Mother Wrenger in the Nutcracker

On the juggling/performance front, 2023 was a year of saying "yes" to whatever opportunity arose. It led to some really great experiences not the least of which was my role as Mother Ginger in a 4-show run of the Nutcracker at Mount Baker Theater*.

Why did the dance studio approach a bearded middle-aged man for a female role in a performance with an otherwise 100% children cast? I wondered the same thing, but it was the year of "yes" so what could I do? It turns out that they needed a stilter to fill in the costume and stilting is something I can do! As an added bonus, I learn dance choreography at about the same speed as 8-year olds, so it was perfect!

After having my live performance world be only that within the circus context, I really appreciated the new perspective of working with the dance studio. We had tons of rehearsals, costume fittings, tech rehearsals, etc. I felt very prepared opening night, as opposed to many circus shows where opening night often feels like a dress rehearsal in itself. The experience of being in a big fancy theater (with my own dressing room!) was a step up as well.

Are the producers of the Nutcracker as happy with the experience of me as I was with them? Tough call. Everyone was very appreciative and generous with their reviews, but that's kind of how both Bellingham and theater people are. It turns out I am not an actor. I don't emote well, or ham it up or project with my body. This is something I've always known and I tried to warn them of from the start. I can, however, walk on stilts like nobody's business. (The best compliment I received after the show was from a parent saying "I never once felt like you were going to fall on my child.") Even if they asked me back for next year (which I don't imagine they will because acting (and I hardly would blame them)), I don't know if I could say yes. While the experience was a wonderful one, it wasn't the wisest financially. I ended up having to turn down quite a few holiday gigs due to conflicting rehearsal times and my mileage for trips up to Bellingham and back are a little cringe-worthy. But who knows? I did have fun.

Anyway, without further ado, here's a little clip of me from the show*.



Oh, thanks to and credit for the photos to Gaby Cavalcanti Photography.
Tuesday March 5 2024File under: circus, juggling

Toggle Comments (1)comment?
on Fri 08th Mar, 2024 12:17 am CST Mom said:
You hammed it up quite well, I'd say.
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Malta Bene!

A question I get quite often on the topic of travel is "Where is your favorite place you've traveled to?" I always hem and haw on the answer ("Albania was unexpectedly beautiful", "China was the most challenging yet most rewarding", and "Malaysia and Indonesia (excluding Bali) were cheap, not overly touristy, and had wonderful things to see"). Favorite is so unspecific (favorite moment, site, food, event, etc.). But I know it's just meant to be an opening into a conversation, so I've made my peace with it. And now, I feel like I can add Malta to my hemming and hawing.

Malta is awesome, at least for me at this time of year with the itinerary I've stumbled into. (I suspect Malta is quite often awesome, but caveats.) I've had the most lovely week exploring this tiny island nation. As always, I had done very little research beforehand so only vaguely knew what to expect. Luckily, so many of my travel desires were checked that I'm super glad I threw the dart here!

In no particular order, here are some highlights:
  • Prices here are very reasonable with my hotel rooms (with bathroom) averaging ~€33/night (half of which included a free breakfast!)
  • Public transportation is awesome, accessing virtually all parts of the country easily, used by locals* and travelers alike, and, again, cheap (€25 for a week unlimited pass)
  • Plenty of highlight sites (churches, cliffs, historic ruins*, ancient walled cities, salt pans)
  • Plenty of standard European-style "I can't believe I just stumbled onto this" stuff (statues, plazas, fountains, narrow winding alleys)
  • The Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valletta blew my mind! It felt straight out of Game of Thrones or something.
  • The weather has been perfectly ideal, with warm days and cool nights. I can only imagine how hot it gets in the summer, but for now, it's perfect.

Adding to its place on my favorites contender list are some total flukes of coincidence that have only just added to the overall experience. Yesterday, for example, happened to be the feast day for a local saint so there were marching bands, parades, church bells, and fireworks around every turn. Then, this morning on my way to get a geocache (which turned out to be awesome), an old man handed me some delicious mandarins he just picked from his tree. Or on my first night in Victoria, I saw the nightly migration of the sparrows to their roosting trees and then happened to be at the Citadel* for an amazing sunset.

