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Click here for "What is a Hospital Clown"?
This question is often asked, especially for a better understanding of the Hospital Clown’s role in the healthcare setting! Answers and some practices may vary, but the core essence remains the same.
To explain this best, AHeart4Clowning asked some friends in clowning to share their thoughts. We are pleased to present to you their insight and stories, on a special collaborative page, right here on AHeart4Clowning.com!
Armloads of Balloon Flower Bouquets of Thanks to: Deb “Giggles” Foy, Paul “Dr. Kidding, Jest Kidding” Kleinberger, Leslie “Happe” Gibson, Robin “Robbo” Burg, Cheryl “Sparkle” Oberg!
Click this link, to read: “What is a Hospital Clown“
NOTE: This is the first Special Feature in a series, part of AHeart4Clowning.com “5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration”!
Don’t miss a thing — all kinds of FUN planned throughout 2012!
You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
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About AHeart4Clowning 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration, click this link (here)
Don’t miss a thing — all kinds of FUN planned throughout 2012!
>>>You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
Click here for MORE: Celebrate 5 Years of Fab FUN!
Who doesn’t like to get gifts?!
Never before in the history of this blog (begun in 2007) have we had the wonderful opp we have today, to so generously gift our AHeart4Clowning Readers!
Here’s how AHeart4Clowning Readers receive $100+ Gift, from our Heart to yours…
This is a great time to buy those books you’ve been wanting to read, get our brand NEW book, buy books for your Healing Humor friends or clowning group — at a sweet discount!
Coupon CODE: BUYMYBOOKS305
This limited-time special promotion ends on December 14, 2011 11:59PM PST
More promotion details, book ordering Tips, and to grab your own special AHeart4Clowning.com Coupon, click this link: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/11/28/discount-coupon-save-25-percent-on-aheart4clowning-books-for-hospital-clowns-and-healthcare-family-entertainers/
Click this link to preview and purchase AHeart4Clowning Books: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/beckycortino
Please Note: This promotion, any and all related terms and conditions are offered by our Publisher, and are not under our control.
$$$>>>The amount you save depends upon your purchase, of course — but at a savings, with 25% discount! Enjoy 
2) Have you read our newest book?
Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
This book is especially for Hospital Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists, and SmileMakers on the topic of entertaining effectively in the healthcare setting. In addition to being a great read providing:
- Pointers and Tips for Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting
- Inspirations and Ideas for Putting Your Best Foot Forward
- Actionable Steps to be an Effective Healthcare Family Entertainer
- Journaling and List-keeping Section
$$$>>>A Special Reader BONUS Gifts ($45 Value) is included! More about this book: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/09/22/new-book-injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting-entertaining-effectively-in-the-healthcare-venue/
Preview and purchase this book here: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting/17270124
Click here to: Celebrate 5 Years of FAB FUN with Us!
3) Snag your own Comp Ticket to our 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration in 2012! As a special “Thank you!” to everyone who has ever purchased any AHeart4Clowning book, CD, DVD (audio-or-video), a digital product or online course, we have a Special Online Event planned — details to be announced — be sure to register to receive event details, and your Complimentary Ticket to attend!
Register any purchase you make, to receive a Complimentary Ticket to attend AHeart4Clowning’s 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration, a special “Thank you” from us to you! After you make your purchase, click this link for event details, and to register:
http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/11/07/aheart4clowning-celebrates-5-years-of-fab-fun/
$$$>>>5 Years of FAB FUN Online Event Ticket Valued at: $55.00(Complimentary)
Click here for More: AHeart4Cowning 4You
So, O-K — what’s the deal, how can this be?! Just over one year ago, I released a video explaining about AHeart4Clowning.com, our books and my efforts. In it, I pointed out that this site and AHeart4Clowning.com is not a “typical” ‘business model,’ for an organization to survive and thrive lol That is certainly true, and remains so!
Personally, I don’t “make a living” from this site or my efforts here, but I am pleased for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience to benefit you. In turn, it has been a delight to meet so many like-minded folks! I wholeheartedly do believe that we make this world a better place by sharing our gifts and talents. I’ve been duly complimented by being accused of openly ‘walking my talk,’ and hopefully you can see this is evidenced as true, by all I put into this site and all AHeart4Clowning.com efforts for you…
So how can we “gift” $100 to savvy AHeart4Clowning Readers? Good question! For one thing, as they say — “timing is everything,” for us and for our Readers! All this happens to happily coincide with our upcoming 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration, so that’s added coolness! It’s the ‘cherry on top‘!
