Soar-Dream-France: February 2015

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February 2015

February 17, 2015

Happy Mardi Gras!

...Don't Forget to Look Down!

Posted at 01:29 PM in New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 16, 2015

The Bunch Club Carnival Dance was grand the second time around on Friday night. It's always fun to see everyone duded up and dancing in their tuxedos and evening gowns. I, however, made a serious tactical error...in the hours following and hanging out with the Diva's that afternoon before the Bunch Dance I left no "nap-time" and seriously damaged the old tootsies. Plus, wearing borrowed "slippers" to go with my very special gown added a whole 'nother layer to feet screaming. When you're dancing with Michael and you have to stop in the middle to go sit down-there is something drastically wrong! And, I wanted to dance...my feet didn't!

So, I enjoyed my friends had a wine and a scotch (it even hurt to walk over to the bar). And then, almost took a tumble on the marble on our way back to the parking garage. I scared Barbara, but I'd made one of those marvelous, none too graceful, in the air saves with no damage done... definitely "clumsy and exhaustion" NOT "booze".

Carmen had the right idea. I plan to follow suit next year, but I'll need a bigger purse

We've all been talking about the fact that Mardi Gras is a week earlier next year, a real fast slide from Christmas and New Year into the festivities. At least I know I'm going to need to be ready earlier! I better start NOW!

Leaving you with a few photos of friends having fun...

Happy Lundi Gras!

Posted at 02:23 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Food and Drink, New Orleans NOW, New Orleans THEN, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 15, 2015

A Sea of Gold and Marching Music

In the midst of all that Diva Fun on Friday, there they were. St. Aug's Marchng 100 were lined up on both sides of Royal Street patiently waiting to march. Now this, was an opportunity. Usually moving and so serious, it was fun to be able to catch the guys in a whole new way...

Stationary,

Relaxed, and,

Having a little fun of their own.

And then...

They took to the streets and all you could see was a sea of golden helmets moving like a wave down Bourbon Street. But then, you don't have to see them...all you have to do is hear them and you know...it's The St. Augustine High School Marching 100! Those Purple Knights are New Orleans. Always a treat! Happy Mardi Gras!

Posted at 02:03 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, New Orleans THEN, Photography, SOAPBOX | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 14, 2015

Taking it to the Streets

The Divas and their Elvises took it to the streets yesterday afternoon, right on time.

I found a place to park my bike on the corner of Bienville and Dauphine, for the half-block walk to the Diva Headquarters and the lining up point in front of Arnaud's Restaurant.

My timing was much better this year. I managed to stay ahead of the gang, and gots lots of photos as I went. It became clear early on that something was amiss...Keith was at the head of the Diva's attempting to part the crowds and manage the traffic.

It was an awesome task that fell on him and the rest of the Elvises since the NOPD escort did NOT show up as planned and paid for!

Even so, everyone had a great time and just kept on moving down their route that took them down Bourbon Street to a right on St. Peter, then a right on Royal Street that took them back up to Bienville and all the partying and balcony fun that awaited in the Bourbon Room at Arnaud's. You never know what you might find along the way:

Family

and Friends,

Old haunts and hangouts,

Don't you think it's time for a "Huge Ass Beer", or...

...special throws?

A new place to put your trash,

Another beautiful, shuttered, window and balcony,

Local favorites,

...and, a very special surprise!

Posted at 07:31 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Food and Drink, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 13, 2015

Mardi Gras Friday Fun

Today is going to be a repeat of last year's Friday Mardi Gras fun. I'll be heading to the Quarter on my bike to grab some shots of the Diva's as they take to the street in front of Arnaud's around 1pm to begin their march through the Quarter.

I'll be following and watching from spots to hopefully catch some nice shots of Carol and Keith and other friends again this year.

Then it's home for a nap, and duding up in my evening gown for the Bunch Club Carnival Dance that begins at 10pm. Barbara and I had so much fun with John and Mike and the rest of our table last year. And yes, we managed to stay out till 3am...when I'm usually just getting up!

Only in New Orleans...campy to classy within a mere 24 hours!

Happy Mardi Gras!

Posted at 02:32 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Food and Drink, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 12, 2015

From Home to Here

With all the moving around I've been doing over the last couple of years (really even more in 2014); I am feeling the need to settle and nest.

Translating home to here in New Orleans is a challenge, but sometimes it works. I realized earlier this week that a huge part of the problem is that when I'm here, I've been way to busy to be able to enjoy it. It's been: run, run, run...do, do, do...stress, stress, stress...but, I've done something wise for myself. I've allowed for more empty spaces in my life by only teaching one class this semester. I've made room to enjoy my time here in New Orleans.

Now, when it's a pretty day and it's 70 degrees in the back yard in February: I can go out and sit in the yard or garden; "pretend France" with a little wine and cheese for lunch outside; and/or, read the book of the moment.

It's nice to be able to feel a more natural flow and rhythm to my life, that let's me be more present to enjoy all the best of New Orleans and my wonderful friends who are here.

Posted at 11:34 AM in Barn of Our Heart, Books, Fabulous Friends and Family, Food and Drink, France Life, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 11, 2015

Waiting Patiently...

...for musical moments on a corner

of Royal and St. Peters Streets in the French Quarter.

Posted at 11:55 AM in New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 10, 2015

Pieces of the Puzzle

Having your life spread over the globe often looks exciting and romantic to others, but living it is a totally different matter. I sit in New Orleans while Monsieur Winkelmann is in France, just chomping at the bit to play that Ponce Intermezzo. Sam and I miss our Dal. I can't speak for Sam, but I'd love to have another dog in our lives, not just dropping in.

These two huge pieces that have always enriched my every day life are missing. It was all easier to accept when I was moving around so much. This year is looking a little different with lots more time in New Orleans.

I'm struggling with piano and pups a lot more these days. And so, I always stop on Ponce de Leon and visit with my Lucy girl when she's out. The piano piece is a little more difficult, but I'm working on it. It will come.

Posted at 12:32 PM in France Life, Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 09, 2015

Morning Has Broken

If you look closely between the telephone lines above the white house across the street in the shot above, you can see a whisp of the moon. That morning was particularly clear and the moon seemed particualrly expressive.

I could see so much more than a blank white surface. It was a "Man in the Moon" morning for me, but up close-he disappears. (Hmmm, not unlike some 2-legged men I've known.)

There was fun. There was texture. There was color and depth in a whole new way that had me oohing and aahing. It was a wonderful way to start the day! Happy Monday-Have a great week!

Posted at 11:50 AM in Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 08, 2015

My Camelia Man...

...strikes again! Having a friend over for lunch who I hadn't seen since before Katrina; I wanted to have some flowers to pretty up the table just a little bit. It hit me: Stew's Camelias would be beautiful in the oddly shaped bottles that I was going to use for vases. I got Eric on the phone-he consulted Steward-and after coffee at Rose Nicaud...I scooped them up.

There's nothing like wandering through their Dupre Street garden while Stew tells you the name of each camelia and choices are made.