What does it mean to really be a clown?? 

I meet lots of clowns every year, hundreds upon hundreds. I go to conventions for clowns, schools for clowns, festivals of clowns. I attend clown meetings. I meet people who just want to dress like a clown in my rental costume shop as well. I know the families of clowns. When people tell their families they want to be a clown, most get the same reaction…”what took you so long? We always knew you were a clown, now you have an excuse.” 

So…what does it take to be a real clown? There is something special about the first time someone in the crowd stops, looks at you and exclaims “you’re a REAL clown!”, once that happens you will never forget it. Being a real clown goes beyond a great make-up, costume, and show. When I was on the circus with Ringling Bros. we all looked great. But not all of us were real clowns. I am attending my Clown College reunion this year, so I will leave it at that. Actually I probably will be safe. Only real clowns would bother to show up for a clown reunion!!!!! In all fairness, some of the clowns on the show were just passing through. It was a phase in their life, something fun to do. I’m OK with that. Because even if it only fits into your life for a certain period of time, you still have the heart of a clown, if you are a “real” clown! 

Honestly you don’t have to clown for your entire life to be a real clown. It is the spirit of clowning that I am trying to put my finger on. I think that a real clown shows who they are not only when they have on the greasepaint and red nose but in everyday living.  We are a different breed. We see the funny things in life, and dare to point them out and laugh at them, especially when that funny thing is us! We try to bring a smile to people’s faces just by saying hello, or giving a compliment. One clown I know purposely says hello to the people who he buys coffee from in the convenience store each morning. At first he would just get a grunt or a mechanical response. He knew that would happen, so he kept it up for a few days. Before you know it, a friendship was born. They know him by name, they say hello back now. It is a very good thing. Remember the “Cheers” theme song, “where everybody knows your name”. If you are a real clown, people know your real name.  

We are the people who look to help people. Clowns are always helping people. Clowns are lifting spirits in hospitals and nursing homes. Nobody is getting rich doing that kind of work, most of it is done by volunteers. But it is important, and clowns are there doing it. Clowns volunteer for cancer walks, fund raisers, Special Olympics, and a bunch of other needy worthwhile causes. Real clowns help out wherever it is needed. They are the people who show up at your door with a casserole or a chain saw, whatever is needed to get the job of being human done.   

Last month I took my team to do a corporate event. We had roughly 4 hours to introduce the world of clowning to CEOs and their families. The man in charge of the event, an amateur clown himself, wanted the people in his “real” world to experience the joy of clowning.  We had to condense it down to a 25 minute taste of the things people think of when they think of being a clown: make-up, movement, balloons, skits, magic, juggling and of course a kazoo horn. It worked! I saw high power CEOs sit still as their children painted clown faces on them. I saw moms and dads dress in big funny clothes for a family picture that hopefully will be shared with everyone they love next holiday season instead of the stuffy family in front of the fireplace shot. I saw people who live high-stress competitive lives, relax and have fun. I saw a few real clowns.   

Recently I watched Dorothy Miller receive an overdue honor of her life achievement of clowning. I sat in the audience while pictures flashed by. Her first makeup face looked like a giant butterfly had landed on her nose. Luckily she progressed into a beautiful white face clown she is still able to apply at 89 years of age! I was touched by the program, and the theme was same as each person got their chance to speak about Blab-i-gail. Dorothy used her clowning to give. It is just that simple.   

Do we do this stuff because we are ego maniacs who need to be the center of attention? I don’t think so. I think a real clown has a driving need to make the world a better place, one smile at a time. So keep that in mind this summer. During the hustle and bustle of the parades, festivals and shows, when you tell your corny jokes, when you do your favorite trick. If you are in make-up or out, you are making the world a better place one smile at a time. What makes a real clown? Having the spirit of doing a good thing in your heart is the start of it. The spirit inside of us that urges us to make people forget their everyday troubles drives us on. That is what makes a real clown. For me, that brings real comfort in knowing you are all out there, making the world a better place one smile at a time. And may God bless you for it!  

Pricilla

My favorite new joke! 

What do you use to fix a broken Tuba? A tuba glue!  Put it on an index notecard with a few others and keep it in your costume pocket. To keep it clean and sturdy, laminate it or just cover each side with packing tape. Then you will be ready to entertain when your memory fails you!!!

