Christmas gifts

Christmas is the time for giving AND receiving. Below is a video of my friend Suse opening a gift that Connie and I sent her. The gift was Connie's idea. I helped to make it and brain storm ideas. We thought it was good, but Suse's reaction let us know it was way better than good. She LOVED it so much, which doesn't surprise me cause she is a gracious gift receiver. Her reaction in the video was the BEST GIFT we could receive I feel. This was a classic moment of the best gift giving and the best gift reception, which turned out to be the best gift given in the end. A big circle in other words, which is how ALL gift giving and receiving should be in my humble opinion. Watch and enjoy.

 

One of the best things about the gift we gave Suse was it didn't cost much at all. And we "made" it! We bought an old scrabble board for 5 dollars, and some old scrabble tiles for 4 dollars. Less than 10 dollars to get THAT reaction??!! That reaction is priceless to us! I think people always prefer a lesser expensive gift that has thought and a personal touch. Don't you agree?

Since we are talking about gifts, I thought I would share a few more gifts from the season. Below is a video I got from St. Judes. Cute, fun, and insightful kids sharing their thoughts on Christmas and more. It is a great reminder that one of my most important gifts is my health.

https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/stories/meet-our-patients/happy-holidays-kids.html?sc_cid=eml000301496&sc_rid=4710918601&sc_mid=20876662&sc_elid=tg13_122216_featured_img&cm_ven=ExactTarget&tngsourcecode=THEEMAIDO17&source_code=THEEMAIDO17


Other gifts to me are Connie, Katie, Truman, Louie, Rosie, Nathan and Natalie!!
They make the season extra bright!!!

Louie loves Christmas

Louie loves his grandma

Truman and I love the snow

Two beautiful faces!

Candy cane anyone?

Katie and Louie in Santa's sled in St. Peete

Rosie

They love the beach



An oldie but a goodie!



As you go through this Holiday Season and 2017 appreciate and enjoy ALL of the gifts that surround you!! I sure will!!

 

Have a Happy Christmas and Merry New Year and all that Jazz!!

 

Now Go Out and Hug Someone This Christmas Day!!!

 

 

 

What it means to be an American

 

                                                                     

God Bless America, and rise high!

In lieu of the results of the election I have felt compelled to share.

 

Whether you voted for Trump or not. Whether you believe he can or can not lead our great country. We have to remember that EVERYONE deserves a chance. EVERYONE has the right to be LOVED and only PEACE and LOVE will prevail in the end. Kill them with kindness right?                                                

Below is an email I received from my friend Emily Cavanagh. She is a terrific singer songwriter and now poet... which is really what a singer songwriter is anyway. I feel her words are profound, sincere, worthy of sharing. Take them to heart my friends as Emily is one wise young woman!

 

Take from it what you will. But pay close attention to HER words. She is one of the best women I know.  And whatever you take from it, remember we are still America, we are still strong, and we are the best nation on Earth. We don't need to make America great "again", we just need to KEEP America Great as she always is and always will be! That will take cooperative efforts from all PEOPLE, RACES, and GENDERS. Remember that please as we go thru this unknown territory. The women I know are way to strong to let this result effect how they go forward with their lives. The international friends I know, know America is a great country regardless of who we perceive our leader to be or not to be. Don't let this result discourage you, instead use it as a spring board for educating our youth, setting a fire under those who can and will implement the proper changes and so on. Keep working for what YOU believe in and ALL will be well in the world. I truly believe this. I think my friends would agree with me!

 

By Emily Cavanagh
when i say i am american what i mean is..
that i believe wholeheartedly in having a dream, 
that i am grateful to live in a country where many have sacrificed far bigger than i know to make it possible for me to have a place i call home,
that in my home, i welcome those who don’t look like me, whose politics may be different from mine, whose worldview doesn’t quite fit into the one that has taken shape in me,
it means that i value those who come from far away places, where they have left families, friends, and have fought harder to be here than i can understand by simply reading about it in some book that sits on a shelf in my apartment,
it means that i acknowledge those who have gone before me—-
that i am born to parents on the south side of chicago (who still welcome me, though i root for the cubs:), who have worked hard to teach their children to love fearlessly,
that i have many brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, and neighbors— that they have big hearts and great spirits, and we have loud family parties,
that my ancestors come from ireland,
that my boyfriend comes from dublin,that my friends come from everywhere—
that they are made up of different faces— some who look nothing like mine, with customs and traditions and stories and dances different from the ones i was raised with…..that they are such integral parts of me now, that you could do nothing to separate us,
that we are stronger together,

