Blog 34–Staying south (but still cold)
Hope you had a fantastic Christmas and wonderful New Year. I spent each by myself in the wilderness and ate tacos.Getting very cold and quite lonely for me.I am not able to get my photos going right, but I do want to get this to you today, so here you go.Will you write me?December 18–Quite cold last night in Huntsville, Alabama, even with my warm sleepy bag. I had come here to meet up with Brinley Schmuck, who I know through juggling and Facebook. For Saturday she is getting some jugglers together to meet up.I’m seeing that, in the future, I will have to drive back down south for the warmth and even, perhaps, get a small heater for the van.Getting around 3 to 4 hours of sleep each night, yet, still functioning fine and not tired during the day.Dec 19–A hard night. The temp got down to 30–burr. I had purchased an extra blanket, but still was freezing. I was parked in a park on the outskirts of Huntsville, Alabama.At about midnight I was awoken by a cop lady. She was nicer than most, checked my id and said people are not allowed to sleep where I was, but she would let me. The problem is, I could not get back to sleep. So, pretty much up all night.The following day I met up with BrinleyHow nice to talk with this beautiful lady.Next, on to Atlanta.I know Bruce Plott from many years at US juggling conventions (ija). We connected and I am staying in his driveway for a couple days. But, Bruce does have two felines, and I am allergic to cats, so it is hard to stay around in the house. Bruce actually lives on the shores of a small lake, a very nice area.And, last night my old friend Dan Berg came over. Take a look:We go way back to the 70’s. Back then we both performed as jugglers, here is Dan in action with his old partner Bruce Pfeffer:Dan studied computers in the 70’s and started a company with software for the agriculture industry. He went on to sell the company and did quite well. But, he is still there, as “Development Manager”. The company name is “Cultura”, the website is:“AGRIS” is the leading accounting system in the country for Agribusiness companies (Dan designed it, developed a vast majority of it, and have been managing the developers for the past 35 years)Their customers are all the companies that work with the farmers – selling them seed, fertilizer, chemicals, and anything they need to grow their crops; and then they buying the raw crops from the farmers at harvest time (corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, cotton, etc.)Dan helped me financially with a repair for the van, so good of him, a great friend.Dec 20–As you know past writing, my check engine light has been on, letting me know I have a spark plug problem. Dan said I should have it checked out, so I went to four different places today, I got varying quotes from $360 to $648.After leaving my van there this morning, I felt very strange. This van has been my home, transportation and part of me for months. It was a weird feeling of loss somehow.Dec 21–Had a long video call with my daughter, April, and how wonderful it was. As I wrote, she is in Peru staying with a host family and working with kids (she is amazing at dealing with the youth.) Sounds like the only thing that is not pleasant right now is the language, still sounds like gibberish to her. Her brain is superb, she will catch on to Spanish soon.Here is April: http://aprilsadventures.my-free. website/ Some years ago I taught April that “experiences” were far more important than “things”. Memories generated, lessons learned, makes a great life.Dec 22–Stayed a few nights at the home of Andy Ford, who I have also known since the 70’s through juggling and the national juggling convention. He has cats (yikes, not again!), but has a separate apartment he had built for his mother-in-law which I am staying in. Thanks, Andy.The last few days rain has been coming down, much. Andy has a house and land out in the country. As I was pulling out to get back on the road, my van got stuck in the mud. Andy had a truck and chain and pulled me out, a great thing, saved the day.This vehicle I have is amazing, getting through so many things so well and running excellent.BACK I HOP INTO FLORIDAFor Christmas eve I had wanted to find a church to attend, just because, but could not. Also, for Christmas day I had wanted to volunteer to help people, like a food kitchen or something, but, once again could not find.So, as I wrote that I might, it was tacos while camping in the wilderness by myself for Christmas dinner.As you might know, I have no belief in any God. The Christmas celebration is mainly for kids, me when I was young, then my daughters when they were. It is a great time of year, even without worshiping a god.A free campsite–oh boy!Dec 25-27–I looked on the internet and found Grassy Point Campground, had to go. Getting