When is it acceptable to start your planning in the event of a hurricane? Do you start at the beginning of hurricane season? Have a plan all laid out? Do you start to plan when there is a depression out in the Atlantic? Or do you wait until it is a Tropical Storm? Do you watch the path and make a decision from there? Does it have to be a hurricane before the planning starts? What if the probability of it hitting close by is still pretty wide? Or do you wait until your area is in that three day cone? Or is it just better to wait until the night before? Regardless of when you decide to prepare, you should not be ridiculed for it. Boy Scout Motto: “Be Prepared”. Works for them, it can work for me. Should I be made to feel ashamed because right now there is a storm out there brewing in the Atlantic and I am doing some planning? All forecast models shows it ending up in the Gulf this weekend. Can it change paths and fizzle down? Sure! I would love to see that happen. I am not pinning all my hopes and dreams to that however and will face reality and say, Hey, this storm could get potentially nasty maybe I better plan on where I am going to go, get in touch with friends I can stay with. Make sure my ride is going the same way. Check in with some friends here in town to find out if they are going to still go out of town as originally planned since I am to be house sitting for them and want to make sure they have a list of items they would like me to take with me. I have a shitload of merchandise for the bands I work for maybe finding an alternate spot for them just in case isn’t a bad idea. Does this mean I am panicking? No it doesn’t. It means that I have no problem taking a look at what may lie ahead and going head and doing some initial planning. Considering that life is full of twist and turns things won’t always go according to plan and being able to keep a cool head in the face of disaster is always a plus.
This is what looks to be the first big storm since Katrina, 3 years ago almost to the day. There are similarities that make it kinda eerie. It is okay to acknowledge that. Again it doesn’t mean you are panicking. I find it offensive that some people are thinking that it is. Maybe this storm needs to happen to just get it out of the way. Because there will always be a storm happening. We do live in the Gulf Coast area, in hurricane central. Do people go overboard? SURE! When don’t they? But considering what people went through three years ago, there should be some lax from these naysayers. Maybe this is how they cope. Are we to sit back and pretend nothing is going on? That is just ignoring a really big elephant in the room that happens to be standing on your toes. If it makes them feel better, well then good for them. I am going to continue on with my everyday life and include in some extra plans just in case. If you think that is panicking? Go right ahead. I am going to go and dance to some Bonerama music night and be happy. Then I am going to go home, check on the storm and go to sleep and I will be able to sleep, because I have a plan.

After Katrina I told my housemate, “We can’t live in fear if we want to continue to live in New Orleans”. There had been no doubt in my mind that I wanted to come home after Katrina. I know some people just stayed away. Some people came back and then had to leave. Then there are some of us who wanted nothing more but to be here. In the four years I have been here, I have realized this is really where I am meant to be. The only drawback is the rest of my family isn’t here, however that is why there are planes, trains, and other modes of transportation. I have said in the past that the friends I have made here are an amazing extended family, something that I haven’t ever had in the other places that I have lived. No wait, I need to take that back. I did in a way have it in Seattle, but it wasn’t as much, well maybe because I wasn’t really happy it was quite right. I don’t want to make it seem like I didn’t and don’t appreciate them because I do, but what I have here is so much different.
Getting back on track, we are just a few days shy of the 3rd anniversary. It is amazing to see all that is going on down here, and at the same time, what hasn’t been done yet. It is a long road to recovery. It is sad to think that it won’t be exactly the same. It can be said that is good in some ways. Bad in others.
Going back to you can’t live in fear, doesn’t mean you can’t be very aware of what is going on. If you don’t know we are in the midst of hurricane season. People keep a closer eye on what is going on in the waters these days. Fay was nice to us, we appreciated that. Florida is probably wishing she had been just as kind to them. Now brewing out there is Gustav. Gustav we need to watch. I am afraid that he is going to hurt someone bad. Once he hits the open waters of the Gulf? All bets are off. It will be that waiting game. Watching and waiting to see which way and who is going to get hurt the most.
Regardless, I will keep on coming back. It is where I was meant to be. It may be a struggle but what in life isn’t?

ETA: check out what Loki has to say....it is scary.

So here we are. Last day at work. For this company anyway. I started this job when I got back to the city after being blown away. I started as a temp and within the year was hired on full time. While it hasn't been the most favorite of jobs I will be grateful for having it especially post-K.

I am leaving this job because they are moving out of the city and out to St. Rose. Quite a trek with out a car. I doubt I would have gone even with a car seeing how much gas prices are these days. That and I did the long commute when I lived in Seattle and it was beyond frustrating.

Today is not only my last day but the last day of the GM who is moving up to the NE. He is a bit more sad about leaving, but they made him an offer that he can't refuse. There will be a lunch thing today with the whole company, food provided by Voo Doo BBQ. I love me some Voo Doo BBQ.

The only downfall coming up is I didn't take any time off between jobs. I start the new one on Monday. I have the weekend to totally switch gears in my brain and get it back into ship shape. This new job, like I said in the past is an amazing opportunity and I am really happy that I got it. It is going to be a lot of work, it is going to be hard, exciting and educating. I know I can do everything that they need me to do, but there is that little worry-some bug in my head. I am sure by next week at this time it will be gone.

TO ME! 4 years ago today I rolled into this great city with my all belongings in a u-haul truck. When I got here I had no place to live and no job. That changed quickly, by the end of August I was employed and had a home to live in. Nothing compares to living here. I may not have everything I came down here with anymore, but I am still going strong!

Today are a couple of friend's birthday's as well. So to Jeff and Kristy, Happy Birthday Kids!!! :)

(more coming later in the week including pictures. I just need to be home for longer than 10 minutes!)

Last night I went and had some dinner at my lovely friend's house before they jet set off to another place for the summer. A lot of my friends are/will be out of town for the summer. That is just what some people do here in New Orleans. They get out of town to try to beat the heat, go where the gigs are, just get out. It really does quiet down here so the need for the musicians to leave is great. They do have to make money somehow! My housemate has been gone for all of June, she will be back in the next few weeks. My Bonerama boys are here right now, but will be on the road most of the summer, Pfister Sisters are in Ascona then Berlin, Leroy and Katja are heading to Finland, Grace is visiting family for a month, Roger and Elyse are hitting the West Coast for about a week, there is so many more going. I have realized that I have not left the city of New Orleans since last July. I haven't really had a longing to go anywhere. Yes it would have been nice to go to Phoenix for Christmas, but other than that? Pretty content where I am for now. Not to say I would pass up a free trip to Europe, or some sandy beach somewhere!! I do have a few people coming to visit. Lisa, Scott and my beautiful niece Aubrey will be here in about 3 short weeks. I can't wait to see them. Of course the Mulvey's will make their yearly summer pilgrimage. I can't wait to sit by the pool and just visit and have possibly a famous Bloody Mary!! Anyone have any big summer travel plans?

Yesterday was another normal Wednesday. After work, I walked the bike down to the coffee shop and sat outside enjoying an ice tea and a book. At the appointed hour I headed across the street to the Square and signed on in for my beer pouring duties. As I was doing so I was asked by the Volunteer Coordinator if I would mind selling merch for the opening band. I said "Sure! Why not?" I love helping out bands, I really do. Granted I had no clue who the first band was. As I was talking to my fellow beer pouring folks (pourers?) one of them asked me who the first band was. Um I remember seeing their name on the website and posted today that they will be playing however I don't remember the name. I made my way up to the stage area and secured by spot behind the barrier with an empty table in front of me. I was in the sun, directly in the sun and it was hot. I am standing there, dripping in sweat listening to this band do their sound check. And you know what? They didn't sound that bad. In fact they were kinda good. After the sound check a few of the members came over with some of the CDs and a few tshirts and told me the prices. CDs were going to be pay as you want and tshirts were $10, all money was to be donated to the YLC (the group putting on the concert series) Pretty easy. It wasn't until probably half way through their set that I realized why one of their guitar players looked so familiar. It was Edward Burns. You know, actor, director, writer, producer and now musician. (if you don't know from that, he was just recently in 27 Dresses, the boss) The band is from the East Coast, and are called The Blue Jackets. They are opening for Cold Play next week at the Madison Square Garden. I know some people are going to think/say, oh great another actor trying to be a musician. But the band? It was good. Straight out rock-n-roll. I was digging a few of their tunes. I did get a chance to talk to a couple of the guys when the evening was over, and they are all very nice. They pretty much paid for their own way down here because they wanted to help the city rebuild. No, I didn't have my camera with me yesterday. I know I should always carry it. I have one more chance tomorrow night! They are playing the Volunteer party. All the guys did sign the CD and I did manage to plug Bonerama and Porter Batiste Stoltz.

On my way home, on my bike there was a crash. nothing too serious and I was able to ride the bike home. I have scraps on the palms of my hands that don't feel pleasant but are so not life threatening. It sucks that some cars aren't courteous to bike riders, but what can you do? I survived, the bike survived it is all good. I didn't ride it today however, once again I was too tired. Some allergens in the air are kicking my ass. Tomorrow, I will ride again. 3 days this week isn't bad at all!

