SOAR to Success in SOCIAL WORK: Books

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The Return to SOAR to Success in Social Work

Flowers for Helen-Painting by Jorge Lovato

It has been almost two years since I've written a post on this blog. I'd first initiated it to post social work- related information, books, wisdom, and information on workshops. It seemed that it was becoming more personal and less professional, so I decided to step away from writing here every day. In fact, that turned in to not writing at all.

After wrapping up two workshops yesterday at the Tulane School of Social work, I decided that it's time to resurrect this blog. I will stop by here when I have information to share that is professional in nature, which means that it won't be an every day thing. It may not be an every week or month thing. It's going to be only when there is something professional and appropriate to share. I will still include photos that speak to some shade of the post. We need as much color and beauty in our lives as we can get.

So, on April 1, 2017. I'm back and I'm excited about sharing more with you here that is professional in nature.

SOAR to Success in Social Work-Social Work Opportunities and Resources-Ms. Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA, [email protected] AND Les Hortes, Route de Cajarc, 46160, Cadrieu, FRANCE, from the USA-011.33.5.65.11.01.72 or within France-05.65.11.01.72

Posted at 12:28 AM in Action, Books, Wisdom, Workshops | Permalink | Comments (0)

Friends and Lovers

During our day of "Retail Therapy" on my last trip to Ferguson, Kat and I ended up at the Barnes and Noble in Ladue. You see, "our" Barnes and Noble on the corner of Lindbergh and New Halls Ferry Road had closed. Each book store that closes breaks my book reading heart a little further. My fingers itch to hold books in my hands.

We looked at the bargain books-many of which were tempting, but I chose an old friend from the bargain section: Elizabeth George, the award winning author of the Inspector Lynley series, and many more. I was introduced to Inspector Lynley by my friend Greg in Cadrieu. The stories are all set in the UK, and have been used as the basis for a British Television show. Long before I'd fallen in love with Martin Walker's, Bruno, Chief of Police; I'd welcomed Inspector Thomas Lynley and his family, friends and colleagues into my heart. I'd read them all, so I had to look closely at this one to make sure I hadn't already read it. (Yes, I have been known to buy things I've already read.) I was in luck! Written in 2012, I knew I was safe.

Richly written , the lives of all of the characters are masterfully woven into each murder mystery. Although the mysteries are solved, the characters and their lives go on. As has happened with so many others, "Tommy" Lynley, Barbara Havers, the St. Pierre's and many others always felt like they were living in the Chatette with me. Now, what a change...they are living on Columbus Street too. I imagine they might be wondering what in the world has happened here-they were kind of used to our life in Cadrieu where they could wander and relax in the midst of their latest mystery. To be honest, they have made an even easier transtion to Columbus Street than me.

I highly recommend all of Elizabeth George's books. Start at the beginning of her list, and keep going. I can promise you won't be disappointed.

For me, I'm happy to see that after suffering a devestating loss; my old friend "Tommy" Lynley has been working hard to do his best to move on. I'm not sure I approve of his choice of the woman in his life at the moment, but it's a process and I have faith he'll face this dilemma and solve it like he does the rest.

Hold a book in your hands today! Books need love too!

Posted at 03:07 PM in Action, Books, Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

Little Free Libraries-New Orleans

I've been noticing Little Free Libraries popping up all over the neighborhood on my New Orleans morning bike rides. I love them.

I have to stop and take pictures of them, but I must confess to never having used one yet. Now that I know we have three close by, I'm going to make a special effort to join in the fun.

Posted at 03:33 PM in Action, Books, Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

Binded by Books

I always hesitate to lend books to students. Recently in class, a student shared some her family history. I immediately thought of my favorite book from Nadine: One Drop by Bliss Broyard. I waited a while to ask her if she'd be interested in reading it. She said yes. I told her that I would need to have it back. She said that I'd need to remind her just to be sure.

I brought the book to her ealier this week.I had it sitting beside my coffee table book and actually took a shot before I left for class. I opened it up briefly, to find a yellow post-it that I'd forgotten all about that read:

"return to Nadine Henneman."

I shared the story of the book with my student. I told her about Nadine being a "seasoned" and accomplished social worker. I told her about getting a huge stash of books from Nadine, but this was my favorite. I also explained that it was even more special to me because Nadine had passed away last fall.

My student's eyes got big. She said: "I'll be sure that you get it back." It made me smile. It brought Nadine into the classroom.

Nadine is still teaching young social workers...

...even from the other side.

Posted at 12:23 PM in Action, Books, Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dangling...

...dancing and reacting have been my life for the last 10 years. I've bemoaned this fact for just as long. It's time to let go. The message arrived this morning, in the form of the closing line in the last of the three novelettes, of Patrick Modiano's, nobel prize winning: Suspended Sentences.

This last novelette entitled: "Flowers of Rain" takes you back and forth within the narrator's life over the course of almost 50 years. Now of course, it doesn't hurt that it's set in Paris or that he hovers around the Gare d'Austerlitz. When he shares his pondering over those we've known in Paris who are no longer in our lives and where they may be or NOT be; my heart seized in my chest. It's not my time, but I feel him, the places, and the lost people all the same. He captures the mood and feel of Paris like no one else I've read. We wandered Paris together.

