Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Just Shoot Me

Is there anyway to transform my thirty-something, matronly face into something a little, you know, more hip? I'm hoping that the whole "camera adds 10 pounds" deal doesn't apply to photos taken only of one's head.

I'm having my picture taken this afternoon and I'm beginning to get a little nervous. Not because the last *professional* photo I had taken involved a school gym and 28 second-graders along with a crazy photographer's assistant armed with a boxful of those plastic black combs. But because this photo will be running alongside my column in our local newspaper!

What's the equivalent of stage fright when one doesn't need walk on stage? I don't know, either, but I think I've got it! It was on a bit of a whim that I applied for said writing gig. I didn't tell anyone--not even the Captain--so when the response came that the editor thought people might want to hear what a mom-to-many trying to raise a virtuous group of young'uns had to say, I figured no one else had applied it was a bit of a shock.

Now the reality is setting in, though. While I'm excited about the opportunity, the very real prospect of putting my name and face out there with my semi-edited thoughts is a combination of "pinch me, I must be dreaming" and "maybe nobody will notice". In the blogosphere, there is safety in the anonymity that accompanies writing here. Relieving the pressure is as easy as a click of the *delete* button. Unsolicited responses are easy to block or even prevent. Not so much in a local rag, leaving me uncomfortably letting go of control. (Why does this seem to be a constant theme around here?)

Beulah's eyes gleamed as I explained my new position, "Wow, Mom! You'll be famous!" I could almost see the visions of starlet Hannah Montana in her view (and NO this is not THAT kind of a photo shoot). My nerves only rattled more as she said, "Yeah! Everyone will know who you are!" To which I replied, "Perhaps, but people may not really like what I write about." To which, she--ever the optimist--replied, "So what? Either way you're famous. Then after you're finished, and people forget about you, you can go on ABC family and do a movie..."

So, if you live in the Fox Valley, or have access to the Beacon-News online, you'll be able to catch my musings bi-weekly for the next two years. Then, sometime after that, look for my made-for-TV movie on ABC family.

15 comments:

Ericka said...

HOW COOL!!!!!!!
I can't wait to see it!!!
Congratulations you famous star you!

Stina said...

So you're telling me we have to share you now, huh? How exciting! You are going to do an amazing job!

It's funny that you post this today. Last night I was staring at a job application on my desktop trying to decide if I should fill it out.

God Bless your new adventure!

Anonymous said...

This is very, very cool.

And don't worry about the photo -- you'll look great! (And if you don't, I promise not to laugh. At least, not for publication.) ;)

Can't wait to see what you're putting out there -- if it's half as good as what you write here, it'll be awesome!

Warmly,
Eileen
Self-Appointed Fan Club President

Anne said...

Can I have your autograph on your new photo and column? This is so exciting and I pray that the Holy Spirit will use you to touch many hearts through your column. You will have to post when the first one comes out! I can at least say that I read your blog before you became famous......:)

Many blessings,
Anne

christine M said...

Congratulations on your new column (and impending stardom!).

That's fantastic and exciting news!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Jane! I have enjoyed your blog so much, I'm sure your column will be fantastic. I'm sure that your 30-something face looks just like those of the other moms out there. ;)

Please let us know when your articles appear, I'd love to read them!

Kathy Fitz

Mama of 5 said...

Wow, how fun. Congratulations!
Becky

Barb Szyszkiewicz said...

OOO, a column! Congratulations! I hope I'll be able to read it online. I'm sure this is a great opportunity to bless others the way you have blessed your readers here.

Anonymous said...

What a great opportunity for you! Good luck and please link the articles to your blog when they go online! How exciting!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane, Make sure you let us know when your articles run...I can't wait to read them!!

anne marie

Jane (a.k.a. patjrsmom) said...

Thanks for the encouragement. What wonderful friends you all are! Besides the fact that I have shoes older than my new editor, I'm feeling a little more confident today. And don't worry, If it's possible (and I believe it is) I'll link my columns here on the blog for your reading pleasure.

God Bless,
Jane

Barbara said...

Congratulations, Jane! Very exciting (although I can't say I wish I were you -- eeek!).

Laura said...

CONGRATULATIONS Jane!!!!! What an amazing opportunity for you!

Lisa@UnexpectedJourney said...

Wow! That's great! Now your whole community will be blessed by your words! God bless you in your new endeavor!

Renee said...

That is very exciting! I'll definitely get the paper on the days you are in it. It'll be the best part of the Beacon, that's for sure.