The fat lady is about to sing. If you have been saying to yourself all spring that you want to get out to Wednesday at the Square? This is it. Last one. Tonight it is Bag of Donuts, a cover band. It is going to be a HOT afternoon here in the Crescent City, the beer will be flowing, people will be dancing, it will be a great time. Don't forget it happens rain or shine. I will be pouring beer once again hoping that the taps don't die out like last week. Don't worry it got fixed right away, but still that little trickle for a few seconds? It wasn't fun. I have no idea if the YLC will be doing a fall series like they did last year, so gets your booty down here!! And if you don't live here? Sorry man....but maybe one day you can experience the fun that is living in New Orleans!

On the bike riding front, yes I did ride it again today. I thought I was going to die the whole way here. I don't know why really, could be couple of things. There was a slight breeze and of course I was riding straight into it. I left the house about 5 minutes later than normal, and as I tried to push myself a bit more, I seemed to slow down. Could be because even though I took a Tylenol PM last night I was still exhausted? Who knows, in the end I did ride the bike and I made it in one piece. My muscles aren't pleased with me right now but tough.

Bullets because otherwise this could be very scattered (like it isn't anyway, humor me.)

* Friday the interview went okay. It is at a temp agency so if and when I need it, they will be there. I am still debating with myself if I just want to trust that they will have enough temp assignments or hopefully a good temp to hire position available. I have a feeling they won't really look for anything for me until I don't have a job. Which reminds me I need to find out when this company is moving. I did head to the Maple Leaf where it was like club night. Seriously such a weird night there with all these really young kids there. I didn't stick around long.

*Saturday I got up and spent the morning reading, I love a good book whether it be chick lit or something heavier. This weekend it has been chick lit. I then went and had a marathon acupuncture session. My friend is licensed and I have been going to her for some time now. This weekend she said she wanted to do cupping as well. I have had this done a few times and it had been awhile. Pretty much what cupping is, they put alcohol in a glass, light the alcohol and then suction it to your back. It sucks out toxins and relaxes the muscles. It leaves some pretty interesting bruises on your back, and I can say it doesn't always feel pleasant. Especially when moving the glass from one spot to another, because they keep the suction going. Some areas however as you feel the tension leaving? Oh man....it is incredible. I could barely walk out the door I was so relaxed. I went home intent on sleeping, but I didn't, I started reading again.

* I decided to brave the Maple Leaf again Saturday night. Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes were playing and I love me some Sketch. The few regulars that were there talked about the weirdness from Friday night and we all just really enjoyed the music. The energy was really high from everyone that night. Everyone laughing and dancing and having a good time. It was a great New Orleans night.

*Yesterday I tried to catch up on sleep. Read for awhile and waited anxiously for the Tony's to start. I now of course want to see every show that is on Broadway. Hopefully I will get to make a theatre run up there someday soon.

The following images are of part of the Streetcar Art that is being placed throughout town. For a more detailed background and fantastic shots, visit this lovely blog done by Nola and Pete. They have tracked down a few that have been placed. The other night while at Greek Fest I told Pete about the one in Lafayette Square. I had spied it with my little eye from were I was selling merch last week. I didn't go over to investigate it, as by the time I could it was dark, and I honestly forgot. Today he informed me that the musicians on the streetcar were in fact a few of the boys in Bonerama. Ya know I had to go and really check it out! So before the music started tonight I did get a chance to see it. Here are the shots I took!!

This long weekend that we just had, well it was packed full of non-stop fun. It was a great way to kick off the summer. I had a friend come to visit the city, and we just had so much that we had to do and see, and to be seen. Like I said in my last post, we spent most of Thursday dodging rain and storms but managed to have a lovely afternoon that included a few bars, live music and friends. On Friday I went back to work, having enjoyed a half day off. When Sophia was ready to go for the day, I ran to the house, and dropped her off in the Quarter and said "have fun!!" After my day at work I met up with her in the Quarter, introduced her to the wonder of the many daquari shops then we wandered a bit more. We found ourselves in Jackson Square, enjoying the band playing when I happened to notice a familiar looking fellow. It was Terrance Higgins, drummer for Dirty Dozen Brass Band and had at one point sat in with Bonerama. He was showing friends around as well. About that time as well I got a call from Pete, saying he had made it into town and was out at the Greek Fest, so away we went out to the fest. It was a nice relaxing evening there in which I tried my first shot of Ouzo, watche the dancers and listened to the music. Of course food and conversation was had as well. Check out Pete's blog for pictures! We were not done for the evening however, once leaving there, it was time for my weekly check in at the Maple Leaf. Sophia finally got to see my home away from home and hear some music, meet even more people and soak up some of the orange lighting.

After some sleep, we were up and ready to go again on Saturday. This was a HOT and very muggy day. It was my kind of day. First stop of the day was out to Bayou Bogaloo and to see Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road show. It was a short but amazing set. I was glad that Sophia got to see Shamarr play and had a chance to meet him, as he is an amazing musician and person. We then did the tour of the devasted areas, you know the 9th Ward, Lakeview, any part of the city that isn't the Garden District and French Quarter. To me there seemed to be a lot more activity down in the 9th Ward and that made me glad. More businesses are open. We then made it down to Port O Call for some drinks and burgers. We eventually made our way over to d.b.a for a night of John Boutte. It was once again packed for him in there, everyone seems to enjoy John, whether he remembers the words or not. A few of us were reminising about the days when you didn't have to get there so early to make sure you had a seat, while it is GREAT for John, the rest of us were bummed. A bit anyway. When his sets were done, we made the trek around the Quarter to Donna's to take in a few sets by New Orleans Helsinki Connection. It was a small crowd, and it was some really nice music happening. I hadn't been to Donna's in quite a while so it was nice to get back in there.

Sunday we did a tour of the Garden District, more walking in the Quarter so some more shopping could be had then a stop at Palm Court where Lucien was playing. Sophia was tired when we left there so I took her back to my house so she could pack a bit and get some rest. I, knowing I had the next day off decided to head on down to the Maple Leaf for some Sunday fun. Which was had....Yesterday after a mad dash to the airport, a missed flight, Sophia made it home in one piece. While maybe not quite rested, she did have fun!! And so did I. It is always a good time to see the city through a new person's eyes.

Yesterday I took half a day off because I had a friend come into town. It was the first time she had ever visited the city, without her parents (which doesn't count). We made it to Napoleon House and had a little Pimms and a little food. We were then attempting to walk down Royal Street, which turned more into a game of how wet will become in between balconies? The rain just didn't let up. AT.ALL. We did do a little shopping here and there in some of the local shops. We finally made our way to Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop for a drink and to hopefully wait out the storm. It did clear up finally, it was such a "chore" to have to just sit there and drink and visit. No really we probably could have stayed there much longer however we had places to go! People to see! We made it back to the car with the mandatory walk down Bourbon and right as the rain started to fall again. We pointed the car into the direction of Frenchmen Street and d.b.a. Paul and Alex put on another lovely couple of sets. There was a little Good Cop/Bad Cop, actually it was really Bad Cop/Bad Cop even though Alex tried to be good. Not many people came out that night, I don't know why? Rain smain. There is awesome music happening! That's okay we still had a BLAST and heard some amazing stuff happening up on the stage. We then headed on over to Palm Court Cafe to hear the last set from Leroy Jones and Katja. So glad to see them back in town! By the time we left there, it was storming pretty good once again. Hopefully today won't be as bad weather wise. After I get off work there will be more adventures to be had. I do believe one of them will include Pete and some Greeks!!

First and foremost a small rant, if you will. I forgot my camera yesterday. I know I should just carry it around with me for access at all times. Usually it is in my purse. I had moved it into a different bag for last Saturday night, and forgot to move it back. Thus there are no pictures, from me anyway, of the great and fantastic evening that occurred last night.

Seriously? The music was out of control. The sound that poured forth from the stage was like magic. There were at times 9 people up on stage. Paul Sanchez (of course), Sonia Tetlow, Mary Lasang, Susan Cowsill, Russ Broussard, John Boutte, Alex McMurray, Glen Andrews and a sax player named Chelsea I belive. Everyone got more than one chance to shine, play their own stuff as well as Paul's. Because that is the way Paul is, he wants to showcase everyone and just play some damn good music. I can't tell you what my favorite moment was because there was so many. Just so many. The crowd was into it, much more than I have seen in the past. People were dancing and singing and living life. If you missed it? Well it is a damn shame. However, there are more opprotunities to check it out for yourself. This weekend as a matter of fact. Paul and the Rolling Road show will be playing tomorrow night at Mandeville Trailhead, they will also be playing at the Bayou Boogaloo on Saturday from 12-12:45. Yes it is a very short set....but it will be 45 mins of glorious music!!

