I have to give credit for my photos today to NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune and a local paper, The Advocate.  We have survived the last few days hoping we would not have to evacuate our home and we have been safe.  Other areas a matter of less than five miles from us have not been so lucky.

The Advocate

I am reminded of how much we take for granted when a storm like the one we have experienced comes our way.  We have been practicing preparedness training, instigated by my darling daughter.  Having my elderly parents living with us as well as our beloved pets makes being ready to go in a timely and organized fashion very important.  Miss Sky has seen to bins with water bottles, food that might be needed and routes to go in whatever direction we might need to get to safety.  Also included are flashlights and batteries and plenty of dog treats.

Three rivers that meet in the Covington area are out of bounds, flooding neighborhoods and the quaint town we are coming to love as well.  Water is a powerful source of destruction when it rains continuously for days like like it has. All of the photos I have featured today come from within just a few miles of our house.

This last photo of of the home of a dear friend, Laura’s, daughter.  She and her family live in Hammond just up I-12 from our home.  They were able to get out of the house with their pets and the clothes on their backs.  They have lost everything in the recent flooding.  I you would be interested in donating to help them get back on their feet please private message me.  They are in need of gift cards from places like Lowe’s and Home Depot.  Reasons to be grateful surround me and moments of prayer are a part of each day.  We are very lucky to live on higher ground.

Melissa | Out&About | 03 15th, 2016 | 1 Comment »

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I found this lovely piece on YouTube.  “Sunlight Filtering Through The Trees” by Masaji Watanabe.  Simple and calming I felt it was the perfect music for today.  I’ll be talking about the weather and flooding we’ve experienced on Tuesday.  Thank God we are safe and sound where we live.  Those surrounding us have not been so lucky.  Have a wonderful, peaceful Sunday and always say Thank You!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 03 13th, 2016 | 1 Comment »

With orders from my orthopedic doctor I am beginning a strenuous walking routine.  It is said to be the best way, after the initial physical therapy sessions, to rehab after having full knee replacement.  I am so blessed to live near Tammany Trace, a natural trail and Louisiana’s only rails to trails conversion, this beautiful network of asphalt paths is built over the original railroad trestles.

31 bridges enable walkers, runners, bicyclists, horses and wheelchairs to stop and observe the natural beauty surrounding them.  Tammany Trail serves as a wildlife conservation area and links hidden parks, historic landmarks and wetlands throughout five communities.  The sights you can see while venturing out on these trails is nothing short of splendid!

On the meandering trail you’ll find all sorts of local foliage.  Live oak trees are in abundance along with Loblolly Pine and plenty of wild azalea as well as this lovely yellow vine I think may be wild honeysuckle.  Nature puts on its show in grandeur for all to see.

This is one of my favorite spots!  As a child I would not have had the courage to venture across this fallen tree that is suspended from one side of the river to the next.  My brother would have….hence the fact he has always been one of my heroes!  I did not have the courage and my fear of heights would have gotten in the way.  But I can stand on the bridge and imagine that I could have the ability to balance and carefully walk across from one side to the other!  I’m sure there are those who have done so.  Walking is easy in such a beautiful place and it is having a positive effect on my body, strengthening and healing me inside out.  It also clears my mind and gives me time to recollect myself so that I can live a grounded life.  “Move It Or Lose It” is my motto!

For more on Tammany Trace go here:  http://www.tammanytrace.org/

Melissa | Out&About | 03 10th, 2016 | 2 Comments »

There are many reasons why I chose SILENT for this Wednesday’s word.  One of the things I love about this word is that it has the same letters in it as the word LISTEN.  Since moving to Louisiana and bringing my parents along so that I can care for them has been more than a simple challenge, but an experience I would not have missed for the world.  I have always been very close to them, especially my father.  Dad will be 88 in May.  His body is showing the signs of years of wear and it is failing him in ways none of us could ever have expected or imagined.  Recently diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and the onset of Parkinson’s disease, each day is a challenge.  Along with the diagnosis comes the fact that macular degeneration has decreased his eyesight to 30% and his hearing to about the same percentage.  For a man of words this is all so very difficult.  We have learned the necessity of silence and patience as we deal with each day and what it brings, never knowing what it might be.  It is essential that we be silent when trying to converse with him and listen to what he has to say.  His words no longer come easily but they do come with a bit of effort.  One thing I so admire about my dad is that he insists we be open about what is going on and discuss it one on one as well as a family.  My love and respect for him have grown from this experience beyond measure.  It has also forced me to realize how important it is to be SILENT.  The ability to go within and take time to be still and listen is imperative to our well being.  If only for ten minutes each day…..find the time and claim it for yourself.

