*Warning. This is a break from our ‘normal’ posts.

This post isn’t normal for me because today…well, today was not normal.

(btw, it’s Fae writing this, I’m the owner here.)

I know. I know. Life hasn’t been normal for quite some time. But today in particular, when I was editing this image from this afternoon’s photoshoot (I’ll get into that later), well, it was the tipping point for me.

So. What was so different about today?

Well, for one, as you West Coasters noticed, the sky was on fire (hence, the right side of this image).

***psssssst…for those of you in other places of the world – this is ~exactly~ what it looked like here today – unfiltered. No joke.

(Don’t worry, the smoke was waaaaay above our marine layer; the air quality was fine).

Back to the story. OK. So, I was sitting down with the shoot’s images just now to…

(here come a lot of air quotes)

…‘clean them up’ to make them feel like they were

…‘social media ready’ in order to maintain that professional

….‘small business look’. (notice the left side of the image)

But I just…I just stopped halfway through doing it. I stopped because the photoshopped version didn’t feel like the honesty that we really need right now.

Families and school staff are frantically trying to educate safely. People are wondering where their next paychecks are coming from. Our country is splitting apart. We’re STILL in the middle of a pand…I can’t even say it anymore. I can’t believe it’s still happening.

But it is. This is ALL happening.

So, what is the point of me typing out all this stuff that you already know? Especially when it’s ‘our job’ to bring the cheer and laughs?

My point is…there is another thing that has been happening that I’ve been pretty quiet about on the public side. And I just want to bring it up once, because I know I’m not alone. I’m just tired of trying to hide it.

I’ve been trying to keep a live entertainment company going during a worldwide pandemic. Our entire industry is inches away from crumbling apart. The stress of trying to keep everyone’s jobs (and to be here for your children when they desperately need a pick me up)…it’s been unreal.

But stick with me, I’m not writing this to make you feel sorry for me.

I’m here to thank you.

Also, thank you to my family who stepped in right when everything fell apart back in March. The childcare, financial help, and endless listening ears you gave me while I cried got me through.

All of you reading this right now, you could have just doomscrolled right by (if you’re reading this on our blog, this was originally a post on social media), but for some reason you stopped to check in on us.

Maybe it’s because you’ve hired us before, or worked here, or wanted to work here, or just like magic.

Whoever you are, thank you.

Because of you, we’ve been able to hold on.

Today, I was able to call the performer in this image for the photo shoot – because they *still actually have a job here* thanks to all of you who booked online shows with us over the summer.

This morning, I was able to spring this last-minute shoot on our performer manager (sorry, Meadow!), who has worked here for over 10 years, because of all the in-person shows you’ve trusted us to treat with safety and care.

I’m sitting here working on a new way for you to make Halloween over-the-top for your kids (but super easy on you), because of all the gift certificates, referrals, and honest reviews you’ve written online about us.

Thank you. Thank you.

I love Happily Ever Laughter with every fiber of my being. I’ve worked so hard on her over the last 14 years, and so have the hundreds of performers who’ve worked here alongside me.

Thank you for keeping this magic alive.

I’m going to sleep now, but writing all this out made me feel ready to take on finishing these photos for you.

Tomorrow. After lots of coffee. 🙂

Goodnight, grown-ups. And thank you again.

Ribbons and Roses,
Fae Diddle Diddle