Springtime in New Orleans

Sid and Kaysey















Chris at the Wynton Marsalis second line
















More second line

JASMINE!!!!!!

The excitement of the Mardi Gras season has been absent since Ash Wednesday. The weeks that produce French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest produce a far less dramatic and probably healthier brand of happiness.

Sean and I went to FQ Fest this weekend. We ran into friendly faces everywhere we went. Our mellow climax of the festival occurred on Sunday where we collided with a very hung over Chris and Rose at the Wynton Marsallis second line to Congo Square. Needless to say, it was fabulous. Even better, after the second line, we sat in Jackson Square with some crawfish sausage po-boys and mango freezes. Even better than that? We went home with some new CDs: The Hot 8 Brass Band, Jelly Roll Morton, George Ben, and Trombone Shorty.

Awesome.

Indeed, spring has arrived in New Orleans, and I could not be happier. For every discouraging humid thought I have in the summer that questions my devotion to this city, my heart quickly produces memories of New Orleans springtime.

During this time of year an army of sweet smells attacks our olfactory systems: confederate jasmine, sweet olive, night blooming jasmine and roses. Crepe Myrtle trees become heavy and droop after a rain and the café’s fill up with neighborhood regulars chatting with hopeful smiles.

100 + degrees and 100% humidity will come soon and everyone will be crabby as usual, but for now we are all rolling around in our short and beautiful spring season like little piglets in a cool mud puddle.

Stuff is happening yall!

Sean has been a weatherboard replacing fool. He's been on the roof for about a week replacing the front of the camelback.

The door

I am not kidding, If I see Sean standing in the shop staring at this door one more time, I will scream! He is very proud, and he should be, it is gorgeous.

This door had about 120 years of paint on it. Since it was broken during the storm, i thought it would be a good time to strip it. Unfortuantely, I learned that it was not the best time to strip the door, after I began the process.

Since we October, we have had a half stripped door with a piece of plywood where the glass pannel should go.

My boss came over and told me her boyfriend had a dip tank, so we were finally able to finish the door. Since Sean began

Also in the works

The Carver Theater of the historic Storyville district is owned by my new friend Dr. Eugene Oppman. He has dedided to restore this building and return it to its intended use. I have decided to help him with this project.

This project has become one of my favorite projects. At it's best it will be tremendously helpful in stimulating economic development in the Fauborg Treme, provide a much needed venue for the performing arts community, and house a non-profit arts organization.

Somebody send me the money!

Today I met with a bunch of people from the N.O. cultural network. I was delighted to run into some friendly faces. People seem genuinely excited about the re-opening of this theater, so wish us luck.

More office

would ya check out that yellow couch? iloveit iloveit iloveit!

It truly does take a village...

Well, the Idea Village has given our magazine a quaint style-less glorified cubical for an office, so now, I only work from home when it makes sense. Actually, this is really fantastic. I can now meet clients in on office without dogs, dog hair, or dogs jumping and barking. Fantastic! It is also located in the CBD, which is about a 10 minute walk or 3 minute bike ride from home, depending on if I am wearing a skirt or pants...(that is, until I get a real girl's bike).

Idea Village is a group that helps creative and (ah-hem) talented entrepreneurs establish themselves in the crumbling city of New Orleans and beyond. They have put these "idea catchers" everywhere to remind us all to capture "the big idea". I have been enjoying the chance to work around some really smart people and their projects. It is good.

Plus, it makes me feel like a grown up.