PattyPalooza Redux

Thorn Birds:

     In today's fantasy, I find myself in Texas, enjoying the big, vast, open vistas - driving down the long, solitary winding highways in my shiny convertible, with my flaxen haired cowgirl by my side. As we drive along, singing together in perfect harmony, I am at peace with all the world. This often happens when I'm under-stimulated. Unemployment has dulled my razor sharp senses to the point that original, creative thoughts occur less frequently than usual; this nadir resembles the state that's best described for the rest of society as normal.

     Sadly, the by-product of this fallow season is a disinclination to generate anything new. Happily however, I am feeling the initial stirrings of anticipation; PattyPalooza XIII is on the horizon! Many of my faithful readers are aware of this tribal festival's hold on my soul, but I recognize there are newer devotees for whom this event has no resonance. So, the coeval forces of lethargy devotion and sense of duty combine to produce this, a re-publication of an earlier post, that details the genesis and legend of this great event. Don't hate me 'cause I'm on auto-pilot!

 

THE LEGEND OF PATTYPALOOZA

 

     Long ago, in a land far, far away, there lived a beautiful Princess and her dashing husband, the Prince. They enjoyed a peaceful existence, blessed with 2 fine sturdy children, making their home in a bucolic setting, deep within an enchanted woodland. All was well. But then, inevitably, their children grew and developed interests outside their forest home.

 

       At first, this seemed a benign development; the empty nest had been a foregone conclusion to child-rearing, but somehow, the emptiness that enveloped the royal couple was palpable. This was especially true for the Princess - Patty. Whiling away the days with sundry employment and decorating tasks just didn't fill the void in her life that this natural progression had wrought.

     It was just after hosting the perfunctory family gathering, that the Princess had an idea; why not create an annual event for family and assorted townsfolk to enjoy? This would surely provide the missing spark and likely result in mirth and merriment for all involved. 

     

      She quickly set to the task, incorporating ideas and assistance from the farthest reaches of the kingdom. The resultant pagan festival that bears her name - PattyPalooza - was born. Over the years, the Princess and her Prince transformed their arboreal homeland into a theme park, of sorts. 

     Featured attractions, added throughout the years include: the slip & slide of doom, the duck regatta, fireworks (the real ones, not those dopey fake ones), karaoke, bean bag/washer toss tourneys, talent contests, awards ceremonies, and last years' crowning jewels, the pool and Tiki bar. Theme t-shirts were added over the years, some of which made their way to other lands, destined perhaps to inspire other fair-haired princesses. 
   

     So there you have it; as we prepare for this year's edition, the 13th, those fortunate souls holding the golden invitation tickets will surely rest their heads each night, their hearts full of wonder - anticipating what's to come. Of course, I'll provide a recap of the weekend's events, in nauseating detail. Of course, that'll be original thought. Sweet dreams meo daemonia.....