“Stardust” A Mort Laitner Vignette

“Stardust” A Mort Laitner Vignette

Six months ago, I’m watching this documentary on Benjamin Netanyahu and the interviewee says, “American millionaires circled around him as if he were covered in stardust.

Questions cratered my brain as if meteors striking the moon. Where did Netanyahu get the imaginary shiny powder with magical powers? How did he find this charismatic quality that drew rich folks to his side? He wasn’t a major movie star or sports figure with the charm or attractiveness that stems from their celebrity.

Weren’t we all made up of tiny stardust particles? Weren’t we all creatures of the big bang?  Weren’t these minute particles constantly falling to Earth. Therefore, don’t we all had some stardust in our eyes?

Last night, I watched Woody Allen’s, Stardust Memories. Allen plays a celebrity movie director who is plagued by his fans for autographs, photographs, jobs, advice, and asked questions about the meaning of his films. Allen’s character is covered in stardust. But rather than being self-absorbed, He handles his fame with nonchalance—signing all autographs, posing for all pictures and giving snippets of his time to all adoring fans. He brushed off his stardust as if dandruff on his shoulders.

Well, recently I’ve had a few particles of stardust land on my shoulders. I’ve signed some autographs, had some pictures taken with fans and discussed the meaning of my film with audiences.

And some of my critics have had the nerve to accuse me of being too self-absorbed.

Well, I would like to respond but I am too busy holding on to my stardust.

Readers’ comments:

Thanks for sharing your “Stardust.” What an excellent piece. We wish you well with all your multiplying glamour.—Gina

Good for you! Enjoy the stardust 😊—Terri