"Girls, do you think Mommy's crazy?"

"Mom, you are crazy."

Okay but I asked for it. I have come to the conclusion that I struggle with being serious about life because I really just like to have fun. I mean, I do responsible things (most of the time). I say responsible things (most of the time). People probably think I am a serious person.

But, I have to say that when I had a chance a couple of weeks ago to be an extra in a local movie and then an extra in a commercial, I loved ACTING serious and then goofing off afterward, knowing that it was fake. I really came alive ACTING serious. After about 11 hours on the set, with everyone falling asleep and having to be reminded to look awake, the director complimented my expressions because I LOVED acting serious. It was easy for me to blend into the whole "act natural in an unrealistic setting." I stared hard at a little green X knowing that in the movie the judge would appear to be sitting there. It was FUN.

Now, seriously, if I was really thinking about it, I should have been repulsed by the "fake" real profanity coming out of the actor's mouth. Perhaps, I should have walked off the TV commercial about a casino opening. But, it is all fake, isn't it? There are worse things in the world, aren't there?

Hmmm. . . deep thought this AM for a less than serious person. Now, on the acting note, if I was really serious, I would be taking a monologue class. I would be signing up for the open call and saying my lines at the three local casting companies so I could be considered for principal work for REAL money. But, am I that serious about that? Do I have time for such craziness? I hear that extra work is the grunt work of acting but in some ways it is just enough for me. Just enough to let me peer into the lives of truly passionate creative people, directing, acting, working the lights and cameras. The serious people. Maybe it is not enough. Maybe I should be looking up monologues on line and trying to find a coach? Maybe? Well, why not?

If I was really serious, I would be on the trampoline in the basement right now instead of typing this post. I seriously need to lose about 20 pounds to fit into the growing crowd of actors around here, fueled by the incentives PA has offered film companies to film here. Am I serious enough to get into shape, even just for myself, and do what it takes to stay that way? I mean, seriously? I am not getting any younger.

Now, seriously, how does this fit into my other priorities in life, writing, teaching, being a wife, mom, daughter, sister? I don't know but so far it hasn't SERIOUSLY interfered which is why extra work kinda works for me. It is like going to MGM for the day but you are REALLY doing it. You get to ACT serious and you get paid for it, sometimes, depending on what you agree to and what the project is.

And again, seriously, how does this fit into my Christian walk and priorities? Can I have some influence on the world in my Christian walk? I have met other Christians on the set. We are grateful to find each other. Is it okay we are there? I'll need more time to figure that out. So far, I have still been able to keep my serious Christian witness and have some fun in the film industry, I think. It may not be what my other Christian friends are doing but I think God is taking me down a path that I will be able to use for HIS glory. He has seen me through tougher times and I know He is seeing me through these experiences.

Sarah, in the Bible, laughed when she heard God was going to do a miracle in her and let her have a son after so many years. Sometimes, I ask God, "What are you doing with me, with these acting doors coming open?"

And, seriously, sometimes, I almost feel like He is looking me in the eyes and saying, "Are you laughing at me, Sarah? Don't laugh. I have mighty things planned."

I have a children's book that I have started. I love the idea. My kids love the idea. The kids at the Y loved the idea when I told them how it started. I have an ending. Am I serious about finishing it? When?

I also have a long series that, if I get serious, will be truly epic. But don't most writers with a grand idea say that? It rests and grows in my mind, waiting for me to get serious. Perhaps, by making these media contacts, the stories will get attention they need to sell and glorify the Lord in the long run. I don't know, but if I am ever going to get them written, I do need to get serious about them because the topics, the characters, the creative process truly are fun, seriously!

Lots to be serious about this gorgeous Saturday morning. Now, I am going to go work out and get in some serious calorie burning time before creating a serious mid-term & review for my college students and writing the story of a very creative woman's life for Story of My Life and writing a post linking to all the wonderful frugal bloggers I met at Blissdom09 (which I have been meaning to do all week but haven't gotten to) and so on, and so on. . .

And, of course, I can't wait to go pick up Jo-Lynne and celebrate our dear friend Grace!

Now, go take on your day in a seriously fun way!