Hello! I'm Stacey Schmude, an eleven-year-old twister from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I started balloon twisting three years ago, and have attended T-Jam in Austin and Twist & Shout in Boston. Some of you may remember that I entered a red fire ant and a small black and white skunk at T-Jam, and at Twist and Shout I entered the alligator and a lion pictured here.

All of the people I met at Twist and Shout were excellent in helping and teaching. I received many great tips at the dinner table, in classes, and wherever anyone was jamming. After returning home, Larry asked me if I'd like to do a monthly article for the BHQ newsletter, and was I flattered! I hope that you will find something of use to you and welcome any and all comments and suggestions. If you want to contact me, please e-mail me at schmude@vbe.com. So far I have outlined monthly articles on things I have learned, instructions for my creations, such as the lion and alligator pictured above, business tips and views from a child's perspective, and whatever else comes to mind.

I want to take this time to especially thank Pat Brown for the time, patience, and great ideas that he has taught me, and especially for teaching me how to do a box weave, as seen on my alligator. Thank you to Larry Moss, for believing in me and inviting me to do these articles. And a special thanks to Gitsy, Jack Byrd, Debby Brown, Kathy from St. Louis and Pat Duffek for all taking the time to teach me your tricks, (even if it was balancing a spoon on your nose or what you can do with a straw). Until next time . . . keep on twisting.