By Mary N. DiZazzo

The Immortal Marilyn Lives

Ciao bella,

Recently on a warm and lovely summer afternoon we celebrated the life of Marilyn Monroe at a book signing with proceeds going to a charity event. It was kicked off by local authors John De Vito and Frank Tropea whose book The Immortal Marilyn: The Depiction of an Icon, intends to explore the ultimate affect of the powerful and lasting impact M.M. has had on the world.

John and Frank began by first acknowledging the obvious fact that she was indeed the blondest of the blonds, the sexiest of the Hollywood sex symbols. But that was hardly all she was—just another sexy Hollywood blonde from an apparently endless line of sexy Hollywood blondes.

No, Marilyn stood out from the rest of the pack, partly because she had the ability to project both a lush sexuality and a palpable sense of innocence. Her drop-dead gorgeousness was laced with a liberal amount of vulnerability which made her non-threatening even when she was at her very naughtiest.

Interesting facts:

The Marilyn Monroe estate estimates that the many uses made of her star image take in between $50 and $60 million per year. Since 1962 well over 500 books have been devoted exclusively to her.

Since we all know there was domestic abuse in Marilyn’s life, the charity beneficiary of the event was HarborCOV, helping and supporting survivors of domestic violence. They offer free and confidential support respecting your experiences and your decisions.

The day was truly a success as the event took place at the lovely Raina’s Hair Design Studio and Day Spa— www.rainashairdesign.com. This is an Aveda Concept Salon.

Dressed as Marilyn, I walked away with second prize, a $50 gift certificate to be used at Raina’s. Not bad for a day of glamour and fun.

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

[Note: some quotes from The Immortal Marilyn.]

Have you missed any of Mary's columns in the Post-Gazette? Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns on her website www.mary4nails.com. She is a third-generation cosmetologist and owner of Mary for Nails, etc. natural nailcare salon in Andover, and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183. She also sees select clients by appointment in Boston at (617) 742-6881.