Monday Morning This and That

As the days go on toward July, the earth becomes dry and all the flowers begin
to thirst for moisture. Then from the hillside, some warm, still evening,
the sweet rain-song of the robin echoes clear, and next day we wake up
to a dim morning; soft flecks of cloud bar the sun's way, fleecy vapors
steal across the sky, the southwest wind blows lightly,
rippling the water into little waves
that murmur melodiously as they kiss the shore.

Celia Thaxter

Morning all.  And a happy Monday it is.  Had a wonderful weekend.  Friday turned into a stay in day.  Caught up on some letters and some minor cleaning of the apartment.  Just didn't feel like going out.  I get those days once in awhile.  Guess it's my body telling me it's time to slow down.

On Saturday I headed on over to Coney Island for the annual Mermaid Parade, the largest 'art' parade in the nation. The parade itself, a celebration of the beginning of the summer season, was first held in 1983, is a celebration of ancient mythology and of the people who live on Neptune and Mermaid Avenue.  It's a totally insane day, and I must admit I almost didn't go.  I got a case of the 'what if's' in the morning.  'What if it rains?'  'What if I am in too much pain?'  'What if I have to go to the bathroom and none are available...or the line is too long?'  (I do take a water pill.)  

But, hubby, bless him, talked me into going, and I am glad he did.  I had a wonderful time.  Here's a few of the photos.

This amazing little kitty sat on his owner's head throughout the parade.  Didn't phase him a bit that he was surrounded by half a million loud, screaming humans.

It's the kind of parade that everything goes...

And some let it all hang out...

Well, that's about it for my   weekend.  Overslept on Sunday and didn't make it to church.  So I stayed home and welcomed  the Solstice with candles, rose incense, ate strawberries and cream, and planted some St. John's Wort. 

Have a wonderful day.

A celebration of ancient mythology and honky-tonk rituals of the seaside, it showcases over 3,000 creative individuals from all over the five boroughs and beyond, opening the summer with incredible art, entrepreneurial spirit and community pride. The parade highlights Coney Island Pageantry based on a century of many Coney parades, celebrates the artistic vision of the masses, and ensures that the summer season is a success by bringing hundreds of thousands of people to the amusement area in a single day.
It's the kind of parade that everything goes....
The MERMAID PARADE specifically was founded in 1983 with 3 goals: it brings mythology to life for local residents who live on streets named Mermaid and Neptune ; it creates self-esteem in a district that is often disregarded as “entertainment”; and it lets artistic New Yorkers find self-expression in public - See more at: http://www.coneyisland.com/programs/mermaid-parade#sthash.6T9Rv7jN.dpuf