Judge not, my Monkeys, lest ye be Judged!
Judgement is different than criticism, isn’t it? Or is it? Honest critiques are not judgmental, are they? Well, as I consider the landscape of intolerant humans out there in the world, there are a handful of folks who are pretty quick to judge the Mint Julep Queens, or anyone at all who enjoys wearing a costume and a crown for fun.
“That is down right silly,” they will whisper to each other.
Sometimes, they turn to their spouse and instruct, “I hope, my dear you never go out of the house wearing a get-up like those wild women.”
They ask, ”What is that crazy big chiffon dress, huge rhinestone tiara, and beauty pageant sash about? Lawd. They look silly. Who in the world would ever in a million years dress like that for fun? God! If they knew how silly they looked, they would never prance about like that!” *Huff- Huff and sneer*
Well, honey baby, I love it. Being a princess, running about the house with a construction paper cone and attached long veil helped me channel Leslie Anne Warren— ”Alone in my corner, in my own little chair, I can be whatever I want to be.” So why stop playing, just because I am a tad bit older?
I will not judge you, if you do not judge me, how ’bout it? Do we have ourselves’ a deal? I mean, look at the dress you are wearing. And what about the Brooks Brothers suit on you, dear sir? Does anyone ever smile with joy when you walk into a room? Do little children run up to you and hug your legs? Do grown women ask you, “Oh my! Where in the world did you buy that wonderful dress and that spectacular tiara?” Do men ever come over to you, slap you on the back and say, “Man, you look like a king in that button down.”
Your cute white sandals and Lily Pulitzer dress with the green scuba diving monkeys is…what? It is a pink sea. There are cartoon monkeys riding seahorses, also. I know you spent a chunk of change on that look, and honey baby, it is—well. I will say it. It is not my cup of tea. It is fine as wine, but I would never wear it. Nor would I like my daughter to wear it. And by the way, your husband never pretended to be a princess, nor did he wield a sword and fight dragons as a child, so how would he understand my pleasure in re-creating this Royal facet of myself– of my soul and heart?! He would not. Most men who understood the role of Knight when they were mere tikes, totally understand the Mint Julep Queens.
When our Newly Crowned Queens and Ladies in Waiting meet someone who understands the group, they find minimal explanation is needed. Women and men who gush, grin and gaffaw usually celebrate the playful aspects of life, always have, and always will.
Those who snark, envy, condemn, or otherwise suggest that you are a wild-ass rebel and foolish non-conformist and somehow totally look down there noses at you because you are a mess…well. Try not to judge them, Highnesses. Really. It is hard. But try. Just think of green monkeys swimming in a pink sea. It is not your cup of tea, nor is playing dress-up theirs. Flounce off. Avoid the negative energy. For every judgment, you will find a dozens, and I mean dozens more strangers who adore you, and adore us, the Mint Julep Queens. Encourage all people to be playful again. Encourage young children to never stop playing. And, Highnesses, just let the monkeys be and the sea be pink.