Twin Brother From Another Mother?

Ahhh, MEMORIES….

(My introduction to the limelight and being a local star.)I can hardly remember the details of the BEAUTY CONTEST….

if it weren't for the trophy that glared at me with the inscription of first runner-up, I probably wouldn't remember at all. 1st Runner-up - I mean its indicative of my future. It's ironic and somewhat sad. My first dose of rejection - (You're great, but you're not the best.) No, the best-- was a raven-haired beauty with a speech impediment; I learned later as she slurred out a "shank you, Judgessh!". That one line would later become a household joke. A laugh at someone else's shortcomings that would somehow make us all feel better about mine. And so began my 'Anne of Green Gables complex' - that dark hair is better, more beautiful than red. To be a redhead was really grueling and doom-some. The teasing, the torture - it just wasn't fair. But "fair" is such a subjective word, right? "Red-Headed Woodpecker!" - I mean lets face it, anything that ends with pecker, is just NOT cool. "Freckle Face!, Carrot Top!", to which my cleverest reply was, "Carrot tops are green!" ohhhhhh, that was a good one, I really told them!

Anywhosers, my parents must have been convinced that I was meant for more than a 1st Runner-up and they entered me in the Jaycee Princess Contest. We all entered the hall in our Sunday best. Our parents all fixing our hair, straightening our clothes and pumping us full of THEIR confidence. There was a long table stacked high with presents. We all circled the table, greedily eyeing all the brightly wrapped packages, curious of their contents. The room was dense with laughter, nerves, and fairytale dreams. I REALLY wanted to be chosen very badly. I mean probably everyone did, but I needed to win, to be the BEST, you know, in order to cancel out that embarrassing 1st Runner-up. One by one they called us up to a panel of judges where we were asked a series of questions which of course I can't remember, except for one, which was later revealed to me as the clincher, the answer which put me ahead of all the others. "If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?" And all the other children answered a dog, a cat, a fish, a hamster, and the average pets that they probably did own. And I, not an animal lover thought (none) but I looked down into my lap and my dress pattern was made up of tiny elephants and I matter of factly replied, "an elephant!" (Cute AND Creative!) When they made the announcement, I was immediately in the spotlight! They placed a tiara on my curls and a velvet cape around my shoulders. My picture was taken a zillion times. Oh my gosh, I was famous! I would wave from fancy cars in several parades and appear at important occasions and ceremonies for the next whole year... I was famous!!!

Ahhh...the trials and tribulations of being a "Child Star"...

Peace, Love and I understand your pain Lindsay Lohan...I really do!
xoT.