This is where I say that this week has been very slow for merriment. It’s a sad revelation, because when this first started, I mentally prepared for the worst days filled with work followed by more work. The lull forced me to rest a bit, but thankfully one of my jobs needed someone to work double shifts and I volunteered as tribute. Did anyone else just hear the creepy whistle of the Resistance? These are the weeks insomniacs dread because there is nothing to do but prepare or stare into the abyss. This isn’t my problem, as I love to sleep, but it was cool to mention them and give the illusion that I am the Tyler Durden of freelance writing.
In terms of Carnival, basically not much happened last weekend, which is something to be thankful for. The life of a freelance writer is not one of leisure like you would imagine, but gaps of time without work will make you lose momentum, and that’s bad for the creative process. There was a lot more writing about Carnival than actually doing attending any events. I was able to stop by the fundraiser for the ladies of the Carnival Queen Pageants. I said it before and will again, those ladies are troopers. I’m developing more of a respect for what they do. Anna Rabess-Richardson, who is the creator of Posh Productions, the company that handles the pageants now, was able to give me more insight into the new processes the ladies have to go through.
Posh Productions has made pageantry less about a woman’s outer beauty and more about her being a total package and representative of all that is good in St. Maarten. Anna went on to explain that Posh wants the young delegates to become more than women who are pretty, can walk nicely and who never have any platforms after Carnival. There are more elaborate plans for their post-Carnival reigns that will see them more involved in the community and as ambassadors for the island.
While I have some down time, I’m practicing to use the very new camera I bought for the sole purpose of these experiments. In order to keep up the drive, there were a few parties attended for the sake of pictures.
I even dragged myself out of bed, headed over to Grand Case for the weekly Mardi Gras. Actually, I went for the food, but the Mardi Gras was a happy coincidence. It was not a bad idea on my part. I was able to soak in some Carnival juices for a very short time to keep me going until more activity can be found. There were street vendors and a small group of ladies in Carnival costumes. They were insanely wearing heels unlike the actual players during Carnival. I could excuse that because they’re dancers, it was a very short distance and they seemed to be happy doing it. Come to think of it, they didn’t stop smiling once. Talk about dedication!
There should be much more to update on next week, because there’s a LOT more happening. Until then, I remain, a Reveller on Reserve.
For more up-to-date pictures of what Charlesea Joseph is doing during the week, check out her Instagram page @revelry360.
