Reflecting… 

      Happy New Year! Another year has come and gone. It is time to take a minute and be a bit reflective. The coming of the New Year is like the unwrapping of a gift. None of us know what the year will bring, but it is a gift all the same. Every year is a mixed bag. It comes with joys and sorrows, great days and days we probably just should have stayed in bed! We get good news and sadly, bad news. People we love are born and yes, people we love die. So having said that, what can we do to make this year the best year ever?  

      I was riding to Montreal, Canada to clown at a music festival with fellow Ringling clown Bob Hunt. He said during the long drive, “This is the best year ever!” That statement really had an impact on me. I felt that I had not had such a good year. Frankly, from my perspective at the time, I could really use some good luck. (Looking back I realize my life wasn’t nearly as bad as I had perceived it at the time!) I made my mind up that I was going to have a great year. Guess what? It worked! No – really! I changed my attitude, and my life changed too.  

      Now I will not say that my life has been a bed of roses since that day. But I have learned to be more grateful. Honestly, I have a lot to be thankful for. I sleep in a warm bed every night in safety. I have plenty to eat. My child is healthy. My family loves me. I live in a free society. “Yeah yeah,” you’re thinking, “But you don’t know what my life is like.” You’re right, I don’t. But I do know one thing. If you are reading this you are probably a clown or would like to be. You may be a friend of a clown. Clown or not, we all have a secret weapon. A SMILE. You can improve your face value by smiling. You can change your world one smile at a time. Try it. It is easy to do in make-up, but try this: Consciously smile at three people today who you probably wouldn’t smile at. It could be the clerk in the convenience store, bakery, or post office. It could be someone you see as you walk into work. If it is someone you see regularly, try to remember to do it more often. You have the power to make someone’s day a little bit brighter for FREE! Some folks will return the smile. Some will ignore you only because we are trained to mind our own business and an unexpected smile can surprise people! Just keep it up. It is the spirit of the clown without the make-up. 

      The other thing to think about this year is: What is your game plan? What are you going to do to improve your performance skills? It may be as simple as going to a nursing home once a month or every other month if you can. You might consider buying a book on clowning or going to an alley meeting for more fellowship and education. This may be the year to work out better promotional material. Those of you who clown for profit may need to beat the bushes a bit more. Do not get caught resting on your laurels. Make phone calls in the month of January to all your accounts to remind them to book early. You might have to reduce your price to keep the account if they have budget cut backs. But hey, part of a job is better than no job! Let them know you are willing to work with them. Be sure to show the discount on their invoice if you bill them. This reminds them you are working with them in a tough time. 

      Do some extra charity performances this year. Did you know that the first week in February is Catholic Schools Week? Every Catholic school in this country plans lots of extra activities for the kids. Do a free show that month and you may have a job at the fall festival in September! They will see your work and put you on their radar for future events. At the very least you can hand out a coloring page to all the kids with your contact information on it! Trust me as a mother. I cut back on a lot of things, but I still want my child to have a wonderful birthday.             

      So many clowns say to me they would love to come to Moose Camp, but it is the busiest time of year. This may be the year to come to Moose Camp and learn a new skill that will make you a more versatile performer. Performers with extra skills are able to weather tough times better because they have more performance opportunities. Sure clowning is your love, but would you rather be tying balloons at a ball game or stocking shelves at Wal-mart? Would you rather have a line up at your face-painting booth or be standing in the unemployment line? Sometimes we have to make hard choices.  

      I think doing things outside your comfort zone is good for your brain! Recently I performed as Fred Baisch’s assistant in a comedy magic show. It was great fun to think of comedy in a different context. It was exciting to learn new skills, like how to fit a 5’8” woman into an illusion designed for a gal 4 inches shorter than me! It was thrilling to do something totally different than what I am used to. I am so glad I did! Thanks, Fred!  

