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!!