Sunday morning we did the Secret Stairs Walk #33 (Bronson Canyon Loop) with Teresa. The walk took us through an attractive part of the Hollywood Hills, starting and ending at the Scientology Celebrity Centre.
The Celebrity Centre's website explains that it is intended to "cater to those individuals.... upon whom society depends the most....the artists, politicians, leaders of industry, sports figures and anyone with the power and vision to create a better world."
The website goes on,
Now one might argue that these individuals already have benefits that many will never have. But, ask any one of them — ask yourself — it can become a lonely world. Subject to the unusual pressures that come with prominence and responsibility, being looked upon under a microscope for good or bad — these are burdens others can’t imagine. Not to mention the counter-attack such individuals are subjected to by those less-ambitious who would rather fight to maintain a “status quo” than allow another to attempt a change or improvement.
You see, there’s no shame in helping the artist. In fact, in the larger scope of societal help, we had better help the artist if we wish to advance the society at all.
When we returned to the Ons' house, I wasn't sure that I wanted to leave. I sat on their stoop for a while, thinking about how they understand how to treat an artistic Celebrity such as myself. They get the pressures that come with my prominence and responsibility. When I stay with them I feel like I can let go of my burden for a little while; get out from under the microscope of scrutiny that is my regular companion.
Teresa spoke softly and supportively with me. She acknowledged the hardships of living what others might see as my cosseted life at the bluffs. Promising that, just as the Celebrity Centre pampers other prominent leaders, she and Roger would be there to help and cater to me when I really needed them, she encouraged me to get in the car and cross the hill back to my lonely world on the other side.
Which I did, because I had an inkling that there might be a really good sunset that night.
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