Cirque du Sol-Play

When I was a kid, I thought that it would be fun to be a trapeze artist.  I think it was because of the spangly costumes.  Of course, I also thought that it would be fun to go hang gliding, and the attire for that doesn't get much more avant garde than REI.  So I guess what I really wanted was to take to the skies like the freest of birds.  (I do really, really like parrots.)  But then Hart (Leonard Staab) from my favorite soap, "The Guiding Light," had a hang gliding accident and became paralyzed.  And I thought that I would be better off sticking to more earthly pursuits.

These days, I quench my thirst for big top thrills with fanciful felt accessories (and yes, the most outlandish clothes that Kohl's has to offer), namely this here Fabulous Felt Autumn Clown Barrette, which I'm wearing above as a brooch. 

You may remember it from my ground-breaking and critically acclaimed post Send in the Gowns: Three Ring Sumo Circus.  It's funny to think of a clown as being cute instead of creepy.  I'm looking at you, It.  And also Jack Handey, who said, "To me, clowns aren't funny.  In fact, they're kinda scary.  I've wondered where this started, and I think it goes back to the time I went to the circus and a clown killed my dad."  Even the clown in this sign for a local party supply store looks like he might go on a rampage. 

Thankfully, not everyone is fearful of Bozo.  I'm happy to report that I sold the Fabulous Felt Spring Clown Barrette to a loyal customer in California.  It gives me a sense of satisfaction -- and amusement! -- to know that there's someone else out there rocking it ringmaster style.

It's also nice to know that I can do my own stunts -- no trapeze required.