If you haven't caught a Paul Sanchez gig either solo, with a few people sitting in, or with the Rolling Road Show, you are missing one of the true New Orleans experiences. You never know who is going to show up, who is going to play, all you know is the sound produced at one of these gigs just wraps you up in a giant hug. The stories are classics and usually has you laughing your ass off. The songs? Well the songs speak for themselves. The Rolling Road Show usually consists of a few constants, but the rest of the players rotate in and out depending on who is available. See Paul has some of the best musicians in town playing with him. We are talking top notch fantastic musicians. Tonight we will be seeing Sonia Tetlow, Mary LaSang, Alex McMurray, I do believe Paul told me that Glenn Andrews would be there tonight, Shamarr Allen, and I am not sure who else. I am going to guess Susan Cowsill, John Boutte, and heck I don't know who else all I know it will be GOOD! So come on out to the Wednesday in the Square. Dash Rip Rock opens the whole shindig at 5:00 PM, Paul should be hitting the stage at 6:00. It is a free show, there is food, beer and drinks for sale.....enjoy some pics from the last time Paul played there!!

This weekend was a quiet one for me. Shocking and unbelievable for some I know, yet it is true. Friday after work we had a crawfish boil, and that was really the biggest event of the night for me. Unless you include the peeling of the crawfish I brought home to make pasta with an outstanding and exciting time. I wasn't in the mood for going out, and really it was time to spend a Friday night in. So that is what I did. Saturday I was up nice bright and early due to the previous nights inactivity. I had laundry going and a breakfast prepared before 8:30 AM. The rest of my day pretty much consisted of watching lame reality TV, working on this new site and laundry. That is until about 3. Really did you think I would spend all weekend doing nothing? For shame. I did go over and babysit the boys for about an hour, then once their grandmother showed up we all bundled up in the car and headed on over to Ponchatrain Vineyards for a lovely evening of friends, food and really good music by Rick Trolsen. There was a nice group of us over there showing our support and love for Rick. I do admit that I didn't get to enjoy the music as much as I normally would because I was running around after a 4 year old most of the time. He did seem to enjoy himself!! I did make my way down to the Maple Leaf for about an hour that night. I was in fact home and in bed before 1. Several people asked me where I was the night before, so I guess I was missed. Yesterday I barely left my room. I read a bit and watched a few movies. There were a few times when I just couldn't seem to keep my eyes open and would doze off into oblivion. It was a nice restful weekend. Gearing up for a potentially busy week coming up. There are two things I am looking quite forward to, one being Wednesday in the Square. This week I will not be serving beer, but helping sell merchandise. The headliner for that night is Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show. Perfect time to check them out. He won't have a few of the usual Rolling Road Showers with him as they will be in Brazil, however I do know the people he is brining in will bring a nice sound to the mix. The other is I have a friend coming to town for her first ever visit. I am excited to be able to show off the town to a first timer!!

I am attempting a few things here.......see what happens.

We are three weeks away from Jazz Fest. One week (and the rest of today) away from French Quarter Fest. What I am wondering is if everyone has gone into training yet for these fests? As for myself I do believe I am in prime form for the fests. Yes, I will be missing two day of FQF (SQUEE!! I start working on VDay in a WEEK!!) however if I had been going to those two days as well, I would still be in fine shape. However, one needs to keep up training so I offer these "tools" for your use.

Yesterday started the spring session of Wednesday in the Square. I have once again signed on to be a volunteer, or a taste tester if you will. I am one of the ones pouring the beers. It is a chance to listen to some steller music, drink some beer, eat some fantastic food (yummy Rotolo's!!) and hang out with some pretty awesome folk. I, however did not get to attend yesterday, as I was babysitting. I do that alot when Bonerama is on the road. Help out where I can. But I will be there next week!! And every week until June 18th. Either back at the beer trailers or selling merch. Check out the lineup and come have some fun!!

Coming up this Saturday is sure to be a lot of fun. It is once again time for the Freret St. Festival and is going to have a lot of great music and food. I grabbed this from my weekly Offbeat email since I can't seem to find a website for the fest: Saturday marks the 11th anniversary of the Freret Street Festival, presented by Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans. Music starts at 11 a.m. with Jo "Cool" Davis, and over the course of the afternoon, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque Swingers, the Soul Rebels, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Fredy Omar, and Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots will be among the performers on three stages spread out from Napoleon to Jefferson Avenue. The musical offerings also include "An Afternoon of Jazz" with Troi Bechet, Leah Chase, Phillip Manuel (pictured), Gregory Thompson, Sharon Martin and Pearlie Tyler. The free festival will have artists and food vendors, as well as a home ownership fair.

Also happening this weekend is the Old Algiers Riverfest where yet even more music and fun can be had. This will go on both Saturday and Sunday.

So if you are in the mood for a fun musical filled weekend? It is here. Starting off small, then working your way up to FQF then to JF. Seriously love this town.

As promised, here are a few more shots that I took from this past Friday's swamp tour. Again I was so pleased with the tour we took. There were times when everyone on the boat (8 taking the tour plus the captain) would all be quiet and the sounds of the swamp just washed over you. Mainly it was silent with an occasional call of a bird, the splash of a fish (or a gator not wanting to be seen) an unseen animal off in the distance. Everyone left the tour just so relaxed and happy. It was the perfect natural life high.

I can't accurately explain the trip out to Cajun country. We went out to Houma to have some food and then the swamp tour. The plan was then to have some dinner and listen to some Cajun music and then head back to the city. We forgot that it was Good Friday, so we didn't get to have the dinner and music portion.

We had lunch at Boudreau & Thibodeau's. It was a great place, the service was excellent.

We split 2 platters and 3 appetizers between four of us. We had Boudin balls, oysters, crawfish, stuffed crab, etouffee, and many many other items. Almost all was fried. I didn't end up eating dinner at all that night. I was stuffed all day.

The tour that we took was Munson's Swamp Tours, the only one that is on private property and is an environmental preserve.

We saw about 30 gators, Herons, Egrets, an owl, woodpecker, turkey vultures, turtles, fish,racoons and some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see.

I can't explain nor will the pictures quite do it justice. We had 8 people total on our boat and we were out there for about 2 and half hours. The silence in the swamp was what impressed us most. It was amazing. All you could hear were birds and the occasional splash as a gator slide into the water.

I will put a few more of my favorite pics up tomorrow....

As I glance through the pictures that I took this weekend, I am still amazed at the amount of work that goes into each outfit. Granted some pieces are glued on, but most are hand sewn. I have done some dabbling in beading work back when I was younger. I had a little loom and could make some bracelets and necklaces. The designs were never too intricate as I didn't have the patience to do that, also the fear of having them turn out ugly was there. The time and patience that goes into each Mardi Gras Indian outfit is out of this world. The cost is also amazing, but when you see the end result, you can understand why.

There are lengthly explanations of the Mardi Gras Indians, and traditions from Big Chief, Flag Boy, Spy Boy and Wild Man. I won't even try to go into detail here because I will get it so wrong. One thing I have gathered from reading is that the African Americans wanted to pay respect to the Native Americans for their help and understanding during Slavery and everything since. Many other traditions have come to past since the first of the Mardi Gras Indian gangs were formed.

I am so glad that I went to Super Sunday to check out this display of tradition. I only once felt out of place when it was obvious that one lady didn't want us taking pictures at the park. Mainly because we were white. There were other people taking pictures and she had no problem. I wanted to say to her, "Hey I am Native American stop treating me so different!" But I didn't. If she wanted to judge on looks then that was her perogative. Yes maybe I should have been respectful and not taken the picture, however the suit was on display like all others, and I know she hadn't been the one wearing it. Possibly she helped in the construction of the suit. I did get the picture of it however.

This was a relaxing yet very busy weekend. Believe it or not, but I did not go to the Maple Leaf at all. Yes I did go on Thursday, but the rest of the weekend I did not. I spent Friday night at Lee and KT's having dinner and watching movies and visiting. The perfect relaxing evening. Homemade salsa to die for.

Saturday I did head out to the St. Patrick's day parade, however I waited for a long time for it to get up to Magazine. I realized not long into it, that I was indeed paraded out. I didn't make it very long into the parade before leaving, as it was I had been out for about three hours. That night it was to Tipitina's to sell merch for PBS (Porter-Batiste-Stoltz) for an amazing night of funky music. It really was a great night. PBS threw down.

PBS (picture taken by Tracey Freeman)

George throwing it down.
Today I took in Super Sunday. The Mardi Gras Indians in full force.



The bead work on the outfits are just incredible. I will go more into my thoughts about today later, as I am so very exhausted and still need to think about dinner.

