Carnival colors
‘Tis indeed the season, by just a couple of days. Already, in the driving around since Friday, I’ve seen a lot more Carnival decorations being put out. We expect the retailers to jump on it big-time, and they have. But this year it seems like an obsessive need for more individuals to make sure their Gras Groove is on. We’re certainly doing our part…
Last year’s Carnival found us living in Mid-City, a scant half-block from the Endymion route on Canal. This allowed us the luxury of an eight-hour shuffle, going from home to parade, back home to piss and get more beer, then back to the parade, over and over. We’re not quite as close to a parade route this time around, but still close enough to walk up to St. Charles. This also means we’re close enough to be gridlocked in (or out) of the neighborhood once the parades begin.
We’ve taken the liberty of decorating the homes of various displaced neighbors. They’d want it that way, we’re sure. Of those who have returned, I’m seeing decorations being put out earlier. There’s something of a predatory feeling about it this season, if that makes sense — of feeling like we’re primally REQUIRED to celebrate to ensure the existence of the species (Orleanus Whackjobus).
Things have been weird in our section of the Irish Channel the past few weeks. Not bad weird, but good weird. Much more sharing with neighbors. We socialize heavily anyway, but this time it’s like we’re nervously gabbing while waiting for Something To Happen — like the back-and-forth in the crowd before a space shuttle launch or the implosion of a building.
Despite the moonscape so many of us deal with each day, it’s a good time to be here.
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“We’ve taken the liberty of decorating the homes of various displaced neighbors.”
That’s awesome.