There are some things you know by what you hear and then there are things you learn by experiencing them yourselves. Some time ago this smart lady known as me decided to send off some pictures of my beautiful children to some talent agencies. 99% sure nothing would come of it, I was sure I wouldn't hear from anyone and if I did, that would be amazing.
Last week I got a phone call from One Source Talent Agency out of Washington, DC. Once I got past the surprise I booked my babies for an evaluation and photo session to judge their obviously immeasurable talent. I mean, duh. They are destined for great things. Saturday we forayed into the unbearable heat to make this appointment. Were you in the area of this heat wave this weekend? If so, then you know what I'm saying. You don't go out unless you have to. Especially at noon. But there we were, trucking out to this agency for our scheduled evaluations.
I must admit I was feeling pretty excited about this. I did take several opportunities to pray that if this was a door God wanted open for any of these children then let it be so. And if the door was closed then I would know that was God's will too. Honestly, I thought this would be a fun experience for the kids. Photo sesh, talent evaluation? This will be fun! Maybe even a tv camera or two.
Prior to arriving we received strict instructions from our phone convo and an email with even more details. What to wear, thoughts on hair style, promptness...to the tune of if you don't come on time don't bother coming, and don't bother rescheduling...you'll probably be blacklisted by the agency. If their goal was to put us in the "industry" state of mind, that part worked.
We arrived at this mega building, took the elevator up and...I must pause here to tell you that I had told the three youngest children where we were going. Each of them was equally excited just to think they might be evaluated for their modeling and acting potential. My favorite prepped kid would have to be Youngest in this scenario. He wanted some sort of necklace around his neck to complete his look. Couldn't find any necklaces so he settled for a piece of string. No lie. He tied that bad boy around his neck and said it looked good the way it was hanging down. He took it a step further to put his baseball cap on...sideways and threw on his sunglasses for the dramatic look. Five years old and he knew exactly where we were going, what we were going to do there and what he wanted to do to be prepared. That alone is talent.
The girls were ready too. Cute outfits that represented their style. Hair looking cute. You know, you never know how far this would go, so they were ready. Oldest opted out. "Not at all," he told me. As handsome and model-worthy as he is, he has no interest in exploring this option. While I'm thinking "cha-ching! College tuition paid for," he is thinking he couldn't think of anything he would want to do less. So he didn't come...
Back to our arrival. We take the elevator up and promptly see a long line of model/talent wannabe looking folks lined down the hallway. This is not a good first sign for a place where you have an "appointment", nevertheless I brushed past and asked at the front of the line if they were all waiting to go in THAT door. I thought perhaps these lovely over-dressed, high heel wearing, best makeup faces on-having folks were headed someplace I had no part of. But no such luck there. All these wannabe-beauties were waiting to head into this same talent agency. After a few short minutes they opened the door and hustled us in.
This was my experience with any kind of modeling, acting, talent outlet. I wasn't sure what to expect and honestly was thinking not to expect anything. Just go in open-minded and enjoy learning a bit along the way, I thought. As we entered in the office suite, the party music was jumping. Made you want to dance a little, you know? A small waiting room revealed no less than 2 sky-high model-type beauties behind a desk. They couldn't sit? They were already tall enough and standing just made they ginormous. They marked us off on their appointment book and I informed them Oldest opted out. From there, one parent only (me) was ushered into a larger waiting room with the children. The Hub waited in the party music infused waiting room.
Our new waiting area was so American Idol-ish. Totally. Rows of black chairs in a big open room. Flat screen TV on the wall showing a movie for our enjoyment. As each party was hustled in we were handed a form to fill out with the basics, name, address, phone #, etc. I must say that the ushering into this room was completed by no less than 3 sky-high, taller than life women. Beautiful model types. Tall, skinny, fashionable, impeccable makeup. Way to make a girl feel short and fat. We filled out our forms, one for each kid and turned them back into model #1. As we waited Youngest inquired what was the reason for having video cameras pointed directly at us in each corner of the ceilings. Hmmm, Youngest. Interesting observation. Best I could guess, they were pre-evaluating the talent.
