Home Based, continued
Terry Donaldson hasn't always been a clown. Like many business owners, she passed through an eclectic series of jobs and careers before being inspired to start her own business and pursue something that felt very comfortable to her. In fact, Terry worked at over fifty jobs before discovering what she "wanted to be when she grew up!" Terry discovered her natural abilities quite by accident:
Terry dressed up as Lady Liberty and rollerbladed in Tracy's 1996 Fourth of July Parade. She admits to crashing the parade, because she didn't know she was supposed to be pre-registered to appear in it. She just joined in and had a great time! She was invited to return and be a part of the parade in 1997, so she donned a clown costume and pretended she didn'tt know how to rollerblade; often falling with her legs flying in the air and landing on a pillow tied around her fanny. She was an instant hit and a new career was born!
In 1997, Terry began preparing for her new career by attending classes at the San Francisco School of Circus Arts and the Concord School of Clownology. She felt the training did not fully prepare her for her new career, but it did give her a foundation upon which to build her own clown persona.
The most important thing she learned followed her own experience of being repeatedly told, "NO," to the answers she gave to one of her teachers. Terry eventually stopped raising her hand to answer any question. She was 47 years old and totally devastated and intimidated by her teacher. Terry vowed to herself that she'd never tell a child, "NO," to their answers to Sparkles questions. What she might say is, "interesting, what an imagination, I never thought of that, or yes and what else?" She doesn't want to squash any creativity and imagination in these youngsters!
In 1997, Terry joined both the Clowns of America International (COAI) and the World Clown Association (WCA) which publish monthly magazines (The Calliope and Clowning Around). Each organization promotes the art of clowning.
Terry learned well and brings her boundless energy to each and every show. Remembering names comes naturally and much of her show focuses on a high-energy interaction with the children. Twisting balloons is an aspect of her performance that is a hit with young and old alike. Being given a specially made balloon creation is a treat for young people, and for adults it can also revive fond memories of a balloon from their childhood.
When she first made the decision to become a professional clown, there was a clown making balloons at a restaurant in Tracy. Terry would go there on Tuesdays, eager to talk to the clown and watch how she interacted with the children and their families. Many Tuesdays the other clown wouldn't be there and Terry was very disappointed. Imagine how devastated the children would feel! Terry knew that if she ever committed to work at a restaurant she, or a replacement, would always be there regardless of emergencies. Terry is very proud that Sparkles has appeared at Applebee's in Livermore for over five and a half years. She is also Balloon Twisting at HomeTown Buffet in Tracy and Pee Wee Muldoon s in Brentwood.
Wherever she goes, Sparkles brings up the
energy level! Being a clown and a kid magnet can be a tremendous
responsibility, but it's what Miss Sparkles Delight lives for.
 |
 |
 |
 |