After many dog-eared pages, that last line may as well have been the last line for the whole book of three:

"And one could still believe that adventure lay right around every street corner."

I sat on the sofa in my Columbus Street living room, as I put the book down and turned off the floor lamp. The light from the street snuck into the living room through the open, loovered shutters, while the ceiling fan sucked as much cool air as it could into the room. Shadows of lines and bars on the walls surrounded me. Prison or Pleasure?

I learned to do my dangle dances in Paris. It's easier there. It feels right, okay, and really...just the way it's supposed to be. I should be able to take life here in New Orleans just the same way. Why not? My Paris Professor has taught me how...it's time to rediscover the pleasure and the adventures that "lay right around every street corner" in New Orleans.

My first step...getting in touch with one of my men who keeps me in books-David Munroe. Not only did David's gift of the Modiano book take me to Paris, it brought me back home to New Orleans. It's coffee time, David!

Posted at 12:52 PM in Action, Books, Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

My Men #3-Again

Whether you're a huge Mardi Gras person or not, it can become the center of your life in New Orleans during the season. One of the things I like best about the "Mardi Gras Weekends" is that almost everyone vacates my neighborhood for whatever parade is going that day.

It is quiet...no people, no traffic, and just a bit of a respite of silence when you can just sit and be.

I'd been writing and working from my table on the Saturday of that first Mardi Gras weekend. When I went back to my office desk, I discovered a package from Amazon.com.waiting for me on top of my computer. I knew I hadn't ordered anything and wondered what it could be.

What a wonderful surprise! Inside, was the gift of the book: "Suspended Sentences" by Patrick Modiano, Translated by Mark Polizzotti, from my friend David Munroe. It included a note that said David had chosen this book just for me. It made me feel like this book and I were meant for each other.

And, we were.

David gave me so much more than just the gift of this amazing, Nobel prize-winning, book that captures an era, feel and the moodiness of Paris. It arrived at a time when a surprise "happy" was needed, but the most wonderful part was discovering just how much my friend "sees me". I glowed the rest of the afternon and weekend.

I immediately sent a private message of thanks on facebook, AND a thank you card via snail mail. David and I are already planning a coffee for the two of us to talk about the book together once I'm finished. Hmmm, David and Michael live in Treme...maybe the Treme Coffee Shop will be the perfect spot!

I'll be back with more details of the perfection of "Suspended Sentences" for me, and that coffee with my friend.

HUGE MERCI, David Munroe for so generously sharing the magic of books and our growing friendship.

Posted at 12:56 PM in Action, Books, Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

My Men #3

Even though there's no doubt that man plus man = MEN; I've decided to share my men who keep me in books with you individually. Ever since my return from France, Eric has been keeping me in books. He has this incredilble library that I have attacked with a vengance. We started on the first floor and just this last visit to my "library", we had to move to the shelves on the second floor. He's told me not to worry...next we move on to his Mom's books.

Some days it's books and coffee, other days it's books and wine; but all visits are full of love, support, great conversation AND Louie kisses. It could be morning or afternoon into evening. Some days Stew joins us. Most days I arrive on my bike and leave with a back-pack or basket full of books. The richness that surrounds my life is immeasureable, and I'm sure you can see...I'm not only talking about the books.

Huge Merci again to Eric and Stew-and of course, my Louie Boy.

Happy Friday to All!

Posted at 03:03 PM in Action, Books, Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

Honoring...

...our children through teaching and wisdom.

Posted at 04:11 PM in Action, Books, Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

Transcending

Finishing up a last day of grass cutting before departure from the Chatette, I was also finishing up Adam Gopnik's Paris to the Moon for the second time. I decided to haul him out to the lavoir with me, dangle my feet in the cold, frosty water and chill a bit from a hard day's work. Those last days always take on an other worldly feel for me once I'm back stateside.

Who wouldn't rather be dangling your feet in the water from a magical place that always feels like MORE not Less? When the stateside stress and struggles begin to creap in, I remind myself of these moments and...the light!

Happy Weekend!

Posted at 11:58 AM in Action, Books, Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

Revisiting Old Friends

I finally decided that it was time for me to keep a list of what I was reading this summer. It wasn't about number, but about memory. Shame on me, but I often buy books I've already read. Even so, 29 books this summer! I'd come to the end of my borrowed stash of books. I'd discovered some new authors and gotten reaquainted with old favorites. I fell in love with Martin Walker's Bruno series. Actually, I fell in love with Bruno the man.

An unexpected side benefit to my reading, began with rereading some of my books that focused on Paris prior to my departure for my day there. I'd already re-read "Rape of Europa" and knew I'd be communing with the Winged Victory at the Louvre. Re-reading "City of Darkness City of Light" reminded me of history and the richness of the players during the French Revolution, and what it meant for Paris. "The Piano Shop on the Left Bank" always carries me to my own piano man and our story of finding Monsieur Winkelmann in Paris. And last, but not least, Adam Gopnik's "Paris to the Moon" has been fresh and eye-opening for me in ways that it couldn't have been during my first read.

Most of these books were purchased and read at least 10 years ago. Having lived in France for almost 7 years duing that time; my awareness, insight and experiences made these rereads substantially fresher and richer. Taking a peek back brightened my now.