Sunday Stuff
3/8/26
On Sundays, we talk arts & leisure!
But first, some business:
Next Stop: Laredo, Texas
Venue: McMurtry Performance Arena
Thurs, March 12, 2026, 8:00 pm.
Fri, March 13, 2026, 8:00 pm.
(10-Gallon Hat Night! $2.00 off for cowboys and cowgirls under 10.)
Sat, March 14, 2026, 2:00 & 8:00 pm.
Sun, March 15, 2026, 2:00 pm.
Come see us live and in-person!
Paloma Faith, Circus of Your Mind
“I’m praying for silence,
Or an easy way out.
Tryin’ to make sense of
What is always in doubt.
I’m turnin’ the pages,
But nothin’ changes,
The voices in my head
Won’t listen to a word I’ve said … ”
Circus of Your Mind is from the musical Finding Neverland, which premiered on Broadway in 2015. It’s about J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan.
The production itself escaped my notice, but surely it’s wonderful.
I am, however, a fan of the vocalist Paloma Faith (who performs on the soundtrack album). That’s how I learned of this song.
It’s one that I turn to when I feel lost, when things don’t really make sense.
Yes, even ringmasters have bad days.
Circus of Your Mind captures the swirl of too many thoughts. The frustration with chaos and doubt.
It speaks to the struggle of mental health issues. An uncontrollable circus that you didn’t invite, running rampant. Broadcasting louder than you wish it did.
“The most colorful place that I can’t escape,
But someday I’ll find my way out.
The idol won’t open, the looking glass broken,
I’m shoutin’ out loud, but my voice isn’t makin’ a sound … ”
Between the lyrics and the vocals? I find the results to be pretty amazing. I probably should check out Finding Neverland.
However, I’m a bit scared. What if the story shines a different light on the song? In a way that lessens its impact forever more?
That’s a chance I can’t take.
For it evokes a lot in me. I don’t want to mess with it.
On a happier note: the real-life circus is not quite so tumultuous! The metaphors it conjures can be happy or sad or a dozen other emotions.
That’s the beauty of the circus in a nutshell.
“Listen, many things you will find,
In the circus of your mind … ”
Question: This weekend is Daylight Savings Time! We set the clocks ahead one hour. Does the time change ever bother any of you? Throw off your rhythm?
-Darla Mendoza, Ocala, FL
Great question, Darla! I put it to the troupe, and here’s what they had to say:
Shandolessa, Mistress of the Trapeze: A true entertainer will display their artistry without hesitation; delighting audiences at midnight or in the beaming day with equal joy. Anything else is weakness.
Madame Zoltara: My powers of predilection eclipse time and space. Such vision pierces reality and realms beyond! I know how to perceive truth, even when it eludes normal sight. The future is a plaything for those so gifted. Also, I always wear the latest Apple watch and the time updates automatically.
Wyatt Aussome: Well, the hogs get to stirring whenever the sun comes up. No ifs, ands or buts about it. I slop the hogs on their schedule and that’s just the way it is. They reward me with love, so I never really mind too much. And I see some nice sunrises.
BOOMPLE the Clown: Time? Oh yeah. Time is a real bitch. Yup! But I still put on my wig one curl at a time. I just go out and do my special thing whenever they call me for the silly.
Frieda Looke, The Tattooed Lady: The world ebbs and flows at its own pace. To assume we can measure it with our instruments? Ignorance. Consider yourself neither time’s master, nor its slave. Sync your soul to the horizon and your passion to the tides.
Have a question for a member of our Zaboni Circus family?
Send your query (or advice requests) to questions@ringmasterrex.com.
That’s going to do it for this Sunday. Here’s that tabby cat Heathcliff to send us off with a smile.
Have a great week! May you always wander toward the wonder.
