Phillip Wilson

Amazingly, I survived my Life
2011-09-09 00:00:02 (UTC)

1978 REVIEW (PART TWO)

5-12 February (Sunday-Sunday), Childersburg/Homewood,AL (continues)

I had a strange dream during the night: I was playing the organ at the Methodist Church in Childersburg. Mama was there. I was latter given a pernament job.
Robert and Jo had interpetations for this dream and the one of the night before. Both interpretations had to do with artistic philosophy. I don't know if I should put credence in these interpertations or not.
The kids and I stayed home, instead of going to Cluster Deepening. Jo and Robert were the speakers. The topic: Baha'i marriage. For two reason wanted to stay home: I don't like to hear the 'how-tos' or marriage, and I wanted to fix the place up, along with the kids, for the party latter that afternoon.
Greg Wynn arrived about noon. He would have stayed for lunch, but Robert and Jo came by the house around 12:30 P.M. to see if anybody wanted to go out for hamburgers. I was cooking 4 patties. John and Dulce were hungry.
Greg, Dulce, and I went out with Jo and Robert to meet a non-Baha'i couple from out of town who had been to the Cluster deepening. Greg went with them, but I stayed with the kids.
No one but Greg came to the party. John played records. Greg stayed till about 4:00 P.M.

13 February, Homewood, Al

(It is almost 3:15 P.M.) I called Ann last night, around 10:00 P.M. She was sick. We only talked about 30 minutes, but she is off work today, and I told her I would call her in the afternoon. I hace tried doing such 3 times since 2:00 P.M. She is not in. Is she out, because she wants to avoid my calling?
I went to Mountain Brook Village around 9:00 A.M. for a pack of cigarrettes (60 cents) and to mail the Unemployment claims cards back. I had called Bill Bolen at Ch. 6 just prior to going, to see what type of audio was best: records, tape, or live singing. I still don't have a recording of "God is One" for tomorrow's taping.
When I got back from the Village, I called the Mayor's Office in Birmingham. I was seeking information abot the upcoming film that will be shot in Birmingham. Mama had shown me an article last Thursday in the "Daily Homes" about such an event.
The secretary that answered referred me to this number: 939-0094. When I dialed this number, the male voice, when I told him who I was and what I did,said to bring a resume to his office, at the Guest House Motel (8th Ave., 18th St., S.).
I then called the University of Montevallo, and asked for the Drama Department. When I asked abot a mime workshop, I was told next Monday. In pursuing this, I will be able to take the class, 3-5:00 P.M., for $2.50. It will be in Reynolds Hall.
The only way to get to Montevallo is to bus to Pelham, and thumb the remaining 10 miles. A one-way, by Greyhound, ticket is $1.95. Robert had explain were Montivello was, and I had found out, first, that neither Trailways or Greyhound has buses to that city, and secondly, the B,ham-Montgomery bus stoppes in Pelham.
I then sat down to typed a resume.
It was about 10:45 A.M. when I got on Jo's bike, with the resume and picture inside a Convention listing booklet, gem clipped, and headed for the Guest House.
The wind is strong today. I hadto keep a watch on the 'luggage.'
While waiting on the light to chance, in order to cross Hi-way 31, A young girl rolled down the back right window of a car and yelled, "Are you Married?" When I said no, she just rolled it up again.
The Production Office was Room 241. I handed the resume in, and left.

(After 10:00 P.M.) The "family" has just finished Shanghi Rummy. Robert won.
I will probably use "Flowers of One Garden" to close the show, rather than "God is One"; I can get this song on Reel-to-Reel tape from the Ingles. I called that household around 7:00 P.M., Corrie answered, said that she would check to see what 'unity' song they had, and would call me back later (they had dinner guest). No one else I called had "God is One." Kevin, Jane Russell, or my 'stars.'
Corrie called back about 10:00 P.M. to report that "God is One" is not on the tape. Among the songs are "Flowers."
The production team at the Guest House were 2 men, 1 blonde, tall woman who took my resume.
I walked the bike up the biggest hills.

14-21 February, Vestavia/Pelham/Childersburg/Homewood, AL

I got to Mama's house approx. 3:35 P.M. I had stopped by Joyce's. She and David were in bed with the flu.
It took two rides sto get home; a young, while male in red car, and an elderly black male, in a blue car. I got on the highway about 2:15 P.M. to began the 'thumb.' Robert was out on business. I left a note, asking "them" that if they went to the deepening at Jackie Loque's to night, to please return the cassette to the Ingle's, and the slides to Bobbi Piper, if these people were present. I also left Robert a note to call Kevin, either at work or at home. He had called earlier.
My first ride took me to Harpersville; this ride had passed my future second ride, which 'got' me in Harpersville.
The Dairy Queen was my stop once again in Childersburg.
Ringling Show came and went, and I was not invited to perform with them. Who cares?
Waiting for me at home was a letter from Archaesus Mime Troupe. There were a listing of positions open, and information about auditions: March 10-13, call-backs March 18-19; if you are from out of town, then you can take your auditions on the 18th, so you won't have to wait around in case you are called-back.
I think I will try for this. The trip will be a financial gamble, though. I feel confident I can make this company, because it is, mainly, a Children's Theatre.

(15th,Early morning , 7:20 A.M. approx) I was given a check for $16 morning morning at breakfast by Jo. Robert sent a bill to Children' Theatre (Tuesday) and will keet the $20 received- he gets his 20% commission . Mama gave me $11 for the check last night; I owed $5 on the phone bill.

(17th, 3:17 P.M.) I have decided to gamble and wait until tomorrow morning (Saturday) to go to Birmingham. Thex show I am doing isn't until 12:30 P.M. Rain, maybe mixed with snow, is forecast. I was going this afternoon, but I decided against it. Lately, I fell bad about bumming so much off the Cliftons.
I sent a hand-written letter off to the Employment Security Commission in Oklahoma City this morning. I called Montgomery yesterday around 4:15 P.M., and they confirmed the fact that it is Oklahoma that is holding up my unemployment claim.
I had another 'feeling' dream. I dreamt "oranized." I can't remember any 'visual' objects. The reason for the dream, I feel, is, unlike other nights, my 2 blankets (quily and yellow wool) stay organized over me. Should I read another meaning into it?
I buily a gate Wednesday out of the 1' X 6' (more-or-less) that I received fom my construction experience with Hardee's last spring. I borrowed Joey's saw. I went down to Limbaugh's Hardware when Mama got home, aroung 2:00 P.M., and purchased a set of hinges for $1.39 (?). But I ended up using the old ones. A piece of wire was the tempory latch. Thursday morning, Mama and I returned the hinge for a 'harp.' I finally got everything to work, this morning, so the dogs couldn't open the gate.