I very much realize that every travel experience I have is unique—a different person, a different time, a different turn on the random corner could lead to a totally different experience. But if you're looking to increase your chances of having a great experience, I'd suggest thinking about Malta in the off season!

(For posterity, continuity, and completeness, I will mention that prior to my spectacular week in Malta, I explored Berlin and Potsdam for 5 days. I enjoyed myself and did what I was supposed to do (see the wall, get a jumping photo, make bad jokes, and take a photo or two), but without this little side trip, I might have come home a little underwelmed. No offense Germany, oh homeland of mine, but try and be more like Malta.)
Tuesday February 6 2024File under: travel, Malta

Toggle Comments (2)comment?
on Wed 14th Feb, 2024 08:50 am CST Deanna said:
I am so happy to see your still doing all you love!
Peace be with you, brother
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on Sun 25th Feb, 2024 02:18 pm CST Horge said:
I will add it to my to-visit list! See any Maltese falcons?
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2023 Performance Review

One of my favorite posts I used to make was me and Della's summer juggling recap posts where I would collect some of the fun performance pictures from the year to share (check them out here: 2017, 2018, 2019). And even though those that follow me over at @wrenthejuggler on instagram may find some of these repeats, I thought it was time for me to restart the tradition by sharing some of my favorite photos (and videos(!)) of 2023.

Some 2023 highlights...
  • Stilting as a tree-being, togaed Roman, Mother Ginger, and chicken man in addition to my standard cowboy and new sparkle pants costume*
  • Working with many new production companies like Cirque Cadia, CircusWerks, Vuelta La Luna, and Star Entertainment*
  • MCing Vaudevillingham as well as being a "Featured Performer" there
  • Being in the Nutcracker at Mt. Baker Theater (professional photos coming soon!)*
  • Performing at a rave(!), Climate Pledge Arena, a mega-church, a navy base, and the top floor of Columba Tower
  • A return of the Real Food Show, with 10 shows in Skagit and Whatcom schools
  • A super fun and successful act in BCG's Halloween show
  • Adding new fairs including Arlington, Stanwood, and Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden to the fairs I have done for years and love being a part of
  • Finally upping my professionality factor by making business cards and getting a website for just myself (www.wrenthejuggler.com)

Next year is shaping up to be more of the same, with lots of great repeat gigs and hopefully some new ones too. I feel exceptionally lucky to have a job that I enjoy so much and am so grateful to all those who have helped me be where I am.



Saturday January 6 2024File under: juggling, circus

Toggle Comments (1)comment?
on Tue 16th Jan, 2024 07:05 am CST Mom said:
Incredible variety of acts!
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Twas the Night 2023

'Twas the night before Christmas, I'm here in Aruba
Composing this verse so as to include ya

On this One Happy Island, I came with hopes to explore
To see what I can see and hopefully much more

Take today for example, this Christmas eve's day
I read my book in a hammock, strung next to the bay

I ate arepas for breakfast, for lunch a coconut smoothie
Aruba's quite pricy which makes me feel kind of bougie

I took a long walk, no actually 'twas two
The first one for function, the second just something to do

I walked down the beach, as the sun set 'neath the sea
I saw sandman upon sandman which filled me with glee

I went geocaching, I went for a swim
After I finish this poem, I hop in the pool again

I'm only here for a minute, just a minor side quest
Since this'll be my only post, I better cover the rest

Yesterday I hoofed it to a vast aloe farm
With an attached cute museum filled with history and charm

I took my requisite jump pic, but the lighting didn't agree
That's okay though cause Aruba's just a tier three

But what I've enjoyed most is simply the relaxing
Though not like life at home is really all that taxing

I'm making time for book reading and 2 milkshakes a day
I'm keeping a trip journal which helps keep loneliness at bay

So instead of recounting the whole trip right here
Go read it there so I can get back to the holiday cheer

For that's what this post's for, to wish you all of the best
And because I can't not do it (as you already guessed)

So with sand 'tween my toes and sweat dripping down my drawers
I wish Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours

(Sorry for that last line, the sweaty drawers part
But the best wishes I mean with all of my heart)

Sunday December 24 2023File under: holidays, poetry

Toggle Comments (2)comment?
on Mon 25th Dec, 2023 12:25 am CST Andrew said:
MERRY FISHMAS!
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on Sun 31st Dec, 2023 02:36 pm CST Horge said:
A tad late, but I think Andrew already said it better than any of us could. But in any case, and on time, wishing you Happy New Beard!
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Recycled Plastic Christmas Ornaments

Early in the pandemic, with all of our juggling gigs evaporated, I was struggling for projects to fill my time. Through my YouTube meanderings, I stumbled on the concept of melting down plastic and reshaping it for useful purposes.  The videos either weren't overly specific or required tools I didn't want to invest in, so I ended up learning a lot through trial and error.  Della loved the project as it got me out of her hair while she worked on her coloring book and I loved the project for its hands-on recycling nature.  The project proved furtherly useful as a much needed diversion through 2021 and beyond.

