Soar-Dream-France: April 2015

« March 2015 | Main | May 2015 »

April 2015

April 10, 2015

A 2014 Love Affair

You already know that I'm a ravenous reader. Look closely at these titles above. And yes, I read most of them and more while I was home at the Chatette during the summer of 2014. Oh, I've fallen in love in France before...not only in France, but with France.

Last summer, the object of my affection was Chief of Police, Bruno Correges. My friends had been reading Martin Walker's novels in advance of my summer at home, and Evelyn provided me with everything that had been published so far. I coudn't let Bruno go. Every day we woke up together and went to bed together. Sometimes it would be where we'd started, and other days we'd be on to a totally new adventure and experiences.

If I had to choose only one thing that I loved about Bruno, it would have to be his deep understanding of the souls of women. Oh, he's a gourmet cook, lover, hunter, horseman, wine expert and so much more; but, I most enjoyed the mental conversations that showed me he was able to get inside of a woman's head. Don't ask me how? Maybe it was that he truly cared in a respectful and loving way, even when things were not always easy. He wore his heart on his sleeve and it was often broken. But, it all just made me love him more.

Evelyn and I have been talking about "The Resistance Man" long before I left Cadrieu for Ferguson at the end of the summer. With no France in my future this summer, I still have Bruno. I'll be embracing him in my bed, or you may find him resting and weary, and finished beside me! I have Martin Walker's latest edition ready and waiting. What a 2015 Summer treat! Since I can usually read him in a day, any suggestions for the rest of the summer?

Happy Reading and Happy Summer of 2015 ahead and coming up for us all!

ps-Looking at this tunnel on the cover carries me home!

Posted at 07:41 PM in Fabulous Friends, France Life, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 09, 2015

Stirring the Positive Energy

Over the last ten years, I frequently said that Columbus Street needed to have its positive energy stirred again. The first mistake I made was in believing it could be done by others. The second mistake I made was believing that just by being there it would automatically return. Neither of those two things happened.

I returned in October of 2012 to a strange and empty place that I filled with other people's stuff. I returned to more problems than any one person could shake a stick at. It has been a very difficult place to be.

Being there is one thing. Being there and being invested in "being there" is another. I've only just discovered how important it is: to not be running out the door at any moment for an extended period of time; and, to hold a belief, plan, and commitment to myself and our place to be here on some regular basis in the future.

As we look to the possibility of shutting down 411, there has continued to be the "see what you might want to take home with you" conversations. As long as I believed that I would be back to France full-time; taking anything back to New Orleans meant either taking it to France or finding homes for it.

Now, I can look at things differently. For now, I will be here in New Orleans more than anywhere else. Once 2017 arrives, I plan to split my time 7 months in France and 5 in New Orleans. That means, everything I bring here and whatever I have can stay.

Aren't these stained glasses pretty? All came from 411 to New Orleans to help me stir the magic on Columbus Street. We are becoming a we again, and only now-I find that I can be here. As I've said before, ten years too long.

Posted at 12:12 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, New Orleans THEN, Photography | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 08, 2015

Home and Hanging...

...out in the back yard the morning after return; the moon was beautiful. The way it hung over the house and Columbus Street, made me even happier to be home again. I like sitting outside in the dark. I do it all over the world, AND...take photos. I love: the peace; the pretty; the plants; and, no people yet! I drink my coffee. I wander and I touch and talk to my plants. I can't remember the last time we had a nice conversation together. In the week that I was gone, new growth abounds. Each one was patted, petted, and told just how beautiful they are. As I've written before, ten years too long.

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

April 07, 2015

A Heading South Favorite

My on the road priorities are gas, restrooms, food and music...in that order. When I can get two at once, it's wonderful. I always enjoy stopping at Car-Mac at Exit 1 right at the Missour/Arkansas border. Heading south on 55 from St.Louis, it is an easy off to my right and back on.

I get my gas, a coffee and head back south easily. I've never stopped on my way up from New Orleans. It had begun raining. I asked the checker if he knew whether the weather was worse south? He said: "probably"...there was no probably about it. At least Sammie Cat had an easy ride.

Posted at 11:14 AM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Photography, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 06, 2015

A Hard Driving Day...

...ahead that will be filled with memories, accomplishments, and tiny steps that are beginning to feel bigger than before.

Posted at 11:23 AM in Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, Photography | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 05, 2015

Eclipsing into Easter

I'm rarely out running around in the backyard at 411, but Saturday morning's eclipse had me up and down our 90 by 360 lot trying to get the best shot through the trees. As is often the case, I turned around from the moon to go back up the hill and discovered our house from a whole new angle. It was looking pretty, but there was a touch of moody there and melancholy for me.

This trip has held a visit with a real estate agent to appraise the house and a major power-washing.

We talked at great length about power-washing upon my arrival. I always thought the siding on the house was beige, but Mom mentioned creme. On Easter morning this morning, we are creme! After the moody, melancholy morning; it was fun to see us clean and sparkling in the sunshine that afternoon.

Kat went to get Mom so she could see everything and I served a little wine and snacks on the front porch for us to enjoy.

So much these last few years has been tiny steps with Mom and Dad. Now, here we are with no decision about the house, but feeling closer to being there sooner than later. I know it must be done, but it still makes me sad.

