The Circus

I went to the circus this weekend. Nothing huge but it was a nice show, full of very talented animals, strong people who could bend in ways I can only imagine and adventure-seeking thrill riders who did tricks on motorcycles. I’m purposefully being vague here because my intention is not so much to describe the acts but more so my thoughts as I watched these uniquely talented “actors do incredible things.

So much work goes into a circus. That was my main thought as I watched it being set up about a week before it opened. On top of that, the feats the attempt and complete are so risky and so unique that I couldn’t help but wonder how much time they dedicate to learning them. On top of that, I imagined they had to be very passionate about the lifestyle they lead because I don’t remember ever meeting a circus acrobat who did what they did for millions of dollars.

I began to put it all together: hard work, dedication, risks, passion time and not much money… wow that sounds like your average writer! Why do we do it? Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to ask one of the performers why they did what they did for a living and whether they enjoyed it. I guess I figured they must because with so many traits similar to writing, it absolutely has to be some sort of passion. Many people I know think I’m a glutton for punishment just because I do want to spend so much time writing and giving myself headaches about the rejection, editing, publishing, etc. It’s not punishment if you love it and unfortunately, not many people out there have found this sort of passion.

So there you have it, send me to the circus and I come back with deep, philosophical sort of thoughts. Imagine if I had gone somewhere serious!  Happy Writing to you all this week.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life