Marching with 1 Billion Rising

It's Carnival time here in New Orleans! That means parades, parties, and...protests?

Yep. When someone told Emma Goldman "it did not behoove an agitator to dance," she responded:

"I want freedom, the right to self-expression, everybody's right to beautiful, radiant things." 

YES!

In that spirit, on Sunday I participated in a One Billion Rising Revolution march organized by Ashe Cultural Arts Center--part of a Mardi Gras parade.

That's me with the red wig as we prepared to march. 

The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale hosted our group of about 30 beautiful, diverse women, men, and kids singing, dancing, and high-fiving the crowds in solidarity against the exploitation of women.

My spouse and kids participated to show that men and boys also need to support an end to violence and exploitation--and the creation of a positive new paradigm in which all people stand together in love, support, and awesomeness.

I first danced in support of One Billion Rising a few years ago, when I was a member of the Pussyfooters, one of New Orleans' oldest adult female dancing groups. 

Diva tendencies? Hm, let me think...

Then, as now, I was heartened and uplifted by the overwhelmingly positive support of parade goers, from women pumping their fists and shouting "You go, girls!" to men applauding "the work y'all do" to boys and girls cheering and waving. 

This is how those of us committed to the continuation of diversity, positivity, and mutual support will #keepmarching and encourage others to march, too. It's not about being against something (other than the incredibly obvious abuse and exploitation of women)--but being FOR a vision of the world we are creating, one revolutionary dance at a time.

I literally danced my boots off--the soles fell off about halfway through the parade route--#NeverthelessShePersisted!

A busy day!

Today two pieces I wrote posted at the same time!

I wrote an article for NewOrleans.com, "Kid-friendly fun in the French Quarter," to share my experiences (and tips) for having a great Mardi Gras in the French Quarter. Lots of specific examples are usable any time of year!

And I reviewed a book of poetry, "A Bank Robber's Bad Luck with His Ex-Girlfriend by KJ Hannah Greenburg, for the Literary Mama blog. It's a fun book with intricate and cerebral poems that deal with the messiness and joy of love. Just in time for Valentine's day!

It's Carnival time...

Two nights ago, I paid someone $2 for the privilege of peeing indoors. And I loved it! Yes, down here in New Orleans, it is Carnival time, time for parades and beads and food and crowds and booze--and nowhere to pee, unless you know the right spots to stand. After living here for 8 years, I'm beginning to figure it out. If ya wanna avoid port-a-potties, ya gotta go to St. Michael's for the parades. But if you do use the big plastic boxes, remember to stock your pockets with napkins, kleenexes, or (if you're really prepared) toilet paper cuz otherwise you're gonna be just shaking it off.

Last year, I wondered how we'd handle my son being out of diapers once he was potty trained--this year, he's a peeing pro. But he has not yet graced the porta-potty; he prefers to "water" the trees, weeds, dirt--he doesn't care. More often than not, though, he just holds it--and he can hold it for hours. We don't make him hold it, nor do we want him to. He just refuses to go while there are floats going by and beads to catch--he even digs the marching bands and the "girls in their beautiful outfits" who march and dance behind the bands. When asked what he likes the best, he says, "All of it! I like all of it!" but then amends, "except when everyone starts yelling when the float comes--why do they do that?" I explained everyone cheers to show excitement and to catch the riders' attention, and he said, "They are so loud in my ears." But last night, I heard him hollering, up on his daddy's shoulders, calling out, "Beads! Beads! Beads!" That's my boy.

I love Mardi Gras.