BeadsongJewelry

Today was the Pegasus Parade, a tradition that occurs the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby.

A parade is not a subtle thing. Between the giant balloons, the floats, the marching bands, and the watching children hyped up on sugar and excitement, everything is big and bold.

And so in that spirit, I wanted to share some of the biggest, boldest Derby hats I could find.

Since hats are a chance to express your personality, sense of fun and creativity, some people take a little different turn...

There are some consistent themes in Derby hats. Such as feathers. Lots and lots of feathers. Even if it looks like some poor turkey has exploded on your head.



And as long as you look good, you don't have to be able to see where you're going. Apparently.



This next woman, I can't even tell which way she's facing. I hope the hat didn't actually eat her head down to her shoulders, poor lady....


And the most consistent truth about Derby hats? Bigger is better. Which again begs the question, how the heck do you fit into the car to get to the track?!? What kind of box did you bring this thing home from the store in? And where will you store this after today?



And now in stark contrast to all that big, feathered headgear, here's a simple little necklace I mailed off to my mom for Mother's Day. It was the first time I've done a piece of birthstone jewelry - from top to bottom, the crystals are for my mom, my sister, me, my kids, and my sister's daughter.


Tomorrow is Oaks Day, which is almost as big a deal as the Derby itself. Schools are closed (buses can't move in the traffic gridlock), many people have the day off from work, and people wear pink to the track to support the day's breast cancer awareness theme. I'll be hunkering down and cleaning house for out of town guests. Joy!