Parades yesterday were a bonanza! Three parades rolled past us under the Superior Grill band stand! We were able to do the "Wobble" while we waited for the school bands and marchers to pass on St. Charles Ave.

There is much fun to be had when you dawn a tutu and a hat and dancing shoes.  I had forgotten the steps, but a talented gentleman verbally cued me as we danced with a friendly crowd. I love to dance and sing in the street. There is something ever so freeing about being in a group moving and swaying to the same tune. It is a great form of mob psychology. Singing with strangers somehow melts away all of our differences. We just assume that we all are there to enjoy ourselves. There is no mine, it is all ours.

This is one of the beauties of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. When a child misses a favorite throw, there is usually someone who is willing to give away the prized catch to the child.  I always give up the beads and stuffed throws to the children that are nearby. One little girl was whining about not catching anything. I watched as she dodged the throws.

"If you want something, you need to raise your hands and try," I said to her gently.

Her response was,"I'm afraid."

"Well if you want the items, you will have to try, and not whine." When the next float past, she held up her hands, I made sure that she got something. Another convert and a less fearful child in the world.
Carnival has many lessons.

Dance, sing, dawn a tutu and catch a parade.