(19th, Afternoon) I ended up taking the bus from Childersburg. I sure didn't want to spend the $3.05 on bus fare.
It was slightly misty Saturday morning. I carried my umbrella just in case.
It was about 9:30 A.M. when I arrived in Homewood.
There was a young girl (18-20?) that I tried to set by and play with. She sat in the last row on the left side, sprawled across both seats. I had found a row on the left, a little behind center, and I went and stood by this female's row, smoked a cigarette. I was hoping she would invite me to sit, but she faked sleep. I, after finishing my 'smoke,' returned to my seat. If the trip had been longer, I would have sat down by the chick, anyway.
I had a show in Mountain Brook at 2:30 P.M. It wasn't in the librar, but near it. A librarian - nice-looking young chick - took us back to an auditorium somehow connected with City Hall. This was in Crestline.
My dressing room was the wnd of a hall.
There were about15 children, and about 5 parents.
Most f the mimes I did half-ass. Several reasons: the kids would vocally remark to what I was doing. It flipped me out.
It was a quicker show than usual.
I was hoping that I would be able to expose my nude or underwear-clad body to the librarian, but I didn't the chance. While getting dressed after the show, I had a good chance; she was at the other end of the hall by the door (there was a cubby hole I was in) and I could have walk or nude in view, but Robert and the kids were up there two. I dressed and undressed but a window-leced door: women on the outside could have seen me.
We all went to see CLOSE ENCOUNTERS (of the third kind) at the Roebuck Plaza Cinema #2. John paid everybody's way $10.25. I didn't really care about seeing it, because usually when movies are publicized so much they are worth a damn. And I didn't want to spend $3.75 on a ticket. Leslie and a friend, Michelle Burdick, along with Robert and Suzanne Burdick, was coming up from Childersburg to see the flick. Leslie had no idea I would be there.
My feelings about this movie weren't wrong: I fely lost during the whole thing. There were nothing super-terrific about it; a lot of lights were used to cover up a lack of story. Some good, isolated features were in the movie, but nothing to tie them together.
As John said, it was like a joke without a punchline. What was everybody go ape-shit over?
At first I felt I must be dumb, but the rest of the 'family' didn't like it.
This morning I went to the Homewood Deepening at the Russells. Kirt, Jane, Kevin, Robie (from Mountain Brook), Jo, and I were there. John, Dulce, Michael, and Sharon were the kids. Jo taught the children's class, We had picked up Kevin, went by the Ingles (I returned the cassette used for the T.V. show) and Kevin got the material for Sunday School.
Iprobably would have enjoyed the Children's Class better than the Adult's. It was on "Opposition to the Faith," but mainly Kevin told on the N.S. A.'s appearance in Atlanta yesterday afternoon, which he took in.
I mailed a letter to the Archaesus Mime Troupe in Gaitherburg, Maryland, after the movie last night. The letter was dropped in an outside postal center at the Plaza. I typed it around 4:00 P.M. yesterday afternoon; the letter was a reply to them about my desire to audition.

(20th) The regular record book is in Homewood.
I arrived in Childersburg a few minutes after 5:00 P.M. But, God Damn! what a day!
Around 12:40 P.M., I left my Homewood base, to thumb to Montevello for the Mime class. I would hitch on Highway 31 to Alabaster, then take another road. I got a ride from just beyond the bridge that looks upon Broodwood Hospital an the left. This 'lift' was by a female in a pick-up truck. This person was young and o'kay looking. I was only taken to a turn-off for Sears.
I walked passed the 2 sets of traffic lights. Now the trouble began.
It wasn't until around 2:30 P.M. that a car stopped for me. Again it was a female driver. Young, would I try for a 'play'?
This ride took me to Vestavia.
It wasn't worth going on with the journey; there was no way I could make the 3:00 P.M. class. I keep going, though.
A semi, in about 15 minutes, pulled off the road, and the driver got out and yelled. I had seen the driver, as the truck passed, point at me. I thought he was "getting on to me" for being in the turn lane.
The young male driver was going to Montgomery, the headquarters of the trucking firm. He had just been on a long road trip.
At Alabaster, I departed from this ride.
I found out from a Service Station that Highway 68 would get me to 280. I decided to head on home to Childersburg, since it was then about 3:15 P.M.
About a half-mile down 68, was Highway 11. From a store,I discovered that 11-North (to my left) would get me to 280.
It was about 1/8 mile before a pick-up truck picked me up. I was fearing that I may be spending the night in this part of Shelby County, Pelham.
My lifesaver was a male,"country people." He was about my age. His hair was long. This guy was on his way to Birmingham. But once I was on 280, I would be, more-or-less, home free.
After 3 rides, I was let out passed the iight at the main intersection, 280 & 78 East. I walk to the "Fair" Store, seeing that it was about 5:02 P.M. When I was by J & J Drug Store, I saw Joyce and Mama pulling out. I flagged them down. They almost passed me in un-recognition.
I guess it was good that I didn't get to Montevello; I might have gotten stranded on the highway on the return trip, at night.

(21st,a little after 2:15 P.M.) I mounted Jo's bicycle and headed for Bobbi Piper's house. I was going to return the slides.
Bobbi lives on Dolly Ridge Road. I knew where Dollyb Ridge Road was, so I went to this place, thinking D.R. Drove is close by.
I have been to the house once before; I went with Robert and Jo to pick up the slides.
The road I was thinking of is right off of 280 going to Childersburg. There is no 30 ?? or Dolly Ridge Drive on this are. I rode aroound for 15-20 minutes searching. I finally stopped at a house, and because I received no help from the young male, I went to the house (mansion) next door. This was the home of a doctor. He was very friendly. He was middle-aged, and had a son a little my junior.
The doctor told me where the address would be - on the only side of 280.
I had the index card from the Clifton's address file.
Bobbi answered the door. She invited me in. I gave her back the slides. We talked a while.
Bobbi is a good-looking woman. A woman of that type I could really get into.
It was about 4:10 P.M. when I got back home, having stopped at Office Park Circle to drop my letter to the Unemployment Office in Sylacauga.
Just before going to Bobbi's, I had called Sonja Henderson about Mountain Brook hosting the March 12 Cluster Deepening. She thought David Rivers might do it.
Robert, John, and I played Risk that night. John and I, more or less, allied together, and I defeated Robert. John went to bed before his final play, but his 'armies,' played by Robert, won.

22-23 February (Wednesday-Thursday),Childersburg/Homewood, Al.

(22nd) What a dream! At least, I think it was a dream.
On my mind before I went to bed last night was my action against Circus Vargas (getting the money owed me or their ass burned) and clowning. I have decided to stick to pantomime clowning instead of going academic and trying to do style Pantomime. Clowning is actually the more difficuly of the two art forms.
I wasn't two impressed with the SHIELDS AND YARNELL shows last night (7:30-8:00 P.M., C.B.S., Channel 42).
The tour with Archaesus sounds great. It will be like 1976 on Carson & Barnes, without the Circus.
Anyway, the dream: I was involves with a clown gag in a big ring, but it wasn't circus. The nature of the gag is irrelevant. I recall the audience; in the audience I saw Steve Bryant, a guy I graduated from high school with. His uncle or cousin was also one of the clowns, a black dude with a beard. Steve is white.
Why this dream?

