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Mardi Gras and a Gator

Hi all y’all,

We are in the full swing of Mardi Gras come rain or come shine.

Day 2 Mardi Gras, last weekend
Saturday, February 22nd, 2014

Last Saturday, the weather was beautiful, the crowds were there, but in a gentler, roomier way.

It rained all night.

Throw me something, mister!
Throw me something, mister!

Sunday, started out muddy and fun. Then the deluge. Only the hardcore monsters of Mardi Gras stuck it out.

Sunday's parade
Sunday’s parade

Pussyfooters put on a happy face.

I am working on a new painting called Gator in the Hen House. It could symbolize government corruption. I really wanted to paint it because chickens can be so colorful. I wanted a challenge. This painting is pushing me to experiment with proportions, movement and design. I am just going to take my time.

So far, it is only acrylic paint.

Gator in the Hen House in progress
Gator in the Hen House in progress

My plan is to add some ink behind the chicken wire for depth and color. Then, chicken wire made with medium gel gloss using rabbit wire as a stencil. I want to add paint to molding paste and put some of the feathers on with a palette knife. Finally, many more layers of paint.

All of this will occur after Mardi Gras.

I am already liking the Gator’s swashbuckling attitude.

That’s what’s happening in my neighborhood. What’s going on in yours?

Happy Mardi Gras,

In abundant love,

Gator Girl
Gator Girl

 

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Women of Mardi Gras

Hi all y’all!

The Carnival season is upon us. Do you know how the longer you are in a situation, the more you see?… like the unfolding of a map. I feel like I am understanding Mardi Gras a little more this year.

I just noticed that many women are in more than one parading group. What bad ass women. I have never been much of an athlete and this would require that kind of energy.

There are many women’s troupes. I will only touch of a few. Give you a taste of what you might not know.

Of course the Pussyfooters.

“First and foremost, it is said that Pussyfooters are on this earth to raise the consciousness of all women everywhere. Sisters from the Mothership work to support and empower women globally and locally. We honor our imperfections and dance out of love and non-judgement. We are–each and everyone of us–shiny diamonds.” —Camille Baldassar, founder.

The Pussyfooters raised $34,000 for Metropolitan Center for Women and Children this year.

Pussyfooters
Pussyfooters

The Bearded Oysters. The Bearded Oysters is an organization devoted to sisterhood, fun, art, and personal growth. Over 700 women.

Bearded Oysters
Bearded Oysters

The Muff-a-lottas are a dance troupe filled with New Orleans ladies ready to strut their Muff Stuff down the nearest parade route.

Muff-a-lottas
Muff-a-lottas

Cosmonaughties are Celestial bodies in motion! The Star-Steppin’ Cosmonaughties are the official dance team of Krewe de Lune. Born during the 2011 Carnival season, the Cosmonaughties have been rocking their unique, fun style in Mardi Gras parades and events year-round ever since.

Cosmonaughties
Cosmonaughties

I am hella excited about the Glambeaux‘s debut this year. Talk about bad ass. Flambeauxs are heavy. These flambeauxs are a hiking backpack’™s frame supporting a propane tank fueling 4 burners on top of a pole.  

Historically, the flambeaux was carried on the parade route to illuminate an otherwise dark street. Historically, carried by a man. It is customary to tip the flambeaux carrier. The Glambeaux donate their tips to Woman with a Vision. 

Glambeaux
Glambeaux

14 days until Mardi Gras! The parades have already started.

Love to y’all!

Gator Girl

 

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The art of Jenafer Joy

Hi all y’all,

It has been a while since I posted about an artist that I love. This is a double love, because I love the artist and her art. 

She puts words together like, 

 Life is alive in the place where dreams refining and becoming real, whisper.

She creates art.

Bright Future, by Jenafer Joy
Bright Future, by Jenafer Joy

She offers classes.

Jena offers classes on line.
Jena offers classes on line.

I bet you will fall in love with Jena, too.

 

Looking hopefully into the future.

Lovingly,

Gator Girl