it means that i believe that you love who you love,
you pray (or you don’t) to a god who makes sense to you…. or to a universe, or to a tree, or to whatever brings you peace,
it means i believe in peace, that it is only possible when we open up to the possibility that there is more than one way of doing things,
when we acknowledge we are not as progressive as we think we are if tolerance is something we enact only when it is convenient,
that fear is not a place to make decisions from,
it means that i am pro-everyone, that I am pro-immigrant, pro-LGBTQ, pro-woman,pro-man, pro- all-of-us- having- a -voice- and a story worth telling,
it means that i have learned that “other” is something we have created…all by ourselves to keep us separate,
it means that i value togetherness,
and kindness, and having a sense of humor, and admitting when you just don’t know, and asking people to tell you about themselves, instead of deciding who they are,

it means that my songs are inspired by travels to places i never dreamed i’d see, where i have experienced tenfold the kindness of strangers who now are my friends,
that my other career in social service has exposed me to the suffering, pain, and poverty of many who are never given a fair chance…that inequality is real--that we must say that out loud, and not pretend it isn't the case, if we hope for real change....that survivors of this embody the resilience of the human spirit,
to me, being an american does not mean walls and borders,
it does not mean hate and misogyny,
it means kindness...it means faithfulness to the ones you love,and acceptance of the ones you don’t,
it means freedom.....
.... sparklers on the 4th of july, swimming in lake michigan, but it is so much more than raising a flag…
it means as a country, we are young, and other countries are old, and may have some wisdom to impart to us, and perhaps we should listen sometimes…

it means i have so much to learn, and maybe we all do,
it means that i will miss obama, and i am so glad that he was here…
that i am happy that hillary and bernie came and changed the conversation..
it means that i will continue to be hopeful and dream of a day when a black man and a woman can run side by side, and we will be wise enough to choose them,
it means we have to hold a little tighter to each other now.

Thank You Emily for sharing, caring and being an exemplary role model for women, men, children, black people, white people, and all kinds of people!

 

Now I Beg You... Go Out and Hug EVERYONE Today!!!

I Lived

Beautiful Colorado

Below is a link to a video recommended to me. "I Lived" by One Republic. It has a powerful message, presented by a young man who lives in Colorado who lives with Cystic Fibrosis. I like the message, so I am sharing it here with my friends with some added thoughts on the subject of I LIVED.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0rxydSolwU

My Dad

 

My Mom

 

I lived today for all the people who have died and can't live today. Like my dad, mom, grandparents, Theo, Hopey, Ilya, The Dawg, and all the others.

My buddy Teagan

I lived today for those who can't quite live the life they may want to. Like my friend Teagan. Yes, he lived today, but with oxygen and a lack of energy he doesn't want to have.  So I did my best to hike and do the things I love and think of him and all the others with poor health and limitations.

So, go out and live today. Live for others. Live for yourself. Whatever it may be, but just LIVE!

And Go Out and Hug Someone Today!!!


 

Beslan 2016, Part 2

Every time I arrive in Beslan, I am overwhelmed with an out pouring of emotions. The smiles and laughter of the children fill my heart to the brim. Meeting up with my friends, the teachers, warms my heart as well, even though we don't share a language. It is incredible to me how much you can communicate without words. I love each and everyone of them dearly.

Most of the time I am in Beslan I am basically just playing with the kids. Sometimes that involves clowning around, but sometimes it is just showing off my mad basketball skills in the gym. Sometimes I feel like the boys are somewhat impressed with this old fart. Sometimes I think they are just amusing me :0). Either way, I enjoy it.

This year I did not hold a master class. I wanted to experience Beslan in a different way. So I floated around and just played and helped a few of the other clowns with their classes. I helped Charlie with her juggling class. The boys can make it really challenging! But in the end everyone had fun and they did do a performance at the concert.