(23rd,6:38 A.M.) Delight Bethume called me around 6:20 P.M. last night. Her school will be having National Library Week the first week in April. She asked me to do a mime or clowning for it - the subject is ways of communicating. Her idea was for me to do an interprtative mime to a recorded reading of "The Prophet," by Khalan (?). The record is the whole book, about 30-40 minutes.
I will have 70 minutes. The school is Banks High School. The date - April 4, 8:00 A.M. We will talk more about it when I see her Monday night at the Russel's Intercalary days party.

All day, both in my mind and walk-through, I have been working on a dance to "Lord of the Dance," a traditional Christian folk hymn that is on page 16-17 of the "Worker's Quarterly" for July, 1967. I received this 'hymns for now' when I was with the Wesley Foundation at the University. What I have in mind is a recorder an vocals to do the song while I dance it.
I have a brief outline work out, for 3 verses.

26 February (Sunday), Childersburg, Al

I dreamt that the man who played Tony Lord, on the Soap ONE LIFE TO LIVE, before the current one, died. It was a major tradegy, one that shocked the whole country. Agatha Christie, the mystery writer, was one of the three sisters. Agatha was about 25-26. I saw the husbands.
I also felt myself walking down a familiar street in New York City. I felt at home.
Every since Mama mentioned last week that a lot of people have approached an organization or someplace about working as extras in the movie that will be filmed in Birmingham (maybe Huntsville, too) and that "cave people" characters will be used, I have felt that I am sure to be offered a good part in the film; the picture I gave with my resume presented as a 'wilk-man' character. Of course, it could be just an act of desperation.

27 February-1 March, Homewood/Birmingham, AL

(28th) Debbie saw my bare ass yesterday. No, not Debbie Geer; a Debbie who was with me, instead of Jeanette, at the class I taught yesterday at Avondale School.
The way I presented my self naked was that I had dressed and undressed off stage, on stage right. There was a door that would have sheltered me from the audience, but I kept it open. I half-way hid myself behind the petition that ran the length of the stage and wings, providing a passageway for getting across the stage.
On changing from my street clothes to costume, I didn't show myself; there was a kid in the room talking with Debbie. But on changing back into my street clothes, I stood in the doorway slightly, with my ass visible at certain points in the audience. I was naked.
Debbie had left the room for a minute. When she re-entered, she saw the butt. She left and drove home; was she afraid I would try to sexually attack her? She should have known better; there were still people in the building.
Debbie was a dirt-blonde, good-looking chick, early twenties. She had rings on her third finger, left hand; was it wedding rings? I really didn't care.
The 3:30-5:00 P.M. class went very well. I had 7 students, both make and female, black and white.
The ages: about 12-13.
The students seem to respond more that the first class I taught.
I used a slighly chubby kid as a teaching aid. He did a mime he had 'invented'; the idea was great- a man blows up a balloon, a crying kid comes up to him wanting the balloon, and the man reluntanly gives it to him; the man becomes mad, goes get helium gas tank; fills another balloon with helium, gives it to same kid; the kid floats up and away.
The tecknique was sloppy, but I work with the class on this. I feel I had some influence on my students.
I opened the class with the "Swimming" mime.
I held the class a lot like the mime class in Clown College were held: I, then others, would shout out emotions and actions to mime.
My teaching is coming together.
Robert got a brochure of the Spring activites of the Homewood Pards and Recreation Board; there was no mention of my class. What's up?
I saw the pictures that were made of me at Brookwood Hospital. One was terrific! It was me juggling, straight face. Beautiful!
I arrived in Homewood,at my 'house' at 10:00 A.M., having left Mama's house about 8:10 A.M. I had stopped at "Big Star" for a pack of cigerretes.
After about 15 minutes on the highway, 2 clean cut males, about my age, in a pick-up, gave me a ride to Harpersville. They were Jesus people; I was given a 'card' upon my departure.
An elderly man gave me a ride to Homewood. He was on his way to the Veterans Hospital.
I thought I had met my Waterloo. The old biddy passed on a hill! And the way he drove!
He also smoked a cigar, keeping the windows up. My eyes played hell.
I was let out right before the trip over the mountain, at the end of 280. I was glad to walk.

(11:16 approx A.M.) - I finished the reading of "The Gabriel Hound." It is not an overly impressive tale.

It was a few seconds past 1:00 P.M. when I returned home to Mama's house. The soap (ONE LIFE TO LIVE) was just coming on. I had stopped at Joyce's on the way home; Claude's truck was in front. But when I went in, I found no one. I did see a lump, like a body, in the bed. I didn't know in illicit acticity was going on or what, but I left.
It was very close to 11:45 A.M. when I went to the highway in Homewood to thumb. There were a slight mist in the air.
After about 15 minutes of waiting, a Yellow Volkswagen stopped for me. A young male was the driver. Finding out that I was headed for Childersburg, he gave me a ride; he was headed for Sylacauga.
This guy smoked a reefer as we near Harpersville. He let me out at the Dairy Queen in Childersburg.
I typed a letter to Rosemary Lucas at Channel 13, about a talk with Baha'is in her "Mid-day" show, or any other. It will probably be tomorrow before I mail it.
Robert paid me $16.00 for the class I taught yesterday. The $20.00 from Children's Theatre will be his.
I have an appointment at the Unemployment Office in Sylacauga 9:00 A.M. Thursday. I found this out when I called Mama, about 10 minutes after I returned home. I got a letter yesterday, that she opened, directing me to come this morning, but Mama called them and said I was looking for work in Birmingham.
I had to cut Mama off. She talks in circles. I was hungry and the grilled cheeze I had in the oven was burning. And she kept on talking. Finally, I told her the situation. She abrutly said 'bye.'
I was informed that Joyce had gone to Birmingham with a friend of hers (David, of course, went).

(1st) Insomnia last night! It must have been midnight or later before I got to sleep, having went to bed about 9:15 P.M. What kept me up? I laid down, fanatising about women in their underwear and nude, and about me exposing myself to females. I especially thought of sexual play with Sandi Nicometo.
I also had a strong desire to call Paul Greenlee, for some reason.
I suppose I should mention the party Monday night at the Russell's house in Homewood. Intercalary day, you know. Jo, the kids, and I went. A little after 9:00 P.M., they left, but, having been promised a ride home by Kevin, I stayed on for the music, provided by Jane Russell on guitar, and Kurt Russill on recorder.
Around 10:30 P.M., Kevin, Judy Sternimant, and I left. I was taken 'home.'
When the music started, the party seemed to go "downhill."
I discussed the gig at the Banks High School library, April 4, with Delight. Kurt will also be 'giving a program. His topic: non-verbal communication. When Delight told me this, I assume that sign language and like would be the subject of the talk. It sounded like a good place to act as a 'model.' But in discussion, I learned that non-verbal communication includes: the color clothes one wears, how one combs one hair, etc. Strictly academic shit!

2-4 March (Thursday-Saturday), Childersburg, Al.

