Moving On With C &M

  The 2012 season opened in the middle of last month.  Here it is well into April and as usual the time on the road goes by like a shot.  We started off with some rain but the lots as of late have been flat & green and the crowds decent in size and generous with the applause.

  We took off for the first date in Oklahoma the day before opening so everyone had plenty of time to settle in and prepare for the the following day's matinee shows.  I had the pleasure of welcoming some of my friends from church on opening day.  It usually makes most performers a little jittery working with friends in the audience, but all went well in the opening performances, even the Pete II's debut.  His excitement and energy made me a little extra cautious but Pete wound up performing every behavior perfectly.  

  The show's running time is a good 90 minutes and includes a variety of acts. April's rolla bolla warms the crowd up quickly as she stacks up to 5 layers on her cylinder and board.  I have the pleasure of assisting her this season and we have some extra fun as we discreetly make silly inside jokes to each other.  She IS Phil Chandler's granddaughter...awesome sense of humor in the genes.  DJ Weiss eagerly works three clown spots in the show and does a fine job keeping smiles of every one's faces.  Two of his routines require audience participation and he has no trouble getting folks to help him out.  He wins the crowd over right away with his kid-like demeanor.  This is DJ's first mud show and he's adapted quickly to its fast pace.  The coolest thing about this 20 year old is to see him put such effort and heart into what he does.  I predict he'll go far in the circus business.  This is the second season for my niece Paulina's big & little.  If you know Bubbie, you know she lives and breaths for horses.  She's been running the pony ride on the show for many years (even pounding stakes along side her dad) and is a stickler for detail when it comes to the care of all equine critters.  I've seen her carefully wipe the dust out of the ponies' nostrils and patiently braid the manes of Wyatt and Jasmine, her performers.  Being a detail-oriented person myself, I appreciate how the color her wardrobe perfectly matches the color of the bridles and the flowers in her hair match the flowers in the horses' manes.  Simone helps Mel Ray out in the whip cracking act again this year.  MR is fun to be around and easy to get along with in and out of the ring, so she gets a kick out of holding the targets for his act.  The act's cracking, snapping and fast pace keeps the show upbeat and moving right along.  Lana , who turned 12 in February has been working the family's bird act for a few years now.  It's been my pleasure to see this act performed by Simone, Paulina and now Lana.  Her flowing dresses and pretty hair pieces add to the gentle feminine tone of the fan-tailed birds routine.  One of my very favorite things about ring mastering on this show is to watch my brother-in-law Ron perform with all the kids in the family's unicycle act.  Over the years he has one by one taught each of the kids how to ride.  They manage to effortlessly peddle their unicycles of all sizes over large plywood panels.  Although the stage is hinged together some of the unlevel lots create an unlevel riding area.  If Ron or any of the kids strain to keep the cycles rolling, you'd never know it.  Their routines change from time to time and are always, intricate, impressive and smooth.  Not to mention fun to watch.  Even twice a day, everyday. ;)  Simone's single trapeze is as strong and smooth as ever and is always delivered traditionally and professionally.  The Perez family has been a lot of fun to travel with over the years and are always upbeat, professional and easy to work with.  Karina's hula hoop act is first class and colorful, from each piece of her wardrobe to her well thought out routine.  Angel always puts 110% into his juggling act.  The family closes the performance with their high energy Russian swing.  By the time Angel jumps through the hoop and lands in the net for the final time, most audiences are catching their breath between rapid rounds of applause.  I once again have the extreme pleasure of sharing announcing duties with Simone.  There is ne'er a dull moment while working with her.  As I've said on more than one occasion, I know Dad would be so proud to see her carry in his footsteps. 

  Simone once said to me that I made her want to be a better performer.  That is probably the highest compliment I've ever been paid.  If that indeed is the case, I have to once again give all credit to Dad.  As he taught and influenced me in performing, I only hope I have passed down what I've been taught.   To quote a friend, "All I deserve is God's wrath.  It is only because of his mercy and grace that I am blessed."  Blessed indeed.  And thankful beyond words can express that I  love my work and work with those I love.  And to think I may have been some positive influence on my own niece...that's icing on the proverbial cake.  

