#hailiris

Ninth #Nola #MardiGras in the books. NINTH. This carnival season was weird. That’s the easiest way to describe it. Weird. However, I still really enjoyed it. I also think I’ve hit the point where I’m full spectator rather than participant. I mean, I’ll make an effort for purses, shoes, sunglasses, plungers, and coconuts but it won’t be the effort it once was. 😉 I love #mardigras. I love the tradition, the frantic pace of it, and the friends I get to see during it. It’s the best time. The most wonderful time. Now, we rest, reflect, and refocus. Until next year. 💜💚💛✌🏼 #onlyinnola #mardigras #parades #friends #family #hailnyx #hailmuses #hailiris #hailtucks #hailzulu #hailcarnival #lent #nola #followyournola https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Azd3zFA0k/?igshid=9c0hr1m3wozf

Alyssa and I getting ready for the second line into the Krewe of Iris Ball. What a way to make an entrance. #hailiris (at Hilton New Orleans Riverside) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn_SAVLsSf6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Yesterday was one of the best experiences of my entire life! Our Krewe of Iris parade was not only a success, not only fun, not only beautiful, not only packed with revelers, but phenomenal and otherworldly! The people!!! There were so many people!!! About 95% of them would yell “thank you, Happy Mardi Gras” when you would throw to them! I was so shocked to hear it over and over that I started to cry. The people were so grateful, so kind, so incredible. The pictures I took along the parade route show the massive crowds as we traveled. I’m in awe! Total awe! I came off the float with one signature throw to give to a person I missed in the crowd and that’s it! I didn’t run out of throws until the parade ended and I didn’t end up with leftovers. That’s perfection! The weather was perfect. The floats were perfect. We started on time. My float sisters were and are amazing! Better than I could have ever dreamed to ask for. I can’t explain with correct vernacular how I feel or how this experience was to people who haven’t done it. It simply would not be comprehensible. If I were a millionaire I would pay for everyone I know to be able to do this at least once. I truly wish everyone could experience this. (Hence the reason I could never be or stay a millionaire) I love life. Everyone knows this. But getting older, there are fleeting times in my life when I have silently questioned if the best of life is behind me or if I’m too old to do this or that. New Orleans, as she always does, proved to me that you’re never too old for finding your joy and the best of life is sometimes right in front of you no matter your age or situation! My heart is full! #hailiris #findingjoy #mardigras2022 #onetimeinnola (at Krewe of Iris) https://www.instagram.com/p/CafA3hfrcSp/?utm_medium=tumblr

To the ladies of the Krewe of Iris; I have never felt more at ease with the a group of woman than I do with the Iris ladies. What an incredible krewe this is! I have been fortunate in my life to know so many wonderful women but sometimes putting them in large groups isn’t for the best. That is not the case with Iris. It is without a doubt that I feel in my soul the kinship of this group. Diverse, unique and individual as each woman is, there is a place for her in the Krewe of Iris. I have always relied heavily on my intuition and I knew in my heart and soul there was something very special about this group. I am over the moon to know I was right. Thank you for having the “extra seat at the table” for me and all who have joined. Thank you for the feeling of inclusion and for the new found friendships. My heart is so full. #hailiris #hailiris2022 @kreweofiris (at Krewe of Iris) https://www.instagram.com/p/CacIbaILl6W/?utm_medium=tumblr

Our float luncheon for Krewe of Iris today was splendid. I honestly had the best time. I cannot say enough good things about this Krewe. This is wonderful. #hailiris (at Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans) https://www.instagram.com/p/CabonuAu4AH/?utm_medium=tumblr

It’s finally here! It’s SatHERday! Krewe of Iris rolls at 11 am! I will be on the Rosie the Riveter tandem float. Back part of float 19. Bottom, neutral ground side, 2nd or 3rd from the back! Oldest and largest female krewe in Mardi Gras! Proud to be an Iris! #hailiris #iris2022 (at New Orleans, Louisiana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CabmpW1LC5c/?utm_medium=tumblr

#hailiris #hailhermes The Iris Hermès toast was beautiful. I love my Iris krewe so much! (at Omni Royal Orleans Hotel) https://www.instagram.com/p/Caal-YolAN2/?utm_medium=tumblr

Float loading for @kreweofiris is complete except for what I’m bringing parade day. It’s not nearly as much as I would like it to be but with Covid still lurking I got less. The Iris glasses will be with me parade day as well as some specialties. #hailiris #mardigras #kreweofiris https://www.instagram.com/p/CZsT9lnluT-/?utm_medium=tumblr