Hot air balloons inspire a sense of childlike wonder in Shannon Ryan. Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta has been on her bucket list for nearly a decade. Currently living part-time in New Mexico's balloon capital for a travel nurse contract, attending the 2023 edition was a no-brainer. And because her enthusiasm is contagious, I couldn't resist joining her for the adventure. Serendipitously, I booked a singing telegram there mere days before “balloonatics” would converge en masse.
Betty aka Mechante (French for “naughty”) was the telegram recipient. She was celebrating an impressive milestone – ninety years on this sphere. When one of the senders – a French enthusiast named Jimmie – celebrated her own fiftieth, Betty performed a French chicken routine at the party. As a callback to that skit, I assembled my own French chicken look for Betty's bday gram. No, it's not a mascot-style chicken suit. But hodgepodge styling generally adds to the comedy of the bit, and keeping my face exposed is better for both singing and expression.
Delivery day involved performing in two different states in the same twenty-four hour period. I rocked a midday party in Parker (Colorado), flew to Albuquerque mid-afternoon and Lyfted to Betty's garage - my staging area for the evening’s surprise. The moment of truth had arrived. I sauntered into Betty's living room with my six-string and rocked my way through tunes including “The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane” and “Older Women,” Ronnie McDowell's ode to experienced lovers. Then I performed “Spring Chicks are Overrated,” a poem Jimmie composed for the occasion, and clucked an onomatopoeia version of “Happy Birthday.”
”Spring Chicks are Overrated” (An Excerpt)
Spring chicks are overrated -
give me a lusty hen
whose feathers still get ruffled,
though she’s molted now and then
Her wattles may be sagging
and need a tiny tuck
But, frankly, if they’re dragging,
she doesn’t give a cluck
Poem: Jimmie Brown
Imagery: Lee Higbie
Gratitude: Shannon Ryan & Poppa Peel
