Today was the sort of day when you fit in so much energy of life that you know you will have to pay somewhere else. It felt like the universe was showing me the many ways that people can come together and share joy, excitement and a sense of unity. The day started with a 4th of July party at Suzan's house. To say this woman puts together one heckuva shindig is an understatement. The food was awesome. The cake was stunning. Red, white and blue cupcakes were adorable. Coolers were full of ample beverages of all sorts. The grill was grillin! Kids got to play on the outdoor play set as well as take a dip in the pool. But the real fun began when we adjourned to the air conditioned living room to battle it out in a game of patriotic movie jeopardy. She created her own board complete with several categories and many questions. We split up into teams (each wearing their party beads of red or blue proudly) and answered trivia questions about baseball, military and presidential films. There were visual clips and even song clips of infamous renditions of our national anthem. It was amazing. What was even more amazing was how we all just jumped right into the game together as if we had all known each other for decades. That is a little something special that New Yorkers tend to do...we act as if we have always known you. Maybe it's because deep down we have grown up with a certain flavor that puts us all in the same big pot. We had a blast and not just because my team kicked a little booty. Then there was a game called Warewolf. That was a great game as well. It brought 15 of us to a big circle of chairs where we had to figure out the mystery of what was happening to the Villagers. Find a group of friends and get the cards and play...you won't be sorry. Of course you will need a really fun leader and we had one!
But the day wasn't over. I work at a pottery studio and slowly but surely they are creating a zoo and farm of animals. This last creation sprouted a horn and some rainbow swirls...the unicorn was born. Being a child of the 80's I could not have been more excited. But we wanted to make the unicorn even more than a symbol of cuteness and joy...we made it about love, equality and pride. We celebrated the unicorn at a coming out party at Rainbow Mountain. Complete with tiny little closet to come out of and a rainbow made of cupcakes our little friend was introduced to the world. There was a naming contest and after many fun suggestions like Roxy, Priscilla and Divine Equine the winner was picked...Elwood is now his name. I also sang the Unicorn Song along with my boss and some new friends. Not since the third grade had that song exited my lips. From Catholic school to gay resort...that song has come a long way. I caught up with some dear friends who I don't get to see so often, shared a fun night with my work buddies and met some of the sweetest people. It was a celebration. Hugs were given without reservation and smiles and laughs were plentiful...just as they should be. By the end of night I had felt a new sense of energy...one that I hadn't felt in a long time. Let your flags fly people...whatever they may look like!!!
Here's a little tidbit about my family (my side), it is small. My parents, my sister and her family. That's about it. You met them all. Our whole lives have been about embracing friends as family to fill the void of not having a large family around us. Many wonderful friends have touched our lives, interesting people that we have helped and have helped us in many ways along the years because my family has always embraced people as friends so easily. So glad you felt comfortable in my home, it's definitely always a top goal for me to make everyone feel welcome. Glad it worked!
ReplyDeleteI understand completely. My friends ARE my family because my family is small as well. You did an amazing job and we are grateful!
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