Don't Worry, Be Happy

Rare no post day yesterday. I was at work way too late, too brain frozen, and left without my laptop. That's where all the pictures are.

A few more  things to finish up from the People's Joy Parade. I could have used one of those smiley heads Tuesday evening. Maybe it would have improved my attitude. (Actually, wouldn't it be great to wear one to a Trump rally?) But it would also be great to be like the young lady in the second picture, with your hand on the control of the blast horn on a big tractor truck. Talk about a means of expression.   

Blast

A feature at every PJP run by one of the Artica crew (they have a fund raiser coming up that locals should attend): an old, tricked-out Cadillac with a propane torch mounted to the roof. Watch out for the utility wires and trees!  It's okay - he's had some serious fire control training. But what fun! Just riding down the street on the top of a huge sedan and, at your whim, pyro blast!  I'd like to do it.    

Dissent

Vive la différence.

Waiting for the People's Joy Parade to start. I used to have one of these Volvo 244s, white with a tan interior. Wow, that was a long time ago.

            

Oda a la Alegría

It's the beginning of May. The Lou has the double dip of the People's Joy Parade and the Cinco de Mayo Festival. There's nothing like the PJP anywhere. No bureaucracy. Anyone can join who shares the spirit.  And lots of people do.

Cinco de Mayo isn't a big deal in Mexico. It marks the unlikely victory of the Mexican army over the wannabe French imperial forces. (Did you know that France was briefly the colonial power in Mexico? It was a bad idea.) In the US it has become a celebration of Mexican-American culture and an excuse to swill large amounts of Jose Cuervo and Corona. (I prefer Sol or Pacifico when drinking Mexican suds.) There's tons more of this to come.

¡Alegría, hermosa chispa de los dioses
hija del Elíseo!
¡Ebrios de ardor penetramos,
diosa celeste, en tu santuario!        

Born To Be WIld

Or as wild as you can be on a scooter. From the PJP.                

The Pleasure Of A Gift Is In The Giving

At the People's Joy Parade.

Don't forget, the June 1 CDP theme is shadow and highlight. Since I suggested it I have to publicize it. Already working on mine.

Flame Out

One of the regular features of the People's Joy Parade is this old Cadillac fitted out with - I'm guessing here - propane tanks, valves, an ignition system and blow pipes. Wasteful, sure, but what better way to drive down the street? The lawyer in me always wonders if they have the proper insurance, take care under trees (they seemed to) and pay much attention to the wind.                    

Herald

Back to some more pictures from the People's Joy Parade. A unicycle rider dressed like a traditional jester rode well ahead of the parade, announcing its arrival. I can't imagine doing this. Just not that coordinated.                 

Street Portraits

Making these is one of my favorite pastimes. Faces in the crowd at the People's Joy Parade.           

As Advertised

The organizers say the event is about joy.  Good enough for me.     

Funny/Scary

Some clowns are funny and innocuous. Think Bozo. Some are tawdry, even sleazy. Think Krusty. And some are just scary, occasionally on purpose.

These are a few from the People's Joy Parade. The last picture gives the context.               

Madeleine Monday

The People's Joy Parade, featured here many times before, takes place literally around the Cinco de Mayo festival. I've never seen anything like it. Just goofy, fun-loving local people marching down the street doing whatever amuses them. There are some regular features, though, like the more than slightly scary clowns, the beat up old Cadillac that's rigged to shoot jets of fire high into the air and face painting for little kids. Madeleine wanted a piece of that action.                

CDP Theme Day: Stylish

It's the first of the month, theme day on the City Daily Photo calendar. This month the topic is "stylish." That, thank heavens, rules out selfies on this blog.

Close call between these two recent pictures. The first was at Earth Day, the second at the People's Joy Parade. Fortunately for the ladies in the top photo it was a beautiful day. Imagine the outfit on the left in the rain. The one on the right could be a pretty good lightning rod. And as for the one below, well, puuuurrrrrr. 

Check out styles worldwide on other CDP members' blogs here.                        

I Love Rock And Roll

Joan Jett, where are you? I see this drummer every year in the PJP.  You have to wonder about him. His body is in great shape but what about his brain?

There is a spring street fair in Ferguson today. Yeah, that Ferguson. I may go check it out.                    

Never Let Your Gun Get Wet

Alternative firearms at the PJP, the only kind I like. It's even better that it's in the holster backwards.

I'll pass on the pants, though.
                            

Good Clean Fun

Everyone - well, most people - wants to be neat and tidy at the People's Joy Parade. Whose idea was it to put a laundromat next to the staging area?

But if you have the bad fortune to have a buttock explode, how do you stay clean? Better Google that one.         

Cherokee Street Fashion

The theme might be tamer versions of bikers' sleeveless jean jackets. The top one is self evident. The second has the decades-old logo of a local rock radio station and the trademark emblem of local artist Peat Wollaeger.                                   

Send In The Clowns

More from People"s Joy Parade. There is a horrid hip hop duo called Insane Clown Posse. My guess is that these guys are members of the St. Louis chapter of its fan club.                                

                            

The Search For Meaning

Signs and symbols: sometimes the meaning is clear, sometimes ambiguous and sometimes opaque. That top one has a touch of Dada. Anyone ever taken semiotics?

Found on Cherokee Street, of course.                          

What's Up?

Why, the annual goofiness on Cherokee Street. Hi, kids!

Much more to come.