GP (shifting a bit uncomfortably in his seat): It's...it's a pleasure, thanks.
Daisy: Now, Gus, as you know, we're officially launching a new discussion topic today in the MMgroups, the Gus Pike episodes on Avonlea, starting with the first Gus Pike episode, "How Kissing Was Discovered". Could you please tell us, Gus, a bit about your arrival on the Avonlea scene?
GP: Well, y'see, m' folks is dead, and I've been sailin' on a ship these last few years. I seen all kinds o' tings, but it's a lonely sorta life, and I've been meanin' to find me a place to settle down, and when I got off me last sailin' ship here, I decided to roam about fer a while 'n' see where m'feet would take me.
Daisy: And lo and behold, they brought you to Avonlea, didn't they?
GP: Yah, the first folks I seen was Sara 'n' Felix, fishin' down by that little stream. Ol' Felix was pretty sore, claimin' I'd taken his private fishin' place, but I got me a few tricks to win over friends 'n' make the fish come jumpin' out o' the water.
Daisy: Yes, Gus, could you please tell us about what you refer to as your "special bait"?
GP: Well, Daisy... (Aside) I...I can call you Daisy, right?
Daisy: You can call me anything you like, Gus. Call me Daisy, call me crazy, but please don't call me at 5:00 in the morning.
GP: Oh... right, right. (Some awkward laughter, then a beat.) Well, m'special bait is this here fiddle. (He pulls it out from behind his chair.)
Daisy: Oh Gus, you brought your fiddle with you!
GP: Sure did. This here fiddle goes where-ever I go, even to the outhouse.
Daisy (flushing a rosy pink color): Ah, yes, Gus, we're... not supposed to say that on the air, you know.
GP (flushing in turn): Sorry, sorry. Keep fergettin' my manners.
Daisy: Not to worry. Now, Gus, what's your secret to winning over people, animals, and probably plants as well?
GP: Well, Daisy, I let this here fiddle do the talkin' fer me. I wreck the King's English, and most o' the time I'm alone, and don't do no talkin' to anyone. When I need to say somethin' or got somethin' in me to get out, I let m' fiddle do the talkin' fer me. The fish hear it, n' they come right outta the water. Folks that's fightin' about somethin' stop when they hear it playin'. There's a feelin' I get when I'm playin' by m'self, I feel like there's another place, where everythin's peaceful & good, I'm wid my mother again, and all's right wid the world...
(Gus plays a soft little tune, his theme song, which visibly moves everyone in the studio.)
Daisy (blinking back tears): That's...beautiful Gus. And for what it's worth, I don't think you wreck the King's English. I like the way you talk, and, judging from the comments and letters you've received over the years, so do lots of other people.
GP (embarrassed): "Thanks...yah, I got me some letters folks has writ; some of 'em got some funny tings to say. This one gal, you shoulda seen her letter! She told me she was ready to come on the next boat to PEI and move into the lighthouse wid me and...
Daisy (hastily): AH, Gus...Gus, let's change the direction of these currents for a moment. Now you are portrayed by Canadian actor Michael Mahonen.
GP: Yep. He's a decent feller, that Mahonen.
Daisy: I...yes, so I hear. Now, Michael, or Mickey as his friends like to call him, grew up in Kirkland Lake.
GP: Real cold place. I been lots o' places, the Spice Islands, Jamaica, an' lots o' colder places, but that ain't nothin' like the cold up there.
Daisy: Have you been there yourself?
GP: Nope, I ain't been there, but Mick's told me about it. Don't s'pose there'd be any harm in my tellin' ya what he said...
Daisy: I...don't think so, Gus. You're among friends here, you know.
GP: Well, he told me "Gus", he says, "It gets so cold here in the winter time, you'll freeze your nose hairs stiff!"
Daisy: I can easily imagine.
GP: Say Daisy, you ever been up there?
Daisy: I?! No Gus, I haven't. I've been lots of places too, but never that far up into the Great White North. Haven't any plans to either, as I'm a warm blooded creature, grew up in the great central valley of Northern California, some of the best farmland in the entire world. Ever been to California, Gus?
GP: Nope. Well... once, on a ship, pulled into San Francisco. Couldn't see nothin' on accounta the fog.
Daisy: Yes, that's typical. But it's a beautiful place, and the farm I grew up on; well, I wouldn't trade it for anywhere else.
GP: Know what you mean. Feel that way about the King farm m'self. They're good people, the King family. Treat me like one o' their own.
Daisy: Well, you ARE one of their own, or rather will be, eventually.
GP: Well, we ain't got there yet, not s'posed to give it away y'know.
Daisy: Sorry, I forgot!
GP: S'alright.
Daisy: We're almost out of time, Gus, but before we take a break, I'd like to ask one more quick question.
GP: Fine by me.
Daisy: I know you've been asked this before, but is there any hope that your fans will be able to see you in Avonlea again? I understand the circumstances, and sympathize with your predicament, but the overriding feeling among the fans is that we want to see the King Family, and in particular Gus Pike, again. It's hard to keep a good man down, you know.
GP: Thanks, Daisy. Well, I know how the fans feel about it, and I don't wanna disappoint 'em. I've been gettin' on wid' me own life, and doin' lots o' different tings, but I ain't never forgotten Avonlea, and I carry it wid' me inside whereever I go. All I can give you, Daisy, is m' promise; you haven't seen the last of Gus Pike.
Daisy: I'm so very glad, Gus, to hear that. It gives us all hope, doesn't it? And on that note, we end our talk today. My guest today has been Gus Pike; thank you SO MUCH Gus, for visiting us, and playing the fiddle, it was a real treat.
GP: M' pleasure. Always happy t' help out.
(Off the air in three, two, one...)
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Daisy: There's a table with some refreshments Gus; stop by on the way out and pick up something before you leave. Cucumber sandwiches, ginger snaps, lemonade, whatever you like.
Gus: Cucumber sandwiches, y'say? Well, Gus Pike never turns down a meal! Lead on, girl!
Close this window to return to the index.