Sunday, February 24, 2008

So Cool!

On the spur of the moment this evening I emailed a handful of friends and family members to let them know that my husband's band was about to be featured on a community radio station show. I shared the link to the streaming web cast just in case anyone was online. While I listened, I was surprised to get emails from a handful of folks from Illinois, Indiana, Connecticut, Baltimore and the DC area who had actually tuned in! What a great reminder of the coolness of the Internet and its usefulness in quickly facilitating meaningful connections between people. It was so refreshing to get those quick and appreciative responses rather than junk email!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

N'awlins Darlin'

During this week of Mardi Gras, I pay tribute to the great city of New Orleans and share photos taken on my first trip to the Crescent City more than two decades ago.

I've never been to the city for Mardi Gras or Jazzfest, but during my few visits I have appreciated the sounds of the Preservation Hall jazz band, passed Congo Park where jazz began, downed a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's, visited the sanctuary of St. Louis Cathedral to catch a wisp of family history, walked along Bourbon Street at night, admired the live oak trees in Audubon Park, seen "touchdown Jesus" at Loyola, savored Shrimp Po Boys, strolled through the French Market, and inhaled beignets covered in powered sugar at Cafe du Monde. Ah, what fun memories!


More than two years after Katrina, we are still reminded by news stories that the city has yet to get fully back on its feet. But, despite the struggle, the people who are there and who are returning keep moving forward. One day I hope to enjoy New Orleans again in person and reacquaint my senses with its rich sights, smells, sounds and tastes.



Photos:
Break Dancers in Jackson Square & Paddlewheel on Mississippi River