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The circus is still in town, but the trapeze artists, tightrope walkers and other eye-catching acts are no more.

They swing from makeshift trapezes and zipline across Christmas trees.

Around 20 jugglers, trapeze artists and concession stand workers are filtering into the big top that the majestic Circus Vargas uses to perform across 25 California cities 11 months out of the year.

Navigating this period as a journalist and sole parent feels like being a trapeze artist without a net—each day teetering on the edge of madness.

“It was so eloquent. Like watching a trapeze artist on a high wire, poised gracefully in midair.”