One evening we met the Minister of Education, Zita. She is such a lovely woman! And she loves the clowns. She saw me clowning on the streets of Vladikavkas and she said it made her happy to know that we don't just come for the kids at the school, but for all of the Ossetia region. Well, duh! :0). We clowns just like to spread love and joy everywhere we go. That is what we do. Beslan and the school is just a part of that. A big part, but only a part.

Maria and Chip selling chocolate covered nuts in a market in Vladikavkas.

So we invited Zita and her husband Marat to join us on the streets. Every morning before going to the school, we clown outside of our hotel for the folks in Vladikavkas. It is great fun and a nice warm up for us. The next day, Zita and Marat showed up. We gave them some accessories (tie, hat, noses) and they clowned with us a bit. So much fun to see 2 well dressed people clowning. We then went to a local market and the clowning continued. Maria and I were allowed to get behind of the stands selling chocolate covered nuts. We did our best to sell it good. If nothing else, Yulia the owner enjoyed our antics. Her husband presented me with some chocolate covered nuts as a present. My heart overflows.

Marat, Zita, and Maria on the streets of Vladikavkas

Later that day we went on a "field trip" with the wee ones. Ages 6 to 8. Basically we walked to this fancy restaurant that served us ice cream! It was such a fun experience. We had to walk about a mile in some hot weather, yet the kids did not complain once. They played and laughed and skipped along. I don't even think they knew we were walking to ice cream, just out for a walk with clowns. Fun time.

Walking for Ice Cream

Ice Cream anyone?

After ice cream we went to a local orphanage that we visit every year. We were told we would put on a little performance when we got there. However, the kids at the orphanage at a different idea. Instead, they performed for us!! There was a rock band, consisting of 4 kids and a teacher, and they were set up with their instruments. They proceeded to play some amazing music, including classic rock by Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. So much fun. We then played games and danced with the children for an hour or so. We hugged and laughed and cried as we said our goodbyes til next year. I can hardly wait!!

The Band

So til next time.... Rock On my friends!!!

                  And Go Out and Hug a Child Today!!!
 

Russian Recap Beslan 2016 (Part 1)

Maria's colorful Art Studio

I arrived in Moscow a few days before heading to Beslan. We went straight to Maria's studio to visit and play. Even though I was tired from travel, the studio and kids still energized me. It is always a fun place to be and I understand why the kids love it there.

Elya and Chip

After a few hours at the studio, we went to Maria's dacha. There I got to play with Elya. She played with me as if no time had passed since our last time playing together. A sign of true friendship :0).

Vika and Masha playing Taxi Driver

After a good nights sleep. The next day was filled with more great experiences. We went to the studio in the afternoon to play some clown improv games and just hang out. In the evening I got treated to a Russian experience for sure. A Zemfira concert. Zemfira is one of the biggest performers in Russia. Her concerts are a great spectacle, full of loud rock music, love ballads, light shows, and dancing. I am not even sure who to compare her to, as she doesn't really compare to anyone. Even though the songs were in Russian, I could enjoy the music and the atmosphere and the people watching.

Guillaume

The following day, I woke up to see Guillaume sitting in the kitchen! Guillaume is a fan favorite and one of the best humanitarian clowns in the world! We embraced, and then proceeded to play for the next 8 days!

Igor

He is creative too

Kids from orphanage No. 4 came to Maria's dacha to paint and make kites and ceramics. One of the kids, Igor, took my camera and started taking photos. For a kid who lives in an orphanage with no guidance, he sure knew a lot about my camera. He took some nice photos too. With some guidance, I hope he may make a career out of photography? We shall see.

Charlie and Guillaume

That evening I met a friend of Guillaume. Her name is Charlie. She is a clown from England who lights up a room instantly. She was such a great spirit to have on our trip. She and Guillaume met in Thailand, where they worked a circus camp for the kids there. Thailand has a lot of need for programs to help their children, a lot like Russia, and Charlie's dream is to open a program there like Maria has in Russia. I really get to meet some extraordinary women!

