Did you ever have one of those days... where everything went right? I've been having those lately! I am clearing out the clutter - and today I said goodbye to a chapter of my life that is now forever behind me.
For years when I traveled the fair circuit, I drove a 16' step van. This past year it didn't move out of my yard. It was more of a storage unit than a truck. So today, I scrapped it! The guy that drove it away couldn't believe his luck. I'm just happy to have a yard back!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
The DVD Taping
WOW! I want to thank everyone who came out to the shows on Sunday. The first show had a lot of kids - in part because the Arts Council advertised it as a children's show. Not exactly what I had in mind, but it was a good run through for the video crew and everyone seemed to have fun.
The evening show exceeded my expectations. Thank you to everyone who was there - and especially those who came back for the second program. It was a blast! I was honored by the standing ovation at the end.
Now we begin the long process of reviewing the footage from five cameras and figuring out what to include on the final edit. Keep checking back with my web site to find out when the DVD will be released!
The evening show exceeded my expectations. Thank you to everyone who was there - and especially those who came back for the second program. It was a blast! I was honored by the standing ovation at the end.
Now we begin the long process of reviewing the footage from five cameras and figuring out what to include on the final edit. Keep checking back with my web site to find out when the DVD will be released!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Taping the DVD
This Sunday I will be performing two shows at the Carroll Arts Center in Westminster, MD. The shows will be taped for my first Comedy Special / DVD. We have a four camera professional shoot planned. Be there early! We'll be showing video from my Mexican adventure before the show starts.
Personally, with the economy, the state of our nation, two wars and a Presidential race that never ends - I need to laugh. If you'd like to laugh - come on out! You can find more information on my web site: www.ComedyVentriloquist.com
Personally, with the economy, the state of our nation, two wars and a Presidential race that never ends - I need to laugh. If you'd like to laugh - come on out! You can find more information on my web site: www.ComedyVentriloquist.com
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Crafty Owl?
I've always considered myself an artist. When not performing, I still have the need to create. Between shows I used to carve - and for those of you not familiar with that aspect of my life, please feel free to visit CRafty OWL.
During my shift from magic to vent, there was a time I seriously considered giving up performance to concentrate on carving. I could be at home with the family, not have to deal with non-appreciative audiences, there were a lot of benefits. But I couldn't do it - I needed the fix of being in front of a laughing crowd.
Crafty Owl became a significant sideline for me, but due to the number of shows this year, I haven't had time to carve. I have been planning on scaling back my art shows, and life was made much simpler on Friday. Which brings me to the point of this blog:
The second weekend in October has traditionally been held for Colorfest in Thurmont, MD. It is one of my biggest arts & crafts shows of each year. I go out, set up a booth and meet with people who collect my carvings. Every year I add a few new collectors to my list. The income is usually substantial - but this year, as Colorfest runs, I am sitting here in my office typing.
When I went to set up my booth Friday, I found the organizers had laid out the lot out of order. After years of being established in an area - they wanted me to set up in an area that was not thought out - pedestrian traffic would have been minimal. Because the booth numbers were completely removed from the regular flow - my collectors would have had trouble finding me - if they could at all. I tried to appeal to the lot coordinator - but her response was indignant - she could or would do nothing for me. I was a client and their customer service was severely lacking. At that point, I walked away.
What did I loose? My booth fee. What did I gain? Knowledge, valuable time and my dignity.
First - on a personal level, my time is too valuable to deal with the idiocy of people who have no respect for artistry. It was empowering to take a stand and say - "No, you will not treat me in that manner."
On a broader level, I realize I will still sell works through my web site - and I will still have people seeking out my creations. I also realize that I can not forget how it feels to be a client, and that as a performer and a businessman, I must always go the extra mile to keep that client happy. Even if it means I am not the act they need.
I am not the first artist that has walked away from Colorfest - and I will not be the last. They will always find new "artists" to fill their spots - but just as they don't "need" me - I do not "need" them. And when you reach that realization - you become free to create.
http://www.crafty-owl.com/
During my shift from magic to vent, there was a time I seriously considered giving up performance to concentrate on carving. I could be at home with the family, not have to deal with non-appreciative audiences, there were a lot of benefits. But I couldn't do it - I needed the fix of being in front of a laughing crowd.
Crafty Owl became a significant sideline for me, but due to the number of shows this year, I haven't had time to carve. I have been planning on scaling back my art shows, and life was made much simpler on Friday. Which brings me to the point of this blog:
The second weekend in October has traditionally been held for Colorfest in Thurmont, MD. It is one of my biggest arts & crafts shows of each year. I go out, set up a booth and meet with people who collect my carvings. Every year I add a few new collectors to my list. The income is usually substantial - but this year, as Colorfest runs, I am sitting here in my office typing.
When I went to set up my booth Friday, I found the organizers had laid out the lot out of order. After years of being established in an area - they wanted me to set up in an area that was not thought out - pedestrian traffic would have been minimal. Because the booth numbers were completely removed from the regular flow - my collectors would have had trouble finding me - if they could at all. I tried to appeal to the lot coordinator - but her response was indignant - she could or would do nothing for me. I was a client and their customer service was severely lacking. At that point, I walked away.
What did I loose? My booth fee. What did I gain? Knowledge, valuable time and my dignity.
First - on a personal level, my time is too valuable to deal with the idiocy of people who have no respect for artistry. It was empowering to take a stand and say - "No, you will not treat me in that manner."
On a broader level, I realize I will still sell works through my web site - and I will still have people seeking out my creations. I also realize that I can not forget how it feels to be a client, and that as a performer and a businessman, I must always go the extra mile to keep that client happy. Even if it means I am not the act they need.
