The prompt I chose today for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop is:
2.) A case of the nerves! When was the last time you had them and how did you get through it?
My most recent really bad case of nerves occurred in October of 2010. The staff of Bacon’s Castle was presenting a Twilight Tour: one of those events where folks dress in costume and bring previous residents of a particular building to life.
And I had been asked to portray my grandmother, Mae. (For those of you new to my blog, my mother and her family lived in the house during the 1920’s and 1930’s.)
I was excited about this opportunity and came up with a script monologue about living there in the house. I was stationed in the attic, so I used the excuse of going up there for extra quilts, and brought a couple of old quilts from home to use as props.
Before the first “official” tour, we had a trial run. The staff walked through the house, and each of us acted out our part.
My nerves kicked in moments before the trial run was to begin. Motor Man was there with me. He kept calming me down and telling me I could do it. At that point, I was wondering why in the world I had volunteered to do this.
The first couple of times, I forgot a line or two that I had planned to say. But after a few groups had come through, I was more comfortable being “Mae”. The tour ran for two consecutive nights; I’m guessing we did about six or eight tours per night.
during my performance
As for the last part of the prompt: how did you get through it?
I really don’t have an answer. Maybe it was because I knew that Marshall and Motor Man were both supporting me. Maybe I just didn’t want to be a quitter. Maybe Grandma somehow “helped” me.
Although I don’t know that I’d ever agree to do something like that again, I’m glad for the experience.
Oh, and we had a little fun while I was in costume. I posed in the same spot as the (above) picture of my Grandma. (The steps have since been removed.) How’s the resemblance?
Motor Man and me.
And Marshall with his mom….uh….great grandma.
If you’d like to read my original post about this experience, click here.
Linking up to Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop.
these days of mine 
I think you looked perfect for the part! What an honor that was – but I can just imagine how nervous you would have been! I am sure MM and Marshall were very proud of you…I would have loved to be there!
Great Job Dianna! You look perfectly costumed. I bet your grandma was there with you in spirit and so proud of your efforts and your family.
I think you did a spectacular job of “copying” that photo of your Grandmother…..I’m sure it was a challenge for you to do the role-play but I’m ALSO sure that it came naturally to you because it was your family member you were portraying. Bravo! Stepping outside our comfort zone is tough but I know in the end you’re so happy you did!
Pam (and Sam)
*Chills* seeing you in that same spot in costume…. Good on you for going through with it 🙂
MJ
You are more brave than I could be! I’d like to think your Grandma was there for you, I am betting she was 🙂
I’m sure you did an amazing job. I would have been a complete nervous wreck!
Of course, I, the animal person, am wondering who the doggie was in the photo with your grandma. 🙂
I love this story and the pictures. I have seen these pictures before, but when I looked again at the picture of your grandmother with her arm outstretched, I just noticed her shadow behind her. I was envisioning her having her arm around you when you were standing in the same spot. With that being said I agree with sweetdaysundertheoaks – It looks as if she knew that you were going to be having your picture taken in the same spot and that she was reaching out to you. (On the other hand she could have been calling the dog or saying don’t take my picture!…but I prefer to think that she could see into the future her wonderful granddaughter standing beside her:)
Congratulations! I’m sure you were wonderful. I can “hear” your voice now.
Great post…you transformed into your grandmother very nicely. I live in NJ and just bought my first Johnny Jump Ups (small type of viola/pansy) this week. I like your what’s blooming feature. I might have to copy that, hope you don’t mind. Enjoyed reading. Kathy
Speaking in front of groups is very scary, even scarier than those stockings you are wearing… Hip hip hooray that you overcame your fears…I hope you saved the stockings for another fun adventure.
Great work in overcoming your fears. It’s always the unknowns that cause them, don’t you think?
You protrayed your grandmother nicely, even down to the stockings. 😉
I can understand your nervousness….but those stockings would be enough to make anyone nervous…not to mention performing!
Aren’t we glad we don’t have to wear those cotton stockings!!? “We’ve come a long way, Baby!!”
What a fun memory! By the way, in the picture taken during one of the performances….you look just beautiful. The dark hair is really pretty on you!
You may have been nervous but I bet you were absolutely wonderful. What an honor to portray your own grandmother for this tour. I imagine you really made her come alive because you had a special link to her. Not every ‘tour guide’ has that kind of experience, so you were blessed! I really enjoyed reading this!
A great family story and pics to go with it!
Being someone who loves history and family, I know I would have cherished every second of a presentation like this. It means so much when you step out of your comfort zone to bring a treasure like this to others ~ bravo to you!
you made a cute gramma. 🙂
You did a fine job that night! You know you got me: when I was down the hallway and saw you outside at the door, I thought “Who else did they ask to help us out tonight??” !! Oh.. right! : Mae!
correction : THOSE nightS !
I just love the tales of Bacon Castle. You have such a fun and rich history with it. I think they should hire you full time. I believe your Grandmother would be so proud of you. You and Marshall have both done a fabulous job portraying the past and bringing Bacon castle back to life. 🙂
(I’m referring to Marshall portraying the young lover for that program in the video. I think he fit the part perfectly. )
You are a brave woman, Dianna! I’d be terrified if I had to speak in front of a group of people. I’ll bet you did a great job!
That is SO cool. And I am sure an honor to get to portray your grandmother! I went back and read the other posts on it too. Awesome!
What a great thing to be able to do, Dianna! You looked fantastic!
It sounds like you did a great job, Dianna. You certainly looked the part. I don’t know if I could do that or not.
Sounds like an interesting thing to do. Great costume! What a great opportunity, to learn a bit more about your grandmother and her era. Good for you for rising to the challenge! ~ Sheila
I remember you writing about this! And the resemblance is unreal! You really nailed it if you ask me!! 🙂
You do favor your Grandmother. I am sure without a doubt you did great.