But, this is all made possible through the excellent partnerships and long-standing working relationships we have. We are thrilled our Publisher is offering special promotions, because it means more folks are reading our books, more lights are shining in dark places crying out for it, creating miles and Miles of Smiles! YaY
Why am I offering BONUSES and a special Online Celebration? As a thank you to YOU, for your support of this cause, to bless you back. It is through your purchases of AHeart4Clowning books, our online courses and products, that this site remains here, constantly updated with fresh, new material ongoing, featuring important news that affects our ‘work,’ and spotlighting inspiring folks!
Through your comments, ideas and stories shared, ‘thumbs ups’ and sharing AHeart4Clowning.com, you have helped to make this site better. So, a heartfelt “thank you” for all of that. Thank you for all you do in your work, and also furthering this important idea of Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting.
ADDED BONUSES: A series of FREE special events, features and FUN are planned for all of our AHeart4Clowning Readers throughout 2012 — stay tuned!
Click here to Stay Tuned: Lots Planned! Celebrate 5 Years of AHeart4Clowning FAB FUN in '12!
These events and FUN things will be ongoing throughout 2012, and NO registration is required — they’re for EveryBuddy!Watch this site and blog for details as they roll out 
So my hope for you, is not only increasing Joy in this work that only looks like play, but in some way I can, do and will continue to serve your needs through AHeart4Clowning.com
I sincerely hope if you buy a book, enroll in an online AHeart4Clowning course, or purchase a product from us, you will benefit greatly from it, as will all those you come into contact with, during your meandering journey.
If you never purchase anything from AHeart4Clowning.com, thank you for all you do and give, serving so actively in the Trenches! I hope you are blessed by all you find here, and what I offer helps you in your work.
Thank you one and all, for sharing Miles of Smiles!
My Heart to Yours,
Becky
Our AHeart4Clowning “Books and MultiMedia” page has been redesigned, to make browsing easier, with our ever-growing collection!
When you click-through the links provided on our page, you will get more details about the books, be able to make your selection, and purchase directly from our Publisher.
TIPs:
>>>When you arrive on the Publisher’s book site, be sure to note any delivery advisories (in the case of Holiday Deliveries as an example), for your planning purposes.
>>>From time to time, our Publisher also offers special promotions like: “FREE Ground Shipping” for orders (specifics vary), or offers a “Special” or Coupon CODE for a particular promotion. While on the Publisher’s book site, if you click on their logo (in upper left corner), you will be taken to the main page, where any current special promotional details are listed (as available). These special offers are random, varied, not ongoing, and not under our control — but when we have enough advance notice about them, we will let you know by sharing the information.
Thank you for your interest in our books — Happy Reading!
To see our Books and MultiMedia Programs, click this link: AHeart4Clowning “Books and MultiMedia” page
Happy ThanksLiving!
At this time of the year, grateful hearts often turn inward to reflect on the days and years past, with thankfulness for many things that have transpired in the journey that got them to the arrival point called today...
I too, am thankful for so many wonderful things, but also thankful for things that while not as I would have liked — positively paved the way, shaped, and affirmed the direction and perspective of my work. These influences trained me up in the way not to go — most likely, in the opposite direction (as inferred) — but in the right direction, for me.
Daily, I am thankful for those who provided excellent and inspiring training. For those who allowed me to do the work that I knew I was destined to do — and did — and still do. Granted there aren’t a lot of folks who fall into this category, but thankfully there are fewer who were actually not supportive.
But I am sincerely thankful for those who were persistently not supportive of this work, of my unwavering Grassroots Perspective, and heartfelt desire to freely encourage and inspire as many folks as possible to engage in this wonderful work that only looks like play, from Day One. Were it not for you, perhaps I might have otherwise stopped my quest to learn and be so much more than I was (I never stopped trying), and to share my experiences with others, to help them.
Had you not so influenced me early-on, I might not have otherwise made such a big deal about spreading the Truth that all of this is really NOT “Rocket Science.” I might not have actually gone to such great lengths, and spent tireless hours to show those who were hungry to know more.
Had you not made it all seem like it was such a big, exclusive Secret that only the real Insiders could know and do, and if I — and all the others — were lucky enough, maybe we too could share the inner sanctum with you. Maybe I could have become mesmerized with the possibility. Perhaps I then would have just waited for that day ever to come. “Waiting” would have kept me too busy, preoccupied for anything else.