Last night was my final on air slot for the WWOZ spring membership drive. It was an amazing night. First I thought it was kinda funny that the DJ from the previous show was a lady that I had sold a Bonerama shirt to at the last Rock-n-Bowl gig. Second I found out right before our show started that Deacon John was coming in. Are you kidding me?? That man is an incredible musician. He came in about 20 mins into the show and stayed the whole time. He is so so so sweet. I can't explain what it was like to be sitting in the studio with him, and have him play live. There were only 2 other people in the room at the time. I do realize that there were a ton of people listening online and on their radios but it was like a private concert. To hear him talk about his life and everything he does was so interesting. He gave me a HUGE hug at the end and said that there need to be more young people out there like me to keep the New Orleans music and heritage alive. I am going to do my best.

After a slightly hectic start to the day, which involved a frantic run around the house to get ready and to an almost keystone cop scene for a car ride, I made it to out to the new baseball stadium for the block party. There was a huge stage set up right outside the entrance. At first there were not a whole lot of people there. The air was filled with the scent of burgers, beer and crawfish. The sun was shining with just a hint of a breeze. By the end of the set, there was a much much bigger crowd. I witnessed all ages out there dancing to and enjoying the sounds of Bonerama. It was a wonderful afternoon.

We are just days away from my favorite season, Mardi Gras. Actually, it may be my second Festival season just maybe my first (French Quarter Fest/Jazz Fest). Mardi Gras is a very close second. On Sunday I will be able to enjoy my first piece of King Cake. In fact I think I will have to make a trip to the store on Saturday so the first thing I have when I wake up on Sunday is a piece of King Cake. At some point this weekend the Christmas tree will come down. If I had Mardi Gras decorations I would put them up. They will come into the house sooner rather than later in the form of beads, cups, doubloons, stuffed animals and other wild and crazy assorted throws that we will be catching.

I can't express to those of you that Mardi Gras just isn't that drunken insanity that happens on Bourbon Street. It is a time to hang out with your friends, dance in the streets to the beats, have some food. Yell and cheer "Ya know ya saaaasssssssy!!" as the marching bands go by. Time to pull out the ladders so the kids get the best spots. To catch that "must have" item a shoe from Muses or a coconut from Zulu. Getting into a wild costume and literally dance down the street and across town. All while consuming some King Cake.

Yeah I love this town.

The following article just made me sad. Granted this show isn't the best show around. Ironically the writing wasn't that great. It didn't always show the town in the best light, but then again what televised cop show brings their city in good light. It is about fighting crime. I have enjoyed it however. Not just for the new phrases such as Gumbo Party (really...before K-Ville, there wasn't a Gumbo Party to be had...now there is) Watching the chase scenes go from the French Quarter to the Westbank and into the CBD in seconds flat. Of course only those from here or really familiar with the area would know this, yet it was a constant amusement for us. The stories did bring into focus issues going on down here in NOLA. I had a friend working on the show.

I just realized I am talking like the show is cancelled. It isn't, however it isn't looking good with the writer's strike going on. I realize why the writer's are on strike. It makes sense, and they do deserve to make more money. However it really sucks that because of this strike that the show could potentially go under. There was an article recently saying that the show was going to have to pick up more viewers with the next few eppies in order to survive, so it was struggling, but now it won't get those few extra ones because of the strike.

This show has brought in work for locals. Including a friend. It is the main source of income for them right now. The people working on the show from out of state, both crew and talent? They are spending their money here, for food, for drink, for homes, for clothes. It has brought in so much income of the city. It has been a small healing for some. I just hope those that come from out of state continue to come and find work even in the show gets cancelled. I know a few will.

So to those of K-Ville....for the time being? I will just say thank you.

K'Ville shuts down; show's future in doubt
Posted by Dave Walker November 08, 2007 10:54AM
Categories: Breaking News
The Fox network's cop show "K-Ville" will conclude local filming in New Orleans today, cutting short its planned 13-episode shoot by several weeks while cutting loose its large local crew.
The series, starring Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser as NOPD officers working in post-Katrina New Orleans, was a victim of the Writers Guild of America strike, which started Monday. Fox released a post-strike spring schedule Wednesday and "K-Ville" isn't on it.
Today's filming of a scene on a submerged house set on Bayou St. John was the last scheduled location shoot on the series' 11th episode. Five episodes have aired. Original episodes are scheduled to air the next three Mondays at 8 p.m. on WVUE-Channel 8, but the remaining episodes are so far unscheduled.
The show, which had suffered scathing reviews by critics and lukewarm-at-best national ratings, is not officially canceled. Its main NOPD station-house set, built in a Harahan warehouse, will not be immediately disassembled.
But an extended strike - and word out of Hollywood is that a quick settlement between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is unlikely - probably means that this week's shooting is the show's last. "If this strike were to settle in 2-3 months, I think we'd come back and finish our order and have a good shot at a back nine," said Kelly Manners, the show's supervising producer. "If this strike draws out past January, I think quite possibly it's the death of the show."
"Back nine" is Hollywood lingo for the second half of a show's typical season of 22 episodes. A last-minute race to finish one more script before the strike by the show's Los Angeles-based writing staff, which would have given the "K-Ville" company about 10 more days of work, fell short. The show is produced by 20th Century Fox Television.
"The script came in and the studio made the call, and they thought it just wasn't quite there," said Manners, whose production credits include "Buffy and Vampire Slayer" and "Nash Bridges" and extend as far back as the 1970s drama "Wonder Woman." "If we'd had another couple of days . . . we'd probably be shooting one more.
"It's really heartbreaking, because I think we're making some of our best shows, and I think it would continue to get better."

I don't think I have been this awake on a Saturday in a long time. Last night I took some tylenol PM around 6:30. I woke up around midnight, then again at 6:30 then again at 7:30. I remember thinking at 6:30 AM that some people are probably just leaving the Maple Leaf. Some people are probably still sitting at Snake and Jakes. That is just the kind of town NOLA is. It never ends. The sleep seems to have done me some good. I am feeling a whole lot better, still not 100% but better. So far it seems to be an okay morning, a kitty curled up next to me and catching up on Tivo (Days of Our Lives thank you very much). The only sad part was the pancakes I made. When we moved we got rid of the griddle because it was so old. The pan I used didn't work so hot, well it was hot almost too hot. Then I discovered that someone used the last of my syrup and didn't tell me. Oh well. If that is all that goes wrong today? I think I can handle the day. I am going to go take a little nap now......finishing up laundry and then finally hang up pictures in my room.

Last week I talked about those NOLA moments that you can have. I had several yesterday. I was sitting at a coffee shop killing some time before having to go and do some flyer-ing for the upcoming Bonerama gig. I figured there was no better place than the Wednesday in the Square, considering that Bonerama had played there the week before. I pulled out the new addition of Chris Roses' "One Dead in Attic" My sister had sent it to me for my birthday. I hadn't read the first addition in almost 2 years, and this one had about 47 more stories in it. I was just finishing up the introduction when someone walked up to me...
"Is that a new version"
"Yup it sure is"
"Wow...more stories?"
"About 47 more"
"That is great"

I continue on reading and having my coffee. I am reliving some of the first days after the thing through Chris's stories. I remembered how I felt the first time I read them online. Remembering the despair. Someone else walks up.
"I am in that book, page 247"
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, they call me Peace Among the Ruins"
"Very cool"

Later the same gentleman came over and told me of a art gallery opening for Chris Rose on Nov. 2nd and that he would be doing a book signing as well, if I wanted my book signed. I told him since the first addition was signed, I might as well get the new one signed as well.

I continued reading on until it was time to get to start flyer-ing. I realized at one point that almost 2 years ago? We didn't think there would ever be this problem again....but here we are, 2 years and a few months after the thing, there is so much going on this weekend that people are going to be overwhelmed with the opportunities this weekend. It is actually a really good problem to have.

I tend to talk to people down here about the perfect NOLA moments that seem to happen. Random things will happen, and you will look at someone and say "that is a NOLA moment" several happened last night. I took my weekly jaunt to d.b.a to see Paul Sanchez who was playing his last Thursday night gig there until next year. During one of his songs (I forget which one) a bottle fell in perfect strum with him. He even had to stop to mention it. Later right as he was playing one of his last songs, a parade went by. Seriously there were people on stilts, costumes, music and just having a fantastic time. All we knew is it was a parade in NOLA. That was definetly a moment. We had laughs the entire night. Paul was just happy and having a good time, the song requests were coming out of left field and we heard some pretty interesting ones. Back in March when Paul started the first round of Thursday night gigs, it was a rainy and stormy night. There was lighting flashing everywhere. Last night? The same thing. I thought it was poetic, starting and ending with the same type of weather. To me that was a great moment. Always remember those kind of moments, NOLA ones or not.

While I have a few moments, okay while the bosses are at lunch or out of town, I am going to take a few minutes to remember rather ask those of you that read this to remember what happened 2 years ago tomorrow. In some instances it feels like Katrina happened yesterday. Maybe that stems from the fact that the city is still struggling. Other times it feels like it happened years and years and years ago. Sometimes it feels like the city will still be struggling years and years down the road.

Many things have improved. This has been shown without a doubt. The French Quarter is alive, the Garden District is alive. Mid-City is getting there. 9th Ward and Lakeview? They have a long way to go still. Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, French Quarter Fest, Satchmo Fest and almost every fest in between has happened twice. Life is moving on for many. Life moved on for most everyone in the country probably just a few months after. For some people in the city, they are still living the nightmare.

FEMA trailers are now being found to have high amounts of formaldhyde in them. People went from having their houses, homes, lives ripped apart, to now living in a poisonious tin can. They are still fighting with FEMA, insurance companies, SBA, and so many others to try to regain some sort of resemblence of their former lives. There are people that have gotten out of the trailers and are now living 6 or more people to a small 1-2 bedroom apartment because the rent is so high. Some landlords raised the rent to make a buck, some had to do it because their insurance is now sky high.

There are so many other issues that I could mention, it is an ongoing struggle down here. I just want to remind people that as bad as it can be? It is still the best place to be. You have the music, the food, the people. There is a special aura about this city that will either pull you in and never let go, or spit ya right back out. It is a city unto it's own. Come spend some time down here, hear some groovy backstreet tunes, eat a bowl of red beans and rice, have a few beverages, support the local businesses. Help New Orleans to recover from Katrina.

The past week has been crazy. Not insane crazy, just crazy. Some things good, some things bad. For once it seems to have a nice balance. If you want to call it that.

The bad? Well I am not going to go into all of it here. Some things are better left off the internet and just between the people involved. We are still looking for a place to live. We have it narrowed down to 2 places and well it isn't easy. Two of us want one place, but could go to either place. One of us doesn't really seem to like either, and the one they really want isn't even an option. It hasn't been a lot of fun at all. Once again my computer died. I kid you not. When I have two seconds at home when I don't fall asleep I will call and make them take it back. They need to physically do something. I need to do it fast. The 2 year warranty is about to be up.

The good? Well I had a nice time with the Mulvey's. A lot of food and drink were consumed. Other wonderful friend's coming into town for the day. Life seems okay when Gayle and Hank visit. Two very wonderful people. I received my per capita money this weekend. And instead of saving it for the move, and other various needs, I got another tattoo. It wasn't my whole per capita money but a chunk of it. I had been wanting to get a grizzly paw for some time, and I also knew that I wanted a dream catcher eventually. Well I found a design at Electric Lady Land that incorporated the two. I now have it on my ankle. Left, on the outside. It turned out really nice. Lisa has a picture of it on her flikr page. If you are anxious to see it, you can look there. If and when I get my computer fixed I will post a picture of it here. She also has a picture of me getting the tattoo....I think it is a cool looking shot. Of course you can see her newest tattoo there as well. Satchmo Fest was also this weekend. I only went for a couple sets. They were for ones that Leroy and Katja played at. They had me selling CDs for them, and sells went pretty darn good if I say so myself. It was really hot this weekend and the thought of dancing to music in the heat just wasn't there. I did however meet a very nice guy who has seen me out and about either selling merch or just enjoying the music. We had a nice lunch yesterday and well who knows...we will see. :)

This past Sunday also marked my 3 year anniversary here in New Orleans. It is amazing to think that I have been here for that long. So much has happened. There are many more things that will continue to happen both good and bad. You just have to keep on going.

Getting older really sucks. Three years ago, this would not have been a problem. Maybe it is the fact that I am not getting older, but could be that I know more people now than I did then? I am not sure, but I am in a happy exhausted state right now. You know how you pick up a biography on some celebrity or famous person and they are recalling what happened to them when they were still in the womb like it was yesterday? I don’t remember what I wore yesterday. Do all these people have photographic memories? Or is mine like a sieve? I do recall the following bits of information; they are going to come at you in a bullet style, only because that is as much as my brain can handle at this time. I really do love this time of year.

French Quarter Fest was an amazing time of music and friends. Of course of drink.
Favorite set on Friday was John Boutte, Paul Sanchez and Friends
Favorite set on Saturday was New Orleans Helsinki Connection
Favorite set on Sunday was Bonerama. What I remember, it was such a flurry of activity at the merch table that I couldn’t tell you what songs they played or for how long.
I have some pretty awesome friends.
Hoochie Mama Voodoo Pleasure Lounge is the place to be.
Rain doesn’t stop anyone during FQF
I am excited beyond excited for my friends to arrive in town today!!
Tomorrow is the wedding for two of my dear, dear, dear friends.
Friday is the Bonerama cd release party.

And the number one reason that makes me happy right now?? My sister could potentially go into labor at any time. She is starting in on that last 3 weeks, however with the news yesterday? That little girl may make an early appearance and maybe her mom can take note. HA!!!!!!

Last night, Wednesday in the Square. Cowboy Mouth up on stage. I heard the music, it went by in such a blur however I still don’t know if I was really there. I was on one of the Abita Light taps. I killed 4 kegs on my own. It was pour, set on table while the other another is pouring. When I finally got a second to look at my watch? It was 10 after 7. We had 20 minutes left to serve and the line was STILL insane. In all we killed 41 kegs. It was a perfect spring evening here in the Big Easy. It can’t get any better than that!

I just have to make it through the work day today then it is 3 day weekend time for me again, as it is the best festival down here in NOLA. (don’t get me wrong, I have a FANTASTIC time at Jazz Fest) however French Quarter Fest? It is the best. Free music for 3 days straight, about 99.9% local bands, there are a few bands from overseas. No big names thrown in. It is going to be so much fun! I am going to start the day out right starting with the 2nd line.

Red Bull is starting to stack up in my fridge. It has begun!

Mardi Gras 2007 is officially over and has been over for several days. I am just now starting to feel "normal" I don't even know where to start. I guess starting way back about 2 weeks ago. Because that is what started it all in full swing.

Friday Feb 9th. I got off work and ran down to the quarter to catch a bit of the Krewe of Cork parade. That looks like a good krewe to be part of! Dancing through the quarter in costume drinking wine. The band consisted of a few people I knew, Leroy, Katja and Mark Braud. Some friends caught up with me as well in the quarter. When the walking parade was done we headed out to Matty's house which isn't that far off the parade route. It became a gathering place. Food and booze were collected then we headed on off to catch the evening parades. We then decided to go to the Maple Leaf for an AMAZING night of music and celebration.

Saturday Feb 10th Kristen and I decided to go downtown to watch the parades so we would be closer to the ferry to Old Point. We caught about 4 floats of the first parade then we had to leave, we wanted to make it across the river before the Orpheus Open House ended. We just barely made it. Appetizers and drinks were consumed at the Dry Dock Bar with our dear B.R. friends. We then all headed back to Matty's to hang out and wait for the evening parades. We ended up missing the parades, and that was just okay. We did make it out to Le Bon Temps to see Big Sam that night. Talk about crazy packed. Le Bon Temps isn't that big to begin with. I thought for awhile it was just me getting old and not liking the crowds, but it was REALLY packed.

Sunday Feb 11th We watched the parades out on St. Charles. This was a special day as my dear friends got engaged this day. There were a TON of people out there to witness the event, Megan had NO clue it was going to happen at all. A ring box was tossed off the float during King Arthur, it was a quick swap with the real ring box with the ring, next thing Megan knew (she was trying to get beads from their friends riding) Andy was on bended knee presenting the ring. Needless to say we didn't see much of the rest of that parade!!

Monday Feb 12th. Recovery day. I was going to do laundry this day and start cleaning as family was arriving soon. I made Kristen do her laundry first.

Tuesday Feb 13th. 3:00 AM tornado rips through the neighborhood. We lost the balcony roof, shattered windows (the one in my room is not repaired yet not that I am complaining) We spent all day cleaning up the mess. I was amazed and shocked at how fast the response was. The city had people out on our street by 7:30 AM done by about 4:00 PM. Nagin (our mayor) stopped by our house to see how we were. Kristen and I decided to stay at the house even without the power.

Wednesday Feb. 14th. By noon we had power, which was a good thing because my sister was coming into town!! Lisa came to my work, hung out for a bit then Kristen came to pick us up. We went back over to Matty and Sherrilynn's for more parade madness and a very yummy dinner. While they all went out to hear music, Lisa and I headed back to the house.

Thursday Feb. 15th. I worked this day, taking off an hour early and met up with my sister on the bus who had been out exploring Magazine. Once home we got all bundled up in layers of clothes then headed back out to Matty and Sherrilynn's. There we took in the 3 parades, the favorite being of course Muses. That parade pretty much rules.

Friday Feb 16th. I went into work a bit late. I spent most of the day praying to the flight gods that the Mulveys would FINALLY make it to town (they were suppose to be here on the 14th) Lisa and I wandered through the quarter for a bit then met up with our dear B.R. friends and Kristen at the Ugly Dog. At this time I knew the Mulveys were on their flight but I was under strict instruction NOT to say anything to the B.R. krewe. That was some damn hard work. We wandered up to Lee Circle and caught the parades. Right as they were ending I told Hank that I had a few new friends for them to meet, cuz coming down the street were the Mulveys. The look on Hank's face was priceless!! We even convinced Gayle to meet us back down at the Dog, and she was suprised, though I think she figured it out before she walked in. We then ran off to the airport (back roads don't help during MG time, we kept getting trapped behind floats on the move) were we picked up my brother in law.