   PS...Speaking of cake...guess who is running the cook house again this season.  Robin has outdone herself once again in the show's rolling kitchen.  She made an orange dream cake that I am proud to say I ate way too much of!  Stay tuned for cook house recipes...;)    

 

Stocking Up and Pleasant Reminders

  At the end of yesterday, I planned for today and referred to the rather long list I had compiled of places to go and things to purchase that are necessary for the season and my fridge.  It's 13 miles to town, so I do everything I can to do everything I can while I'm in town.  Thanks to the combined baby sitting efforts of my baby-loving niece Lana and Georgia, I managed to get every errand ran and every item on my list picked up in the most timely of manners.  I was pleasantly surprised every time I checked the time.  I even sailed through that necessary evil, as my sister Robin refers to it, Wal-Mart in no time.

  Since we have extra storage room in the garage portion of the trailer I've made an effort to stock up on dry goods, dog food and shavings.  I always say that every time I unhitch, I spend money.  Not just in purchases but in fuel.  Not only that, those errands take time away from my kids.  I am hoping that I can stick to stocking up all season so I can save time and of course money.  It works in theory.  

  Sometimes I think I should buy stock in TSC.  They do have the best price on dog food, shavings and kennels.  They are also the only place I know of that sells the perfectly sized white round bungee cords I use ( and sometime lose or break ) to quickly connect the panels of my dog cage.  It's always an easy & quick check out and they are closer than any other feed store and the quality is better than Wal-Mart. 

  I did remember to make a stop at Auto Zone to pick up a couple of head light bulbs.  I love my truck and I dare not complain one single bit about it.  But...the driver's side head light seems to go out at least once, sometimes twice a year.  I managed to remember to buy a couple of these bulbs even though the auto part store was not on my list.  The last jump of the season in 2011 was an 80 mile night jump.  I didn't realize I had a head light out ( driver's side of course ) until late in the afternoon when the auto part stores were already closed.  15 miles from destination, I got pulledv over...a head light was out.  That extra bulb I bought today should prevent another $88.00 ticket.

  Camper Dan's is out of town but not too awfully far from where I ran other errands today.  I picked up a supply of interior bulbs and a much needed commode gasket.  I passed by a display of water pumps on sale and thought for a moment I should pick one up...just in case.  The thought came and went quickly.  However, when I got home, I wished I had given more thought to buying one of those pumps and taken action to buy it...what do you know, my water pump had gone out while I was gone.  

  A few stops later and a few purchases for prop decoration supplies and groceries, I made it home around 3:00.  The weather had warmed up and I had a couple hours to work on painting and decorating my dog seats before I took the girls to the dinner I had promised ( if their good behavior continued, which it did ) to Applebee's.  Kids eat free on Tuesdays, you know! ;)  With the recent arrival of my family from Brickle's South Carolina tour we welcomed Lana to all of our delights! Let the girly giggles and Monster High doll primping commence! :)

  After a delightful and mostly free dinner at Applebee's ( yes, we got the artichoke/spinach dip ;) ) the girls made mention, in the most delightfully girly way, of a visit to every pre-teen's favorite boutique, Claire's.  It's not far from Applebee's and easy to get to.  Since the girls were quite well-behaved and a big help in caring for and occupying Tootie today, I decided to indulge them with a swing by Georgia's "favorite store ever."  We were their only patrons, so we navigated between their over-packed and over-stuffed jewelry and knick knack racks with ease.  The racks in the back displayed tons of dollar clearance merchandise.  With the clerk's help I found some cup cake and flower clip-ons for Toot and a princess crown with a letter "E" pendant (for Evelyn, her middle name) on a necklace.   She modeled her new bling glamorously in the truck and the older girls didn't make it out of the parking lot without first donning the 3-way "rock, paper, scissors-best friends forever" necklaces.  By older girls, I mean Georgia, Lana and me. ;) 

  During one of my errands today I passed a sign that stopped me in my quickly paced tracks.  It displayed one of my constant refrains; a simple message that is also profound and wise by which to live.  The sign taught a lesson that I was taught at a young age and have tried to teach my girls. Speaking for myself, this bit of wisdom did not sink into my heart until passed middle age.  But that's ok, better learned, than never.  "It's not having what you want, but wanting what you have."  I thought to myself how thankful I am to have to run errands, to have to make purchases for the necessary things for the season and for my fridge. And I am thankful to have to work on props. Most of all, and most valuable of all, I am thankful to spend time with giggly girls picking over the dollar racks at Claire's.  Yes, I do want what I have, I want to do what I have to do and I absolutely want those giggly girls I have.  

  By the way, that sign was also a necessary purchase.