      To make the upcoming year successful you need to plan ahead. Need a new costume? Start now; start designing, and sewing, and saving for it now. Whatever it is -- start NOW. The same goes for props or supplies. If you just leaned one new trick, or a few new balloons, or face painting techniques now, just think of where you will be at the end of the year!  

      So think about last year. What were you able to accomplish? Get out a paper and pencil. Make a list. List the events you did, skills you learned, places you went. Don’t miss a thing; write it all down. You may be surprised at what you accomplished. Now it is time for planning 2009. What can you do differently to maximize your performance potential? Try and review each month. You know that you will receive this newsletter. So when it comes in your mailbox, be prepared for me to ask you how you are doing! I can be such a pest! :o) 

      Also realize I expect you to be realistic. Take your life into consideration. Remember the beginning of this newsletter when I talked about all the joys and sorrows, the unexpected twists and turns? We all have them. Many of you have asked when I will bring back The Great Clown Adventure. The truth is my Dad is very sick with cancer. I really don’t want to have an event across the country while my Dad is ill. I have had to adjust my life and goals. It is just a part of life and planning, shifting gears and having a plan B! (don’t forget to have a plan B, but that was a different newsletter!)  

      Make a conscious choice to have the best year ever, no matter what happens! That means deciding in advance what you are going to do differently. Write it down in your clown notebook. Make a sign and tape it to your bathroom mirror. Today will be a great day! (even if it sucks) I actually have a note taped to my computer. My sister sent me a very meaningful email about accepting your life. So I wrote the quote “accept your life” in bold black letters and taped it to my computer monitor. A couple of days later in pen I scratched “even if it sucks today”. It must have been a really bad day! Now I look at it and laugh! I also have a cookie fortune taped to my monitor: “Real courage is moving forward when the outcome is uncertain.” Be courageous. Make a conscious change to do better, be better.

      Remember, it all starts with a smile! 
 

Pricilla

…a look back at 2008…

Here are some photos that didn’t make it into other Newsletters

Tip of the Month 

If you get asked for your clown autograph a lot, then you probably carry a permanent marker or pen with you.  And if you carry these, then you probably have encountered a stain or two, or twelve.  Don’t despair!  You still have hopes of restoring your beautiful costume!

First, you need to know three things: What type of ink is it?  What fabric is stained? And where is your hairspray?

If you ink is water-based, ball-point pen, or permanent marker – then you’re in luck.  If you have a gel pen, then there’s not much hope for your stain – sorry!

If you have a Mooseburger costume or if the majority of your costume is cotton or a poly-cotton blend, then you should have no worries.  If your costume is made from acetate, rayon, silk, or other “dry-clean only” fabrics, then be very careful with these instructions and test a hidden unseen spot before attacking the stain.

The best way to remove ink stains is with alcohol. And the best form of alcohol we have found is aerosol hairspray.  The hairspray should not have conditioners or oils, as this may stain your clothing with oil. Instead, choose simple non-perfumed hairspray with high alcohol content. The alcohol content in hair spray has been greatly reduced since your 1980s era of poofed-up bangs. This is great for hair-care; not so great for costume-care! The two brands we have found to work the best are Aquanet and Freeze It.

1. Okay, so you just noticed you have a big ink stain on your costume.  No matter how long it’s been there, make sure to get some hairspray on it, pronto!  The sooner, the better. 
2. Put a clean rag underneath the stain and saturate the stain with hairspray.  If it looks like it is lifting right away, use a paper towel or clean rag to dab at the stain and draw the ink away. Hey, that ink has to go somewhere when it liquefies – you better remove it now.  The rag underneath will become wet and discolored from the ink. Be sure to move the costume to a clean dry section of the rag as this happens.  If you keep dabbing until the area is no longer wet, spray it again with hairspray and repeat. 
3. If the stain looks stubborn, let the hairspray sit for 6 – 10 hours or more.  Keep saturating the stain with hairspray.  If need be, use a toothbrush to gently scrub the area.  Try to do this as little as possible since you do not want to spread the stain or weaken the fibers.  Dab at the stain to draw the ink away (see step #2)
4. Once it looks as if the stain is finally starting to lift, apply a stain stick, gel, or spray to the area and wash according to the fabric directions in the hottest water suitable for the fabric. Check for stains before drying and repeat if necessary.