Saturday Feb 17th. We started off towards the quarter and saw the masses of people all lined up already for the parades. Kristen and I decided to find spots to hold down for the day. We sent my sister and bro-in-law off to the quarter with the Mulvey's while we held down a spot at Lee Circle with Matty and Sherrilynn. The best parade of the day was Tucks. Our next door neighbors were riding and they piled us with loot. In fact Kristen is still sporting the bruise on her forehead from a full on frontal attack. I had words with the cab driver who wouldn't bring my cousin downtown. It is a flat rate from the airport and the cabby would have been stuck in the traffic for awhile. Not my fault she was on the airport run. If we had given the driver a hotel to drop my cousin off in, she would have had no choice. As it was I had to give her directions to my house, which is right off a major intersection. My cousin had to sit on the porch until we got there to pick her up. Kristen knew a round a bout way to get back, and she managed to score the same parking space. Endymion sucked except for my Taylor Hicks beads that some lady caught and gave to me. She had heard me telling people around me that that was the mission, was getting beads from Taylor. (I am guessing she heard or someone told her) the throws sucked from Endymion (when they threw em) and the drunken college students that showed up (squeezing into the space we had been in for 8 hours) really put a damper on the parade. They were even throwing beer bottles at the riders. Jerk offs.

Sunday Feb. 18th. We all headed down to the quarter...again traffic was a nightmare. We let Lisa, Scott and Jessica off so they could explore out on Esplanade. As we crept along Decatur I realized I had to go to the bathroom. I jumped out of the car at Molly's used the facilities and grabbed a few drinks to go. Of course by then the traffic was moving. I didn't catch up with the car until the other side of Harrahs. Let's put it this way. I made it clear across the quarter in about 10 mins or less. With drinks. We then walked back to the quarter were we met up with everyone at Pat O's. We met up with the Mulveys out on Bourbon then we all walked past the Jolie/Pitt household. We eventually went out to the Treme to visit Leroy and Katja. We didn't catch any of the day parades this day. We headed out to the end of the parade route were we got some spots and watched Bacchus. A great parade for catches. After it was over the fam headed over to hang with some friends who booked a hotel room for a couple of nights. They didn't want to do the driving back and forth from the North Shore.

Monday Feb. 19th. We got parking early, took Jessica to Acme, Harrah's then down to Molly's. We had a hike to get back to the convention center in time for the Orpheus Press Conference. We just made it. Got to say hi to Harry. Lisa, Kristen and I decided that we were going to the beginning of the parade. Good thing we did, we got our pics with Sean Payton, Harry and Patricia Clarkson there. Sean was so much fun!! At one point he was even singing in my ear!! We raced back to the end of the parade route and caught the parade. We all then raced over to Holwin Wolf were I got the merch table set up and Bonerama opened for George Porter Jr and the Runnin Pardners. This was really the only super late night. Pretty soon the only one left from my krewe was Kristen. Everyone else had left to get some shut eye. The band stopped around 4 AM. Bed by 5 AM.

Tuesday Feb. 20th. Up at 8:30 AM and out the door by 9:30 AM. We had the best cab driver who got us down to the Bywater for the start of the St. Anne parade. We made it through the whole thing, Lisa and Scott decided to go and nap while my cousin and I kept going. By the time Kristen caught up with us, we were pretty wiped. I think we got home at 10 that night. It was one of the best Mardi Gras days ever!!

Wed. Feb 21st...everyone headed home. :(

Thursday Feb. 22nd back to work.

I suffered the worst tension headache for about 2 days...it is just now starting to fade. Have stayed home both last night and tonight. Amazing. I am just wiped, however I would not change a moment of it for anything!!

We are 9 days into the new year. New Orleans is at this time facing a murder a day. The latest victim was found in his house. 2 blocks from my house. Last year we had about 161 murders. For a small amount of time city officials tried to make that sound good. However when you look at the fact that compared to other years, there aren't as many people in the city, it is not a good number. This Thursday there will be a march on City Hall. Citizens are getting tired of the bad. It really is time to take back this city. It is just now starting to thrive, tourism is finally on the rise, people are willing to come back. Now this. They are even in talks for putting a curfew back in affect. That is really going to mess up Mardi Gras Season, tourism and just about everything but in the long run if it will help and they actually ENFORCE the curfew it, we may all have to grin and bear it for awhile. However there has been a juvenile curfew in effect since June and I really don't think they are enforcing that so well. It is a sad time right now. New Orleans needs more help in surviving, it is a city that is struggling everyday.

Officials looking for answers as killings continue
By Laura MaggiStaff writer
The 2007 murder total continued to climb Monday to eight killings in New Orleans - an average of one murder per day - as city leaders and citizens grappled with how to stem a seemingly unstoppable wave of violence. Over the weekend, New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Warren Riley floated the idea of imposing a citywide curfew as a way to help police control the streets. A juvenile curfew is currently in place, implemented in June after a slew of violent murders, including a quintuple killing. But on Monday morning, Riley spoke more tentatively about the idea, saying that the concept was still in the discussion phase and that input was needed from a variety of groups, such as business leaders and community organizations. Meanwhile, Mayor Ray Nagin and the City Council were readying their own crime-fighting initiatives, with an announcement of short-term strategies expected for sometime Tuesday, according to sources at City Hall.Later on Monday, Riley called a press conference to detail a string of gun and drug arrests made by officers in Central City, attempting to send a signal to frazzled residents that police are tackling the roots of violent crime. Police say that murders in New Orleans are linked to the bustling drug trade in certain neighborhoods, with dealers and users alike most often the targets of street violence. But at least two of the recent murders have reached beyond that paradigm, including the shooting of Dinerral Shavers, a teacher and drummer for the Hot 8 Brass Band, in late December. Police arrested his alleged shooter a day later, saying the 17-year-old was actually targeting Shavers' 15-year-old stepson. Residents have also galvanized over the shooting death of Helen Hill, an animator and filmmaker, in her home on North Rampart on Jan. 4. The spate of murders has ignited a new focus on violent crime in a city still struggling to gain a foothold 17 months after Hurricane Katrina. At the core of the city's fragility is its seeming inability to lower the per-capita murder rate, despite the fact that the NOPD's somewhat-depleted ranks have been supplemented for months by Louisiana National Guard soldiers and Louisiana State Police officers. To express their outrage, citizens met Sunday in the Marigny to plan a march on City Hall for Thursday that one organizer said could rival a similar protest more than 10 years ago that prompted increased financing for the NOPD. "I think it is going to be significant. I think it will be reminiscent of when the citizens came up and arms around the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen murders," said Nathan Chapman, president of Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents and Associates Inc. The brutal slaying by a former employee and two accomplices of three employees of the French Quarter pizza restaurant on Dec. 1, 1996 sparked a public outcry that led then-Mayor Marc Morial and the City Council to reverse their positions on providing more money for police. Similarly, city officials and business leaders are expected to announce initiatives this week to tackle crime, although details were few on Monday. As well as the curfew idea, Riley has said he is looking at increasing foot patrols and reassigning officers to front-line duty. Officials within the tourism industry reacted negatively on Monday to the idea of imposing a curfew on a city where visitors come to have a good time into the early morning hours. "The damage would far outweigh the good. The implementation of a curfew in New Orleans could have a devastating impact on the pace of tourism recovery and have little overall impact on incidents of crime," said Stephen Perry, president and chief executive officer of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. French Quarter bar owner Earl Bernhardt agreed, saying that his Bourbon Street Alliance sent a letter to Mayor Ray Nagin and Riley expressing their objections. "We are just now starting to get tourism back to some semblance of normality. If you do this, it is going to kill things," Bernhardt said. Perry said the city's business community is readying its own proposals for improving crime fighting, which will be announced over the next week. He would not offer specifics, but said that many will likely need financial backing from the state, necessitating that Gov. Kathleen Blanco and the Legislature help tackle this escalating problem. After a quiet weekend with no murders, 40-year-old Steve Blair was found by police early Monday morning inside an abandoned Hollygrove house. Blair became New Orleans' 8th victim of the year. A 9th victim, an unidentified woman discovered last week underneath a rug in the Lower 9th Ward, is believed to have been killed in the last days of December, according to the coroner's office. Officers responding to a report of shots fired found Blair around 12:30 a.m., lying on the floor inside a residence in the 2500 block of Dublin Street, police said. Blair was shot multiple times in the head and torso, police said, and emergency medical technicians pronounced him dead at the scene. Streaks of blood stained the house's front porch, littered with broken furniture and beer cans. Several neighbors declined to comment. While they had no news Monday on possible arrests in any of the murders since the beginning of the year, Riley and leaders from the NOPD's 6th District held a press conference to highlight the arrest of a number of men in Central City on drug and gun charges over the weekend. Capt. Robert Bardy, the commander of the district, said one arrest in particular showed the importance of citizen input, which the police in recent days have highlighted as absolutely necessary to solving homicides. "That is what we are trying to encourage," he said. Following a tip from a citizen, the newly formed "crime abatement team" task-force was able to arrest a group of drug dealers on Magnolia Street, collecting five grams each of heroin and cocaine and three guns. Bardy said district officers also nabbed three Harvey men who held up a pedestrian on Terpsichore Street, later finding an assault rifle in the men's vehicle. On Monday, Riley also met with a group of ministers who are members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a civil-rights group, to try to tackle another problem for his department: the recent indictment of seven police officers for the murder and attempted murder on the Danziger Bridge following Hurricane Katrina. Several civil rights organizations have expressed concerns that four police officers indicted on first-degree murder for the shooting of two men were recently released on bail, saying it raises questions about possible preferential treatment. After the meeting, which both sides termed "productive," Riley and the ministers agreed that they all wanted the criminal justice system to deal with the case. "We need to give the system an opportunity to work and function," said Rev. Byron Clay, the regional vice president of the SCLC. Riley also invited the group to offer "sensitivity training" to police officers. Clay and other ministers said they too are concerned about the increase in violent crime, saying that they will offer the police department any necessary help to work with the community.Staff writer Brendan McCarthy and the Associated Press contributed to this report.Laura Maggi can be reached at lmaggi@timespicayune.com or at (504) 826-3316.

