Soar-Dream-France

Falling in Love Again

Needing days of nothing...no papers to grade, nothing that had to be done, no appointments; my yesterday for me took on a life all its own. It is such a treat to be able to lounge around in the morning, read, take my time, and then see how I feel.

I headed out to the bus a little before 10. Good thing. I discovered that they were on the weekend schedule so they were only running once an hour. I knew I wanted to start in the Quarter, and then just see where the day went.

What a chock full day. So chock full, I don't know where to start. Seven hours and 150 photos later, I did exactly what I said I wanted to do...I wandered, I wondered, I remembered, I reflected, I revived, and today I would add "renewed". I've been so busy with work and teaching, I just haven't had a chance to fall in love with my city all over again.

Yesterday, I did. I don't think I ever fell out of love. I'd just been so numb and busy for so long that I didn't really feel much. And so, I hope you'll join me over the next few days as I share what it felt like to fall in love with New Orleans all over again. I don't want to shove it all in here fast and furious. You must taste, touch, hear, feel and see New Orleans on a journey that is long, slow and savoring. It's a place that lives, breathes, sings, dances and carries those of us who love her right along with her. Only a day in New Orleans you might say?-Here, a day can be a lifetime!

Who Needs Pumpkin Pie?

Yesterday was my second Thanksgiving on Dupre Street. Last year: everyone was there, I was staying there, and we were quite the traditional Thanksgiving bunch. With Stew in Lake Charles and me being a Thanksgiving crumudgeon this year, Eric kicked into high gear for all of the rest of us.

His Mom, Marion came down to join us for a Thanksgiving Whiskey Sour. (I got to give her the potholder I'd made especially for her.) She told me how hard he'd been working for us. She was so pleased. We all were. After Mom went upstairs, we got busy. Eric had made the potato salad and rutabaga the night before. We had the Tilapia, scallops and asparagus left to do. Eric cooked. I took pictures. Their kitchen window has become a favorite of mine. Who wouldn't love to be cooking in just that spot?

Dinner was served. Eric took a plate up to his Mom. Full and happy...almost. That sweet tooth was niggling me. Eric offered a few choices, but egg nog and whipped cream won out. Of course, a little bit of whiskey never hurts. After our first, we threw caution to the wind for a second. I think Louie loved them best! A new tradition has been born!

Giving Thanks

Seeing this shot of Dali with me, in my overalls in Cadrieu; I realized how grateful I am for our fourteen years together. It was her presence and importance in my life that brought me back to the states. Even though I said from the beginning, that I had a feeling it was about a whole lot more than Dali; there was no way of knowing that there was so much more to be taken care of...reasons to be stateside. The list is endless. Every day, it seems another reason appears. Who would have thought that wanting to be with Dali when she took her last breath, would carry me to being here for my parents, sharing final days with friends, and now...celebrating new ones. Today, I give thanks for my Dali-Always the very best!

Beignets if You Please

 

 

BEFORE AND AFTER

Overalls Stars and Thensome

I don't want to let too much time go by without sharing some of our "Overalls Stars" from the weekend pot-luck celebration. Et voila...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Niels and Bodil Do New Orleans

I must say that there is nothing more fun (unless it's a house full of handsome men in overalls) than sharing a place you love with people you love. And, watching them fall in love with it too...the French Market, Jackson Square, Cafe Du Monde, the Napoleon House, Cafe Degas, Fair Grinds for coffee, and an International Overalls celebration to beat the band. We did New Orleans and overalls proud! So proud, that I didn't even blog here yesterday! Even though Niels and Bodil are riding on the City of New Orleans and should be arriving in Chicago shortly, their spirit and love live on in New Orleans and especially on Columbus Street. Love to you both-and safe journey back to Denmark later this week-Your New Orleans Gang!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Overalls Day-2009

Reading  Niels's recent post from New Orleans, it carried me back to our first celebration in 2009 in Cadrieu. It was Irish Coffee and cookies beside the fireplace at the Chatette! And yes, almost all of my French friends and neighbors came in their overalls. Here's to my French gang in Cadrieu...wishing you could be here with us today to celebrate in New Orleans! It would be "parfait" as we say! Missing tout le monde! Happy International Overalls Weekend!-No matter where in the world you are!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Napoleon House

In Overalls with Niels and Bodil!

Grand Canyon Overalls

Nothing like hiking and falling in love in the Grand Canyon, in your overalls!

 

Always Overalls

                                                       

Looking back on those times in St. Louis before I headed to New Orleans to begin graduate school at Tulane; we of course had to have a sibling shot together before departure. My advanced team (Mom, Dad, Kat and Tom) had already been down to find an apartment for me, since I was waitressing that summer. Then, Jim came with me in the "blue bomb" to help me settle in at 1502 Adams Street (corner of Jeanette and Adams). Ah, the stories. Celebrate International Overalls Weekend this weekend!

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