WHO WAS THAT YOUNG CALLER? (Taken from Callerlink 163 April 2004)
Jeff Garbutt

I found an old tape a few weeks ago. It was recorded at a Square Dance weekend in October 1978 and amongst the several callers was a young caller I remember. Yes I remember him well, he was young, brash, thought he was invincible and he was very cocky. I don't think he ever took his calling that serious, and I remember that he used to think that he couldn't get any better. Not a hint of professionalism anywhere. You know the type.

But gee his calling had energy; the enthusiasm oozed out so much and so fast. You could even hear it in the dancers' reactions - they were really having a great time. I just wish I could bottle some of that enthusiasm for myself. The more I listened to that caller the more envious I got. Gee, I could really learn to hate that guy.

Now I suppose it wouldn't come as any surprise to you who that caller was - myself.

There are several lessons that could be taken from this story. But the one I'm going to concentrate on right now is that "little kid inside all of us". As much as we grow and improve we must remember that we started somewhere. That "little kid" we try to suppress is part of what we are now, and what we will be in the future.

Somewhere inside my sub-conscious that little kid is still there. Along with his energy and enthusiasm. I don't have to learn enthusiasm, or buy it anywhere - I already have it. I just have to let it out. Or as "Skyhooks" used to sing - "If you have an ego you'd better keep it in good shape, let it out on Sundays and get it down on tape". 

Of course, I risk letting some of those other things out as well - like the cockiness. But I'm sure the rest of you will keep me in check.

The point is this - let the little kid in you out now and then. Take him for a walk, let him show off. He may have some interesting skills you've forgotten about. You may be surprised by what happens.