This year, however, I wanted to do something more than experiment; I wanted to make something useful. I came up with the idea of making these Christmas tree ornaments and my mission was born. Through lots of trial and error, some help from a friend with a fancy machine, and a little digging through other people's trash, I'm very pleased with the results.

First, a little about the process:
  • I worked with a friend that has a CNC (computer guided router thingy) to carve the design out of a block of aluminum. We went through a couple iterations to figure out depth, angles, etc.
  • I harvested lots of #2 (HDPE) plastic recyclables like milk jugs, laundry detergent containers, contact solution bottles, 5-gallon paint buckets, etc.
  • I cut the plastic down to shreds, extra small* for the foreground color and less small* for the background color.
  • I loaded the plastic into the mold and the mold into the toaster over set to 380°, first just the foreground plastic, carefully arranged, for ~15 minutes and then piled on the background plastic for another ~20 minutes or so.
  • Once everything is nice and melty, I sandwich the mold halves together and crank them down in the vice and clamps.
  • Then it's simply trimming off the ooze out, drilling a hole, and tying the string and it's ready for delivery.

A few observations on the process:
  • Air bubbles on the surface can be minimized with cutting the initial layer super small and making sure it is melted before adding more plastic.
  • Try as I might, I couldn't get the exact coloration that I wanted. Perhaps with more finely ground plastic, I could manage the color bleed a little, but overall, I liked the little bit of variation.
  • Don't underfill the mold or else you won't have anything to pry the ornament out against :-/
  • Different #2 plastics melt to different states of ooziness and stickiness. This surprised me, as I assumed all #2 would be the same.
  • The mold, being a big hunk of metal, takes a long time to warm up (esp. if it's been left in a cold cold garage) but also a long time to cool down meaning I was only able to crank out about 4 of these per day.
  • Even after dialing in my technique, I was still only had ~85% success rate, either due to bubbles, non-desirable color bleed, insufficient melting, etc. I've got a whole pile of "factory" seconds.

I'm really pleased with the final product as well as the process. I'm grateful to be able to pass them out this holiday season as a way to connect with friends with the implied inclusion of Della. If I wasn't able to get one to you and you want one, e-mail me; I'd love for you to have one. And if you have any questions about recycling #2 HDPE plastic, let me know about those too!

Tuesday December 19 2023File under: holidays, misc

Toggle Comments (2)comment?
on Mon 25th Dec, 2023 12:26 am CST Andrew said:
Love it!
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on Sun 31st Dec, 2023 02:42 pm CST Horge said:
I'd love to have one or three, and for myself I don't mind a factory-second, so it doesn't go to waste. However, I'd prefer it be hand-delivered by Santa's juggler-elf
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Halloween Act 2023 - Dueling Banjos


The Bellingham Circus Guild's Beastly Frightful Unspeakably Spooky Circus of DOOOOM had its 6th incarnation this Halloween and I was stoked to be a part again (making it 6/6!) The show was a huge hit with so many sell out crowds we had to add a show (which itself went on to sell out.) Circus going regulars had high praise for it and it was a genuine pleasure to be a part of. I feel so lucky that doing this kind of shit is my job.

The video of my act is below. I'm really stoked both on how the act turned out and that the night the videographer came, we didn't have any drops*! In addition to this awesome video, we had a couple of super great photographers! Both Jason and Vitz caught some really fun shots.

As I mentioned, this marks my 6th appearance in the Halloween show. Here are the posts for previous years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. But without further ado, here's this year's act. I hope you like it!


