 |
|
|
 |
Mardi Gras
Lent isn't about giving something up, or about doing something different. Lent is about struggling with those persistent voices, with the inertia, the forgetfulness, the self-deceptions and fears we allow to prevail over our desire for a loving relationship with God.
-- John E. Kitagawa
Tuesday, February 27, 2001
One year ago: Potlatch III
Last night, resting after my busy weekend of traveling, I got email from Jack: "Tomorrow Swamp Mama Johnson is playing their annual Fat Tuesday gig at the Wild Buffalo. Any chance you can make it up for that? I know you have plans in Seattle..."
But actually, I didn't have any definite plans, so driving up to Bellingham was fine with me.
* * * * * * * *
I waited out in my car until Jack got home from work, although I think his daughter A---- was home so I could have gone inside.
We went downtown to the Wild Buffalo on the early side, because Jack wanted to try to get a table, not so easy on this night. I drove. We did succeed in snagging prime seating. We'd been given mardi gras beads on our way in. The room filled up as we listened to the opening band SuperKali. John A---, one of Jack's friends from the science fiction club, arrived, so we didn't feel too bad about hogging a table on such a prime partying evening. Julie McGalliard and Paul Carpentier showed up also, with beads from actual New Orleans mardi gras trips! We were suitably impressed.
If I'd thought about it, we could have had fancy dress and masks on, but I hadn't prepared. There were some impressive outfits there! John had glowsticks, which he dropped down the decolletage of a rather stunning woman. They glowed right through her dress in an eerie way. I whispered to Jack, "should I go looking for a sequined dress?"
Jack and I had fun dancing to Swamp Mama Johnson. They do have great energy! Jack was wearing a tiedye tanktop with the band logo, vintage! When he went to buy the latest CD, the band members were impressed that he'd had it so long. Not many of those shirts around now. I think Jack is over the lesbian factor with this band, but John A-- still found it a thrill. The dance floor was crowded throughout. I kept an eye out for anyone who really knew how to dance, but only saw a few folks who did cargo-cult-style swing dance; that is, they'd seen it done and were imitating the appearance only.
Jim Kling was with us, also. He wouldn't get up and dance, saying "I'll wait until the right person asks me." So Jack challenged him -- "Come dance with me!" and he had to go.
On our way out the door, Jack leaned down and gave him a big smootch for the dance. Jim was stunned! So I kissed him goodnight, also. Double stun!
 |