Last year, our family took a vacation in Nova Scotia. It was my first visit to the Maritimes. We toured a historical village, we swam in the ocean, and Le Clown touched a horse – I even saddled one… I showed these Maritimers what Le Clown was made of: pure-manly-man-testosterone-man-over-animals fibers. I made Darwin smile in his grave. I fell in love with Nova Scotia – and that’s a big deal for Le Urbanite Clown who’s been known to have a penchant for big cities like New York.
We’re heading back to Nova Scotia. My wife‘s grand-mother is ill – she’s asked to see her grandkids and great-grandkids one last time. Sadly, we might be there for a funeral.
We’re leaving for a week, to beautiful Nova Scotia. We’re coming your way, Grammie Aleah – we’ll be seeing you soon. We’ve packed our smiles and foolishness. We love you.
I will not be updating A Clown on Fire for the next week. However, if you miss me, Madame Weebles has agreed to entertain you. How lucky are you? Have a great week, my very loyal Carnies, you will be missed. And off with my family I go…
My heart will be with you all.
Posted by Ruby Tuesday | August 4, 2012, 09:03Ruby,
Thank you. We’ll see you back in a week.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 09:09Safe Journey ……..
Lots of Love to your Family …………..
xx
Cat
Posted by Cat Forsley | August 4, 2012, 09:04Cat,
Thank you. We opted for the car this time around, as opposed to the train. You’re very kind, and I appreciate the sentiments.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 09:10Always …….xx
be safe and i am sure all will be well …………
Cat
Posted by Cat Forsley | August 4, 2012, 10:52Safe travels Le Clown et famille. Sorry to hear it’s under sad circumstances.
Posted by shanz83 | August 4, 2012, 09:05Shan,
Thank you, my Hawksley Workman-fan (there is worse things to be tagged at). À bientôt.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 09:11Sending light, love & smiles for you all to put in your suitcases..
Posted by free penny press | August 4, 2012, 09:11Lynne,
Much appreciated. We’ll take all the light with us. Montreal will be plunged in total darkness during our absence.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 09:15Safe Travels Le Clown. I’m sending you all a bit of extra strentgh and peace during this sad time. Love the pictures.
Posted by TJLubrano | August 4, 2012, 09:11TJ,
Thank you. Please look after everyone while I’m gone…
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 09:15But of course! I shall put on a (creepy) staring face! *waves*
Posted by TJLubrano | August 4, 2012, 09:17Awww, difficult to find the right words. Sometimes moments of great joy can be found amongst the sadness and I wish that for you all x
Posted by Vanessa Chapman | August 4, 2012, 09:17Vanessa,
We’re leaving feeling united, sad, but at peace. Thank you.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 09:20So glad to read you’re at peace. It’s wonderful for Grammie that you can be with her. Safe travels.
Posted by jmlindy422 | August 4, 2012, 09:34Janet,
You are too kind. I’ll bring back the memories, and a few words to share, of course.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 12:01Grammie Aleah is waiting for you, I just know it. May you have a good, safe, peaceful visit.
Posted by Robin Jean Marie | August 4, 2012, 09:41Robin,
She is waiting for us. And I couldn’t thank you enough for your kind words.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 12:00You’ll be missed. I hope your trip is beautiful and memorable in all the right ways. Always hard to say goodbye…
Be safe.
Lisa
Posted by A gripping life | August 4, 2012, 09:51Grippy,
You’re right, it is always hard to say goodbye. But at least, I’m happy that we will have the chance to say it in family.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 11:59Best wishes and safe travels!
Posted by La La | August 4, 2012, 09:55La La,
Merci.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 11:58Sorry to hear about your grandma-inlaw. It’s rough, but it’s nice to have the opportunity to say your goodbyes.
And there could be another horse in your future.*
*Speaker7 has difficulty dealing with emotion, which is why she cannot resist making jokes at inopportune moments.
Posted by speaker7 | August 4, 2012, 10:33Speaker 7,
You were cut from the same cloth I was. All is good.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 11:52Whatever happens in Nova Scotia, I hope you all have a memorable and safe trip.
I love the pictures.
Posted by Ink. [Anette] | August 4, 2012, 10:37Anette,
C’est bien gentil, merci.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 11:58Vous êtes les bienvenus mon ami.
Posted by Ink. [Anette] | August 8, 2012, 07:34I am sorry to hear that you will be traveling under sad circumstances, but happy to hear that you will be in a place that brings you happiness and that you will be sharing it with your family. Safe travels!
