Friday, January 16, 2009

Welcome to the Big Top

Growing up, I can't say I ever had the urge to run away with the circus, although, in first grade, I did have the urge to just run away. I can only imagine what terrible incident drove me to such a decision (could it have been a "time-out" on the stairs?)

I only got as far as thinking about it, however... running away would have been quite the drastic measure for a girl who, at that same age, told her mom she never wanted to learn to drive- she would rather her mom drive her around always, if that were ok.

Had I gotten further than just the thinking phase, I am still not sure what I would have planned. Certainly, joining the circus would have been the furthest thing from my mind, but had it occurred to me, I would have had plenty a career from which to choose.

What would I have dreamed of becoming? Would I have longed to be...

The ring master?
A bareback acrobat?
here

Or perhaps part of an acrobatic duo?

A tightrope walker?
here

An artist on the flying trapeze?

One of the clowns?
here

An elephant handler?
A cat tamer?
here

While I can't say for certain what job I would have wanted then, undoubtedly, I would have found all of them quite impressive. And, if I could chose any position now? I'd like to think I would muster up enough courage to glide through the air as part of a team on the flying trapeze!

Did you ever dream of joining the circus? If so, what did you want to be? What would you do now (fears and lack of talent aside!) if you could perform under the Big Top?

4 comments:

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I would find good homes for all the animals and hand in their resignations. And I would banish the clowns because they scare me. Then I might just do some tightrope walking myself!

please sir said...

Oh these look so fun! I would love to join a circus for a couple of months - for curiousity sakes!

Courtney said...

First off, as it's clear you enjoy the circus I have to ask: have you read Water for Elephants? If not, I highly recommend it.

Secondly, I love these vintage circus posters. They are lovely.

Finally, I always wished I could gracefully tackle the high wire. {... and then I saw cirque du soleil}

PS: I'm scared of clowns, too.

Courtney said...

Pamela- You are a good soul- it is no wonder Edward feels so safe and secure with you.

Courtney- I haven't read Water for Elephants, although I have picked it up in the bookstore more than a few times. Thanks for the recommendation- I am adding it to my to-read list! Oh, and your comment- too funny! I have never seen Cirque Du Soleil, but would love to do so!