Oh our Karen has always liked the gays!

You may find this hard to believe my dear friends, but recently on two occasions but within the same period of time, I have been rendered speechless!  Yes, me lost for words. I can remember the topic of the recent first time but not the second.  Perhaps that person can remind me what it was lol?  Yes I know miracles can happen! But the events of yesterday have once again left me lost for words.  But I will do my best to find some to share with you the joint third amazing day of my life. Seriously!

Pride in London

We left the flat and had to go and buy some wrapping paper in the 99p shop! And there it was, a beautiful tiara .... I already had one on my head and flowers in my hair and it was great as no one cared less as I wandered around Elephant and Castle, that is what I love about London, no one gives a damn.  I don't know if any of you watch the Big Bang Theory but there was a scene in one of the episodes when Sheldon gave Amy a tiara.  Yep, that was pretty much it, I was a Princess for the day.

So on the tube with said tiara, flowers in my hair, two boas and a smile bigger than the Grand Canyon we were off to Baker Street where we had to meet the others.  When we come out of the tube station it was like walking into another world, a world so colourful, happy, full of light and it was only early.  We walked down to the Macmillan float and I got my t shirt.  Then just went walking around for a bit on and off until the start of the parade. I have to be honest (I keep saying that these days, I guess it is because I don't expect others to be honest) I did get quite emotional at one point. I looked up and down Baker Street seeing so many people, dressed in various ways, all happy, smiling, celebrating their lives, giving so much light and love; then I took myself back to that evening in the 1980's to that one night club ........ things are so different now.

The parade itself started at 1:00.  You know me my friends, I will talk to anyone and boy did I talk lol.  I was spreading my glee up and down Baker Street. I met a lovely little Westie called Parsnip who made me feel sad about my beautiful little Hetty.  He was wearing a red cape and looked great.  Later on in the Parade around Piccadilly way there was a fast asleep Westie in a guys arms ..... of course I went over to make a fuss.

At 2:45 yes you did read that right, it was time for us to start moving in the parade.  I cannot tell you or find the words (again) to describe the atmosphere. It was amazing.  The parade slowly started to move and then we were off.  The music was playing and as we turned into the top end of Oxford Street (it is giving me goosebumps just typing this) the crowds were huge.  Then to the right of me, as I looked up ..... because remember to keep looking up or you miss too much .... there were two builders hanging out of the windows waving, shouting, cheering, joining in on the parade.  Andy and I took a selfie outside of Selfridges lol.  I was dancing, waving, handing out stickers all along Oxford Street, a truly amazing experience.  One guy in the crowd shouted out to me 'you are amazing, you are amazing' I went over to him to give him a sticker and he gave me a huge, huge hug and a kiss and said 'you are amazing you remind me of my Nan' lol lol.  I hugged him and said 'but sweetheart I am only 29'. Such a lovely, friendly atmosphere.

Occasionally, I would see some of Andy's friends I know and go running up to give them a hug.  I was just so happy to be there, I cannot tell you.  We got as far as Oxford Circus where the crowds were massive and turned down to Regent Street.  All along I was singing, dancing, waving my hands, then I had run out of stickers.  So my friends I did what I do best, I improvised.  I worked that crowd like a professional.  I was holding out my left hand for high fives, holding hands, going to give hugs to complete strangers ........... the boys loved me (and some of the girls).  It was like walking down the red carpet, seriously.  This is what it must be like for Kylie everyday.  But today I was Kylie lol Princess of the Gays and they loved me. 

Occasionally the float had to stop to let people cross the road and we were just coming up to Piccadilly Circus and this happened and a song come on the PA that will now be burnt in my memory forever because it was so appropriate. You know me and music and lyrics ......... I started singing and they were singing with me.  I have tears in my eyes as I am typing this because it was truly one of those moments I will never, ever forget. 

There really was no place I would rather be.

I danced, sang, hugged, kissed, high fived my way down to Trafalgar Square - the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.  I recently met someone once who said that they did not do public displays of affection ........... mmmm!  I guess I do and I was in overload yesterday.  We passed Trafalgar Square and then as quick as it seemed to have started it was over!  I just wanted to go and do it all again. I was on a super high.  It was amazing.  These words do not do the whole thing justice.  I truly felt like a Princess.

We met up with some of Andy's friends and had a drink and another and well you can guess the rest.  I knew it was going to end up messy when I started off drinking lager!  We eventually ended up in Soho aka Gay City and the atmosphere was electric but so, so busy.  We did not stay it had been a fantastic day so we went home. Tired but ecstatic.  

I guess this will be a Memory Day for me for so many reasons.  The atmosphere, the love, the smiles, the happiness and light, the reason why we were all there above all else.  My life is truly, truly blessed.  The past four years has sent me so many people.  Some have stuck around, others have left, chosen not to stay, some drift in and out but they have all had a place.  People leave a mark on you, even if they don't think they do. You may here a song or like this morning a piece on the news that reminds you of someone, a smell or a place.  People who touch your lives have etched a place in your soul.  I guess it goes back to that book.  You perhaps do not realise the impression you are making on people or them on you.  As I am typing this people are flashing through my mind.  The first was Jenny in Bangkok who remembered me a year later and also remembered my favourite meal.  The second is my beautiful Meg.  I sent her a picture of me yesterday because I wanted her to be as proud of me as I am of her.  Now Steve lol I bet he was saying 'Go on gorgeous' and laughing his head off.  I collect people, I never give up on people - regardless and they all play a part; big or small; in my life tapestry.    

On the rare occasions I allow myself to look back, and this is not often, I don't recognise me.  This journey, that I did not choose to embark on, but was pushed into, has had its ups and downs sure, but it has taken me to some amazing places, experiences and people.  For that alone, I feel incredibly and truly blessed.  Thank you each and everyone of you for playing your part and for sharing it with me.

You now I do not believe in coincidences any more and this song has just come on the radio - see music again - I guess it sums up this post - enjoy!

There are places I remember all my life
Though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain

All these places have their moments
Of lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I loved them all

And with all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these mem'ries lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new

And I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I loved you more

And I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I loved you more
In my life I loved you more

Songwriters
Paul Mc Cartney;John Lennon

As always, with my love x

........ oh and photos to follow on a separate blog as I need to download them.