Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

Congratulate yourselves if you have done something strange and extravagant and broken the monotony of a decorous age.

Ralph Waldo Emerson



I used to love Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and would always use my children as an excuse to jump on. I think I even rode it a few times when they felt they had gotten too old. Since the first of the year I feel like I have been on a journey that Mr. Toad would approve of.

I say I am no longer interested in garment construction however I have made two beautiful formal gowns and attended two Mardi Gras Balls, one of which was in New Orleans. While in New Orleans I visited behind the scenes to see how the floats are made and met a very gracious Mr. Mardi Gras, Blayne Kern.

I say I do not like dressing up in costumes and yet I participated in our local Mardi Gras, standing with my son, hurling beads from the boat float, dressed like a Pirate Wench and loving every minute of it. What a thrill when we were able to throw a big stuffed animal to a little girl in a wheelchair. I had spoken with her earlier on the street and told her I would look for her. The smile on her face was unbelievable. Did I tell you that I have many plans for next year, costumes, gowns and great expectations.

I am thrilled to say that I attended the Covenant Hospice Gala, A Night in Vegas, where my mask was auctioned along with approximately 100 others. Most of them were in the silent auction. The live auction featured masks by celebrities and well known artists. I aspire to be one of these. What a nice event and I am very honored my mask was purchased by a local doctor. At this party, I had my photo made with non other than Elvis! Mr. Toad was impressed with that one. I passed on the photo in the Chapel of Love and with the Rockets, Elvis was enough to make me happy even if he was a little older and rounder.

Life has been busy and very fulfilling. I have not been very productive with my art however in my head I have made many things. There is one thing that I know for sure, ideas do not have an expiration date and deadlines are nothing but dates. Life is a gift enjoy each day.