I would love to be 22, a picking wizard, and cute as hell. Hell, I'd sell my soul to be any one of those things, and it has nothing to do with being a professional performer. Of course, in the invisable reality of cyber-communication, I could say that I am tall, blond and sinewy but who would believe me?
Alas, the realities of the business are static but there are silver clouds too. Dave Gillies, is a juggler. His troupe, The Give and Take Jugglers, have so many jobs that he has had to form auxiliery teams to cover days that are double booked. He never travels farther than a few hours for a show. I asked him, once, if he wishes he could have been a "star" like Penn Gilette or Michael Motion and he said, "I am a star. I have been recognized by strangers and people call me with jobs. Isn't that a star?" Well, I had to admit that he was dead on right and, since that day, I have taken delight in my own stardom. I truly love performing and I am grateful for my audiences and my profession, so grateful that I feel an obligation to help other, less experienced, performers with whatever tricks of the trade I have picked up. Most Mudcatters will never be pros. That's fine. Everyone should have a hobby (mine is bridge). But, for those who are struggling with career entering snags, we, old timers, should be available for guidence.

                      Mike