Harmony St. Charles

Shopping List

2005-12-04T13:53:00.000-06:00

Chuck over at The Gumbo Pages has compliled a great list of NOLA merchants that are open for busines and/or online. I hope you'll consider them when shopping for gifts this holiday season.

*I've taken the liberty of posting his exact list here:

MUSIC
Louisiana Music Factory: The best record store in New Orleans, concentrating on local artists. Indispensible!!

Basin Street Records, featuring Kermit Ruffins, Los Hombres Calientes, Irvin Mayfield, Jason Marsalis, Dr. Michael White, Henry Butler, Jon Cleary and more.
Tim Laughlin, superb jazz clarinetist (and my old high school classmate)
OffBeat: New Orleans and Louisiana's Roots Music Magazine. Indispensible. Subscribe at $29/year, and right now a $200 donation to keep them afloat will get you a lifetime subscription!
Quintron and Miss Pussycat, "Swamp-tech / Noise / Mood" music from beloved local characters of the Spellcaster Lodge, St. Claude Ave., Bywater.
Jim Russell's Rare Records: Rare LPs, 45s, 78s. Can be expensive, but can also be a last-chance treasure trove of vinyl.
STR Digital, contemporary New Orleans music.
Don Vappie and the Creole Jazz Serenaders, Traditional New Orleans Jazz.

ART
A Gallery for Fine Photography: Joshua Mann Pailet's gallery is one of the finest photography galleries in the nation. Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Yousuf Karsh, Jan Saudek, Jerry N. Uelsmann, Herman Leonard, many more.
The Bywater Art Market: Original works of art from local and regional artists.
Derby Pottery and Tile: Beautiful ceramic art based on local motifs. (I have several of Mark Derby's pieces.)
Hanson Gallery, local and international artists: Adrian Deckbar, Peter Max, Malcolm Liepke, Frederick Hart, Raymond Douillet, Michelle Gagliano, Patterson & Barnes, Thomas Arvid, many more. Currently offering 10% discounts on pieces under $5000 through Dec. 31!
LeMieux Galleries, Louisiana and Gulf Coast artists: Shirley Rabé Masinter, Leslie Staub, many more.
Photo Works New Orleans: A gallery of New Orleans photographs by Louis Sahuc. Ask for the poster version of Louis' wonderful photographs of Napoleon House proprietor Joe Impastato and his lady friend Margi, a true New Orleans delight and a wonderfully affordable gift.
Christopher Porché West Photography, "A Studio on Desire": Porché West documents the cultural life of the city, including jazz, Mardi Gras Indians, African-American subjects and more.
Arthur Roger Gallery, local and international artists: Debbie Fleming Caffery, Mitchell Gaudet, Greg Gorman, Francis X. Pavy, Michael Willmon, many more.
Stone + Press Gallery, specializing in mezzotints and fine art prints.
Studio Inferno: Glass art by Mitchell Gaudet, James Vella, Erica Hauben, Morgan Graff and Patti Meager. The unique history, culture, traditions, music, and architecture of the city influence the design and color palette of all Inferno's work, creating an unparalleled reputation throughout the United States and Europe. Many extremely affordable pieces by one of the most popular exhibitors at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival!

BOOKS
Beckham's Books: Used and new titles, in the French Quarter.
Faulkner House Books, Pirate's Alley, French Quarter. A National Historic Landmark.
Garden District Book Shop, "New Orleans' signature book shop", lots of local authors and lots of signed volumes.
Maple Street Book Shop, Uptown.
The Neighborhood Story Project: Home-grown young New Orleans writers, mostly high school kids, writing about their neighborhoods in the Crescent City. A unique partnership between UNO, the Literary Alliance and John McDonough Senior High School. Wonderful!
Octavia Books: Independent bookshop at the corner of Octavia and Laurel, Uptown.
Pelican Publishing: Home of the Friends of the Cabildo's New Orleans Architecture Series and myriad books about New Orleans history and culture.