there was quite hard with the limited directions, but I stuck with it, and so glad I did. In fact, liked it so much I stayed two nights. Take a look:To get there, at first, quite difficult to find, but search I did, and so glad. I did stop at an autoparts store at one point to ask directions, which helped. I had to go back about seven miles.This guy I had asked directions of, I do have to tell you about him. I normally will not write about people such, but I have to this time. In my mind I call him “The slimy guy”. It must have been a month since he showered, the smell was extreme. His skin was just kind of glossy and sweaty. And, it looked like it had been weeks since his teeth were brushed. I write about this to remind you to always present yourself in a good way.After a four mile drive in on a red-dirt road. there were about ten sites, and only two were taken. I settled into a nice site right on the beach. The word amazing comes to mind. Beautiful here. There were picnic tables on each site, as well as fire rings. There was a port-a-potty, things were clean and nice.I saw some people who came and went up to a tree. They pulled some of the many mushrooms off to take with them, I had to ask. They told me to taste wonderful; I had to try. I fried up some and they were correct. So fresh and good, delightful.People came in with boats, which they launched to go fishing. Most caught plenty of fishies.The word, “fish”, is a strange word, once again, the wierd English language. It is the name of the animal, but also what we do when we catch it. We are actually hunting fish, I think. When people to kill deer, they are not deering. Such a strange language.GPS is amazing, I am depending on it so much. But, in coming out of Grassy Point it had wanted me to take some dirt roads that looked very scary, especially after the recent storms. I wrote before about a six mile dirt road it sent me on and that was a scary mess. So, I stayed on the main road and did make it out.Dec 29-31–Stayed with Joshua Guidroz through couchsurfing.com. What a lovely place he has, right on a small lake, as with a small boat ramp, too. We got along splendidly, a new friend is found. And, he learned to juggle so quickly, I was surprised.Dec 30–Well, today it happened. Driving on a rain soaked road with rain falling and the road curving back and forth, I didn’t take a turn right and hit someone. We are both fine, for my van, just kind of a fender bender, but her door got quite knocked in. Embracing and very upsetting for me.My bumper was rubbing against my tire when I turned to the left, something had to be done. I purchased, at Home Depot, a thing that winches and pulls things. Josh and I went to a park, I tied one end to a big tree, and was able to pull my bumper out so it will not rub. I do have to get a new headlight, though.Hoping my insurance rate does not go up much. This has really affected my mind and has me questioning about everything.The person I hit was so very kind. She saw that I was very upset while the cops were there and came over and gave me a big hug.January 1, 2016–Next, off toward New Orleans.
I am lonely, please write.January 2, 201610Blog 33–Sweet Home Alabama
After a week at Dave’s, I got itchy to get back on the road–new destinations and new people. Yet, I feel strange, not knowing where I am going and/or where I’ll end up. Kind of exciting, but kind of brings on a feeling of loneliness also. Christmas coming up, where and what will I do?
From Dave’s, it was back to Acala National forest; I like it there. And, back to Alexander Springs Campground. There is a natural thermal pool that is amazingly clean. And, hardly anyone there. So, two nights at the Springs. I had books to read and things to do.I looked west and saw the town of Swanee, had to go.Come on, sing with me:Way down upon the Swanee River, Far, far away
That’s where my heart is yearning ever, That’s where the old folks stay
All up and down the whole creation, Sadly I roam
Still longing for the old plantation, And for the old folks at homeChorus
All the world is sad and dreary, Everywhere I roam
Oh, brothers, how my heart grows weary, Far from the old folks at homeAll ’round the little farm I wandered, When I was young
There many happy days I squandered, Many the songs I sung
When I was playing with my brothers, Happy was I
Oh, take me to my kind old mother, There let me live and dieOne little hut among the bushes, One that I love
Still sadly to my memory rushes, No matter where I roam
When will I see the bees a-hummin’, All ’round the comb
When will I hear the banjo strummin’, Down in my good old homeCome on, did you sing?
Enjoy this:
Spent the night at a park, all alone, not even any cars around. A great night of rest and thinking.
Why looky there, to the west is Apalachicola National Park, here I go. Two nights here were very relaxing.
