Ash's Random Tidbit of the Week: Richard C. Miller

Richard C. Miller

(August 6, 1912-)

Photographer

I often wonder how people who were so incredible in their heigh-day can fade so easily into a very under-appreciated obscurity.

Imagine,somewhere...somewhere in the United State (I'm incl

ined to think New York), there is a ninety-eight year old living legend who has brushed elbows with the likes of James Dean and Marilyn Monroe--who was in demand during Hollywood's Golden Age.

This man is Richard C. Miller.

What fascinated me the most, I suppose, about coming upon him randomly as I strolled through the web yesterday...is that he was, perhaps, one of the very first to witness the transformation of Norma Jean Baker into the character she would play for the rest of her life--Marilyn Monroe.

This is incredibly intriguing to me, as I am an avid fan of old school Hollywood in general...in his photographs you can see the untutored beauty

of a young woman--who has yet to be touched by the hand of fame.

Haunting, and fascinating, Miller recalled "She was very nice when she was Norma Jean, very sweet. She came to dinner at the house. A nice, friendly girl...She's quite different now."

His photographs of James Dean, likewise, represent the boldness of his rugged character...yet, the advent of his youth.

Mr. Miller, who was particular friends with Dean, was devastated at the news of his tragic death at the age of twenty-four.

His ulterior portraits, also, express his true merit as an artist.

Today, Miller lives with his daughter Jan.

He is occasionally asked to present his work as exhibits.

Hi. Lets Assume You Know My Life Story--Brit

I get this from time to time. I am working at the front desk of my job doing my thing--taking phone calls (and the occasional checking of the email and I guess to every ones assumptions *GASP* facebooking? NO!) helping clients, getting the fax, buzzing attorneys when their clients have arrived 45 minutes late. There comes a time when there is always that ONE person who thinks its appropriate to ask me that one question I despise. Let me break it down for you.

Client: "Oh how long have you lived in the valley?"
Me: "All my life."
Client: "Oh wow I've lived here for a few years."
Me: "Mhmm."
Client. "Let me guess one of those?" -- she glances back at the news paper as if it was nothing.
Me: "Excuse me?" --Me very perplexed.
Client: "Oh you know--stayed home because of a baby." at this point my cheeks are flushed not out of embarrassment but out of sheer anger. But I quickly played it off with a sweet smile and said.
Me: "Haha. No. I actually take care of my Grandfather, AND I am a full time college student."
Client: "OHHH realllllllllly? Well good for you!" and that is the end of that.

See after telling the truth, and proving them wrong that I am NOT a "Conway Casualty" (I have dubbed this saying meaning someone who is a nobody or with NO education what so ever or with a few kids, no jobs and all they do is bitch bitch BITCH about how much they hate their life.) I am very shocked that this always seems to come out of "rich folks" mouth as well. Excuse me. I know that I may seem like a wee little peon but everybody needs to start from somewhere. But what I don't get or except is that people decide to judge and assume my life story. Fine, ask but you will be disappointed that I am not what you think I am all because I am still in the same town that I have grown up in.

I am 21 years old. I am kind of content with my life. I enjoy the simple things in life, and one of them happens to be the creature comforts of home. I have my Grandfather -- who is my world. I also found found love with my goober. I am sorry that I didn't go off to a college campus like the majority of the kids I went to school with but its also cheaper to stay home. It is not to say that I am not ever going to leave. Oh yes I will. When I am good a freakin' ready thanks. I think that the next time someone like THAT asks me if I have a baby I am going to ask how thick their wallet is and if they would like to donate for their stupidity.

Granted I will admit I can't even count on my fingers and toes anymore the kids I have gone to school with, who aren't doing anything with themselves. Why? Their own personal reason or another. I have learned that I have the power to make myself happy which goes for everyone else. There isn't a "I can't do this." it seems more like "I don't feel like it." Its hard today not to have a college degree to get a job anymore. Unless you want to stock shelves at walmart for 8 bucks. Try filling your freezer with food (or beer.) and still pay things off. Education is key. Get it. Use it. More and more kids today aren't trying. My question on that is Where are the parents? I know for a fact I would hate to be a 45 year old Grand Ma. How embarrassing would it be to go to the store with the toddler and someone asks "oh my gosh your daughter is sooooo cute." the reply "Oh not she's my granddaughter." Ya. like that's not going to raise an eyebrow or two when told.

Here's my to do list:
1. Graduate college. Year around 2013-- age : 24
2. Own a house/get married age. 25-26
3. Baby. Age 27

Ya. I have goals. Thanks.

Kids are great....as long as they are someone else's...for now.

So moral of the story. Don't assume you know my life story. Think about it.