CLOTHING & LINENS
House of Lounge: Luxurious designer lingerie and loungewear, Magazine St.
Kabuki Design Studio's fun original hats: From straw hats for Festivals, to fabric hats for both men and women, to costumes and wigs for Mardi Gras & Southern Decadence, to fringed velvet shawls and bags - a visit to Kabuki is a unique experience!
Leontine Linens: Monogrammed heirloom-quality linens.
Andrea Loest: Unique Art Clothing.
Metro Three: Locally-themed t-shirts and clothing for adults and kids.
Meyer the Hatter: The South's Largest Hat Store, since 1894! Where Chuck and his dad shop for their hats.
Orient Expressed: Children's clothes and gifts.
Perlis: Traditional men's wear, featuring the famous Crawfish Polo Shirt.
Trashy Diva: Vintage and retro women's fashion.
Yvonne LaFleur: Women's clothing and fragrances.

FOOD AND FOOD-RELATED
Aunt Sally's Original Creole Pralines, gift baskets, much more.
Blue Frog Chocolates: Chosen "Best Candy Shop In New Orleans" by the readers of the Gambit, five years and counting.
Café Du Monde: Famous coffee and chicory, beignets and gifts.
Evans Creole Candy Factory: Pralines and more.
Loretta's Authentic Pralines. In business for 22 years, Loretta is the first African-American woman to successfully own and operate her own praline company in New Orleans.
Louisiana Caviar, from local Choupique roe harvested in freshwater Louisiana bayous, used in restaurants throughout New Orleans.
Southern Candymakers: Pralines, turtles, toffee, classic candies, New Orleans specialties, much more.
Tabasco Gift Baskets: email lydrumm@bellsouth.net.
Uglesich's Restaurant offers the Uglesich's Restaurant Cookbook, t-shirts, aprons, pot holders and more.

JEWELRY
Mignon Faget: New Orleans-inspired jewelry and gifts. In New Orleans, anybody who's anybody has something from Mignon Faget, beloved local designer and artist. (And anybody who wants to make me really happy can get me a set of the fleur-de-lis cufflinks!)

Katy Beh Contemporary Jewelry.
Ruby Ann Bertram-Harker: New Orleans jewelry designer.
Heather Elizabeth Designs: Unique jewelry, Christmas ornaments, nightlights based on local motifs.
Thomas Mann Design: "Techno-Romantic Jewelry and Sculpture".
Sabai Jewelry Gallery: Art to wear.

GIFTS
Hazelnut: Fine gifts and elegant home accessories, featuring their exclusive, fabulous New Orleans toile fabric and related products!
Vive la France, French imports: tablecloths and quilts, clocks, glassware, home décor, HB-Henriot Quimper, bath & perfumes, Laguiole knives, Dubout cats, absinthe and pastis accessories, French CDs, repro vintage posters, lavender & sachets, and much more. A terrific little shop! Royal Street, French Quarter.

GROOMING & BEAUTY
Aidan Gill for Men: World class, top quality luxury shaving supplies, accessories, skin products and gifts. My super-nifty New Orleans Water Meter cufflinks came from here. (Currently not accepting web orders but apparently accepeting phone orders. Call to confirm.)
Earthsavers Skin Care: Skin care products, gifts and spa. Uptown, Metairie, Mandeville.
Rouge Beauty: Cosmetics, fragrances, bath & body accessories. French Quarter.

&C.
New Orleans Business Listings
French Quarter Merchants
Magazine Street Merchants

Living In The Muck

2005-12-02T15:41:00.000-06:00

Groups brand storm sediment unsafe...

Ya think?

Will It Help Or Just Be More Fubar?

2005-12-02T15:33:00.000-06:00

Louisiana Elections Chief Recommends Putting Off New Orleans Elections Up to Eight Months

A Mug Of Ohana

2005-12-01T15:25:00.000-06:00

What a great gift idea! For only 25$ you can have your very own New Orleans "Remember/Rebuild" tiki style mug designed by artist Purple Jade. She and her husband lost everything during Hurricane Katrina and 100% of the proceeds from this 48 hour sale will go directly to them.

