I have been uncomfortable my whole life, being silly in front of anyone outside my inner circle of trust. The serious side of things has always been my comfort zone. I like to think I’m well-educated, cultured and worldly in my views. I enjoy books, crossword puzzles, and PBS. I just couldn’t get on the reality TV bandwagon. So when I agreed to participate in my school’s musical for a cameo, imagine my chagrin when I realized I would be wearing a coconut bra. Thankfully that was to be worn over a shirt, with a grass skirt and an over the top wig.  I went with it, for the team of course.

A funny thing happened once I was strapped in and incognito with my platinum blonde locks. Something within me said this is part of your DNA.  I relaxed and I relished the chance to be part of the experience.

See, in my family dressing up in wigs, silly hats and other paraphernalia is a regular experience. It happens mostly on my mother’s side of the family, but my dad in the past has worn some crazy costumes for parties.  Below is a picture of my mother, my Great-Aunt Helen, and my Grandmother.

My grandmother and her sister were two ladies that knew how to have some fun and being silly and enjoy life, one of the reasons they both lived so long.

When I turned forty, I became comfortable in my skin, but that never extended into taking to the stage in a comical role. As I look at ending my forties this fall, I find not only that I’m comfortable dancing around a stage in a coconut bra and wig, I actually enjoy it.

I can’t help but think Grandma would be proud.