Now toward Alabama I roam. So strange not to have any kind of schedule for time or place, just going. Quite lonely, not sure if I like it. But, good to know you are reading my words (and, are y you?)
Dec 14–Spent the night last night at Conecuh National Park, Open Pond Campground, just north of the town of Wing. Gathered much firewood, I get enough for the night fire and then the morning fire. Last night was splendid, backed up to the lake with no one around, beautiful. Over night the rain started, so no morning fire.
A song comes to mind–again–sing with me:“Sing around the campfire,join the campfire girls . . .”You know the rest.
Just heard from my daughter, April, who just went from Scotland to London to Peru. Did you see: http://aprilsadventures.my-free.website/
From one National Park Campground to another, I am loving it. Continuing in Alabama, from south to north. Next was Payne Lake Campground in Talladega Forest.
To get there the GPS lady too me on a six mile dirt road that was quite scary. The bad before it had rained, so there was mud to go through, and rocks. I had to speed up to make it up some hills. By arrival my check engine light was on and the van was dirty with mud.
Found out from Autozone that the check engine light came on because it said I need new spark plugs, and, I had been scared.
Stayed at a lake in Bankhead National Forest last night. There were two other guys staying there, separately. Strange, I have never thought of going camping by my lonesome like they are doing. I am in route, they specifically went to camp.
Dec 17–Yes, I am out doing stuff, but, often, I feel that I am wasting my life away. I want to help more people and more forward, faster.
Have no idea what I will be doing on Dec 25, perhaps tacos in the wilderness by myself again?January 2, 2016Blog 32–The wilderness is much better than the city
Sorry I have not kept up on this, I’ve been traveling and in the wilderness away from wifi. Enjoy this read and please let me hear from you.Nov 19–Still staying in my van in the driveway of Bounce and Karen, a wonderful time. Right from the tree in the backyard, I drank a coconut and then eat some of the coconut meat from the inside. Normally I don’t like coconut, but this was so fresh and tasted so different and good.I helped Bounce to plant a vegetable garden today. Whenever I can, I try and give more than I might receive.
Here is Bounce and Karen:I found out that the coldest it has ever been here in Key West is 41 degrees, today it is a warm 80, while back where I have been living for the last 28 years is 45 degrees.I think I like this better.That’s the thing, so many people hate where they live and the life they live. We all have the control of moving to a location that suits us better or we can change most anything in our life.I’ve had to change in my life many times, I am enjoying the changes. This change into living in a van and traveling the country has been fantastic for me. The cost is minimal, meeting new people and seeing so many new things is fantastic.If you need to, make changes in your life. Change your life for the better, remember, time goes on and on and does not stop.Change is a hard thing,though, most can’t deal with change.Bounce has a couple people who rent rooms from him who work in the tourist area of the city. Thank you, Stan, for getting me into The Hemingway house.
First, it was off on my bike to where Ernest Hemingway resided. Immediately I noticed all the felines everywhere. Ernest liked cats and had many of them. These are a special breed, most have more than ten toes; funny wide feet. All the cats at the house are descendants of the original cats.Ernest never attended college and never had formal training in writing. I am hoping I am aiming down this same path of writing skill, but, perhaps not the path he took at the end of his life. How am I doing with my words so far?All of the grounds have nice gardens throughout, not looking at all like when Ernest lived here, I was told the ground was pretty much clear. He actually only lived in this residence for nine years, 1931-1940, where he penned most of his famous books.Along with tourists coming through, the grounds are often used as a marriage location. I was looking around the area for someone I could marry, couldn’t find a female who wanted to, oh well.So, this touring of the house and weddings go on all day
every day, bringing in much money for ??
Hemingway died in 1961 at the age of 61 after he sent a bullet into his head.Many of his literary friends were dying–one at a time–so death all around.He also wasn’t physically well which was mainly caused by his many years of heavy drinking and previous injuries; he suffered from headaches, high blood pressure, weight problems, and ultimately diabetes–not a good thing.All of the above manifested into an inability to write at times, consequently, this made him unable to complete several works for many years.
His father had committed suicide, which devastated Ernest, who once said, “I’ll probably go the same way.” Also, his sister Ursula, and his brother Leicester, suicide. So, it was all around him.