Not a few short minutes later they called 4 or 5 names, including the Copeland family. We were hustled back around to near the waiting room where we came from, told to line up against the wall and wait to go into a small room for our headshot photo. Since it was near the waiting room The Hub poked his head in and inquired from model #2 how long will this likely take. Model #2 responded it can take anywhere from 3-45 minutes, depending on how things go. No sooner than that answer was given, the kids went in for their headshot. Youngest didn't even remove his sideways hat and makeshift necklace. As soon as their headshots were completed model #4 said "that's it. We have your headshot and casting information. We'll call you if we are interested. You're done for the day." Say what?
Very perplexed and confused we headed out. What in the world just happened we wondered. We barely got to bounce to the party music before we were bounced out the door. Could it be that in those 5 minutes they decided these kids were not what they were looking for? What happened to the evaluation, scheduled appointment we booked? How is that their talent wasn't even evaluated? Somehow we felt robbed. Confused, maybe is a better synopsis. Oh well. I guess the industry "we'll call you" got dished to us in a slightly fancier form. We headed home and figured this event was a bust.
The next day we get a voicemail message from the booking representative inquiring with Oldest for his no-show. Hey, they wondered, he still interested? If so, give them a call. No matter that he didn't show yesterday. Forget what they said about not bothering to reschedule if you flake on an appointment, apparently. As if that wasn't enough, later on in the evening we get an email asking Oldest to come on out and meet with them. They can't find enough good talent they say...I'll leave that comment to sit with you a minute.
Isn't life just like that? We want what we can't have sometimes. And those that can have it don't want it. Sigh. Such is life.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Just For Fun
Anyone who wants to know why people have kids I have an answer for you. Its just for fun. The pure joy of a kid who does something like this...
Youngest walks into my bedroom while I am changing out of my work clothes. Promptly he looks at me dropping my shorts and says "ewwwww." What's a girl to say to that? I scold him, naturally. I mean, who wants someone to come into their space, uninvited, just to give them something less than a compliment? He ponders my words and quickly unfrowns his face and says "Oh. YAY!" followed by a jubilant clap, clap, clap. "Is that better?" The direct opposite, in his perfect little way of thinking, from the "ewww" comment. You don't get more precious than that.
Perhaps the joy of children is in the way their little minds do think. Youngest couldn't reach the counter for something and being so used to his little coordinated body just hopping up there I told him to do it. I mean, after all, The Hub wasn't in the room to tell him to get down and what's it going to hurt, just hop up there and get what you are after, I say. I know, I know. This revelation is to the disappointment of all those ridiculous moms out there who are sanitary and stringent. Youngest, channeling some of his father for a moment, looks at me shocked and says "MOM! What do you think? I'm over 6 feet tall and 17? I'm not 17. I mean, I could be 17. Then Pnut [his brother] would be 18 and we would be the same. We could hang out. But really. Mom! I'm not 17 you know."
Considering that he has a monster-sized crush on his brother's girlfriend, its a good, good thing that he is not 17 and they don't hang out. Everytime that girl comes to our house, Youngest expects his own personal "hello Youngest" and when she leaves she had better give him his own personal "goodbye Youngest." When she doesn't he is sure to quickly, rapidly inform her of her snafu.
Or my personal favorite...
"Mom. You need to start saying goodbye to us when you leave to go to work in the morning." I ask him why? They are sleeping so soundly, enjoying the pleasure of summers with nowhere to go while I scurry off to work...Why would I wake them from that? "Because mom. We wake up and its like KAPOOOSSSHHHHHH! You are gone." Just like that. Kapoosh. The new word to describe miraculous occurrences.
Youngest walks into my bedroom while I am changing out of my work clothes. Promptly he looks at me dropping my shorts and says "ewwwww." What's a girl to say to that? I scold him, naturally. I mean, who wants someone to come into their space, uninvited, just to give them something less than a compliment? He ponders my words and quickly unfrowns his face and says "Oh. YAY!" followed by a jubilant clap, clap, clap. "Is that better?" The direct opposite, in his perfect little way of thinking, from the "ewww" comment. You don't get more precious than that.
