Shobo's blog

To be a "fool for Christ"

Friday, July 21, 2017

going to Washington DC

We are headed to DC to do a Dolan Fun family boat Ride down there tis Sunday july 23...The family day's in Philly they have every year are such a blessing...When Peggy contacted me to get other clowns in the DC to Join them I thought I'd have no problem because it's such a fun event...Well no luck...I couldn't let Peggy down so I asked Shady if he would join me and go...
Check out their web site to donate:
https://www.dolanfund.org/

Thursday, June 08, 2017

Done Deal

Well I guess if it facebook official. It's official...LOL...I set up a Laughproductions LLC facebook page where you can access pictures, comments and the FREE Weeby web site for Laughproductions...or ya can just link it through this: http://laughproductionsllc.weebly.com/

Oh Yea I have a checking account, Credit Card..debit card and Pay pall account..just need to gig's to start coming in..our 1st official one will be june 17th at seashore Campsites..that's a Saturday Night at 8 pm..right after the Hay ride bring back the kids...
C U Then,
Shobo

Friday, April 21, 2017

Shobo and Shady Show

Excited but scared about next Tuesday and Wed...Shady and I are going to the NJ Library Association Convention at Harrahs in AC to show the attendees what we can do for their library
We think we have everything ready but since we never did this before we have some reservations.
I found IMovies was now free..if it's free it's for me..so I Made a preview sound bite of Us...Enjoy:

Friday, April 07, 2017

Love It


Monday, August 08, 2016

GEEZZZ

Well..I guess it's been a while since I last posted something...Yachts of good stuff has been going on with me and LAUGH Clown Ministry
Shobo did three Clown shows at Seashore Campsites near Cape May NJ ..one of them with his bud Shady...It was WELL Received. Packing
out the Pavilion on a Thursday Night was GREAT.
LAUGH Clown just got back from Queen NY trip..Pearl's sister's church was doing a VBS in Queens and Asked if we could be a part of the Closing day...WOW  what a day..We got to clown around in the Streets of Queens also with bringing the Gospel through Laughter to Kids from all Ages...
 
 
I also got my lasted article published in the July/Aug 2016 Big Top for MACA..Hope you enjoy:
Thank You!!
Does another say “Thank you” anymore? A laf jeds hasd yeasd. Does anyone pay attention anymore to details? Wonder if you noticed if the gibberish sentence was an actual sentence.  Sometimes I write articles for the ‘Big Top’ and  I get a complement via email or someone will say…“I read your article”.  I  see very experienced clowns not finding the time to write an article of what they have been through for the “Big Top” so other can learn from their mistakes.  If we don’t look back and review experiences and/or appreciate what someone did,  then we see history repeat itself.
Recently I was at a funeral of the Pastor of my home church in Clarksboro NJ. Person after person came up and said what a kind and gentle person he was. He always looking at the bright side of a situation.  One of his friends for seminary said Pastor Mark had a nick name in School.  You know, those funny nick names that identify who you are.  His nick name was Mark “Thank you” O’Sheilds..He was known for saying “thank you” to everyone and being appreciative of being with someone. Giving value to everyone he met.
Today’s world seems to be contrary to the “thank you” world Pastor Mark expressed.  You see this on the Highways everyday. Everyone seems to be in a hurry to get to the next place. If your not a very defensive driver, you could  be found on a guard rail on any given day. What’s the rush people?
What’s the rush to see what hash tag is trending when you have a friend or date sitting right next to you during dinner.  Just yesterday I saw 3 guys sitting outside at a nice restaurant in Philly.  All 3 had their Cell phones out, oblivious to the friend sitting next to them.  Sometime what you didn’t notice is right in front of you.
   Deassed maakss redssat. Did ya notice that? As clowns, we really need to be mindful of our surrounds. We can’t have a set agenda of what we are going to do regardless of the crowd reaction or situation at hand.  One of the many reason why I enjoy  “care clowning”, is each encounter with a patient or resident could be different and you need to be “on your Toes” to react.  I think it has helped in my clowning skills. Some remarks or jokes work better in different situations. Sometimes your just there to listen.  There are a ton of needs out in today’s world and as clowns we have a very important job. To spread more cheer than gloom.  At Kapo’s gang clown alley, we recite the Clown Prayer before every meeting.  It reminds us what we are clowning for.  It reminds us to have more compassion for the ones in need.  By showing compassion and appreciation with the simple act of just being around to hold a hand of the aged or sick, you actually get more back than you give. How can anyone be afraid of a clown with compassion?  I really wish there more that went to Nursing homes , pediatric rooms and hospitals other than just seeing someone they know or how much they get paid.  I’ve heard people say they just couldn’t do that it, “ the emotional pain would hurt me to much”.  Remember your not there for You!!. Just saying!!   Arfeddsffoondd as dewsggoon.
 Just checking to see if your still with me or you left?? As clowns, we have the ability, latitude, and obligation to have an attitude of gratitude. No one wants to see a grumpy clown making demands on how their show is to go.  No one wants to see a clown just stand there with a puppet in their hand with no interaction with anyone walking by. Remember we are clowning for others and not you.
Bump a nose and THANK YOU for reading this,
Shobo 
Always stay Humble and Kinds Tim McGraw 
"Humble And Kind"
You know there's a light that glows by the front door
Don't forget the key's under the mat
Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church 'cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin'
Always stay humble and kind
Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin
Don't forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

