With a heading like "An Evening at Maison Edsony-Mahogany Oaks" , one might start off with shots of the house, the 7.5 acres of land, or rambling ancient oaks; but this was an evening of blossoming seeds of friendship, ever-present spirits and respecting our pasts while looking ahead to the future.
Of course, it all happened over nice red wine at the bar and an incredible dinner that Mike prepared for us. As you can see from the menu above, not a detail was spared. And, if you look over John's shoulder; Momie is never very far away and always with us in spirit.
Everything about the evening was a treat for me. Sans voiture, John came and scooped me up after work for the drive over to Covington. We'd already figured out that I could come home with him in an evening and back with him in the morning when he comes back across the Causeway to go to work. I'd brought my little home-made thank you gifts, along with some French red and French white, favorite scones, and was glad I did. The spoiling continued as I walked in the door.
My friendship with John and Mike has been a surprise and blessing of this return to New Orleans. I knew my friendship network had changed, but little did I know that there were seeds of friendship planted in my past that would blossom now that I'm back. It has been wonderful to reconnect, make memories and discoveries, and wonder together at just how these things happen to us. (I like to think that it was meant to be.)
How wonderful to be able to look back at where we all were before Katrina. Share our stories of the then that have brought us to now, with an excitement that keeps us moving into the future. I'd written that the overalls party last November got me back on track to celebrating my life and friendships more in the ways I had before the storm. It was fun to talk with Mike and John about their steps to celebrate those things in their lives too. I'm looking forward to being a part of it.
Beyond the planning and the very much here and now of our time together, that sense of timelessness and boundarylessness oozed in their place. It was easy to hold those we've lost close and to sense the kindred spirits that bring us together and continue to move in the universe and in our lives.
Huge merci to John and Mike, for a special and wonderful evening together. I leave you with a collage of MIke's exquisite repas and wonderful friends.
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