A few years ago, I held my very own Oscar party. Well, OK, it really wasn't a party, as it consisted of my mother, sister and me watching the opening monologue, the handing out of the first few awards and then going to bed.
But I did make cute little invitations and provided a very nice potato chip spread.
So when we decided to do our usual Oscar routine this year, minus the invites and chips, I had a revelation as I sat in my living room enraptured by the glitz, glamour and gowns. It was a celebration of the grandest kind.
In fact, the last few months have seen one celebration after another. A slew of awards shows passing out accolades to singers, movie stars and TV shows. The Grammy Awards. The Emmy Awards. The Golden Globes.
Everyone, it seems, has been honored and bestowed with some sort of special title and little statuette to forever remind them of their moment of glory.
And that's when it hit me, somewhere between seeing "Up" win for Best Animated Film and laughing at hosts Steve Martin's and Alec Baldwin's witty banter: Don't we all wish we could give out our own set of awards? To the people (and things) in our lives who have changed us, who have believed in us when we weren't even sure if we believed in ourselves and who made our world a whole lot brighter just by being in it?
Now, I know I don't wield the same power as the majestic Academy, but I'd like to take this opportunity to hand out a few of my own awards. I call them The Life Brighter Awards ... sound too corny? Whether you think so or not, there's definitely no doubting the impact these have had on my life.
Drum roll, please ...
Best Actress in a Comedy Series goes to ...
This woman had the art of comedy down to a science, and half the time, she didn't even know it ... ahh, the mark of a true actress. This woman has brought laughter into my life when I needed it the most. She's my mother. Funny sometimes, yes, but no one does funny better than a mom, do they?
Best Original Score goes to ...
There has been quite a bit more music in our house lately, thanks to the piano stylings of my sister. She's recently begun learning to play, and it's filled our home with such beautiful melodies. It's made the house feel lighter and more bouncy, just in time for the nicer spring weather.
Best New Artist goes to ...
My journalism students on the Kishwaukee College newspaper, The Kaleidoscope, never cease to amaze me. And this year, they've upped the wow factor for me. They're energetic. They're excited about writing. They're a fiercely determined bunch. They're the best group I've had thus far. And dare I say, they're the future of journalism at its finest.
Best in Costume and Design goes to ...
My bright and colorful polo shirts. I've mentioned them before, but they are really quite a splendor to behold. They'll be lined up in my closet in a matter of weeks. April 1 marks the beginning of polo-wearing season. Get ready!
So who would you put on your very own awards list? What awards shows are your favorites? I'd love to hear all about it!
