Folkmoot's Parade of Nations ~ Waynesville, NC 2011

I went to the Folkmoot Parade of Nations in Waynesville, NC. which was set to begin at 12:30, but really did not get started until about 1:15. By then it was very hot and very humid and the droplets of perspiration continuously rolled from my temples. The only bearable place to stand was in the shade and I was in a sleevless cotton dress. The dancers who performed in this parade, dressed in their countries traditional garb were stunning, beautiful and undoubtly very very hot. Some groups, like the Croations, had intricate and many layed outfits with brocade and their own personal sauna experience doing on as well (first photo below). The parade is the kick-off of Folkmoot USA and a "sneak peek" at the types of performances potential ticket buyers can expect where the dancers perform much more elaborately throughout Western North Carolina for 10 days. The groups that performed in the parade were The American Racket Dance Company, Strathcona Chinese Dance Company, Viard Nouvelle from Guadeloupe, Klek of Croatia, Tahdittomat Dance Troup from Finland and the African Batimbo Drummers Ensemble. They were all wonderful performers and fun to watch. A truly fun experience despite the heat!

To see the full gallery click here:  http://karenkaletaphotography.zenfolio.com/p886501927

Franklin's Memorial Day Veterans Park Celebration

Memorial Day 2011 in Franklin marked the completion of another major phase of the Veteran's Memorial Project where they unveiled six individual monuments featuring marble reliefs to honor each branch of the service. It was a beautiful morning for the ceremonies but it became quite hot quite fast. If you were lucky enough to be in the shade it was bearable... This is just a sampling of the array of folks, young and old who came to honor our fallen heroes..... Memorial Day Photos



Fun at Madelines

I always enjoy going over to Madelines place. So many things to look at and explore. A great little haven she has indoors and out. These photos are just a "drop in the bucket" compared to all there is to see or watch when there. I took all of these while house sitting earlier this month.... My tribute to my friend Madeline's energy and space.... Just click on the title above or this link: Fun at Madeline's to see the gallery.....

My Home State, Florida

I do love Florida since I was born and raised in Tampa; so it's in my blood being a native and all, but I do not miss those hot, muggy summers or the mosquitos! The best time to be there has always been in the winter and I suppose that is why all the snowbirds head there during that time of the year. I took a little trip home in December of 2008 roaming around for about a week. These is just a small tasting of the reasons I love Florida, warm breezes and margaritas aside ....

A Little Slice of Florida



Franklin's Christmas Parade 2010

For the first time since I moved to Franklin I actually went down to watch the Christmas Parade. Being at my Nadar (means lowest blood levels during Chemo) and best not out in public, I went anyway. It was cold and refreshing and fun. Watching the kids was the best part. This is my little tribute to our small town holiday parade.

Franklin, North Carolina 2010 Christmas Parade