Soar-Dream-France

Protection

It is rare for me NOT to pass the cemetery on Esplanade between Broad and City Park on my bike at least once during the day. Yesterday morning was one of those times. As I passed on my bike, I said good morning to some of the friends I've been shooting there. The angle, the light. the crowds, but wherein you can also feel the solitude. I love them. They are amazing to me. Filled with wonder as I passed, I felt a huge sense of love and protection. Happy Sunday to all!                                                                                                                                                    

Summer in the City...Park That is

What a day...beautiful scenery, the inhabitants out having fun, and the visitors too. The swans can be pretty easy to spot, but I had been on hunt for the turtles. I hadn't seen any this season, which is unusual. I stopped for the swans, but all of a sudden there they were...piles of turtles hanging out on a floating log. Then, there was a sun worhshipper, doing a welcoming the day dance on the island. Happy Saturday!

From the Other Side

City Park was incredibly beautiful the other morning. Some of it's timing. Some of it is the light. And then most of it, is just paying attention as I ride. Some days I just keep going because I'm on a schedule or a mission, but this day...I could take my time. What a luxury.                                                                                                             Not only was the scenery incredible, lots of residents of the animal kingdom were out to greet the day. More on them tomorrow, but for now...a little rant...Look at what someone did to my lion! At the moment, my once very strong and sage looking guy...is looking a bit more funky and confused! 

 

Overalls Heaven and...

                                                                   ...one of last year's beautiful hanging floral bags. Old, worn, comfortable overalls and beautiful butterfly bringing flowers...how could you go wrong? When I saw Evelyn's post today at www.melangedmagic.com, I had to find this photo to share as well.                                                                                                                                                       We'd bought a number of these hanging bags to decorate the lavoir last summer. I'd seen this purple one but just didn't feel like I could spend the money. As the summer wore on, I threw caution to the wind, and was glad I did. As you can see, we had some very visitors.   

                                                                                                                         

It All Began...

                                                                                                                                                                 

...in 2009 with the first International Overalls Day. Last year, International Overalls Day became a weekend. We've seen a lot of change in the five years since Niels and Susan founded this event. My Cadrieu contingent did the first year with me at the Chatette in grand style. Years 2 and 3, I was in Brunssum, Holland, year 4 in St. Louis, and year 5 in New Orleans. This year will be very special...Niels and Bodil will be in New Orleans for a visit and we plan to celebrate well and party hard. We're hoping Susan, and a few others might be able to come to New Orleans to join us. Columbus Street (and New Orleans) may never be the same again!                                                                                                                     

A Week of Coming Down

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last August during Hurricane Issac, an ancient oak uprooted from the sidewalk and fell on this house on Bayou Road directly across the street from me. This has been my view since my return to Columbus Street in January. As much as I am looking forward to the new construction that I know will be coming up, I had no idea that I would be so sad in watching the coming down.                                                                                     It began last Monday and finished yesterday-Monday to Monday. It was hard not to check the daily progress...noise, activity, workmen, trucks, and some concern about just how it was all going to happen. These guys looked like they were doing a great job. Pretty soon, they saw me taking pictures and daily waves began.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Mid-week, I noticed the young couple over there taking pictures. It was the only time I'd noticed them since the demolition had begun. I started to go introduce myself, but it felt like an intrusion. So I watched through my shutters.  Having moved into Columbus Street in 1980, I played the movie in my mind of all the years I remembered of that house and the people who'd lived there...so much so bittersweet.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Quatorze Juillet Fun in the Hood

Sometimes surprises are waiting for you where you least expect them. Saturday night, the FSJNA sponsored a "Bastille Day" celebration at Ponce de Leon and Esplanade. Gaynell and I arrived early so people were just setting up, but I'm glad we did.                                                 Otherwise, I don't think I'd have had a chance to have JR Portman explain his Mason Jar Lights to me and share little lighting tidbits. I fell in love...with these lights. JR is a fan of these "Edison" brand light bulbs that make his creations even more special. For $19.99, you get your lid with the electrics all ready for you to attach your own jar and bulb and plug it in. There's lots of room for fun and creativity with these. I only had $10 on me, so I took JR's card, phone number, and have the web-site. He's in the hood and it would be easy to get back in touch...Besides, who wouldn't want to see that smiling face again. You can reach JR at: [email protected] and www.portmanworkshop.com

                                                                                                                                                                             

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                                                                                                                                  Here I am on Quatorze Juillet without my French Flag. Actually, all of my flags are at the Chatette. As you can see, I have quite a few...and this isn't all of them. Wishing all my friends here, but especially my friends in Cadrieu a wonderful Quatorze Juillet. I'll be back tomorrow with a little fun with flags!

A New Magnificence

                                                                                                                                    I haven't hesitated to mourn my missing ancient oaks along Lelong Drive up to the Museum in City Park. But, I saw the new crepe myrtles in bloom for the first time and they are magnificent. They seem to arch and almost frame the remaining old oaks in the background with the warranted respect and a new beauty and passion. So today, I'm loving on the new in a place of my heart!                                                                                                                                                                                          

From Here, I Can See...

Sam has always loved lounging, curling up, and sitting in the red chair. She now has something to gaze at regularly and does. I've teased in the past how she looks out windows, longing to see home. Now, she can see it from the red chair through a series of photos I've hung on the wall. Not only can she see home...but from here she can see Paris too!