The Firebirds (2012 Golden Heart finalists) are back for the April edition of Writer Wednesday. For this month’s prompt, we’re sharing our most embarrassing moments, putting them out there for the world to see. Crazy, huh? But I really believe two of the secrets of enjoying life are not being too uptight and being able to laugh at yourself when you look like an idiot.
Most of my embarrassing moments stem from my being somewhat of a klutz. I’ve always had a talent for tripping over my own feet. Usually it’s just my pride that’s hurt.
You know how it is. You trip or turn your ankle, or whatever the case may be, and the first thing you do is look around to see who might have witnessed your humiliation. Less important things, like checking for dislocated joints or broken limbs, can wait until later. Of course, there is ALWAYS someone there to witness it. That’s Murphy’s law.
I remember when I was a young teen walking to the bus stop. I was checking out this really cute guy, and I had on those platform shoes that were so popular at the time. (You know where this is going.) One minute, I was sashaying down the street, giving him my sweetest smile, and the next I was sprawled in the grass with my books scattered around me.
I wish I could say that I’ve totally outgrown my klutziness, but unfortunately, I haven’t. Some time back, I spent seven weeks on crutches after turning my ankle on a step. Walking on flat surfaces with crutches is pretty easy. Navigating steps can be tricky. Going up, your good foot leads. Coming down, your crutches lead. One step at a time. No shortcuts.
My first Sunday down off the platform at church, I hadn’t yet figured out the “no shortcuts” part of the equation. With my crutches on the bottom step, I decided to step right down to the floor. Except I couldn’t reach the floor. So I sailed through the air, making this smooth, graceful arc to land on my knees in the front pew. The preacher moved right into his message as if the pianist wasn’t kneeling, conspicuously facing the congregation, and when I turned around to look at my minister-of-music husband, he was still standing on the top step of the platform shaking his head.
A couple of weeks ago, I posted that I was a finalist for a RITA. (The RITA is like the Oscars of romance writing.) A formal awards ceremony will be held at the Romance Writers of America conference in San Diego this summer. When the winners’ names are announced, they walk up on stage, accompanied by their editors, give a short speech and accept their award. If I win, my thought processes will go something like this—What? Oh, my goodness! Did they just call my name? Aaaaahhhh!!!! Oh, God, please don’t let me trip, please don’t let me trip, please don’t let me trip…
What about you? Any embarrassing moments you’d like to share? Check out the links below to see how some of my writer friends have embarrassed themselves over the years.
Tamra Baumann – Priscilla Oliveras – Sharon Wray – Shelly Alexander – Natalie Meg Evans
First of all, congratulations on your Rita nomination!!! Second, I would be terrified of the same thing. The klutz gene in me is strong and likes to appear at the worst moments. I hope some of your moments make it into your books – they’re perfect setups for cute first meets!
Thanks for the congrats, Sharon! Yes, some of those embarrassing moments are great fodder for stories. The story I told about falling with my school books has already made it into one of my novels.
Years ago, while teaching an Adult Sunday School lesson, I inadvertently said, “Back when Adam and Eve were raising Cain.” I lost control of the class and wasn’t able to recover. Thankfully we were near the end.
Thanks funny, Randy! Those dual meanings can get you in trouble sometimes!
Fun Post Carol! And I hope your name is called in San Diego. But now we’re all going to be holding our breath when you go up to get that shiny gold statue! Here’s crossing fingers for you!! :0)
Thanks, Tammy! I’ll be holding my breath, too!
Carol, you are gonna look so beautiful for the RITA ceremony, I can’t wait to cheer you on!!
Now, no worrying about tripping or anything if they call your name– we’ll be hootin’ and hollerin’ so loudly for you, you’ll float up those stairs with a huge grin on your face!! 😀
Congrats on the final! Hugs
Thanks, Priscilla! I haven’t decided on a gown yet, but I’m seriously considering having my daughter design and make something for me. (She does that for a living.) It would give me an excuse to fly to New England and spend time with the kids!
Congratulations on the RITA nomination, Carol! We’ll all be holding our breath in San Diego!
Thanks, Kay!
I have known you almost all of my life and never knew you were a klutz, I only knew you that you would forget where you parked your car and you would ask me sometimes if we happened to be at a restaurant, and I would say it was parked in front of the restaurant. You would be so embarrassed not knowing where your car was. This was in your early 20’s so I dont know if it continued on into your future. Congratulations on your RITA nomination, I hope you Win!
Thanks, Myra! Yes, I still forget where I parked my car. But at least now we have key fobs, so I can keep hitting the button and listening for the beep!
Thank goodness for technology or you would be lost. LOL