My sister Karen is pretty cool. All of the cousins love her and her niece and nephews totally adore her. She is fun, quirky, the defender of all people, and the perfect playmate. She can imitate just about anyone, which sends us all rolling on the floor (I’ve told her to stop doing impressions of me if she wants to continue seeing her niece and nephews.) in laughter and in the next moment, bring a tear to your eye. How can so much fun be wrapped up into one person? I’m not sure, but she’s here, alive, and living in 3D.

If you occasionally live vicariously through others to experience the extraordinary, then she is the one to follow. She has done a few things that I won’t mention and I probably wouldn’t have done, but I now feel like I did (but am glad I didn’t). She has also done quite a few things that I may never do and am glad that I know someone so close to me has done. Although she is my younger sister, she offers me unique perspective on many issues and I have made quite a few decisions based on her opinion. She’s still trying to get me out of my mom jeans and into the perfect $100+ something more fashionable. Seriously, her advice has helped me through some dire situations.

Well, we sent her off again last week to the Windy City. We have a blast while she is here and it is always difficult when she has to return to Chicago. Karen is an actor. There is no better career in life she could have chosen than to become an actor. Her multiple personalities (I just had to say that :)) talent and skill are able to be appreciated and properly rewarded. She also provides our family a taste into the life of a celebrity; that’s one of those things I would rather not do, but am glad that someone so close to me does.

I believe that her professional path in life is one of the reasons my children love her so much. Karen is the fun me, the carefree me, the me with no responsibilities. Sometimes, I’m just a little too serious.

Well, when I told the children what I was doing, they helped me sort through some pictures and this is our tribute to Karen. We miss you and hope you break a few legs (just two) as you start your professional season. Karen, I apologize because I know this is going to make you cry, but here it goes…

If you happen to be in Chicago, then catch her on stage this fall at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) as Queen Isabella as well as throughout the season in other performances. She was also recently nominated for a Jefferson Award (Jeff Awards) for her role in The Cook with the winner to be announced October 20. See why she was nominated and listen to the interview. You go Karen!

By the way, she’s a pretty cool sister too!