Thanks to BoingBoing for pointing this out.

The Nothing Came

2005-12-01T14:10:00.000-06:00

If you're somewhere warm, safe, and loved right now - think of this and imagine yourself in their shoes. Do not forget those who have returned to where home once was only to find it flattened and covered in muddy death.

All Of Ninth Ward Opens To "Look And Leave"

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

2005-11-29T07:37:00.000-06:00

I'm trying a little experiment with my blogging. Through the holidays I'll be posting only NOLA related items here at HSC, such as where to shop for gifts, how to help or donate and news clips ect. All posts until then, will be in direct regards to New Orleans. I want to keep the light on a subject that I fear is in danger of being forgotten - recovery.

For now, I'll be confining my personal posting to my art blog at Creative Display. If you're a regular reader I hope you'll visit me there.

Thankful Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T08:51:00.000-06:00

Wherever you are and whoever you're with may today be filled with love, grace and thanks!

My daughter and I designed this feather together as part of a school project. It's pretty clear where our hearts were.

Early Bird

2005-11-21T09:20:00.000-06:00

On Sunday, my little brood and I went to my great-aunt's house for an early Thanksgiving family celebration. It was a good way to break the self seclusion we've been in since arriving in St. Mary's

These are people that I've not seen in sixteen years, yet they've been wonderfully respectful of our need for privacy. It's been something that I've appreciated greatly, but it would be rude (and slightly batty of me) to stay in hiding forever. So we picked the holidays to make our intro.

They were all happy to see us and instantly made me feel as if I've never been away. We ate well and laughed much. It was a good time and I'm so glad we went.

Love is a healing salve.

Dark Tunnels

2005-11-21T08:07:00.000-06:00

I've been doing pretty well lately at keeping my emotions in check. Unfortunately, all that failed big time mid-Thursday when putting together a portfolio of my art and photo prints. I had to force myself to peruse file after file of pre-Katrina shots in New Orleans and it was physically painful. With each picture and print came the rush of loss and feelings that I was unprepared to face. There was also a vast amount news regarding the struggle for recovery by the city and it's people to proccess. All of it left me confused, drained and near hopeless in a very scary way.

So I took a break of sorts and spent a few days immersing myself in tons of movies, music and some early holiday shopping. I'm feeling much stronger now for having done so. The movies helped break reality's sting. The shopping gave me a chance to get some fresh air and time to myself for reflection. It helped me get a good grip on things and how they are no matter how I want them to be.

In short - grief sucks.

Moo Don't Move

2005-11-17T10:46:00.000-06:00

Been Cow-Tipping Lately? Not Likely

Thanks, Fark

Hump Day Humor

2005-11-16T07:51:00.000-06:00

After a night of intense and disturbing dreams I woke this morning in quite a dark mood. Not grumpy or despondent, just very dark and on the brink of brooding. In the middle of trying to kick my own butt into gear I came upon a very juicy piece of spam in my e-box this morning.

It made me laugh and for that I won't embarass the crap out of the guy by posting his misspelled logo and cell number (which he included in the mail) here. Just this once though and only out of the good of my heart. Because I hate spam. (Local to NOLA or not) But I really hate it when you go through the trouble to make a graphic to include in your spam - and somehow you MISSPELL it!

Dang, boy. Its N-E-T-W-O-R-K-S not N-E-W-T-O-R-K-S. How many people did you send that to and not take the time to check it over first? Ouch.

It Is So All About Me....

2005-11-11T07:33:00.000-06:00

Well, sorta.

Monday is my birthday. So, this weekend (extra long due to today's holiday) is my time to celebrate surviving all the perils of this world for thirty one whole years. This year in particular is special because I really feel like one hell of a fortunate woman.

