Thursday, March 31, 2011

Yet another puppet!


I was just walking past The Toy Store. I had no intention of going in. Really. But there I was, in between performances at the Lawrence Arts Center Preschool. My car was around the corner getting the tires rotated and aligned. What harm could there be in just stopping in to see if there were any new puppets?

Sigh. This one reached out and put itself on my hand. Since I walked out of the store with him in my puppet bag, he has joined me at twelve more shows in this preschool residency week, part of the Lied Center of Kansas' Performing Arts Three to Five program.

At first, I gave him a generic bird squawk. No, he's just a baby. He spoke up: "Peep? Peep?" That fit better. On the first day, I was calling him Peep, but I made a slip and called him Peepy by mistake. Most of the kids didn't hear that, but I knew it was dangerous--if I have a puppet named peepee, I'll never get the children's attention back. His name is now Peeps. He likes worms, but he's like my turtle puppet Billy, susceptible to hiccups.

At home, this new guy ran into unexpected danger.

At first, there was no problem. He was napping in his shell.

He began to wake up. He's got bedhead, hasn't he?

He's just a baby, unaware of the perils in this life.

Still oblivious to the danger, he was cheerful, hoping for a worm or three.

Hey!

Thank goodness for that shell. Those evil claws can't get through.

Back on his perch, Peeps let go of the trauma. After this, I put him back in the puppet bag, where Trixie and Baby will always protect him. Mr. Bacon turned his attention to the scratching post and is now in his favorite chair.


7 comments:

megan hicks said...

I was wondering what Trixie's response to a new puppet would be. So glad she feels protective. You've raised her right. I hope you're proud.

Unknown said...

I love that this post is a story folded into an introduction! And very nice photos of two compelling characters....

PriscillaHowe said...

Yup, I like the story. I had no idea it would happen--I was just taking mug shots. I think my favorite pictures might be the fourth and fifth, where Mr. Bacon is just making his presence known.

And yes, Trixie seems to like and protect Peeps, even though he's moulting a little on her black dress.

Jim Cosgrove said...

I like peeps. I'm sure the cat was just getting to know him -- in a playful sort of way. We miss seeing you!

Mary said...

I love this story and the pics!

Deacon Tom Frankenfield said...

I love your new puppet. I am glad to be following you on Twitter as well.

We have so much in common; storytelling, puppets and Louvain!

Deacon Tom Frankenfield said...

I love your new puppet. I am glad to be following you on Twitter as well.

We have so much in common; storytelling, puppets and Louvain!