My mother, to be funny, used to call me Audrey Heartburn every time I was told I looked like Audrey, realizing after 30 years of therapy, it was because she was jealous of the comparison.
It’s no wonder one has self-esteem issues, having a mother as a competitor.
To be truthful, Audrey Hepburn was much better looking than I ever was, and did copy her style, even now since, after all these years, the waif look still works.
Women ask where I got my black ballet flats and Capri pants that end above the ankle. T-shirts that are just plain cotton. French sailor pullovers that have been around forever beneath a slim black blazer you can buy at any Gap.
Can’t leave out that little black dress worn with only pearls.
Classic clothes that still impress as if they’re brand new.
But back to the Italian Cruella DeVille. She’d say things like, who do you think you are dressing like Sabrina, before confiscating my tights and turtleneck saying she had no idea what happened to them.
I started hiding things under the mattress and behind my bureau trying to outsmart her, alas, a losing battle. And if I accused her, she’d slap then punish me, the trap I’d fall into time and time again.
When I was finally on my own, it took a while before I felt my beloved belongings were safe, afraid someone would climb through the window leaving, wearing my shoes.
Lila, a shrink I had, was the one who cured me of my sartorial paranoia saying, if I securely shut the windows and locked the door, my wardrobe would be fine.
In hindsight, I was a kid out on my own way too soon, without stable ground to stand on. If asked, how I managed to survive and even flourish at times, I’d say, it was due to my innate sense of humor, carrying me like a life raft.
To this day, you’d find an item or two, along with a little cash, under my box springs, because well, when you’re Audrey Heartburn, you just can’t be too careful. 
There’s the real thing, then there’s me.
SB
Susannah, you may not be Ms Hepburn but you are, without question, definitely the real thing.
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From the back…:)
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No Susannah!
Mind you, that comment did make me laugh and bring to mind the line from G&S “Trial by Jury”: “She may very well pass for forty-three. In the dusk, with a light behind her!” 😉
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See, I get that. I’d like to walk around with my own portable lighting. Sigh
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There is a definite resemblance. I am so sorry your mother was competitive. She was probably beautiful in her own right even if it was a generation older. You are definitely a picture of resilience! A very beautiful one!
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well…she was quite beautiful but not very mom like. I’m not nutty for nothing. Thanks.
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Susannah, I adore Audrey Hepburn and her beauty. I must say that you are also quite beautiful. Beautiful and vert talented.
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Hello Madam. Long time no hear. Audrey has me beat, hands and ballet flats down. But that’s okay. She continues to be such an inspiration. Thanks.
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Love this !
Best,
Hal
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Silly, embarrassing and true.
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Susannah, it only goes to prove what I have said constantly: you are beautiful.
I adore Audrey Hepburn and, if you mother was that jealous, it just proves it even more.
I understand problems with a parent. It can change, but takes time and is very difficult.
If you are mostly out from under it (and I believe you are), then all’s the better.
But you and Audrey – nearly twins.
My heart sighs,
Scott
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Such flattery. Undeserved.
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I had a hard time hitting “like” there as I still believe my statements true.
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Thank you
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Very much welcome.
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I grieve for you that you didn’t have a happy childhood, but look how you’ve turned out!!! You are beautiful, and you have a heart as big as all outdoors. Love that photo of you.
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A creepy childhood gives you lots to write about. There’s always an upside. 🙂
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If anyone could find an upside, it would be you.
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There’s always something in everything at least in my experience. My mother was a very unhappy woman who never should have had kids. Then again I wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t. See, the upside. 🙂
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I never thought about what your mother looked like until someone said she must have been beautiful. Can you remember ever seeing her in a happy moment?
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Yeah, but those moments were fleeting. She was quite the femme fatale who never should have married my dad who couldn’t control nor remotely satisfy her…hence…their drinking and fighting escalating into legendary behavior…sigh
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I simply can’t imagine it. I sigh for you.
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Susannah, I can definitely see a strong similarity and am sure you hear it regularly. You’re a beautiful classic in your own right.
During my junior and senior years I was often called Twiggy, but I didn’t take it as a compliment because it drew attention to my skinniness, and was the only reason for the comment. Towards the end of my senior year people began telling me I looked like Nancy Sinatra (a look I cultivated). A much more flattering comparison at the time.
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Nancy Sinatra is very attractive. She got the best from both parents. I can see the resemblance easily. Those boots that were made for walking. 🙂
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I wish I had a photo of my Nancy look with the black upper eyeliner and platinum blonde hair teased a bit on top and flipped on the bottom. But when it comes to singing I am profoundly tone-deaf. Most youngsters (under 40) don’t know who Nancy Sinatra is, but Audrey is timeless!
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I think the name Sinatra transcends, so Nancy with the smiling face, was that the name of the song her dad sang about her, might be remembered. Audrey of course is iconic…the young Audrey. I see photos everywhere of her. I hope wherever she is, she knows what an impact she made. 🙂
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I saw the resemblance to Audrey the day I found your blog. Your childhood molded your heart into the kindest, loving one in town.
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At least we got a joke out of it…my epitaph will read…anything for a laugh
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