As 2023 was coming to an end, I began looking for ways to inspire my writing. My memoir was in its completion stages, but not yet over the finish line. I started researching classes that could enhance my creativity and boost my cognition.

Sometime in 2020, I had a silent stroke. This was only discovered after a bump on the head and the ordered CT Scan indicated I had a stroke in the Basal Ganglia portion of the brain. All follow-up testing indicated that I was fine. For the most part, I felt fine. I struggled with fatigue and brain fog like many during our COVID phase of life.

I signed up for Line Dancing classes, Art classes (drawing and colored pencils), and singing lessons. I loved all of it. Most of all, I enjoyed meeting new people and having a schedule. Line Dancing wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be, but I knew it would be good for my brain. The more I attended classes and the more I practiced, I found I could do some of the dances without too much difficulty. Some days, I really have to concentrate to make my brain work. I loved my new Line Dancing friends. The group was very welcoming, patient and kind.

Sparkles Line Dancers and Company

When it was announced during one line dancing class that they were looking for volunteers to dance in the Clayton Pride Parade, I enthusiastically raised my hand. I live in Clayton and this is an annual event that supports the LBGTQ+ community. The City of Clayton is the smallest city in Contra Costa County with the biggest Pride Parade in the county. My husband and I have attended the Pride parade for the past two years. It’s a very festive event.

I have never personally been in a parade before. I was excited for a new opportunity and to support a worthy cause. Many of my fellow classmates were not familiar with Clayton. I showed them around with enthusiasm and pride. I love where I live and was grateful to share the beauty of this City with those I knew.

Stand By Me

Our group stayed after class to practice our line dance to Ben King’s “Stand By Me” song. The message we hoped to invoke with this song was that the community would and does stand by the youth in Clayton and that no one has to feel “alone.”

We wore colorful t-shirts, rainbow-colored beads and bracelets and scarves. Our group was #45 out of 60 entrants. Clayton is not very big and our dance would span over three to four city blocks.

Our City and Community Leaders

Councilmembers Holly Tillman and Peter Cloven were on hand for the parade to make opening statements. Clayton’s theme this year was “Clayton marches with Pride, stands with love.” Congressman Mark DeSaulnier was the keynote speaker.

Shower the People

Arnold McCuller sang during the opening ceremonies. McCuller is a vocalist that was back-up singer to James Taylor among other artists. He encouraged the crowd to sing with him to “Shower the People.” He was phenomenal and the audience participation was amazing.

It was such a fun celebratory day and one that I’d participate in again in years to come. Our line dance group (Sparkles Line Dancers and Company) had to hustle to keep up with the pace of the parade.  Nonetheless, we had a great time and it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning.

Sparkles Line Dancers and Company on the Parade Route