Our saga continues!

Happy Easter to all!

Posted at 01:35 PM in Fabulous Family, Food and Drink, Mélange-ing Magic, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 04, 2015

A Cemetery Girl

This morning, my friend Niels reminded me that getting dirty in my overalls is nothing new. All those excavating barn, tunnel, and terrace times are so dear to my heart and very much missed. No wonder I hopped into that grave when given half a chance. Add in that I'm a "cemetery girl", and it was a done deal.

What better way to ease into Easter morning, than with some cemetery shots? Tombstones, symbols of life, crossing over, passing too soon, and the evidence of history and time; have always made cemeteries romantic, story-filled places to me.

The cemetery at the Chapel of the Cross was no different.

I hope you enjoy these photos!

Happy Easter Weekend!

Posted at 01:46 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, Overalls and More, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 03, 2015

Grave Diggers Among Us

My friends take such good care of me! In spite of Bud's teasing, Bill leaned into the truck window and asked: "Our friend is here from New Orleans. Do you think you could open the Chapel so she could see the inside?" Bud was happy to oblige, but reminded us that there really was no picture taking inside. He also shared that there would be a grave-digging a little later that afternoon, and invited us back.

We didn't need much encouragement. We headed off to have a little late lunch and then stopped back at the house on the way so Glenn and Bill could get some of Glenn's cards to share. Glenn is an accomplished pointillist artist who works mostly in pen and ink. The Chapel had been one of his many subjects that he'd captured on cards, but was unable to find back at the house. Instead, Glenn brought an actually drawing to share with Bud as a thank you.

The Grave Diggers Guild was hard at work upon our return.

We found Bud easily. Glenn shared his gift, and Bud teased: "Now I'm sorry I didn't let you take pictures in the chapel!" I wandered around and visited with people. It was so clearly a celebration of life and community. Of course, I couldn't resist. I asked Bud if I could help? This time I got a "yes", and...

...grave-digger Laury was born!

In spite of the hard work, there was a sense of belonging. I've always said that I don't need a spot in the ground, I expect my ashes to be out there floating free in the universe. I still do, but if I were to go for underground...this would be it for me. The symbol, the celebration, the community, the involvement of friends and family, and the genuine love and care that were shown; removed the mystique and brought out the true meaning of passing over.

We didn't stay for the whiskey. It had already been quite a day of new and old friendships and meant to be surprises! Huge thanks to Bud Phelps and the Grave Diggers Guild of the Chapel of the Cross in Madison, MS for sharing their celebration of tradition, spirit and community.

Posted at 03:16 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Food and Drink, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, Overalls and More, Photography | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 02, 2015

Madison Meanderings

My trips to Madison, Mississippi to visit with Glenn and Bill are usually "hit and run". We arrive late afternoon, have dinner, visit, go to bed and then Sammie Cat and I are up and out early on the road the next morning. This trip was different. Our early afternon arrival meant that there was a treat in store for me...a visit to the Chapel of the Cross.

Bill filled me in on the history of this gothic revival chapel and the families who birthed it between 1850 and 1852. It was modeled on the 14th Century English Country Churches where they are worshipping Episcopalians.

When we arrived the chapel was locked, but we were undaunted. The outside of the chapel and the cemetery provided ample photo opportunities and a chance to see the tombs of the founders first hand: The Johnstone Family, Henry Grey Vick, and many more. It is also said to be haunted.

One of the most interesting tidbits that Bill shared was that the congregation of the church actually digs the graves by hand. Now me, I'm thinking bare hands but it turns out that shovels are used.

It seemed to be a wonderful way to show respect to the dead of the community while facing the grief of passing. Once the grave is finished, a nice bottle of whiskey is passed between the participants and the sign of the cross is made in whiskey over the grave to signify the end of the dig.

Stories are wonderful. I'd heard my share. There was one of those moments-sometimes they say that "someone walked over my grave"...I was standing at the back of the cemetery looking toward the back of the chapel when the other side pulled in a moment of very deep peace for me.

Bill, Glenn and I were heading back to the car when a huge white truck pulled up. The driver teased: "Hey, you can't take pictures around here!" I still feel like a criminal even when people are teasing. Bud Phelps got out of the truck and story-time was over...well, almost.

Posted at 03:47 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 01, 2015

Paella Time

I already knew that Mike was on a "Paella Mission" before arriving at Mahognay Oaks on Saturday afternoon. He unveiled this beauty from the stove, that was even more beautiful from the table out on the veranda.

Eating outside is always such a treat at Mahgoany Oaks. John and Mike have such a beautiful place, that they always make its most welcoming. Spirits of all kinds move at Mahogany Oaks.

Starting with a nice bottle of wine from Pat and Graeme...

...we moved on through salads, paella, and garlic cheese bread, with great gusto.

There would have been even "more gusto" had John and I not been deep in conversation over a sweet/hot chex mix and Mike' s fabulous deviled eggs, while we waited.

It got a little cool for the veranda, so we moved inside for more conversation and flan for dessert! Mike never ceases to amaze me. There I was, spoiled again. Huge Merci to Mike and John. Sammie cat and I had so much fun (even it she spent her whole time there "undercover".) And, the fun just kept coming. On to Madison and BIll and Glenn.