By now many of you have heard on the morning news that Elizabeth Taylor died last night at the age of 79. I was saddened by this news even though I did not know her personally. However, like many U.S.Americans and even many in England and other countries, I felt like I knew her from so many tv and movie encounters over the years.
My dad loved her as an actress so she was a household word in our home while I was growing up. We use to joke that he married my mom (first name Elizabeth) because she had the same name. And later I was named Elizabeth as well.I had a rare privilege of meeting her in person when I lived in Orange County California. My husband was invited to a party and there I briefly met Elizabeth Taylor, Chuck and Aaron Norris, and Pamela Wayne (John Wayne's daughter). I will never forget that meeting. Elizabeth Taylor was just coming back from ReHab recovering from her addictions, and physically her body had taken a toll from that illness. However, she was still radiant. And her eyes. Those celestially beautiful, violet eyes coupled with her brilliant wit are qualities I will always remember.
As a Realtor I reflect on aspects of her personality that made her so successful, and two stand out in my mind. Her tenacity. She never quit trying. After many failed films, after scathing reviews of her movies, after strings of failed marriages, she kept making films and kept on trying. Second her humor and wit. News media frequently quoted her; and she was not shy about speaking her mind. It was that sense of humor that carried her thru so many heartbreaks and personal sorrows and tragedy. These are two qualities we can learn from in our profession. When life gets hard, a smile and a laugh go a long way to ease the stress of the moment. And keeping on keeping on even when business is slow.
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."~Henry Ford
For you fans of hers here are some of my favorite tributes to her. I especially think the last one when she was in a wheel chair so shows her indauntable spirit and keen sense of humor:
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