Sunday November 12 2023File under: circus, juggling

Toggle Comments (3)comment?
on Sat 18th Nov, 2023 11:45 am CST Horge said:
Fun! Glad you didn't make it creepy with some references to the Deliverance film...
Suggestion for BCGBFUSCoD2024: Maybe add some strategically-placed/-shaped tape onto the fat ends of the clubs so that when the club lights turn on, there appear silhouettes of ghosts, jack-o-lanterns or any number of Halloweeny shapes. I imagine if you did it with white tape (or whatever color the unlit clubs are) it might not even show up until as a surprise when the house lights go out.
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on Sun 19th Nov, 2023 09:04 pm CST stevedore said:
excellent!
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on Wed 22nd Nov, 2023 12:51 pm CST Horge said:
Slight update: just showed it to Orión, and he was giggling the entire 3:51 of the video - clearly you have to come back over to demonstrate it in person!
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Walk Like MADD 2023

Up to this point in my life, walk-a-thons have been a concept I've found myself having a hard time wrapping my head around. I know there is the money raising side of things. And supposedly there is the awareness raising side. But in the past, I hadn't quite worked out my place in a walk-a-thon, not knowing if it is a good fit. Such was my mental state as I set off to attend the 2023 Walk Like MADD walk-a-thon. Leaving the event, however, I felt much more at peace with it all, esp. how it works for me.

This year's event was much better attended than last year (and infinitely better than 2021 when I walked alone due to the pandemic). Additionally, it was at a much more pleasant location, set along Lake Washington in Magnuson Park in Seattle. Besides the ~2 miles walk, there were a few speeches, a raffle*, some [sponsor] lawyer booths (where I had a great informative chat), and free fresh mini-donuts. But really, the thing that made the experience for me was being around others who have been affected by drunk drivers and an environment where it wasn't taboo to talk about it. I guess it just made me feel less alone (even though I barely interacted with anyone since all the other walkers were in groups).

Going into the event, my main reason for participation was to have a comfortable way to remind people that drinking and driving is the #1 cause of death on our roadways1 and it can be 100% preventable. I still see people around me make choices regarding alcohol and driving that is really hard being exposed to. And while I have very little hope my yearly passive PSA makes any difference, I can't not.

Will this become one of those things I do every year, like the crossword puzzle tournament, the Skagit County Fair, or Sh'Bang? Maybe. Now that I've found its place in my brain/heart, I could see the comfort of the yearly routine being something worth hanging onto. Or maybe once the legal issues surround the repercussions of the crashed caused by the drunk driver have resolved, I won't have the same motivation to hopefully learn some tangible information/help. Time will tell, I suppose. But I'm really glad I went this year.
Sunday September 17 2023File under: Della

Toggle Comments (1)comment?
on Wed 20th Sep, 2023 09:21 am CDT Mom said:
I admire you very much for keeping on keeping on.
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New Stilting Costume

For a few years now, I've felt the need for a new stilting costume. My cowboy get-up is always a hit, but after a couple of strolls through a fair, people have been-there-done-that. Being the giant hot dog isn't the same without my teeny weenie (a.k.a. lil smokey). And the pirate costume is too dang hot for my summer fair gigs*. So I contacted a very crafty friend and put in an order.

As you can see, it turned out AMAZING! And not only does it look spectacular, fit perfectly, and breathe enough that I'm not a [total] soggy pile of a man after a 45-minute stilting stint, the costume's creator used a bunch of Della's fabrics at my request so I could feel that she was there with me, notably a big star patch right over my heart*.

Feeling ambitious in the design phase, I had the costume be made a foot taller than my other ones in hopes of really upping my game. And while I love the extra height, it does offer all sorts of new skill challenges from feeling a little less stable to not being able to reach down to pick up a dropped club. But it gives great opportunities for high-fives!

So far, with a number of fairs, parades, and other gigs under my belt, the costume has been a super hit! Since so many of my gigs are repeats from previous years, the regulars gush about the new costume. And even those seeing it for the first time seem to approve. I even made it to Macklemore's instagram feed!