To Do Lists, The Dentist and Winter Plans And Stuff

  Well, here it is, only a few days until we open and I'm still making to do lists and planning last minute trips to the vet.  I'm sure I have made more to do lists in the last few months than I have in my whole life.  I did get a jump start on preparing for the road which has eased my mind. And, if my calculations are correct I've made my last to do list for the winter.  

  In the midst of errands, classes and projects I've had to squeeze in a few trips to the dentist.  I haven't been in a few years.  But since I lost a filling a few weeks ago I've made pretty good buddies with Dr. Easlon and couple of her assistants.  One filling, one bridge and one crown later, my pocket book is lighter but my teeth are whiter.  And no more tooth aches.  I do have more dental work to be done, but it will have to wait till this coming winter. 

  I have recently managed to get help tearing down my old crooked mental barn.  The barn has been there since long before we moved here in 2003.  In fact, it's been there so long it actually leaned to one side.  The doors were long gone and the holes in the roof were plentiful.  The square rusted structure had been painted beige a few years ago in an effort make it a little less conspicuous than the former traditional barn red.  But I noticed it everyday from the kitchen window.  It was unsightly, to say the least.   I managed to have all its contents stuffed into the old gray tiger trailer situated in the far corner of the back yard.  (I would much rather look at the battleship gray trailer than that old leaky barn.)  Most of the barn debris has been separated and organized.  Some going to the dump and some going to the metal recycling place.  In any case, soon it'll be pleasantly all gone!  This project has been a long time coming.

  My backyard has more space now not only because the barn is gone but my old dog compound has been taken down for the last time.  For several years around this time of year I've disassembled my dog pen from the back yard in preparation for the use on the road.  But since I've moved all the dogs and their supplies into the old tiger compound, the former dog compound has sat vacant.  In packing the garage of the trailer today I was pleased to see that my estimated measurements for the dog compound panels' location were accurate.   

Almost ready to go.    

  This winter I got Georgia's room done, and finally got my living room changed around so it is now fully functional, provides a perfect conversation area and lends a cozy reading corner.  We can now easily access the awkwardly placed door to the garage.  Which is a very good thing because this coming winter I plan to combine the contents of the garage with the contents of the old gray tiger trailer.  If my plans come to fruition, the future former garage will be the exercise, craft, tv, Wii and all around game room.  We plan on this room to be colorful, fun and noisy too.  Leave it me to make plans for this coming winter when this coming season has yet to start.  ;)

   

   

 

Deep Thoughts. Not by Jack Handy

  The weather lately has gone from pleasantly warm to snowy to unpleasantly overcast and wet.  With the rain comes super soft spots in my pasture so avoid tracking through in the truck and keep the girls' and my extra girly pink rain boots by the back door.  Bad weather cuts down on practice with the dogs which tends to leave me pretty frustrated some days. So on the nicer days I make sure to spend a little extra time putting the dogs through their paces.  

  The wet days tend to keep us at home more, going out only when we have to.  I don't like driving on wet roads.  Staying inside more these days is giving me more time to play with the kids and catch up on housework. Most of the time I don't mind laundry, vacuuming and dusting.  Although dish washing has deeply rooted unpleasant memories attached it, so my automatic dishwasher gets a lot of use.  The extreme routine of housework often allows me to do what my dad used to call "solve the world's problems."  I will find myself in deep thought about anything and everything.  Sometimes reflecting on pleasant childhood memories will lead me to call one of my sisters...let the chattering commence (while folding laundry or clearing the colorful rubber duck collection out of the tub).  Having hardwood floors throughout the house requires quite a lot of sweeping,  which can lead to a lot of world problems being solved, reflecting on a variety of life events and often conversing with God.  

  Since the beginning of the season is creeping up my thoughts have turned a little more to preparing the trailer for take off.  Since this year I seem to (so far) have a jump start on the moving process I have a little less anxiety than normal.  As Martha Stewart often says, that's a good thing.  The extra indoor time has indeed lead to a little extra deep thought, deep reflection and a few light bulb moments that have also been a very good thing.  

  At 42 I am coming up on 20 years in the circus business.  I was thinking not long ago how this time has gone by like a shot.  

