I picked the boys up from school and we headed up to Snowmass for the Mardi Gras celebration.
As we ran up the hill from the car we were amazed at the skiers leaving who were so draped in beads I worried that there were none left for the boys. Getting closer we were forewarned by other moms of the aggressive crowd who seemed to be going for the gold by catching as many of the 24,000 beads as they could. It was all about quantity.
I just love when the energy of an event gets me so excited that I can hardly stand myself and the mall for “Fat Tuesday” was pulsing with adults and children alike who were drowning in strands of beads and as we approached we got hit with bead fever.
People were behaving as if forbidden jewels from a Pirate’s treasure chest were being tossed freely into the air. We feared that if we didn’t learn the art of capturing the attention of the bead throwers we would be left naked and penniless.
As the Basalt Dance Troupe shimmied along in the parade I had that same feeling that I always have when I see young girls dancing, envy. I always wanted to be a dancer when I was younger but the programs were always dull with old ninnies teaching the classes and bad music. Who knows where I would be today if there were the likes of Jayne Gottlieb teaching hip hop in my home town, probably right here typing away at my computer with my split toe Bosch shoes on which, come to think of it, I need to wear more often.
At the end of the day, the boys devoured delicious pizza at Long Fellows and they weren’t even embarrassed when I realized that I had forgotten my wallet at home, I guess their getting use to having a scatter-brain for a mother.
Once again the kindness of the locals amazed me as they let my starving children eat and handed me an IOU to pay them back later.
We then walked down Fanny Hill to ride back up on the Skittles Gondola, Tucker’s favorite. As the boys scampered down, I slowly made my way in the warm afternoon light absorbing the beautiful surrounding views and breathed a very happy sigh.
On the way back up a man from Bali got into the gondola wanting to know where and why the boys had gotten all of the beads. He had left his beautiful country and his ten year old daughter behind to try and make a life for himself in America. With a big smile on his face he watched the boys and all of their energy and I watched him, wondering if life working in a kitchen in Snowmass was better than being with his family at home.
When we were leaving the apres-ski parties were just beginning and I couldn’t help but notice that I was walking right by a Jagermeister party at the Blue Door and I felt a deep pang that evaporated quicker than they used to.
The boys went to sleep staring at their beads and the next day showed off their new wealth to all of their friends at school.
Even though I couldn’t help but wish that I had been able to haul my boys all the way to New Orleans to celebrate in real cajun style, Snowmass did not disappoint!
“OMMMMMMMM”
What a smile!!!
I’m sure I know the daddy but can’t place him
The Basalt Dance Troupe
The Glenwood Springs Marching Band
Nothing like a little Brazilian color
As always, your pictures are priceless! I felt like I was there. And you’re right – my gosh there were a LOT of bedazzled and bejeweled children!
So glad you all had fun, and that it’s still okay to pay off a handwritten IOU. Gives me restored faith in the money-motivated aspects of humanity. (smile)
Be well!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..Underwear in the Jungle! =-.
Hello Megan,
You should have seen all the ladies with their underwear hanging out….on purpose!!!
I love your photos. I remember skiing in Snow Mas on Mardi Gras day and beads being thrown from chair lifts onto the trees!
You are a wonderful mother giving your children incredable experiences
xo
Yey! Mardi Gras in Snowmass, I love it. I caught so many beads on Fat Tuesday in my hometown in Louisiana, I was feeling pretty good. And then I turned to my left and realized I was reveling next to a girl in bikini panties who had jumped up on an ice chest to shine her moon towards the parade. No wonder all those beads were coming my way.
I love all the photos!
Mardi Gras in Snowmass looks like so much fun! I need to come and visit your town, there is so much to do. Sounds like you had a wonderful time with your children.
.-= Vivianne´s last blog ..The Magic of Conch- Part Deux =-.
Vivianne, when you are ready to visit let me know and I’ll hook you up!
Hi Darrelyn,
LOL!!! You are my hero!
Hello Mouse,
Lately, I don’t feel like such a great mother!
You got some fantastic pictures! Thanks for stopping by my blog last week – your comment was nice and I also feel the same way!
.-= fiona´s last blog ..What you do Matters ~ What I WANT to do Matters =-.
I’m so jealous! I would have liked to go. I’ve always wanted to go to Mardi Gras. I wish I was close to a Mardi Gras event like you had at Snomass.
Wow…what great images! What a beautiful place. The one of daddy and baby? The besT!
Hello Liz,
There is something about daddy’s with babies that makes my heart melt!
Hi Fiona,
Good to have you come back for a visit!