The thread.

“With you here

Baby I am strong

No sign of weakness

With you gone

Baby I am hanging by a thread.”

With the year we recently ended and the year so far, in many respects I feel like we have been on a thin thread dangling over uncertainty. I realize this seems way outside my way of thinking, I am surprised too.

For many years, until they ended it, going to the circus was an annual event. It always happened in November and occurred when the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks were on extended road trips. I knew they had to make money at the time—-with $20 popcorn, souvenirs that were very important while you were there (they very quickly ended up in the “I will play with you one day” pile) and the multitude of ways to spend while you were  at the performance. One bonus however, parking was free!!

A few years before it ended, I bought tickets to a performance and was surprised how easy it was to get good seats. Usually the good seats for a matinee were gone. But here they were, I mean really good seats—-the performance? It was in Spanish. Fortunately you could never understand what they were saying so it actually worked out well. 

One year we went early and met some of the clowns; this was before clowns were creepy. Actually, they were very nice and kind to the kids, plus they understood why we parents were there—-except me, I really liked it and loved taking pictures.

Ringling Brothers in the winter, was based in Florida. They had living quarters which were like a hotel and the performers lived in them. It is no longer used and with good reason. If there was ever a place I would not step into, this would be it. If I was scared, I can only imagine how my kids would have dealt with it—it would have meant many sleepless nights and they would not have used the souvenirs for comfort.

I miss the November tradition, but I also know it had passed its time. Elephants were out, clowns were too, and the $20 box of popcorn had seen its day—-and you can be sure, there is no free parking at the United Center.

The photo above was taken at one of the performances. The beauty and grace of these performers was incredible—-it was just as good in Spanish.

Thanks for stopping by.