Such as easy way out of this misery of life, but, then again, I think of all the beauty and pleasure that can be found in life, if you look. I guess it is a matter of always seeing the beauty and seeking pleasure? Or, is the other way a better route?Not caring if I live or die at this point in life, just breezing through life not knowing where I am going . . .
In the summer of 1961 Ernest bought a house in Ketchum, Idaho, where he was found dead on July the 2nd in this house by a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head.
So good to learn of this man and the life he lead.Also living with Bounce is Gary, who works is the tour bus industry. So, off I went to learn of Key West of http://www.trolleytours.com/key-west/. The place where Gary works has three different tourist things, which you will learn of now.
First was www.keywestshipwreck.com. Thank you, Gary, for getting me in here, too. I learned much about shipwrecks and how they happened around Key West in the old days. Whoever found a wreck would receive half the take of what was found. This made a number of people quite rich.There are actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef. – See more at:http://www.keywestshipwreck.com/key-west-museums#sthash. 1PabloFe.dpuf
Part of this same shipwreck museum is a bus tour of the city, so, now I was a real tourist. Educated on Key West now, take a look:Finally, part of the same establishment is keywestaquarium.com. Since 1935 this small aquarium has been entertaining guests. I actually touched a manta ray. Here they are:Being in the same area where I was all day, in the evening I had to return to Sunset Celebration to watch performers, including a couple jugglers.Saturday, Bounce and Karen, being Jewish, were off to synagog. I decided to join them here:The following day I rode about three miles to get here:I heard there was a group of jugglers who get together on Sunday, but, saw no objects flying around. Nice park, though.
I didn’t get sick–can you believe it?! Today Bounce and I took his boat out and we went fishing. Often, in the past, my stomach (brain) did not like the up and down of boating and, well, you know. We did catch a number of fishys.
What a nice visit with Bounce and Karen, thank you so much for having me.Nov 25–After leaving Key West I drove north (well, driving south I would be in the water) and drove back toward the Everglades. You see, as I wrote before, I like wilderness much more than any city. I have been to hundreds of cities all around the world and most all are about the same.I saw three more agalators, no, crocogaters, no, aladiles, well, you know. They were just laying in some reeds, how boring. I was about to go and get them active, but decided against it after remembering their teeth.
This was on Thanksgiving, Nov 25. 26 and 27 and I stayed at Mitchell Landing Campground. Being the only one at the campground was kind of pleasant. In fact, for a time I decided to totally disrobe–in this attire I juggled for awhile, read for awhile, collected firewood for awhile. Being so used to wearing clothes, I eventually put them back on.
Nov 27–I went to the Miami area to meet with Jacob Weiss, of playingbyair.com. We had a great lunch together and connected well, I believe we will be able to work together on some projects later. They present very unique material:Also, I had to connect to the internet, it had been a few days. After a few hours back in the busy city I couldn’t take it anymore and had to drive back to the wild. Much more comfortable for me there. So, I drove to get gas at Costco and, right away, drove twenty miles back to the glades. Stayed the night, then back to civilization.Nov 28–At a McDonald’s now writing to you. A number of things happened in the last few days. I must say, I have been having a fabulous time.- Took a full shower outside in the wilderness — using http://www.
summershower.com/ Had this for awhile, first time using it. This was excellent, I got as clean as I ever have in any shower. I put the water holder/heater on top of the van. And, being in the wilderness I was able to be totally naked, you should have seen it! (or, maybe not.) - While out collecting dead wood for the fire I saw a dead animal, just the bones, a big rib cage, but couldn’t tell what it was.
- Went to one campsite and the cost was $12, low, but I am living minimally right now. Normally, the fee for a National Forest Campground is $5 to $10 (I pay half of the with my pass), so to stay at a nice campground is minimal. And, being in the van I can pretty much park and sleep anywhere for free when I am not at a campsite.
- I’ve been seeing a number of alligators. But, they just lay there like they are dead (but, some were swimming.) So, quite boring to watch. Even when I dragged them by the tail, the ten foot ones, too (see me smiling right now?)
