I played a pirate today. The kindergarten kids bought it 100%, and the liquor store guy laughed.

[HopeHoops]

First the kindergarten. Today was "graduation day" and they were putting on a play for their families where they all dressed as pirates (except for the one who had the parrot wings). I don't know the story of the play. I bought red bandanas for all of them to wear.

My wife didn't know what I was up to. I found a "treasure chest", some "jewels", and mixed in some Chuck E. Cheese coins (we haven't been to a Chuck E. Cheese in like 10 years). I've got long hair and an untrimmed beard and mustache, so I was set in that department. Add an eye patch, a skull&crossbones bandana, a large gold hoop ear ring, my leather vest (which I have been wearing since about '79), my cowboy boots (also circa '79), and a cedar cane (need a cane), and the only thing left to finish the disguise was my pirate voice.

These kids have all seen me before, but none of them recognized me. They were convinced I was a pirate. One mentioned seeing a movie about pirates (Johnny Depp's films) and I shot back that Jack Sparrow was a good friend of mine. Another asked about my eye and I said I'd had a run in with Peter Pan. One kid didn't know who that was. I left the "treasure" and my wife let them divide it up later in the day.

So, needing reinforcements for the weekend, I stopped at the liquor store in the same plaza. I walked in and a young guy who is often there came out of the back and cracked up. I said "AAARRRGGHH!!!" In response to his inquiry, I explained my costume and pushed my cart around the corner. "I be needin' me rum" I said. More laughter. After checking out, I asked (in pirate voice) if he'd mind carrying the bottles out to me ship.

Then I came home and de-piratified, except for the ear ring - that's still in.

On Edit: My wife didn't have a clue that I was going to make an appearance.

[struggle4progress]

1. +

[Lucinda]

2. Awesome!

:)

[HopeHoops]

3. Aaaarggg!!! - The ear ring is going to have to come out before I go to bed.

It is starting to get sore. I haven't had one in for a few months and this one is heavy and will DEFINITELY get caught on the sheets, the pillow, the dog, and/or the cat.

[Lucinda]

9. LOL...I'd dab a little rubbing alcohol on after it comes out

The ear - not the earring

[HopeHoops]

12. We've got some antiseptic stuff that's specifically made for the purpose.

I forget what's in it, but it keeps things clean and doesn't cause the holes to close up.

[surrealAmerican]

4. That sounds like so much fun.

You must have enjoyed this at least as much as the kindergarteners.

[HopeHoops]

5. They did an outstanding job with their play. I hope I influenced that.

And yes, I enjoy playing such roles. For my wife's birthday (September), I showed up in a similar costume but with a top hat (Willy Wonka style) and a 6' walking stick for a cane to deliver a clustering rose stem from our garden. That's part of why it is funny that they didn't recognize me. They were CONVINCED I was a pirate and told all of their parents and grandparents about me before the graduation ceremony. When they got back from lunch (Hoss's across the street), my wife let them divide up the loot from the treasure chest. That was the idea.

[7wo7rees]

6. Good show Matey

[Mopar151]

7. A couple piratical ski bums of my acquaintance...

I told the Kiwi I'd run across a neat ski thing - ride 4 miles up Mt. Washington in a van on tracks (the Sno-Coach), and ski back down the Auto Road. "Can't do it with Footy (telemark racer) - when we ski together, we begin to speak Pirate, and then somebody has to crash into the woods!"

[Luciferous]

8. Ha, that's awesome!

[Demoiselle]

10. Oh, I wish we could see pictures!

What a great thing to do. And you brightened the liquor store, too..

[Auggie]

11. Rum? You should have bought a pirate's favorite wine...

Pinot Nyaaaarggghh!

[tanyev]

13. Mango Languages is offering a free Speak Like a Pirate Course.

Saw the link on my library's website. :)

http://www.mangolanguages.com/store/pirate-day.html

[ChoralScholar]

14. Did you look like Judge Reinhold in "Fast Times"?