Sometimes a death, even one of someone you didn’t actually know, can hit you quite hard.  Mary Tyler Moore’s death did just that.  Hit me very, very hard. I grew up watching the Mary Tyler Moore show and wanting to live in St. Paul (but remain a Bears fan and not a Vikings fan). Mary Tyler Moore was pretty, funny, smart, sassy and was indeed, a wonderful role model, especially for young girls.  Mary Tyler Moore was a trailblazer. She had a wardrobe that I envied, even when I believe I was wearing stretch pants and matching polyester tops.  #Ugh. Mary Richards had a great career and fun, snappy friends.  Everyone loved her.  She wasn’t married and didn’t have children, but that didn’t define her or the character.  I loved the show in the 70’s and even re-watched it three years ago when I needed something to while the time away when I was on the elliptical.  I plan on introducing Meredith to it, as well… as soon as we are done with The Gilmore Girls, which looks to be this weekend. 🙂

I also loved her in the character of Laura Petrie.  I’m not sure we watched it “live”, but it was on reruns for about 30 years, so between the Dick Van Dyke show and the Andy Griffith show, our weeknight early evenings had all of us sitting in front of the TV.  “Oh Rob” and the “Twizzle” are two things that always make me smile.  And the ottoman.  Gotta love the ottoman. 🙂

And hey look… her outfit is back in style!  Flats and skinny pants. #OnTrend

As my #SoleSister said, Mary Tyler Moore was so good in the role of Beth, in Ordinary People, she kind of hated her for a while.  I’m pretty sure not many people could say that about Mary Tyler Moore, Mary Richards or Laura Petrie.  I loved that move and will also introduce Mer Mer to it  But only after she watches the Mary Tyler Moore show and the Dick Van Dyke show, so she loves Mary, before she hates her. 😉

MTM was an advocate and champion for those with Type 1 Diabetes.  Diagnosed at the age of 33, she was a 20-year chair of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)  and is credited with helping raise funds for research, which was about $25 million in 1984 to more than $1 billion today.  Mary Tyler Moore’s death highlights the toll lifelong Type 1 Diabetes has on one’s body.  Her death can bring about more discussion and hopefully additional funds raised to help eradicate this cruel disease.

Mary was an advocate for animals.  Everyone matters.  All humans.  All animals.  Must love dogs. 😉

MTM Quotes

1. “Whatever it is, it’s OK because it’s what it is. Don’t be looking for perfection. Don’t be short-tempered with yourself. And you’ll be a whole lot nicer to be around with everyone else.”

2. “I knew at a very early age what I wanted to do. Some people refer to it as indulging in my instincts and artistic bent. I call it just showing off, which was what I did from about three years of age on.”

3. “I’m not an actress who can create a character. I play me.”

4. “You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you.”

5. “Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.”

6. “Having a dream is what keeps you alive. Overcoming the challenges makes life worth living.”

7. “I’ve had the fame and the joy of getting laughter — those are gifts.”

8. “Sometimes you have to get to know someone really well to realize you’re really strangers.”

9. “You truly have to make the very best of what you’ve got. We all do.”

10. “My grandfather once said, having watched me one entire afternoon, prancing and leaping and cavorting, ‘This child will either end up on stage or in jail.’ Fortunately, I took the easy route.”

11. “I’m an experienced woman; I’ve been around … well, alright, I might not’ve been around, but I’ve been … nearby.”

Who would have thought that Betty White would outlive Mary Tyler Moore?  I hope I haven’t jinxed this, because I am a huge fan of Betty White!

In her later years, MTM may have had some unfortunate plastic surgery.  Who cares?  This picture is how I shall choose to remember her.

Song of the Day:  Love is all Around, by Joan Jett (yes, not the original, but I like this snappy version)

Guess who turned 5 this week?  Maxine!!  Happy 5th birthday Maxie and Happy 2 years with us. We love you!

And just like that… we are at Super Bowl 51, for crying out loud!  No Bears, but again, we have the Patriots.  And the Falcons.  I shall be rooting for the Patriots, for my friend Cathy.  #TrueFriend

Planning my Super Bowl blog, as I write. Can’t wait!

You’re gonna make it after all!  🙂 🙂 🙂

xoxo,

T.