So now you've seen photo after photo
of Waveland since Katrina.

All of them looking
similar to this one.

And perhaps on the surface
these seem to
depict what Waveland's become.




Never judge a book by it's cover my friends.



For in the middle you'll find
a colorful centerfold of smiles, treats and joy
all thanks to the beautiful people at the Waveland Cafe
and their resolute and gracious guests.


That's where I was lucky enough
to spend part of my Thanksgiving.
(that's me hugging Jessika
one of my MOST favorite new friends.
The list of her fabulousness
could fill up a blog all its own.
But her smile tells ya all you need to know!)





I chopped no less than 40 onions
and cried me a river.

But that was the only
note of sadness
detected at that evening's feast.

All in attendence
had reasons all their own
for being thankful

but you can bet
we were collectively grateful




to be there
together
under the dome
of the Waveland Cafe.




I dubbed this area
"Turkey Alley;"
Preparation zone for
smoked turkey
fried turkey
Tofurkey turkey
All prepared
with loving hands
at "Turkey Alley."


There I stand in all my stature
with Junior
6 feet my senior.
It probably won't last.





Nothing could have made this
a more special Thanksgiving!
(Actually,
it's now
my dream
to celebrate
Thanksgiving
in this same
type environment
but share it with
all of my family and friends.)


How great
is Scoops
the Clown!!!!!


What a blessing for me
as I had the opportunity
on this magical day
to partake of delicious food,
enjoy lovely people
and deliver
generously
donated hugs.









It's funny in life how you wish for things
without even realizing your making a wish.

When I was a little girl
there was nothing I wanted more than
for one of my stuffed animals to come to life.
And several years later (nevermind how many)
my pal Percy came into my life.

Sometimes we don't even recognize
our granted wishes.
It took several retellings of how
Percy found me to put two and two together.

In much the same way
while LOVING my experiences at Burning Man

(go to www.burningman.com for further explanation --
or feel free to just ask me)

anyway, I noticed when telling tales of adventures at Burning Man
I always ended with
"I just wish I could take Burning Man
and bring it to the outside world."
Well, the Rainbow Group and friends
have gifted the hell outta me and an entire town!
They've literally answered prayers
and made dreams come true
for this hugger,
the folks of the town and
all those who came from far and wide to volunteer.
(pardon my language, I'm feelingly strongly about this.)


Well two very solid wishes granted
is nothing to sneeze at
but what the heck, I'm gonna go for broke...

Right then
the wish of the hour...
to make an honest living as a professional hugger.

And if I may be so bold
as long as I'm on a roll...

Wish upon wishing for
just the right producer for
SEND-A-HUG

and

hmmmmm,
well

save something for the sequel.