Balloon Maestro

Sometimes it seems as though my career with balloons has been one trial balloon after another, always trying new things, and seeing how people respond.
The term 'trial balloon' arose at the fin de siecle(19th) in France (hence balloon d'essai), and was based on weather balloons.

In english, the phrase is often coupled with the the infinitive "To float."
ie...
To float a trial balloon- to see which way the wind is blowing- to gauge public response before investing more time and energy.

One of the most interesting aspects of my career has been the diversity of crowds that I've entertained- or tried to entertain!
When you are performing, you are often fixated on how you appear to others; occasionally I turn the lens the other way 'round and adopt the semi-detached observational style of a social scientist ... Sometimes how people react to me gives clues as to what kind of values they hold.

Yesterday i went to the funeral of a hero from my childhood. Harry Geris- 10 time Canadian National Heavyweight wrestling Champion, three time Olympian, and life force extraordinaire. I hadn't seen or talked to Harry for years, but the moment i heard he had died, memories came flooding back. He was the soul of wrestling in London, Ontario- coaching, organizing tournaments, chauffering wrestlers all over North America. And this was for love of the sport- not money- that's for sure. He gave more of his time and talent than seemed possible for one man.

So here i go,
Does this work?
Am i blogging yet?