Michael Jackson Birthday in Prospect Park

You can't really tell but there was a group of completely random people doing the "Thriller" dance routine in this photo.Scene from the Michael Jackson birthday party in Prospect Park
F.I.B has been entertaining visitors from another continent for the past week. At first we went into Manhattan and did the usual touristy things but they were cool enough to realize that Brooklyn was way more interesting and man was I glad! Anyway, normally I would not of gone to this event, because I felt that Michael Jackson was such a tragic figure. Going to this event blew my mind cause it put everything into perspective.

We walked into the Nethermead Meadow when my favorite Jackson 5 song, "Stop (the life you save may be your own")was blasting over the excellent sound system and my cynicism left me immediately. As a child of the 70's I watched all the variety shows and especially the Jackson 5 cartoon every Saturday morning. My childhood memories and the brilliance of this song and then the thoughts about how tough is must of been for him to be a star from such a young age were swarming around in my brain.


To walk into a middle of one of the most beautiful parks in the world, amongst the most beautiful people in the world (Brooklynites!)on a picture perfect summer day was like a dream. My friend from the continent (OK, England.) was shocked that people were so high without alcohol...maybe that came later, I heard Snoop Dog showed up but the time we were there from about 1 to 3:30 was all peace, love and grooviness. Happiness and great dancers abounded.

You know, I don't have any money. I am not a brownstone brooklyner. I am unemployed at the moment without the benefit of unemployment insurance. I am selling things I find on the street on Etsy and ebay. I guess the best thing I have in my life right now is that I live in one of the greatest places in the world. This summer, one of the hottest I can remember since the 1980's has been really good. I did nothing but free things and have spent alot of time at the beaches. When I showed my friend around, I kept running into people I knew in random places and my friend kept saying that people seemed "free" here. Maybe she just had her vacation goggles on, but, I think she is probably right.

P.S- F.I.B just got her NY State Art Teaching certification (K-12)in the midst of a hiring freeze (no thanks to Bloomberg). If anyone has job leads at charter or private schools, please send them my way!