Notes in the Margin #16: Sticking With It When The Going Gets Tough

It's been a tough couple of weeks on Planet Gilbert.  The routine's shot to bits and while there has been progress in some areas, it's felt like it's been negligible.

One of the many sets of juggling balls I've owned over the
last thirty years.  They provide a good lesson in perseverance.
[Photo: Jack Gilbert]

Five Was Right Out!

I used to be a juggler (among other things).  I wasn't an amazing juggler - although I did amaze a few people in my time - but I was OK at it.  I could keep three juggling balls going all at once without having to think about it.  I could do tricks juggling three balls.  I taught others how to juggle three balls.  Four balls, though?  Nope.  Couldn't do four.  Just three balls.  No more.  Not four.  And five was right out! I knew the method and tried many times to master the four ball pattern, but no matter how much I tried, I just couldn't master it well enough to perform four ball juggling.