The other day I told a friend I’m thinking about taking dance lessons as part of research for my current WIP. And…
…she laughed.
Yup. It was a laugh that said, “You? Do you even know how to spell the word ‘graceful?’” (I think I just proved that, yes, I do.)
But okay, I’ll admit, a graceful day for me is one in which I don’t trip, spill something or, well, trip and spill simultaneously. Yes, I did trip down the aisle when doing the reading at my uncle’s wedding. Yes, I did drop my sister’s bouquet at her wedding. (Something about weddings, I guess.) Yes, once in college, I did go sliding on the slippery linoleum floor in our apartment kitchen, bang into the counter, ping-pong into the kitchen table and then flop into the fridge. It takes a special kind of grace to do that.
So, fine, maybe I will be the worst dance student ever. Maybe I will never pull a Richard Gere a la “Shall We Dance” and discover a hidden affinity for footwork. Maybe the closest I will ever get to Ginger Rogers is people constantly thinking I’m 10 years younger than I am. (Vaguest reference ever, yes.*)
Still, I’ve gotta give it a try. Partially for my book. And partially because my friend’s laughter only made me more determined.
But dancing success or no, I’ve been thinking a lot about grace this week. Not the “Swan Lake” kind, but the God kind. It’s Easter week. And while it’s easy to get lost in Easter eggs and pastels, grace is what this holiday is all about – Jesus and the grace his life and death and resurrection brought to being. Don’t get me wrong – I have a special place in my heart for Cadbury mini-eggs. But grace and mercy, twin miracles, win out any day.
Now that’s a reason to celebrate.
Come to think of it, a reason to dance. 🙂
Happy Easter!
~Melissa
*Ginger Rogers starred in The Major and the Minor in 1942 in which she masquerades as a 12-year-old. Every time I go home to the church I grew up in, people think I’m my 10-years-younger-than-me-sister. Hence, the reference. (Seriously, last time I was home, I had an entire conversation with someone who thought I was Nicole. I didn’t know how to politely tell her she had the wrong Tagg.)
Comments 8
I’m thankful for Cadbury minis too! Oh, the things we do for research. I can relate. Have someone video your lessons and upload them for us! Happy Easter!
Ahh, that’s a hilarious idea, Jessica. I should do it…Happy Easter to you, too!
You may not be graceful on your feet, M-Tagg, but you do have a way with words.
I’m the spiller in my family. If a glass is going over, it’s gonna be mine. Or someone else’s–and I’m going to be the one who knocked it over! Sigh. I could never yell at my kiddos when they spilled their drinks. That was my gene pool showing up. (Of course, I never yell at my kiddos . . .)
A blessed Easter to you, my friend.
Aww, thanks, Beth! So glad to know I’m not the only chronic spiller. Happy Easter and lots of hugs!!
Beth, another thing we have in common! I have very few shirts that don’t have stains down the front. If they’re stain-free, it’s because I just bought it! Melissa, I so get the Klutz thing. In fact, that was my nickname when I was growing up. Imagine the irony when I won an award for poise & appearance during a Junior Miss Pageant, only to trip on my way across the stage to accept it! Have a great Easter and have fun with the dance lessons!
Sonia, that is hilarious…tripping on the way to accept an award for poise and appearance. Sweet irony, yes! Love it! Have a happy Easter, too, and I definitely will have fun with the dance lessons…:)
I totally think you need to take dance lessons! 🙂 Great post, M-Tagg!
Wanna come down to Iowa and teach me, Suz? 🙂 But for real, I’m going to get lessons and next time you see me, I’ll give Frankie Manning a run for his money…(except I think he might not be alive, so that’s probably not saying much)