Clowning around just made our day

Will Johnston. Photo/George Novak

You know what makes Monday way better? A clown.

Let me tell you my Monday clown story... I guess a clown would really not help on a Monday for those who find clowns unsettling and a little creepy. Bad clown experience at a birthday party, or horrible clown memory from a kid's movie, or just Ronald scares the be jesus out of you.

Don't get me started on the impracticalities that must arise when trying to drive safely in full clown get-up.

The shoes for starters. The hair would be jammed against the roof, the red nose a constant visual distraction, not to mention the constant smell ofthe previous day's McDonalds meal in the car.

I have no problem with clowns. I think thatthey're actually some of the best performers in the country hidden under that makeup and mismatched clothing. It's also a special person who can put an outfit on and transform into a world of happiness.

I'd totally give clown school a go. Back up career sorted. On Monday afternoon, Hayley and I were going to a movie. We wanted to catch the legendary BFG before it finished. In a world of Netflix and Neon, sometimes there's nothing like watching something on a massive screen with amazing sound. We turned up to the Mount cinema for the 3.45pm session.Turns out the 3.45pm session was at theTauranga cinema.

Gutted. I did turn 33 last week. Maybe my brain isn't what it used to be?

So we headed to Mount main beach, grabbed a coffee and wandered to Leisure Island.

Just before we got to that little roundabout outside the Mount hot pools we stopped to let a clown cross the road. When a clown needs to cross the road, a clown needs to cross the road.

He stopped and tried to make us think that he was going to stand there for ages.

It was pretty hilarious. It was so unexpected and we were a bit annoyed about our movie time indiscretion.

Then he was gone, clowning his way down the street. It made my day and turned our glum moods 180 degrees!

The view from Leisure Island was perfect and the sea was like a lake. Add a clown and what more could you want?

* Will Johnston is host of The Hits 95FM Day Show. Live and local from 9am till 3pm, every weekday in the Bay of Plenty.