One of the nice things about teaching in a Christian school is there are several opportunities to perform Supreme Court Jester's routines, usually in chapel. On Monday I had double the blessing by doing services for both the elementary grades (K-4) and the middle grades (5-8). I did basically the same set for both, including a revamped series of illusions about the Exodus and a revamped version of Jesus' healing of the blind man. I love it when an old routine that never took off can be rewritten and work. This felt nice.

What DIDN'T feel nice was something that happened prior to the elementary service. While waiting for one more class to arrive, I was tossing balls into the audience and the kids would toss them back. One little girl threw a ball back and it hit me square in the chest. This wasn't the painful part; I pretended the ball it me so hard that I stumbled backwards, forgetting there was a small stage behind me. I tripped on it-moving backwards - and fell. My lower back hit right on the edge of the stage, and man did it hurt. I was able to get on my feet, and do the shows. Surprisingly, I did fine with my juggling. But I did have a large, swollen bruise on my back. It has since started feeling better (not perfect) and Sue has reminded me several times that I am 57 years old now.

But the prat fall sure made the kids laugh. The clown in me knows that made it worth it!