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. 

Check it out

The official site of the St. Anthony Ramblers a la Jonah Langenbeck
http://www.stanthonyramblers.com

Aaawww

Cass and Heather Cooper renewed their vows 18 hours after the wedding, this time, in Jackson Square 

Mardi Gras

More Mardi Gras Photos

Get Awesome Mardi Gras 2006

 

The ressurection of the ninth ward float

Brian and Katie Peck Designed the original "Get Awesome" float for the "Mystic Krewe of the Flying Donkey". Alas, their home in the lower ninth ward sustained about 10 feet of water, leaving the float destroyed. The float and the mystic flying donkey mascott were removed from the rubbel a while back. The float without hope and the donkey , no longer flying, with only one scrawnny feather left on his back, sat in our back yard for about a month.

On the Monday before Mardi Gras (Lundi Gras) William miraculously brought it back to life, while Katie Tripplet and I made flowers, and Ryan sculpted a huge copper Fleur de Lis.

William also made our "Get Awesome" sign as a tribute to all of the loved pets lost in Katrina.

I hope that our float reminds people of the tenacity of the lower ninth ward. Most things are salvageable by the power of community.

Everybody GET AWESOME

The last day ...Fat Tuesday, yikes, we made it! We were all so glad to see it come near, and even gladder to see it pass. The achingly long (2 mile long) car-ride home was filled with so much anticipation to see our soft clean beds, that it easily paralleled our wait for this holiday.

The day was fabulous, as always. Everyone was there from all parts of the globe. The Panorama Brass Band served up another juicy helping of joy and laughter. They really make our Mardi Gras special every year!

I chose to re-run my costume theme, “Get Awesome" as a tribute to the true get awesome cowboy of Portland (if you don't know what that means, it's worth it to ask). I usually retire a costume theme after each use, but I have had a hard time letting this one go. In fact, next year, I may just have to get awesomer.

If Katie Peck is back next Mardi Gras, we will all "Get Totally Awesome". She was missed. Everyone who was not here to help us celebrate was missed.