A Kind Word

At some time in our lives we stop and think, what is this all about? Does my life have any real meaning? What is God’s plan for me (Higher power, Spirit, whatever works for you)? It is all part of our human nature to question OUR place in the universe. I believe it is the mission of a kind word. As clowns, we know we can make a difference in a child’s life. We live for the laugh and the smile. It is very tangible. It is unmistakable. One picture speaks a thousand words. One of the easiest ways to entertain and keep a child’s attention is to give them a compliment: “Oh I like your cute shirt,” “Gee you have pretty eyes,” “What a nice smile,” “Thank you for your help,” “You did a great job!” It makes a big difference.

But what about that kind word for each other?? Is it only children that need a kind word? How much more difficult is it to complement each other in our clown clubs or organizations? Do we assume that the folks we perform with, play with, interact with on a regular basis don’t need a pep talk, or a kind word? You would be surprised.

We assume that everyone else knows what they are doing and have all the confidence they need. Again, you would be surprised. We all need a pat on the back sometime. Big businesses pay lots of money to bring in motivational speakers to inspire their managers to be more effective. A lot of what they teach is how to give a compliment to the people who work under them! A compliment is better motivation than criticism is.

It seems so simple, yet people forget to do it. We get so busy in our own insecurities, that we forget that other people need a word of encouragement. The longer we know someone, the more apt we are to neglect that kind word. What is the difference between a successful clown club and one that dies on the vine? How the members treat each other.

Let’s not get so busy that we forget to tell our friends we appreciate what they do for us, and for our club: That gal who has been treasurer for time out of mind because no one wants the job; that guy who always gives the rides to the parade; the spouse of a fellow clown who brings water for everyone; the clown who helps the new members or Jr. Joeys when no one else seems to have the time. Don’t ever, ever assume they know how much you appreciate them – you have to tell them!

I taught a movement class recently at the Clowns of America Convention in Houston in April. We had a great time! We had dozens of people of all sizes up out of their seats moving and grooving in funny ways. A clown stopped me the next day to thank me for the class. She said “WOW -- I had so much fun in your class; it really made me think. I was watching the competition and I could really see what you said made sense and how folks could have made their skits better.” I really appreciated her kind words. But it was also nice to know that she had learned something and was excited about sharing it with her club. I appreciated that kind word. It helped me to know I was on the right track.

A kind word. It is a little thing that can make a big difference.

Pricilla

P.S. Last month I traveled to Newark, Ohio for what must be my 20^th year of attending Clown Town. Wow, has it really been that many years already? With so many dear friends there, I always have such a fun time! Here are few photos from that weekend, featuring Choo Choo, Don “Buster Balloon” Caldwell, and the energetic members of the Kazoo Band!

Tip of the Month

What can we do as clowns to make the most of our summer opportunities and not melt into our floppy shoes? Planning is everything. When you take the time to properly organize and “summerize” your costume and props, you will perform better – and you will HAVE MORE FUN!

Be prepared for a lighter look for hot weather. Do you have a light-weight costume loose enough to provide air circulation? Summer picnics and parades are NOT the places for that 3-piece wool suit that still barely fits your waist. If your pants can stay up without the aide of suspenders, then they are too tight to clown in comfortably! A poly-cotton blend is perfect for clowns because it gives you the breathability and coolness of natural cotton, but it also provides the non-shrinkage, wrinkle-resistance, and durability of polyester. It’s a win-win!

What shoes do you wear for parades? If you wear your big, heavy, expensive leather clown shoes to walk those long miles, you might want to consider something that is easier on your feet and won’t matter if they get mud or rain damage. For parades, I opt for a pair of shoes that are normal-sized with excellent arch support, but have clowny polka dots and fun laces. I have noticed that all of the reputable clown shoe dealers are now making this kind of “street” shoe. Buy a pair of really good innersoles as well; they will help an old pair of shoes give much-needed support and shock absorption. Two pairs of thin socks might be better than one pair of thick socks. The two socks will take the friction that your skin would have, thereby preventing blisters. Believe it or not, I have gout! My chiropractor taught me how to tape my feet with athletic tape to provide more support. It makes all the difference in the world. Sometimes you will need to go to extra efforts to keep your feet happy.

