Mardi Gras

More Mardi Gras Photos

Get Awesome Mardi Gras 2006

 

The ressurection of the ninth ward float

Brian and Katie Peck Designed the original "Get Awesome" float for the "Mystic Krewe of the Flying Donkey". Alas, their home in the lower ninth ward sustained about 10 feet of water, leaving the float destroyed. The float and the mystic flying donkey mascott were removed from the rubbel a while back. The float without hope and the donkey , no longer flying, with only one scrawnny feather left on his back, sat in our back yard for about a month.

On the Monday before Mardi Gras (Lundi Gras) William miraculously brought it back to life, while Katie Tripplet and I made flowers, and Ryan sculpted a huge copper Fleur de Lis.

William also made our "Get Awesome" sign as a tribute to all of the loved pets lost in Katrina.

I hope that our float reminds people of the tenacity of the lower ninth ward. Most things are salvageable by the power of community.

Everybody GET AWESOME

The last day ...Fat Tuesday, yikes, we made it! We were all so glad to see it come near, and even gladder to see it pass. The achingly long (2 mile long) car-ride home was filled with so much anticipation to see our soft clean beds, that it easily paralleled our wait for this holiday.

The day was fabulous, as always. Everyone was there from all parts of the globe. The Panorama Brass Band served up another juicy helping of joy and laughter. They really make our Mardi Gras special every year!

I chose to re-run my costume theme, “Get Awesome" as a tribute to the true get awesome cowboy of Portland (if you don't know what that means, it's worth it to ask). I usually retire a costume theme after each use, but I have had a hard time letting this one go. In fact, next year, I may just have to get awesomer.

If Katie Peck is back next Mardi Gras, we will all "Get Totally Awesome". She was missed. Everyone who was not here to help us celebrate was missed.

It's here! It's here! It's here!

It is about damn time too! I have never before been so excited about Mardi Gras as I am this year. Kaysey said it best..."This year, we are doing it for ourselves". This year we are celebrating the tenacity of our own culture and our right to celebrate the unbridled joy that lives somewhere in the hearts of everyone. Hurricanes can destroy our homes and levees can be broken, but our spirits refuse do be drowned this year.The shortage of marching bands has not gone by un-noticed. Neither have the substitute high school bands from out of town. I am grateful for their presence, but it is just not the same. I am certainly not complaining, only noting that their music and their moves leave me with a bittersweet feeling.This season promises to be particularly joyful, since Cass and Heather will be Married Lundi Gras evening. The event of their marriage will be a gorgeous union and a reunion since so many old friends will be in town.On Tuesday, the St. Anthony's Ramblers will be rolling bright and early from the Treme to the quarter following the Panorama Jazz Band. These guys have been playing non-stop for about 2 weeks. I hope our appreciation of them gives them the energy they need to march through the quarter all day long with their instruments.I can't wait to post the pictures of the Tuesday Second Line!By the way, These photos are all stolen from others (thanks Jonah), since I have been way to busy dancing, screaming and catching beads so far this year. I will bring the camera on Tuesday. 

Behold....

There are not many pictures more perfect than this. 

All of em!

 

Congratulations Jack

Sean went to visit Tallahassee a few weeks ago to celebrate his nephew Jack's Baptism. I wish I could have made it, but duty called. I have never actually seen the entire Clark family at once, a situation that I am sure will remedy itself shortly.

I almost forgot...

We have sort of set a date! I picked March 17th. Later I realized that it was not only St. Patrick's Day, but also my cousin Olivia's (who never reads this blog) anniversary.

I would really like some input on this one. Sat 3/17/07 is the Magazine St. SPD parade. It is super fun! Among other traditional throws, they toss cabbages and potatoes. It would sort of be a travesty to have everyone come here that weekend and miss the parade. What does everyone think about a Sunday wedding? I am asking you all because most of you will be coming in from out of town. If this plan would create obstacles, I would rather not do it.

I have about 14 months, but let me know what you think.