We hope this tip will save you from having to throw a perfectly good costume in your rag bin! 

MOOSE  CAMP  NEWS!

Guess what?!  We’re already more than half full…in fact, we’re 60% full!  It seems that people really like our easy payment plan and are taking advantage of the Refund Insurance – both are great way to make sure you reserve your spot at Moose Camp early and not break the bank at the same time.

Our Easy Payment Plan breaks up your registration price into bite-size pieces, which gets automatically charged to your credit card each month.  Even better: there is no interest accrued and you don’t have to do a thing but sit back and think about your packing list!

And the Refund Insurance is a real life-saver if you unexpectedly have to cancel your Moose Camp registration.  All you have to do is pay the $25 Refund Insurance at the time you register.  Then, if you have to cancel before June 1^st, you are guaranteed to get 100% of your down-payment refunded!

If you want more information on these registration options, please call the office at 800-973-6277 (or 320-963-6277 for our International friends) or email katie@mooseburger.com.

Would you like to find another easy way to pay for Moose Camp?  What about SCHOLARSHIPS???  Last month’s newsletter was chock-full of information on financial aid.  Click on this link to read that article (http://mooseburger.com/cgi-bin/mooselist/mail.cgi/archive/newz/20081203142411/#tip) and make sure to get those applications in by the February 1^st deadline!

Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp July 28 – August 2, 2009

In Buffalo, MN

Check it out online: www.mooseburger.com  

If you would like us to send you an email full of information (packing list, travel arrangements, registration options, etc.), simply send a request to katie@mooseburger.com with the subject “Moose Camp Info, please!” 
 
 

Fun Feedback 

You know the theory that if you stand on a cliff and shout something, you’ll hear all these loud echoes bouncing back to you…and then you hear something even louder – and it’s the gigantic avalanche rolling towards you, all because of your first big shout!  Well, at times we’ve found something very similar will happen with Moose Newz.  After a week goes by, we’ll get an email from a clown who had read the article and put its advice into practice, and then he/she tells us how it worked.  They also build on the initial idea and offer further improvements.  And then they can share it at their next clown club meeting or with someone on an online message board.

This sort of feedback is exactly the sort of ripple effect we love to see!  It’s like the SMILE idea I encouraged in the article above – just share a smile with one person, and then they will smile at someone else, and so on.  It’s an avalanche, all started with one thought, one idea!

So, with that avalanche in mind, we would like to start a new column for the Moose Newz.  The maiden voyage for this column will start with a response to our November Moose Newz (in case you need a refresher, here’s a link to that issue: http://mooseburger.com/cgi-bin/mooselist/mail.cgi/archive/newz/20081105141310/#greet) from Tom Hufford, president of Tulsa Firefighters' Educational Clowns: 

Hello Pricilla, 
 
I know what you mean about learning how to perform out of costume.  

I am Tulsa's #1 Children's Entertainer.  After 22 years of performing as Huffy and Magic Firefighter Clown for birthdays and volunteering on my days off from the fire station teaching safety education, I was promoted to the Tulsa Fire Department Asst. Fire Marshal in Community Relations and Public Education.  

Now I might go from a children's event right to an adult event and back to a children's event.  Now I perform on duty as "Firefighter Tom".  This allows me to book as much of any type event as I want without worrying about it. I still do events as Huffy on my days off.   I will see over 18,700 children in 
the next few months.  WHOOO000oooo - HOOO000oooo!  
Thank you for the e-mail news!    
 
