Jackie and Marilyn: The Men They Shared, part 2

Celebrity can work both ways, in that once a person is connected to another, fame can prove contagious, lasting and immortalizing. This is partly true when it comes to Richard Avedon.
A noted photographer, Avedon was hired several times to work with Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s. Here is one of his most iconic shots of the actress:

What is most striking is that this picture happened toward the end of the shoot, after Marilyn had spent hours laughing, dancing, and twirling for the camera, or, as Avedon called it, "being Marilyn Monroe."
But another series of portraits solidified Avedon's fame: The Kennedy family portraits for Harpers Bazaar. Below is one of my all-time favorite moments between Jackie and her husband:

 Is there any denying his smirk and Jackie's 'wonderment'? Avedon deserves much applause for capturing those rare, almost-missed moments of Jackie and Marilyn. In both shots here, the women are legends in the making, ripe with youth and unearthly beauty.

 

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Sharing a free offer: For anyone interested in receiving the complete set of my short stories, The Kennedy Chronicles, for FREE, please sign up for my Readers' Club. New members will receive the set, which includes "Bouvier Afternoon" that is only available for Readers' Club members.

 

Visit my website to learn more : http://www.mercedesking.com/  or sign up HERE. Thank you!



 



Jackie and Marilyn: The Men They Shared, part 1

The affair between JFK and Marilyn has been verified through various accounts over the years. Although JFK was no stranger to infidelities, it's rumored that his dalliances with Marilyn pushed Jackie over the edge. Jackie insisted that JFK end the affair. Of course, weeks after Marilyn's "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" performance, she was dead.

But did Jackie ever realize just how many men she and Marilyn shared, besides JFK?

The go-to man for celebrity hair care, "Mr. Kenneth" Battelle, was one such man.

He earned the title "Secretary of Grooming" and became famous for styling Jackie's hair, "with just enough movement but judicious amounts of hairspray."

Battelle eventually built an empire in the hair industry, but is also credited with helping Marilyn save and treat her hair. After she complained about her hair falling out from too many perms and too much bleach, she was recommended to Battelle.

Although it never would've happened, imagine if Jackie and Marilyn had passed one another going in and out of his salon....



Interesting, Battelle outlived both beauties, having only passed away in 2013 at the age of 88.

Upcoming Release!

Happy, excited, over-the-moon-thrilled to share that my latest, a novella, will be release on March 23, 2015. Hope you check it out!

A DREAM CALLED MARILYN

"In the summer of 1962, nothing could prepare Dr. Charles Campbell for his first meeting with his new client, Marilyn Monroe. A reputable psychiatrist, he's been hired by a studio executive to handle and subdue the star, no matter what it takes. Although he's been warned about Ms. Monroe's unpredictability, she's not what he expected. In the days that follow, Charles' world is turned upside-down. Marilyn shares her secrets and threatens to go public with information that could ruin her career and destroy President Kennedy's administration. Saving Marilyn from her self-destructive ways and crossing doctor-patient boundaries, might also cost Charles Campbell his life."

Available for Pre-Order HERE.

Our dear Jackie

If you're a Jackie fan like me, you might want to check out and follow pinkpillbox.com . The gentlemen who run the site / blog and Facebook page share interesting photos and bits of info, as do the very active members.

Here's a recent gem, a painting....

http://www.keesvancitters.com/gallery.php?action=view&item=300&lastpage=24



by Brandon Wolf

Stunning! You probably recognize the photo this is a copy of. I love how ethereal Jackie looks. For me, this is elegance on canvas.

JFK...His last phone calls

As today marks yet another anniversary of JFK's assassination, I thought I'd share a bit of trivia I picked up today from a site I enjoy regularly.

First call: Ruth Carter Johnson, the lady who arranged the "artwork" in JFK and Jackie's room in Fort Worth.

Second call: John Nance Garner, a former Democratic VP from Texas who was celebrating his 95th birthday.

Special thanks to Jason Sanicki, Katelyn Lilly, and Denise Hamilton for providing the question and answers.

O! JACKIE on sale.......

Yes, yes, yes! Please help spread the word:

My novel, O! JACKIE, is on sale thru October for 0.99 !

Get yours, share, and tell the world. :)

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Anniversary time

I'm squeaking this in a bit late, but here are some interesting facts on 1953's 'Wedding of the Year'........

Research by Steven L. Brawley, PPB editor-in-chief
Note: (the site www.pinkpillbox.com is currently under construction)
Date: September 12, 1953
Church: St. Mary’s, Newport, RI
Officiant: Archbishop Cushing
Blessing by: Pope Pius XII
Music by: Tenor soloist Luigi Vena from Boston sang Gounod’s Ave Maria.
Church guests: 800
Reception guests, 1,200
Reception location: Hammersmith Farm
Invitation: black ink on a cream colored paper
Menu: Fruit cup in pineapple, creamed chicken, ice cream in flower molds
Cake: five tier by Plourde's Bakery
Orchestra: Meyer Davis
Bride’s dress design: Ann Lowe
Bride’s dress detail: ivory tissue silk, with a portrait neckline, fitted bodice, and a bouffant skirt embellished with bands of more than fifty yards of flounces
Bride’s veil: rosepoint lace, worn first by her grandmother Lee, was draped from a tiara of lace and orange blossoms
Bride’s accessories: a choker of pearls, a diamond bracelet that was a gift from the groom, her mother's lace handkerchief, and a blue garter
Bride’s bouquet: pink and white spray orchids and gardenias
Photographer: Toni Frissell
Best man: Robert Kennedy
Matron of honor: Lee Radziwill
Maid of honor: Nina G. Auchincloss
Bridesmaids: 10
Ushers: 9
Engagement ring: square-cut 2.88 carat diamond and a 2.84 carat emerald with tapered baguettes from Van Cleef & Arpels
Wedding ring: 24 carat gold band
Wedding night: Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York City
Honeymoon: Mexico and California
Length of marriage: 10 years