Baby Steps… 

So how are those New Year’s resolutions coming? I TOLD you I would be checking up on you! Okay, okay, January is a tough month. We all suffer a bit from holiday fatigue! I think December 31^st is a bad time to choose resolutions. February 1^st is a much better time to re-evaluate your life and how resolutions and better yet changes will really be any benefit. First off, I think the word “resolutions” is too grim. Let’s think of it in a different way. Let’s look for changes that will make our lives and clowning better!  

Small changes are best; think of them as baby steps. Don’t set yourself up for failure by making too many changes at once or too big of a change. A string of small changes will lead to small successes that will amount to big results! 

Let’s assess the situation. You can break your clowning into a few easy parts. Business, Performance, Tools.  

Business -- What small change could you make in the business part of your clowning? Hey volunteers! This is important for you, too! This means how you keep track of your information. Do you have your new calendar updated? Write down the events for the entire year. Some will be in pencil. That is okay. Dig out those phone numbers you need for contacts. Write them on your calendar/planner. Get all those important family dates on there as well. You don’t want to book a birthday party on the weekend of your niece’s wedding! Resolve to keep your calendar updated this year. Try to have less post-it notes floating around with important phone numbers on them -- Don’t ask me why I know that! Think of other things in the “business” part of your clowning that you can improve. This includes business cards, coloring sheets, thank you notes, advertising, etc. You get the idea.  

Performance -- Are you too overwhelmed to create a whole new show? Change one part of it. Try adding some music. It could be warm-up music for when you set up your show or as you are doing balloons or face painting. Try an upbeat instrumental like circus music, ragtime piano, or anything lively. There are lots of fun kids CDs that involve follow-the-leader actions. If you perform for the K-3^rd grade crowd you will be a big hit with them. Try to learn one new trick and add it to your show. Find a funny poem to add in between routines. Introduce a puppet or bring in a puppet to help you do an old trick to give it new life.  You don’t have to be a ventriloquist to use puppets in your show. They can be silent characters. Sometimes you just need to change things around a little bit to give a show new life. Don’t worry if it doesn’t work. You can always change it back if it!  

Tools -- These are your props, costumes, and make-up. Anything you use to perform. Take a good look. Find out what needs to be replaced. Make your wish list and start saving for it. I believe a separate savings account for your clowning is a wonderful way to do this. Put a certain percentage of each performance into a savings account.  It is kind of like tithing. If you are a volunteer, remember that what you do has a price. What if you put $5.00 in an account every time you volunteered? You would be surprised how fast it added up! It is important to go through your tools of the trade once year and look things over with new eyes. Clean up, upgrade, fix and toss out anything that needs your help. Don’t wait. Do it now. How long have you had that broken prop? Do you even have the parts to fix it? Get rid of it or start a “prop swap” with your clown club.  Oh and that costume that shrunk in the closet? Donate it to a new clown in your club. If you want to spruce up your costume with new accessories, now is the time to do it. Ready to sew a new wardrobe? Start now. The spring fabrics are coming into the fabric stores now. You might get it done by next year! Reorganize your stuff, put it in clear plastic bins, and LABEL them! Designate someplace in your home for all this stuff to be. Let everyone know about it. Make sure the kids and grandkids know that these are not toys.  

Sometimes we need to make changes in how we do things. A clown called the other day looking for information on our Ralph Pounder scholarship for Mooseburger Camp. We got to talking and she told me that the head of the volunteers at the hospital refused to help with any funds for supplies like stickers and little give-aways for the patients and staff. This clown loved what she was doing at this children’s hospital, but she was beginning to feel taken advantage of. Even the dog unit was getting more funding! We discussed her situation and it was clear to me they had backed her into a corner. Any education or supplies would have to come out of her own pocket, as they would not allow her to get any sponsorship.

