I've often been embarrassed by my inexplicable ability to cry over the most seemingly ridiculous things. A few examples (some more pathetic than others) include watching the disabled runners during the NY marathon, hearing applause for dancers on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, watching a 5-year old finally able to skip for the first time, or crying on the train while listening to sadcore singer Mark Kozalek crooning on about his little sister and their childhood in Ohio. Perhaps the most disconcerting is my habit of crying my eyes out during parades--all those people together in one place, altogether happy about a place or a cause. I even cried during the Israeli day parade and, at the risk of sounding racist, I don't care about Israel. I do, however, love parades.
In the Spring, I started obsessing about taking MayMay to my hometown parade. In my mind (I hadn't been to the parade since childhood) it was the most extravagant and exciting parade in all the land. There were oodles of Shriners driving around in tiny cars with funny hats on their heads. There were shiny floats advertising the local businesses and marching bands playing beautiful music. And, perhaps the best of all, there was tons and tons of candy being thrown at the famished children drooling on the sidewalk.
My dream came true on a recent trip to Ohio. And, well, let's just say I was saved the usual embarrassment of crying my eyes out at this parade. It was a is this seriously for real and I can't believe I grew up here kind of moment . But little Mahalia, with her innocent eyes, loved every minute of it and she spoke about it for days after.
These photos should give you an idea.....my favorite is the ever beautiful Pork Princess, second photo from the top.
