I feel tired, sore (the list of where it doesn't hurt is shorter than the list of where it does), exhausted, and terrific. I went out to the Portland Firejam last night for the first time in six or more months, and played with fire for the first time in about a month... Turned out to be just the shot in the arm I needed. I have to admit that recently I had been in doubt as to whether or not I wanted to continue with fire performance. Part of the reason is that I felt that, having given the last six years (in July this year, that is) of my life to performance, it may be time to stop, since I can't do this forever. Part of the reason is that I figured on the possibility of leaving on a high note. Part of the reason is that I have had it with certain people (who will not be named, though I am sure you know who they are) who learned just a small amount from me going Prima Donna, and not necessarily wanting to stick around to see how they'll pollute the art. Last night, however, I went before a group of people who've seen it all. They have, too-- This is a crowd of people who perform professionally, go to Burningman (which I will never fucking go to, since I enjoy every minute of the week I get away from those utterly pretentious fucks) and pretty much haunt the firejam, where everyone goes to see and be seen. I found that even there, amongst those people, I still have it. I WILL stick with it, for at least another year. Fuck those that would pollute the art by being coattail riding hacks and Prima Donnas and all they stand for. Frederick the Reckless says "BRING IT ON, BECAUSE I'M FAR FROM DONE!" Not like they'll be able to run with THIS big dog, anyhow.

phoenixgirl:
What is the reason you want to stop, why stop at all if your good and it makes you happy?
masterfrederick:
Well, it wasn't that I WANTED to stop, it was more a question of wheter or mot I wanted to keep doing it. I stop pretty much every winter. It was a dilemma to me this year to come back from the winter break or ust retire. The attitude that's been popping up around here as pertains to fire performance is one of rampant prima donnas, vanity and egotism. I was mostly of a mind to question whether or not I want to deal with those kinds of people.