I'm a little wierd about presents and parties for myself though. It's just way too much attention for me to handle. I prefer a nice homemade dinner and one of my mamma's making some sort of sweet thing for me. My guy is the same way. (Which is kinda strange because we both love to throw parties for our kids and planning other events together.) He and I long had a deal worked together when it comes to gifting each other. Simple -we shop for ourselves. There are exceptions to the rule but, it keeps either of us feeling pressured to find the perfect thing at an already hectic time of the year. It also guarantees that we get exactly what we want.

This year my guy chose a verynice humidor for himself that goes very well with the modern/vintage decor that we lean towards. He likes it a lot and when there's any chance for him to have some personal joy it makes me happy. That's also how he feels when it's my turn. One of many reasons why he deserves how much I love him.

For myself I'll be adding a few needed pieces to my wardrobe, new shoes and I'm attending (crafty dork alert) Clay Quest 2006 which is taking place like eight blocks from my house for the next three days. It's a polymer clay convention which isn't my thing but, it will be all over the "Historical St. Mary's Area" . (Seriously, I've read up on this thing and heard tales of it around town. Apparently, it's supposed to have a sizable attendence.) Who knows, it could actually be a hoot. If nothing else, I'll get some good pictures and have a chance to meet the local merchants. It's also a good chance to get out all by myself without my children. They've been a handful all week and I need some space between me and their needs. In other words - daddy can wrangle the herd for awhile. That is a bigger gift to me right now than any money could buy.

So, off I go to see what in the heck a "ClayQuest" looks like...

P.S.
Let's not forget to thank my mamma who not only gave me the opportunity to be here but, also helped me manage to make it this far. Trust, it wasn's an easy job.

Geek Girl Rambling

2005-11-09T15:59:00.000-06:00

Due to the advent of certain technologies my guy and I can work pretty much from anywhere. Two laptops with wireless connections and we're ready to go. With two kids it's an ideal situation - most of the time. Some days, I wouldn't mind an actual office somewhere that I could go to daily sans child. Only on particularly chaotic days though. He and I are really fulfilling a goal that we set nearly eight years ago when expecting our first daughter.

The idea was to pull together our skills and start a small design company. We wanted to put what technology was available and affordable to us at the time that would allow us to work portably. At that time it was an almost unheard of concept and would cause much trial and error for the first few years. Somehow, though, we're still here and actually making our way. It hasn't been easy and certainly not very profitable. Not yet at least.

Two years ago my guy was suddenly needed to return and help to run his family's almost sixty year old company. That took a lot of adjusting to. We've kept plucking and managed to find a decent balance by narrowing down what type of services we offer. Our small business was able to survive while he attended to the day to day operations of the family business. It took a while, but we had found some sense of balance before all hell broke loose.

Suddenly H.Katrina hits and throws a pretty big monkey wrench into our (and thousands of others') operation. When first arriving in St. Mary's we put everything on hold until the hard decision to relocate here was finalized. Then there was the whole shell-shocked trauma recovery to deal with. That took a while, but I think we're both slowly doing better.

A new challenge, though, is having my guy's company physically located in Jefferson/Orleans and him having to work from a home satellite office. That makes me his personal assistant/secretary. Then there's the new site we are working on and attempting to raise funds on behalf of the Byrd family by selling 'Fess merchandise. It's a lot to juggle but I'm nowhere near unhappy about it all. I like working with him and I'm proud of what we're involved in right now. This is just what I need too. Full hands and a busy mind!

The bonus is that most of our current projects are related to New Orleans. Thanks to good tech/fast net in 2005 (almost '06) and a good long-distance plan we are able to make progress no matter how geographically scattered our clients may be. It really softens the overall daily feeling of helplessnesss and of being disconnected.

Did I also mention how Aleve goes really well with a cup of Killer Beans Mexican Mayhem? If I didn't then I should because they are what helps keep my eyelids up and my hair from (as of yet) turning gray. So far it's working.

