The thing about getting older is that you have an interesting perspective about what is important and what isn't. Really, it wasn't until this year that I realized that it was probably pretty cool that I was the flower girl in the Marlboro Man's wedding.
So. Are you impressed? Does that make me cool?
Maybe it is what literally snared me into a love of all things truly American, all things that came up out of the Western Experience and all things real...
Probably why it took a little NYC eye-opening experience among the snobbery to realize that where I come from is pretty significant compared to where I find myself... sometimes.
I had a great time with my aunt and cousin, pulling out the old ads, photos and remembering family stories, happy and sad. Tears slid down my cheeks. My aunt has a heart as big as Texas.
Mark Crispin Miller, author of Fooled Again, a book about the '04 election shenanigans and an NYU media professor, spoke last fall to our political communications class. His next book: about American icons and the Marlboro Man. I took digital photos of the ads. What a moment in our collective cultural history; my aunt said he still collects royalties from the overseas ads. I'll put some of the photos up on my Flickr.
I had to let 44 years go by before I thought much about those petals I dropped down the aisle. Me, the family historian. Time gets us all, doesn't it. Yee haw.
Related Mother Pie article: Marlboro: Going Gold; Art Appropriation (Cowboys)
For more, see MotherPie's articles:
How to Put a Crease in Jeans
Stetson Silver Belly Cowboy Hat
American Style: Blue Jeans and Cowboy Boots
Jeans are Not Just for Cowboys
MotherPie's category: Out West
I think it's really cool that you were the flower girl. I loved the Marlboro man and share with you a love of cowboys and the West.
The only downside is I smoked Marlboros for years
Posted by: Jill | August 21, 2006 at 08:31 AM
Hey really Nice blog...I also think it's really cool that you were the flower girl....
http://www.flowergirldressforless.com
Posted by: FLower Girl | July 03, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Two items... Which Marlboro man were you in the wedding? Norris?
Second item I just purchased a vintage silver belly stetson with Marlboro stamped inside. It even has the classic feather with matching ribbon band. I believe it is from the 70's or around that period.
Any insights would be appreciated.
RT
Posted by: Robert Templin | January 20, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Which Marlboro Man? The one from the 50's?
Posted by: Heather | May 20, 2009 at 02:03 AM
Which Marlboro Man? I know most of them all personally. My great grandfather is Darrell Winfield and my father is one of them.
Posted by: Kelsey | August 11, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Jerry Dominick married my cousin. He came after Darrel Winfield, I think.
Posted by: MotherPie | August 11, 2009 at 06:29 PM