Bridgton, Maine has been a great little town to live in for the past 35 years.  With a population of 5000 or so, it has small time charm, but in the heart of western Maine's lakes region, near a local ski area, and with an active chamber of commerce, there's always a lot going on.  So it is only natural that the kick off to the holiday season would be a big deal around here.  On the frst Saturday of December, Bridgton once again lived up to its reputation as a wonderful home town, and I was blessed to be part of it by doing a juggling show at the community center.

This year was a double blessing, because I had an ear infection since Thanksgiving morning.  It was violently painful at first, and still uncomfortable and rather disgusting by the time the Festivla of Lights show came along.  I hadn't practiced for a week and a half (likely the longest I've ever gone since I learned to juggle in 1976.)  But I was able to get to the venue early enough to warm up a bit, and by show time, I was feeling pretty confident.

The Community Center's 'big room' filled up with families, including one family I remember from last year.  The dad was exactly the guy you want in the audience for a performance.  Not only did he laugh and applaud graciously, but he engaged his kids by pointing out the difficulty of the juggling and the mystery of my magic.

In the end, the ear infection and lack of practice didn't affect things negitively, as I was able to do a Christmas themed show as planned.  My cigar box routine (which I do in almost every show all year long) gor a big response when I flipped them around and they spelled out Jesus ( a cross) loves (a heart) U.  The Christmas season is a time when - even at community events - people are open to gentle Gospel reminders like this.