Pride 2012: Burlesque Anyone?

Normally my blog subjects are individuals or small groups of people.   Occasionally there are more than two or three in a photograph.  But, this is somewhat of a rarity.

As I turned a corner on the wandering, I ran into this group of women.   I had no idea who they were but I had to ask for a photograph or two.  I was surprised when they announced they wanted a group photo and that behind the tent could be used as a backdrop,  Clearly they were prepared for photographers!

Meet Chow Chow, Beth, Cherry Bomb Jac, Savanah, and Tara.  I am quite certain I do not have their names in the right order.  But, at least I have five names!

The photo above was the first photo I took of the group.   A second had the benefit of a gentleman who sat in the front.  He was having a very delightful time.  And, the ladies were, as well!

I am not certain the photo above is CBJ or one of the troupe.  I just liked the hat!   I do know that Cherry Bomb Jac has a degree in Theater Arts.  She teaches burlesque and performs comedy, songs, and dance alone and with her troupe, the The Wicket Wenches Cabaret.

They performed at Pride on Sunday afternoon.  I was, however, long gone by that time.  Perhaps I can catch another performance sometime.  My sincere thanks to Cherry Bomb Jac and the entire troupe!

Pride 2012: Kilt Anyone?

Just down the path from lonely Courtney was the booth for the Gay Men's Chorus.  I saw a few kilts that day.  But, David was the first. 

Meet David!

I hung around the booth for a while wondering if the small group of guys would break into song.   But, no luck.

Thanks David!

Pride 2012: MPR

Continuing the wandering through the wilderness, next to the glitter booth was the MPR booth.  For those non-Minnesota readers, that's Minnesota Public Radio.  Most of the booths had a few people available to chat.  But, sitting alone and forlorn was Courtney.  Now, I may not share all of MPR's political leanings.  But, anyone looking so forlorn definately needed a little conversation, and a photo!

Meet Courtney:

She was most gracious and took the time to chat abit about her passion for MPR.  As a journalism student, she knows the importance of a free press.  And, she was very kind about letting me take her photograph and use it on the blog.  By the way, I didn't notice it before, but I do believe she has green eyes!

Thanks Courney!

Pride 2012: Glitter

I suspect it's difficult to have a Pride Festival without glitter.  I guess I am not sure about that statement this being my first time and all.   But, these folks were having fun!

Meet Abbey:

Meet Jory:

Meet Joel:

Meet Beth:

They were a delightful group and graciously let me passed on the glitter! 

Thanks all!

Pride 2012: Gardening

I didn't get these guys names.  They had a pretty good crowd around their tent and I didn't want to interrupt any more than necessary.  People were asking a lot of gardning and plant specific questions.  I had no clue what they were talking about.  Now, if they had been chatting about cameras, I may have been able to contribute to the dialog.

Meet the boys who like gardening!

As I looked at this photo, I wondered if the two gentlemen on the right are left handed.   I guess I am weird that way.  But, I noticed it right away.  Symmetry!

Thanks guys!

Pride 2012: Music

This guy was good.  It's hard to walk around in the heat, playing the guitar, the harmonica, and singing.  It was difficult to get a good shot of him.  He couldn't stand still!

I didn't realize it until I downloaded and worked a bit on the photos that he had a slide on his left ring finger.  I've tried playing with one.  For me, it was impossible!   He did it effortlessly.

Nice job!  And, my sincere thanks!

Pride 2012: Civil Rights

As I wandered about, lost in the maze of tents and booths, I was not surprised to see various political parties represented, both Democrat and Republican.  It was appropriate to also see the City of Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights represented.

Meet Toni

Meet Pat:

Meet Ayah:

My thanks to all of you for being such good sports!  Nice smiles all around!

Pride 2012: Out Front

When I rounded one of the bends during the great WalkAbout, I couldn't help but notice these two women.  Actually, I first noticed this rainbow hair.  It was hard to miss!  Since I have such long flowing locks of my own, I was immediately drawn to introduce myself.

Meet Kit:

 I wanted two photos just to see the full color spectrum!  It was awesome.  I would try this on my own head, but I don't have enough individual hairs to include all the colors.

In the booth with Kit was....Shelly!

Meet Shelly:

They were delightful and charming.  They told me about OutFront Minnesota.  This organization has been around for over 20 years supporting LGBT causes and people.    They help with public policy, legal issues, anti-violence, and other education and training programs.

Seriously...I like the hair!

My thanks to you both!

Pride 2012: Happy Animals

Sometimes people are so passionate about a cause, give up everything to pursue it. This isn't easy, of course.   There are a number of risks associated with such a move, not the least of which is financial.

Meet Kelli!

She left a corporate job to start a small company:  My Voice T Shirts that gives a voice to all animals.  A portion of her company's profits are distributed to other non-profits that make a difference in the lives of animals, big and small!    Her t-shirts are written from the perspective of the animals.   Check out her website and find a t-shirt you like!

Thank you Kelli for letting me take a few photographs.  And, thank you for supporting this worthwhile cause.

July 4th

This July 4th we celebrate Independence Day. There is no surprise in that, I suppose. We do it every year. I thought about waxing elequently for a few paragraphs about what this means to me. But, I pale by comparison to many great bloggers out there....some of whom I am fortunate enough to call friends.

So, I will do my best to let these images convey my deepest respect for those who have served, those currently serving, and those who will serve, carrying the message of a unique country.

A country where men and women would fight for freedoms granted to them in a simple, and amazingly profound document. The Bill of Rights.

A country where men and women would die for those same freedoms not only for themselves, but for their children and their children's children.

Rest assured, the battle has been fought often in this country's history.

Please take a moment this day, between the beer, brats, and fireworks, and honor those who have served and those who have given the most precious of gift for all of us.

Never forget why they fought. Never give up our own fight for those freedoms. We owe those who went before us and those who will come after us, that same passion and dedication.