Soar-Dream-France: May 2016

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May 2016

May 31, 2016

Loving Luxembourg-Vianden Schloss

Searching for my photos from the Luxembourg American Cemetery yesterday, I stumbled on so many more photos from that trip I took while working in Germany in 2011. It was so much fun to remember that day and to realize that I'd taken many spectacular photos. I confess, spectacular places tend to make spectacular photos easier!

I'd forgotten just how gorgeous the Vianden Chateau was. Its history was incredible, but the first thing that grabbed me was the many beautiful views.

I'm such a sucker for these through the "something" landscape shots, that I went totally nuts at Vianden.

There was a lot to go nuts about.

My seatmate even got a shot of me!

I love being in a place that feels timeless and boundaryless. That was Vianden. The pack of us wandered through on the tour, listening to our guide and learning so much. I'm ashamed to say that the educational pieces of the tours are not what I remember. I remember the feelings of times past and wondering what people and their lives would have been like during those times.

I'd have been just as happy to sit at one of these archway seats, soaking up the valley, closing my eyes to plug in to the history and romance of the place, and feeling transported by letting the stone of Vianden Speak to me.

Of course, that didn't happen.

I save those experiences for when I'm home at the Chatette.

Soon!

Posted at 02:27 PM in Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, Photography, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 29, 2016

Lessons of LOUD

I live alone by choice. I've come to realize again recently, that it makes me less tolerant.

While my Sam has begun "chatting" more since our Dali passed three years ago; she has a sweet, calm little meow that usually means she wants something or just wants to be close to me. Fortunately, the dolls don't talk back. No one at our place on C-Street is loud. I grew up in a family of no yelling, screaming, raised voices, or talking back. Generally, we were a family of calm, quiet civilized conversations. This is not the case in the rest of the world.

I'm finding our world is much LOUDER than it used to be. I've noticed:

English speakers screaming at French people in English. Do you think that helps our French friends understand English any better?;

Friends at the Napoleon House whose voices rise at least 10 decibles and may climb even higher depending on the amount of alcohol they've consumed. Do you think this is attractive?;

Political conversations that are taken to a whole new level of sound that makes me cringe, regardless of whether or not I am of the same belief. Do your think this makes your point any stronger?; and,

Screaming into the cell phone at the other party when you're pissed off or want something you're not getting. Do you think you have a better chance of getting what you want by browbeating the person on the other end?

As if you couldn't tell; I don't like loud. I've tried hard to understand this phenomena. The very best "loud lesson" I got came from an 8th grader at Ferguson Junior High when I was substitute teaching. Everyone tended to come into the classrooms screaming at the start of class. My class had begun and one student came in tardy AND loud. I asked her to take her seat and try to come into class quieter. She said: "I'm not being loud." I said: "Maybe you're not being loud according to your definition of loud, but you are being loud according to mine. We are using my definition." When students were loud in my classes I had them come and sit up by my desk and do their work there. I must say, it worked well.

Heading home on foot or by bike from the Junior High, it hit me. My students probably didn't think they were being loud. This was probably the level of volume that they lived with in their homes every day all year long. It helped me to make some more things make sense. I felt like I understood my students better.

That doesn't mean that I tolerate loud any better in my personal life. I don't surround myself with loud. Not being loud myself, I don't like to have to scream above others to be heard in conversation. So, I find that I stay away from people who are...at least according to MY definition of LOUD!

Wishing everyone a Sunday of peace

and as much quiet as you need according to your definition!

Posted at 01:20 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, New Orleans NOW, New Orleans THEN, Photography, SOAPBOX | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 28, 2016

Buffet and Pot-Luck Etiquette

I don't know about y'all, but work pot-lucks were often a major source of stress for me. (Hmmm, maybe I should say ANGER instead of STRESS!) It never failed that colleagues would show up to the office pot-luck celebration with containers ready to take the left-overs of "others" home with them. If they didn't show up with containers, they'd actually make up a number of plates and cover them with foil. As if this weren't bad enough, I've actually seen some people come and scoop their booty before the event even started. What to do?

See the wonderful sign above! Mike and I discovered it when we went to the Cajun King Buffet at the point of Bayou Road and DeSoto Street, after our great morning with Big Chief David Montana.

We were the first ones there and had lots of fun exploring and reading their posting of Buffet Etiquette. Not only were we in agreement, we had stories of our own that we shared with each other. Mike mentioned a wedding where one of the guests pulled up and took a bunch of the reception food home before it had even started. What are these people thinking?

Someone also mentioned that they'd seen a similar list elsewhere that included: "You must eat everything on your plate before you go back for more." Sounds a little parental to me, and maybe just a bit too much.

