34-4,p32

Oh Lord! Here I am again at the end of another issue. I've dreaded this final page since the convention, hoping against experience that some universal truth to write about would suddenly flow through my head and out my hands onto the keyboard.

I've rejected several notions suggested by myself and others. Recent attendance at a tractor pull reminded me that environments shape enthusiasts, and I began wondering how jugglers are made. The presence of some new children in the community prompted me to think about the universal fascination of juggling to youngsters. I've joggled in a couple of local running races recently, and could report my lack of success at converting others to this form of physical fitness. But I'd rather keep things positive.

In that light, I think of the reaction of IJA members when they receive this issue. And as self-serving as it sounds, all I really want to write about is how proud I am at this moment to be editor of JUGGLERS WORLD.

With several issues practice behind me, I feel like the magazine has blossomed finally into a first-class publication. You hold now the thickest and best publication issued in the 35-year history of the IJA. The articles within are both historical and current. They are derived from many different sources, and handsomely illustrated with the artistic skill of people from England to California. Six pages of ads represent the confidence of the business community in the publication, which is important and reassuring. The fact that the whole shebang will be produced, printed and mailed for about $2,500 attests to the ingenuity and good fortune of the organization as a whole.

This issue flexes the muscles of the IJA a little further. It will enhance our credibility, but demand us to do still more at the same time.

First of all, it lifts the quality of publications to a new level, and challenges us to maintain it.

Doing so requires me as editor to work harder to get first-rate material for future issues. It challenges you as members and readers to help in that quest by sending in more ideas, stories and pictures.

Secondly, this issue cries out for more readers, which means more IJA members. Our present circle of 2,000 is too small to satisfy a high-class publication, and I urge you to recruit new members wherever they may be found.

Thirdly, it demands progressive action on other fronts from the IJA. We are working on an affiliate program, regional conventions and education programs. I think juggling should be a facet of physical education programs in schools everywhere, and believe the IJA could make it happen.

But these new fields of endeavor must receive attention and dedication in order to thrive as the magazine is now thriving. And, like JUGGLERS WORLD, they will require hours and hours of time from volunteers to be successful.

In reviewing the above, I realize that there might be several universal truths to cite in summation. One is that success breeds success, as witnessed from this best ever JUGGLERS WORLD, the Santa Barbara convention and our growing membership. Another is that success doesn't fallout of the sky like the black walnuts that drop onto the roof of my bedroom. It comes from dedication and perseverance.

As a final truth, I attest to the fact that there is tremendous satisfaction in hard-earned success. I feel it now, putting the final touches on this issue. I hope that other IJA members will feel it too as they become involved in helping the IJA achieve its unlimited potential as the foremost proponent of juggling, the world's greatest physical and mental activity!