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!!

Goodbye Ol Friend

Theo and his hands free phone, Ha Ha Ha. He is funny!!!



 

It is with great sadness I write this post. My dear friend Theo died on Dec. 18th. Not only was he a dear friend, but he was my absolute favorite clown in the world! And for those of you who know me, know that is saying something. I know quite a few clowns and a lot of wonderful clowns too! But Theo is my favorite because he covers all bases of a clown. His comedic timing is top notch. He can read any comic situation in a flash and feed off it. He always makes the other person with him look like the star! That is not easy, but he does it with everyone... seasoned clowns, newbies, kids and adults. On top of all that he always knows when to pull back the reigns and just BE. Give the person he is with some time, or some encouragement, or just BE there to love whoever is in his presence. That is one special talent let me tell you!

Theo and a friend at his local hospital.

I was fortunate enough to meet Theo in Russia in 2000. We instantly became freinds, as he does with many people I am sure. We have stayed in touch over the years via email and Christmas greetings. We periodically would meet up to see each other and clown together in Russia, usually at a summer camp. One summer we were the heads of the Elephant Family! Every other Family Group had a mama and papa and one English speaking Head and one Russian speaking Head. Not us! And we loved it! Neither of us spoke Russian. We took turns being the Mama, but the truth is he made a better Mama AND a better Papa! It was non stop laughter that summer for sure.

Theo and his adorable granddaughter! Man did she love him!!

I was also fortunate enough to meet up with Theo in his home town of Heerhugowaard, Holland! I went this past April... took me long enough! And just in time too. He was recovering from surgery for bladder cancer and doing well at the time. So well in fact that we actually got to clown in a hospital in Holland! What a real treat that was for me. To clown with Theo anywhere is a treat.. to clown with him in a hospital is a treat.... but to clown with him in a hospital in Holland where he was treated for cancer, was MAGICAL!!! There is no other word to explain it and I will treasure and hold onto that memory for a lifetime. It should get me throught the rough days ahead.

Theo and Friends gathering around the nurse's station where he was treated. That day he was the clown!

And no matter how rough it may be for me over the next weeks and months as I grieve and say goodbye to my freind... it will be even harder for his family. So keep them in your prayers please. I was also so happy I got to meet his entire family in Holland. I had met his daughter in Russia, but not his sons and wife. They are all such lovely people which did not surprise me in the least.

Theo being "rescued". Sadly, they could not rescue him from cancer!

Theo and his grandson. They sure did love to play together!!!



I want to leave you with a quote that was shared with me by a friend recently. Timing is everything eh?! This quote speaks volumes I feel and I imagine Theo would fit the bill nicely if he lived in the 17th centruy.

"The arrival of a good clown into a village does more for its health than 20 donkeys laden with drugs."      Thomas Sydenham, Seventeenth-century British physician.

Theo is 6th from the left. I am on the end to the left. We said goodbye to Lake Seliger that night. Tonight I say goodbye to my dear 'ol friend! May he find rest and PEACE!!!

         Now Go Out and Hug a Friend Today!!!