Sadly, sometimes we have to make the choice to step back. This can also be true in any organization you belong to as well. If you find yourself doing too much for too little, whether it be money or appreciation you need to take another look.  First step: take all the emotion out of it. That is the hardest but most important part. Take baby steps.  Weigh the facts; the pros and cons. Write them down. I told this caring clown she might need to take a step back and not volunteer as many hours at this hospital. Heartless you say? Realistic I say.  If you are feeling unappreciated, maybe you are doing too much. No one will miss you if you don’t go away! Now taking a step back is ALL about attitude and how you do it. Again be realistic and look at the facts. If you choose to cut back on something be sure to let people know what you are doing and why. Explain yourself in a professional manner. For example she could tell the coordinator of volunteers at the hospital that due to the increase in the cost of materials, she would be re-evaluating the time she spent at the hospital. She didn’t want to water down her performance, so she needed to take a closer look at her commitment. Then do it!  

If you are an officer in a clown club that is taking too much out of you, the answer is the same. Let the club know you need to take a step back and give them time to find a replacement or someone to assist you. Taking a step back is HARD! You are talking to the Queen of over-achievers! It is all about change and letting go of your control. There is always fear involved as well. “What if they don’t miss me?” “What if someone takes my place and does a better job?” “What if the organization falls on its face, will I be blamed?” “How will I feel about that?” Yes all these things can happen. But staying the course in a bad situation is not an option. When other people and situation are not going to change, the only thing you can change is yourself. (Again, don’t ask me why I know that!!!) 

Sometimes organizations need to struggle for change to be meaningful and long lasting. It may look like a setback, but what it really is, is a test. It is a test of the entire organization to see the need at hand and make the necessary changes in order to stay viable and successful. Maybe a club where only a few people do all the work and others show up for the fun should fold. Maybe a hospital that doesn’t value the work done by its volunteers should have to listen to the complaints of staff and patients when those volunteers are less available. Think of the squeaky wheel syndrome. Sometimes you need to let others squeak for you! 

Before you commit to these types of actions be sure to take the time to evaluate the situation carefully. Be realistic. If the situation won’t change, then maybe you will have to.  For example, the volunteer coordinator had made a decision not of fund the caring clown unit while funding other volunteer units, so this clown may need to be the one to change. Make decisions you can live with on all levels. Your involvement in anything affects all aspects of your life. So choose carefully and take small steps at a time. Ask yourself this: “Can I live with this situation as it is?” If not, then what change can you make to make the situation more bearable? Are you willing to take a step back? Will making this change help you feel better about your overall contribution? By making this change what new things could you do with your time and talent?  

I always try to speak from my own experience. Throughout my career as a circus clown, board member, and small town business owner, I have been involved in many volunteer organizations. Remember -- I am a neurotic over achiever; I volunteer! On different occasions I have had to take a step back and reassess my involvement in these groups. I can honestly say it was very hard at the time, but something good always came out of it. One door would close, and another would open. Always! I have learned when closing a door, not to slam it! Slammed doors are hard to re-open. Remember that part about taking all the emotion out of the decision?  That’s a biggie – it helps to prevent more feelings being hurt.  Here is one more analogy. You can’t cross over a burnt bridge. Never do anything for spite or revenge. It almost always backfires.  

I like to bounce these types of decisions off of a certain friend of mine. He tends to be the analytical type. He is very good at helping me leave out the emotion and weigh the facts. Friends like this are good to have. Emotions are important. But they are only part of the picture. My sister says “be kinder than necessary, everyone is fighting some kind of battle”. We never truly know what is going on with the other side. So be sure to cut them some slack if need be.  

In the end you may be pleasantly surprised! Things could work out better than you expect. Hopefully the caring clown I talked to will feel more energized because she will not be hauling around the extra baggage of resentment. Stepping back from your clown club position may give someone you never expected the courage to step up. Always trust your instincts and know things will work out for the greater good.  
 

