An Auspicious Date - February 29 2024

Today marked day one of Frantic February's Finale - Wedding Weekend.

But first, coffee in a weight vest.

Wearing the wrong shoes

The festivities got off on the wrong foot when I left for the blessing ceremony with my dog walking shoes on, and my sandals (thongs) still by the front door.

I made an emergency stop at a Salvos on South Road hoping they might be selling something more acceptable, but they had nothing in clown shoe size.

Vanessa assured me that my dirty, stained, white sneakers would not be noticed. This was not true, as the moment after I was welcomed inside, Steve was surreptitiously glancing at my dirty clown shoes.

Given most people were wearing sandals I made an executive decision to just go barefoot.

Many beach visits this summer have fortunately conditioned my soles for the moment.

Rubbing turmeric paste on Alex's face

The Haldi blessing ceremony was my first experience being a part of the cultural festivities. Alex and his bride sat in gold painted kiddie pools and I lined up for my turn to dab the turmeric and water paste onto his feet, knees, shoulders and cheeks. It did bring us closer together for a nice moment. I told him I was happy for him.

Alex had a lot more surface area, so I got to line up a second time for a reapplication. I didn't take any photos of this part as my hands were a little stained.

Dog pats
After the formal part was over, the couple went to shower while everyone else mingled. I met some of the new, extended family including the Golden Doodle, a white furred dog who is super friendly. Amazingly, at this point of the day, his coat was still white, and not blessed.

Indian food and sweet pastry balls
The remainder of the evening was pretty chill, with dancing circles and henna (in which I did not partake) and food (which I definitely did).

Served up with dinner were round, sweet pastry balls that I didn't realise were a dessert, and in fact they went deliciously with the hot curries and sides.

I wore my Indian clothing all night, which was very comfortable.

Was this cultural appropriation? I think so, I feel like their culture did appropriate me. But it wasn't without my blessing.