What Would Hayley Mills Do?

by Kimberly A. Cook                 (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Growing up in the 1960s there were many role models for women; feminists, stay at home moms, movie stars and women entering the workforce. To say the mixed messages were confusing to young girls is an understatement. 

http://youtu.be/Xa1jVVmXS-c

The 1960s superwoman image and the do it all mantra was trumpeted. Seemed illogical to me. Watching my own mother juggle taking care of a home, two daughters, work two part-time jobs, attend college, lead my Camp Fire Group and hold down the fort while Dad worked out-of-town on long business trips; it became clear to me the “news” might be fibbing. Picking a few roles seemed possible, but not all of them at once.

Who became one of my female role models? Actress Hayley Mills. Watching “The Wonderful World of Disney” on Sunday nights rocked. When her teenage movies came out, I decided I wanted to be like Hayley; a pirate, princess and tomboy. The movie “The Moon-Spinners” had me fall in love with romantic suspense, adventure and Greece. It also introduced me to author Mary Stewart, a lifetime favorite.

From “That Darn Cat!” to “Summer Magic,” I always found a message in her films which spoke to me about being a woman who can take many paths, not just the one society decided I should take. If Hayley could have adventures, travel and do what she wanted, so could I. Being a warrior and a writer would be okay in Hayley’s world. 

Her favorite film of mine is “The Truth ABout Spring,” a British movie she did with her father, actor John Mills, and James MacArthur of the first “Hawaii 5-0” fame. It’s a fun movie about growing up, doing what one needs to make ends meet, and to never give up. There’s always a secret escape route just around the rocks whenever you’re in a jam.

With 2012 heading this way at full speed, I like to ponder what my creativity and life goals will be for the new year. January begins like a clean whiteboard I can diagram with colored pens to my heart’s content. If I get stuck and life seems too complicated or ugly, I can always pull out my secret weapon; what would Hayley Mills do? 

Do you have a childhood role model? It might be time to revisit that person with fresh eyes and find the inspiration you got years ago. Why not? Happy adventures in 2012!