Summer Carnival - The Mardi Gras

It's been nearly a month since our group "The Equals Friendship Group IOW" took part in the Mardi Gras parade held in our town. I have been wanting to write about my experience since that Saturday however, life got in the way (more about that later).

The Equals group are made up of different women from different countries, I guess you could say we are a multicultural bunch. I haven't been part of it for long. In fact, I was at work minding my business when one of my mates asked if i'd like to help with the costumes for the carnival. Me being me agreed. Suddenly, I was actually part of the procession... standing in a hall wearing a bin bag trying to prevent Evostick getting on my 'Les Mis' tee whilst a photographer from the local press took our photo for the paper supplement.

I mean, WHAT?! That was just the prep though. Saturday itself came along and as i walked unto the field where we were all meeting, I was so excited to see different parts of our community & the incredible effort that was put into for the costumes.
I felt the music, I felt the beat, I felt the community & I felt the joy.

Me & my lovelies!
Image Credit : Graham Reading via The New Carnival Company

I saw a lot of people i knew on our route towards the sea front. I was a mixture of happiness,

excitement, shyness & tenacity. This is so far out of my comfort zone but I've been pushing myself over the last few years to experience new things.

For 2 reasons. As a self proclaimed memory capturer, I have this need to do things. I don't want to die without feeling like I've really lived. This is possibly leftover from past traumas but I've reclaimed it & I love being a "have a go-er".

Me on Union Street, Ryde
Image Credit: Graham Reading via The New Carnival Company

Ellie - The star of our show!
Image Credit : Graham Reading via The New Carnival Company

My most important reason would be my boys. I would like them to see that their mum tries things even if she isn't amazing at them - she tries. I'm hoping that it seeps into their subconscious and they grow up with a "can do" attitude.

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