- Driving north on Route 29 I saw that they mow both sides of the road, 12 feet wide on both sides, and keep it short. This goes on for miles and miles. This takes so much time to cut and maintain, I cannot believe the waste. Must be something else that can be planted with no maintenance.
- So dark and quiet out in the wilderness–how nice.
- There were mosquitoes around, but not as bad as before. Did you know that the itch a mosquito produces is from a liquid they produce to make their needle go in the skin easier?
- Spent from noon until 2pm gathering firewood, then the rains started, much came down. Fortunately things dried out by the evening; nice fire, big fire.
- The moon was reflecting quite a bit of light tonight (we often forget that the moon produces no light itself.)
- After I passed the smallest Post Office I have ever seen (the building was, perhaps, 7’x7′ by 7 feel tall. I could not believe it.
Still on my way north, heading back to Dave’s. It ends up that he signed up to attend a conference in Miami at the last minute. So, I now have four days to twiddle my thumbs. So, I have five days to spend–where to go, what to do? The Ocala National Forest was calling, and I was listening. To the north I roam . . .
Parked last night in a quiet and dark place off the main road, thinking I was on a small road. Awoken at 1am by a cop, he said I had to move on. I simply said, “What harm am I causing in sleeping here?” He really had no answer. It was next to a closed and run down business. I asked him more rather intellectual questions, including using the words, ridiculous, harassment, stupid, he had no answer. I hate when people do not truly “think” and just do what they “think” is the right thing. The last words I said were, “Boy, you must feel like a fucking fool”, before I drove away. I know that I am protected by the first amendment:Amendment 1 Annotations fn2 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.– See more at: http://constitution.findlaw.
com/amendments.html#sthash. zXfBaxTl.dpuf
Yesterday I had to go to Walmart for some things, I also had to stop by Costco for some food items. The difference in clientele was/is amazing. At Walmart, many are overweight and seem less intelligent. Most at Costco are in good shape and seem to use their mind well. I just found this interesting, compare and see what you discover (then let me know.)From the palm trees to the pine trees, a nice change.Off to Ocala, didn’t know what to expect, glad I went. Alexander Springs was my first stop to stay for the night, so nice it was. In fact, I was the only person staying there, how relaxing. There is a lake/springs there with the clearest and nicest water I have seen. So, off come all the clothes and into this nice and warm water. I’m kind of skinny, and I was dipping, after all. I’m like a nudist colony all by myself.I should have stayed, but wanted to check out another campsite further north, Salt Springs. Such a difference in these two locations. Alexander Springs was $11 a night, Salt was $19. I should have, right away, packed up and returned to Alexander. I had collected much fire wood and just decided to give it a go. Alexander was empty, Salt had 15 big motor homes that I counted near me. Yet, I saw no people. These people probably pay a weekly fee to stay, then they stay in the vehicles the whole time–something they could have simply stayed at their home and done the same thing.At Salt I could have done my normal routine of nakeditiy, and probably, no one would have even looked or noticed.
I am loving living in the van. Simplicity is such a better life.Must say, I am content.January 2, 2016- Took a full shower outside in the wilderness — using http://www.