I wouldn’t change my situation for the world.  I consider it an honor to care for my parents and see to their needs as they did mine for so many years.  Our world is busy and rapidly changing.  I could question how such a terrible disease could strike a man but we, as humans, cannot know what causes such things.  Love is the order of the day and plenty of patience.  As we travel on this journey, knowing there will be no cure or recovery, I try to remember to take the time to be SILENT at different times throughout the day.  I find it helps me center myself, clear my mind and it enables me to carry on.  Wishing you all a very wonderful Wednesday in which you take that moment for yourself.

Melissa | people, Wednesday Word | 03 9th, 2016 | No Comments »

This pot is one of my favorite things….I love this pot it makes me happy!  Yes, it is a “thing”, but from this pot have come some of the most delicious meals you can imagine.  It is a “Staub”, French “La Cocotte”.  White Coq au Vin, my family’s Texas Chili recipe, every kind of soup you can imagine and stews have been prepared in this cast iron, enamel pot.  The house is always filled with the rich aroma of herbs and other ingredients gently simmering.  Last week, when I would normally have made red beans and rice, the Louisiana Monday night staple supper, I found no red beans in the pantry.  Not wanting to go to the store I took a look at what I DID have and used French lentils instead.  I figure Creole and French go well together. After all, I’m living in a place settled by the French who created the delicious cuisine we now enjoy.

I had a package of what has become my favorite locally made chicken sausage with green onions, “Manda” is the brand.  It is slightly spicy and full of subtle flavors that add a delicious flavor to any dish calling for sausage.

After browning the sausage and draining it on paper toweling I added the absolute basis of most cooking in Louisiana, the Cajun Trinity.  Although called the Trinity, which would mean “three”, it is actually chopped onion, celery, green pepper, scallions and parsley.  Most of the time I buy the veggies and chop them myself, but since moving here I have discovered “Guidry’s” trinity, already chopped, preservative free and so easy to use.

I added lentils, rinsed and picked, through to the softened vegetables and a box of organic chicken broth.  A couple of bay leaves and a tablespoon or so of Tony’s Cajun Spice blend and Voila!

After covering and simmering for an hour I added another half box of broth and placed the sausage back into the pot to reheat for about fifteen minutes.  We enjoyed homemade cornbread muffins and a large tossed salad for a delicious meal.  Of course, a glass of good red wine was a must!  Here’s the recipe!  I hope you’ll try it and enjoy it as much as we all did.

Lentils and Green Onion Sausage

1 tablespoon good olive oil

2 links Manda green onion sausage

2 cups Cajun trinity

1 bag lentils

2-3 bay leaves

1 heaping tablespoon Tony’s Cajun Spice

2 boxes organic chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste (the Tony’s is fairly salty so be sure to taste before adding.)

Brown the sausage and drain on paper toweling.  Saute the trinity in the same pot until the onion is transparent.  Add the bag of rinsed lentils and stir.  Add the seasoning and one box of broth.  Cover and simmer on low heat for about an hour.  You don’t want the lentils to get mushy.  Add another half box of broth and more if needed.  Return the cooked sausage to the pot and heat through for about fifteen minutes.  Easy and delicious!  Enjoy!!!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 03 8th, 2016 | No Comments »

This beautiful piece of music composed by Ludovico Einaudi seems perfect for today.  “Primavera”….in the style of springtime.  March is here and, at least, in the South buds are showing everywhere with Red Bud trees popping and wild Honeysuckle vines draping the trees.  This is a time of renewal and refreshment.  Come together with those you love and spend the day rejoicing in the coming of Spring!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 03 6th, 2016 | No Comments »

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I am an avid reader.  As a writer reading helps me to expand my own craft.  It stretches my mind and gives me ideas on how I can improve my writing.  I recently read M.J. Rose’s wonderful book “The Memorist”.  I could not put this book down.  Subsequently I’m searching for every book she has written and expect to devour them just as I did this tale of suspense and intrigue.  Those of you living on the Georgia coast may be quite familiar with the endorsement appearing on the cover from local author, Steve Berry.