Perhaps the joy of children is in the way their little minds do think. Youngest couldn't reach the counter for something and being so used to his little coordinated body just hopping up there I told him to do it. I mean, after all, The Hub wasn't in the room to tell him to get down and what's it going to hurt, just hop up there and get what you are after, I say. I know, I know. This revelation is to the disappointment of all those ridiculous moms out there who are sanitary and stringent. Youngest, channeling some of his father for a moment, looks at me shocked and says "MOM! What do you think? I'm over 6 feet tall and 17? I'm not 17. I mean, I could be 17. Then Pnut [his brother] would be 18 and we would be the same. We could hang out. But really. Mom! I'm not 17 you know."
Considering that he has a monster-sized crush on his brother's girlfriend, its a good, good thing that he is not 17 and they don't hang out. Everytime that girl comes to our house, Youngest expects his own personal "hello Youngest" and when she leaves she had better give him his own personal "goodbye Youngest." When she doesn't he is sure to quickly, rapidly inform her of her snafu.
Or my personal favorite...
"Mom. You need to start saying goodbye to us when you leave to go to work in the morning." I ask him why? They are sleeping so soundly, enjoying the pleasure of summers with nowhere to go while I scurry off to work...Why would I wake them from that? "Because mom. We wake up and its like KAPOOOSSSHHHHHH! You are gone." Just like that. Kapoosh. The new word to describe miraculous occurrences.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Dollar Menu
Life is expensive. Everything costs something. And everything that we really want costs more than something. Try taking a family of 6 to the movies. We're talking $100 before you get in the car to get home. Out to dinner? It costs that same family upwards of $75 at a family restaurant. Gosh. Needless to say a bigger family, such as we are, has to decide carefully what things they will do for fun and recreation.
One of our favorite summer things to do lately has been to go out for dessert after dinner. You know how after dinner, you want dessert, and its a lovely summer evening? We get that same feeling most nights. Our options are endless: Baskin Robbins, Sweet Frog, Dunkin Donuts. I mean...endless! Keeping in mind that for the 5 of us who want to take this adventure, we're talking $30...at least. So we choose carefully.
We have stumbled upon a gem. McDonald's dollar menu. Friends! Forget that its McDonalds and less than fabulous for your everyday diet. Its $1. So worth the treat. We can be spotted several times rolling through the drive thru ordering $1 sundaes and 2 apple pies for $1. Sweeeettt! Then we like to park in the parking lot, sort of near the Sweet Frog and chuckle at the line literally out the door and down the sidewalk. They wait while we enjoy. I know you might say their wait is worth it and I wouldn't disagree. Sweet Frog is happening for sure. But, you really can't beat $1 for dessert.
Following our latest dollar menu run we sat in the parking lot enjoying our favs. I thought, you know, this is just like Christianity. We can have something inexpensive, affordable...do-able and really ridiculously good. Yet, often we want what costs us more. We are tricked into believing we have to have something fancy, something that costs us a great deal because surely that is the better value. God is given to us free of charge. Free, friends! And yet, we go out looking for satisfaction in things that cost us our relationships, our peace, our joy and sometimes our sanity. They cost us more than we can afford to give but we are duped into believing the pricey is where its happening.
Consider that for much less pain and sacrifice, real peace could be enjoyed while the others wait in line for what they think is the better deal. Don't go out looking to satisfy yourself with expensive substitutes. They eat at your time and energy and leave you feeling worn out, washed up and wasted away. Enjoy your caramel sundae Christianity. Its worth the quick, easy access, small price and absolutely delightful taste. Taste and see that God is good.
One of our favorite summer things to do lately has been to go out for dessert after dinner. You know how after dinner, you want dessert, and its a lovely summer evening? We get that same feeling most nights. Our options are endless: Baskin Robbins, Sweet Frog, Dunkin Donuts. I mean...endless! Keeping in mind that for the 5 of us who want to take this adventure, we're talking $30...at least. So we choose carefully.
