Just juggling Jackson--that's who I am. I've been that for maybe sixty years? Since I was a kid of about eleven years old or so. That's when I learned to juggle. I was under pressure. My younger sister had learned, and even my cousin who came to visit that summer. So I practiced until I could do it--juggle. I think my father gave everyone who learned to juggle $5. And now I was part of the family juggling act: The Juggling Jacksons...
"Juggler" is how some guys in high school used to address me. Maybe they didn't know my name, but they knew who I was. My family had been featured in news articles in area papers on various occasions and our juggling act was pretty common knowledge at school.
I liked it because it meant extra money for me whenever we played a gig. Sometimes I'd have to miss a day or two of school to go do shows, but usually it was something we did on weekends. My sister now says she didn't like doing the shows, but she had more of a social life than I did. The shows were not only nice income, but I enjoyed doing it.
My sister eventually left the act and went on with her own life. Not too long after that I was offered a job in a touring magic show. Part of my job was to do a brief specialty juggling act. I basically did most of my father's comedy act as "Juggling Jackson." No longer the family. Just Juggling Jackson.
It was a great life!
Did you have a particular identity in school related to your talent or something else? Was this a good influence for you? What was your favorite family activity when you were growing up?
Every now and then I pick up some tennis balls and try, just to be sure I can still juggle. Never got more than four going at a time though, so it's impressive you and your family were good enough to make money doing it.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I keep some juggling bean bags in my living room just to juggle in sporadic tosses. I don't think one ever forgets how, but dexterity can diminish. I never got more than four going either.
DeleteLee
You've had such an interesting life, Arlee, and it's always fun to read your memoirs. ☺ Congratulations on your continued success with the A to Z Challenge! I referenced it in my last post and included a link to your blog. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, thanks for the link. I seem to be always drawn back to memoir writing. I do like it.
DeleteLee
When I went to my 25th reunion, I made a speech. Later one of the popular guys came up to me and asked "What happened to the wallflower?" so I guess that was my identity in high school.
ReplyDeleteDonna: Click for my 2025 A-Z Blog
Donna, getting away from high school can make big changes in a lot of people I think. Seems like some of us get trapped in an identity and can change our image when we get away.
DeleteLee
What a fascinating life you've had, Lee! No wonder so many things interest you. So glad I ran across your blog all those years ago, I've enjoyed every one since then. Juggling Jackson has a nice ring to it ;-)
ReplyDeleteMy only identity in HS was to be so weird in the areas I wasn't self conscious about so they would leave along the things I was.
ReplyDeleteCW, that might have been my case as well. I was pretty weird--at least from the view of some.
DeleteLee
I am not so well coordinated as to be able to juggle but I admire people who can.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from A to Z https://anneyoungau.wordpress.com/
I taught myself to juggle, but only with 3 items. It's a nice trick to show off however I doubt I could do it now LOL
ReplyDeleteThis is Birgit. I always thought…and think it so cool that you were a juggler. My nickname in grade school, was Birdshit. The kids would say that’s all I’m worth. Writing this still makes me wary that it will be picked up and used and this is 50 yrs ago. I write this to break that fear.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, that was a pretty mean nickname. I guess if there's anyone who doesn't like you they might use it, but you can probably turn it all around with a sense of humor.
DeleteLee
I've always heard that juggling was a skill you could teach yourself, but never managed to do it. Good for you for mastering the skill...
ReplyDeleteJohn, most people tend to learn the wrong way which makes things harder. When you understand the pattern then persistence will get you to juggling. Even for a klutz like me.
DeleteLee