What If?

In journalism class we were taught the five W’s: Who, What, Where, When and Why.

For me, no introduction was necessary. These guys had been living in my head for as long as I can remember, constantly interrupting, engaging me in silent conversation, and luring me into momentary daydreams.

I’m a wonderer.

I wonder why people do the things they do. I wonder how things work. I wonder where people come from and what their story is. I even wonder if everyone’s minds operate this way with a constant monologue accompanying their daily observations. It can be a curse, but also a gift. It can lead to stimulating conversation, great works of art, creative stories, marvelous insights and so much more. I’m convinced it drives my creativity. For a writer, like myself, what better way is there to launch a story idea than to ask, “What if?”

Considering my natural curiosity, is it any wonder that this overactive area of my brain goes into hyperdrive every tax season when I spot those Lady Liberty wavers on the street? If you live in any of the Hampton Roads cities, you know what I’m talking about. You’ve probably driven by one of these Liberty Tax Service costumed characters dancing and smiling, enthusiastically waving and jumping, or simply shuffling along the sidewalk half-heartedly flipping a sign as rain drips from the points of her crown.

Who are these crazy people standing outside in all kinds of weather? What are they thinking? Where do they come from? Why in the world do they do it?

Then one day, while scrolling through craigslist’s part-time job listings, I came across the header “Get Paid To Wave!”  I clicked and read, “Looking for outgoing and energetic costumed Miss Liberty Wavers… Make money while having fun… Auditions on Saturday.” My mind was like a bag of microwave popcorn barely able to contain the kernels bursting with each question. BING – What would an audition entail? BING – What would an interview be like for this type of job? BING – Who shows up and what’s their story?

Pop – Pop – Pop

And then my most favorite question in the world… the most intriguing… the most exciting… WHAT IF I auditioned to be a Lady Liberty Waver? Just about then my bag of popcorn burst.

Perhaps it was the reporter in me. Maybe it was the costume lover, or the storyteller or the adventurer. Or it could be that I’m just plain nuts! I think it’s a combination of them all, but I decided to go for it.

While I am neither naturally “outgoing” (I’m an introvert) nor “energetic” (I hate exercise), and my idea of “fun” certainly isn’t standing in the cold for hours (I’ve been known to wear a hat and gloves indoors), I am an actress, and I do love a costume, so I approached the front desk of my local Liberty Tax Service and stated, “I’d like to be a Lady Liberty Waver.”

And so the journey began.

This is the story of one woman who set out to be the best Lady Liberty Waver she could be… to give it all she had… to set goals and accomplish a mission and achieve great things. (all while draped in mint green polyester and pounding a narrow strip of pavement) It’s an unusual tale of someone you’d never expect to be working the streets.

Follow Costumed Mama on a journey of self-discovery, and experience the struggles, the triumphs and the fascinating revelations where you’d least expect it. It’s wacky. It’s funny.  It’s entertaining and inspirational. Oh, and for all of those friends and family who are reading this wide-eyed and breathless, thinking –Oh, no she didn’t! – Believe it. This one’s not fiction. So hop aboard- you know you want to find out where this train is headed.

WHAT IF? What if you subscribed to Costumed Mama’s blog by clicking the “follow” button? What if?

Go ahead – Just do it. It’s the motto I followed, and this is my story.