(4th, Early morning) Once again, I dreamt of me doing a clown show. This time the performance took place in the yard, on the big sside. My dressing room was the basement. I would enter and exit the 'stage' by the side door. It was almost as if the cement platform was the area from where I 'showed.'
I seem to remember the audience leaving before I did the last mime. I took too long in my 'dressing room' or something.
Both David and Leslie have diarhea and vomit. I spent most of all day yesterday over there, and Mama and I stayed till a little after 10:00 P.M. Joyce and I took them to the Clinic in Sylacauga yesterday, late morning.
Thursday night, around 8:30 P.M., I called David Rivers (879-6228) in Mountain Brook. The purpose: information about the Cluster deepening he agreed to host this month. March 12, Sunday, is the date. We decided on 2:00 P.M. David had forgotton about the fast; I reminded him of it. The address of the place is 2331 Brookmanor.
I sent postcards to Judy Schwartz of the Homewood Community, Peggy Scott of Jefferson County Community, and the Malis in Jasper, telling them of the deepening, and for them to notify the members of their communities. I also wrote the D.T.C., i.e. Kathy McDonald.
In the mail yesterday, I received a big vanilla envelope from San Mateo, Californis. I was a document to signed, sent back with $2.00, and it will be served Circus Vargas. It is a Small Claims order.
I will have to appear in person at the hearing. How can I get out there if I plan on persuing this matter?
Well, I have not, as of yet, hear from the Festival of American Mime. I suppose I won't be performing at this August 'gig.'
And the Archaesus Mime Troupe hasn't gotten back tobe either, about confirmation of my audition time, direction to the Chevy Chase Baptist Church, and if any one from my direction is travelling to Gaithersburg for the try-outs.

5-7 March, Childersburg, Al.

(7th) There was a train derailment in Youngstown, Florida, a week ago last Sunday. A tanker, carrying poisoneous chlorine gas, busted, letting the chemical kill 8 people; similiar incidents happened in Waverly, Tennessee and one in Kentucky, all within a week. The towns had to be evacuated
In the film CLOSE ENCOUNTER, the area where the outer space aliens would land was evacuated due to a false story of a derailment. Are the movie and the real incidents parallel?
I called Calefornia yesterday afternoon. The office of Circus Vargas was the reason. I got connected with Jerry. The way he sounded he waw on my side. Only time will tell. I called this far only because th Un employmen Office had called a little before and reported that they had received information that there was no information of my employment with Circus Vargas. Jerry told me that the road show has not, as of yet, reported my 'tour of duty.'
What the hell is going on?
Sunday morning,I deposited in the mail drop across from the Post Office a letter to "Dance Magazine" in New York, giving information, somewhat of fthe pantomime wordshop I may hold in Birmingham this summer. I had received a form from this publication, earlier, to fill out and return in a postage-free envelope, by March 8. Who knows what I will be doing this summer.

8 March (Wednesday), Childersburg, Al.

I remember 2 movies I saw while I was asleep. One featuring Andy Griffith. He was a Baha'i. He had a T.V. show that didn't last long because he brought in some Baha'i theology; something about Jesus vs. Baha'u'llah.
I also had one about being at the beach of a rough ocean. I went along the beach a little, and saw, underwater, a teddy-bear like animal in a den. The animal was looking at me. This habitat could be seen without going under water. Somehow, because the roughness of the water, and the level it had risen to, the den was really the side of a cliff on the beach.
I remember Floyd, the dude I befriended while with Circus Vargas.
I also remember being witha lot of young women, swimming. There was a chaperon.

9 March (Thursday), Childersburg, Al.

My Notice of Determination of unemployment benefits came by mail around 3:00 P.M. today. I have $828.40 to draw from. That will be $23 a week, a maximum of $276: 12 weeks. Since I filed the chaim, or the claim started from, the first week in January, the last week of the benefits will be for the week of March 19-25.
Now if I could get the money that Circus Vargas owes me, I can start getting myself together again, financially. And, hopefully, I will get the teaching job in Homewood, or a part in the film to be shot in Birmingham, or both.
What a life!

10 March (Friday), Childersburg, Al.

(3:00 P.M.) I received 3 checks from the Unemployment Compensation Agency in Montgomery, one for $115.00, one for $9.00, one for $69.00. Hot damn! $193.00. And there is more to come!

12-19 March, Birmingham/Homewood/Sylacauga/Childersburg, Al.

(13th) No Homewood workshop. According to John, the director of the Homewood Parks and Recreation Board had a bad experience with a drama teacher in the past. And when Robert got home Sunday night, he restated this, and continued the explanation that the director wanted an interview with both me and him. The hell with it, I thought!
It took me 2 hours to get a ride to to Homewood Sunday. I was on 280, in front of Hosey's Flower Shop around 11:00 A.M. It wasn't until 1:40 P.M. or thereabouts when I arrived at my Homewood base. My driver was a middle-aged white male from Tallapoosa, Georgia.
I was about to give up on thumbing. About a hundred cars must have passed. 2 or 3 carloads of women passed, going the other way, who honked and wave. I was hoping a similiar situation would happen to me.
At 2 different time, the police passed. One time, they stopped at "Taylor's" Restaurant. It made me nervous; I acted like a was waiting for the bus, and would sneek my thumb out when I thought the cops weren't watching.
The conversation with the driver was very interesting. The tone of my 'talks' are always aim at Baha'i teaching.
There was not one home when I go to Homewood. I called David Rivers to see how the 'party' was going. Charlotte was the only one there at the time. The Cliftons weren't over there, yet. Explaining to David that I had no transportation. If they didn't show soon, I could call back and someone would come for me.
In about 10 minutes Dulce called. Her and John were at the party. The grown-ups went to Scotsboro; they substituted, I found out later, as a speaker at the Cluster deepening.
Dulce told me to walk over to David's. I replied that I didn't know where he lived. Dulce sounded amazed by this. She said her and John would walk over and get me. I needn't meet them.
It was not long before I heard a 'beep.' It was Debbie Geer, Sharon Russell, John, and Dulce. Debbie drove her yellow Honda (?).
I met, as pre-arranged, Joyce at Sears in downtown Birmingham. It was about 10:55 A.M. Leslie and David was with her. The trio was at the children's clothes, Joyce had picked out a 3-piece green suit for David. I like the color green. There was a navy blue, but I told Joyce I wasn't crazy about blur. She tried the vest and coat on him.
Joyce also had picked out a pair of swim trunks for him.
Having stopped at Hardee's in Childersburg, it was about 12:30 P.M. when we arrived at Joyce's. I was about to pass out due to poor sleep Sunday night-Monday morning. It was about 10:30 P.M. when I laid down in my bunk. It was around 3:00 A.M. when I awoke. I had to go and relieve my kidney. The rest of the morning,I just dozed occassionally. About 6:30 A.M., I got up and cooked breakfast for the kids and myself.
(13th?) Robert started working for Alabama Sign that morning. 6:30 A.M. was the time that the job started. Jo was up, having breakfast with him; it is the Fast. Those who observe it don't eat from sunrise to sunset. I don't observe it.
Cheeze omlettes and the remainder of the pancake mix were cooked.
(13th) It was close to 9:00 A.M. when I left. I gave John a quick lesson on be the assistant to my manager. With Robert working, it may cost jobs.
I tood a bus from Homewood to 10th Ave. and 20th Street, South, in Birmingham. I was going to Jim Clay Optical to get the nose piece on my glasses replaced. I had forgotten the exact location of this business.
I found the glasses place on 18th Street, between 10th and 9th Ave.
The opticians didn't charged me for replacing the left nose piece, and for tigthening the bows.
Leaving there, I headed for "Standard Distributors," on 1st Ave., and a little passed 24th Street, North. One of the pictures Robert received from Brookwood Hospital, my show there, would be made into a negative and additional prints. The order I placed were for 5 silk copies, 5"X 7", along with a negative.
I walked down Morrs Avenue a ways before I got to "Standard Distributors." I wanted to check out "Charlie's," the place I have thoughts of trying for a job as a stage performer. Upon seeing the place, I don't know.
I left "Distributors" and went straigt to "Sears." I went in the nearest door I came upon.

(15th) A Book Club selection, "Beulah Land" by Lonnie Coleman, which was sent to Joyce when she was a member of such a club several years ago, will provide literary entertainment for me the next few week, It was a little past 2:30 P.M. when I started this novel about a cotton plantation in Georgis from 1820-1861.
The mail, which Donald Dobbs brought around 3:30 P.M., presented me with a check fronm the unemployment office. It was for $23. I have $60 more in the fund that I can draw from, at least on this claim.
A letter from the Church of Scientology in New York came, addressed to "Phillip Wilson, B'hai Church, Childersburg, Alabama 35044."
When I was in the city last March, about this time of the month, I was invited to an office to fill out a questionaire that the Scientologists used for some type of personality or something.
Anyway, in addition to a brochure about some book, there was a letter, written, by hand, on letter head stationary, "Dear Phillip, Could you tel me what B'hai consist of? Sincerely, Neil Ander, a fellow seeker." I was excited about this. Why would someone from New York seek information about the faith from me?
Leslie answered the telephone around 7:15 P.M. It was for me. She thought it was Robert.
It wasn't. It was Jerry with Circus Vargas. He said he was readying my W-2 and the check owed me. He asked how many days weren't I paid for. I answered a week and 3 days.
I guess I will get the money. The I.R.S. contracted them.
Which may me more excited, knowing I will get the money, or that I bluff (so far) the Circus into this action. No one has probably called their hands before.

Tuesday morning, Mama mailed a letter had handwritten the night before, to Green Acre Baha'i School in Eliot, Maine. The letter was about securing a scholarship to one of the 2-week sessinns this summer. There were an ad in the March "American Baha'i" tht had arrived in the mail Monday afternoon.
I told about my clowning experience, and made mention of the work I have done in construction, electricity, etc.

(17th) The damage done to a person who had attended college can be the cause of emotional disunity. That is the problem I had with the people I worked with at Circus Vargas. I thought that since I went to college, and they apparently hadn't, I was suporier to them. This was probably the cause of the strife between me an Bill. I was carrying around a false sense of supeority. The elimination of this feling, I must concentrate on accomplishing.
Joyce surprised me this morning with the way she handled herself. We took Prissy to the vet because of her false pregnancy. Around people, Joyce can really become the leader and come out very intelligent. Dr. Moore and she communicated better then Dr. Moore and myself. I am the one with the university education!
The first step to 'true education' is knowing that you are ignorant.
The deepenings in Homewood bore me, and gets me mad, because of the psuedo-intellectualism floating around. There are 2 or 3 who, because of their degrees, think that their interpretations of the writings are the correct ones. At Cluster deepening last Sunday, I had to fight myself back, in order to keep quiet. I asked a question about why must Baha'is keep away afrom Covenant Breakers. The question wasn't for the sake of being answered; it was to stimulate discussion. But then those predent address their answers to me as if I was a dumb-ass. Before I could catch myself, I said "It's the answer I expe-," when Sonja Henderson asked if my question had been answered.
College did me both good and bad. It probably made me confident that I wasn't stupid, but, somehow, a supiority complex in developed in the university person.
Do I subconsciencely want praise from Mama? The other day, she was trying to tell me how to fix the sewer. I may not cam fix it, but I at least want a chance to try my own way, and fuck up by myself.
I raised my voice to her the other day. She wanted the hole I dug covered better, with more support, so the dogs couldn't fall through the hole. I finally got a second 2 X 6 board, asked her sharply to desigh the support sho wanted.
I latter notice that Ginger had a rash on her throat. Both Joyce and I agreed that the flea collar was the cause. But Mama said I had it too tight. This made me made. I popped off.
Of course, I stll hadn't heard from California at that time. I was nervous.

(18th) It was either Tommy Hornsby or John Teague, a state senator, that offered me a real good position with the circus. This is the basic theme I remember from the dream I suffered last night. Only, why Tommy Hornsby or John Teague? Is Circus Vargas's recent decision to co-operate with me in sending my money responsible for this vision?
Up until 2 or 3 weeks ago, I was so excited and definite that I wanted to audition for the Archaesus Mime Troupe. But then I got to thinking, if I am going to do teaching and kiddy shows, I might as well do it in Birmingham. Teaching at Parkart in Birmingham this summer interest.
Well, I was never answered by Archaesus. If you recall, I dropped a letter in a mail drop at Roebuck Plaza, on Saturday, February 18, around 9:30 P.M.
Was there a stamp on this letter? I can't believe I made this type of mistake. The letter should have been returned; possibly, the Gaitherburg, Maryland, office of Archaesus had to pay the postage due. Or the letter could have been lost in the mail. Whatever happened, I don't feel like a door has been closed in my face. I still got some places.

A check for $125.90, from Circus Vargas, along with the W-2, were handed over, in an envelope, by the alternate post carrier to Leslie around 2:55 P.M. The gross pay was $142.87, but tax ($8.61) and F.I.C.A. ($8.36) were witheld.
What is strange is the way my Federal tax and wages were reported to I.R.S. According to the W-2, Imade $114.29; $8.61 was paid in tax, $6.69 was with held for F.I.C.A. How are they getting by with this fraud?
The fact that got the money from Circus Vargas reaffirms my faith in the democratic process; the individual can fight a big business and win.
(About 5:30 P.M., Mama showed me where the check I had received today was dated 3-16-78. Therefore, this will be on next year Income Report.)

(19th) I will get $85.06 from Uncle Sam, and $10.26 from the state. This morning I sent my Income tax forms off, having filled them out last night.
I got my driver's license renewed Wednesday. For the new license, your picture is taken.
I drove Claude's truck this afternoon. He came over and we worked on the see-saw seats. Liquid wench was put on the screws (I had tried previously to get them off, but theywere so resty, it was no going.). Like we both figured, it would take the hack saw to get them off. Claude said his hands were dirty, and said he guess I better go get the other tool box and put it in back of the truck.
Could I drive this vehicle? Well, here was my chance to learn!
While reading the paper this afternoon around 5:15 P.M., I came across an article about 2 local dogs that will be in the movie that will be filmed in Birmingham and Huntsville. According to the article, "The Ravagers," starring Richard Harris and Ernest Borgnine, has already started filming on Morris Avenue. I was on the avenue last Monday, so shooting must have just started. The 'dogs' scenes apparently are being shot first.
I still may be called.

