Progress that is slow, and progress that is sudden

July 4, 2009

I spent 5 hours assisting Marci Sunshine’s husband, John, on Orion’s loft bed.   He let me drill a few holes and screw a few nails eventually.  We got the bed frame part completed.  It features 45 degree angle cuts on the corners and a notched edge along the sides to hold the plywood pieces.

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I asked if we would finish it on the next time I came over.

John said, “Oh, no.  Not the next time.  We’ve got a lot more to do.  We may have it done by Christmas.”

The plans say it could be done in 10 hours.  We’ve already put in twice that much.

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Meanwhile, Orion is growing up.  He just lost his first tooth today.  We were on our way to a play date.  He was saying, “I’m going to show Logan my wiggly tooth… I think my tooth just came out!”

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Here it is.

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And here’s the Dragon pouch Honey the Clown gave us to hold it in for the tooth fairy.  I think the tooth fairy brings gold coins.


“Everyday Superheroes” – Tumwater Parade

July 3, 2009

24 hours to go until the big parade.

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With a theme like this, I anticipate wearing a CAPE! [in addition to the Red Nose Brigade Band uniforms]


Puckett Family Magic at TumH20 Library

June 30, 2009

We made it to the Tumwater Library just after 2 PM and saw that about a HUNDRED kids and parents had also decided to see the free magic show put on by the Puckett Family of Portland.  Father, Mike Puckett, started with a lot of scarf changing.  In fact, he changed them not only into different colors but into doves.  Later the doves became a bunny!

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Here’s Mike tying his son, Matt, into a straitjacket.  Matt escaped from it in front of our eyes, though he emerged in handcuffs!

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This lucky volunteer was named Justin as well.  He’s obviously a recent high school graduate.

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Mike explained that our negative emotions, like fear and anger, could choke us… and he made the kids promise to never try this at home.  Then he and Matt pulled quickly on the rope.

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And Justin was amazingly unharmed!

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For a special bonus photo-op, Mike gave me the bird!

Two other brothers couldn’t make the show for some reason, and we didn’t see much of the daughter except as an occasional assistant.  Mrs. Puckett operated the sound system from stage right.  It included an amp and laptop.

Very professional presentation, and so is their website http://www.puckettfamilymagic.com/ .


McCleary with Mish

June 28, 2009

I found today’s assistant through the Evergreen Circus Resurgence Group (aka the Juggling Club).  Not only had she been a juggler for the Waldorf auction, AND she had shown up to our congregation one Sunday (a lifelong UU), but she also had prior experience with parties, face painting, AND spoke a smattering of way more than just English and Spanish.  [i.e. Russian, Polish, Arabic, and French!

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Tonight’s blog runs in reverse chronology (Blame it on Benjamin Button!)

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Exhausted from twisting and painting and juggling and pieing and dancing and stuff and more stuff.  AND hungry for something in a tortilla with salsa!

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This fool tried to PIE ME!  Never do that, kid.  I spent an hour getting to look like this.  You just woke up and looked like that.  I’m only pieing willing faces, and mine is not one of them KA-POW!

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And this was the first kid willing to take one for the fiesta.  Neither birthday child nor parent wanted in on the action, but I did get the b-day boy with the bucket of confetti.

Apparently, McCleary really needs some cheering up.  As we approached the VFW, we were handed a flier about the missing 10 y/o girl Lindsey.

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Circus Party 2

June 27, 2009

Actually, the first one was more of a Cirque/ Caberet/ Salon, and this one was more of a Carnival/ Midway/ Sideshow…

but I was so happy to get a 2 hour Premium Visit booked that I called Honey the Clown to be my assistant and photographer.

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My first face!  He got the full length spiel.  We had a water fight toward the end of the party.  Him with a water pistol vs. me with squishy-fishes!

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Cindy seemed a bit overwhelmed.

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Birthday girl watches on while Makenzie takes a pie.

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Hi, Jack!

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Kylie and…

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Chloe.

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Sammy hung around ALOT.  She retrieved balloons and kept saying that I was So Funny!  I kept saying,

“I’ve worked hard to become so.”

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So she got a nose… and paper towels instead of a specially custom JUSBY PIED terry cloth model.

Then… I brought out the new dispenser… and it FAILED again!  Gas hissed out the side and, when dispensed, shot everywhere.  So I just splattered around toward adults.  We gave it to the birthday girl, and she wouldn’t put it in dad’s face.  Good girl!

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[at home I found the O-ring on the drying rack!  Well, it's clean for tomorrow! LMAO What a Life!]

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Honey enjoyed the trampoline.

Then the water-balloons came out and I actually used the bucket of water… AS WATER.  Then the confetti!

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The Deck of the porch provided a marvelous stage!  I used the left, and Honey painted faces and bejeweled on the right.

In addition to the pie-ings, they had a giant back yard filled with activities including TWO pools and a Trampoline.  All around the perimeter were activities like Pop the Balloon with a Dart, Cardboard Bumper Cars, Ring Toss, Western Dress-Up Photo, a Hamburger/ Hot Dog Stand with Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Etc. Etc. Etc.!