Then, I probably never would have written my first book, or my second book, or my third book, or my 4 online training programs, or established Humor-Bit TV or AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio, along with maintaining a half-dozen websites about Healing Humor, reaching so many, with encouraging messages and inspiring information they need to hear and want to know. 245 hospital clowns would not have received L-I-V-E training from a caring heart. The world would be a bleaker place, without the Miles of Funny Smiles now encircling it. If I believed at all in luck, and was anxious to be inducted into your inner sanctum, probably I would be waiting, still…
Had you not stressed your rigid requirement that all things fit neatly into a One-Size-Fits-All Approach, and I totally accepted that myth as fact, I might have never have realized the truth that One Size never fits all actually needed to be amplified far and wide — and so I did just that. “One Size” never works, especially in relationships, or in effectively injecting Healing Humor in healthcare. Afterall, that’s what we exist to do…
Your teaching helped me to understand the Truths that needed to be presented, so more hearts could be touched by compassionate others; more healthcare Humor Programs could be established, and improved. That’s what it’s all about, for me. I knew it was the Right Thing to do.
So thank you, my Naysayers of Days Gone By. I appreciate the fact that you challenged me! I whole-heartedly accepted that challenge. Had you not influenced me in the ways you did, and I did not feel compelled to run with this, we would not be having this conversation today.
Because of your influence, armed with unfaltering dedication, and a very clear understanding of my purpose, we made a positive impact in this world during the last 8 years!
But wait! There’s more…
AHeart4Clowning on World News Network
Tune In! To view: Click on above graphic (or click here)
Open House — whooohooo!!
Grand Opening: A Heart 4 Clowning Hospital Clown Caring Clown Resources Page on Facebook
You’re invited – please pop by! Hope you’ll “Like” A Heart 4 Clowning on Facebook and join our FUN:
Find A Heart 4 Clowning on Facebook!
Find A Heart 4 Clowning on Facebook here (or click on the above picture):
A Heart 4 Clowning Facebook Page Link:
http://www.facebook.com/AHeart4ClowningHospitalClownCaringClownResources
Our page is geared to support and encourage Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists, and SmileMakers!
This newly-established page serves as an umbrella page for all AHeart4Clowning.com Media
Sharing appreciated – please help us pass the word to others who do this ‘work’ that looks like play – thanks ;o)
Here’s an easy way to find A Heart 4 Clowning and Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy online — with our QR (Quick Response Matrix code) — click on picture (below), to view:
A Heart4 Clowning & Healing Humor QR (Links)
The above site contains A Heart 4 Clowning and Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy URLs all-in-one convenient location!
You can scan the QR Matrix (lower left corner) with your iPhone, BlackBerry or smartphone to go there, also… our QR is located on this site => click on this link (here) to try it out!
Over my years in clowning, I have observed things changing in our clowning community. These changes have been confirmed by others who have more years of experience. Here are 3 examples…
Several years ago, I remember folks mentioning on an online membership forum that there seemed to be less participation and sharing. That’s sad indeed, because of the lost benefit that especially the new folks experienced, in addition to the sharing of ideas all ’round. Some members still conversed and shared, but apparently not to the extent as in previous years. Further lessening the value of the group was a percentage of the participation was product sales promotion (ideas) contributed ongoing by a vendor.
Recently, I was saddened to hear one friend in clowning share that upon attending a well-known conference, no one would share or network with her. She has clowning experience, but was there to learn more, to meet and talk about her passion with others. She felt it was an assembled closed community. This marred her conference experience, and hope for the camaraderie she sought.
Once Upon a Time, a hospital clown group was in preliminary rebuilding stage, with 3 experienced clowns who had not been part of the group but helped in the initial training. Following the training, they chose not to become involved, and commenced to speak in derogatory terms about the fledgling group, attempting to attract folks from the growing membership, by actively promoting another directly to them. Their groups eventually failed, but in their wake, they intentionally created a lot of unnecessary ill will.
These are 3 examples of how new members of our clowning community were greeted and supported. Of course not all interactions are on the negative side — thankfully! However, it seems contradictory to the nature of the kind of work we do, that folks would be greeted and treated in this way, don’t you think?!
I think a lot has to do with “purpose,” as viewed by each of us. A clear vision of what we’re about, our true heart, and how we do what we do. Most folks are busy, but I have found them helpful if you meet them where they are. Some will share more than others — perhaps that’s their nature. I have observed the depth and breadth of what someone shares is based upon their expertise. This sharing in no way impacts their “business model,” or making a sale — it actually enhances it. The other approach of withholding great, helpful info and only pushing out sales messages is so Old School. That approach never did work. Today’s a new day.
