DO YOU MAKE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS? They are not for everyone, but I adore them and always make them—every year, in fact. The New Year is the perfect time for introspection and to take a long look at what works and what could possibly be improved upon, for we are all a work in progress. Some of the resolutions are the same ones as the previous year or years, while others, new. I make resolutions because I expect a lot of myself [& others! am told], and always try to be the very best version of myself that I can possibly be. Many of these past resolutions have been successfully accomplished, while others are carry overs from the year before, such as the ongoing situation with email. We’ve had such trouble with email that we’ve been forced to abandon entire accounts, twice [which reminds me, you really must update your contact list for us if you haven’t done so yet]; but this year, 2015, may actually be the year we sort things out once and for all. As for other resolutions, have already signed up for a 10-week pottery course beginning mid-January, so am already perfectly and wonderfully on schedule in that regard. The thing with resolutions, though, is that if you do not accomplish them all, not to be too hard on yourself, for there is always next year . . .
And with that, here are a few of Marilyn Monroe’s resolutions from 1955:
Must make effort to do
Must have the dicipline to do the following –
z – go to class – my own always – without fail
x – go as often as possible to observe Strassberg’s other private classes
g – never miss actor’s studio sessions
v – work whenever possible – on class assignments – and always keep working on the acting exercises
u – start attending Clurman lectures – also Lee Strassberg’s directors lectures at theater wing – enquire about both
l – keep looking around me – only much more so – observing – but not only myself but others and everything – take things (it) for what they (it’s) are worth
y – must make strong effort to work on current problems and phobias that out of my past has arisen – making much much much more more more more more effort in my analisis. And be there always on time – no excuses for being ever late.
w – if possible – take at least one class at university – in literature –
o – follow RCA thing through.
p – try to find someone to take dancing from – body work (creative)
t – take care of my instrument – personally & bodily (exercise) try to enjoy myself when I can – I’ll be miserable enough as it is.
Despite the sad ending, it’s interesting to note that the year that Marilyn wrote this entry in her address book (above left) that she was accepted into Lee Strasberg’s prestigious Actor’s Studio, and her determination to become a better actress resulted in a Golden Globe for her role in Some Like It Hot in 1960.
The very best of luck with your New Year’s resolutions if you make them, and more New Year’s musings and a look back at the year we leave behind to follow . . .
Happy, Happy New Year to you and wishing you adventures and magic in 2015,
Roséline xo
[Images : Uproxx // Douglas Kirkland // google // via Vanity Fair]