A summer wind can kick up at a moment’s notice, so be sure to pin your hat securely to your wig, and pin your wig to your skull cap. A skull cap will keep you cooler than a wig by itself. Why? Because a cotton skull cap wicks away sweat and puts a layer of natural fiber between your skin and the synthetic wig. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself and you’ll be happy you did!

Give your props a good once-over – and NOT just an hour before your performance! Not as spry as you used to be? It might be time to retire some of your heavier parade props. Instead of that wooden camera your Uncle Albert built for you 20 years ago when you first became a clown, invest in a new foam camera. Or, think of new fun ways to entertain that don’t involve heavy props. Focus on making the most of that short personal moment between clown and child. Most clowns could benefit from a class in “No Props Clowning”. Too often we hide behind our props because we don’t think we are funny enough on our own. You will be surprised what happens when you “lighten up”.

Here are some other quick tips for the summer. Get a small cooler to keep in your car. Load it with bottled water (skip the sugary caffeinated drinks -- they dehydrate you!). Keep some high energy snacks there as well. I like trail mix with nuts and raisins, because I don’t need to worry about messing up my make-up while eating and it gives me a natural boost. Put together a clown first-aid kit for your car. You can purchase small ones at drug stores. Don’t forget about applying sunscreen to the skin that isn’t covered by makeup. You might want to invest in cool packs for around your neck or knees – and you can keep these in your car cooler. Remember to pack multiple-sized band aides for those blisters from walking parades. I recommend taking Advil BEFORE the event because as my doctor informed me “Once you start hurting, it is too late!” Have animal allergies or hay fever? You night consider taking your allergy meds before entertaining at the county fair – just think about all those 4H animals and flower exhibits!

Never underestimate how important your individual needs are, and take the proper time to attend to them in advance. If you plan ahead of time, then you can concentrate on how well you are performing instead of how tired, hot, and sore you are feeling. Take the extra time now to plan for a terrific summer clown season. You will be glad you did!

MOOSE CAMP NEWS!

For Registered Campers:

-- Be prepared for your PEP Call this month! Print out that schedule and have it by your phone. Pricilla will be ringing you during the time and day you selected to go over your questions, course options, and help you get a schedule figured out.

-- Did you sign up for the Refund Insurance? If so, today JUNE 1^ST is the LAST day you can get a refund for a cancelled registration. You can still cancel after June 1^st, but you will not receive a refund.

-- June 1^st is also the deadline to turn in your Travel Form and Health Form. If you are still finalizing your travel plans, don’t worry – all you need to do is drop Katie at line at info@mooseburger.com and let her know that your Travel Form will be delayed.

-- …and June 1^st is also the day to pay up any remaining balance you owe on your registration. You can make your payment by phone (320-963-6277), fax (320-963-6692), online, or by mail (have it postmarked by June 1^st).

-- Have you thought about what you’ll bring to the Ralph Pounder Memorial Scholarship Auction? If it’s too big to bring on the plane, you can always mail your auction item ahead of time to Mooseburger Headquarters. Include your name, phone number, and approximate value of the item and mail to: Moose Camp Auction, P. O. Box 700, Maple Lake, MN 55358. Keep in mind that if it’s too big for the plane, then it might be too big for anyone else to bring back on the plane – and that may limit who can bid on it. If you need ideas, just think about what YOU would like to bid on yourself! Or what about “Bit of Home” baskets that tell the tale of where you live? Or fun circus memorabilia? If you need ideas, just give us a call!

-- If you are in the dark about anything and have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us! We want to make sure you are 150% excited and ready for Moose Camp! Call us toll free: 800-973-6277 (or 320-963-6277 for our Canadian friends) or email info@mooseburger.com and we’ll make sure you get all your questions answered.