We have stumbled upon a gem. McDonald's dollar menu. Friends! Forget that its McDonalds and less than fabulous for your everyday diet. Its $1. So worth the treat. We can be spotted several times rolling through the drive thru ordering $1 sundaes and 2 apple pies for $1. Sweeeettt! Then we like to park in the parking lot, sort of near the Sweet Frog and chuckle at the line literally out the door and down the sidewalk. They wait while we enjoy. I know you might say their wait is worth it and I wouldn't disagree. Sweet Frog is happening for sure. But, you really can't beat $1 for dessert.
Following our latest dollar menu run we sat in the parking lot enjoying our favs. I thought, you know, this is just like Christianity. We can have something inexpensive, affordable...do-able and really ridiculously good. Yet, often we want what costs us more. We are tricked into believing we have to have something fancy, something that costs us a great deal because surely that is the better value. God is given to us free of charge. Free, friends! And yet, we go out looking for satisfaction in things that cost us our relationships, our peace, our joy and sometimes our sanity. They cost us more than we can afford to give but we are duped into believing the pricey is where its happening.
Consider that for much less pain and sacrifice, real peace could be enjoyed while the others wait in line for what they think is the better deal. Don't go out looking to satisfy yourself with expensive substitutes. They eat at your time and energy and leave you feeling worn out, washed up and wasted away. Enjoy your caramel sundae Christianity. Its worth the quick, easy access, small price and absolutely delightful taste. Taste and see that God is good.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Who Knew...
I just know you are going to tell me you already knew this...Tina Turner's hair? Wigs??? Shocking. Seriously. I guess you can call me a little naive. I have learned that I tend to not know some things unless you flat out tell me. I read Tina's autobiography. Eye-opening. I knew Mr. Ike was a not nice guy and I'm sure on some lazy teenage afternoon I saw the made-for-tv movie about Anna Mae. But friends, I didn't realize ole' girl was wearing wigs all this time. With her crazy personality, I just thought that was her rocked out hair.
Another example, you say? Okay, I did not know that Bob Marley was a biracial man. I admit I knew very little about him in general which is probably what prompted me to begin reading his biography. I mean "Bob". I always thought that was a little plain for this guy. Turns out his name was actually Nesta. Interesting story how he came to be referred to commonly as "Bob." You should read the book. I didn't know his daddy was white. Everyone that I share this news to looks at me silly, like "duh." Who doesn't know that? Me, that's who. I had no idea.
Things I have learned about me recently? I can't stay away from the Biography section of the library. I'm fascinated with the real stories of real people. People are amazing. Everyone has a story to tell and for some their story is out loud and worth reading about. For many others, their story is amazing but their anonymity in society has prevented me from knowing it. With that in mind, I've also learned to look at people a little differently. I want to be that type of person: open to learn about the different things that shape us and make us unique. Learning is understanding.
An example: recently Soccer Chick and I headed to the grocery store for a quick minute. Checked out in the express lane. We'll say a slightly older gentleman had checked out before me. He was not elderly, let me put that disclaimer out there. However, he took quite a long time to begin bagging his items. 5 seconds at least. 5 loooonggg seconds. I approached and began scanning my items. I must admit for a quick second I thought maybe I shouldn't scan and send my puppies down the belt because his stuff was down there. But then I thought, what's the big deal? Its express right? He'll just pack his stuff. Shoot, that fella looked at me with the evilest eye his little face could muster. And said "STOP!" With his hand, pushed back my grocery items. Pushed them back up the belt! Now, who was more put out? Me or him? If I was in his shoes, which I am sure I have been before, I would have bagged my own stuff and went about my business, not bothered by someone else's stuff coming down the belt on the express checkout. But that's just me... This guy? Bothered. Clearly. When we got in the parking lot I kidded Soccer Chick, "where's that dude now? I'll tell him about himself right now. Looking at me like that. Is he crazy?" To which my sweet girl says "Mom. Stop. You won't say anything. You didn't say anything when he shoved your food. You won't say anything now."