Blog 31–Live life BEFORE you die
I have to admit, I have not been quite sad since Tina left me, but I am finding my way back to living life. I thought of the title of this post as I was wallowing in grief, not making forward movement. I decided that it was up to me, I had to be the one to make my life good once again.Thank you so much Tom S, John S and Jeff C for sending money to help as I go through this hard time. I had asked for possible financial help in my last blog post, one percent helped, I did not expect even that, thanks.This morning my computer shut off for no reason, then it asked for a password, which I furnished, and was told it was wrong. I restarted the computer and was able to connect once again.Makes me worry about future life. If the computer were to break down, if my van were to expire, if I got sick, I would be out of everything. A hard thing to think about. Being out here all alone traveling in the van with no close family or friends can make it kind of scary.Right now I am asking myself, “Where is my life going?” Kind of scary not to see a future. I am glad you are there reading, and on this journey with me.But, please, I do want to make it a one sided dialog, I’d love to hear from you. Please do, it is awfully lonely out here on the road.11-11-2015–After leaving my nice stay with Dave Finnigan, to the south I drove. First to Clearwater Beach, in that Dave said there were street performers. I saw a good acrobatic act, she said the juggler was not working that night. I ended up parking with a beach view for sleepytime that night.Dave suggested I stop by The Ringling Museum, which I did; very nice. At the entrance I let her know that I was juggling instructor at the 1979 session of Clown College, she listed me as a teacher and got me in for only $10 instead of the normal $25. Take a look:Museums usually do not do much for me, these things can be seen in books or on video. Yet, I was fascinated by some of the old circus paraphernalia. There are actually three museums here: The Museum of Art (opened in 1931), The Circus Museum (opened in 1948) and CA’D”ZAN, The House of John and Mable Ringling (their winter residence.)John Ringling started out by buying up various circuses and then merging those into a bigger and bigger show. He went on to make millions with his circus. But, it ends up that when he died he only had $300 in the bank, he got into some bad deals and investments.I remembered the name Dieter Tasso from my early days of juggling. In fact, he had seen my act at Ballys in 1981 and, after, sent a note backstage simply saying, “Great job juggler. Dieter Tasso.” This little note meant much to me. Great comedy by Dieter, take a look:Nov 13-14–Next it was off toward the south, passing two national parks on the way. Big Cypress State Park was fascinating to the extreme. Being mainly a swamp, you cannot get to much of the park to see it.Seeing the Big Cypress trees growing in the swamp was phenomenal, to say the least. Much growth all around, but also swampland, both sides of the road, as far as you could see.I did see three agalators (I mean three crocagaters, no, I mean aladiles). And, numerous birds such as The White Ibis, a Wood Stork, some Great Blue Herons, a Greater Flamingo, along with others. It was fabulous.I saw that you could get a tram right out 18 miles into the glade, yet, at $31, I did not. I did, however, right my bike the 35 mile round trip, felt good, but not much to see, mainly just swamp on each side of the road.Off the main road, route 41, I drove 20 miles to get to Bear Island Campground on a dirt road. Well worth the long drive, this is the nicest campground I have ever been at.Well away from all stores, with no cell phone or computer connection, I liked the isolation. There were a few other campers back there, but I pretty much had the place to myself.Nov 15-16–Well, look that, right next door is The Everglades National Park, but, was not much to see. I drove through the top part of it, then down to a 40 mile drive to get to Flamingo, FL. Did not see many animals, either.What I did see were mosquitoes, more than I have ever experienced before. Tried to walk a trail next to a canal, they were right on me. I ran, some followed and more were ahead. In camping, I slipped into the van so none would enter, some did, kept me up much of the night.Normally I try not to kill bugs, but these mosquitoes were asking for it. Squishing bugs and seeing my red blood was a little much.Rain came down heavily.On November 16,Tina’s daughter, Erin, had to have heart surgery to repair a valve. Things went smooth and I was connected to Tina much last night to make sure. We will talk again today. Tina and I still love each other much,Nov 17–Now on my way out to Key West, hitting all the islands. Stopped by Key Largo Library and they bought each of my books, a nice feeling.It is mainly land that you drive on to get to Key West. I thought it would be an island, then a bridge, then an island . . . Many businesses selling to tourists.At another library at Big Pine Key, I saw roosters running around. The librarian said that someone from Key West left some chickens off here (they run around wild at Key West, too) and they are left on their own, laying eggs, making chicks and more and more big birds.Staying in the driveway of Bounce and Karen, who I first met in 1977, They build a beautiful house for themselves and live very comfortably. Performing now and then, they have some rental properties that keep them going.Nov 19–Today Bounce invited me to join him and some