Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Inspiration

The Matron is an unapologetic American Idol fan. As she types, she's watching Janet Jackson embarrass herself on national television. But that's nothing new.

Earlier in the show, Christina Aguilera belted an anthem. The Matron had chills and it wasn't about tonight or really, Aguilera.
The Modern Language Association requires one uses last names (after first introducing with a full name) and the Matronly sensibilities disallow her from veering from this requirement. Which is why you have Aguilera instead of Christina.

Many years ago, the Matron was sitting on an unfinished dissertation. She had two small children, babies really, no time and a diminished ego. Aguilera was about 14 and appeared on a Barbara Walters 'Spectacular Women' special or some such thing.

Note how she wrote "Barbara Walters," thus laying the groundwork for later use of "Walters."

As the Matronly memory goes, an ambitious, raw, teenage Aguilera said to Walters: "I've wanted this --success as an artist --since I was three. I've worked every day of my life, devoted every minute of my existence to becoming a singer. I get up at six and start working on my voice. If I'm not training --which goes beyond just singing -- I listen to music. It's all I do. Every minute of my life is devoted to achieving my goals."

The Matron was captive by the look on this young woman's face, by her transparent ambition, drive and focus. Inspiring? As God-Buddha-Oprah-Allah-Universe is/are her witness, the Matron took that unfettered ambition into her soul at that moment -- a TELEVISION moment, mind you and quite uncharacteristic -- and swore in the face of Christina Aguilera, much like Scarlett O'Hara did when she clutched soil and vowed to 'never be hungry again,' that if a 14 year old could toil endlessly to achieve her dreams -- big dreams-- the Matron could pen a dissertation.

And she did.

Thank you-- Christina. First name basis seems right.











7 comments:

Minnesota Matron said...

I just have to add that this is completely true. After seeing Christina Aguilera on that show, I wrote my dissertation. Speaks to my strangeness. . . or maybe the next day it would have been the dog that kicked me in the butt but to this day, I have gratitude for that interview.

Cecile said...

I think that post is an inspiring story, too. You have written a dissertation with two toddlers to take care of, and self-esteem issues. If you managed that, I can manage to kick ******'s ass into tomorrow too ! Thank you, Minnesota Matron ! :-)

PS : no, I won't physically assault anyone, in case you're worried. Someone at work threatened me and disrespected me several times... and now's the time to retaliate. Yeeee haaaaa !

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you! I had trouble getting a shower for myself and a meal on the table for the family when I had two little kids. Cannot imagine doing that PLUS a dissertation.

My own personal mantra when something intimidates me -- usually an upcoming presentation or a potential confrontation -- is something #1 Son said years ago: "It's nothing to be afraid of. It's just a bunch of unarmed white guys."

Anonymous said...

I get chills--what a moment you've captured.

Saucy said...

Dear Matron,

Just like Christina Aguilera herself, you rock.

Saucy would like to apologize profusely to Aguilera (see how you taught me that rule?) for publicly stating in 1999 that it was Britney Spears and not Aguilera who had staying power. So shameful. We all know how that worked out.

From one unabashed Idol fan to another, have you recovered from the outcome or was it to your liking? Saucy went to the hairdresser today to ease her pain and decided to leave the salon in silent, hirsute protest... hence the dreadlocks.

Minnesota Matron said...

Saucy -- I predicted Lee the winner three weeks ago. It's those sleepy eyes. The girls dig him. But Crystal is clearly the better, more deserving singer. Hmmmm. . . sorta like last year.

*m* said...

A little off topic but speaking of inspirational singers: Our family is still talking about Merrick's unforgettable rendition of "Chocolate Rain." As the Idol judges would say, he really made it his own.