  In my 20's I got married.  I also got crash courses in juggling, climbing the perch pole, ring mastering, aerial work, pulling a trailer, managing concessions, etc, etc etc.  At 27 I fell from my trapeze and broke my back.  I changed professions and wound up with a good job with AT&T.  I later took an opportunity to start a family carnival business and by 30 I was back in the circus business full time.  I then remembered another one of my dad's sayings, "town life ain't what it's cracked up to be."  I guess for me, that is somewhat true.  I have only lasted about 1 year in each attempt of regular town life. (Having said that, I'd like to say there is nothing wrong with staying in one place.  There's much to be said for town life.  But, it's not for me.  And that's ok.  I have no doubt that lengthy months on the road, mud lots and performing is not for many town folks. And that's ok too.)

  In my 30's I got married again.  I learned how to train dogs (and am still learning), continued to ringmaster, said good-bye to my dad, welcomed many nieces and nephews and bought a house in Texas.  I've made wonderful friends on a couple of wonderful tent shows and best of all, in my 30's I experienced motherhood.  

  So now, here I am, 42 years old already.  As my birthday last month neared, I began thinking back on my life of many travels and transitions. I realized I have come to appreciate the point of steady I have fairly recently attained and haven't seem to have since I was very young.  A lot of my 20's and 30's saw transitions and big life changes.  Steady is a nice place to be.

  During life's transitions and life's major changes you can spend days, weeks even months or years adjusting, fixing, changing, trying to improve, venting, seeking help, etc.  And depending what you are going through, you can forget a lot.  Mainly about yourself.  We learn history in school so we don't repeat mistakes, appreciate those who have made a difference and made an impact.  Learning history, learning from history and remembering it shapes lives.  The same holds true for our individual lives.  Losing sight of personal history can result in losing sight of your strengths, capabilities, talents, self-worth and even your identity and forget about those who've made a difference in your life.  It can happen to anyone who's encountered bumpy roads, unexpected turns that leave you wondering what to do next, and giving a lot time and energy to other people and things.

  Working through life changes can indeed be a positive thing in the end.  Who wouldn't want to change for the better, fix problems or be an example to children how to handle adversity or hard times?  What's the old saying...'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.'  I think that can be true for anyone.  In all my housework and world problem solving recently, my light bulb moment (one of several, actually) came when I was cleaning my kitchen.  I'd forgotten for quite a while what I'd endured, achieved and succeeded at during my 20's and 30's and how I came through some of those life changing events, indeed a stronger, better person.  I'd forgotten a few people who'd made a difference and recalled words of wisdom that I once ran through my head almost daily.  Then I remembered what a few friends have suggested over the years to me...write it down, so you don't forget.

         

New Dos, New Dogs & The Dentist

  A lot can happen in a short period of time.  Change is good, usually, and I like to be surprised.  There have been some of both lately.  

  A few nights ago I was flipping through much of nothing on tv and found Michelle Williams on Letterman.  I've always loved her razor cut hair and was fondly remembering the time I had my hair in the very same style.  So I lie in bed watching Letterman's interview with her and grabbed my phone to Google search more of Michelle's hair styles.  I came across a few that I just loved and decided right there and then I'd go into get my hair cut as much like the style I'd just seen as I could get.  The following day I went to the place in Wal Mart and found my hair dresser on duty.  I showed her the few pics I'd saved on my phone and entrusted her to make me look as much like Michelle Williams as possible.  Seeing as how Kelly cut my hair twice five years prior and after moving away and recently moving back could vividly remember cutting my hair in a stacked bob, I figured she was up to the job.  She told me she remembers hair more that faces!  That I believe.  With Tootie on my lap Kelly went to work and in no time put a do on my head that I just fell in love with!  Even Georgia who was skeptical at first at my decision to cut about 6" off of my hair just loved the outcome.   I may not look exactly like Michelle Williams but my hair is pretty darned close!!  I was very pleasantly surprised at this drastic change and saved 3 bucks with my online coupon. ;) No regrets!

  As for dogs, well I have a few new acquisitions this winter.  Enter: Ned (Otto's back up), Kipper and Winston.  These fellows have quickly acclimated to life here in the country. I do hope they will just as quickly acclimate to circus life.  I have a good feeling.  Ned is a rescue from the pound.  He's a 10 pound Daschund/mini poodle mix with coal black wavy fur.  He is a little bratty but awfully sweet and smart and house broken.  I wish I could say the same about Kip.  He's a terrier mix with champagne fur and looks so much like the Tin Tin dog that I will probably rename him Tin Tin.  He's not house broken but that's is ok because he and my bestest pup Sui are bestest buds and tromp the neighborhood ALL day long!!  He's very athletic and bright and I am anxious to really do some intense training later on.   Winston is a pure bred Spitz and was named by my niece April.  I had him for a few days after I rescued him from the pound and all I could think of was how much he looked like my Fluffy, one of my original dogs.  But I couldn't call him Fluffy because I have Freddie.  I made the mistake of naming two dogs that both begin with D.  If I had a nickle for every time I called Dixie Delta and Delta Dixie, well, you get the picture.  After April laid a laundry list of doggie names on me, she came up with Winston and it fit him perfectly!  He's in the old dog compound which is very roomy and perfectly situated so he can get used to things around here.  He's pretty young and needs a good grooming.  His sparking eyes need to be show cased by well groomed snowy fur.  Grooming day is just around the corner.

