Mom-as-Movie-Star or Movie-Star-as-Mom?

Today, this great article landed in my inbox, and I had a chuckle over its irony.  The article lists the Top 10 Ways Motherhood Makes You Feel Like a Celebrity, and I laughed at the title, thinking about how we ordinary moms might be compared to a glamorous celebrity, when mommyhood seems to be all the rage in Hollywood right now.

As silly as it was, the list gave me something sincere to ponder.  A few weeks ago a creative spammer got my attention by submitting comments to The PranaMama under the name Angelina Jolie.  Of course, I knew right away it was not possibly the Angelina Jolie.   Or was it?  I’m kidding…I mean I know I have a few readers, but why would the most beautiful celebrimom on the planet have any interest in little old me, and my silly blog?

The thought intrigued me though.  Here I am, writing on topics related to motherhood, but mostly, womanhood, attempting to reach burnt out, exhausted or just plain bored moms out there.   I suppose one could think that Angelina may feel this way, what with her six children and chaotic work schedule.    Perhaps a “Plain Jane” mom like me might inspire a world-famous humanitarian mom like Angelina to take an afternoon off to get her hair done once in a while?

Right.  Like Angelina has ever show up for pre-school with unwashed hair.  What am I saying…do I really think Zahara has anything but a nanny, driver or bodyguard deliver her to school?    It’s more likely that Angie is on a movie set having her hair done by someone who makes three times my family’s annual salary (perhaps, more?).  When she’s not there, I picture her enjoying a blissful morning jog, followed by yoga and a breakfast of room-temperature mineral water and organic fruit on the patio with dear Brad.

Somewhere far from Lalaland, Plain Jane is throwing snacks together, signing permission slips, downing her coffee before it gets any cooler than it already has, desperately looking for two matching socks, and changing a diaper before running out the door.  No hairstyling, no makeup, no time!  It’s the morning rush and Plain Jane’s mommy lifestyle is not pretty, but it’s an amazing accomplishment nonetheless.

So why is it that we, as a society, are fascinated by the procreation of celebrities?  Is it because we can’t quite imagine the wild and crazy lifestyles of the rich and famous to be dumbed down to our level?   Or is it that we enjoy thinking of these untouchable figures as facing the same issues we do, such as sleeping through the night, potty training, learning their table manners and sitting in time-out?  I mean, famous or not, a three-year-old will pretty much always throw herself into a tantrum if she doesn’t get her way, right?  (I’m giving celebrimoms the benefit of the doubt and hoping their kids do in fact, hear the word “No” a few times a day.)

Furthermore, what is it about motherhood that draws in the most successful women in the world, many ending or postponing their careers to nurture their mini-mes into respectable citizens?   And, how can we separate our thoughts on money, class and fame so that we are better able to think of these celebrities as moms just like us?

The bottom line is this – famous or not, we are all in the same boat, yet we all have various lifestyles, degrees of support, methods of parenting and opinions on what is best for our kids.   Tonight I marveled at Josie*, mother of four, at the elementary school open house, smiling ear to ear with three little ones at her feet and one very tiny newborn nestled nearby in her husband’s loving arms.  How does she do it?   Comparatively,  I can only think of Heidi Klum, seen at the Emmy Awards in Hollywood last night, in a sleek black evening dress with her massive belly protruding with baby #4.  Does Heidi feel the intense pressure of parenting four children, or is she as connected and as fulfilled as Josie at the elementary school?

We’ll never know for sure.   Unless, of course, Heidi, you are out there reading The PranaMama, and care to comment.  Inquiring Minds Want to Know!

*name has been changed

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