I am not the first artist that has walked away from Colorfest - and I will not be the last. They will always find new "artists" to fill their spots - but just as they don't "need" me - I do not "need" them. And when you reach that realization - you become free to create.
http://www.crafty-owl.com/
Monday, October 6, 2008
Home at last
The run wasn't extended and quite literally I was thrilled. I worked my last night at Capri and, although I was feeling rough, poured everything I could into it. Luckily the audience gave back and the show went well.
After being dropped off at the condo, I began the tedious task of repacking show and clothes to fit the luggage requirements of the airline. When all was ready except for my last minute items, I fell into bed for a few hours of sleep.
I awoke at 5:20 a.m. - dragged myself into the shower and slowly allowed the water to prod me awake. As I packed the last of my personal items, I could hear rain beating down on the skylight right outside my bedroom door. I carried my suitcases out to the livingroom and tossed trash and the remaining food into a bag, which I then carried down three flights of stairs to the disposal below.
The rain made the air crisp and fresh - the clouds rolled through the sky giving the morning intensely contrasting colors against the festive buildings. I imagined for a second Playa Del Carmen was sad to see me go - nah. I moved my suitcases down the stairs so that I would be ready to go as soon as the driver arrived. While I didn't look back at the condo that had been my home for the past month - I did stop to marvel at the view from the stairs - I was lucky to have spent this time in such a wild place.
During my drive to the airport, I developed a couple of jokes that I plan on using in my taping later this month - then the long plane ride home. For once, no TSA agent opened my case - no Customs agent pulled me aside. That made it a bit easier - but not much.
I am home now - but no rest. Bills must be paid - my aging parents attended to, I have interviews, a taping to sell tickets for, an act to keep busy - oh, and somewhere in there I have a couple of other things that have to be finished. I feel like I could lay down and sleep for a month - the joys of being self employed!
After being dropped off at the condo, I began the tedious task of repacking show and clothes to fit the luggage requirements of the airline. When all was ready except for my last minute items, I fell into bed for a few hours of sleep.
I awoke at 5:20 a.m. - dragged myself into the shower and slowly allowed the water to prod me awake. As I packed the last of my personal items, I could hear rain beating down on the skylight right outside my bedroom door. I carried my suitcases out to the livingroom and tossed trash and the remaining food into a bag, which I then carried down three flights of stairs to the disposal below.
The rain made the air crisp and fresh - the clouds rolled through the sky giving the morning intensely contrasting colors against the festive buildings. I imagined for a second Playa Del Carmen was sad to see me go - nah. I moved my suitcases down the stairs so that I would be ready to go as soon as the driver arrived. While I didn't look back at the condo that had been my home for the past month - I did stop to marvel at the view from the stairs - I was lucky to have spent this time in such a wild place.
During my drive to the airport, I developed a couple of jokes that I plan on using in my taping later this month - then the long plane ride home. For once, no TSA agent opened my case - no Customs agent pulled me aside. That made it a bit easier - but not much.
I am home now - but no rest. Bills must be paid - my aging parents attended to, I have interviews, a taping to sell tickets for, an act to keep busy - oh, and somewhere in there I have a couple of other things that have to be finished. I feel like I could lay down and sleep for a month - the joys of being self employed!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Sickness...
At some point yesterday I realized I was feeling rough. My throat was raw, my tongue felt swollen and my head just wasn't right. (Probably wondering how I figured that last one out, huh?)
The saying the show must go on rang true tonight. Because something was going on in the lounge, I was put in the outdoor showroom. Its a huge, deep room. The audience was spread out, the microphone was too hot - not the setting for good comedy. Those who were close to the stage enjoyed the show, but the ones who hung back were lost. Because I was under the weather, connecting with the reluctant rear audience was impossible tonight, which made a rough performance for a sick vent.
We all have good and bad days. Today was not one of my best - unless you were the people sitting up front. I think I'll go to sleep now and pray I feel better in the morning.
The saying the show must go on rang true tonight. Because something was going on in the lounge, I was put in the outdoor showroom. Its a huge, deep room. The audience was spread out, the microphone was too hot - not the setting for good comedy. Those who were close to the stage enjoyed the show, but the ones who hung back were lost. Because I was under the weather, connecting with the reluctant rear audience was impossible tonight, which made a rough performance for a sick vent.
We all have good and bad days. Today was not one of my best - unless you were the people sitting up front. I think I'll go to sleep now and pray I feel better in the morning.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Mexico Update
This has been an extremely interesting month. The shows have been going great - I even rocked Tulum my second and third times there. Life in Mexico is a lot different from being in the states. Its one thing to visit for a vacation, but something else to actually live here for an extended period. I love the country and the people, but I'm starting to miss home.
I was scheduled to fly out this Sunday, however there has been talk and my run may be extended. I will find out in the next couple of days. One highlight of this trip, I was able to surprise my wife and fly her down to spend five days with me. Unfortunately they were mostly overcast and rainy. We did get in some beach time and had great evenings at some of the cool open air restuarants along 5th Avenue here in Playa del Carmen.
As I lay here this morning, I'm toying between the idea of rolling over and going back to sleep, or taking a walk along the beach. Maybe I'll do both - tonight's pick up isn't until 7:30.
I was scheduled to fly out this Sunday, however there has been talk and my run may be extended. I will find out in the next couple of days. One highlight of this trip, I was able to surprise my wife and fly her down to spend five days with me. Unfortunately they were mostly overcast and rainy. We did get in some beach time and had great evenings at some of the cool open air restuarants along 5th Avenue here in Playa del Carmen.
As I lay here this morning, I'm toying between the idea of rolling over and going back to sleep, or taking a walk along the beach. Maybe I'll do both - tonight's pick up isn't until 7:30.
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