No kidding (and please no judging as it could happen to you) my friends and family recently did the whole intervention thing because of my obsession with puppets. (well that was their thoughts on the matter at hand) Honestly it doesn't effect my job and I'm booked solid with gigs. (well almost) and it doesn't effect any other part of my life. My weekends consists of roaming around garage sales, flea markets, and the like for puppets or material that would make a great puppet out of. I've been doing it now for some nearly 5 years and truth be told I wish I would started sooner; as I get a lot out of it. Puppets making, patterns and performing is whole lot of fun and brings me great joy. How can my circle of friends and family want to take that away from me? Please give me some Dr Phil type of advice here because I am sure some of you can relate. My passion is for puppets and its also my mania and true madness. Who would have thought we would enjoy doing what we're do so much if you look back at it. Like for example when I was say 10 years I didn't think to myself I'm going to grow up to be a 'nut bar' that spend hours upon hours making, performing with and enjoying puppets. However I am happy with where I am in my life right now and I'm glad I have my puppets in my life. Spread the word, lets get others into this hobby and get the joys out of it that each of us do. 

Jimmy Light Show

I'm proud to enjoy all aspects about puppetry!!

Normally people do an "intervention" when they feel that there is something that could be destructive to a person. It is hard to see puppetry and even the obsession with it as being destructive but then again any obsession has that potential.  

I am a firm believer in being yourself and doing what makes you happy in life. I don't believe that everyone has to work in an office and make a ton of money.  It is sometimes hard for others who do believe that is what is important to understand those who do not.

With all that said I still try to listen to what people say and see if perhaps what they are saying has some truth to it. My father alway had a hard time understanding my choices in life and thought that perhaps he had failed me.  This was because of his concern for me and my welfare. He was unable to see that I "would be ok".  Through talking and listening to him I was able to find ways to show him that I would be ok not to mention there where some things that he saw about me that I could not see that I realized where worth working on.  

So I guess I would say be yourself, be happy but alway keep your ears open for things that may make things even better.

I think an "intervention" is odd too, but as Shawn said perhaps it would be worthwhile to try to take a step back and evaluate what they are saying objectively. I think balance is very important. There is of course nothing wrong with puppetry as a career or hobby, but if someone was focused on that (or anything else) to the exclusion of other important things like family, friends, exercise, eating well, etc. it could be unhealthy.

On the other hand, I've found that people will often tell you that you can't or shouldn't do something simply because they can't or wouldn't.

Well said Andrew!  I liked your blog page on the subject.  I often get so wrapped up in working on the computer these days that I find my self still sitting in front of it 12 hours latter and in a tizzy because I can't get something to work the way I want it to. If I step away and come back many times all is revealed and life is better.   It is easier for me to do this in the summer when it is nice outside since I can work in the yard for a few hours a day. During the winter it is harder but there are other distractions I could find I am sure.

Hmmmm....its what you like and makes you happy right?...is it illegal? does it promote cancer? Is it wasting your money at the track betting on horses or getting stewed drunk at the local tavern?

The puppet business is one of the only businesses that you can honestly say makes people of all ages smile and laugh. It's a blessing to have this love of puppets running through your blood.

Do you think Henson got crap from his family...might have, but look where it took him. I know there will never be another Henson, but getting close to that would be a wonderful thing.

Do what you like and keep your woman happy.

First of all...imagine Dr. Phil's voice while reading this:   First of all you need to understand that no hobby or business should consume your life...but that doesn't mean you can't be a pig rolling around in a big pile of slop...just make sure to clean yourself once a while and acknowledge the other animals on the farm!!!


I hope that helps....Sincerely,

Spoon!

Sounds like you have recieved some good advice so far. I will throw my 2 cents in as well.
I think puppetry whether it is a job or a hobby is great, if it does not take away from quality time with your family or keep you for providing for them. I agree with Andrew's post..... sometimes  many don't understand so therefore judge you unfairly. I know my family are not big fans of my puppetry to the point of ignoring me completely. I have tried everything but beg them for there approval. I've come to the conclusion that it is there loss and am determined to continue to do what I love. There attidude has changed some what as I started making a litlle money at it. I'm not sure that it was enough to make them die hard fans. When I had to buy a storage buiding to just hold the stuff was when everyone thought that I might be taking this puppet thing a bit to far. They have learned to live with it............. I don't neglect my family duties and no one is starving. So I say enjoy your art and continue to make folks smile. Life is too short to worry about the little things in life.

I hope that in the future they will learn to be more supportive... don't ever give up. This forum has been my life line though out the process since day one. When my love ones didn't support me these folks always did. So surround your self with supportive people and be more understanding of those that don't think puppetry is there cup of tea.

Good Luck,

Billy D.

Just curious Is there such a thing as a rehab center for recovering puppet addicts. I think that would be fun for about a week hanging out with a bunch of people tied to beds talking to there hands.

I can relate to the situations most of you guys have discribed.  I tend to be one of those people who when they get into something it tends to get out of hand for a while.  And when my wife saw me getting into making puppets she said oh no.  and I have to admit, she was right at first.  I did tend to take time I had been spending with the kids and her and friends on building puppets.

But I thought about it.  Did I want to completely stop something that I was enjoying because she didn't like it.  No.  If I did that every time something came up eventually I would resent her because everything in my life had to be approved of by her.  At the same time I don't want to sacrifice my marriage or being part of my kids lives for what is at this point of my life a hobby.  I mean I wouldn't sacrifice them for a job why would i for a hobby?

So we talked and I said I'm not going to give this up but I will make sure it doesn't take over.  I asked her to give me room for this hobby I enjoy and to also let me know when she thinks its taking too much.

The exact terms we negotiated work for us.  You and your family need to work out your own terms.  The key is to keep communicating with each other, try to understand each other and be patient with each other.

That was longer than I expected it to be.  I guess I'll move on and let some one else have a turn on the Dr PHills couch.

I agree with everyone above, I have nothing to add or take away.

However......

    .......Shawn, we need a new forum for all this great puppet therapy!!!!!! 

You all would make great therapists.

Daryl H