Introducing Amanda

About a million years ago, I recall reading an article in Seventeen Magazine.  It chronicled the lives of four young gals who literally ran off to join the circus.  There was a contortionist, a gal who rode on the backs of elephants, a trapeze artist, and a clown.  Seventeen gave them all makeovers and took tons of pics, etc.  The article made a big impression on me because I just couldn't fathom dropping out of junior high to be in the circus.  I also couldn't imagine that someday I would meet one of those girls.

Amanda performed with Barnum and Bailey for 11 years as "Coco the Elephant Wrangler."  Apparently her parents were not especially supportive of their daughter dropping out of 4^th grade, but eventually, the circus won them over.   And more than that, Amanda's parents ended up working with the circus as well.  I can't say that I am a seasoned circus follower, but I always had a gut feeling the bearded lady and lobster-boy types were fake.  Amanda reinforced that feeling.  However, the art of subtlety in the circus biz seems to be the most overlooked talent.  Sitting around in a tank quietly displaying yourself for gawking passers-by requires a meditative quality that took Gene and Liza months to perfect.  This unusual family unit saw the entire landscape of North America through trailer windows.

After Barnum and Bailey faced charges of animal (particularly elephant) cruelty in the mid-90's, Amanda knew it was her time to go.  Throughout her circus life, she had been tutored by the wife of the ringleader, and she immediately got her GED so that she could attend college in Indiana, her home state.  Her parents also moved on and opened a circus camp for children in the Pocono Mountains.

After receiving a degree in History, Amanda now writes travel guides designed for twentysomething vacationers.  Although she makes a swell living as a traveling author, during her downtime she dabbles in graphic design with a notable theater in Chicago.  Ah, to have known such adventure at such a young age.  And she is a huge Peter Weller fan.