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Showing posts from September, 2020

Pirates Have Invaded My Writing!

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Image Credit: Christopher Hollis, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Christopher_HollisChristopher Hollis for Wdwic Pictures [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons "AARRGH! Vast Ye scurvy readers! 'Tis Gasparilla in Tampa and the city is ours for the takin'!" Sorry for the horrible attempt at pirate-speak, but it's in my blood. Butchering the brogue is expected of Tampa natives. I love this annual tradition that starts with a pirate invasion on a grand ship bedecked with flags and booming cannon fire. The kidnapping of the mayor and an attempted takeover of the city follow.  The festivities include parades, balls, and other charity events. It all culminates in a flotilla and then a traditional street parade and the downing of much alcohol. In my adult years, the wise organizers have added a children's parade, leaving the debauchery to the original event a week later. As a kid, the pirates docked and