Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!!

What's your favorite time of year?? For the average New Orleanian, it's Mardi Gras! It is definitely my favorite time of year. Since I have relocated to North Louisiana, it's been hard to get my Mardi Gras party on. I am feeling a little blue this year.

To dull the ache of missing the whole Mardi Gras season in NOLA, I had my first Mardi Gras party. Everyone enjoyed themselves. I believe I may make it an annual thing. I heard one of my friends say that it was fun and she wondered why more people in North Louisiana don't have them. I hope to see more people having them next season.

Back in the day, we hit as many parades and events leading up to Mardi Gras Day. The eve of Mardi Gras (Lundi Gras) was spent getting the final food preparations together for the big day. I would be making my infamous chicken salad among other things. After, attending the parades on Monday night, it's straight home to pack up the car and hit the sack. Normal roll out time is between 4am and 6am on Fat Tuesday! Yes, it's that serious! Got to get a good parking spot and a good spot to be camped out in all day.

For those who don't know, it is Catholics last day of extreme good timing before Lent begins. If you have never been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, it really is the biggest free show on earth!

I must give props to Shreveport, La trying to have bigger and better Mardi Gras every year. This year, was very enjoyable. Even though there really aren’t any Fat Tuesday activities here on Tuesday. The Sunday before, is like Fat Tuesday.

The Highland Parade rolled this past Sunday. The Highland Parade is by far the most enjoyable and closest to home that I have found. We were invited to party with some cool folks this past Sunday. We really enjoyed their company. The weather was great! The floats where nice. There was even a few double deckers’! The parades are even having more bands, which is important!! Got have some music.

I do realized that as far my NOLA folk that has relocated across the country, I am fortunate to still be in the state of Louisiana. It affords me to still have a taste of Mardi Gras. As well as allows for quick trips home when I really need a fix.

I also have to thank Marilynn's Place Restaurant for a great Mardi Gras Bash yesterday evening. They had it going on. From live music to the boiled crawfish, right down to the Hot Air Balloon flying over the restaurant. The Hot Air Balloon had Mardi Gras colors on it.

Home is always home, but thank you Shreveport for making it a little easier being away from home!!

Paying It Forward

I'm feeling the need to "pay it forward." Problem is that I'm not sure the best way to do it. Have you "paid it forward" in your life?? Do you have any suggestions?

For many many years, I have questioned how it came to be that Shreveport became my new home after Hurricane Katrina. The answer slowly came to light over the last six years. I am blessed to have found my way back to my art. Five years ago, I began to design jewelry. It was a great mental health outlet for me. It just so happened that people started "digging" on my creations. Three years ago, I picked up a paint brush and put it to a blank canvas. Believe it or not, I hadn't painted in eighteen years prior to that. Once again, people are liking my work. Now, I can't imagine not being able to paint.

So, I am pondering how to give back. Shall it be a free one day jewelry workshop for young girls? Maybe, finding a young adult interested in art. I can spend some time showing them how my creative process flows. I will have to think on it a bit more. I will figure it out sometime this year. It is important to me.

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Lucky as I hold the painting they just purchased!

True Blood Connection!

Over a year ago, I discovered a little bar named, "Lucky Liquor." Of course, I am late in my discovery. The bar has been in the area of town call, "the bottoms" for over 40 years. It's a local landmark. The bar is shown in the opening credits of the HBO series, "True Blood." They have also filmed a few scenes inside.

In my quest to paint local Shreveport history, I decided this would be a good place to start. About six months ago, I decided to display the painting while doing the Farmer's Market. As luck will have it, Mr. and Mrs. Lucky visited my booth. Yes, their last name is Lucky. The painting was a two fold purchase for them. It bared their name and they are fans of the Ture Blood series. It's little moments like this that makes an artist smile!

The Quintessential Creole Lady!

Posed, shiek and elegant all rolled into one descibes this picture of Dianne Honore! When she posted the photo taken in the Historical Treme' neighborhood, it spoke to me. I had to capture it on canvas!! So far the reviews of it have been good. Let me know what you think!

I have decided to do something different and sell numbered prints for this one. Only 50 will be printed. The original may go to a good home for only $75.00. The prints will be matted, numbered with orignial signature for $26.00!!

Look for it to be added to my Etsy site soon. You can find me under NEWORLEANSLADY85!!