For Everybody Else:

-- Thinking about registering? Well, you better make up your mind quick! At the time this newsletter was written, we had about 12 spots left. If we do fill up before our July 20th deadline, we’ll start a waiting list – there are always a few last-minute cancellations that we can fill, so you never know when it will be your lucky day! If you register after June 1^st, you need to have your balance paid in full at the time of registration.

-- Want us to send you an email with more information then you’ve ever wanted to know (about Moose Camp, that is)? Send an email with the subject “Moose Camp Info, please?” to info@mooseburger.com and we’ll send you a long letter explaining what you need to know before coming to Moose Camp. The letter has a packing list, schedule, travel arrangements, camp history, and a lot more.

Sales!

Are you sitting down?

Hold onto something, because we have a knock-your-socks-off-and-bowl-you-over sale this month!

SALE #1:

Our best-selling shirt is now only $35.00!

PLUS

FREE Shipping & Handling when you buy 3 or more!

Nine discontinued fabrics are all on sale this month. Only $35.00 each! Order three or more (in any color and size) to get FREE Shipping & Handling!

These are “seconds” due to small irregularities in the necklines or fabric. Some slight discoloration may be present. All sales are final; no refunds or returns. Supplies are limited.

Order online here: http://mooseburger.com/onlinestore/index.cgi?code=3&cat=27

SALE #2:

In-Stock Cutest Clown Dress Styles:

FREE Hair Bow!

FREE Gloves!

FREE Shipping & Handling!

Save up $45.00 with our in-stock selections. We have eight adorable & affordable hard-working clown dresses ready for a new home! Sizes 10 – 18 available. All clearance sales are final; no refunds or returns.

Order online here: http://mooseburger.com/onlinestore/index.cgi?code=3&page=2&cat=28

Details

Go online to order: www.mooseburger.com

Call in your order: 800-973-6277 (or 320-963-6277 for our international friends)

Fax your order: 320-963-6692

Terms and Conditions of Sales:

1. Free Shipping offer is good on orders being shipped to Canada and the US. Order will be shipped by U.S. Parcel Post or First Class, depending on weight and destination.
2. You have to type the word “JUNEBUG” in the Discount Code box at the end of your online order, or write “JUNEBUG” somewhere on your fax-in or mail-in order, or tell the word “JUNEBUG” to the Mooseburger Salesperson on your phone-in order.
3. Supplies are limited. Free Shipping & Handling offer is good only on in-stock items. Please note: Just because the item is displayed online does not mean it is in stock – all products are displayed online regardless of immediate availability. We try to update it everyday, but the site is not always 100% up to date with current stock. If you have any concerns, then call us before you place your order: 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277. Click here for our Sales Page .
4. Good on phone-in, mail-in, fax-in, or online orders. Order must be placed during the month of June. This offer is not retroactive.
5. The Shipping & Handling will still show up on your online order confirmation; sorry, we cannot control that application online. However, rest assured that the Shipping & Handling will be deducted from your total before we process it. You will get an email titled “New Order from PMO” with your correct total.

Where in the World is Pricilla?

Join me at the great events listed below – stop by my booth and say “HI!” You can also keep track of my travel schedule online here. See you on the road!

June 8 – 13, 2010

Red Skelton Clown School

Location: Vincennes, IN

Website: http://redskeltonclownschool.com/

June 26, 2010

Zurah Funsters Workshop

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lunch included

This Workshop is for all clowns, whether you have been clowning for many years or are a new clown. This is a chance to sharpen your skills or learn new skills. We will be having three workshop sessions dealing with makeup, costume, clown performing, paradeability and parade props. These sessions are for the seasoned clowns as wells as our newer clowns.

July 27 – August 1, 2010

Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp

Location: Buffalo, MN

Website: http://www.mooseburger.com/camp/index.html

September 8 – 12, 2010
South East Clown Association Convention
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Website: www.southeastclownassoc.org

September 13 - 19, 2010

Clownfest
Location: Seaside Heights, NJ
Website: http://www.clownfest.com

September 29 - October 3, 2010
Midwest Clown Round-up
Location: LaPort, IN
Website: www.midwestclowns.net