I Believe in Signs (Part 2)

Earlier this summer, I pitched a fit when my aunt suggested that I change into a pair of slippers during her son’s wedding reception. In no uncertain terms, I declined, insisting that I would never buy a pair of shoes that couldn’t go the distance. (Full story.)

Allow me to eat my words. Last week, I went to a performance of Queen of the Night and not only did I not make it out of the hotel in my five-inch pumps, but I also didn’t make it into the event in them.

“I got changed at work and, I swear, I couldn’t get one half of one foot into my real shoes,” I explained to my friends as we were waiting in line.

They insisted that my sandals – a pair of casual wedges that I had worn with a pair of jeans and dipped in a puddle earlier that day – looked “fine.” But we all knew that wasn’t true.

“It’s not like anyone’s going to be looking at my feet anyway,” I tried to convince myself. “We’re going to be sitting down all night!”

Famous. Last. Words.

Cut to me standing on stage.

I was selected to play a party game with the cast of the show — one of those fun stunt-y numbers that involves a random member of the audience unwittingly doing exactly what the game’s host wants him or her to do.

It should be noted that the game did not involve dancing, but I decided to sneak some in anyway.

And then the real show got started. And what a show it was! If you like being a little creeped out and sexed on (which, by the way, I do), then consider going to Queen of the Night. It has everything: fire-breathing, contortion, hand-balancing, aerial dance, jazz hands, simulated sex, and the most basic of attempts at a plot. It’s the only place I know of where you can be spoon-fed chocolate cake and spanked by a stranger at the exact same time. If you want something different – Queen of the Night is where you’ll get it.

Near the end of the performance, one of the actors again pulled me from my chair, led me across the room and instructed me to make a wish. Then she threw a handful of confetti into the air and handed me a note.

And this is where things get interesting. Because, if you remember, several months ago, I was at another performance and got another note while sitting in the audience. (Full story).

It said, “Dare to fail, fail better.” 

I decided that note was the universe’s way of telling me to take a risk I had been considering for years.

So I did. The following week I took a huge step towards giving myself the life makeover that I’ve been wanting for so long. I’m not quite ready to announce officially what that decision entails, but the long and the short of it is that I left the performance that night and did something drastic. Something with the potential for failure.

Since then, I’ve had many moments of doubt and I’ve wondered if I made the right decision.

Turns out, I think I did. The universe told me so.

Thank you for saying yes.

That’s what the note from the second performance said.

It doesn’t get much clearer than that.

Advice I needed yesterday: Always say yes. Always take risks. And always wear your good shoes.

Performance photos are courtesy of @Marathecatbear. View more photos of Queen of the Night and Mara’s awesome aerial skills here. And if you like it, do the girl a solid and follow.