Your Tulsa Clown pal, 
 
Tom Hufford, 
AKA Huffy the Magic Firefighter Clown 
President of Huffy and Friends, The Tulsa Firefighters' Educational Clowns www.tfdclowns.com) 

…and here’s a little kindly blurb we received a few months back: 

Thanks. I needed your great newsletter this morning. I am a real estate broker and use the same principles you write about in my business...education, meeting, trying new things, meeting new people and very often leaping, leaping, leaping. Your newsletters are like manna for everyday life...thanks. Keep up the good work. Meeting my clown was one of my best moments...as I turned 65 at Mooseburger Clown Camp! Bye. Hello! The Clown

Lynnsy Logue  
 

We would LOVE to hear from you!  Have you been moved to action by something you’ve read in the Moose Newz?  Have you tried out a tip or trick we recommended?  Have you found an extraordinary use for any of our advice?  Then TELL US, please!  We’ll share your success story with the rest of the readers, and in turn, they will be helped by YOUR advice.  We want to start an avalanche, one smile at a time!

Send your feedback to katie@mooseburger.com and we’ll happily be your echo! 

Northeast Clown Institute 2009 

If you are going to be in the Massachusetts area in two weeks, why not stop by Plymouth for some great education and fun? I will be at the annual Northeast Clown Institute January 16 - 18.  It takes place at the Radisson Plymouth Harbor Hotel in Plymouth, MA. 

You can find me teaching classes and selling my wares throughout the event.  If you want more information, visit their website: www.clowninstitute.org or contact David Newcomb by email (david.newcomb@comcast.net) or by phone (508-653-6857).

Stop by my booth and say “HI!” 

PSSST!  Hey, you can also find out – at any given hour of the day – where I am and what’s going on in Mooseland by visiting our online calendar here.  
 

You will find these seven FREE SHIPPING deals on our Clearance Page – click here to see Pricilla’s Picks! 

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

Detailz Face Paints  --  $4.50 (was $5.00) It’s the latest face-painting craze from Mehron! This bottle of water-based liquid makeup is perfect to use for face and body painting. The applicator is a fine-tipped foam brush which is attached to the cap. This is specifically made for creating fine lines, intricate designs, outlines, perfectly round dots and tiny spots.

Clown White Lite 8 oz.  -- $9.50 (was $10.00) Clown White Lite 2 oz.  -- $4.25 (was $4.50) Over two decades ago Mehron pioneered the original concept of a smooth whipped Clown White formula. Clown White Lite is a lanolin-based, highly pigmented white that provides maximum coverage yet can be used sparingly. Applications: 6 - 12 full faces per ounce.

Foundation Tub 1.25 oz.  --  $6.50 (was $7.00) Mehron's high quality greasepaint in a flat circular container with a screw-on lid. Use a brush for colors like reds, grey, or black. The skin colors like Auguste and Light Auguste can be applied with your fingers or a sponge. Greasepaint gives you a more dense, solid coverage.

Clown Bibs  --  $35.00 (was $37.00) These great-looking bibs have a snap at the collar to attach any of our bow ties (tie not included, sorry).  The collar has an adjustable Velcro closure in the back.  Some of the bibs have two or three buttons down the front, some have a giant double-color button in the middle – take your pick!  LOTS of colors available: Red, Yellow, Green, Turquoise, Royal Blue, White, Rainbow Striped, Polka-Dotted, etc.  Just $35.00 a Bib – whatta deal!

Mini Collar  --  $22.00 (was $24.00) Regular Collar  --  $24.00 (was $24.00) Lou Jacobs Collar  --  $26.00 (was $28.00)

The MINI and REGULAR collars have a Velcro opening in the back; the LOU JACOBS collar has a Velcro opening in the front.  The average inside measurement of these collars is an adjustable 20” – 24”.  Each collar has a #3 Dritz snap on the front so you can attach any Mooseburger bow ties. These are great comical collars on necks of all sizes, men and women! You don't have to wear just our bow ties on them. Why not pin on a long funny tie, glue on a colorful oversized button, or sew a snap on to the back of a flower or fun accessory and snap it on to the collar? The MINI collar, REGULAR collar, and LOU JACOBS collar are all on sale, in the following colors: White, Red, Yellow, Green, Turquoise, Royal Blue, Purple, and Rainbow Stripe. 

