Can you believe it’s already Thursday again? Where do the weeks go? Once more, it’s time for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, and the prompt I chose for today’s post is:
3.) Speech!! Tell about a time you had to speak or present in front of a group of people.
During my school years, I was terrified of oral book reports. Absolutely terrified. Then, several years ago, I took a job as an interpreter at Bacon’s Castle, a historic property in our area. Slowly, my fear of speaking in front of (small) groups eased, just a little.
Then, last year, I was asked to portray my grandmother in a twilight tour (also at Bacon’s Castle). Since my grandparents, along with their twelve children, one of whom was my mom, lived in the Castle during the 1920’s and 30’s, I was honored to pretend to be my grandmother for those two nights.
Fortunately, I had a photograph of her, taken there at the house, by which to pattern my “costume”. What do you think? A thrift shop apron, a borrowed dress, a wig (and styling help from my friend, Bev), cotton stockings found on the internet, and I was transformed into a Depression-era housewife.
We had a mini-rehearsal before the “crowds” arrived. I can honestly say that I don’t recall ever being so nervous in my life. But I made it. I’m not sure how many times I gave my “speech” over the course of those two nights. But each time seemed a little easier.
...during my "performance"...
I was stationed in the attic, and some of the local folks found it difficult to believe that I didn’t mind being up there alone between tour groups. Strange happenings have been reported at Bacon’s Castle for many, many years.
I did manage to catch the sunset through those 345 year-old windows.
Overcoming the stage fright was difficult. But I’m glad I did. As a friend said, this was another memory to add to my Bacon’s Castle treasure box.
these days of mine 
That sounds like a exciting experience for you. And it sounds as if you really enjoyed it. Bacon’s castle sounds like a wonderful place and well worth a visit.
I too, hate speaking in public. So well done, I’m very impressed.
Wow…what fun that was (after you got over your stage fright)….especially for you since you knew Bacon’s Castle so intimately. Love the costume – the likeness is remarkable. I’m not crazy about public speaking but have HAD to get over that doing book-signings and other appearances over the years. GOOD FOR YOU!
Pam
Dianna, this is awesome! You really do look like the picture of your grandmother. I did not know that your family lived IN Bacon’s Castle until you have shared that in your posts. The sunset picture is wonderful ending!
I never doubted for a second that you couldn’t handle it well! Your Grandma looks a little like my Grandma 🙂 Love the cotton stockings and shoes! I was terrified of public speaking too and then in high school I was elected Pep Club President. I tried my best to get laryngitis every time I had to speak at a rally. I didn’t get over my shyness and public speaking until I started working retail in small gift shops after I was married. Your sunset framed by the 345 year old window is very pretty! Give Sundae Kitty a little scritch for me please.
good for you, you really look the part. public speaking, it’s not for me!!
I’m sure Grandma and Mama were very proud of you for your ‘performance’…as they always were no matter what you did.
Aren’t we glad cotton stockings and that hair-style went out of fashion?! LOL!!!
Wow. I’m still stuck on “345 year old window”! That place is so old and still so beautiful. You’ll have to someday tell us of the “strange happenings”, please?:)
You looked fantastic! Those things are super tough at first but as you found out the more you do it the easier it gets!
~d.
Now that would be the subject of a post “Strange Happenings at Bacon’s Castle”. Your last picture is a perfect signature to this post.
What a neat experience to portray your grandma! I love the comparison shot. So neat. I hear fodder for a few posts – why (or how) did you grandparents live there? And what are some of the spooky stories? I love the way you tell your stories 🙂
i can only imagine how meaningful that was for you to portray your grandmother in that historic family home!
I am left wondering why you were stationed up in the attic of all places! With the fancy gown and stockings like that, you should have been the official greeter for the evening!
I have to mention that I was already at the Castle, and when she showed up “in character,” I didn’t even realize who it was!! You did a great job those nights, and that sunset photo op was worth getting over the public speaking hurdle, right ??!!
I was always so frightened to get up in front of my class when I was young that I’d do almost anything to get out of it! I’m still not much better today, but thankfully I don’t have to do any public speaking. Good job for meeting your challenge head on and conquering it! Now, about those strange happenings…we want to hear more!
This sounds like it was a really special presentation. You did a great job looking like her.
How wonderful that you have overcome that fear. Congratulations!
That night was magical and you were perfect for the part. The sunset photo was priceless.
Loved the clothes! I’m sure you did a wonderful job protraying your grandmother. Oral science reports — terrible for me!!
You are a marvel. I know your Grandmother would be proud to see what a great job you did portraying her. Your sunset photo is mysterious and nostalgic. Perfect for the occasion. 🙂
Throughout high school and college I majored in theater. Even afterwards I did some theater work. Performing never really bothered me. A few butterflies maybe. But get me up in front of business associates and I’m a nervous wreck. I have to keep my hands from visibly shaking and my mouth goes dry. Can’t explain it!
Dianna, wouldn’t your grandmother be thrilled!!…and what a privilege for you to play her role in that historic home where her/your family lived those many years ago. I’d love to see photos of Bacon’s Castle if you have any to share!
Great for you! I talk a lot, but I’m not good with public speaking or performance of any sort, so I usually worked stage crew or props or something.
The Castle sound like somewhere that I’d enjoy touring. I love old buildings like that.
I really must get to Bacon’s Castle. You are doing a great job as ambassador for this corner of VA. You like you had a blast – good for you!
And you still caught the sunset! lol How cool to get to “be” your grandmother, love it!
I’m sure you remember Dianna that I stuttered in school very badly so the very last thing I wanted to do was to speak in front of anyone.
Thanks to the good Lord over time I am much improved. Now you can not shut me up (that’s what my husband says) and he’s right. I so enjoy talking to people now out in public. I’m truly blessed. I loved the picture of the sunset from up in the attic in Bacon’s Castle. It has been of interest and fun learning about your family history with Bacon’s Castle.
Oh wow!! Those two photos side by side look eerily similar! Way to go!