Kids came up and started giving me tickets to ride the stilts!

I gave a few rides out and harassed a teenager who had one of two earbuds in his ears.  I asked what he was listening to and HE DIDN’T KNOW!  Later I caught him about to text.  I told him no texting!

I got the show started by pouring out the five or six little white plastic bottles in to the bucket so the fish could drink.  I ended with the not-so-little brown plastic jug.  “They drink like fish”, followed by “Little brown jug how I love thee!”  And of course a fish squirted me.  I made sure they were full at home.

And I kept repeating that I might need it during the juggling fire part.  [which I never did]

I did juggle the sports balls and went through the whole routine including “They should call it the Super Hoop, or the World Court, but I guess that one’s taken”.  Which wound up with Cup, Bowl, Plate/ What’s for dinner? Fish! and a squirting fish!

All concluded ahead of schedule and under budget!   Go team JUSB-HONEY!


Other Radio 8 Ball revelations

June 27, 2009

toward the end of its run on KAOS I asked the Radio 8 Ball “What else can I fit on my plate?”

The answer by The Purrs was “The Dreams Our Stuff is made of.”  Then I checked out a book for Orion about the Tooth Fairy. It claimed that dreams came from tooth dust and therefore bad dreams came from sour teeth. The answer then seemed to indicate less emphasis on the plate but more on the teeth, in other words, flossing and brushing more regularly. In other words, finishing the tasks on the metaphorical plate down to the last ’sugar bug’.

[and, as of last night, Orion has his first loose tooth, so we've got to figure out what the tooth fairy's policy is in this family]

Then, just recently, I called the AM 1150 KKNW Seattle version… thanks to my new Wi-Fi connection I could actually stream it!

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Andras had “Amelie Julac” in the studio and was just finishing a phone reading with actor, Anthony Rapp.  I called and asked if I would find a bi-lingual (Spanish speaking) assistant for my gig on Sunday.

The answer was a song completely sung in FRENCH! “La Joie de Vie”

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Go here to download the podcast>

http://www.radio8ball.com/podcast/radio8ball-1150am-singersongwriter-amelie-julac-amp-actor-anthony-rapp-062409

My interpretation was that I would probably rely on my own language and non-verbal communication skills, and it would be a beautiful thing any way.

Andras suggested that I go out dancing and scout suitable interpreters.

Amelie admitted that she didn’t really speak French.

Then I scouted on-line through my facebook clown/ juggler friends and found that Mish Kochac was available.  Not only did she have some Spanish ability but also Russian, Polish, Arabic and French!

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The Last Game of the Season

June 26, 2009

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Taking a shot.  Getting shoes tied by coach while the game goes on!

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Teamwork!

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Team huddle.

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Taking the ball!

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Whoot!  Whoo-hoo!

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Got IT!

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And it’s gone again!  Oh, Well!

Orion got an award for “Most Determined!”


Good News, Bad News ’bout Harnessing Technology

June 25, 2009

Enterprise for Equity hosted another Learning Circle this evening at Traditions.   Dave Bryant of InnovaGrowth Strategies presented on “Harnessing Technology”.

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Attending were: Bev, a Realtor from Shelton, Andrea of Legacy Design, Kim of Deleria Healing Gardens, Debi of Conscious Parenting, Robin of Joyous Creations, Juliann, a life coach, Jenny Jenkins, a rock star and videographer, Jusby the Clown and Comedy Consultant, Erich of The Washington Youth Theatre, Nancy, the Fix-it-Lady, Jim a Recording Producer, Gail of 12 Benches Photography, Nanleah who did jewelry, and Julie who had several projects… I can’t believe I took all those notes and just gave them all a big plugola!  But it was a fascinating group and made for great brainstorming.

Dave told the story of going to Disneyland.  At the snack bar his daughter saw a Buzz Lightyear Cup.  He inquired about it and was told that it was $25 (GULP!).  So Dave had to tell his daughter “I don’t think so, honey.”  She went away dejected.  The guy behind the counter ran him up and asked what he wanted to drink in his Buzz Lightyear cup!

He didn’t believe it, at first, but the guy said, “It’s a little bit of that Disney Magic.”  And didn’t little Janie’s eyes light up when he surprised her with it?

It made me think of all the free pies I’ve given out, and how the clients have been ringing off the hook ever since.  A little part of that Jusby Magic.  Good News: I must be on the right path.  Now my websites have to also start driving traffic to the customer funnel.  They may have to have fewer links out.  Sorry, friends.  Sponsor a pie and win prize.

Dave’s point being: (when you give them value up front) “they want the magic to continue for themselves and others as well!”

Erich mentioned how he had to get across the country immediately for the birth of a child.  He knew it would cost a thousand dollars, and he didn’t have it, so he begged and pleaded but was denied until someone from South West Airlines said, “I don’t care.  Get on that plane and go home!”  Now he’s a raving fan.

Jenny Jenkins wondered if she should split her site(s), so that she could keep a more professional audio/video production company from being tainted by the Rock Star with Parental Advisory lyrics.  She wondered what she should blog about.  Erich and I both told her what we were interested in.  Erich: “You’re buying a house!  That’s cool!” Me: “What’s the back story behind that song?”

