"A clown comes from the heart, not the nose."
~Lou Jacobs

The above quote speaks volumes to me, because one of my first memories of clowns came when, as a young girl, I attended the Shiner's Circus with my family. I loved the brightly colored clothing, the antics and all of the laughter.

Over the years, every time I saw a clown the inner child in me would smile -- and I'd be transported back to that time at the circus. All my life I've watched people use this wonderful gift of making people laugh. They performed from their hearts, and the result was always the same: Lots of smiles and giggles.

When the opportunity came for me to audition for the Character Clown Corp, I thought 'Why not?' I signed up knowing it would make me think 'outside the box' -- and push me out of my comfort zone. I also knew it was an opportunity to do something special.

The interview process was fascinating! Angel [Ocasio] asked me why I wanted to join the Corp and I looked him straight in the eye and said, "Because you told me I needed to find my inner clown!" He just laughed and said, "Why, yes, I did -- didn't I?" But my real answer, aside from this bit of humor, was I really wanted an opportunity to do something unique and fun. Something that would make people happy!

Angel's been involved with the Rose Festival for some time now and he's become a treasured friend of our Rose Festival Staff! The rest of his questions were very thought-provoking, because they made me to pause and really reflect on what kind of things I like, how I see myself, what I hope to learn as a member -- as well as what I hope to bring to the Corps through my involvement.

I'm looking forward to this chance to stretch myself and discover my inner clown. You know, I have a feeling my grandkids will love this new side of Mammy!

-Jodi Carlton, PRFF Receptionist

[This is the first in our series of following Jodi's progress as she becomes a member of the Character Clown Corps. Keep your eyes peeled to this blog for more from Jodi about her clown experiences!]