Growing up in Southern California, I was blessed to get up at 3:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day morning with my family and head off to the infamous Rose Parade in Pasadena a couple times in my life.
The parade has a special place in my heart. My dad watched the parade from his Long Island living room one frosty morning in 1951. Right then and there, he decided to sell it all, leave New York and move to sunny California. Of course, he then met my mom and raised our family here in the winter bliss of the Pacific.
I even got a chance to help decorate a float when I was in fourth grade, and later on as an event planner, I was blessed to help a client plan their float with all their entertainment. Last year, I took the kids to see the floats –close-up, and being completed. So the Rose Parade has been part of my life for a long time.
This is the first year I am taking my progeny out in the 30 degree pre-dawn hours to experience the grandness of the 127th Rose Parade with the theme “Find your Adventure”. We will be bundled up as though we, Southern Californians, will be going skiing, for sure.
Why am I going to such lengths to take my kids to a silly parade?
Well, this is no ordinary parade.
I find the most beautiful things in the world are the things God created.
A colorful sunset
A crystal clear waterfall
A newborn baby sleeping
The ocean while out on a boat
A herd of deer in the meadow at Yosemite
The bloom of a rose
Every float on Colorado Blvd must be covered head-to-toe with things God has created. Approximately 18 million flowers are used to build the floats. In fact, in the beginning they called the event the “The Battle of the Flowers”, but they didn’t like the ring of it. They don’t just use flowers – every inch is covered with organic materials (made by God) such as bark, seeds, spices, pods and leaves keep the creativity alive. Not only are there beautifully decorated floats, but more of God’s creations are on display in the forms of horses and talented musical teens.
When I look at the floats, I see the majesty of God on display. His creativity in the colors of the flowers takes my breath away. When I am there on Orange Grove Blvd really close to the floats, I am at peace with the world. Seeing His majesty in the forms that the float designers have built is breathtaking. I hope to share all of this with my children in the wee hours of New Year’s Day.
There is much to love about the Tournament of Roses Parade. I hope you will join me this Friday as we view another year of inspiring creations. I believe nothing is more incredible than to “Find you Adventure” in God’s plan for your life so I love the theme this year.
I am grateful my adventure has included doing events for Los Angeles Party Designs, creating the Princess Parables, being a mom, loving the floral beauty God has given us in this world . . . and writing this blog for you each week.
Happy New Year!
Here’s to another year of learning and growing together! Thank you for following us in this endeavor.
May we all be touched with the beauty only God can bring! Enjoy the Parade!