21-23 March, Childersburg/Birmingham/Homewood, AL

(22nd?) At 9:30 A.M., I officialy ended my trip to Birmingham.

(21st?) It was about 8:30 A.M., when I left my Childersburg home office. Stopping by Joyce's for a while, I left for downtown a little before 9:00 A.M. I wanted to deposit $75 of the $125.90 check from Circus Vargas.
Before doing so, I purchased a pack of cigarrettes from the "Big Star."
The teller I went to, in the bank, was Audrey Hayes. Everytime I see Audrey I want to ask about Barbara. amd tell her (Audrey) that she (Audrey) would, hopefully, be my mother-in-law one day.
I guess it was going on 10:30 A.M. when I got to downtown Birmingham. "Standards Distributors" is the place I wante to go, to pick up the pictures I had ordered. I spent $2.97 (?) here.
The bus would take me to Homewood. But before getting one, I went into "Newberry's" (19th and 2rd, North) for a box of long envelopes and vanilla mailing envelopes. The long envelopes I got, but I had to settle for a smaller size mailing envelope (I wanted 5 X 7).
Two rides got me to Birmingham; well, actually, one. Not long after I started thumbing, a man stopped for me. He gave me a ride to the end of the 4-lane, just before the bridge.
In 15 minutes or so, having dodged the cops, who was just driving by, I got a ride with a man going all the way to Birmingham; he was on his way to work, a truck driver.
11:00 A.M. found me waiting for a bus.
12:20 P.M. (approx) I finally got to my Homewood Office. Why is the bus I want always late? #42 I was after, but I had to take another one, anything to get me into Homewood. I had to walk about 10 blocks.
After listening to the soap opera on John's radio, lying on my bunk while doing so, I called Ann (2:00 P.M.). Luckily, she was home.
Why do I feel 'love' for her when we talk? I have no idea how she feels for me.
John, Dulce, and Robert all arrived home at about the same time. (3:00 P.M.)
The garden recceived attention.
The Naw Ruz celebration was that night, at the Y.W.C.A. in downtown Birmingham.
Jo got home about 5:00 P.M. and joined in the garden tending.
I bought a Gloria Fazi "Introduction to the Baha'i Faith" from Robert, paid for two ($1.20), since I had gotten one to give to Bill Bolen at Channel 6.
I did not feel comfortable at the New Year's 'Party.' I felt dis-unity in the air, the vibes I get from deepenings.
I seem to be growing away from Robert and Jo (although the kids an I are closer than ever). They both seem like stranger, Is it me, them, or what?
I joined the International Mimes and Pantomimists finally. This is one of the things that kept me busy Tuesday morning. I typed an explanatory note, purchased a $10.00 money order from a bank in Mountain Brook, and sent both these and the membership form, along with a picture and a copy of the publicity release from the "Childersburg Star" about VOICE OF A CLOWN, to E. Reid Gilbert in Spring Green, Wisconsin.
I also sent some Baha'i literature and a short note to Neil Ander at the Church of Scientology in New York City. 57 cents it cost to send the packet.
While looking for a magazine with a "centerfold" of food, I came also a new publication, "Inspiration." Seeing that the magazine carried articles about religion and spirituality, I decided to approach the publishers about my writing for them.
I had to buy a pen, so that I could copy down the address. I was at a drug store, close to the Mountain Brood Post Office.
The address I would contact was: "Inspiration," Peterson Publishing Company, 8490 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90069.
After eating the box lunch I had bought from the deli at Western Super Market (Macoroni and cheeze, black-eye beans, corn bread), I typed a letter to this place. I mailed it from Childersburg this morning.
The Feast of Baha was held at Delight's Tuesday night. All but Robert went.
It may be due to the spiritual nature of the Feast, but I felt the unity last night. I really needed that activity. It was becoming obvious that this unity shit talked about was just that - shit.
In the past Robert and I would argue for the hell of it. We didn't disagree, but took opposite sides for the hell it it. Now, though, that has change. It seems different when we 'discuss' now.
At about 8:15 A.M. I was on 280 thumbing. 3 rides got me to Childersburg. The secong ride, from Rock Ridge Road, took me to Harpersville. I decided totade the bus from there. But the thing passed as I was being let out. It wasn't long, though, until another car stopped, and drove me to downtown Childersburg, across from the "Fair."
There is $225.05 in my savings account. The problem with money is that it doesn't last.
It was 64 degrees F, around 12:50 P.M., when I walked to the basement in my underwear and a 2-tone lavender T-shirt on Suzy was home; was Shirley there? I couldn't be seen from their house, but should I try to let Suzy see me?

(23rd) If I was to get married (Barbara Hayes and Ann Greenwood. Which one will it be?), recognizing what has happen to my relationship with 'friends' I have had through the years, how we somehow grow apart, would a marriage last? Is part of Robert remoteness due to the fact that he wasn't re-appointed to the D.T.C.?
I do not see him as a spiritual 'father' as I used to.

I have talent; what more do I need? Showcasing this talent is showcasing this talent - it doesn't matter where the performance is.
Should a clown have the status I presently occupied?
(The above is being written five or ten minutes past 6:30 A.M.)
It is 39 degrees F. I hope another cold spell in not on the way. The weather has been being so beautiful: high 60's -low 70's.

(3:22 P.M.), 77 degrees F - I received another check for $23.00 in the mail today. This is from the Unemployment Office. I also received a letter of confirmation and a program for the Library Week deal I am doing at Banks High School in Birmingham.
After the soap opera, 1:58 P.M., more or less, I went to the Childersburg Public Libruary to donate a book: "Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah." As far as I know, this is the first and only book on the Baha'i Faith in that library. I had called the library earlier, aroung 1:15 P.M., to see if I could donate a book.
Karl Wallenda, the high Wire walker, died yesterday from a fall. The 73-year-old 'nut' was doing a promational appearance for the Pan American Circus in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in whin he and his grand-daughter, Rietta, were 'troupers.' The wire was over 100 feet high.

Did what happen at the February 28th clase, when I stood naked (butt) in a door way and Debra saw, cause me to lose my workshop job with Birmingham Children's Theatre?

25 March (Saturday), Childersburg, Al.

(7:30 A.M. is close enough.) In the Spring of 1974, the relationship I had with Dave [Hubbert] faded. One day it was friends, and then suddenly, it was over. How and why did this happen?
The same thing is happening with my relationship with Robert. It was the last trip up there - Mardh 20-21 - that, for some reason, seem to bring an end. I don't know why.
I felt I learned from "both" friendships.
I have $248.05 in my savings account.
My back has been in pain for the last week or two. Will I be able to do the show at Bands High School on April 4th?

26-27 March, Childersburg, Al.

