I finally got up the courage to go out as Jobee. Buddy of mine by the name of Barry, who owns a magic shop and has been offering me jobs on the weekends wanted to see my costume and get a photo for his store. I got up and did the best make-up I ever have done in my life, got dressed, packed my lack of juggling balls and went off. You could imagine the turned heads seeing a blue haired clown speeding down the interstate. There was of course the many different types of looks. The college student, "I'm way too cool to be looking at a clown" glance. The "shy kids looking over the back seat with a smirk" look. The "I can't believe I just saw that!" point and of course the "I'm having a bad day and this clown's forcing me to smile" look. The first disaster of the day was while on the interstate a car wreck blocked two of the three lanes. I took it in stride and invented a new type of gag. The drive-by candy toss. Too bad I didn't think of that for a little girl who passed by me, but if I got another chance I would.

Got to the shop and I got the confidence boost I needed when Barry and a few of his customers loved my costume. Finally got to thank Barry for helping me out with getting organized with my clowning, and my work. He's been one of the good people I have meet in Chattanooga. Shots taken, I was practically dancing to my truck in my size 23EEEEE's. Next stop the Chattanooga Choo-Choo.

Yes, there is a Chattanooga Choo-Choo.

The Chattanooga Choo-Choo is actually a hotel with the trains behind the main hotel. The railcars can be rented as hotel rooms. Which can be funny if you're looking out your bedroom window and see a clown walking by with a parasol dancing on his shoulder. This was my first walk-around and I learned one thing. What is lacking in clown skills can be made up in a smile, a hello, and chocolate. :D I felt kind sad for the kids at the hotel. THeir parents were in Chattanooga on somekind of business conference and they couldn't get a chance to trick or treat. Well, if they can't get to the candy, I figured I'll bring the candy to them. It was great just hearing, "Hey look, Joey! A clown!" I wish I was better with typing balloons or juggling but at least they got a little treat from me.

Then disaster number two happens. I went back to my locked truck and saw my keys sitting on my spare hat. Called the locksmith and gave them a clear discription of my vehicle.

2003 GMC Sonoma, White, Big clown sitting on the tailgate, can't miss it.

I said to myself, "Well, you're stuck here for the next half hour. Whatcha gonna do Jobee?"

I pulled down my tailgate and practed my lack of juggling. And 'Accidentally' kicking the balls when they fell and the trolley came passing by. (Should have been in my tramp makeup.) After twenty minutes of one-two-three, DROP! One-two-three, DROP! The laughing locksmith came by and got me back into my truck. Cool guy. Got home and had the best shower I had ever felt.

All I got to say is I'm glad I ignored the big spike ball of doubt in my stomach.

Great Job Jobee! If the kids loved it and were suprised, then you get an A+ in my book.

Thanks Scruffy. By the way, how do you drive with clown shoes on? :D

I'll let you know when I figure it myself!
I usually wear my sandals If I have to drive to the gig, I prefer my wife drive. That way when I get out of our van, I'm on.

good goin jobee and you even got a smile out of the locksmith.

Yeah, after he saw my platnum card. ;)

Kinda the same thing happened to me Jobee. I was hired once by Brown n Williamson and told where to park by the festival coordinator. I performed my part of the day and returned to find my truck had been towed. I asked the officer directing traffic where was my truck and informed him there was no sign when I was told to park there (And there wasn't).

The Police Officer made a phone call and told me there would be no charge but luckily we were only 5 blocks from the tow yard and I could walk up there to get my vehicle. My reply was, "DRESSED LIKE THIS???" (with a garbage can full of props). He ended up arranging for me a ride and I got back to my truck. You should have seen the faces at the towyard. :D

Heh, I think the main problem is that the shoes I wear have a two inch lift. Try dancing in those things. I could never imagine walking five blocks in those.

Hey,were clowns, every thing is supposed to get bungled. I guess if nothing else Jobee. Get a duplicate door key and carry it on you or onreof those little key safes. I used to have a96 Chevy Lumina that was easy to lock the key in unintetionally. So I carried a door key in my wallet.

Good Idea.

Although I haven't been doing this for very long, there's one important lesson I've learned that rings true with every appearance...

" Be comfortable walking in your own shoes (even if they are clown ones) and the crowd will follow"

Your actions speak loud enough for the kids to hear, and that's really what matters in the long run, I think...

The moms and dads are going to necessarily remember that day, but there's a good chance that the kids will...

Valid Point Bips. It reminds me of a quote I wrote in the front of my Bible years ago.

"Every action of my life touches on some chord that will into eternity."

Parents might remember the day the took the kids to the circus but not like the kids will!

Sounds to me like you did an excellent job Jobee.

Thanks Gilbert. I guess I'm more of a 'June the 9th' than a '1st of May' :oD

The trick is to be your clown in all siuations you find yourself. He will get you out of all kinds of trouble :wink:

Hey you even got a great story to tell and I bet you could make a skit out of parts of it.

Or in some cases into a lot of trouble. ;oD But I'm looking forward to it. Next time I'm coming as a tramp for the Chattanooga Choo-Choo

Oh Jobee LOL! What a day it sounds like you had... but it sure sounds like you made the most out of it, in reading your post I can clearly picture the faces on the people in the passing cars. I too am wondering about the looks I'm going to get going from gig to gig and it makes me giggle cause I cant wait LOL!

Kudos to you Jobee for making the most of it!

Tinks

One of my favorite parts of doing a gig is getting there! I went through Mc Donalds drive through and asked Ronald could come out and play.
My favorite thing to do is find a kid and make them smile. Many years ago my wife and I lived in the mentor oH area. I had worked in makeup at the great lakes mall for halloween. (Won Best Makeup too!) On the way home I pulled up next to a little girl with a pout on her face I played peek a boo out the window with her and was soon greeted by a toothless smile. It made me forget the long tiring day I put in.
I love being a clown!

Now I gots to do my second walk through. I'm thinking about hitting the park near home and hoppping on to the carosel.

hey scruffy gettin off the subject a bit mentor and great lakes mall thats near madison ohio isnt it i lived there for a few years in my youth.we had a house right on the lake wonder if it is still there.ok back to the walk around i am planning on doing one on the first week in december at our snowflake festival. wish i had some clowns here to help out. the whole town shows up snow or what ever and its colder than a well diggers well you know.

Well diggers...........feet.

Yep. My brother in law lives at Broadfield Manor in Madision!
I also believe that is Pee Wee's base of operation....Small World.