In the midst of the inevitable sadness and heartbreak following the death of our Mother, there has been a bright moment for our family this week. Our niece landed a role in a movie!

A freshman in high school, Carla is playing the part of "Rose" in a period-piece being filmed in Oregon over the next several weeks. Carla gets to dress-up in fancy costumes - and Carla gets to spend a lot of time in make up.

Photo courtesy of Portland Acting Company
No. Not on her face.
The makeup artist does his magic on her back.
"Rose" has been whipped.

Only a glimpse of the wounds and scars will be shown for a second on the film... but it took hours to apply the graphic details of abuse.

Photo courtesy of Portland Acting Company
Gee. I hope you had your coffee this morning before looking at my beautiful niece.

Here she is, leaving make-up... heading over to get into her costume... then hair... and makeup on her lovely face.

Photo courtesy of Portland Acting Company
There. That's better.
Do you think Victorian-period girls had Blackberries?

Photo courtesy of Portland Acting Company
Until my next update, I remain, your "watch out Angelina" correspondent.