Thank God I'm not working in an office anymore. I might have to post one of these at any of the office pot-luck events. Do you think it might work? Happy Saturday!

Posted at 02:17 PM in Food and Drink, New Orleans NOW, Photography, SOAPBOX | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 27, 2016

Neighborhood Magic Lives

Little did we know, but that Mahogany Oaks magic was to come along with Mike and I into New Orleans on Tuesday morning. Not only did it come to New Orleans, but it lives in my neighborhood.

After my appointment left, Mike and I talked about what to do and decided to wander around in the neighborhood and eventually get a bite to eat. Instead of going toward the museum or the track, we decided to cross Broad Street and wander Bayou Rd.

I confess to usually heading in the opposite direction when I wander. We discovered some renovations along the Bayou Road strip on our way to check out the Pagoda Restaurant. It was packed. We kept moving and wandered up a tiny piece of DeSoto street to my friend Deb's shop, The Kitchen Witch.

On our way there, two men were sitting on the porch. We said our good mornings and kept going. (That particular Tuesday, Deb was closed.) We passed the guys on the porch again, one of the men commented on his "very sweet new neighbor" and then asked me:

"Do you know who I am?"

I didn't know what to say. I scrolled through the many possibilities in my mind, but ended up asking: "Should I?"

"I'm David Montana."

All of my Mardi Gras Indian light bulbs went off. The Montana family is legend. He invited Mike and I into his home. Here we were, spending time with Big Chief David Montana of the Washitaw Nation Tribe.

To say we were honored, is an understatement. To be treated to family, culture, history, talent, beauty and yet more very personal stories of the Katrina times; bordered on shocking and unbelievable. There was not a dry eye among us while he shared his poem: The Change of Heart Man. He also directed us to the video featuring him, Joe Lastie and Darryl Davis: New Orleans in Me.

The richness in his sharing took my breath away over and over again. You can find more of Big Chief David Montana's story in a YouTube video called: My Big Chief's Got a Golden Crown.

You can take me out of New Orleans,

but you can't take New Orleans out of me!

The Big Chief had many photos in his suits that he's made over the years that were taken by other photographers.This shot above was one of my favorites,with the St.Louis Cathedral captured as a perfect background. I might add here, that he also wears overalls...a man after my own heart!

Posted at 12:48 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, New Orleans THEN, Overalls and More, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 26, 2016

The Magnet(s) of Mahogany Oaks

Mahogany Oaks draws you. Of course, there is its beauty, magic, splendor, and romance seeping out of every inch of "location" (and Mike's amazing dinner creations). I've learned to always wander around the grounds when I come for a visit. I've even ignored the mud and a few raindrops to get outside! There's always something new and different to see and enjoy with each season. Sometimes Momie speaks, and I love Mahogany Oaks...more.

As much as I love Mahognay Oaks, I asked myself this morning if I would go for Mahogany Oaks alone?

I hate to admit it, but the answer to that question is no.

John and Mike are the magnets that draw me to Mahogany Oaks.

It just wouldn't be the same without them. Their love and welcoming spirit fills the place with the magic I feel. Every day is a celebration, but give us a holiday or a special occasion and we find a way to celebrate MORE!

John's birthday was just one more excuse to add to the magic!

And, we did!

Quite a gang came over for a visit. Mike outdid himself once again with amazing Bar-B-Qed ribs, marinated baked chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, garlic bread, and that very beautiful doberge (a la Rouse's) birthday cake.

We hung at the MOB (Mahogany Oaks Bar). We hung at the table.

And then after dinner, back to the MOB to work on helping to solve the problems in someone else's world for a change.

Happy Birthday to John, one more time.

That Mahogany Oaks Magic was working over time Monday night. So much, that the magic accompanied Mike and I across the Causeway into New Orleans on Tuesday morning. Just wait!

Posted at 01:53 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Food and Drink, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 25, 2016

A Nod to Nympheas in White

I've been teasing John and Mike for a while now, that we need to be building our very own "Monet Bridge" across their water lily pond behind the house at Mahogany Oaks! As beautiful as each individual nymphea is; it is often the communication between them and the surrounding environment that makes each one of them more special.

All of the Mahognay Oaks nymphea are white. I've often thought that we really should have lots more colors, but no. I now think that color would be a distraction.

White allows us to savor the beauty of the nymphea,

but not be swept away.

The singular white nymphea and its pure, stark, beauty are the catalyst that portrays the rest of the surrounding environment...water that becomes blue sky, leaves that become cups, interesting leaf plates and bowls, shadow-kissed leaves, reflections, star-studded algae, and the special magic of captured dancing diamonds.

