Nov_Dec_1998

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November/December , 1998
lette1t
By Mike "Buster' Bednarek
P.O. Box 364
Salem, OR 97308
Hi Santa!
Sorry I didn 't write sooner. BUT, in case you're doing
some last minute shopping and need a few more ideas for
that favorite clown on your list (hint, hint), here are a few:
ACCORDION, and better yet, a good accordi?n
teacher, one who can inspire me to resurrect my childhood
oompah.
§_ELLY LAUGHS, lots of 'em, spontaneous aerobics
for a clown's heart and soul.
k.OURAGE to break new ground, try new ideas , be
persistent, and take risks in my performances.
12.A NC E class to take my physical skills and expression
to a higher level.
~XERCISES in character and conditioning. One to
develop more of me; the other to develop less .
EOOL'S CAP. An invisible one would be great, so I
can just slide it on when I need some random, contrary, or
childlike thinking.
~RATITU DE and a ~IVING spirit to pay the rent for
this gift of clowning I'm being allowed to use while on God's
earthly stage.
H,A T manipulations to top off performances, extend my
character, and collect loose change .
IMAGINATION, INSPIRATION, and IDEAS to
help this clown-in-progress learn and improve.
J_UDGMENT to know , pursue, use, and perform good
ideas that will work for me.
K,OOKY anything. It just sounds clowny, 'specially with
lots of oatmeal and raisins.
L,OVE for clowning as a performing art, and for n:'Y
audience, family , friends, life itself.and the Creator of 1t all.
M.E SSA GE. Just a simple one to weave into my
performance to leave the audience entertained,
challenged , and with a sense of wonder.
NO NOSE. Been using one so many years, I've
grow-;;-to depend on it, but still need the constant reminder
that the clown comes from the heart.
Q.PPORTUNITIES for growth (and the good sense
to recognize them ). Leave it to me to try to make the best
use of them.
f.LAID fabric . Something in a bright red and blue that
wears like steel and breathes like gauze.
2,UICK 2,UIXOTIC 2,UIPS to help in quandaries
and quagmires like this quirky letter.
ROOM. Two, really -- one with a mirrored wall for
rehearsal, one a walk-in closet for my stuff.
.S,IMPLE-MINDED .S,PONTANEITY, the childlike
fool's ability to tap into the mind's right side , play, create,
and explore "in the moment. "
IIME for reading , observing , reflecting , practicing ,
teaching , coaching , and contributing something to my alley.
1,LNDERSTANDING my potential (and its limitations),
what my audience finds funny , what my students, friends,
and fellow clowns need , and what I can (and should) give .
~OLU NTEERS who aren't afraid, have bright shiny
faces, make your heart melt, and know that they 're part of
the show --not THE show.
yt_ORKSHOPS for training , challenging , exploring ,
stretching , adding new tools , and building for the future.
EXAMPLES, EXPERIENCES, & EXPOSURE
to masters -- outstanding clowns and other entertainers
who set high standards and expectations and who serve as
inspirational role models for those of us "in the sawdust."
YOUTHFULNESS , in the form of attitude , curiosity ,
humor, energy , innocence , resilience, and thirst for making
the most of every day.
~IP, which is probably what I should have on this list,
since all the above either won 't fit down the chimney , can't
be wrapped up and tied with a bow, and/or aren't meaningful
unless I go out and get, learn, or develop them myself.
Well , big guy, I've used up enough of your time. I know
this list looks a lot like last year's -- guess most of my hopes,
dreams, and wishes have stayed the same from year to
year. Anyway .thanks for listening , and have a nice flight!
Peace and joyous laughter ,
911,l,6,Wt
PS: Say "hi" to that red-nosed reindeer of yours.
26 The New Calliope