I'm still here

This is probably the longest I've gone without a blog update. It's been a tough time. I'm here, for what it's worth. Trying to get back to me. 

 

things strict parents teach you

 

we won't go back

There's a recall effort underway for the Louisiana governor. https://www.fox8live.com/video/2026/05/11/supporters-gather-government-plaza-recall-petition-targets-gov-jeff-landry/ 

The bar seems high -- 800, 000 signatures? -- but enthusiasm is running high also, so -- who knows?

A dear friend, born and raised in New Orleans, remembers Jim Crow well. It wasn't that long ago. She remembers being put off the city bus to accommodate white passengers, the long walk from Canal Street in her best dress and gloves, all the way back Uptown. 

Her first communion, when she, a thirsty six-year-old, drank from the Whites Only fountain because it had cold water. She watched her grandmother thrown to the ground and handcuffed for allowing it. Neither  spoke of it for decades, trauma compounded upon trauma.

Three of the New Orleans Four are still alive! They ride in parades; Leona Tate started the TEP Center as a way to remember and continue the work.

We cannot, we will not, go back.  

when my ear holes need happiness

Anytime I’m at a loss for what to listen to, the “Insecure” soundtracks bring me joy. I’ve been trying to get into the Coachella 2026 artists but issnotworking. At all. For me.

 

Sounds of New Orleans - pirates!!

There’s a national pirate gathering in New Orleans this weekend. I ran into a couple dressed in pirate finery early Thursday morning. Ahoy! I called cheerfully, and they looked confusedly back at me, eventually muttering, Ahoy. The pirates roaming the quarter yesterday were exponentially friendlier (and probably drunker), and as I was walking along Royal Street I overheard one interacting with a street band playing Radiohead’s “Creep.” A fine and funny way to pass a gloriously cool Friday evening.

sounds of New Orleans...Easter 2026

Walking home Easter night, it had rained most of the day and yet three parades rolled, the Pigeon Steppers second lined and people in fancy hats and sherbet-colored pants roamed the streets. I heard at least three different bands playing in the cool mist including a DJ absorbed in an electronic soundtrack. 

It was a vibe.

Listen: French Quarter evening Easter 2026 

let me come back to some joy

Let me come back to some joy.

It’s been a weekend of events. A new friend’s birthday lunch and pause for a bridal second line. A protest and march. Danny Barker Festival set up and an afternoon enjoying music and vegan food at the Congo Square Rhythm Festival. Sitting under a tent in the balmy afternoon, listening to two tired baby dolls recount their stage introductions of the high school bands as music filtered through the air, it was as pleasant a day as anyone could wish. On the way home, the Italian-American parade, with dance troupes and beauties on floats.

I will say the Hurricane Katrina, 20+ years later, is still a constant topic of conversation. A wound, not a scar. After talking about the mental health and economic issues left in the hurricane’s wake, new friend Andrea advised me to look at YouTube videos recorded by survivors.

I’m just getting started.