Thursday, July 10, 2008

Revelers inspire this muse at the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade




Irene, Red, Mick and I recently went to Santa Barbara to visit Irene's brother and family for a long weekend. Our timing was blessed. On Saturday June 21st we were treated to the 2008 Summer Solstice Parade. I can't believe I have lived this close to such devoted muse and never seen this spectacular pagan display before now.

I love parades! This parade in particular feels close to the grand celebrations a diva like me is accustomed to (Thank you Irene!). Revel with me! Everyone deserves to live as grand as they wish. I encourage you to take yourselves to this wondrous event and spoil your muse to both your delights. 
                       

The colors, the costumes and oh-my-gosh, the drums! Is there anything that stirs the soul quite like drums? The weather was warm and appropriately, sunny (it isn't always inSanta Barbara in June). Celebrants were treating their inner-muse to such joy I wanted to throw my arm wide and embrace them all.                                                                                                                                          
The Solstice Parade begins "officially" at high noon however, there is a celebration that begins the night before for participants and even months before then during a mass muse planning and idea session. 

Creative muse juice was really flowing this year!

The Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade is filled with moments to ignite the creative
 spirit whatever you medium of choice is. Video cameras are one way to record the magic but Irene used her goofy older camera and caught enough stills to keep us writing for quite some time.

Irene and I were so caught up in the sights, sounds and smells (you do know of the wonderful smells a parade has, don't you?), we wanted to share it with everyone. Amid all of the festivities honoring the Sun and pagan spirits, this diva decided to encourage muse everywhere through her very own blog.

When was the last time you connected with your inner-muse in a meaningful way? We're not as slippery as some may believe. In spite of Irene's belief that I am a high maintenance diva, like all Muse, I'm actually very simple. The key to our bounty is to treat us as you would like to be treated and to treat yourself as kindly. Perhaps that is where Irene has come to believe I am lavish and grand. 

Strike up the band, beat the drums and take your muse out for a play date to keep the connections strong. Happy muse outings! 

Irene E.

No comments: