Red QueenShot in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

The Red Queen shot in Golden Gate Park: © Lord Coltrane

SPICE UP TRADITION:

I'm not religious, but I do LOVE celebrating the traditions that come with organized religions.  I try to celebrate them all (when I remember and where I can), in either a big or small way.  Celebration adds to the spice of our "haute" lives.

We're well into Passover and Holy Week, with Easter Sunday just around the corner.  Last year I was fortunate enough to celebrate Passover with good friends, as well as accompany my mother to her Catholic ceremony on Easter.  This year, I'm angling to do something a little different and more indulgent.  I'll be heading to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park with my young family to join the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as they celebrate their 35th Anniversary Easter.

Why should we go?  To broaden our minds, open our hearts, and learn to how to celebrate being a woman in a BIG way. 

LESSONS FROM A "QUEEN"

If you are a "momtrepreneur" like me, you might often find yourself in your workout clothes with your hair in a ponytail - your only accessory an extra hairband around your wrist. Maybe you haven't showered; maybe you won’t that day. I've been there, done that. That look and daily routine made me feel more tired than I was and appear more unappealing than I am. I was stuck in a rut, and so tired of it.

One day I witnessed a beautifully adorned cross dresser, who stood proud and beautiful. I couldn't stop admiring the fully costumed creature oozing with feminine goodness. I wanted some of that. That's when I realized that every day you make a choice to honor your self or not.  He was a man worshipping his feminine in a way I never had. I had to investigate more.

Courtesy of thesisters.org

photo: thesisters.org

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence "is a leading-edge order of queer nuns. Since their first appearance in San Francisco on Easter Sunday, 1979, the Sisters have devoted themselves to community service, ministry and outreach to those on the edges, and to promoting human rights, respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment. They believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and use humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit."

This year's theme is An Emerald Jubilee "Trip" to OZ.  Everyone is encouraged to dress in theme (my favorite thing to do).  They'll have a children's Easter Egg hunt, live entertainment, a Hunky Jesus contest, an Easter Bonnet competition, and the all new Foxy Mary Contest.  

These "Sisters" are on to something, and they really know how to celebrate womanhood. We women should try to learn something from them.  After all, how often do we take the time and effort to flaunt our feminine? To make up our faces and dress ourselves with extravagance for the sole purpose of prancing around to be seen? To laugh out loud, taunt, enjoy and be free? We take for granted what these men so lavishly revel in. We might dress up for an occasion or two, but we aren't often parading about showing off our womanhood like we truly enjoy being women.

THE FEMININE CHALLENGE

For no reason at all, try popping out of bed early to enjoy your solo time to prep. Check yourself out in the mirror and focus on the things you love about yourself. Simply enjoy beautifying yourself with some fresh make up and glossy lipstick. Try a new hairstyle; maybe with flowers or a hat.  Dress up like you have a date with a handsome Hunky Jesus of your own. Slip on a pair of great shoes.  Try walking down the street like you are the sexiest creature on the planet. Believe it. Be open to soaking up all the admiration you will positively receive.

© Lord Coltrane

Whether or not you actually meet me at the Sisters' party in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, do join me in celebrating our unique joy and beauty.  Let's adorn ourselves like drag queens with some fabulous place to go.  Let's have some fun and be outrageous. Let's be "queens" for a day!