Today was all about merchandise designs, getting the word out about the new 'Fess stuff and securing an url for a new site. In between I had a meeting via speakerphone while chasing my youngest through the house as she grifted one verboten object after the other. (Which is the main reason why I don't do video conferencing.) Now I'm going to force myself to put the computer down for the night and work on some actual artsy stuff. It's either that or my brain is going to go on lockdown.

P.S. This post really isn't meant to be about the benefits of being able to work remotely. It's more about my making the hard effort to see the good amongst the bad and slightly more than difficult. Thanks for understanding.

I hope everyone had had a decent "hump" day!

For Professor Longhair Fans Everywhere!

2005-11-08T20:12:00.000-06:00

Fesswear, the official 'Fess merchandise store is proud to have new products available. Just in time for the holidays, we have gift ideas galore! New super-cute cap sleeve tees, hoodies, ringer shirts and organic cotton tees. You can dance to life's funky beat in comfort and style.

We also have a great assortment of new and unique items such as hangable porcelian ornaments that are perfect for your Christmas trees or even your dashboard.

Please check out the Fesswear store for more fun stuff featuring the "Bach of Rock" - Dr. Professor Longhair

All profits go directly to the Byrd family so that they may rebuild their lives after losing almost everything due to Hurricane Katrina.

You support is most appreciated!

Te-Na-Na

All Systems Go

2005-11-07T15:02:00.000-06:00

I attended to some neglected biz chores today and feel all the better for having done so. It was the most normal type of work day that I've had in a while and it felt pretty nice. My mind has cleared enough from the recent traumas to steadily concentrate again. I think. I'm grabbing the moment and really trying to make some progress despite the wieght of everything else.

It's been a few years but my guy and I find ourselves working exclusively at home. Together. A situation that makes us very grateful we were (and still are) best friends since before even becoming a couple. I think knowing each other the way we do and sharing the same quirky sense of humor makes it easy to be around each other so much. We share a good rythm and I value it immensely.

At the moment we're pretty much financially stable. (Thanks in large part to my man's BOTL. They know who they are and that I have much love for every single one.) That means I'll be able to donate some my services to a couple of displaced NOLA musicians and their recovery. I have a new site to work on and some promo/merchandise designs to start. I'll be breaking one of my self-imposed blogging rules and shamelesly promoting some new stuff here soon at HSC. Pleae bear with me when it happens. I promise not to keep it up forever.

Love That Letter Box

2005-11-06T08:49:00.000-06:00

I lucked out this morning and found a great lineup of movies on one of my favorite channels, TCM. I just had the pleasure of watching All Fall Down with the flawless Eva Marie Saint and a very young Warren Beatty. Who is upstaged by the even younger Brandon De Wilde. (In my opinion he was a brilliant actor who passed way before his time.) Angela Landsubury (I love her wardrobe in this film) as a loving but overbearing mother and Karl Malden (loved him in Street Car Named Desire) as an exasperated, ambivilant, yet warm hearted husband and father. The set alone makes it a favorite of mine but the script is so good that the story has modern relevance. Having it on in letter box was a real treat. I happily watched it while drinking my coffee and actually enjoying an early sunday for once in quite awhile.

While my guy sleeps in a bit longer I'm going to pack up a snack and take the girls up to the park for a bit. The weather is really nice and it would be a shame to waste it by staying in all day. The girls have these new bubble wand gadgets that thier aunt gave them. We're going to go and have some fun with those and then sit in the big swings eating snacks while watching the boats. We really need to go make some good memories and I think now it as good as any to start.

Defraggin'

2005-11-05T19:37:00.000-06:00

We all took the chance today to stay in and be lazy. Our week was full and our overall sanity needed some time out.

My guy got in late last night and was pretty tired from his trip back from NOLA. I let him sleep in most of the morning, Then, by the time he got up I was nursing a wierd headache. I was in real need of a nap. He took over from there and let me rest. Such a good man.

I woke up late enough to have no motiviation to accomplish much of anything. So, I sent the eldest off with daddy to the market for a quick dinner from the deli. They brought back a feast mixed with a nice array of junk. True weekend grub.

