OK, when I saw the video of Susan Boyle unabashedly singing her heart out it definitely brought a tear to my eye along with the rest of the world. Hooray for the Underdog, of course!! But not long after, a bit of unease reared it's ugly head. I'm fully aware that this is definitely looking at the glass half empty, but I 
can't help but feel a bit sickened by the realization that the only way our society gives value to anyone is if they have some kind of extraordinary talent. Never mind the fact that this woman does charity work and obviously is quite clever and hilarious, from what I've seen of her. No, we have to take one look at her and just assume because she dresses a bit frumpy, has a few extra pounds and isn't supermodel beautiful (like every good singer should be, of course) that she couldn't possibly have any sort of talent. Of course it's quite satisfying to see her blow everyone out of the water, which is a big part of what makes her so successful, no doubt. And I'm so happy to hear her reply to the questions about her getting some sort of makeover, "Why should I change?" I really hope that this experience can open people's eyes a bit. My glass-half-empty attitude about it all wouldn't bet money on it, but I can hope!!
On a happier and more upbeat note, another performance definitely had me cheering...my daughter Vivian in her middle school musical, 'Oklahoma'. Granted she really wasn't performing in the play, but was part of the Running Crew--the people who bring the props on and off the stage. But still, Metal Mommy is still quite proud. Viv had to be talked into being involved in this in the first place...she's become quite 'shy' in her teen years now. (who would believe it, the girl who would sing Puff the Magic Dragon in front of the church at 5 years old?!) I told her she could do something behind the scenes if she was more comfortable with that, but I just wanted her to be involved. I remembered how much she loved doing 'Jesus Christ Superstar' a couple of years back through our church. Sure enough, I got to say "I told you so!" because she ended up really enjoying being part of this production. It was no surprise to see how professionaly it was done, the theater program at Vivian's schools (junior and and high school) are pretty darn amazing. Ahhh, it sure brought back memories of my days on the West High stage. Being 'Mrs. Molloy' in Hello Dolly, or 'Smitty' in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. In that play I was a self-proclaimed 'nymphomaniac'....!!!!! Oh, the nice memories of the theater...;-)
All the world's a stage, my friends. Let's hope everyone gives you a chance to be a star! There are my words of wisdom--you may now proceed with your day.
