Soar-Dream-France

Architecturally Fluid

                                                                                                                                     A Special Post Today for my friend Michel in St. Louis...I know you love these shots-so this post is for you. Happy Weekend! Love, Laury                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                  

Life

                                      ...From Under the Red Parasol!

Nutella Inspiration

It is unusual for me to be away from France on my birthday. This year, I tried to think of ways that I might make this birthday in the states different and special. I'll never forget the birthday that Pauline and I took the tourist boat ride up the Lot that passes below both of our places. It was so much fun. I got so many great photos, but the best part was my birthday cake. Pauline's son, Gaston, made a chocolate cake iced with nutella just for me. I was so honored-a birthday cake made by a handsome young man.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Even though I'd thought about making my own cake iced with Nutella, the activities in St. Louis didn't lend themselves to that. So, I bought a Miss Hulling's chocolate layer cake to share with Kat and Tom the evening before I left to drive back to New Orleans. We had  a little "Nutella on the side." Then, there was enough left over that I was able to re-ice some travel-damaged spots with Nutella and share it with my friend Keith who came over for coffee the morning after I got back to New Orleans. This year my celebrating started early...it looks like Nutella is essential from now on.                                                                                                                                                                           

 

Birth of a Birthday Day

Waking yesterday morning, I first remembered that I had to be ready to leave the house at 7:30 to catch my ride with Ron to our adjunct faculty meeting at Tulane. And then, "It's my birthday."

                                                                  At 6am, the sun wasn't up yet. I got on my bike, with my journal, pen and my camera, in the basket to greet the day at my old favorite journaling spot in City Park. I didn't have a lot of time.                                                                                                                                                 The ride up Esplanade evoked feelings of morning Paris Market deliveries and street cleanings with the color through the ancient oaks carrying me to my sunrises on the Lot. These New Orleans mornings in the hood are special too, but doing something that makes me me on a day that is quite my own, was especially special.                                                                                                                                                                                   Dawn was breaking. I said see you later to the ducks, and headed down Lelong on home to get ready for the rest of the day.                                                                                                                                                         

Oasis with Moon

When everything is stressful, it's wonderful to have friends close by who help take the edge off. Michel and Andre were right there as always. Michel went out with me to see Mom and Dad at Hidden Lake on Saturday, so I could have a little time alone to talk to Dad. Then, Tuesday evening's wine and cheese with Michel, Andre and my buddy "Buster" was just what the doctor ordered. 

Every lick of that fabulous St. Andre cheese disappeared, and a beautiful full blue moon greeted me when I crossed Elizabeth. Ah, an oasis in the insanity! 

The Last One Hundred Miles

                       I've been driving up and down I-55 between New Orleans and St. Louis since 1976. There are too many times, too many vehicles, too many events, and too many weather incidents to count. One thing I always do on every trip is to feel that last one hundred miles. I know, it can be the first and last depending on what direction you're heading, but the last are always the most meaningful because it means you are almost "there"...you know the question we all always asked our parents..."Are we there yet?" (Funny thing, now they're asking me that question.)

The last 100 into St. Louis becomes very hilly and beautiful. I know that in Benton, MO. the hills begin, and it won't be long till I reach these cliffs that always take my breath away.

The last 100 into New Orleans make an "L" (not unlike the "L" that the state of Louisiana makes) that hugely take you over Lake Ponchartrain and along the Bonnet Carre Spillway. After finishing my first semester of graduate school in December of 1976, and returning to New Orleans after a very difficult Christmas holiday; I vividly remember crossing the Bonnet Carre Spillway on the Greyhound bus and almost saying outloud..."I am home."                                                                                                            

 

The clouds were particularly pretty on the way home Wednesday evening. I leave you with clouds over Lake Ponchartrain and an "open" Bonnet Carre Spillway along I-10.                                                                                                                                   

Related articles

Louisiana Sinkhole's Expansion Caught on Video, Dozens of Trees Sucked below the Surface [VIDEO]

It All Began...

Finding Your Way

I Spy

Resilience

Elizabeth

I figure, if you can't bring them to the house...you can bring the house to them.                                                                                                                                       This assisted living road has been a very rocky one for my parents. After 6 months...no photos or artwork of any kind on the walls. I started small with a few pieces, and pretty soon we were talking about these pen and ink beauties of 411 drawn by my brother Jim. I've always loved them, and Mom and Dad have the perfect space to show them off nicely. I am hoping that they will be hanging and happy by my next visit!                                                                                                                                                                                                   

From St. Louis

                                    Where is my lion when I need him?                                                                                                                                                                   

Channeling...

...HEAVEN!-2004 Cadrieu

Next Door Stunning

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Even though I'd already seen these beautiful hydrangeas on Theresa's Facebook page, I couldn't resist a few photos of my own. I had no idea they were cone-shaped, and reaching to the sky. What a treat to have next door. Heavenly!