Saturday, November 23, 2013

Babies Won't Die If...

I'll explain the title later on in the post-in the meantime, I hope you read on.

These images were taken at the beginning of this month at the annual Marigold Parade down in the south valley of Albuquerque. It is a celebration of the Dios de Los Muertos-a way to remember those whom we loved and have passed on.
When I first learned about Day of the Dead, I thought it was weird and creepy. However, the more I've learned about it, the more it makes sense-a time where we remember those whom have departed. I've even done an 'altar' a few years in a row (was too swamped this year to do it) and I've found that it is a sweet, honorable and respectful way to think about those that we have lost. It is a day/week/month of remembering. And, being grateful for having them in my life.

Anyway, the parade lasts about an hour, is packed with people and most if not many (spectators and participants) dress up in costume. A photographer's dream-most folks gladly pose for you. The parade route, I think is about 2  miles. You are shooting towards the sun, so your subjects are in the shadows and they are moving quite fast and no, you cannot clog up the street-they have parade patrollers making sure there is room. Everyone is in a joyful, happy mood. It ends at a community center where there are various kinds of vendors selling DOD related art. 

Ah-mazing!



Marigold Parade 'Car-Nation' © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

2013 Marigold Parade: Shadow Profile © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

This One's for Ralph! Green car fin © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Rose Hat in the Marigold Parade © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Puppet Bride © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Stork/Stilt Lady: © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

And the explanation of the title? Well, many years ago, a colleague taught me how to keep things in perspective (so as not to get overly stressed about any situation at hand). She said to ask your self, "will babies will die if"...here you fill in the blank with whatever task or event that you thought was so important to take care of.


So, if you find yourself getting stressed out about not getting those holiday cards in the mail by a certain date or not getting whatever shopping it is that you need to get done by a certain time, ask yourself if babies will die if you did not complete those tasks by your self-imposed deadline.

So, you haven't killed any babies yet and you're not going to. Go easy on yourself. Take deep breaths. Close your eyes and feel the joy of the day.

AND, a very BIG thank you to our incredible trio of SSS hosts, MMT, Rose and Gemma!! Without their effort and dedication, we would all be shadow drifters! Thank, thank you, thank you!

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

11 comments:

Sylvia K said...

A great post for the day, Paula! Very wise words that we can all use and colorful and delightful capture!! Thank you for sharing it all with us today! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Paula ... I also have come to respect and love this special day.
I collect images on Pinterest in fact for it .. I can't explain why it some how comforts me but it does.
Your quote does put things into perspective in an almost humorous way (I know .. strange way to look at it .. but you did make me snort a little ? LOL) .. you caught some great shadows too ! well done !
Joy : )

robin. said...

it is all about keeping it in perspective. awesome photos and wonderful post!! happy weekend!!!

Ralph said...

We can be lost in grief upon loved ones leaving this life. Yet even in death, they do live in us still - we have the memories and the values they instilled are still and will continue in us. So, a parade that celebrates the wonderful memories gives us strength and hope...

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Nope, haven't killed any babies yet! Is that tail fin from a Chevy Bel Air or Impala, oh, about 1959 or thereabouts? (Ralph would probably know!)

Shadowy Stone

Gemma Wiseman said...

Such a creative use of flowers and love the puppet pride and stilt person. But the macro of the painted mask is especially interesting.

namaki said...

I love the colors and the sunshine in these pictures ...

Chubby Chieque said...

Spectacular photos.

Hmmm... I wish no babies Die (smile).

Have a a gorgeous Sunday.
/CC girl

BLOGitse said...

I watched Bridezillas on tv yesterday while preparing dinner...oh, boy. Those kind of girls really need your wise words!!!
These shots are great and beautiful but a little bit...weird. It's different to experience than just to look pictures, right!?
Have a good week ahead!
BLOGitse

Kay L. Davies said...

A phantasmagoria of shadows at this parade, Paula, and your words of wisdom are wise, indeed.
K

rebecca said...

dear paula,
oh yes it here comes, the holiday season. the more commercial our world becomes the more i seek the light of simpler things. today is december first when i gather the light and love of mary love. i so hope you will join us and start each of the next twelve days focusing on the light of love!
xo

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin