The Most Fun

© Milton H. Greene

You know I read that Marilyn Monroe had the most fun with one of her photographers, Milton H. Greene. Although she had been photographed by other professional and talented men, Milton could capture her exactly how she was beautifully because he cared for her and  honestly she counted upon him as one of her closest confidantes and friends. She had grown so comfortable with him shooting and working with her that nudity and controversial subject matter became everyday ordinary between them. It was a unique professional and personal relationship because the two depended upon each other and their life wouldn't be the same without each other. They had a deep bond that no one could replace, only each other. Marilyn trusted Milton. His wife summed their relationship up beautifully in a single quote...

I was never jealous of Marilyn. Arthur [Miller] was always jealous of Milton, which was interesting in a way. Arthur had another life. Why should he be jealous? I didn't need Marilyn, but she sure as hell needed Milton, and he needed her, because both of them were never the same after that. These two people should have been together through thick and thin. Nothing... nothing should have put them apart. I was smart enough to realize that, it would have been a whole other life for both of them."
- Amy Greene

I think the most influential and supportive people in your life motivate you because they see you the way you are... not how they want you to be. And they simply support you as you are. 

All artists have a special relationship with their muses. Some do date or marry them and it works. Others do not but simply remain close collaborators and it works. Depends on the artist I suppose. I think all collaborators/muses become significant in each other's lives, if not romantically they are always one of your biggest supporters as a friend. Hmm?  Lovers, posers and users come and go but really amazing people are always in your life to support & encourage you. Thick and thin... 

My favorite people motivate and support each other and there's no room for interference or intercepting because of jealousy or pettiness no matter how long or short it's been between seeing each other. They know how hard and busy life is and realize how good it is to see each other succeeding or just see each other in general. And are happy for the small moments of hello's and etc. You try to keep those kinds of people around in life because they are worth it. 

Some people and friends may not see things this way and my suggestion is this: give your loved one time. A person can't stay mad at someone for loving them unless they are really unhappy with themselves. All you can do is hope that they come around. Sadly you can't chase people down and make them feel differently. It may be hard to keep going with or without them around but don't try. You know & they know how you feel about things. But you can't change how each other feels. You just have to accept missing them. :/

Here's a story from one of my ebooks about motivating someone to grow and expand themselves. It is another that is a second version and it's amazing that the second versions are sometimes the best versions. Being the best version of yourself to anyone means the world and lets others trust you.

Are you a person that hinders others or do you motivate everyone and support them? Is there anyone you have fun working with?

Enjoy!
Kisses, m. 

Letting Go

(Revision: October 2012)

Time heals all wounds. Or does it? Quite simply you have to question that logic. In time broken bones can mend. But what about broken hearts, dreams and bruised egos? There are things in life that we are trained to accept and move forward from. Loss of life, love, limb, and livelihood are all things that require a bit of recovery and never hold the same meaning once they are lost. Yet, you move on. This brings me to where I'm at tonight, standing on the top floor of this parking garage with Victoria dangling over the edge waiting to fall. Here we're having a heart to heart; trying to make her see things as I do.

Sometimes you have to move on and let go.

“Things have become so distant in this life and it's time for a change. On some human level you must feel it too? We wouldn't be here if you didn't. I can see in your eyes there's fear. I'm afraid too. Life is an experience full of opportunities. As I hold your hand tightly in mine, it seems as though I shouldn't let go. But there comes a time to let go. In order to find freedom from the constraints of humanity, you must stop fighting.”

“Don't. “She trembles and grips tighter to my hand as she begins to whimper. Shifting her weight and I'm immediately finding it harder to maintain my own balance as she hangs off the edge. Beneath us the cold air whistles and the empty streets echo our sounds.

“Darling, you must believe this when I tell you that there is nothing left of this life and who you were. Letting go is the ultimate release and only way for this...”

“I don't... JUST HOLD ON TO ME!” Victoria's shrill cry pierces the silence as she latches onto my grip tighter and begins to sob.

“Please, shh. Listen.” Tears stream down her cheeks as the sobbing grows louder. “Victoria, I need you to remain calm. It is important that you accept this. We can not linger here all night. This must be over. See this my way. I know in your heart you can. Please.”

“D-D-D-ON'T!” She stutters and begs me through her choked back tears. “Not yet. I'm not ready. I'm scared. How do I know this is the right choice? “ Her hands grip me tighter.

One might question how I find myself in this predicament. How does a person spend day in and day out convincing complete strangers to let go of life's most crucial heartbreaks, disappointment if you will and accept change. Just a simple twist of fate you could say. At one point I'd found myself on the other end of the dial, asking a stranger to solve my life's tough choice cause I couldn't do it alone. What that person gave me, the advice, well it saved my life.

Sink or Swim? Fight or Flight?

It was at that point I realized helping others who weren't able to push themselves was rewarding. Those who couldn't choose needed me. What's the harm in a little motivation? It was enough of motivation for me to take that first step myself. And I've never looked back.

Taking a hold of Victoria's arm I return her grasp whole-heartedly. “Have you let this fear affect you? We've been through this, and it's best if you embrace the situation. Give in to your true nature. Without that dedication how can you possibly hope to let go. This is your peace of mind. Face it with the strength and poise that is within you. Do not beg for life as you know it. Accept what is to come. Be Strong.”

She weakens her grip and I pull her up into an embrace.

“Are you ready?” I whisper into her ear.

“Almost,” She releases a few more tears.

“You don't have to do this.” I tell her. “If you're not ready you don't...”

“I want to. Just keep holding my hand until I'm ready.” She whispers.

My arms slowly release her body and I remain gripped in a hand lock as I lower her back down to the edge. Our eyes meet and the tears have faded. I know she's prepared herself.

“It's time?” I question and she nods. “Victoria, promise me, you will be brave about this. I know you have the courage within you. Have dignity.Don't scream.”

Her eyes indicate certainty and I know there's no going back.

“I'm ready now. Let go.”

The iron clad grip of her hand releases. There's no fear in those blue eyes. No sounds escape that determined mouth. Quietly her body descends in a graceful free fall into the dark night. Before reaching the street below Victoria whimpers loudly and arches her back spreading her wings to fly. Instincts kick in and her small form lifts with flight. With her purple and blue plumes reflecting the most brilliant colors she enters the night sky with a peaceful end to her past and a new beginning. It's probably the most beautiful thing to see a newborn embrace their true nature and let go.