Now we're just hanging out on the couch, drinking wine and watching Cops. All while emailing an array of odd links to one another. Rock on.

Eeew...

2005-11-03T10:58:00.000-06:00

Anyone have a suggested solution?

Massive Amounts Of Post-Hurricane Trash

Finding The Treats

2005-11-01T17:19:00.000-06:00

Both kids made out like bandits this Halloween and we now have way too much candy in the house. It felt so good seeing them come back from trick-or-treating with huge smiles on their flushed faces. Evidence of just how far they've come from what first brought us here.

This morning I said goodbye to my guy as he heads off to work in NOLA for the rest of the week. I think it's going to be a much better trip for him than last time. Much of our regualr places are open for business and I know he's looking forward to some familiar comforts. (He really deserves it too!) I look forward to good reports of progress there when he gets back.

Until then I'm holding down the fort here. We've had our dinner and the girls are just about ready to fall off to sleep. They both had nice long kid type days. Fortunate beings.

P.S. There was a huge rainbow in the sky directly above my house today. Very cool.

Surviving The Trick

2005-10-29T10:29:00.000-05:00

My guy and I have been together for over eight some odd years now. Our love of New Orleans (warts and all) has always been an intregal part of our lives together. I can list every milestone of our relationship with the geographical location of where it happened. We keep track of special dates usually by knowing what we had for dinner to celebrate. Living in a city so full of options from music and dining to shopping and socializing was something we never took for granted. Even with the evident flaws (fubar public ed, crime, out of control corruption) we loved it true and defended it to anyone who dared to put our sweet NOLA down. The thought of ever being away permanently never seriously crossed our minds. We've both turned down very lucrative opportunities all because they required moving away from New Orleans. When the topic of ever leaving came up we'd agree that it would take something really major to drive us out. That major event came and here we are. It's taking a little time for us to get used to it all. That's not to say we're completely unhappy because in truth we're not. He and I have always dealt well no matter what mess we've found ourselves immersed in. Trust me - we've been in plenty.

I think if we had ended up someplace where we could hate things it would actually be easier. We could complain about our surroundings and compare it's shortcomings to New Orleans. If it were ugly or unfriendly I wouldn't have to wrestle with the guilt I am now. Everytime I find something here that makes me happy I get a wave of sick dread that reminds me of NOLA's current state of being and the vast loss that has occured. It's throwing my emotions way off balance. Like I've said here before - I feel this bad and I'm one of the very very lucky ones.

Tradgedy and quick life changes is nothing new to me. I roll with the punches pretty well and have been raised with a sense of survival no matter the odds. Bad stuff happens and it is an expected part of life. That is when it happens just to me and I can keep it to myself. However, when something horrible happens on such a large scale that changes not just my way of life but a mass of others - that's a whole new ballgame all together. Grief is hard to move past when it surrounds you and is shared by so many at the same time. It can't be suppressed and remains raw at the surface instead. It makes the journey back to normal a very rough road.

The worst is the never ending feeling of helplessness. I could donate, pack up care packages and help out in all the ways that I have and still feel like I haven't even made a dent. I'm too overwhelmed by it to even be depressed. It's a huge struggle to find any sort of balance. At some point I'm going to have to get back to my usual pace. There's work to be done both client based and my own art designs and I'm not yet tackling any of it. It's just too much to deal with. Yet I could no more ignore what has happened than I could forget my own name. It's woven into me and the only salve I have is the little bits of help I'm able to offer. Like a selfish child I want it all to be better. Now. Instead change and improvement will only come with time and effort. There is no quick fix. That's a harsh realization.

It's the weekend and Hallow's Eve is upon us come Monday. We're going to make a special go at really getting involved with the festivities. I think my mamma is coming to watch the kiddos while ma and pa get out for a few much needed libations together tonight and we have trick or treatin' to prep for. Both girls are cheerleaders this year but the eldest has to go to school monday dressed as "what she want's to be when she grows up". This week it's a librarian so we're going to head by the thrift store and pull together a cute get-up for that. We also have an awesome pumkin to carve and I want to take a stroll through town to shoot good pics of all the pumpkin/scarecrow displays that are on display all over downtown. It might actually turn out to be a nice holiday weekend. A welcome change.

