If you missed the 2nd biggest party in Pasadena, you may not have heard the news~ the sweet and pretty Queen Rosie of the Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade has handed her reign to the sparkling and vivacious Queen Patrizzia Intergalactica during the official queen tryouts Sunday night at the American Legion.

You can get the full story from Brian Day of the Pasadena Star-News here:

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_20305428/queen-doo-dah-crowned

While at the site, please also check out Mike Mullen’s photo gallery, as well as a rockin’ video of Queen Erica Valentine performing at the event.

For me, the tryouts were a mix of surprise and sentimentality. Tom and Paddy of the Light Bringer Project (the charity which presents the parade) invited me to bring my swords and dance during the tryouts. I agreed and when I arrived, Tom told me to fill out an audition form and take a number. I protested, as I was there to judge, not try my luck as a queen hopeful. He pooh-poohed me, saying that they wanted to slip me in between some of the hopefuls to break things up and he didn’t want them to miss me, so this was easiest. OK, I took the bait and, as one of the assistants pinned the number 0 on me, I laughed.

About 6-7 hopefuls had taken the stage and now it was my turn. I was introduced and it was announced that I wasn’t auditioning. I danced with a veil and then began working the swords. I balanced two on my head and rolled across the floor then stood up and beckoned Queen Sierra Madre Sue to place the third sword on my bosom. She was a little nervous, but complied with a grin. I danced and then took the sword off my chest and balanced it on my hip. For my finale, I kept upping drummer Joe Velosa’s speed and shimmied a fury. The crowd went wild.

..

.Queen Naughty Mickie does her sword dance accompanied by drummer Joe Velosa at the 2012 Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade Queen tryouts. Photo by Mike Mullen.

.

Getting my breath, Dr. Demento handed me the mic and suddenly the judges were asking me questions- “Why are you auditioning again? A queen is always a queen,” Queen Sabrina said. Confused I looked over at Tom, who said that I was indeed auditioning, so I said that I couldn’t tell the Tsar of Doo Dah no and was throwing my hat into the ring. A few questions more and I left the stage still a little mixed up at what had transpired.

Of course I wasn’t selected for queen or even a runner-up, I had been April Fooled… and I loved it!

When I was growing up, April Fool’s Day was the best day of the year, as my father and I would plan elaborate tricks to play on each other. I would spend months, sometimes an entire year plotting and working on ideas to “get” my dad. It was a big thrill if we successfully pulled a gag on each other and we would laugh even if we were the one who was hoaxed (sometimes we giggled even more in that case!).

My father has been dead for well over a decade and it’s been at least that long since someone “got me good” on April Fool’s Day, so my love goes out to Tom and Paddy and all the other Doo Dah people who were in on it when the joke was on me. This day is one for the vaults, as they say, and I’m still laughing! Thank you.

OK, that was the 2nd biggest party in Pasadena~ now make plans for THE biggest party in Pasadena, the Doo Dah Parade on Saturday, April 28. For details, stay tuned here or visit www.pasadenadoodahparade.info.

I have opened the big closet door and been rumaging through my rows of Regal clothes to find the just-right outfit to judge the Pasadena Doo Dah queen tryouts Sunday. You can’t wear just any old thing, it has to be the perfect old thing… or new thing… or mixture of things.

The attire for my Royal outtings usually falls in the latter category and often reflects my love of dance and music.. and bold colors, as the correct hue for the occasion is also a must.

I’m sure I can pull together something suitable, but what about you?

Will you be fit to be seen by former Doo Dah queens or to try to become the 2012 queen yourself?

Find out by coming to the tryouts and party 3 p.m. Sunday at the American Legion in Pasadena (see posts below for details).

 And don’t be shy~  ask me what I think of your attire and tell me what you think of mine!

What could be more fitting than to have the 35th Occasional Pasadena Doo Day Parade Queen tryouts and coronation on April Fool’s day?! That’s right, you have less than a month to hone your best talent, sort out your craziest fashion and work up three minutes of judge-impressing entertainment and wit.

If you have what it takes – or have a friend or relative who could rule over Doo Dah madness with a sparkling hand – make plans for a day to strut your stuff. If you shy from the spotlight, please still join us… it will be fun, we promise!

Queen Tryouts

3 p.m. Sunday, April 1

American Legion, Pasadena

Music by Snotty Scotty & the Hankies and Horses on Astroturf

For more information, visit www.pasadenadoodahparade.info

The big day is Saturday, April 28, and yes, parade entries are being accepted now!! Woo hoo!!

It’s time to put on your wacky thinking cap and get creative, as entries are now being accepted for the 35th Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade.

Here’s the big day vitals:

 WHERE: Colorado Boulevard (between Altadena and San Gabriel Boulevards) in East Pasadena.

WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH, Stepping off at 11:00AM!

COST: Always FREE-of-charge!!

Plenty of street parking is available ~ Parade route is also just west of the Sierra Madre Villa Gold Line Station (at Colorado Blvd. and Sierra Madre Villa). City busses go directly to the area.

Come early! Bring a lawn chair! Visit the local eateries and shops, and attend the after parties all within walking distance.

Official Doo Dah After-Party: American Legion, 179 N. Vinedo St. (2 blocks from Parade at Vinedo & Walnut), immediately following the event. Bands…cheap food and drinks!! $5 cover (supports a Legion charity).

Queen hopefuls should start dusting off their talent for auditions on April 1.

For more information, entry forms and all things Doo Dah, visit

www.pasadenadoodahparade.info

Start making plans the 2012 Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade.

Queen try-outs will be April 1. Location and details TBA. But you can begin work on a stunning costume or gown and hone up your talent so you are fully prepared to wow the esteemed panel of judges.

The parade will be held April 28 in East Pasadena – plenty of time for you to gather up all your friends and make the best, weirdest and most memorable entry ever.

For more information stayed tuned at

 www.pasadenadoodahparade.info

On the afternoon of Wednesday, July 27, Atticus was

euthanized. It was the humane thing to do. The Royal Pup had been getting a little slower, although he could still tree Mr. Squirrel and use his smarts to get his best friend Indiana Bones to give up “the good spot” on the couch.

Atti ate a little less than normal Monday and Tuesday, but otherwise appeared fine. Wednesday morning he got up and his back legs were not working correctly, so he was rushed to the vet’s office. There, he was diagnosed with massive organ failure, which was soon unfortunately confirmed with a couple of tests. The decision was made to put him to sleep rather than allow things to proceed naturally, which would have been painful and cruel.

The little guy was already full-grown when he was rescued from a shelter by a fellow journalist. His exact age is unknown, but he is estimated to have been 16-17 years old. I was fortunate to have been a part of about half of those years.

Atticus had captured many hearts with his always-friendly attitude and ever-spirited temperament. He inspired people to make the most of their lives and the lives of the animals around them, filling them with love and the pure joy of being.

Best known as a little dog in search of big adventure, Atticus had a life well-lived. He will always have a special place in my heart.

Rest in peace my love,

Mommy