Google Images

You’ll be taken down into the catacombs of Venice as this chilling tale mounts to its thrilling pinnacle.  I think I finished reading all 111 chapters in two afternoons, sitting on the edge of my chair!  This writer spins her words in a web that holds the reader captive.  She discusses the circle of life and time in a way that makes one question and wonder…..could it be true?

Google Images

If you do not like looking into the unseen and asking your own questions this book may not be for you.  But I found it enthralling.  The way Ms. Rose weaves the subject of reincarnation into the fiber of her story is outstanding.  I don’t presume to know the answers to what life is about but this book led me into a space of fascination I will never forget.  I cannot wait to begin the next work by this brilliant author!

Melissa | people | 03 3rd, 2016 | 1 Comment »

I love this word!  It flows off the tongue and brings up instant questions about it’s definition.  Pulchritudinous, an adjective meaning “having physical beauty”.  If you look it up on line it states that this word applies to human form.  I think it can apply to many things.

Pinterest

A couple of years ago, when I finally decided I had HAD it with coloring and trying to style my unruly, curly hair, I found this photo and had it on the refrigerator for months.  It gave me courage to see the transition through.  I find this woman to be so naturally beautiful, everything about her says she knows who she is and she is comfortable with herself…..pulchritudinous!

But couldn’t the same be said of this exquisite rose bud with it’s slight pink blush?

Or this delectable salad filled with nature’s bounty!

I vote that all things which bring beauty to the eye of the beholder be known as pulchritudinous!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 03 2nd, 2016 | No Comments »

I heard about Claudia Lynch from a mutual friend shortly after moving to the New Orleans area.  I will never live down the fact that I am an avid collector of shoes.  I would be embarrassed to share with you the count or the number of boxes containing shoes that were involved in our move.  I love the color, the shape, the style, the smell of leather…..ok…..I’m a shoe fanatic!  So when I heard of this amazing woman who creates the most beautiful shoes on paper and then, wonder of all wonders, adds a clever mystery to each piece ala Sam Spade….well, I could not wait to meet Claudia!

Claudia comes from a background of theatrical costume design and bridal millinery.  Add to her list of experience graphic arts, fine arts and illustrations and you’ve got a woman who is so vibrant and lively you can’t help but be enchanted!  She first decided to try her hand at illustrating in 2001 when the idea of creating her clever “footwear” on paper inspired her.  But it didn’t stop there….oh no!  Frustrated by the fact that she wanted to see more on the page than just the shoe she decided to take a break, back off from her work and go for a bike ride.  As she rode she heard a story in her head, narrated by the famous literary mystery character, Sam Spade. Actually she heard a story for each of the three shoe illustrations that lay waiting for finishing touches.  A light went off in Claudia’s head and she had her latest successful and very artful invention.  A border and her signature were added to create her first three pieces.  So taken with her designs were the first to view her work all three finished pieces were featured in the Northern Ohio Illustrators Society show that year.  Now people collect these unique works of art, give them as gifts, buy Claudia’s books and her career continues to flourish.

As with most ultra creative people, Claudia doesn’t just stop with shoes!  I love these cabbage headbands she has created for the most perfect St. Patrick’s Day headdress.

And then there are the one of a kind shoes she creates for the Krewe of Muses during Carnival Season.  If you are lucky enough to catch one of these hand designed beauties you’ve got something to cherish for years to come!

Here is another Mardi Gras beauty.  The verse so carefully inscribed on the sole reads:  “A Muses Shoe Is A Work Of Art And A Labor Of Love.”.  Truer words were never spoken!

You can read more about Claudia on her website, visit her on-line store and marvel over all of her creations. http://www.shoestories.com/.  You might even want to treat yourself to her coloring book and use your imagination as you become the artist!  The darling headbands are available on her Etsy site here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/269284457/handmade-cabbage-headband-perfect-for-st?ref=listings_manager_grid.

I love surrounding myself with creative people.  The energy we are able to exchange and the ideas that flow always excite me and feed my soul.  I am thrilled to know Claudia Lynch and look forward to many good times as I continue to watch her life as an artist bloom and grow!  New Orleans is a great place to be!

Melissa | people | 03 1st, 2016 | No Comments »