Tip of the Month 

Wear a skullcap! It will keep you cooler and your wig will last longer because it stays clean! You need to trust me on this. You may think another layer would only add to your heat and discomfort.  But actually, a cotton skullcap wicks away the perspiration from your skin so it can evaporate and keep you cool.   

Also, this means it keeps sweat, skin oils, and makeup from getting on your wig. After a while, these things will make your wig look and smell bad (we could go into the scientific explanation of bacteria and their digestive system – but it’s gross and takes too long) and before you know it, that thing needs a good washing.  Frequent washings will cause your wig to look worse and worse, so anything you can do to keep your wig in good condition is important! 

Wearing a skull cap also means you won’t have to crank your wig down quite so far on your head to cover your hairline. A skull cap anchors your hair to your head, which helps to anchor the wig to your skull cap. This is especially helpful to people with lots of hair, since it means your wig won’t be sliding or shifting around on your head.  

You can get them in flesh-tone for Auguste or Character clowns, or White for Whiteface clowns.  Or, if you want it to match your wig, you can dye it with fabric dye to your specific color. 

If you wear a skull cap, but want your ears to poke out through it, you can cut a small straight horizontal slit starting about half an inch down from the top of your ear. Seal the cut edges with Fray Check (clear little bottle found at most fabric/craft stores) to keep them from fraying. 

So…have I convinced you yet??  Even if I didn’t happen to make and sell these ourselves, I would still advocate the use Skull Caps.  And if you don’t want to take my word for it, just ask anybody who already wears one. 

Keep reading further down, because Pricilla Mooseburger Originals is having a special sale on Skull Caps this month! 

Moose Camp Update! 

Moose Camp was 100% full a week ago, but due to some cancellations, we have a couple spots left open!  Call us at 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277 between the hours of 9am – 5pm (Central Time) to register for a Complete Package now!  For more information on what this includes, check out our Registration Information page .  

“But what if those spot are filled by the time I call?” You ask…

…well, you can still sign up for our Waiting List! We always have a few last-minute cancellations, so your chances are very good that you're going to get a spot! If you are willing to take a chance and wait, then contact us by email or phone and sign up for the Waiting List. 
 
When a cancellation opens up, we will begin calling the names on the list, from top to bottom, until the spot is filled. You are under no obligation to accept the registration if we call you, but we would like it if you were able to give us a decision within 24 hours, please! 
 
You may even consider this plan of action: Get on the Waiting List now, and then register for an Overlander Package in the meantime.  This means you would have to find your own lodging and commute to camp each day, but otherwise you get everything else that’s in the Complete Package, including meals.  If you’re lucky, a spot will open up and you can upgrade to the Complete Package.  But if that doesn’t happen, at least you would still have a spot at Moose Camp….because, believe it or not…we do have a limit on the number of Overlander Packages, too!  And there are lots of hotels in the area around Moose Camp – ask us for that information when you sign up. 

So – what are you waiting for?!?  Get on The List already!!!

Call us toll-free at 800-973-6277 (or 320-963-6277 for our International friends) for more information and to get on the Waiting List.  If you would like an email with registration information and a list of nearby hotels sent to you, please send a request to katie@mooseburger.com. 

“What if I’m already registered?  What do I do now?” You ask…

…well, you can start planning your packing list. Oh, you’ve already done that?  Well, you could make your travel arrangements.  Oh, you’ve done that, too?  Then what are you worried about?  Just sit back and relax! Of course, you may questions on your mind…you may be wondering “Why haven’t I gotten my _________?” or “Do I need to bring __________?”  or “What do I do if I can’t ______________?” or any number of curious questions.

If you have any doubts or worries or questions, please don’t hesitate to call me or send an email.  We want to make sure you are 150% prepared and excited for the best week of your life!

Be sure to read over your Clown Workbook, especially the Schedule, Main Courses, and Workshops this week, because I will be calling you for your PEP Talk any day now.  That PEP Talk is the perfect opportunity to ask me all your Moose Camp questions. 

Everyone here at Mooseburger Headquarters is excited to see you get off that bus and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of clowning.  See you in just a few short weeks!!! 
 

