Because of the 2008 drought, and in order for Pride to return to Piedmont Park (last year it was at the Atlanta Civic Center, which is not a great venue for a festival like this), Atlanta Pride was held today. When I checked to leave to head to Piedmont Park, it was pouring, so I waited for the rain to subside and then went out. Instead of getting to Piedmont Park at 9:30'ish, I didn't arrive until about 10:35 AM. Surprisingly, there were no religious freaks (although I was prepared - I brought a copy of the Masoretic version of the Jewish Bible to use against them to remind them that theirs was a plagiarized version of the original). I always go so that I can see what interesting sights there are to see and to see what interesting vendors and artisans are there. I usually end up spending about 3 hours walking around with my backpack on my back (this year it was 4) and getting swag here and there (which I did this year), not eating the overpriced food, and just being in the park. Well, I went a wee bit overboard this year.

After making a donation to help animal shelters, I was given a swag bag of stuff to bring to my sister's dog, Lucy, which she'll get in 2 weeks. Someone was selling something called "Big Skinny," which turned out to be a wallet which was about half as thick with credit cards in it than the present one I use. Taking no chances, I bought two of them and found (after I got home) that when I loaded it up with what's presently in my wallet, it's at least 1/2 the thickness of my old wallet and I have room for more stuff (which I won't be putting in except for things like the Costco card when I go to Costco, etc.). I also bought myself something called Tupelo Honey, which is supposed to be diabetic-safe, a candle made out of soy, a candle made out of beeswax, and (you ready for this?) a Utilikilt. They had it in my size, it was a very reasonable price, they had it in black (which will go interestingly with my blue camo sporran), and so I broke down and bought it. I now have a kilt for when I do Celtic festivals and highland games.

At 1:30, Georgia AVER (American Veterans for Equal Rights) held a Taps ceremony at the main stage. A member of Washington, DC AVER, an active-duty major in the Army, was remembered as being the first known gay man killed over in Iraq. We also honored all military personnel who have been killed in the past 9 years. I stood up and saluted when Taps was played.

I left after 2:30 and was home by around 3-something. Tonight is food shopping and maybe recording some lines for Starship Excelsior.

AND, you're not going to believe this: For the first time ever, I had children knock loudly at the door and yell "Trick or Treat! Being totally unprepared, you know............

And a Blessed Samhain to those who celebrate that tonight.

Tags: atlanta gay pride, halloween, samhain, starship excelsior
Current Location: bedroom
Current Mood: tired
Current Music: A Prairie Home Companion