What I did for Summer Vacation...

(Photo by Steevithak, edited by me...original photo here)

This was actually taken at an Astral Cowboy performance at the Flesh & Bones art show last year.

What did you do with your summer?

Electro Circus at Zilker

Here are a couple of shots from last weekend's Electro Circus:

The hoop leaping is much more challenging than it looks...At least at this height!

Come give it a try. There will be another gathering this Sunday (August 16) from 3-10pm at Zilker Park in the Polo Picnic Area.

This weekend will be a shared skills weekend rather than workshops. Come and share your skills or learn some new ones and don't forget Daily Juice will be providing healthy refreshments.

Chris O'Riley-Swashbuckling Writer

I want to let you know about a new swashbuckler and writer in the blogoshpere. His name is Chris O'Riley. 

He's from the Yorba Linda area, but has come to call Austin his home.  Of course, his swordsmanship and his burgeoning bullwhip abilities make him a likely friend.  His approach to live and his desire to write have sealed the deal.  He is looking to live a blog-worthy life and to write about it.  

I recommend getting to know Chris & Cassidy.  Their enthusiasm for life leaves them glowing as they maneuver through our decapitated society.  

I met him and Cassidy Austin (Artist/Model/Librarian), his adventure partner and girlfriend, at the Heart House Benefit where Cassidy was modeling.  

Arlene and I were instantly drawn to their energy, geekiness and big smiles.  We have enjoyed meals, thoughtful conversation, laughter and adventure.  They are unusual people with extraordinary talents.  I hope there are more unusual people with extraordinary talents who recognize these spirits for who they are.  If you are just such a person, make certain to click on their links and get to know them.

Fire Travel

It's that time of year again, Burning Flipside. I wish you all much fun and adventure while we are away. We should be back on Tuesday.

Oh yeah...Don't forget about the bullwhips and fire!
Hope to see you all out there!

Bullwhips in Canada

During my visit in Canada, I had the opportunity to teach the little guys how to use a whip. I spun the whip around for about 30 seconds:



My li'l pardner, Fraser, had his version:



He was able to get the whip to crack a couple of times. Unfortunately, none of us were able to capture it on video.

Happy Birthday Leesa

It was a great night for a party...Leesa's birthday party.

Groovy tunes make a cowboy dance.

Birthday girl or circus performer?

An Astral Cowboy Hoedown!

Hot seats are just part of the fun.

Don't forget the whip.

(all photos: Arlene Waghalter)

SXSW - Art Outside

I promised more pictures from the Enchanted Forest and Art Outside and I have received a number of e-mails asking about the bullwhips.

The first shot is of me at the Enchanted Forest, waiting for tasty vegan treats from the lovely people at Davine Foods.

Artist Shelly Long with local red-headed forest sprites.

An example of some of Shelly's fine found art craftsmanship.


The large outdoor installations and water fountains are a big draw for Art Outside participants.


A forest patron visits the Elvis shrine on the edge of the Enchanted Stream.


A beautiful shrine hangs above the Enchanted Stream.


The Bridge to Enchantment leads seekers over the stream and deeper into the woods to more discoveries, art, artists, another stage and more Austin magic.

Self-Portrait Show - Austin Figurative Gallery

Friday night was the self-portrait show at the Austin Figurative Gallery.

Special thanks to Lanie McCormick for all of her hard work on this show.

I showed two of my works, the "Astral Cowboy":

And the "Magical Whip":

And I created a new self-portrait when I went outside because there were too many people inside:

I've not manipulated the last photo to suit my tastes yet, but I thought I would share it.

Ther Utterz.com Girls

Friday evening was a lot of fun. First, there was Amy's birthday, then the interviews in downtown Austin and the show at the Austin Figurative Gallery. I was stopped several times and asked for interviews. As I was in the middle of my whip workout each time, I didn't really give much of an interview to any of them.

The first was someone making a documentary about SXSW, the second said they wanted to interview me for a conservative blog (HA!) and the third was a very personable pair of interviewers from Utterz.com. I think it was the quickest of the interviews. You can click play below girls' picture or listen to it by clicking here and typing in the code 8891.

Fire Fun at Natalie's

I just got in from a bullwhip and fire dance performance for a Superbowl half-time show. I don't have pics from it yet, but will post some when I get them.

(photos by Helen )

I did, however, receive a few more shots from Natalie Eliot's annual birthday bash last December. Friends, readers and new acquaintances continue to send more pictures from her event. I hope to update you with more soon.

Bullwhip Tango - Anthony & Mary Delongis

I keep trying to get Arlene to take up whips so we can perform together. Here are Anthony and Mary De Longis performing Toowomba Tango, at their ranch:

Magical Bullwhip

I love bullwhips!
I love the way they move, their power, grace, predictability and unpredictability. This is a self-portrait taken on a bright August day.

This whip has been through a great deal, but I loved the way it was weighted so I used it for my daily whip practice. Recently, I added a wrapped cotton wick on the handle fashioned from a towel and bailing wire.

What's more fun than whips?

Fire and whips!