- 5-Piece Men’s Clown Costume  --  $310.00 We have DISCOUNTED this snazzy outfit by $100!  Sale includes: Lined Pleated Pants, Button-on Suspenders, White Tuxedo Shirt, Lined Vest, and Snap-on Bow Tie.  This poly-cotton blend fabric is entirely machine washable.  The front of the vest has been quilted into a black and white checkerboard, but the back is made of Debutante Satin, which wears like iron and looks spectacular! Do you think this suit will “suit” you?  Only one of a kind in stock!  Call us now to purchase this professional clown costume and add some pizzazz to your working wardrobe: 800-973-6277.  First one to call us wins!  No returns on clearance items.

DETAILS:

• Vest has 6 pockets (2 outside, 4 inside); Pants have 5 pockets (4 outside, 1 security inside).
• Easy Velcro front opening for shirt and vest; Zipper fly for pants.
• Suspenders are buttoned-on, so your pants stay up and the waist-band lasts longer.

MEASUREMENTS: If your body matches these dimensions, then this outfit will fit you and still leave some wiggle room for stuffing the pockets with great gizmos and props

• Neck: 17 – 18”
• Belly/Waist: 40 – 42”
• Hips: 43 – 45”

- 3-Piece Ladies’ Clown Costume  --  $300.00 We have DISCOUNTED this adorable outfit by $80!  Sale includes: A-line Dress, Shrt Bloomers, and Snap-on Bow Tie. This poly-cotton blend fabric is entirely machine washable. This short-sleeve dress leaves your arms bare (something completely new from Mooseburger’s), which makes it great not only for auguste and character clown styles, but also the new lite auguste clown style. It may be hard to see in the small photo, but this dress has a lot of detailing, including tuxedo pleats on the yoke and big square pockets on the front.

Call us now to purchase this professional clown costume and add some cuteness to your working wardrobe: 800-973-6277.  First one to call us wins!  No returns on clearance items.

DETAILS:

• You get 5 pockets: two front dress, two side bloomer, and one inside security bloomer.
• The Velcro opening part-way down the front to make it easy to get into (pull over style).
• The bloomers have a comfy elastic waistband, which is adjustable.

MEASUREMENTS: If your body matches these dimensions, then this outfit will fit you and still leave some wiggle room for stuffing the pockets with great gizmos and props, and maybe even a long-sleeve t-shirt underneath for extra warmth.

• Bust: 35 – 41”
• Hips: 30 – 37”

Anytime you add one of these items to your order this month, you will get FREE SHIPPING on your entire in-stock order – no matter much stuff you are ordering!  Just remember to use the discount code “BUMPANOSE” when you order. And there is no limit to the time you can use this discount code this month!

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. Offer 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 “BUMPANOSE” in the Discount Code box at the end of your online order, or write “BUMPANOSE” somewhere on your fax-in or mail-in order, or tell the word “BUMPANOSE” to the Mooseburger Salesperson on your phone-in order.
3. Supplies are limited. Free Shipping & Handling offer is good only on the in-stock items in your order.  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.  Orders must be placed during the month of January. 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. 

…In loving memory of our dear friend Wayne Scott… 

Wayne passed away Dec. 6th. He was an integral part of my life as he made my first pair of clown shoes and all the ones to follow. Wayne and his wife Marty were there for me at the beginning of Moose Camp and The Great Clown Adventure. I will always remember him as the man who could build and fix anything! I could talk a lot about all the things Wayne did in his life. But I would rather talk about who he was. Wayne was wonderful, kind hearted, and enthusiastic about life. Even as he suffered through illness he kept a positive attitude. How people deal with chronic illness says a lot about them. Wayne's spirit and love for life and those around him spoke volumes.  

May the angels come to meet you...

God Bless you, Wayne

God comfort you, Marty and family 

Love,

Tricia