Saturday was a fun day. I was trying out a new volunteer position. We visit the children in local hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. This event we were allowed to wear costumes, and I went as a bear. My stage name is "Daisy." (Of course there's always someone who has seen the old movie, "2001 A Space Odyssey." You might remember the computer used to sing the song, "Daisy." If not, never mind.)
As it turned out, there was another bear, a rabbit, and three Raggedy Anns, who had to quickly, make up different names to keep up with them. (Please don't ask - I'm sure next time things will be better, if there's a next time. Those Anns really can be raggedy.) It's hard enough being introduced and hear one name but then go into costume and you're another name. I suspect my new name is... "Dixie, Daisy, Dammit," bear.
The time with the children worked out well. They were so much fun. At times it's nice to have a big, fake bear head on. It hides a lot of emotion. Then again it worked against me in the late afternoon. One of the facilities we visited had a wing for elderly. They wanted us to stop by, if we had time. Me, the other bear, and the rabbit were game. (No pun intended.)
We arrived just as they were pushing tables and chairs out of the way. They planned a little dance. Yep, coupled up, and the guy handling the music had a list of requests. The bear, the rabbit, and I walked through the double swinging doors... and basically, there's little I remember after that. Oh I do remember one thing. I kept saying, "I'm not dancing ... I have a pulled muscle... I'm not dancing." If I said it once I said it a bunch of times. Then finally, "I'm not a dancing bear!" Now I could hear all of this very clearly in my head... and my bear head too. I was talking, and I was talking out loud.
In fact I got very loud. "I'M NOT A DANCING BEAR!" Did they stop? No. Why? I discovered the answer later. When you're standing on the outside of a bear with a big, fake head, what you hear is this:
Rah-rot, rah aro-aw rearh. You understand that... right? Yeah.
Good job Dixie....
ReplyDeleteIt takes a special person to do this sort of stuff....
Enjoy your evening...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Yeah, Linda. It took a special person to mumble her way through (smile).
DeleteI'm thinking to do like the rabbit did. Get one of those tie-on hoods, without the mask covering the face.
Thank you (smile)
I hear that people in mascots costumes (like at sporting events etc.) take a lot of verbal, emotional and physical abuse from people. I hope you don't ever encounter that in your teddy bear suit.
ReplyDeleteOh Debra...I suppose it could have been tragic. I look back now, and I can laugh, but when you have six people surrounding you, and none of them can hear you... I'm like ... check please! (Oops, free gig.)
DeleteMaybe a Rageddy Ann could be transitioning to Raggedy Andy. It seems to be all the rage--transitioning, that is.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie - I can only hope. Three red wigs...LOL. I'm scarred for life. I really think they should go on the road... and not come back. (I guess that sounds terrible, but I know the rabbit would agree (smile).
DeleteWhat a wonderful person you are to do that, You must be one of those special people in life. Pleased you enjoyed the day.
ReplyDeleteHi Yvonne. You are way too kind... Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI like doing volunteer work. Recently found a group that provides volunteers for approximately 20 programs in my city. There are some choices that don't include costumes (smile).
That's a wonderful thing to do. I can imagine though that it can be very emotional.
ReplyDeleteMike, it can break your heart...not just the children, but parents, staff...
DeleteDoes it smell funny inside the bear? :) And why don't you tie a pillow around your belly under it to give the bear a tummy :) Lovely cause, by the way
ReplyDeleteLOL - not my bear head! (I think I told you I did repairs on vintage clothing at a costume shop? Someone brought the suit and gloves for repair but never picked it up. I paid the tad and bought the suit. Ordered a new head which matches pretty well.) The inside is easily cleaned using 50/50 ration of water and vinegar. The outside and gloves are machine washable.
DeleteYes, a friend asked me the same thing about the pillow. I may try that. It's already *fun* moving around in it. Of course there was that time I tried to drive in it.... maybe another post... maybe. If I can find the photos(smile).
haha maybe cut a hole in the mouth next time, then they can hear your no way hosa chime. Awesome thing to do, for the bears, the anns and the bunny too.
ReplyDeleteThe eyes and mouth have holes already. maybe the children hear better - I'm not sure. Maybe older folks just want to say they danced when a bear...
Deletein their lair...?
Thanks, Pat, it was fun.
What an awesome thing to do. I bet that would have been a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteSo is that really a picture of you, or did you just grab that picture to illustrate? Because now whenever I see you comment on something I'm just going to picture a bear behind the computer. Occasionally reaching into an oversized, cartoony pot of honey ala Winnie the Pooh.
We're hoping parents took photos. We're weren't allowed to take cameras or cell phones. Omg - that photo was taken in 1994(?) at the costume shop. I've used it so many times. At one time, a friend and I considered doing birthday parties, but she got threatened by the purple dino people. (Another tale!) You cannot call yourself, mmm, "Fred Flintstone" for example, and not actually be him. Anyway, we bombed...
DeleteI used to use a real photo of me on my blog, but was stalked and hacked. Killed 867 posts!!! Never recovered them. I'm rambling now (smile).
LOL! I can imagine trying and failing to get words across in that situation, too. That's wonderful that you volunteer like that!!! Go, Bear!
ReplyDeleteLOL - It was a scream - really! I'm thinking I need a desk job! (smile)
DeleteGo *Bare*!
At this point I would have love to see a jukebox-smashing bear ;)
ReplyDeleteOh no, Michael, that bad? What a BOTB day, huh? ;0
DeleteOh the joys of entertaining as a fluffy character. lol. Well, at least you brought some cheer to people who needed it.
ReplyDeleteDonna, I forgot how much *fun* this could be. I wish I could have danced with them more. These people wore me out. lol.
DeleteVolunteering is a great experience. I've always wanted to volunteer at a hospital. Major props for you!
ReplyDeleteDaisy is adorable!
Chrys - it's really something. Humbling. You meet some of kindest people. There's a retirement home near me that needs Wednesday afternoon readers. The clients pick a book, and the reader comes in once a week, and reads to them.
DeleteDaisy says, "Thank you Miss Chyrs."
I think it's good to try out a new position from time to time. Especially when you volunteer for it! Well done you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bazza. I hope your week goes well.
Delete