Justin, AKA Zhorik

The next day we traveled to Vladikavkas. It is the nearest city to Beslan, and where we would stay for our week long stint. Vladikavkas is a beautiful town near the Caucasus Mountains. We love staying there. At the airport we met other clowns and friends who would join us for the week long festival in Beslan. The group was mostly made up of Russians, which I think is fantastic! One gentleman I met was sorta Russian and sorta American. He grew up in America, but moved to Russia in the late 1980s during the cold war and never left. He actually went there to become a spy for America, which is fascinating to me. He realized after a bit of time that he didn't have some of the qualities needed to be a spy, although he did have quite a few qualities that he needed to be a spy... just not all the qualities. You will have to read his book to understand more. It is called "How Not To Become a Spy" by Justin Lifflander. The short version is he fell in love with a Russian woman and developed a life with her in Russia. They are still married 25 years later.

Chip and Aslan

We are typically greeted with lots of smiles and laughs wherever we go as a group. Last year I was greeted by a man named Aslan. He was a taxi driver. I was juggling and he came to me and gestured for the balls. He showed me he could juggle too. We laughed and hugged and exchanged names. Things like this happen a lot when you are dressed as a clown, but for some reason I remembered this man's name. Not exactly sure why, but he stuck in my mind.

Well, when we arrived in Vladikavkas, Aslan was there with a big smile. I took one looked, yelled "Aslan!" and we hugged! It was one of the greatest moments of the trip for me for unknown reasons. With the language barrier, we couldn't communicate in words much, but we communicated tons with facial expressions and joy and hugging. It was a great pleasure for me to see him there! Later I learned that he is a neighbor of one of the teachers at the school. He found out I was coming and he came to the airport, ON HIS DAY OFF, to meet me!! What an honor for me! He was there again on the day we were leaving and we hugged and laughed some more. What a connection, that is just indescribable to me.

Ok, that will do it for today. I will tell more of the stories when I can. In the meantime...

                     Go Out and Hug a Friend Today!!!




 

Eat, Play, Love Russian Style 2016

Chip and Guillaume play and wave goodbye to Beslan

Here is a tease of Russia. More to come in the coming weeks as I have time to share. There is always so much to share from Russia. Photos, stories, and more. My blog is my personal "journal" for myself, but I hope you enjoy the stories and anecdotes as well.

Bring in the Ossetia Pies

Where to begin? I guess, just like last year, I will begin with Eat! It was another successful trip to Russia, and not just because I gained 5 pounds. Food was shared everywhere we went, which reminded me of all the friends I have in Russia. I can never thank them enough for the way they make me feel welcomed, even though I only see them once a year. I tell myself, I have to go home to detox. That's what makes saying goodbye a little easier. But not really.

We even play on the streets of Vladikavkas

Play you say? Oh yeah, we played! We ALWAYS play in Russia. Especially in Beslan. The kids there are as excitable and playful as any kids I have ever met. I walk thru the school doors and a chorus of "Chip, Chip, Chip!!" fills my soul! Everywhere I turn kids want to play with me. I truly could use a clown... I mean a clone or two of myself. I desperately want to play with ALL of the kids, and I only hope they know how much I appreciate them! Hopefully I have at least made a few of them feel my joy and love for them.

Chip and Agunda. Oh I do love her

Love? Oh yeah, there is love too. Kids in Russia are not shy about hugging! I don't count, but I am quite confident I collect 1000 hugs or more each year I go. And it is still not enough. One of the many reasons I go back every year... to collect more hugs for my soul! A soul can never have too many hugs or too much love in my humble opinion.

Grab a friend or two and go for a walk today. That should make you feel better as well.

So, if you are ever feeling down or overwhelmed with this crazy world we live in, I say go to Russia and hug a child. Or HUG a child, friend, or family member  in your own home, neighborhood, etc. I am sure it will brighten your day and most likely theirs as well! A win win to start your day!!

         Now Go Out and Hug Anyone Who Needs It Today!!!

Magical Mystery Bus (A film by Asya Segalovich)

                        

Asya Segalovich

My dear friend Asya has many talents. One of those talents is filmography. She did a short film on the Patch Adams Clown tour this past November, 2015. The trips are always magical and mysterious, so the title is perfect. I always recommend going on one of the clown tours. Let me know if you are interested or contact Asya. So watch the 9 minute video below and be prepared to smile and cry!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHukAaFWscE&sns=em

Asya and her mom Maria

Now Go Out and Hug a Clown Today!!!