Pricilla

Tips of the Month

Make-up Tip –

Are you having trouble outlining your eyes or mouth? Try this! Exhale as you do the line. Hold your wrist with the opposite hand to steady yourself. You may want to put your elbows on the table as well if you sit while putting on your make-up. You can even do this standing up by bracing your elbows on the mirror itself. The best tip of all is to relax. Consider not outlining an area if it is just too difficult. No outline is better than a messy outline.  

Performance Tip –

Where are your hands? Keep them above your waist. Be aware of your body Be sure you are using them in a cartoony way to present yourself and your routines. Remember TA -- DA!! 

Costume Tip –

Add a new accessory to jazz up your look. Putting a collar or bib on a T-shirt adds a lot to the look of a casual outfit. Try to resist the urge to be lazy when dressing down for parades and outdoor events. Adding cuffs finish off the look a T-shirt while drawing attention to your hands! The same goes for a collar and tie. You’ve added cartoony movements. Collars and cuffs draw even more focused attention to your hands and face.  

MOOSE  CAMP  NEWS! 

SCHEDULE --

We have the 2009 Schedule up on the website!  Click here to see it.  This schedule may change in small ways before Moose Camp takes place, but this is pretty darn near close as we can get to the finished product.  We read the feedback and listened to your requests, and we think you’ll be very happy with the changes we made.  There are a LOT of new workshops which have never been taught at Moose Camp before.  And we’ve added some fun new events – we’re SO EXCITED!!! 

SCHOLARSHIPS –

Thank you to everyone who submitted applications for the Ralph Pounder Memorial Scholarship.  The deadline has passed and we will not be accepting any more applications for 2009.  We will be evaluating them and contacting the winners by May 1st. Each scholarship is in the amount of $350. The winners will have to pay for the remaining balance of their registration. Good luck!  

REGISTRATION –

Just like last year, we’re filling up fast! At the moment, we have approximately 27 – 32 spots remaining for Moose Camp this year.  If you would like to register by phone, you can call us toll free at 800-973-6277 (or 320-963-6277 for our International friends).  Or you can register online by clicking here.  

INFORMATION –

If you’re thinking about going to Moose Camp, but you have questions – ASK US!  It does you no good to sit on the fence and hem-and-haw about it; pick up the phone or send us an email!  We would be more than happy to discuss your clown arts education and answer any of your Moose Camp questions.  Email Katie at katie@mooseburger.com or call Mooseburger Headquarters at 800-973-6277.  

Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp

July 28 – August 2, 2009

Buffalo, Minnesota

Click here to visit the website

Fun Feedback

This is a forum where you get to sound off and tell us how well our advice worked for you, and what suggestions you can give to other clowns! 

Hey Pricilla,

You were right -- nothing gets more attention in a parade than a bunch of clowns playing their kazoos.  A couple of issues back in the Calliope (and once in your letter) you had an article about Kazoo Bands.  Well, my friend Little Red (Joanne Roberts) and I along with six children, dressed up (or maybe that's down) and played our kazoos as we marched in the annual Altus Christmas Parade last month.  We were an instant hit and the only comments we heard were to get some sort of amplification so people could hear us better.  The 2-mile route was a little trying on two clowns over 65 playing their kazoos and lollipop drums while marching, but we made it!  The children were part of the Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group summer clown school to which Red & I donate time and teaching.  The parade was a new challenge to both of us, but with the help of a couple parents and a lady named Virginia (from SWOCAG) we kept the kids going (partly because of our “no kid is going to out-march us” attitude).  If you look at page 32 of the November/December Calliope you will see most of the group in a picture with the Mayor of Altus.  Oh, one more thing!  We did the ‘Emergency Broadcast” Skit for the reviewing stand and left them almost falling off their seats as we quickly regrouped and marched away playing our kazoos.

