Friday, March 19, 2010

Way Down Yonder in New Orleans

This evening* I had three very New Orleanian moments:

1: Standing in a storefront gallery I practiced songs with an old cast for a theatre's fundraiser, watching out the window as Mardi Gras Indians, in all their finery, gathered in the battered street.

2: In a small, fenced backyard lush with the first blooms of spring I swatted mosquitoes and talked with a gentleman about his next documentary: a history of the evolution of jazz (going back to before the Civil War).

3. Walking to my car I passed a house that still bore a "Katrina Cross" spray painted between the open front windows. I could hear the sound of a trumpeter practicing his scales inside.

I feel that no matter how long I live here, I will never stop discovering New Orleans' culture, history and charms.


*Apparently March 19, St. Joseph's Day, is a big day for Mardi Gras Indians

6 comments:

kayerj said...

that was interesting about the indians--and such beautiful costumes. Thanks for sharing your New Orleans minutes :)

flutter said...

next time I come down, you and I are SO hanging out

Rima said...

New Orleans sounds so enchanting and sexy. And I can't believe you already have mosquitoes out! There is still a little heap of unmelted snow in our yard.

Kyla said...

Sounds just like New Orleans to me!

Speaking of annoying insects, our wasps are already back. I miss winter already.

imbeingheldhostage said...

Perfect timing of this post. I've been pondering a message that was on the radio this weekend that was basically reminding us to stop and be in the moment and discover what is around us. Good for you that you didn't need to be told :-)

E said...

Are you a reader? Faulkner House in the quarter is a wonderful antiquarian bookstore. The good stuff is in the back.
I love thinking about New Orleans. Thank you for brining us there. Do you read Ellen Gilchrist? She captures the city with all of its contrasts so well in her novels.
Nice to see you again Miss Maypole