Some folks have their clowning and humor-dispensing based on a business model — to make sales. This shapes their interactions and participation. They give pitchfests for presentations. If they can’t make a sale, they won’t attend an event. I understand about getting expenses covered, but think the Old School business model needs to be seriously rethought, to truly promote and support the concept and the cause — unless “sales” and only increasing the bottomline are the purpose. Again, this is a short-sighted approach, no matter how many new tools and gadgets used in promoting, to whip up a frenzy of excitement to buy — over time – the longhaul, it is all for naught.
In the world of hospital clowning, and in the clowning community, we need to offer support and network with one another. That is how the art is passed on — it is not in buying a gadget that gets thrown into the prop box at home. I have SO enjoyed all the folks I’ve been able to interview for 4 years running — on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show! No where on earth has such an assemblage of experienced hospital clowns, caring clowns, healthcare family entertainers, applied humor therapists, and smilemakers gathered to share their expertise and hearts — with you — for FR*EE. It has been an awesome privilege to get to meet up with them where they are, and talk with them!
In thinking back on the instances shared with you here, and others have shared with me, I think the disconnect to ‘purpose’ in helping to promote the concept of hospital/caring clowning is due to a large extent in losing sight of what it’s all about. If you don’t encourage the concept and others, and your ‘business model’ is based on that target market, then your audience is dwindling every minute. If helpful information is withheld for purposes of making a “sale,” apparently the concept of the art form or the cause is not really at the heart of the effort.
AHeart4Clowning.com was established after publishing my first book in 2007, and it has grown every year — beyond the book, so to speak. From Day One back in July, 2007, our mission was established as: “To Encourage and Inspire Touching Hearts through the Arts(TM) Via Our Unique Message+Media. We take that pretty serious. We FRE*ELY offer encouragement, inspiration and support to you in your efforts. What we offer, and this site, is not based on a ‘business model,‘ but in a sincere heart-based effort to encourage and support the Healing Humor concept. Your feedback and support is appreciated, and affirms what in the world we’re ‘here’ for!
The simple truth is that people will always buy a clown gadget or a magic trick, when what they really need is support and encouragement. Buying the gadget or trick is easy, but living the dream is not. The answer is not in ‘things,’ but rather knowledge and insight received from generous hearts.
This applies to anyone who is a hospital clown, caring clown, healthcare family entertainer, applied humor therapist or smilemaker in the healthcare setting…
Wondering: What is the ‘True Heart of a Clown’ – ?!
I have broken the word ‘heart’ down letter by letter, to define it through an acronym: h-e-a-r-t:
“H” stands for: Happy. The True Heart of a Clown emanates from the spirit. The heart of the being is the message. The message is communicated through the words, actions, and approach. Happiness is the mission – the goal – the message, experienced through the discovery of joy and wonder.
“E” stands for: Ebullient. The True Heart of a Clown overflows with joyful enthusiasm. While sometimes confronted with sad moments in time, the spirit is always uplifting, while sympathetic to the situation or compassionate to the presented need.
“A” stands for: Artful. The True Heart of a Clown is filled with creativity, as demonstrated in performance, communication, the clown’s very being. By effectively applying artfulness to his craft, the performer and message are set apart from the rest, gaining the audience’s attention.
“R” stands for: Resilient. The True Heart of a Clown is filled with resillience, as he is able to perform, present and play off as well as to the audience. Through the skill of reading the audience, he can entertain improvisationally, touching hearts with a special message for each audience member.
“T” stands for: True. The True Heart of a Clown is filled with truth and communicates it with truthfulness: in the message, in the method, in the performance — therefore, the effect, the message rings with truthfulness. This fact is evidenced throught the history of clowning. A prime example if the court jester, who in medieval times told truths, even about the king without losing his head!
The True Heart of a Clown is Evident:
Hospital or caring clowns seek to promote healing humor in the healthcare setting for patients, visitors and staff. Humanitarian clowns seek to spread joy and hope to as many hearts as possible, throughout the world.
Sometimes the True Heart of a Clown is exemplified by someone in their hospital bed, from a wheelchair, or a most unexpected place!
Remember the True Heart of a Clown is not always represented by one wearing clown makeup, or an outfit intended to be ‘funny’ in appearance.
No offense intended, but…
This may surprise some folks — maybe even offend — to know that in essence they too, are also “clowns.”
In actuality, no one should be offended… for you see, to be a clown is to be “human.”
All of the elements listed above are really what a human heart needs to have.
The bottomline is this:
“Love” is the universal language so needed in this world. Just look around, and you can see this truth.
A smile is understood by all, no matter what language is spoken.
A compassionate act is received with understanding, no words needed — really.