Posted by ardent and awkward in austin | August 4, 2012, 10:44A&A,
Those are sweet wishes. You’re not that awkward… Unless you want to be!
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 11:58Safe travels. Thinking of you all and I hope for a peaceful transition for Grammie Aleah.
Posted by rollergiraffe | August 4, 2012, 10:57RG,
Thanks, friend. It means a lot.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 11:56Hope you have a safe trip, much love to you and your family
Posted by MissFourEyes | August 4, 2012, 11:27Miss Four Eyes,
Le Clown will be driving like a real Montrealer… But somewhere along the line, he will have to take it slower like the Maritimers…
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 11:56I hope everything goes well. That’s so prosaic, but when a loved one is sick, what do you say? I’m sorry.
I didn’t know NS was called the “Mariitimes.” I assume Newfoundland is included in that?
It’s funny what we take for granted living where we do. The reason I say this is because you went to Nova Scotia for the first time a year ago! Dude, it’s like two blocks from your house. How do you not end up going to Nova Scotia until last year? You know where I live, right? On the far side of the freakin’ continent. Hell dude, I’ve been to Nova Scotia!
I’m surprised they’re even talking to you, given how long you’ve ignored them. Who am I kidding–it’s Nova Scotia–they’re just glad to have you!
Jokes aside, I hope this trip is a pleasant one for the whole Cirque.
Posted by Smaktakula | August 4, 2012, 11:43Smak,
Sometimes, we want to spontaneously take all of our family to Nova Scotia. But sometimes, the icy roads melt, and our sleigh can’t make it all the way because of the puddles and rivers. Our sleigh dogs are also too hot during these warmer days…
Le Clown
PS: Thank you, Smak.
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 11:54Safe travels and best wishes to your family.
Btw….LOVE the pics!
Posted by Alex Autin | August 4, 2012, 11:45Alex,
Thank you. Love shared with all.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 11:53Have a safe trip and lots of love.
Posted by boomiebol | August 4, 2012, 12:00Boomie,
Thank you.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 13:07Le Clown — I hope you and your beautiful family have a good time, despite the other reason why you are going. Please give Sara lots of good positive thoughts/energy and for her grandmother and for all of you! I hope that all of you are surrounded by each other’s good family feelings and it is a sweet, wonderful time. Be well, friend and safe travels.
Posted by Brigitte | August 4, 2012, 12:08Brigitte,
I’m sorry, I really am. I am running all over the place today, we just have so much to do for our trip. I simply forgot to comment on yours. You’re one of the kindest souls I know on the blogosphere, of course you haven’t offended me. So far, the count of people who managed to offend me is 2, and you are in a galaxy far far away. Thank you for your warm wishes, and I apologize if I conveyed a different message by my silence.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 14:37I’m very sorry, Le Clown. Send my best wishes to The Ringmistress as well. Here’s to a peaceful and comforting visit. But Nova Scotia won’t know what hit it, with the sudden arrival of such magnificence.
Posted by Madame Weebles | August 4, 2012, 12:09Madame Weebles,
Well said. And please take good care of my Carnies, and this wonderful blog. I know I am leaving everyone in good hands. Thanks, MW.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 13:05Was it something I said? I’m sorry but I really do hope you have a nice visit and wish you and yours the very best and safe and pleasant journey, Le Clown.
Posted by Brigitte | August 4, 2012, 14:27I’ll cut Clown some slack just this once, B. He probably just missed your wonderfully kind comment in this list, in his haste to leave for Nova Scotia. But if it happens again, it’s ON.
Posted by Madame Weebles | August 4, 2012, 14:29That was the case and silly, silly me for getting my feelings all hurt. You know, no matter how much you grow up, sometimes you’re still that little overly-sensitive kid inside. Thank you, Weebs and thank you Le Clown, my kind dear friends. Little hurt 5-year-old Brigitte is back where she should be now.
. Just had to leave the emotion, sorry.
Posted by Brigitte | August 4, 2012, 15:02Here’s a cupcake and a hug, B.
Posted by Madame Weebles | August 4, 2012, 15:18Brigitte,
Nada. Only respect and friendship for you, my magnificent Carnie.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 14:40I hope you make it in time to say good bye.
Posted by draconianstylist | August 4, 2012, 12:17DS,
Thanks. I’ll have a heavy foot on the pedal.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 13:04Le Clown,
Two years ago, I spent 17 wonderful days on a motorcycle in Nova Scotia. I loved it so much I tried to hide in the campground in Cape Brenton, but, unfortunately, they found me and I had to go back to the states. I hope you enjoy your time making memories with your family.
