GRATI "TUTU" DE

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I’m wearing a fuzzy-soft, flat-topped, handmade, wool hat woven in rich, rusty earth tones and deep teal blues.  It doesn’t itch the way most wool hats do.  I’ve rolled up the sides to expose the bottom of my ears and I’ve pulled down the front so it sits at the crest of my brow. 

It’s a gift from my dear friend Pinky.  We met at Burning Man last year.  I liked her immediately because she read me before she knew me.

She sent it to me from her home in California along with a box of goodies – bright tights, a pouch of Bert's Bees products, a butterfly and 2 bottles of wine – one sporting a green monkey label. 

She collects hordes of useless things and then magically transforms them into treasures.  

Pinky is loud and bold and oh so bright!  The life of everyone's party - she'll feed you, emotionally and physically, slap you sideways and then spit you out.  

Rhinestone rimed glasses, stiff sprouted skirt on top of a frilly petticoat, veiled fairy hair, funky boots, and free flying boobs - Miss Pinky’s got it goin’ on!

Jelly Jessikali sent me West Coast CD’s - a collection of her favorite tunes.  Songs we danced to while getting to know each other during our first “Tu Tu Wednesday” at Burning Man.   

Her music accompanied me on my solo trip to Paris this year.  With her melody piped tightly into my ears, we twirled our way to the Louvre, two stepped in the shadow of Notre-Dame and sashayed our way down the Champs Elysee.   

I can still visualize her whimsical ways as she pixie pranced across the playa, pausing long enough to pose, primp and then continue in her private victory tour…   

Adorned white fluff, cowboy boots, teal rib socks and rainbow self made shade... Jelly girl makes me sing!  

I receive surprise post cards from a tremendously talented friend who lives outside of Portland.  Handmade cards depicting a green monkey involved in a variety of merriment and mischief.  I am also the proud owner of a homegrown Green Monkey T-shirt, ears and bright fuzzy tail.  The sender of this compilation of love is one half of The Silver Couple, a wildly entertaining twosome that danced their way into my heart at Burning Man.

Devilish and down right darling, in 'take me home' ruby boots, crimson cape and tickle me back, black... Sarah's flashy and sinfully sassy! 

The joyfulness these ladies give freely, stays with me, and feeds me, all year long. 

I’m indoors now, there is no need for me to wear my wonderful new hat other than it makes me feel good - as does the post cards and the CD’s… simple, handmade tangible treasures that, to me, are truly priceless.  A constant reminder that I am surrounded by a colorful troupe of spirited, free loving, friends and I am truly grateful.  

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Green Monkey Tales © 2010 Shannon E. Kennedy

photo's courtesy of playa magic