More Reminiscing--So Am I a Klutz or a Performer?

I am still wandering down memory lane, contemplating my klutzhood. The photo at right is me at age 5 or so in a very cute little angel getup (if I do say so myself). I was the smallest angel at the school Christmas pageant that year. I had older siblings who had other parts in the pageant (I was the youngest of a large family). I don’t think I tripped or anything in my admittedly easy performance. So it was not an example of clumsiness, exactly. However, there are rumors that I did engage in nose-picking while on stage...so it wasn’t a moment of great glory, either.



In the photo above you’ll see me dressed like a waiter (yes, a male waiter) for my senior year one act play. I even had my breasts bound to pull off this astounding feat of androgyny. Look at me, the dedicated actress honing her craft. Or perhaps not. I did only have one line in the play. In fact, I think I only had one word, a name--”Leandro!” I did that one line with great gusto, though--I even made a silly face the entire time I was on stage. It was a sort of screwball comedy so I was one of the screwballs.



Above you see my friend Ellen and I performing some crazy dances at the Baptist Student Union at college. Poor Ellen wasn’t even a member of the BSU but I roped her into doing this. The one on the left is supposed to be representing the 40’s and the one on the right is obviously the 70’s (it was actually 1995 or so). I actually did every decade of the previous century and these two were with Ellen. So again, I got up in front of people and made a fool of myself, though at least I didn’t wind up in a heap on the floor. I actually did stuff like this at the BSU all the time. I also sang with the BSU choir and went to churches all over Missouri--singing, speaking, acting in skits, etc. However, the fact remains that I am both shy and clumsy. I was really fighting against the odds to be some kind of outgoing performing kind of person.

So, in spite of numerous performance experiences, I suspect I am still a klutz. It’s hard to deny it, though I may come back with some athletic experiences next time...wait until you see me with a basketball.