and shouted up to the producer's box - I'm not good at this - I'm making a mess of it." And that's when he said - "that's what I love about it ! Keep going!"
And that was the genesis of that crazy, lovable, but unmistakably ditzy character that sent Goldie off into a career, that made her one of the most powerful and accomplished women in media, as a star, a producer, an Academy Award winner.
So do you see? Begin Try Even if you doubt yourself.
And who knows where your journey will take you?
Just as Lao-tzu, the Chinese philosopher says;
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
I couldn't agree more.
13 comments:
Great post! and such truth in it!
I didn't know that info about Goldie but it makes so much sense! And I'm completely guilty of not trying something I don't think I'll be good at. I think a lot of us are. Why set yourself up for failure? It's bad for the ego! Oh, but when you do try something outside the box and are successful, it's so much more worthwhile! Great post, Carol, and I love your little bird feet photos!
Great post. I'm a big fan of trying. A big fan. I plan to do it until my last day. We try. I love that about the human race.
Great post about taking the first step! I love Goldie and her contagious BIG smile! Its amazing how so many of us can't imagine doing anything else because the fear of that first step! Im a newbe with my camera and look at others professional photos and think "I could never do that", but then I get so much inspiration from others that Im determined to step out of my comfort zone. Thanks to Kim Stevens for referring the book by Bryan Peterson "Understanding Exposure" I have learned a lot! Carol, I love the footprint trail through the snow…one of my favorites! Thanks for sharing :)
What wonderful photos! And your post ... so much inspiration and something I'm sure we all need to hear. I think as we grow older we become even more fearful of trying new things. Thanks for the challenge, Carol!
Hey Susan - Most of us have not been doing this our whole lives either. You will be surprised by how much you learn. That's what I love about photography - there is an endless learning curve -and so many directions to take. SO the bottom line is - have fun exploring!
Oh how I remember that giggle! Goldie's adorable giggle coming from the television screen while watching 'Laugh In' with my parents. I was young kid…but I do remember the show, the shag carpet my parents had, the wood paneled walls…and lots of laughter. Oh they loved that show and I 'loved' that they got so much enjoyment from it. As far as Goldie's story…fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing how she stepped into-the-unknown…out of her comfort zone so-to-speak…and tried something new…something unfamiliar. By doing so she discovered something wonderful about herself. I think it's wonderful that someone saw in her…the adorable gift of laughter that she could give others. Yes to baby steps…taking the first step…thinking outside the box. Beautiful post Carol…beautiful photos…absolutely beautiful!
Such a great post Carol, and I loved the video....I love Goldie and her giggliness, loved watching "Laugh In"....oh the good ole days of TV I tell ya. Yep, we put many obstacles in our own way, I do all the time....but oh how fun when I've stepped out and done something I have never done!
Great post Carol. Everyone has a story to tell. I'm a big Goldie fan starting with the Laugh-in days. Her giggle is so contagious! Thanks for the memories.
So very true.
i was only about three when laugh-in was on, but i so remember the characters. my favorite was the operator who snorted like a pig---was that an early gilda radner? anyway, i'd walk around the next day snorting away, just like she did. wonderful post and it really brought back memories (and they really knew how to make good television back then)!
Thanks for the encouraging post. Why are we so afraid of trying something and failing? We should be proud that we tried at all! Trying is very hard for those of us that are rather shy and don't want any attention! It goes along with the word that keeps flitting around in my head...brave.
these kinds of stories fascinate me carol. how a simple twist of fate can completely change the outcome of a person's life. we just have to try and put ourselves out there. such a wonderful reminder carol! thank you my friend.
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