The plane flight from San Francisco was tedious. I was anxious to get home. The lay-over in Chicago was made worse by the fact the final flight was delayed by over an hour. We then got to sit on the runway for 90 minutes. I returned tired and fighting jetlag for the next couple of days.
Friday night, I gave my final performance of 2008 - and it was a blast. I have just as good a time as the audience and they were having FUN. The best part, the event was minutes from my home and I was actually able to sleep in my own bed. A treat this holiday season.
Now I have time to rest and relax. I want to enjoy this holiday and the rare non-working New Years to spend with my family. We've got relatives coming in and I get to see my nephews and my soon to be god son.
Thanks to everyone who has made my year so great. I truly appreciate the opportunity to entertain and am blessed that so many have enjoyed my programs. Your laughter keeps me going - and I realize I am a very lucky man.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Tom
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
In the Air Again...
Wow am I tired of flying. The plane out of Midland ran late, the lay-over at Dallas was shorter than expected so lunch was devoured on the run. Another 4 hours in the air to San Francisco and then two hours behind the wheel of a rental car to go about 40 miles in rush hour traffic.
Here I am, locked in a room, too tired to go out and even see the sites. Figured I'd type my thoughts before I force myself to stay awake past tomorrow night's show time.
Today on both flights I met some interesting people - who thought my lifestyle was fascinating. I'm grateful to be performing for a living. I'm grateful to have the shows. But the travel isn't as exciting as everyone thinks. You spend a lot of time alone, again, un-naturally...
Here I am, locked in a room, too tired to go out and even see the sites. Figured I'd type my thoughts before I force myself to stay awake past tomorrow night's show time.
Today on both flights I met some interesting people - who thought my lifestyle was fascinating. I'm grateful to be performing for a living. I'm grateful to have the shows. But the travel isn't as exciting as everyone thinks. You spend a lot of time alone, again, un-naturally...
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Flying...
Today I was up at 3 AM to catch the first of two flights to reach my destination in Texas. I've got a corporate show tomorrow evening and wanted to get in early to acclimate. I had just done an out and back to Salt Lake City last weekend, two days at home and here I go again. Friday morning I climb on a puddle jumper to Dallas, then fly to San Francisco for my Saturday night show. Sunday I get home late.
I'm already tired of getting on planes - but I am very grateful for the shows and appreciate the opportunity to make people laugh.
Well, time to catch a nap, get dinner and then start practicing. Tomorrow I've got a V.I.P. client with plenty of employees that need to have a great time.
I'm already tired of getting on planes - but I am very grateful for the shows and appreciate the opportunity to make people laugh.
Well, time to catch a nap, get dinner and then start practicing. Tomorrow I've got a V.I.P. client with plenty of employees that need to have a great time.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
One of those days?
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!
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!
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/
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