Coach Bob

Coach Bob

I only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, but each time was full of laughter and stories. Bob loved to tell stories and he did it so well! Plus I know many untold stories thanks to my friend Danny Donuts. See, Bob was Danny's dad. He died on Feb. 2nd. The last words he said to me (over the  phone) were "Take a lap Chip".

Coach Bob was a PE teacher and coach. He coached wrestling and football, until Ottawa Illinois wanted to start a soccer program in the 80s. Coach Bob stepped in to do just that. His son Danny loved and played soccer, so I am sure he did it as much for his son as he did for his school. Dad's do that  you know.

I never was coached by Bob, but I imagine he was a hard nosed, fair coach who had his teams in great shape. Similar to my own soccer coach in the 80s.

He loved USA soccer. Danny and him spent one of his last days on earth cheering the Red White and Blue onto victory against Iceland. He was instrumental in helping Danny and I with both of our soccer books. We will never be able to thank him enough for his support!

At his funeral Danny did a list of 84 stories about his dad. I wish I could have been there to hear them. Although, I already know most of them. A couple of Danny's favorites are...

"Remember that time Bob had to use a flat blade hockey stick, because the curved blade wasn't invented yet"

"Remember that time Bob would fold his football helmet up and put it in his pocket"

Oh, such a different time when Bob grew up. But he kept up with the times and the youth and I am sure every one of his former players would sing his praises for knowing them for the young men they were. He was just that kind of Coach!

Rest in Peace Coach Bob. I will run my lap when I see you in Heaven!

Now Go Out and Hug a Coach or Teacher Today!!!

Izzy cat, Izzy cat, may you rest in peace

Sweet Izzy

Izzy cat, Izzy cat, we're going to miss you!
Izzy cat, Izzy cat, you were so sweet!

The sweetest cat I ever met.
You were truly a wonderful pet.
Now you sleep amongst the roses
And thanks to you because you chose us.

Izzy cat, Izzy cat, may you rest in peace!
Izzy cat, Izzy cat, you were so sweet!

           Sung to the tune of "Smelly Cat", for those of you who lived in the 90s, and know about Friends. Izzy was a great friend indeed and not smelly at all. And anyone who believes a cat can not  be a friend has never owned a cat and certainly has never met Izzy. Things we can learn from cats.

1. When you have a friend, curl up next to them and just be there for them.   Izzy was good at that.
2. Purr softly, only scratch if absolutely necessary.   Izzy never scratched actually.
3. There is always time for a cat nap.   Izzy always had time.
4. Rest and relaxation are keys to a happy life.   Izzy led a supremely happy life!
5. Find a warm place and enjoy the moment!   Izzy enjoyed every moment!

Cats are good about all of those things above. Izzy was great at them! We sure will miss her. She died peacefully on Jan. 18th with Connie and myself lying next to her, stroking her fur softly. I think she died a death of quiet, dignity and grace... and peaceful and comfortable and surrounded by love.

Izzy and her sister Rosie.

                        Now Go Out and Hug a Cat Today!!!
                                                 (but do it gently, some cats don't like that. Izzy did though)
 

HOPE-eeeeeeee!

My dear friend Hopey died in Oct. I just found out. He was old fashioned and didn't use email. Letters only please. We exchanged a few over the years since I met him. I met him in 2003 at Maria's Children's summer camp. At the time he was 81. Yes, he volunteered as a clown, traveled to Russia on his own to do this at the age of 81! He inspired/inspires me to no end!

If that isn't enough to inspire you. He volunteered at his local hospital as a clown AND as a reverend. Clown ministry! He did this til he could do it no more. I believe he was 90 when he finally had to give it up.

Below is his obit to give a little more info. I treasured his friendship as much as any other friend I have. I only wish I had more time on earth with him. He was part of my family on a boat trip in Russia and he made our family so much better!

His laughter, his humor, his kindness, his gentleness, his spirit and love for people was contagious! He will be missed so much by so many! Rest In Peace my dear friend! I will look forward to clowning with you again someday!

He gives us all HOPE! Thanks Hopey!

http://www.thepilot.com/obituaries/the-rev-edward-w-conklin/article_755f4db0-8b06-11e5-b873-33c5b12a8825.html

Now Go Out and Hug a Clown or a Reverend!!