Magical Mysteries of Mardi Gras on the Gulf

Pensacola's Mardi Gras festivities and traditions capture myths and archetypes kept alive through four centures on the Gulf of Mexico's Shores. The Cajuns say for this period each year 'laisser les bon temps roulee' - Mardi Gras Kings and Voodoo Queens, suped out harleys, Dolphin floats, mystic societies and magic hatters,

Traces of Greek and Roman Gods and Mississippi Delta bluesmen, vestal virgins with white winged horses. Is the pirate and conquistador legacy still very alive on the Gulf Coast? Gladiators, mystic symbols and conquering armies. Magic beads, gypsies, jazz musicians - fertility rituals anticipating Spring's approach on the Gulf of Mexico.

King and Queen of Spain Visit Pensacola

Melissa dressed Evan Alexander and Maya Sophia in Royal Blue to welcome the King and Queen of Spain to Pensacola.

The King and Queen of Spain were coming to visit on February 19th. It was the city's 450th anniversary since its original Spanish Settlement.

It was a beautiful sunny February day in Seville Square, Downtown Pensacola with the Princess and Evan and Melissa waiting and dressed to see the King and Queen.

The Spanish setttled Pensacola 450 years ago, Pensacola being the first European settlement in the continental US. Early exploration was carried out by Ponce de Leon (1513), Panfilo de Narvaez (1528) and Hernando de Soto (1539). Pensacola is named the city of five flags as five governments few flags over its history (Spain, France, Great Britain, The Confederacy and finally the United States)

The Spanish king gave a speech from the balcony of the Wentworth museum onto historic Seville Square with his greek wife Queen Sophia at his side. By 1559 in Pensacola over 1400 people had settled here arriving from Vera Cruz Mexico and led by Don Tristan de Luna y Arellano.

The Spanish King Juan Carlos was accompanied by Florida's governor, Charley Christ and US Senator Mel Martinez.



Princess of Pensacola, prepare to meet the Spanish King and Queen. Make sure you do your part as part of your heritage originally stems from la patria!

Secret Garden in Mobile

As if by magic we stumbled on a secret garden in Mobile before the Mardi Gras parade.

I stood silent in front of a fountain, sunlight, the fountain, the trees, strange shade.

My brother lay asleep next to my mother. I stood next to her.

My father's friend had come to visit and had also found a place with us.

A magic day, magic park on Mardi Gras in Mobile, a secret garden.

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Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum

Don't worry Maya, daddy hasn't joined the USO yet!



Incredible how it all begins Maya simply with a model for a plane called Kittyhawk and two enthusiastic Ohio brothers!

Still smiling and almost holding two children! Who is that pretty mamma next to that aircraft carrier.

With that expression, you'd think our friend Dave is going to give Maya a final kiss, climb into the cockpit and fly that big grey baby behind him out of there!

Another side to the power and the glory, Maya.

Daddy and Maya enjoy a quick handshake before helping the navy Fokker navigate yellow lines.

They really do pack a lot of air power into this place, Maya!

Dave Runs the Pensacola Marathon

Daddy's friend Dave came all the way from Toronto to run the Pensacola Marathon!

We all got up very early in the morning to drive Dave to the waterfront. I took my new rainjacket and umbrella to model before the race.

Go, Davee, Go!!!! Daddy and Mommy and Evan and I all cheered Dave on!

The runners ran all the way around Pensacola (twice!) starting near the water!

Four hours later we cheered Dave at the finish line! Go, Dave Go. You are almost there!!!

We all went to the finish line to cheer Dave on!

The sweeet taste of victory with Daddy, Maya and Dave drinking champagne in the winners circle!

That's me at the bottom right! Hmmm, maybe next year I'll run the marathon! I can't believe Evan slept through the whole thing!