Writing about Dali and I walking in City Park yesterday, reminded me of all the beautiful photos I have from our walks and my mornings journaling from behind the urns at the New Orleans Museum of Art. It is difficult for me to post about New Orleans, for reasons that I may or may not share over time. I've asked myself why I haven't shared many of these beautiful photos with you before. They are hanging in our library here in Cadrieu. I must confess that I cried the day I framed this and many of the other photos to take them to the Mairie. They are ghost photos. Some of these photos that I am going to share with you over time are photos that you couldn't take today. This tree is gone. All the trees you see in the shadows along the left of the photo are gone. I must admit that I had hoped they could be saved. Imagine my shock when I returned in May of 2007 to handle some problems with the house, and discovered the views below when I decided to return to Columbus Street through City Park. So, as I get ready to return to set up my own little corner of the New New Orleans in the upstairs of my former Columbus Street home, I expect more ghosts will continue to rise. When Gaynell and I talked about our plans for the house, we agreed that we're looking forward to what our New New Orleans is going to become from Columbus Street. And, I'm sure you'll hear more about that over time.
Both yesterday's and today's overalls photos were taken by my friend Greg in City Park. I got to know Greg because he generally lived in the Park and slept near the Casino. We talked every morning. He was always polite, never asked for money, bright, and eventually I discovered that he had begun working in the park. I didn't see him in the park anymore once I returned after the storm. At that point, Dali and I began walking in the neighborhood and then I would ride my bike through the park. Even on my bike, I think I would have seen him. I just hope that wherever he is, he's fine and doing well.