♪ ♫ Someday I’m gonna be famous….do I have talent? Well…no! ♪ ♫

♪ ♫ Someday I’m gonna be famous….do I have talent?  Well…no!  ♪ ♫(Brad Paisley)

                                                      by j

I remember the first time I made the discovery. I remember the exact moment. I don’t know how old I was, but I am guessing it was around 10.  We were at the Ice Capades. My family didn't do a lot of things that cost money but my dad loved the Ice Capades, or got discount tickets through work, so we went several times growing up.  I remember standing in the hallway holding my coat in front of some dividers. Other spectators were rushing by. We backed up so we weren't in their way. I could see in between the dividers and hear what was going on.  I moved closer to check it out.  Skaters were getting ready.  They were looking in mirrors, fixing costumes, checking make-up, hugging, and giggling with excitement and nervousness.  The costumes were frilly and flashy. They practiced poses and moves. They were poised and confident and giddy! I was captivated and so drawn in that it felt like I was part of the scene! These days I sometimes struggle to remember what I had for breakfast, but I remember with clarity that exact moment when I said, “I want to do that!”  Not, that I wanted to be a skater, but that I wanted to do…that!  I wanted to be one of the people who looked in the mirror, checked my costume and make-up, hugged my fellow performers and giggled out of excitement and nervousness! I wanted to feel the confidence that comes out of knowing that I was well prepared. I wanted to wear things I would never dream of wearing and say things I would never dream of saying in front of people I would never know or have to explain myself to.  The only problem was…well… talent!

I found a way in high school.  Talent was still as issue.  While I had some minor roles, I eventually discovered directing. That did it.  I got to be one of those people behind the divider!  We laughed, we hugged we were confident and nervous and excited and ready! I helped with flashy and frilly costumes and fix make-up. (And even wore some myself)Those times were so memorable!

Again, I found a way through teaching.  For the past ten years I've been the drama club director at my school. Along with a group of fourth and fifth graders, we laughed, we hugged, we were confident and nervous and excited and ready!  There were flashy and frilly outfits and lots of make-up. Again…memorable times! 

This year was my last year as director.  I take with me so many happy memories!  Somehow I know it’s not entirely over!  It’s just time to move on!! Time to find another way to express my non-talent!!  J I wonder what’s behind the next divider!