others as they went out checking crab traps and fishing on a boat. I thought, how wonderful, then thought again. In the past, seasickness has disseminated me, so, I decided against my time out to sea.When he returned he had two fish and many crab claws. I ask, where is the rest of the crab, he said that the claw is really the only edible part on these crabs, so he pulls them off and throws them back in. Bounce says these Stone Crabs will grow new claws and be back to normal–a good thing.It’s been a few days, so, time for a shower. Bounce has a shower in the back yard that has a gate that people can’t see through. It was so nice to take a shower, with no clothes on, in the out-of-doors (should have seen it–well–maybe not). To look up and see coconut trees while you shower is miraculous.Time to get these set of words off to you, hope you enjoyed the read. And, as I wrote previously, I don’t want this to be a one way posting of words. I miss you and would love to hear from you.Hope I do>>>>>>>>>>KitJanuary 2, 2016Blog 30–I need your help
Nov 2–I got an email from my friend Nikki in Australia, what a joy to receive this email. She said she was glad I was continuing the postings of my blog. So, my words are making a difference. Nikki owns JugglersRest.com. I stayed with her when I was down under, and what a wonderful person she is. I am so glad we became friends.I’ve not been writing on this because I am currently not traveling, being with Dave Finnigan near Orlando.As you see, the subject of this email is, “I need your help.” Right now I am at a mechanic in Orlando. After my van started drinking coolant, I found out I need a new water pump–$500–the amount will be paid for with credit card, which is up to about $3500.Once the credit cards are paid off they will never be used again.In the past, when I was successful at juggling, or successful at school shows, or successful at book sales, or successful at salsa, $500 or $3500 was nothing to me.Currently living on only about $1000 a month through Social Security Disability (that is how I have been able to travel and write to you), this is just enough to live on for me. But, things have gotten tight.This will only be asked one time of you, never again. I am hoping you would help by crowdfunding me through my Paypal account. If you don’t have Paypal, it is easy to set up an account. With a Paypal account you can just send to my email address.I feel weird asking for your help, but right now I don’t know how to climb out of this hole I am currently in. Any help you will give would be a treasure for me, thanks.Nov 6–My friend, Greg Joyner travels much, in the far east. Greg sent me these words recently:The truth is though….. once you get used to being alone, once you really are at peace with yourself. You will not miss anyone. Yes, you will still enjoy other’s company. But you won’t NEED anyone. This took me a long time to learn. But having done so has changed my life dramatically, for the better.Greg’s words comforted me.When I was traveling and in the US and Australia and New Zealand for five months, I was quite alone and enjoying myself tremendously. I have to remember that, traveling alone will be a delight.Currently staying with my old friend, Dave Finnigan, who is a juggler I first met in 1977. He has lived in the same home for many years right near a golf course (no, he doesn’t) in Celebration, Florida.Having taught thousands to juggle and written books on juggling, he has added much to the juggling community. Here is Dave:Living in Celebration, FL for many years, Dave and his family fit in well with this small community. Yesterday we took his little one year old dog, Lucky, out for a walk through town. In the small lake we saw an alligator, so, yes, they are around.Dave and his wife, Thelma, have raised a wonderful family. Only one son still home, and he has reason to be. Davey was born with Cerebral Palsy and has had a hard life. Not able to speak or move his body very well at all, he is confined to a bed. Yet, his mind works well and he is quite happy.What is amazing for me is Dave and his son developed a way to communicate using “click” sounds. You see, Davey is about to use his mouth to make the click sound with his tongue, and, they developed a system that let’s people know how to determine what letter he is using to spell words.Today I woke early, as usual, 3am. After getting out of the van, I was walking up to the house in the dark. I stepped wrong and fell so that my shine struck the edge of a brick wall, full force. The pain is in the extreme end and brought tears, and continues to be.Going through this and the pain makes me think about my life. With no family and friends (except you, I hope) to turn to, I am not sure what I would do if something bad were to happen–physical damage, van damage, mental damage (whoops, too late for that last one.)I am just seeing that life is such a solo venture. Often we have others to help us, but we are the one to make our life happen. Makes me see why people turn to a God to help in life.The temperature will be a balmy 91 degrees today, with a clear sky, couldn’t ask for better.Nov 7–As you see, I’ve not been adding to this post much. Right now I am at:Finding many highly intelligent people, and everyone is so helpful and friendly.As you see from the website, this is a conference for non-believers. I have looked at the issue of faith and belief, and nonbelief makes more sense to me.Nov 10–Heading toward Key West today. Please remember my words about needing your help, I hope you can.January 2, 2016
