October 29, Hugo.
It feels sad, as things ending will.
"Home run to Hugo" said the route slip, like every year. And everybody made it safe. Some had left straight for home last night, like Brian, who took off so fast I didn't get a chance to say goodbye; some left this morning; and then the rest of us, who park their trailer on the Kelly Miller winter quarters lot here in Hugo, all drove here.
On the way Fridman and I stopped at a gas station on highway 70 to wait as Teto filled his truck. The sign said: "Pierce's Country Stop: Feed/Beer."
We're in Oklahoma.
So it feels like our circus home, still, and not so sad yet, seeing Lucky Eddie, Delena, Susana walking around with Argio around the trailers, Tavana and Danny still at the office, the crew guys cleaning their stuff to get ready to leave for Mexico on Sunday. And there are no more waking up at five thirty every morning, no more driving the truck every morning, tired and awake or not, no more losing power every night, cold or not, no more gathering the pieces of what fell during the trip, no more wishing we would stay put, just one more day, just one more day.
Now there's the rest of the year without the circus.
And it feels unhinged, as things ending will, or maybe just circus people when they leave their wandering soul behind.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
A trailer with a view.
October 27, Ardmore, Oklahoma (270 miles, corner of Commerce and Veterans Blvd.)
A circus crew.
October 26, Sedan.
Raising the tent every morning and taking it down every night since February 11th, raising the tent every morning and taking it down every night until October 28th, give or take a few double-day towns (and a few who didn't make it in time for the picture because they were still working,) the crew, the backbone of this circus.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Last images (Elvis.)
October 25, Parsons.
It's the end of the season, five shows to go, so I'm getting nostalgic, and heading for the last few images to be gleaned inside the big top before they are gone forever.
Dylan Scissorhands.
October 24, Pittsburg.
I was so saddened my Dylan didn't win anything; I thought his costume was so cool (entirely home-made by his dad, and many a yard sale and thrift store rummaging for accessories) and he looked so darling.
The muscle behind the party (Danny and Tavana.)
October 24, Pittsburg.
Every year the reminders are on the daily route slips as early as March and don't let up until the end: "The great Halloween party is only 152 days away! Be ready!"
My favorite.
October 24, Pittsburg.
Only made better by his alter ego, with a sign that said: "Blew Man Group."
Ryan of course, with a dab of blue makeup around the mouth.
Baking in between.
October 24, Pittsburg.
After doing the face painting and before appearing in the elephant act, Reyna rushed home to make the cream filling for the Halloween party's tres leches cake.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Dylan.
October 22, Osawatomie.
Both Dylan and Nicolas were sick last year, so this is really their first trick or treating.
Trick or treats.
October 22, Osawatomie.
Tavana decided to have Trick or Treat today as it was threatening to rain over the week end. The Halloween party, with its much-heralded costume contests, is set for after the show on Sunday.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The project.
October 21, Pleasant Hill.
I am thrilled to announce that an edit of The Mudshow Diaries photography project, started last year thanks to the inspiration of my friend, the photographer Mary Beth Meehan, is now uploaded on my web site.
You can see it by clicking on the "Shameful Self-Promotion" link of the blog, buried somewhere near the middle of all the other links.
I couldn't have done without the patience and cooperation of everyone on the show: thank you, it is dedicated to you.
NB: but it never ends, because there is always beauty.
I am thrilled to announce that an edit of The Mudshow Diaries photography project, started last year thanks to the inspiration of my friend, the photographer Mary Beth Meehan, is now uploaded on my web site.
You can see it by clicking on the "Shameful Self-Promotion" link of the blog, buried somewhere near the middle of all the other links.
I couldn't have done without the patience and cooperation of everyone on the show: thank you, it is dedicated to you.
NB: but it never ends, because there is always beauty.
Circus news.
October 21, Pleasant Hill.
Mr. North's youngest daughter rode the elephants today, the first time a member of the true Ringling family is back under the big top in the twenty-first century, I believe.