pics from Kid Alley Christmas Rally 2015

Pastor Viv always wanted the Christmas Rally to be bigger and better every year..I think this year was the biggest...Always a great time...LAUGH Clown Ministry did a short skit and brought some laughs and a message of what the true meaning of Christmas is all about





latest post from MACA Big Top


The “Curse” of being a clown…

 

    Been thinking….YEAH I know, that’s a stretch for me, but did you ever feel a “curse” of being a clown.  If not , maybe you should.  No, I’m not talking about a curse that an evil witch doctor might place on you, nor am I talking about the dark side of making people laugh.   As a matter of fact, while researching this topic on the internet, I saw a number of cases and very dark story lines of that type of curse.  You know, the stereotyped tear faced Pierrot you might see a picture , or Smoky Robinsons’ song “ Tears of a clown”.  Some people have underlining issues going on in their lives that they don’t allow the outside public to see, which later gets in the way of their growth.  I read in a blog that both Hollywood’s greatest comic performers, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, suffered from bouts of Depression.  Chaplin once said” to truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain and play with it”  That’s a whole other topic of conversation.  Maybe it’s more of a “Call of Duty”.  And No, it’s not another version of that game on xbox.

 

   The Call of duty I’m talking about is the duty one should feel if you are a clown.  When you’re in clown in public, you’re always on.  No matter if you see someone looking at you or not, you’re “always on” when your in clown.  Some people don’t get that concept.  Not that you should be “on” 24/7 but remember, if in public, you have a duty to be a clown. 

 

COAI has the eight clown commandments. Remember they are commandments and nor mere suggestions.

The Eight Clown Commandments

1. I will keep my acts, performance and behavior in good taste while I am in costume and makeup. I will remember at all times that I have been accepted as a member of the clown club only to provide others, principally children, with clean clown comedy entertainment. I will remember that a good clown entertains others by making fun of himself or herself and not at the expense or embarrassment of others.

2. I will learn to apply my makeup in a professional manner. I will provide my own costume. I will carry out my appearance and assignment for the entertainment of others and not for personal gain or personal publicity when performing for either the International club or alley events. I will always try to remain anonymous while in makeup and costume as a clown, though there may be circumstances when it is not reasonably possible to do so.

3. I will neither drink alcoholic beverages nor smoke while in makeup or clown costume. Also, I will not drink alcoholic beverages prior to any clown appearances. I will conduct myself as a gentleman/lady, never interfering with other acts, events, spectators, or individuals. I will not become involved in or tolerate sexual harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or any protected status.

4. I will remove my makeup and change into my street clothes as soon as possible following my appearance, so that I cannot be associated with any incident that may be detrimental to the good name of clowning. I will conduct myself as a gentleman/lady at all times.

5. While on appearance in makeup and costume, I will carry out the directives of the producer or his designated deputies. I will abide by all performance rules without complaint in public.

6. I will do my very best to maintain the best clown standards of makeup, costuming, properties, and comedy.

7. I will appear in as many clown shows as I possibly can.

8. I will be committed to providing an atmosphere free of discrimination and harassment for clowns of all ages to share ideas and learn about the art of clowning

 

     There is even some school of thought that you should not eat while “ in clown”.  I can see the arguments on both side of this.  Once you eat in public, like normal, the mystical view of the clown character goes away to the ones that are watching. On the other hand, if you hungry, its better to eat than see a clown passed out on the sidewalk because of starvation.  Personally when I’m offered to eat at a gig, I decline and say all  food taste funny to me..BAHHH .  I’m not here to argue this being right or wrong, I’m  just suggesting to be aware of your surrounding when “in clown”.