1. Go online to Mooseburger Yahoo Group .
2. There will be a rectangle on the right-hand side that says “Join This Group”; click that rectangle. 
3. The next page that opens will ask you to log in to your Yahoo account.  If you do not already have a Yahoo account, you will have to set one up. Don't worry -- it's free and only takes a minute.  Simply follow the instructions they give on the page.
4. After you have set up your account and logged in, you will see a page that asks you to choose your message delivery for the group.  We recommend “Daily Digest” delivery in the “Fully Featured” mode.
5. When you finish the form, your subscription will have to be accepted.  We will usually process your subscription within a few hours.  But don’t fret about it; you are guaranteed in.  The process is just a formality to keep out internet advertisers and those icky Spam people. We like to keep the group a safe place, free from Junk Mail, Spam, and solicitation.
6. After your subscription is accepted, you will get a notification email.  Now you’re ready to begin posting messages, catching up with old friends, and growing in your clowning knowledge!  If you ever need help while you’re online, simply go to Yahoo Help Desk and find the question that fits your dilemma.

And if you’re feeling REALLY adventurous on the internet, you can befriend us on MySpace! If you have a profile on MySpace, why not be our pal?  Now, this isn’t exactly a group or a chat room; in fact…it’s quite useless unless you already like using MySpace. MySpace is an online networking site that allows you to connect with your real-life friends.  In that regard, our profile might serve as a nice way to keep in touch with all the new friends you will make at Moose Camp and see what other clowns have a MySpace profile.   

Follow these instructions to be our friend on MySpace:

1. Go online to Mooseburger’s MySpace and click on “Add to Friends” (located on the left-hand side underneath our photo)
2. Then a page will open telling you that you must be logged in to do that.  So, if you have a MySpace account, log in.
3. It will continue to the page that asks you if you are sure you want to add Mooseburger as a friend – of course you do!
4. Once your friendship is accepted, you can post comments to our page and get updates whenever we write a new blog or change something on our profile.  And who knows…we may even offer exclusive discounts or deals to just our MySpace buddies…

Until next time, we’ll see you online! 

July Sales!

Just remember to tell us the discount code “firecracker” to get these special deals. 

SKULL CAPS! We will give you FREE Shipping & Handling on any order that includes a skullcap. This is at least a savings of $7.00, but it could save you up to $30.00! Skull Caps come in either White or Flesh-tone, and in Sizes Medium (fits most women) and Large (fits most men). Click here to order online:

JUGGLING 6-PACK!

This is a special one-time deal – we don’t normally carry juggling items, and we likely won’t again.  So get ‘em while they’re here! You get a set of three juggling balls and three juggling scarves for just $9.50!

The three juggling balls come in a clear plastic carrying bag with a sheet of instructions.  The three scarves will be in assorted colors. 

Click here to order online:  
 
 

WATER WATER WATER! This month, each order will receive a FREE Mooseburger water bottle! It is white with a blue cap, and has my favorite saying printed in red: “You will do foolish things with enthusiasm”. So…get busy! You need to keep hydrated in order to perform at your top funny form. Yes, clowns CAN eat and drink in public. Skip the caffeine-loaded soda pops; they actually dehydrate your system. Skip the sugar-loaded energy drinks; they just make you crash or give you the jitters. The best thing to drink is WATER WATER WATER! This special is only available to Moose Newz subscribers (and anyone else who happens to read this online) – you will NOT find this water bottle on our website.  To receive your FREE water bottle, remember to type “FIRECRACKER” in the discount code at the end of your order, or tell the friendly Mooseburger staff member when you order over the phone.

Terms and Conditions of July Sales:

1. You have to type the word “FIRECRACKER” in the Discount Code box at the end of your online order, or write “FIRECRACKER” somewhere on your fax-in or mail-in order, or tell the word “FIRECRACKER” to the Mooseburger Salesperson on your phone-in order.
2. Supplies are limited. Offer 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).
3. Good on phone-in, mail-in, or online orders.  Order must be placed during the month of July. This offer is not retroactive.
4. There is no maximum limit or restrictions on combining these offers.  You can get all three of these deals in the same order, if you’d like!

Have a great month!  As you prepare to celebrate the 4^th of July, please pause to remember that we are the home of the free because of the brave!