Stilting season just about half over, so I'll have lots more hours in the saddle to get more comfortable, get some more awesome photos, and hopefully made lots more people smile. If you see me up there, come give me a really high-five!
Tuesday August 8 2023File under: circus, juggling

Toggle Comments (2)comment?
on Wed 16th Aug, 2023 11:27 pm CDT Mom said:
The high-5 phots is really cool!
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on Sun 29th Oct, 2023 03:55 am CDT Horge said:
I know nothing about the guy, but somehow I get the feeling that Post Malone would also totally dig your costume. You should totally slide into his DMs, as I think I've heard that the kids say these days
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Sleeping Around 2022-2023

While I totally concede that it is rather silly, I get immense joy from my Sleeping Around data-keeping project. Keeping the data is just half the fun; the other half is analysis! So, as is my yearly wont, here is my partially scientific and partially objective dive into the past year's worth of Sleeping Around data.

In looking at the daily visualization, I've kind of been thinking I might be starting to move back to my more standard distribution of nights of roughly 1/3rd each for home, housesitting, and travel. I was surprised to see home accounting for more than half. While I know a data scientist should be impartial, I found myself a little let down. I feel this project encapsulates my life and I guess I was hoping the data would say my life is more exciting than it is. But maybe there's more to be seen if we dive deeper.

# of housesitting houses7Up from 4 last year, but all repeat clients (albeit from many years ago)
# of states (other than WA)3NY, CT, IN
# of countries (other than US)6Poland, Czechia, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, England
# in car (/airplane/train)81 on a plane, 7 in my Chevy Cruze
# on boat7That Danube cruise
# in hotel/hostel28All but 6 were abroard
# in tent1Only my 6th night in a tent since 2015*


Observations:
  • Housesitting is highest since the pandemic, but still at half of pre-pandemic average
  • This is the first year since data keeping began (15 years ago!) that a trip to Portland didn't happen
  • That domestic travel number is unprecedently low. Maybe I'll have to conjure up some reasons to go on some adventures this year
  • Speaking of adventure, I'm pleased to see the # of international nights is as high as it is for the second year in a row. I'd very much like to see that continue.

Thank you for bearing with me during this yearly tradition. Like I say all the time, I feel this data encapsulates my life, in a way, so an analysis of it is like an analysis of me. I guess that's what passes for soul-searching for me; I find the pie charts quite helpful.

Tuesday August 1 2023File under: data

Toggle Comments (1)comment?
on Wed 16th Aug, 2023 11:25 pm CDT Mom said:
So you're saying that sleeping at home is not very exciting? Well, Zing!! Ouch.
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Project Hotdog Halfway Complete

About a year ago, I casually sent a friend a picture of me eating a hot dog (as one does). Trying to be clever, I titled said photo "Project Hotdog #1/100" only later realizing this obligated me to repeat the task 99 more times. Being that July is National Hot Dog Month, I thought it a good time to unveil my progress to the world; I recently passed the halfway point!

My self-imposed rules stipulate that corndogs and some sausages count. Hot dogs consumed without photographic evidence don't.

(Note: Not all photos are contained below, mostly because they are just boring shots of me having "manitenance dogs" at Costco.)



Tuesday July 4 2023File under: pics, food

Toggle Comments (3)comment?
on Sun 16th Jul, 2023 04:39 pm CDT Ryan Walters said:

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on Sun 29th Oct, 2023 03:45 am CDT Horge said:
Come to Spain again, and we can hook you up, at the least for some chicken/turkey ones in Arroz a la cubana
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on Thu 14th Dec, 2023 01:34 pm CST Heidi said:
Wow I didn't know I made the blog!!!!!!!
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Recent Comments:
*Mom on Mother Wrenger in the Nutcracker
*Horge on Malta Bene!
*Millionaire Quiz Game on I Wanted To Be a Millionaire
*Deanna on Malta Bene!
*Mom on 2023 Performance Review

Recent Content:
*Mother Wrenger in the Nutcracker
*Malta Bene!
*2023 Performance Review
*Twas the Night 2023
*Recycled Plastic Christmas Ornaments
*Halloween Act 2023 - Dueling Banjos
*Walk Like MADD 2023
*New Stilting Costume
*Sleeping Around 2022-2023
*Project Hotdog Halfway Complete
*Giant Juggling Club

Websites du Friends:
* Wren the Juggler
My I-guess-I'm-a-Professional-Juggler juggling website
* Wren and Della
Della and my juggling website
* The Real Food Show
A circus-inspired elementary assembly show to teach kids about healthy eating
* Della Moustachella
Della's performance website
* The Fun Bags
Della and Sadye's Performance Troupe


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