He's Really Gone Pecan

2005-10-28T08:22:00.000-05:00

New Orleans Mayor Tired Of Negatives

Slacker Zone

2005-10-27T11:53:00.000-05:00

I've been a big snuggle-hermit all dang day. The sudden weather change has been hard for my mind and body accept. One day we're steamy hot and battling mosquitos the next it's all brisk and gray with an icy wind coming off the coast. I've got no desire to do anything but stay inside and be an absolute slacker. It's pretty bad too. Like eating chessy poofs while watching Ferris Bueller type bad.

Since it's about to rain there's not even the motivation to go to the park with the kids. The eldest went to the zoo today on a school field trip and she's pretty worn out anyways. So, I'm just hanging out and avoiding all forms of over due work stuffs. (Another unspoken source of frustration for me at the moment.) Throwing it all off for another day won't hurt much of anything.

Right now I just want to cook a big pot of pasta, watch Anchorman, and add fringe to a new scarf that's almost finished.

Yeah, it's like that.

Monday's Wash

2005-10-24T09:06:00.000-05:00

We're sitting here watching Hurricane Wilma toss Florida while catching up on our daily dose of H. Katrina's aftermath. It feel like all hurricanes all the time these days. I'm over it. Hey - Mamma Nature, enough already. Eh cher?

The sky over our heads is gray and drizzly with an actual chill in the air. The weather is just so wierd lately. Saturday we went to the fall carnival at my eldest's school and it was hot and bright. By sunday the sky had filled with rain. This morning it had cooled of enough for me to need to put a jacket on my daughter before sending her out the door! It's almost starting to feel like Halloween. Too many tricks but not enough treats though.

I've been crocheting a lot lately. (One hat, and four scarves in two days) Working with yarn at times of stress is like a cheap form of xanax for me. I like the control that a skeen of yarn gives me. From rolling it into neat rounds to deciding what I want to create just makes me obscenely happy. I mostly make scarves, hats or blankies and I can usually work on a project while watching t.v. or the kids play at the park. I love any hobby that lets me multi-task.

Since my headcoldslashplauge is finally clearing I can think straight again. I'm grateful for having a guy who knows how and when to pick up the slack. He kept it all together last week while I mostly when into cold medecine induced comas and slept. He's a real trooper and never grumbled once. Even when told numerous times - "That's not how Mamma does it!" Good man.

Still, there's a lot to catch up on. I don't mind one bit. It's the most basic of domesticity that makes me feel good these days. There is so much control and hope to be found in the most mundane of routines. I have had enough adventure for awhile.

Cleaning to do, care packages to pack, calls to make and beans to cook...

Sentimental & Sneezing

2005-10-20T08:24:00.000-05:00

The cold virus that is cycling through my house is a real hiefer. One moment we're all coughs and sniffles the next we're tricked into thinking it's almost over. Repeat. It's more of an annoyance than anything really. (A really annoying annoyance.) Still, it's temporary and very minor compared to what has occured in my (and everyone else's) life so recently.

I feel extremely fortunate to have so much of my own extended family around me right now. It's what I miss the most about New Orleans. My guy's family was a huge part of our lives there. Even if we didn't have time to see each other all of the time - we'd still run into one another regularly. That connection helped keep our sense of self well rooted. I'm grateful that we have some of the same here. I think it really makes a difference in our ability to heal.

Down...Not Out

2005-10-18T12:07:00.000-05:00

The kiddos and I finally caught the local chest cold that's been making the rounds. We're pretty miserasble but really thankful that's it's something so minor it will probably pass before Halloween. Thanks to the wonders of OTC medecine we're actually feeling better by the minute. My next few posts will be co-sponsored by Dayquil. Hooyah.