Lifetime

"Darlings," Rosalyn Broadstreet smiled into the cameras, "did I paint my eyebrows on straight?" The audience erupted into cheers and laughter, as anticipated (and she bowed). "Oh, gods, take this thing - it's heavy," she said to the person in the right wing of the stage (and handed them her lifetime achievement award). "Because it does get heavy, doesn't it - life?" The audience cooed and quieted. "I was born Rose Rorschach - like the blob test that tells whether you're a psychopath or a sex addict (laughter) and, although I was happy to change it, it's suited me in ways I had to age to understand. Everything is a role, pets; absolutely everything is a role. We are one cast member in a great cosmic play and we will change parts over time. I've been a bit player in my own circumstances, the slapstick pratfall doofus, the femme fatale (although not as often as I'd liked on that one), the sullen understudy, and the star. Through it all, if we can stay firmly grounded on the stage and yet not feel tied to it, we can call that a successful life. Own all of it, dears, from the empty seats to the standing "o", and be grateful for the work. Let others see you, but see yourself - changing over time, an extra going extra in the grand scheme of things. Drink water, eat regular meals, take some fresh air, and get your eyebrows on straight. Take the spotlight proudly when it falls upon you, and have champagne in the fridge for toasting survival if nothing else. I thank you." The applause was deafening and Rosalyn was gracious, but already planning on telling the driver to stop at McDonald's for a large fries on the way home.