Growing up, I always thought I would like to be "on stage". Plays, musicals, dancer in the chorus…it all appealed to me. I enjoyed performing skits for friends on our make believe stage in our backyard. The first part I played was Mistress Winslow, a pilgrim, in a Thanksgiving play in the fifth grade. The character was totally boring and a bit stuffy. Oh well, this is just the beginning of my acting career. "Better parts will come along", I thought.
The first hint that I had no talent or stage presence was when I was a Junior in high school. After "trying out" for a part in the school musical, I landed the roll of "spotlight girl". I was part of the stage crew instead of "on stage". My future husband, Rodger, on the other hand captured the lead role in the musical despite the fact that he can’t sing (he is a great dancer!).
The second indication of my lack of talent came when I was a Senior. I was cast as First Dead Woman in the play "Our Town". Not much acting or movement involved here. Again, Rodger was given a great part in the play. He didn’t even try out! Seems that when the current cast member got suspended from school, they needed a quick replacement. The director thought of Rodg first. I guess the ability to memorize lines instantly and take on any character with ease had something to do with her decision.
After we were married, we participated in skits at church. I couldn’t help but wonder why I was continually being cast as Mary Magdalene, the Woman at the Well, or whomever the local prostitute happened to be. "It’s because of your long red hair", my husband assured me. Hmmm….. I wasn’t so sure. One Sunday, I woke up to realize my stage fright had become paralyzing. I was dreading going to church. I’m sure that made God happy!
The curtain has closed on my acting days. Now, I am completely at ease with my position as "director" at American Harvest. I have the gift of organization (my husband says I have the gift of bossiness). So grab your script and come on stage at American Harvest. You will always be the "star" and you never have to "try out". Be assured that we will always applaud and ask for an encore!
Here are some pictures of the "Stars" now performing at American Harvest.
Vintage Italian chandelier
Rabbit by Craig Yenke
Ashley Carter faery, Birthday Queen crown by Barbara Schriber, gift box by Melissa Neufeld and Birthday Wishes crown by FG & Co.
Hand carved birds and stone bird grouping
Santos by Eric Cortina with a crown by Donna O’Brien made with vintage millinery , also shown is an angel with metal wings
Mosaic cupcakes by Michelle Legler
Window display of Summer Fun, including vintage croquet balls.