My wish for You: May you always Live in Truth and Love in Truth.
My Heart to Yours,
Becky
Article excerpted from the book written by Becky Cortino: From the Heart: Inspirations, Issues & Asides – Wisdom & Words from the True Heart of a Clown, From the Trenches: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting
Encore: Hear this message on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show recorded broadcast, by clicking this link (here)
For More Information on: How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide companion online webinar mentioned in this audio, click on this link (here)
(Note: “40 Fun Fab Ways to Add Humor to Your Everyday” eBook mentioned in this broadcast is no longer available for download on AHeart4Clowning.com)
Are you planning a training program, conference or session? Are you preparing for good attendance, and possibly to expand the number of attendees? In addition to great training, do you hope to increase your group membership?
Becky Cortino AATH Presentermembership?
This is the goal of many folks and organizations who plan fabulous training programs every year. Yet, I hear “the numbers are down.” Such has been the word on the street for several consecutive years, in actuality. Because the dwindling numbers seem to be a persistent condition, I don’t think we can any longer blame them on “9-11,” gas prices, the economy, and anything-else-you-want. I think this problem is caused by a number of factors. Let me explain with a couple of recently-presented examples…
Not long ago, a colleague shared with me how some organizations in a particular niche don’t co-promote conferences and programs with other groups. In examining this situation, we determined each organization has its own culture and way of doing things — that is what sets them apart. Each entity is comprised of a unique set of individuals, with some spill-over in membership, of course. Due to the group’s parameters, focus and mission, their interactions and dynamics are different. Yet it is an undeniable fact that there may be — and probably is — an overlap of interests and desires are shared by these groups, to an extent.
Coincidentally, later that day I received a magazine from an organization I’ve been a member of for a long time. I glanced at the nice cover, and began reading it. Paging through, all the faces were almost all the same faces I see in any other magazine from this niche — the same folks! The upcoming program features the same — or very similar — training segments, taught by the same people! I actually surprised myself with this discovery, and then had to really search through the magazine to be sure which organization published it. I was unsure — blindsided by the similarities! The organization’s identity was not clear in my mind, and the upcoming conference details couldn’t be easily located.
Simply Thinking Outside-the-Box: Both of these examples provide ample opportunity for any organization, group, troupe or ministry that wants to offer a great training program, conference or convention, and grow attendance and membership:
- We are on the Same Team, and always have been. Work together, not as the ‘opposition.’ Working together for a common cause is always far more powerful than trying to compete in a market that supports a concept or philosophy — such as “Healing Humor,” ‘clowning around,’ adding some Joy and color to the increasing-gray world we share. More voices in unison get heard.
- Don’t be afraid to create a truly unique group identity or mission statement, to set your group apart from the others. If as a marketing-communications media consultant with decades of experience I can’t tell your publication apart from the others — that should tell you something. If I have to work hard to figure that out because I want to, you can imagine the confusion you’re creating in the marketplace!
- Always vary training programs and presenters. I love seeing a ‘familiar face,’ but ignoring new ideas presented by fresh faces or folks with a different perspective helps turn program offerings unintentionally stale very quickly. If I can see the same person at another program closer to home, or in tandem with many-many others I’ve already have heard several times before, a presentation remix is a welcomed transfusion. If attendance is down, I’m just sayin’…
- Creativity Inspires: Try something different! As hospital clowns, caring clowns, healthcare entertainers and related Healing Humor niches — we operate in a world that is based at least in part on the concept of creativity. Why should we ever allow our training programs to become formulaic in nature? Sessions and conferences may have similar underpinnings that set them apart from others (or should) — but to be viable, all segments must be allowed to be reworked and revamped to provide fresh, new content — presented in new ways.
SUMMARY: I believe the days are now long gone that many people will continue to attend a “yearly” meeting — or even regular training — if it does not offer them something different and useful. In fact, the more immediately-delivered benefits and useful information perceived as personally valuable by each attending individual, the better. This is the nature of the market ‘today,’ and what people are looking for. At the same time, there is growing competition for time, dollars… and attention spans are growing shorter.
Several years ago, the founder of a well-known training program admitted attendees said they came for the “entertainment” factor, not so much to learn. To me, that is a telling statement.
If you or your group are looking for a training program or presentation from a fresh perspective (click this link)
TIP: How-to Promote Your Group or Training Program at Little to No Cost (click this link) <—on your own — this isn’t a pitch!
How may I help you or your organization? (click this link)
Always Available on Your Schedule: AHeart4Clowning ongoing Online Training and Mentoring Programs (click this link)