  My former trouble maker Freddie has redeemed himself 100 fold.  In just casually messing around with him and testing behaviors, I have found that he is multi-talented!!  Every behavior in which I tested his ability, he excelled!  Within about 15 minutes he was going through training without a leash.  Bright eyed and attentive yet bouncy and fun!  Talk about your pleasant surprises!!

  A not so pleasant surprise came in the form of a lost filling last week.  After seeing my dentist I have discovered that chronic acid reflux has caused such decay around the inner gum line that major dental work is needed.  No way around it.  Today marks the first of several days that I'll be in that ever so unpleasant reclined position, mouth wide opened trying not to gag as they drill, pull and fill.  Root canals and crowns are in order along with a bridge...:/ ...such is life.  

NOTE: As soon as I can get Dar to help fix the last of my vacation pics, I post them!!  I haven't forgotten!

 

 

Good Things Come in Small Packages. Or Sometimes in 41 Feet Long Packages.

  This winter has been as busy and good as ever as I have mentioned on more than one occasion.  Being busy is one thing but being busy and productive is quite another.  Our winter projects have proved to be productive, no doubt.  Redecorating bedrooms, training new dogs, taking assorted classes, clearing and cleaning out clutter are all good things.  Being able to just do those things is a blessing, also no doubt.

  We have very recently been blessed with a new and much needed toy hauler trailer.  My dear friends Didi & Rafa Giraldo were looking to sell their Cyclone 5th wheel and I just so happened to be in the market for such a trailer. 

  Forty-one feet, 3 slides and an ample garage provides plenty of space for the girls, the dogs and myself.  Georgia will have a loft bed to sleep in complete with storage and tv space.  Although, I anticipate more than one or two nights during the season when she may fall asleep next to Tootie & me during movie-before-bed nights!  That's perfectly fine with me though! :)  The horse shoe shaped dinette not only folds out into a large bed (perfect for cousins sleeping over on weekends!) but will also provide plenty of space for meals and home schooling.

  There's more counter space than I know what to do with. There's lots of cupboard space and very large drawers which are perfect for storing Barbies and stuffed toys.  The warm neutral tones are welcoming and certainly give a cozy feel which I like.  The upholstery pattern is pretty and not doubt will do well in hiding juice spills and a coffee splash here & there.  (Thank goodness for Scotch guard though! ;) )  There's plenty of linoleum that will make life easier on muddy lots. The built in central vacuum will make life on the dusty lots easier.  The garage will house the dogs while we travel along with props, their dog pen and other miscellaneous necessities.

  I have spent a few days slowly moving our belongings into our new place.  The season will start before I know it so I've made every effort to get a jump on the moving process.  With my old trailer soon going to new owners I also have been faced with the task of clearing out the few remaining items and I'd like to clean it out nicely so it's ready to be moved into.

This dinette will have triple duty.  Slumber parties with cousins, good cookhouse eats and some readin', writin' and 'rithmaticin'.

I'm hoping my niece April & I will make a few (hundred) of her special 'everything but the kitchen sink' salads here!

Bring on the movie-before-bed nights!

  We have most certainly been blessed with more than I ever anticipated.  I am so grateful and hope someday I can pay those blessings forward.  

   VACATION PICTURE INSTALLMENTS WILL RESUME AS SOON AS I CAN GET RADAR TO HELP ME FIX MY PICTURES SO THEY ARE READY TO PUT ON THE BLOG!! 

Installment Three Wedding Pictures

Lauren & me before the wedding

L to R: Deborah Rushley (played violin during ceremony), Kelly Fairchild, Lauren, Robin, Georgia, me Paulina

Our dear family friend Melinda Taylor with Georgia.

Georgia, Tristin, me, Linda Chandler, Dave Hoexima, Robin

Ron & Robin

Waiting for the bride.

Mr. & Mrs. Key