Julianne was like, “A mime is following me on twitter!  Think what would happen if I actually tweeted something.”

We spent a couple of hours going over web techniques and technology, and then he gave the bad news.  His advice: spend only about an hour a week or 15 minutes a day on facebook.

Uh, oh.


A Simple Fool in a Bus

June 24, 2009

The Mercury Project Bus

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  • 1996 RVC Diesel Ford Econoline
  • 22 Seat former King County City Bus
  • E350 Cutaway van
  • 7.3 Diesel Turbo
  • 180,469 Miles

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Here’s Dawn sweeping up her fabulous new home!  We relieved her of a few houseplants and a laundry basket.  She’s taking the bus on a great summer tour.  First stop: British Columbia.  Then to Burning Man and off to New York City!

Before she leaves, however, she’s having one last party/workshop/graduation.


1st time on skates

June 24, 2009

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After his first time at Skateland

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Funny how those things get out from underneath you suddenly.

We spent nearly the full two hours there and worked up quite a sweat.  I tried to figure out the angle on being a skating clown at a birthday.  They’ve got birthday packages and a room to the side.  I certainly wouldn’t want to have my make-up start melting.  I guess it would call for the Clown Lite look.  And lots of falling and more and more pads get added on!


Buzzies Soccer 09

June 23, 2009

Orion is playing his third straight season of pee wee soccer with the Buzzies!

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and most of the kids can now remember which way they are supposed to kick the ball… however, some just get in the zone and kick it whichever way the green lies!

One more practice tonight at Bigelow Park and one more game on Friday at Roosevelt.

I hate to miss the practice, but I’m scheduled to attend Matt’s “Dream Job Workshop” at the Olympia Center!


Later that night…

June 21, 2009

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With Elizabeth lord, after the closing of “Vegas Childhood” at the Midnight Sun.

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Two sisters who grew up in Vegas too: Stephanie and Lisa.

Stephanie let us know that Monday is Lisa’s birthday.  I gave her my card, and explained about the Coconut Cream Pie.  Trish kept advocating for the mini-pie.


Organic Whipped Coconut Cream

June 21, 2009

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If you followed my incessant twittering on the subject you’ll know that my new whipped cream dispenser actually DOES WORK!

We celebrated Summer Solstice yesterday with a banana split that included organic vanilla frozen yogurt, hot Nutella sauce w/ organic dark chocolate chips melted in for good measure, a wee bit of butterscotch sauce (left over from the Butter Beer experiment), homemade whipped cream, and a sprinkle of granola.

Here was a bonus test for Father’s Day: Organic Whipped Coconut Cream on a banana split!

With less trimmings to avoid a giant sugar spike for the li’l guy.

Extensive internet research revealed the secret to success.  First, refridgerate the can of coconut milk and skim off the cream.  Then I sweetened with agave syrup and shook heartily.

As the resulting whipped cream was very dense I’ll bet the mixture could be thinned, as long as it’s the consistency of ordinary dairy heavy cream.  For some reason, the interwebz recommended adding soy milk powder as well!

In any event, I feel confident that I can now offer both Organic and non-dairy versions of the Pie-in-the-Face!


Capital City Pride Parade 09

June 21, 2009

I just got back from a wonderfully P event (that stands for Pretty).  I got to stretch my character and apparel to fit in.  I bought three more bandannas to have a Rainbow Colored Bandanna Boa.  I also branded my old Construction Helmet with a black and red Sharpie.

One problem I ran into was ruining a shirt when I was putting on nail polish.

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I started marching with the Unitarian Universalists.  I suggested they have a cheer of “We love You (pointing)… You (pointing)” but they weren’t that into it.

Then Honey arrived and we marched together.  I gave out my card and told folks to send me their pics.

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(c)Steve Bloom, the Olympian

Afterward, at Sylvester park, Honey marched right over to a group of Buxbaum supporters.  She told them she was glad they were there because Kingsbury had his signs all over the place.  I arrived from the other side and called to her to get a picture with me and Kingsbury having a burger.

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Then Honey got in the shot with Hedwig, and she expressed her wish that Olympia could be developed without money coming from California.

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Finally, I ran into Onyx.

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She’s thinking over the offer of pie, I guess.


Wedding Stories pt. 2

June 17, 2009

WARNING: SCATOLOGICAL HUMOR

Back in ‘04, our dear friends Michelle & Guido got married.

That weird clown energy followed me and played havoc.

They had bought a newish house in Monroe, and it had some plumbing issues.  This was to be the source of concern, as the ceremony AND reception would both be at their house.

As guests and caterers filled the place, Michelle retired to her bedroom to get ready with her bridesmaids, rendering one toilet inaccessible.  They also have another bathroom upstairs between the two other bathrooms.  A third bathroom adjoins the laundry room adjacent to the garage.  The caterers set up shop in the garage.  The third bathroom had a sign on the handle advising users to “Hold Down the Handle”.

As I consider myself highly literate I figured I could safely operate this toilet.  I was wrong.

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