May 2013

On Tuesday, March 12, 2013, during the course of six-and-a-half hours, I was transformed three times.  The first metamorphosis occurred the moment I stepped out onto the road at 7:30 that morning.  My attire was not unusual for a cool, rainy morning on the far end of winter:  all in black with turtle neck pulled up, cap on and hood over the top.

Each year, as organizers, we are faced with this singular question:  Does any of this color and pageantry truly make a difference on behalf of the natural world?

Last February, Congress passed legislation that bans the use of TANF funds at casinos, strip clubs, and liquor stores. TANF, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, is a federal block grant program that provides cash assistance to low-income families with children.

The cozy interior of Traditions Cafe is almost full. The noises of people conversing fills the air as the stage and microphones are prepared. As seven o'clock rolls around, the lights are dimmed and someone gets onstage to introduce the night's performer, Reem Kelani.

For the past 18 years at the Olympia Procession of the Species, we animals have been silent witness to the joyful exuberance of our human counterparts.  So very many of you—of all ages—have come together in playful abundance, animating the Community Studios, up to your elbows in multi-colored batik dyes, glue-gooey paper mache, chicken wire and rice paper, paints and glitter, creating us so that you can BE us.