 

     Recently Shady and I have expanded our LAUGH Clown Ministries into the Caring Clown venture at a local Nursing home and Hospital.  We  perform together all the time and have had some training with “ No-Joe” Joey Thurmond with his  Sunshine Foundation.  I had clowned at the nursing home my dad was at while in rehab after his stroke and also clowned at a few hospitals many years ago.  I had some experience in that field.  We thought we would “play it by ear” once we got to the nursing home.  When we arrived, they placed all the residents in one area and we were “on”.  Performing for the elderly is much different than a congregation at a church. By the end, we had a good time and set up our next time.  I got an email from the coordinator a few weeks later saying how everyone is still talking about us, which was news to us because ¾ of them did not seem to  respond to us being there.  Ya just never know.  A few weeks later we had a “walk thru interview” at a local hospital. While waiting in the lobby for the coordinator there, and a few teenage volunteers wanted to see us do an act.  Of course we obliged, but later  was told not to clown in front of the welcome desk as many people come into the hospital to visit for other reasons than joyful.  So there is a time to clown and time not to clown .  By the way, we passed our interview and are now set for monthly visits to different floors of the hospital. We come in another way to enter the hospital now.

 

       The word “no” doesn’t come out my mouth enough.  Lee Andrews,  Lew-ee the clown, who was at MACA this year, is a clown who also has the clown “curse”.  He, with out a doubt, is the hardest working clown I know.  He travels the point A to point B all the time and is hardly home.  I think it’s his inner drive , or duty, to be the best and that feeling in his belly to help make people laugh or to help others learn from that skill.

 

     Over the year’s I’ve dealt with my different levels of Dyslexia.  I can remember struggling through college years, staying up very late to re read everything, and back them before the laptop, I had what was known as type-writer.  LOL Any form of mistake or typo required a new sheet of paper.  Although not official, I believe I passed that trait onto my daughters.   They would complain that they couldn’t do this or that because of dyslexia and that they were cursed.  I told them many times to look at it as a blessing rather than a curse.  The dyslexia requires you to work that much harder than the other people in your class.

 

     Being a clown can really be a “curse” and a “blessing” if you think about it,  As a clown, you are asked to help make people smile, even if they nor you  are in a smiling mood.  When in clown, it’s your duty to act like a clown which in effect, may bless someone that day.  You just never know the effect you have on someone while your in clown, by just giving a wink, or a quick smile to someone near you. But please remember, that “on” button can be turned “off” while out of clown.  Being “on” all the time can be scary and annoying .  Just ask my wife.

 

     Having a “Call of Duty” also holds truth in my faith.  In Matthew 28;19 it states: 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  This is known as the “Great Commission”.  It’s not known as the “Great Suggestion”.  As a believer, you are to go and tell others what you know.  Some may see this as a “curse”, since it’s required of you, even when you don’t feel like it.  I would suggest clowning is like this.  We are required to go and teach what we know and learn , so others may enjoy.  When we are in clown we are to act like a clown, and enjoy the ride because that’s what is in you to do. Yes it might  not be a “curse” but is sure is an important “Call of Duty” so you can receive a “blessing”.

 Bump a nose,

    Shobo

A Clown’s Blessing
Author Unknown


May your noses be red and shiny,
And your smile always bright.
May your cheeks be nice and rosy,
Your eyes sparkle in the light.
May your shoes be always too big,
Your costume be perma-pressed,
Your heart overflow with laughter,
Every time your clown is dressed.
May face paint be at the ready,
And your balloons be “easy-blow”.
May children run to greet you,
Wherever you may go


 

 

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Been a While AGAIN...a gift

Wow ..it's been a while since I wrote on this blog...been keeping the LAUGH clown ministry web site up to date though...
since there are too many pictures to post ..Thought I'd post one of the articles I wrote for MACA Big Top newsletter

 
A Gift….

     The older I get the less I get excited about getting any birthday gifts.  If I want something, I’ll go out to buy it. But there is something special when a person takes time out of their day to think what I might like to have WITH OUT asking me.  Those kinds of gifts I enjoy

 

    There are all sorts of gifts one can give to one another.  BeBop aka Aura Krause wrote an article in “Clowning Around” magazine about the “Gift of a smile” ( see article in the  Big  Top). At Kapo’s Gang, we have a dear member of the alley, who has gone through a lot in the past few years and she sent us an email entitled “ The gift of Time”:

 

 THE GIFT OF TIME

 

     When I was a little girl, I worried that I would never be important enough to ever be remembered...

and if given the gift of time to live to be 35 - well. certainly by that time, I would've lived a full life

and achieved some accomplishment to be in history books.  Well, that didn't happen.

 

BUT, I was given the gift of time to live another 35 years.  By then, I still didn't accomplish anything

memorable - but by that time I valued what I did have:  being married (twice) - having a darling

daughter - a rewarding teaching career - a caring son-in-law - fantastic grandkids - able to travel

the world --AND Cancer!

 

While suffering the ravages of chemo and radiation treatments, I chatted with a woman in the doctor's

office everyday.  To my surprise, she was an author, and wrote a book about ME!  "She Wears Her Bald 

Head Like a Warrior" never went to print; but it defined me.

 

My oncologist gave me the gift of time (some gift!).  If I survived 3 years, I might make it to 5 !!

So certain was he of my doom, that after just one year, he sent my family a card offering his

condolences on my death.  Hmm.

 

Once again the gift of time was on my side.  I'm happy to say, today, APRIL 6, 2015, I am exactly

5 years cancer free...and tomorrow I will shout from the rooftop, "I beat it"!!

 

I'm not foolish enough to think I have a guarantee forever...and I do take my gift of time seriously.

Not being religious myself, I have accepted prayers from at least 21 different cultures --

maybe they worked?

 

I rarely turn down an invitation and often live my life on the edge.  To quote Angelina Jolie-Pitt,

"cause a little trouble, it's good for you.  If I didn't take risks I would've missed out on meeting some

awesome people and some awesome experiences:  holding hands with Elizabeth Taylor, hugging

Raisa Gorbachev, rallying in Washington,DC for Womens' Rights, visiting St Jude's Hospital --

just to name a few.

 

Every person that you care for enriches your life and changes the way you see the world.  Every 

single one of you reading this has influenced my life in some way - over time memories become

more precious and in most cases more hilarious.

 

If YOU can always remember our life and laughter together, my time on Earth WILL have had a

purpose.       I wish you the gift of time      

                                                                                                       

   Part of the gift is the person receiving it. What good is a gift if no one accepts it?  A person I know, who has been going through some difficult times with her daughter, told me of a story that in the midst of all the drama, a complete stranger came up to her daughter and gave her 100 dollars.  That stranger told her the God told her that she needed it.  Some back story to this, this daughter had been homeless and estranged from the rest of the family. That “little” gift of generosity had a profound effect on the wayward daughter that she will never forget.

  A gift to someone does not also guarantee that you will get a reciprocal gift.  A gift should be just that…a gift.  If you give from your heart you will quickly find the more you give ..the more you get back.  Another friend of mine , who doesn’t have much, gave from her heart on Christmas.  Later on in the year, without her knowing, someone else did the same to her… two fold.

  Over the Easter season, a dear friend and founder of Kid’s alley lost her battle to cancer.  The gift she gave us by just living each day to the fullest, is a gift that keeps on giving.  Pastor Viv gave up a career as an accomplished clarinetists, to give of her time and talent to the kid’s of Camden. Her parents disowned her because their vision of her did not meet her deep commitment to her calling of  a mentor.  Her legacy of Love is felt by so many she will be dearly missed.  Every time I read her obituary my “eyes leak” and feel sadness for our loss.  But our loss, is certainly her gain in heaven and ours with her legacy.  She  lives on through her vision of reaching the kids of Camden. That vision has grown, and Kid’s alley is bigger and better than it’s been.

 

   The gift that God gave us to clown should be freely given,  We all know the gifts we receive from a child’s laughter or a smile from the parents of the handicapped child.  Each April a group of us clowns in the Philadelphia area are asked to donate our time for the Kelly Ann Doan Fund Family Boat ride on the Sprit of Philadelphia.  Each year we go we get blessed.  To get a smile, a laugh and to dance with a child bound by a wheelchair is priceless.

 

  Giving of a gift  should not be held to ones who you feel deserve it more than others.  You never know what that person’s circumstance may be.  As a clown, you are there for one reason, to brighten that person’s life for that one moment in time. They will never forget that gift.  By doing that, you too will be blessed twofold

 

Bump a nose,

Shobo