(27th) Let me relate as much of the dream as I can. I remember some type of education convention. There were me, Gary Dobbs (!?), and a nice-looking female.
Even though I wasn't part of it I remember 5 people taking a <a style="border-bottom:2px solid;" id="intext_link_4672547" href="#461764" rev="0" rel="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" class="intext_ad_1341635247" onclick="return(false);">bath</a> together. There was Billy Barty and another midget, a 12-year old girl, and a man and women (late 20's). I only remember the 'another midget" as being naked. In fact, I saw him undress. For some reason, his dick and balls burned an image in my mind. He had a 'baby cock.'
This is really the extent that I can recall. How wierld it is!

(6:55 A.M.) 37 degrees F. It didn't get above 45 degrees yesterday. God damnit!! Why can't it be warm and sunny like it wa last week? I guess March will go out like a lion, since it came in like a lamb.

I have $23.84 on my person (outside bank account) as of 8:25 A.M.

In the mail this afternoon came a letter from I.R.S., stating that Circus Vargas reported that Idid not work for them. There was even an enclose signed statement from the Circus, signed gy Gerald E. Hoie (?), the Payroll Accountant, and the person I talked with over the phone from California, to this effect. Should I report to the tax service that I "was" paid or "not working"?

28 March (Tuesday), Childersburg, Al.

(7:32 A.M.) It is 40 degrees F. at the moment, even though at 5:30-6:00 A.M., it was 30 degrees F.
I don't know if it was a dream or not, but the mental drama I had in bed was me taking a shower aboard a train, plane, or something like this. Soon a beautiful young female was in the shower with me. She was Filipino, even though her skin was very white. The most outstanding area of her bedy was the 'pussy'; it was very black and big. It thrilled me to rub my hands through it.

29-30 March (Wednesday-Thursday), Childersburg, Al.

(30th) At approx. 3:35 P.M., I discovered in the mail box a letter from the Festival of American Mime. It was an invitation to perform in the street mime phase of the festival. The form 'contact' is to be returned by April 8 if I accept. And of course, I do.
Each participants will receive $285 in cash to cover expenses, which will be handed out in Milwaukee. If I can secure some meals with the Baha'is there, I could sane some of this money.
A dormitory room will also be provided.
What will develope from this?
Yesterday morning I sent a copy of the W-2 and the check receipt, along with a copy of the form statement from the Circus 'saying' I didn't work for them in 1977, and a letter, to the Internal Revenue Service in Chamblee, Georgia. Dot Stevens xeroxed the forms for me free.
I went ortside a couple to times today in my underwear. The temperature was in the sixties and seventies. Yesterday, I walked to the basement dressed the same.
Claude has been 'sick' since Tuesday. A little after 2:00 P.M.this afternoon Joyce called and, after asking if I would be home, said she was going to leave a note for Leslie to come over here after school; she and Claude (David, too) were going to pick up the check at Floyd and Beasley in Sycamore and may not be back when Leslie arrives home from school.
From about 2:45-3:15 P.M., I felt like I should call, in case Leslie was home already, or even go over there. But when she didn't come here, I figured Joyce must have gotten back before Leslie came home.
About 3:45 P.M., Leslie called and said she wasn't coming over. Joyce then spoke over the phone, saying Leslie was up "the street" playing when they arrived home and couldn't come here.
I hate that I was right in my mis-trust of Leslie; that she wouldn't come here if her Mama wasn't home, but, instead, go out and play.
And I wondered, "Is she old enough to do such?" Really, she is.
I am 'short' and smart-assy when artistic endeavors seem to allure me.
All this week, at 9:00 P.M. on Channel 42, C.B.S. is celebrating its 50th anniversary with clips from past shows. Some of the "big names" of T.V. today appeared on national T.V. 15-20 yeard ago. This made me think of my own career. What is in my furure? The circus (Carson & Barnes) was a national exposure like T.V. is. Or is it?

31 March-6 April (Friday-Thursday), Childersburg/Homewod, AL

(4th) Back in Childersburg after being in Homewood since Friday night. I arrived home about 6:00 P.M., having been picked up in Westover by Shirley Justice. It was the third ride I had from Homewood. The first one was in back of a pick-up truck with 4 young males (two in cab, 2 standing in back). This ride took me to then Leeds turnoff.
The reason I was so late in leaving Homewood (4:30 P.M.) was that I had a meeting with a Ms. Blackwell at Luckie and Forney, Inc, an advertising agency at 120 Office Park Drive. I had called this agency Monday morning to find out about doing commercials. The lady I was referred to (Ms. Blackwell) thought it was strange that a pantomime Clown would even approach them about being used for commericals. But she said that I could bring by a picture, andition tape, etc. to her office, but to call before doing so. This morning, around 11:35 A.M. from my Homewood 'home,' I called and asled when I could come for a 'talk.' Beth (Backwell) said it would have to be around 4:00 P.M.
Around 1:45 P.M., I left the house, with my brief case. Robert came home right when I was leaving. We talk awhile, mostly about the show I did this morning at Banks High School. But he also mentioned that "they" started filming the movie with Earnest Borgnine, today." The office of Alabama Office, where he works, is by the location. I explain about how I thought 'shooting' would occur. God, I would love to work in the film! It would be a good boost for my career.
Well, the interview went beautifully. "Ms. Blackwell" turned out to be about my age. And not bad looking!
I gave her the resume and a picture. She seemed impressed. Of course, she is not the "creative genius" behind the making of the commericals. But she did see how my character could be used.
She asked me to bring an audition tape by next time I was in town.
I seem to recall that she made a reference to being married. There was no ring on her finger, though. She may be divorce, now.
Beth also talked about doing a film of me. Her father is a local film maker.
This female looked fimiliar. She had went to U.A.B. and Birmingham-Southern.
It was about 4:30 P.M. when I left and went to the highway to 'thumb.'
About the performance of Banks High School this morning; the show lasted approx. 40 minutes to an audience of about 80 students and teachers. I always feel insecure about my performing, but the librarian and some of the teachers said it was great. It was an interesting audience; high school age kids. One even came to shake hands; he appear to be slightly retarded.
Delight came by from me at 7:00 A.M. The show was at 8:00 A.M. I opened it in a 'shocking' way; Delight gave a brief 'history' of the art of Pantomime. She said that the scheduled performer didn't show up. About that time, I came up from behid the librarian's counter and knocked off some books; later, I crept up behind Delight and starting 'reading' magazines. I soon found one with a 'centerfold.' I gave a lot of lusty looks. Miming that they guy in the audience listen to the speaker and not ask to look at the centerfold; an ice cream come. It was drawn by one of teacher at his home. A hamburger was also drawn. Both were onpaper about 18" X 24."
There was a lot of 'silence' from the audience, which, even thoughmore rewarding than a vocal response, is merve-racking. Normally, there is noise of squirming or coughing, but there was dead silence.
About 9:30 A.M., I left the high school, after conversing with Delight and a helper, a beautiful black woman, young. Delight and I smoked in a lounge.
While reading the want-ads last nigt, Jo announce about an ad wanting Clowns. I did not see the ad when I looked through the listings.
Well, I copied down the information. I called the number, 942-0451, from a phone booth on 1st Avenue, North, about 85th Street, after leaving Banks, on 7th Ave., South. I spoke to a Ms. Estes.
The job was for Ronald McDonalds. I had a hard time hearing because of overhead places and traffic; but an appointment was set-up for :00 P.M. Thursday. The place: Suite 109 of a building off Beacon Parkway, which is off Valley Avenue.
Even though I could make a lot of money, I don't want to prostitute myself.
Monday morning I also called the Greater Birmingham Arts Alliance (251-1228). After explaining who I was and that I wanted to teach pantomime for Park Art this summer, she told me to call Mrs. Sheffield, of the Birmingham Creative Dance Group, at 322-6483.
The woman at the Arts place had 'left' the phone and contacted a man about what I wanted.
When I talked to Mrs. Sheffield, and told her the situation, she said she would take the proposition to the committee at the next meeting (2-3 weeks). She would get back in touch with me. I gave her both my Childersburg address, and the Homewood number.
Mrs. Sheffield remembered me from before; the summer of 1974, I did a show at Avondale park, and one at Harrison Park. This may be to my advantage.
Along with some other letters, I returned the agreement to Milwaukee, to the Festival of American Mime Monday morning. It was Friday evening, some after I arrived by bus there (6:30 P.M. approx) that I first typed a letter to the Bama Theatre Center for the Performing Arts in Tuscaloosa, and then I responded to a question on the agreement as to a street mime situation. I would propose, and what ind of educational session could I host or participate in; I had wanted to mail the letters Sunday, since one of them was the card for my last unemployment check, but Robert, Jo, and the Kids went to Decatur that morning, and Robert drove around showing the billboards in the Birmingham area that he works on.
So on my way to catch a bus to downtown Birmingham and on to East Lake, I made a detour to Mountain Brook Village. This was about 9:30 A.M. I mailed the letters from the post office.