Rainey
Posted by rainey | August 4, 2012, 12:33Rainey,
It’s an enchanting place, and the people are simply fantastic.
Just like people from Toronto.Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 13:03X <3 O
Posted by Peaches | August 4, 2012, 12:48Peaches,
[Insert emoticons and txt slang answer].
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 13:02I suck with words in these situations. I usually just give depressingly tight hugs, which I can not do.
Posted by Peaches | August 4, 2012, 13:13Peaches,
Le Clown makes light of everything, It wasn’t anything personal, rest assured.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 13:14I love the picture of Sara and her grandmother. It’s sweet. I’m sending my well-wishes to you and the family. It will be a great comfort, I’m sure, to Grammie that her loving family is there.
Posted by Sword-chinned bitch | August 4, 2012, 12:51Auntie Sandor,
A beautiful picture and moment. Grammie Aleah spent the night with us, telling stories about her travels and younger years. We were captivated by her stories, but also, by her way of conveying these stories. We’ve almost lived them again with her.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 13:00Now that is definitely special — I can just imagine her telling these stories. I know I’d be riveted. How fortunate that you have someone like this in your lives. Take care Eric.
Posted by Sword-chinned bitch | August 4, 2012, 15:46It’s nice to know that Nova Scotia will be known for more than salmon now that you, the Ringmistress, and Tiny Geek are again gracing it with your magnificent presence(s). Sorry about the sad aspect of the circumstances. It’s tough when loved ones are checking out. I did one of those visits, too, twenty-odd years ago when my grandmother bought her rainbow. It was sad but I’m glad I got to say goodbye.
Posted by lameadventures | August 4, 2012, 12:52V,
“When my grandmother bought her rainbow”… Poetic, sweet, secular. Just the way I like it.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 12:59Nova Scotia is a bit of a balm for the soul. Safe travels and good thoughts sent your way.
Posted by drawandshoot | August 4, 2012, 13:05Karen,
Isn’t it just a wonderful little place? Thank you, my very talented blogger friend.
Le Clown
Posted by clownonfire | August 4, 2012, 13:07Le Clown,
Best to you and yours. Carnie hugs.
Le Paz
Posted by PAZ | August 4, 2012, 13:36Never been to Nova Scotia, but perhaps if I get to Ohio(!) I can make the trip. Warm thoughts to the Ringmistress and all of you. Perhaps Grammie and my brother will meet and bring us together in that way. Prenez garde, être sûrs, les embrassades chaleureuses. OK, so I used a translator, but it was so it sounded more personal. I care.
Posted by paralaxvu | August 4, 2012, 15:06Godspeed to you, Grammie, and your family. Safe travels too.
Posted by robincoyle | August 4, 2012, 15:47Hope it’s a great visit for her. If she has to go, it would be amazing to do it with a smile.
Posted by calahan | August 4, 2012, 16:37Best wishes and smiles to all of you at a difficult time…
Posted by Jennifer Worrell | August 4, 2012, 17:37be well Le Clown and Family
Posted by unfetteredbs | August 4, 2012, 17:50Have a good trip, sorry it is under such sad circumstances.
Posted by nevercontrary | August 4, 2012, 20:31I made the same type of trip a few years ago to see my grandmother for the last time, but in Calgary. I hope your last visit is a very special one. xo
Posted by writerwendyreid | August 4, 2012, 21:28I’ve been thinking about my own departed grammy lately. My love and thoughts go with you.
Posted by purplemary54 | August 5, 2012, 01:48Safe travels Le Clown.
Posted by atothewr | August 5, 2012, 09:36Enjoy the sea. My thoughts are with you and your family. Blog love to all. <3
Posted by The Waiting | August 5, 2012, 20:28I hope the trip is filled with more laughs than tears. Best wishes to you and yours, Le Clown
Posted by AndyWatchesMovies | August 6, 2012, 12:24Good luck and best wishes to the Clown family
Posted by daddyranman | August 7, 2012, 08:28Le Clown,
Sorry to hear this, take care.
Val
Posted by Val | August 7, 2012, 22:05I sold nightcrawlers as a child to our local grocery store, saved up the money from my forty dozen sales a week, and bought a couple of Arabian horses. True Story. I rode the horses, and they liked it. :-O
Posted by kzackuslheureux | August 13, 2012, 22:33