Here we are. Onto the 1st Friday of the year. Dear god and baby Jesus it feels like this week in itself has been a year. Today will feel like a year. It is so worth it. I had one of those evenings last night in which it makes me realize yet once again why I am so happy to be living in NOLA. Paul Sanchez played his first solo show since leaving Cowboy Mouth. It was himself on guitar and my friend Craig Klein on Trombone. John Boutte sat in for a few songs. The entire evening was a musical orgasm. The entire vibe of the night was incredible. Everyone was so happy to be there. When John sings, it is like, a choir of angels and he was ON last night. The respect that each musician had for each other was amazing. Paul kept throwing songs in that they hadn't rehearsed and if he hadn't mentioned it? You wouldn't have any idea that Craig was just winging it all night. Craig said later that this gig was one of his top 5 gigs that he has ever played, he loved it the challenge. Paul was sweet enough to dedicate a song to me. "All are Welcome in Heaven" I have a chance!! YES!! I was honored to be an audience member for this gig. You never know when you walk into a club here in NOLA if you are going to experience a night of great music or not. Being able to have that option makes life complete.

There are two places that I have been going to alot. Where everyone knows my name. Okay so maybe that last part isn't true, but alot of people do! Obviously I talk about the Maple Leaf alot. I am there alot because of the two bands I help out, Bonerama and Porter Batiste and Stoltz. I will find myself going there when they aren't playing. I will either go down with the roomie or by myself. I know I will always run into someone that I know there. Most of them I met because they are always there as well. It is close to home, cheap drinks and good music.

The newest place that I have fallen in love with? Is Chickie Wah Wah. Go ahead, say it out loud a few times. It is a great name. I first went to Chickie Wah Wah when Bonerama played there. I was back there this weekend. It isn't too far from the house, but not as close as the Leaf. The music? fantastic. The drinks? good. free food? awesome. But what really makes Chickie Wah Wah, Chickie Wah Wah? Well that would be Dale the owner. He has to be one of the hardest working bar owners in the city. If not THE hardest working bar owner. It isn't in the best area, in fact nothing is really open yet around the bar. Dale takes care of his customers, the bands and I am going to assume his employees. Kristen told him she was a vegetarian. So what does he do? He made the red beans and rice veggie for her. No one else noticed. We are going to make Chickie Wah Wah a more regular stop from now on.

It seems like it was weeks ago since my last post. In hasn't even been a full week. It has been non stop action since then. I don't know when I have enjoyed a Thanksgiving holiday so much. I truly hope that everyone had just as fantastic weekend as I did.

Wednesday after work, I went directly over to my friend's house for our big Thanksgiving day dinner. It was a wonderful evening catching up with a lot of people and hanging out with the coolest 3 year old I know. The food was amazing, the conversation even better. By the time I got home I just crashed, and crashed hard. You couldn't plan an evening like that, you just let it happen.

Thursday morning I watched a bit of the Macy's Parade, one year I will go to that. It can't be as exciting and adrenaline pumping as a Mardi Gras Parade, but it is still one thing I want to check out. I then headed on over to a friend's house that lives by the race track. We all enjoyed bagels, mimosa's, bloody mary's and even more great conversation before heading on over to the race track for opening day of the races. I saw even more people I knew there, got to enjoy the wonderful weather, only lost $6, and got to enjoy one of my favorite activities, People watching. Some people really got dressed up and had the coolest most amazing hats. The races ended in the early evening and I turned down a dinner of leftovers to go home and rest for a bit. I then headed out to the Leaf for an evening of music by the Trio and see some more people. It turned out to be another pleasant evening.

Friday I woke up nice bright and early for some insane reason. I ended up spending the day working on the neverending blanket and watching movies. Before I knew it, it was time to head back to the Leaf to work merch for Bonerama. It was the first time seeing most of the guys since their return from Vegas and Comic Relief. They all had some pretty fun stories to tell. They sounded just amazing. As my friend TF said "I could just listen to them all night every night"

Saturday came, and it was really spent sleeping and catching up with my roomie Kristen who had been gone for the past week. She literally came straight from the airport to the Bonerama gig. We checked out the art market in the park across the street, then it was out to hear more music. We checked out Leroy Jones and Katja out at Harrah's then went to my favorite new bar, Chickie Wah Wah. Terrance Higgins was playing. He is the drummer for Dirty Dozen and has been sitting in with Bonerama alot. He is a fantastic drummer and a very sweet wonderful man as well.

Sunday was spent out by the river. It was a concert of Thanksgiving featuring the Arabi Wrecking Krewe all stars and it was a thank you to all the Volunteers. The first set was probably my favorite, at least 20 people onstage, brass band style. I can't convey in words how wonderful yesterday was. Seeing so many people I knew, listening to great music, in the city I love. It was a nice way to end the weekend.

A year ago today I was in tears, scared, and not sure what was going to happen. I know I sure as hell wasn't the only one. I didn't think that I was going to get to come home ever again. I know for a fact that I wasn't thinking that a year later I would be 2nd lining down Poydras street.

Yesterday started off on a rather odd foot. I headed to work as normal, when I was a block away, I could see alot of the people standing outside. As I got closer one of the guys in the shop said, "the power is out" It had been out since about 6:30 or so. There was apparentley a fire in one of the underground lines, it blow a man cover off, smoke was billowing. The power was out from our building all the way down to the river. So we were told. We hung out for awhile, then around 9 when it was made clear that the power wouldn't be on anytime soon, we were all sent home. As it turned out? It came back on about 9:30 AM. An unscheduled day off.

I headed home and chilled for a bit, then I went out to enjoy the city like Lisa suggested. I went down to the Quarter and ate a bit of lunch at Napoleon House. I then headed back down to the CBD area. I had been told by Sheik that is where the Treme Brass Band was meeting for the 2nd line. The 2nd line was to go from the Convention Center down to the Superdome. When I got there, I saw a ton of people that I hadn't seen in awhile including Uncle Lionel, Rob Espino, Bruce, Craig to mention a few. There were a small contigent of Arabi Wrecking Krewe'rs there as well....Brian got to play with the Treme. The parade was to start at 2, it was more like 3 or 3:30. Before we got started, the band would play a few songs and it was amusing to watch the reporters, photographers, and camera men flock to them like they were gods. I can not explain the feeling that overcame me when the band started playing "I'll Fly Away" as we danced down Poydras Street. I had chills. Not only was the band playing and several members singing, but the crowd following them was singing at the top of their (our lungs) There were people lining the streets cheering and dancing. I almost lost my group at one point. I got sidetracked by a certain anchor of CNN. Anderson Cooper. He was just hanging out behind the barricaded street, watching the parade with his dog. I snapped a few pics and shook his hand. By the time we reached the Super Dome we were all soaked in sweat. Not only was my ankle swollen, but the entire foot. It was worth it however. I don't know how the guys in the band did it. They didn't stop playing, and the water that I did have left only got as far as Craig and Rob at the end.