Another example? I would love to know what makes some people refuse to use a turn signal. A little personal pet peeve I have that has nothing to do with nothing, except that it frustrates me to no end. Most especially when hitting a construction zone and all of sudden other guy's lane is blocked. As we sit almost at a standstill he wants to cut in front. You know what? I don't have any idea what your intentions are if you don't use that silly stick next to your wheel. You know, the stick near the wheel that your hands are already on? And so, I have no obligation to let you move in front of me. This is all what I want to say, of course. What I really say as that cars pulls directly in front of me in a place where I feel there is clearly no room to fit, is "Really? Seriously?!? Give me a break, people," to the prompt eye-rolls of my children who think I surely am crazy for not beeping the horn but talking a whole lot of smack from inside the car. "Mom," Soccer Chick says..."Please stop. You don't say any of that out loud so just stop. Please."
Sigh, children. They fail to understand the freedom in talking junk that will never get heard.
Another example, you say? Okay, I did not know that Bob Marley was a biracial man. I admit I knew very little about him in general which is probably what prompted me to begin reading his biography. I mean "Bob". I always thought that was a little plain for this guy. Turns out his name was actually Nesta. Interesting story how he came to be referred to commonly as "Bob." You should read the book. I didn't know his daddy was white. Everyone that I share this news to looks at me silly, like "duh." Who doesn't know that? Me, that's who. I had no idea.
Things I have learned about me recently? I can't stay away from the Biography section of the library. I'm fascinated with the real stories of real people. People are amazing. Everyone has a story to tell and for some their story is out loud and worth reading about. For many others, their story is amazing but their anonymity in society has prevented me from knowing it. With that in mind, I've also learned to look at people a little differently. I want to be that type of person: open to learn about the different things that shape us and make us unique. Learning is understanding.
An example: recently Soccer Chick and I headed to the grocery store for a quick minute. Checked out in the express lane. We'll say a slightly older gentleman had checked out before me. He was not elderly, let me put that disclaimer out there. However, he took quite a long time to begin bagging his items. 5 seconds at least. 5 loooonggg seconds. I approached and began scanning my items. I must admit for a quick second I thought maybe I shouldn't scan and send my puppies down the belt because his stuff was down there. But then I thought, what's the big deal? Its express right? He'll just pack his stuff. Shoot, that fella looked at me with the evilest eye his little face could muster. And said "STOP!" With his hand, pushed back my grocery items. Pushed them back up the belt! Now, who was more put out? Me or him? If I was in his shoes, which I am sure I have been before, I would have bagged my own stuff and went about my business, not bothered by someone else's stuff coming down the belt on the express checkout. But that's just me... This guy? Bothered. Clearly. When we got in the parking lot I kidded Soccer Chick, "where's that dude now? I'll tell him about himself right now. Looking at me like that. Is he crazy?" To which my sweet girl says "Mom. Stop. You won't say anything. You didn't say anything when he shoved your food. You won't say anything now."
Another example? I would love to know what makes some people refuse to use a turn signal. A little personal pet peeve I have that has nothing to do with nothing, except that it frustrates me to no end. Most especially when hitting a construction zone and all of sudden other guy's lane is blocked. As we sit almost at a standstill he wants to cut in front. You know what? I don't have any idea what your intentions are if you don't use that silly stick next to your wheel. You know, the stick near the wheel that your hands are already on? And so, I have no obligation to let you move in front of me. This is all what I want to say, of course. What I really say as that cars pulls directly in front of me in a place where I feel there is clearly no room to fit, is "Really? Seriously?!? Give me a break, people," to the prompt eye-rolls of my children who think I surely am crazy for not beeping the horn but talking a whole lot of smack from inside the car. "Mom," Soccer Chick says..."Please stop. You don't say any of that out loud so just stop. Please."
Sigh, children. They fail to understand the freedom in talking junk that will never get heard.
Friday, July 1, 2011
What Is Faith?
Our delightful small group engaged in a delightful study of Hebrews Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 this week. If you want some inspiration and uplifting to your faith, read Hebrews. It's not called "The Book of Faith" for nothing. I mean, gosh if our jolly-old writer doesn't leave you hearing the same message repeatedly to encourage you to be a faithful person, live a life of faith, have faith and know all about faith!
