I know the Ball happened eons ago, but it will still ring true every night and every day for me. I guess I am writing to see if someone can help me (in my future old age) remember that special event.

My story begins with the Ball Square, and that AWESOME 'za from flatbread. As i was standing, eating the earth-oven cooked goat cheese and artichoke slice I bought, I stared at the statue of Clifford. That gray, monolithic observer in the center of town... whom I became jealous of because he had the PERFECT view. I looked on for the whole first day... well, not all day, but every time we passed by I would give a howdy to him, and I always thought why he was gray, and how he must have felt a bit out of place with all of this color in the air.

Late on the first night I had an idea... a kind of devious one. Since there was paint being used for prayer flags, I thought they could spare a brush and some ink. I decided to give Clifford some character. I picked up some green paint... not the brightest color in the lot, but enough to see it in the daylight.

What I decided on was to give him some leg hairs and toenails. By the time that was done, the show had ended... for the night.

My goal the next day was to finish what I had started (as long as there were no security guards aware of the leg hairs). I had met up with a couple of cats, and we were on our mission. And it was a simple one... paint until someone stops us.

The four of us were not into the whole crowd thing (seeing that the mass of people were pushing each other to get closer... we were content with the square and all it's magnificence), so we waited until the show started and went to town. Literally.

We started small, kneeling down so as to not attract attention. We painted sandals, then socks, then shoes, then shorts, then... by this time some other people got in on the act... and it was getting crowded... so we took a step back and were amazed to see about 7 people painting their own clothing and such on the statue.

What started as a hobby, turned into a monumental occasion.

By the end of the show... I think we put the final touches (orange hair that my girlfriend had shredded from a piece of her dress) on during the third set. By this time, Clifford had a sweater, patchwork pants, hair, glasses, and a tie.

It was truly amazing and unique. Yet I NEVER got a picture of it!

Not once did it cross my mind to find someone with a camera and give them my address and stuff... so as much as this memory will last forever, I am looked at as a weirdo when I try to explain to people who were never there... ANYONE have a picture of Clifford?

And for that matter, anyone know where Clifford is today?

Thanks for reading, and if you do know of a pict, I will gladly burn copies of any show I have,... or ALL shows for that matter!

;~) Peace, Love and Happiness!

- Matt