A few of us decided to head out to find a bar. Only requirements? AC, beer, water and food. We ended up at Mother's. Pretty much back at the beginning of where the parade had started. We had just gotten our food when General Honore walked in!! We then headed up to the Circle Bar. At this point I should mention we were still walking....we hung out there for a bit, then it was time to walk BACK to the NO Arena where we met up with Grace and Kristen. We took in the concert that Wynton Marsalis had organized featuring the following people (I know I am not going to remember everyone) George Porter Jr, Leo Nocentelli, Ivan Neville, Cyril Neville, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Raymond Weber, John Boutte (that was just the first band!!) Dr. John (in a fantastic red suit and he even got up from the piano and danced his heart out) then out came the gospel groups Mary, Mary. Kim Burrell, Kirk Franklin. Wyton Marsalis played. Dr. Michael White was with that group. The to round out the evening Stevie Wonder. Stevie had Wyton, Kim and Kirk all out at one point or another.

By the time I made it home, it was after midnight. I was sore, hobbling and for the most part enjoying every minute of it. I do have pictures from the days events. However I was too tired last night to put them up. I just crashed. I will get those up sometime today.

Really, was a difference a year can make. Not in overall improvements in the city, but considering a year ago where I was emotionally? It is a huge improvement.

We are fast approaching "that" day. In all that has happened in this past year, it still feels like yesterday. Maybe it is because for about six months I was in a complete fog. Let me take you back to almost a year ago. The Friday before it happened.

I had just celebrated my birthday. My friends from PA had just left town the night before. The place I worked before, well they closed the office on that Friday. We were all going fishing. Seriously. Most everyone went up the night before. We stayed in a cabin, drank wine, ate tons of food and just mellowed out. Before the sun even rose, we were out at the landing dock. (excuse the lack of knowledge when it comes to fishing terms) It was storming around us. Thunder and lighting....pouring down rain. We waited a good hour for it to stop, then we broke off into smaller groups and boarded our boats. It was pretty cool to watch the sun rise from the bayou. We out-ran rain storms on the boat. In and out of different channels. We went and saw the ship that had gotten tossed on its side by Ivan the year before, just a rusted out shell. We went to a fishing cabin, our captian knew the owners. We hung out there for awhile trying to see the alligators. I actually caught some fish. I think it was 2. Could have been 3. Maybe it was 1. After spending a good chunk of our day out on the water we headed back....there we got our fish, all cleaned up and ready for us to cook. We then headed out to the picnic area where we had a food fest of jambalya, shrimps, crawfish, whatever we could stuff ourselves with. At one point one of the captians came over and said "Katrina bounced off Florida, she could head this way" Seriously, when he said that? there was no reaction from anyone. Because up to that point? no one had heard of this storm. Or rather, not much about it. At that time there wasn't much to say. I made it home exhausted around 7 in the evening. I promtly fell asleep.

The next morning I was chilling on the couch watching some movie....when a roommate came home, "Are you going to leave?" she asks me. "For what??" "the hurricane that is coming" um no. I am not evacuating for a hurricane. It won't be that bad. They always say its going to be a bad one and it isn't. It probably won't even come this way. I decided to stay. Even after watching the coverage (which locally started around 1 or 2 on Saturday), talking to several people. At that time I didn't have a car, so after both roomies left? I was on my own. I wasn't worried. I had some supplies, I cooked up a bunch of food that I could eat later cold. I made ice. I filled the tubs. I was good to go. I was even calling my friends to see if they were still playing at Donna's that night. To my suprise they were on their way out of town. I was even wondering if the Krewe of Oak, Midsummer party was happening down the street at the Maple Leaf. I decided to stay home and have my own hurricane party. I didn't sleep much that night. Early the next morning? I started to worry. It was a Cat 5 now. It really is the big one. It really is coming this way. I am stuck here. I figure I can go to the superdome if it gets really bad. Then I realize I can't take my cat. My cat will go with me no matter what. So its either I stay put...or find a way out of town. If I didn't have my cat? I would have stayed. I watched the last of my neighbors leave. It was so quiet. That feeling of oh crap....I think I did something stupid by staying, that feeling just rushed over me at that point. As luck had it? A co-worker and her hubby were still in town. and they were gettin out. They came and got me. I didnt take much. Like most everyone else. I took my computer, a small duffel bag, my cat, her food and a small pan for her to use. That was it. About 4 hours into the trip, we were sitting on the Bonne Carre Spillway. In the countraflow. A dead stop. All four lanes. (for those of you that don't know, the spillway is maybe a half hour away...it took us 4 hours to get there) A feeder band came through. You could see it coming....the rain was just coming...the wind started rocking all the cars....the road was moving and shaking. I just kept thinking if this collapses? How far is it to swim with the kitty carrier above my head. The feeder band passed in about 5 minutes. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. You could see the fear in everyone around us. 12 hours after leaving New Orleans, we reached our destination. It was Jennings, LA. About 6 hours later, the full force of Katrina hit. We were all watching. we couldn't believe what we were seeing. When it was over? It didn't seem that bad. It really didn't. We figured by wed.....we would be on our way home. I was sleeping on the couch....well sleeping is a figurative term...I kept the TV on. I realized very early how bad the levee breaks were getting to be. Tuesday morning when my co-worker got up...she found me crying. "We aren't going to go home for a long long time" Later that day we headed to Austin. From there I went to Hickory Creek, TX. Where I spent the next 8 weeks with my dear dear friends. It was nice to have a few fellow evacuees staying there....we could commiserate together. I can vividly remember my first trip back in mid-Oct. when all that came out of my mouth as we got off the freeway by my house was "oh shit, oh shit, oh shit" nothing looked the same. It was almost like a dejavu feeling. I knew I had been there before, but...well it didn't look quite the same. Memories, emotions and life have all blurred together in the last year. There have been some amazing highs and some very very low lows. I was right though, even though I am back in New Orleans, its going to be a long time before it will really feel like home again. This city still needs help. All of the gulf coast does. I can do what I can do, with Arabi Wrecking Krewe. I can continue to support the restaurants, the merchants, the musicians. I am will help make this city live again.

What I experienced? It is nothing....absoultely nothing compared to those that did stay. That had no way out. They had no choice. It didn't have to be this way.

Wheee it is Friday! I love this day. It is a good day. After all the work drama? I am ready for the weekend. Tonight one of my fellow AWK'ers will get his first dose of Bonerama. I think he will survive. Hopefully he will understand the whole "dig the bone" thing now. Tomorrow I may or may not wreck. It depends on how late this night goes. After that? Who knows what the weekend will bring. I am just going to go with the flow. There are a few movies I want to see, so I may take in one. I am going to just enjoy this city to its fullest this weekend. As we come up to the anniversary of the thing, I want to take it in more and more and remember what it was like a year ago, to what it is now. To see how much has changed....some say for the better some say for the worse. If ya'll get the chance to see the documentary "Song for New Orleans" check it out. It premiered last night on TV here and its going to air a few more times, leading up the anniversary. I even spotted a few people I knew in it! It is worth a look.....it really hit what this was about for me.

I finally feel rested today. It had been a crazy weekend. After I got off work on Thursday we headed out to Craig's house. There was a mini-jam session and several of the musicians were from Japan. They donated $10,000 to Arabi Wrecking Krewe! Much needed and much appreciated. They also donated a few insturments as well. We had a yummy dinner that night with Lisa and Fam, even if the service was really really slow. I guess its the norm around here now. Friday morning started early for me. I was out the door and on my way to the Quarter at 6:45 AM. My ride, Boy Wonder, was meeting me at the corner of Decatur and Esplanade. We made it to the Sanchez household and we were working hard by 9:00. Paul and John Boutte stopped by for a bit, to thank us and see if there was anything we needed. We had a great krewe working. By the time that Shelly and Paul came back to the house with lunch, we were just getting started with taking down the sheetrock. I finally experienced the pain of being bit by Fire Ants. I really hope not to experience that again. By the time we left around 5, the house was done. Nails need to come out and pressure washing is next. At this point however, their house is safe from being demolished and the land seized. Once I was home I had about an hour to shower, change and grab something to eat. Then it was out the door and back Frenchmen street where I got to see a lot of people and hear Hot Club of New Orleans, The Japanese band, John Boutte, and New Orleans Nightcrawlers. We made it home around 2:30 AM or so. We were up by 8 and out wrecking at Mike Mayeaux's house by 9:30. We stayed there just the right amount of time (saved 5 baby mice). We headed out to Wal-Mart and then back home to get ready for the BBQ we were having at the house. Once the torrential downpour ended we had a great time! A few hours of sleep and it was back to the Quarter to enjoy Satchmo Fest. It was a great weekend filled with friends, food, music, drink (lots of drink I have a ton of beer left at the house). I will take weekends like that any day.

Today is the beginning of MY month. It’s my Birthday Month!! It is going to be a rocking month too. The following goodies are planned in the next month

-Tomorrow Lisa and Mike come to town.
-Thursday there is a Japanese documentary team in town to do a piece on AWK
-Friday is the Pub Crawl on Frenchmen Street
-Saturday its Wrecking, Satchmo Fest and a BBQ at my place. Of course it is the fantastic Kristy K’s Birthday as well!! (I doubt I am going to Satchmo Fest though….wrecking takes precedence) Saturday also happens to by my 2 year mark on living in New Orleans.
-Sun