Near the end of Chapter 10 and launching into Chapter 11 our writer of this delightful book wants us to know that there will be trials and tribulations. There will be conflict and strife. We should expect that these things are going to happen to us. No one ever promised us that Christianity or simple humanity was going to be easy. It is not easy. We ALL have issues. As Christians, however, we should learn to expect this. Get over the "why me?" syndrome and understand it is more like "why not you?" Why shouldn't God chose you to overcome a struggle and be triumphant? Why shouldn't God chose you to have a moment of faith-strengthening glory? Why shouldn't God chose you to be an example to others, representing God to those around you?
Shoot, we should be saying "God, you better choose me!" Often this is not what we say. We get stuck in the pity pool, wallowing around in shallow watered-down faith. Friends, it is time for us to stand up. Its time for us to claim the faith we say we represent. Its time for us to represent Christ well in all our actions and behaviors. Leading into Chapter 11 we see that God really wants us to know that part of that faith-walk includes letting go of the things that are temporary that WILL be removed from our lives. And that is okay. He's encouraging us to know that material things, the things of this world, are temporary and they can be gone in an instant. God is what is permanent.
If we begin to see our world in that light we don't get quite so upset when these "things" are taken from us. Sure, there are painful situations that we will endure but we hold on to God in these times. We remember that God is our permanent structure. When all else falls away, He is there. Which leads me to leave you with this thought? What, exactly, is the definition of faith? How would you describe this one small, powerful word? Here's what I said: Faith is confidence in believing in what we hope for and assurance about what we don't see with our physical eyes. Believing in your beliefs. I also say that faith is demonstrated by what we say and what we do. Our lives represent our faith. Not our "religion", not talking about religion...but our "faith." Friends, take a look at your life. Measure yourself by how you handle the things you can't see or control. How do we conduct ourselves as we go through this day to day life? Well, for each of us I hope its in a manner of "faith," believing that God is our center especially in those moments when we can't "see" anything good going on.
Near the end of Chapter 10 and launching into Chapter 11 our writer of this delightful book wants us to know that there will be trials and tribulations. There will be conflict and strife. We should expect that these things are going to happen to us. No one ever promised us that Christianity or simple humanity was going to be easy. It is not easy. We ALL have issues. As Christians, however, we should learn to expect this. Get over the "why me?" syndrome and understand it is more like "why not you?" Why shouldn't God chose you to overcome a struggle and be triumphant? Why shouldn't God chose you to have a moment of faith-strengthening glory? Why shouldn't God chose you to be an example to others, representing God to those around you?
Shoot, we should be saying "God, you better choose me!" Often this is not what we say. We get stuck in the pity pool, wallowing around in shallow watered-down faith. Friends, it is time for us to stand up. Its time for us to claim the faith we say we represent. Its time for us to represent Christ well in all our actions and behaviors. Leading into Chapter 11 we see that God really wants us to know that part of that faith-walk includes letting go of the things that are temporary that WILL be removed from our lives. And that is okay. He's encouraging us to know that material things, the things of this world, are temporary and they can be gone in an instant. God is what is permanent.
If we begin to see our world in that light we don't get quite so upset when these "things" are taken from us. Sure, there are painful situations that we will endure but we hold on to God in these times. We remember that God is our permanent structure. When all else falls away, He is there. Which leads me to leave you with this thought? What, exactly, is the definition of faith? How would you describe this one small, powerful word? Here's what I said: Faith is confidence in believing in what we hope for and assurance about what we don't see with our physical eyes. Believing in your beliefs. I also say that faith is demonstrated by what we say and what we do. Our lives represent our faith. Not our "religion", not talking about religion...but our "faith." Friends, take a look at your life. Measure yourself by how you handle the things you can't see or control. How do we conduct ourselves as we go through this day to day life? Well, for each of us I hope its in a manner of "faith," believing that God is our center especially in those moments when we can't "see" anything good going on.
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