The Many Faces of Ella

When I was a teenager I used to stand in front of the mirror and practice my facial expressions.  Those of  you who know me know that acting has been in my blood  for as long as I can remember.

I was bit by the "show biz" bug when I was six years old and was given the only "speaking part" in our first grade Christmas Program.  I still remember the line, "Come on everybody!  Let's sing!"  I was so proud that I was chosen to deliver that line ... the teacher said it was because I was the loudest ... (come to think of it maybe that wasn't such a compliment) ... but I did have the ability to project.

When I was ten years old I auditioned for a bicentennial play at my grade school, and I got the role of Lady Cornwallis.  You would have thought I'd made it on Broadway.  I was so excited!  I practiced non-stop, "How do you like my new wig ladies?  'Tis the latest fashion ... all puffed and powdered like a summer cloud!"

There were many church plays, high school dramas, and musicals before I went on to perform with the Stained Glass Theatre in Springfield, Missouri and eventually with the Mighty Carlson Art Players in Mauston where I met my extremely talented husband. Drama remains a big part of our lives in Karmen & Greg Ministries.

Today as I drove to work I was practicing a monologue I am working on for the upcoming Women's Conference at our church, and I caught myself staring in the mirror on my visor, practicing my facial expressions ... some things never change.  

All that to say ... you gotta know how proud I am of my daughter's unique talents. She is the queen of facial expressions ... and she knows how to work it! Just 4 years old ... I wonder what's next for her.  Hollywood, Broadway?  Or maybe just her grade school play?  Whatever it is you can bet we'll be sitting in the audience cheering her on!  Or maybe, just maybe ... she'll use those facial expressions to get whatever she wants from this Mama ... (yep, she has my number for sure!)