(5th) In the mail this afternoon I received a post card from Spring Green, Wisconsin, confirming my membership in I.M.P.
International Mimes and Pantomimists in a very academic organization. "Mime News," the monthly news letter, seens to be oriented this way.
I imagine that Mime is fighting for its life, and the collegiate world is the only outlet ready to help it, with the feeling that college have in pure forms.
Is the fact that I join I.M.P. the rreason I was invited to the Milwaukee Mime Festival a few days later?
Saturday and Sunday were 'big' days, as far as Baha'i Faith goes. April Fool's day was spent at the Greentree Apartments Clubhouse in Hoover. The occassion was an Anxiliary Board Team Conference, with Dr. Sam McClellan from Kentucky, Auxiliary Board for Protection for this area, and Elizabeth Martin, from Winnsboro, S.C., Auxiliary Board for Propagation. Ms Martin territory is not Alabama, but Odessa Meyers, the assigned counslor, died suddenly in January. Odassa was at the Auxiliary Board Team Conderence held in Nashville last July.
Elizabeth, like Odessa, is black.
That evening there was a fireside at the home of Jackie Logue's.
On Sunday, Decatur had their assembly Recognition Party. Robert, Jo, the Kids, and myself, left Homewood around 8:00 A.M. for the ceremony.
3 times Decatur has been assembly status, the first 2 times lost it.
I was popped at the party. Was this the reason I was so tired and kept to myself? Or am I self-conscience about my life style?
As in Nashville, Sam gave an interesting talk. Elizabeth was good, too.
A small talk he gave at the fireside, for the benefit of two non-Baha'is (although one, William Dearman, husband of Kathy of Homewood, knows a lot about the faith since his wife is Baha'i), was rather academic; it may have been what the young black, female - beautiful! - wanted.

(6th) This afternoon I received my last check from Unemployment, $14.00. Now, work will have to furnish me money.
I finally had to call Kevin Smith Sunday evening to ask him to host the Cluster Deepening this month. He agreed to it; 2:00 P.M. this Sunday at his house. I tried calling Ronnie White in Gadsden, but no one answered the ringing of the phone.
Robert and I had a 'discussion' about Cluster teaching, on the way to Decatur Sunday morning. When he asked about the meeting, I sais I was trying to arranged it in Gadsden for the 9th, or the 16th if need be. He said that changing the day - the second Sunday of the month is the usual time - would confuse the 'people.' I brought up the fact that Jefferson County, long ago. planned a picnis-deepening at the zoo the first Sunday in May (the second one is Mother's Day). It is more important to bring Ronnie into the 'fold,' than to pacify the schedules of the "other 99."
Needless to say, Robert dis-agreed.

8 April, Childersburg, Al.

(10:05 A.M.) I finished the reading of "Beulah Land," Lonnie Coleman's novel. It was an enjoyable book. Coleman wrote another novel "Look Away, Beulan Land." It may be a sequel. It it is, I must read it.
The 'pornography' in the story made it more realistic. I felt like I was reading an authentic history book.

10-11 April (Monday-Tuesday)

(11th) It was yesterday, at "The Fair Store," that I was reading the "Living" section of "The Birmingham News" (Joyce, David, and I was visiting Mama). There were a couple of feature stories about the movie being shot in Birmingham: one was about a flustrated actor who took up make-up work - he was in town with the film crew - and the other article about the camera men who are Birmingham residents. In passing, it was mentioned, in the latter article, about the cave scene being shot in Huntsville, using 250 extras. This information depressed me, putting me in the frame of mind that I probably wouldn't get called to work in the film. I need some type of work to hold me until June.
Of course, I really don't need film word just because it is "the movies." If only there was a part requiring a mime!
I sent a note to Jeanette Tomb at the Birmingham Children's Theatre, asking if "my services are still desired." I kinda enjoy teaching; besides, it is money coming in.

After the production of "The Wizard of Oz," maybe I will get work.
Mime Toni Attell ('Toad') was on the MERV GRIFFIN SHOW this morning (8 05-9:30 A.M. on Channel 6). This female, who is a regular on the LAUGH-IN Show, didn't impress me. In fact, it makes me wonder where mime is headed. She was white-face and did mainly illusions while a robot. She was a stewardess and there was a male voice-over. I don't think it is bragging or hiding an inferior complex to say Iam better, even though art can't be compared. The statement is probably 'sour graps,' though.

12 April, Childersburg, Al.

I started "Epistle to the Son of the Wold" this morning, but I only made it pass the introduction. I am not of the right spiritual level at the present to read the writing of Baha'u'llah.
At approx. 2:15 P.M. I begin the reading of "The Demanding Land," a paper-back western by Giles A. Lutz. It is light reading. It is meant for escape, not intellectal stimulation.

13-14 April, Childersburg, Al.

(14th, 7:00 A.M.) 51 degrees F. Another cold wave is here. Mama said it was down to 38 degrees F. earlier this morning.
This is the third day of this cold spell. The rain brought it on.
Let's hope that the tomato plants won't be killed by the frost.
I got a letter and application form from Green Acre Baha'a School in Eliot, Maine, yesterday inthemail. The job of recreation and entertainment director was discribed to me. It is from July 2-September 4(?). I can't work there that long, because of the Mime Festival in Milwaukee. I don't know yet about the teaching job in Birmingham




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