It's so difficult to choose a favorite shot here.

Each one is more beautiful than the next.

These last two are my favorites for very different reasons.

Do you have a favorite?

Posted at 01:30 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 24, 2016

Religion of Another Kind

One of the few things that I am even close to being"religious" about is writing a blog post every morning and calling my Dad at 7am before he goes to breakfast. Here I am at almost the end of the day and I've written nothing (but I did call Dad).

This morning I was returning from Mahogany Oaks with Mike when I'd have normally been writing. We got back in time for me to still call Dad. Then I had an appointment, but Mike stayed and we had a morning to share together. Oh, I could have written something or snuck in a photo or so. But, wouldn't you rather have a coffee with a wonderful friend, solve the problems of the world, share your plans that are firmed up for returning home to Cadrieu at the end of June, and wander around in the neighborhood; than tie yourself to the computer and write? I opted to spend that quality time with my wonderful friend. Not only did we have a wonderful morning together; the morning followed a spectacular evening of celebrating John's birthday.

I've so much more to share of celebration, beauty, serendipity and giggles. I'll be back with more, but for now I hope you'll enjoy the sunrise over Lake Ponchartrain this morning. Spectacular!

Posted at 10:51 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography, SOAPBOX | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 23, 2016

Morning Moon Madness

When I looked out the back door this morning, the whole yard was aglow. That could only mean one thing; it was clear and the moon had to be big, bright and beautiful. I looked out the front door and discovered I was correct.

It's unusual for me to find the moon is just this spot...directly at the end of the driveway hovering nicely over the tops of the trees instead of over the houses across the street. It was fun and gave me a whole new angle and perspective. We could do moon and street for a change.

It's always so pretty. I never tire from looking at the moon. Of course, it always reminds me of Mom and how we would ooh and aah at the moon together. We'd even have "Moon Consultations" when I was in France with 5000 miles and an ocean between us.

A day to hold Mom close, have a whole new "moon view" and say a very Happy Birthday to John Wilson.

Happy Birthday Moon Monday!

Posted at 01:38 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 22, 2016

Trumpet Plans and Stories

The Columbus Street garden looks very different today, from this shot taken in 2012. I must say that it looks very clean and nice and neat. Today, we are greener, lusher, quite a bit more wild, and certainly much more lived in. But, look at that trumpet plant that is almost a perfect umbrella! That, is my goal.

I fell in love with this umbrella shaped trumpet the minute I saw it. I love these guys, but they can be wild, overtaking, and sometimes tunnel a whole sidewalk. These umbrella guys are perfect for us!

As you can see, my efforts have begun.

These two guys are on their way...

But this guy is going to take a lot more work...

We've already got a great start on the umbrella shape in the middle there, but then the other two branches run a muck. I haven't had the heart to cut them off and re-root them somewhere while the flowers are blooming and so beautiful.

Once it's all bloomed out, I'll begin to prune and re-root so we'll have three umbrella trumpets and a Columbus Street garden that is even lusher and more colorful! Trumpet-ing a Happy Sunday!

Posted at 03:18 PM in Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 21, 2016

The Richness in the Sadness

With so much swirling around in these times of transition, I often find myself scrolling through photos and old posts that evoke profound emotion. This morning was one of those mornings. Sleeping in,I wasn't up and raring to go at my usual 3am. I seemed to be able to give myself permission to take my time and ease in to this day. It's become even more important to me when I'm in New Orleans where these times and opportunities are few and far between.

I've once again been struck by the volume of loss I've experienced stateside and in France. I teased one of my friends here in the states, that it's as if I've just "come back to be here while everyone dies!" Of course, I'm getting to be of "that age." Then, my brother Tom, pointed out to me that I know so many more people than most people, so the numbers are just naturally greater! (Huge merci to Tom!) I remember feeling much the same when I was losing so many of my clients and friends to HIV/AIDS. What now seems like ages ago, I'd gotten to a point where I wasn't sure I could deal with so much constant loss and constant sadness anymore. But then the aha came: I wouldn't have traded a moment of the times I'd spent with all of these wonderful people for a million dollars.

This morning, the experience was much the same. How wonderful to be able to see beyond the sadness to the amazing volume of people, experiences and places that are my life so far?

If you don't put yourself out there, you don't risk the losses. You may not have as much to lose, but think about the wonder and joy you would have missed! I wouldn't surrender one moment of any of these people, places, or experiences for a million dollars. How about you?

Something about the contrast of the color and the black and white of my very similar photos speaks to me...a wonderful gift of my recent visit with Bill Jones and Glenn Sanford in Madison, MS on my return trip! Happy Saturday!