Your faithful 2002 Student,

Jimminee the Clown

Altus, Oklahoma

Jimminee, that’s great news!  I’m glad our article helped to give you some direction.  Keep up the good work and keep marching the beat of a different kazoo.  If you were REALLY interested in boosting the sound of your performance, we’ve got news for you.  Would you believe it?! You can now AMPLIFY your kazoo!  Don’t believe me?  Click here to check it out for yourself. We haven’t used this item ourselves, so we can’t vouch for its effectiveness – but wouldn’t it be neat to try?? 

FUN FEEDBACK –

If you have ever followed our advice or tried something out that we suggested, please let us know.  We would love to put your feedback here on the newsletter.  YOU can help other clowns in exploring their characters and growing in their skills.  Send us an email with your story of how you attempted one of our ideas, and how it worked (or how it didn’t) and suggestions of how to improve the idea.  If you have a photo, that’s even better!  Send your story and photo to: katie@mooseburger.com.   

Another Happy Customer!

Greg happened to stop in at our shop on day, and was surprised to find that we could make him into a clown right then and there.  We helped him develop a face, picked out some new duds, trimmed his wig, and put on a big red nose.  In one morning, we transformed him from a regular normal guy into a truly funny and great-looking clown.  As each minute passed, you could see the spark in his eyes glowing brighter and brighter.  It was a joy and privilege for us to witness something like that.  It will always be a pleasant surprise that we never get used to – seeing the clown on the inside slowly work its way out into the open.  Once we help coax out the clown, he will now help to coax out smiles from everyone you meet, and they in turn will make others smile, and so on, and so on.  It’s the ripple effect we live for!  Thank you, Greg for helping to spread laughter and smiles beyond our little shop’s door. 

Dear Mooseburger gang,

I wanted to thank you so much for coaxing the clown in me out, honestly it was a dream come true. I feel and look like a professional clown now! I would recommend anyone thinking about clowning to come right to your shop and just get down-right silly. I am so excited to do some clowning and thinking about Moose Camp. I have been practicing with the make up and still need some help trying to find those lines again for the mouth. I can’t wait for my hat to get done and would love to get all clowned up and go out in public to bring smiles to faces. If I could do a flip, I would!!

In Christ’s Awesome Love,

Greg Hoeft 

SALES 

We’ve got SWEET deals for St. Valentine’s Day,

And there’s also SAVING o’ the GREEN on the way! 

- Solid Hot Pink Knee-High - $9.00 (normally $9.50) - FREE Shipping & Handling on your entire order

- Striped Thigh-High - $7.50 (normally $8.00) - Light/Dark Pink Acrylic or White/Pink Nylon - FREE Shipping & Handling on your entire order

- Clown Purses: Berry, Nurse, Flower - $10.00 each - Hurry – limited supply! - FREE Shipping & Handling on your entire order

- Striped Green/Yellow Knee-High - $9.00 (normally $9.50) - FREE Shipping & Handling on your entire order

- Striped Thigh-High - $7.50 (normally $8.00) - Blue/White Nylon or Green/White Nylon (Hurry – limited supplies!) - FREE Shipping & Handling on your entire order  Stock up now for your St. Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day events!  The Nylon Thigh-high Stockings are great for folks who have larger calves and cannot wear our knee-high stockings.  Give ‘em a try!

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 “” in the Discount Code box at the end of your online order, or write “SMOOCH” somewhere on your fax-in or mail-in order, or tell the word “SMOOCH” 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 February. 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. 

When you read this issue of Moose Newz, I will be in Bullhead City, AZ at the Arizona Fire and Burn Educators Conference.  Yes, funny and fire prevention DO mix!  If you work with Life & Fire Safety training and are in the Arizona area, why not check it out?  Call Keith Tanner for more information: 623-217-8046. 

Have a very sweet St. Valentine’s Day!  Let your loved ones know how much you truly care.  Life is too short to get by on the assumption that they already know and that “it’s no big deal” to show your emotions.  Actions speak so much louder than a greeting card.  I know you’ll find the perfect way to say “I Love You” today and every day.