“Begin to weave and God will provide the thread.”  This old German proverb stands alone on the page of a book recently sent to me by author, June Hall McCash, “The Thread Box”.

“The Thread Box” is the latest of Ms. McCash’s wonderful books.  Unlike her other works of fiction and non-fiction that so many readers have enjoyed, this is a collection of poetry.  The lovely simplicity of the books’ cover with its vine of thread, seashells and flowers guides one inside the pages to discover that Ms. McCash can pen poetry in a way so few can.

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The book begins with a section on Jekyll Island, Georgia.  The author spent countless summers and holidays there writing about the island’s history and providing us with a peek into the bygone days of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel with its rich cast of characters and events.   The poetry you’ll find in this first section will have you feeling the squish of sand through your toes as you walk on the beach or gasp as you experience the color of wildflowers along the causeway leading onto the historic island.

June Hall McCash is an award winning author of eleven books of fiction and nonfiction.  Her soon to be released work of young adult fiction, “The Boys of Shiloh”, is set in the Civil War and promises to be a great read, not just for middle schoolers, but for any age.  But I’m stuck on her poetry for the time being, devouring every line and letting my imagination see the images her words create.  I highly recommend “The Thread Box”, it takes you away from the cares of the day and paints pictures of the vast life and experience the author has enjoyed.  Just to whet your appetite a bit….here’s a short poem from the book entitled, “Winter Fragment”.

Winter Fragment

a dusting of snow on the roadway

like flour sifted on the castle floor

to catch a lover’s footprints

in the night

June and Logan

Thank you June, for sharing your words, for showing us a bit of your soul and for creating this wonderful collection of poetry, “The Thread Box”.

Melissa | people | 11 4th, 2015 | No Comments »

Where has the year gone?  It’s already November and I can hardly believe it!  Autumn is always my favorite time of year.  I love the food, the colors and the feeling of the season.  I haven’t had the opportunity to get out and explore but soon I will be out and about!  I found this lovely autumn video and piano music that I thought you might enjoy on this fine Sunday morning.  Wherever you are or whatever you are planning for the day, take some time to relax, breathe deeply…feel the love the surrounds you and say thank you!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 11 1st, 2015 | No Comments »

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Nothing can top Halloween in New Orleans!  When it comes to celebrating holidays this city is famous for over the top decorating, parties and PARADES!

This is a city full of lively people who know how to have a great time.  Halloween is, perhaps, at the top of the list for yards that say BOO!  Louellen Berger’s home on St. Charles is a perfect example of how New Orleanians like to do it up right!

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It would be impossible to judge a costume contest as one out does the next!  When it comes to holiday style you’ll find it on every corner.

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This year the weather may not cooperate but will that stop the Big Easy?  NO WAY!  Plans are already in the works to move indoors and continue the celebrating.

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Safety is always at the top of my list for this night of celebration.  So plan your route, keep your children together and, if need be, assign a designated driver.

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Most of all have fun!  It’s important to celebrate and this holiday, above any other, provides a time to do just that, no presents necessary, just enjoy!

Melissa | Out&About | 10 30th, 2015 | No Comments »

I’m entering week two of rehab after having a full knee replacement on my left knee.  Thank God for my physical therapist, Victoria, who comes to my home to push, pull and stretch my knee to its limits!  It’s all part of recovery.  Keeping myself entertained while still on narcotic pain killers is a bit of a challenge.

I try to write and my eyes begin to close….heavy lidded….naptime!

I’m not a big fan of television, but we recently installed Apple TV and I’m quite happy with my choices, thank you!

I’m loving the PBS series, “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” on Netflix.  I love the main character and find myself relating to her sense of style, fashion and love of mischief, not to mention mystery.

Ah….to live in the day when women truly dressed like ladies.  I’m sure most of the women of her day did not have the sheer guts to self express in the way Phryne Fisher does.  In case you don’t know you pronounce this saucy characters first name, “Fry Knee”.

If you haven’t seen this series you must find some time to sit back, have a cup of tea and enjoy.  And let me know if you don’t feel like finding a vintage outfit you can kick up your heels in…and of course, an extravagant boa!

Melissa | Out&About | 10 27th, 2015 | No Comments »

We have lots of dragonflies in our yard here in Louisiana.  I have always loved to watch them fly, gliding in pairs through the air.  This piece, “The Dragonfly’s First Morning”, by William Zeitler suits their flight perfectly.  The round about tune that  builds then ebbs and grows again lets me see these lovely creatures in my minds eye.  What a lovely way to begin a Sunday!  A lot of people have told me, over the past few months, that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle and that we become stronger through adversity.  I just smile quietly to myself and settle back to find the dragonflies.  Wishing you a very peaceful day filled with love and time to do exactly what you want to do!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 10 25th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

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I have always loved the lily.  Especially the pink stargazer variety that you see in the picture above.  But did you know that the symbol, Fleur De Lis, is fashioned after the lily?

If you begin to trace the symbol back to its origins you’ll find that it all began in Egypt with the lotus.  The blooms would open by day and sink beneath the surface of the water at night, thus symbolizing rebirth.

This replica of an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph shows how the image we call the Fleur de Lis might have begun.

The Fleur de Lis as we know it today came from France.  When the French claimed Louisiana it was in the name of King Louis XIV that they did so.  The Fleur de Lis was a symbol of the monarchy, almost completely obliterated during the French Revolution.

In current day Louisiana you see the Fleur de Lis everywhere.  Flags, wrought iron fences, Saint’s helmets…on and on, the Fleur de Lis can be seen all over the city of New Orleans and throughout the state.  It has long symbolized the Holy Trinity in the Catholic church and has also been credited to be a symbol of Mary Magdalene if stories that she traveled to France are true.

I’ve been collecting all sorts of Fleur de Lis for several years now.  I love the shape, the symbol, the fact that my nickname is “Lis”, although the “s” is sounded.  And what a surprise to realize there are bronze Fleur de Lis embedded in the glass tile backsplash of my new kitchen.  I believe I was destined to live here in the New Orleans.  My adventures here are just beginning and I cannot wait to share them all with you!

Melissa | Out&About | 10 19th, 2015 | 3 Comments »

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Traditionally I share music that is soft and relaxing on Sunday mornings.  But I just have to feature this video today that gives you an idea of what the music of the Cajun’s here in Louisiana are famous for.  It’s known as “Zydeco” and I challenge you not to at least tap your toe when you hear it!  Dancing to it is even more fun.  The “two step” from my Texas upbringing works mighty fine when you are led by a partner who knows how to do this simple dance.  It’s more fun than I can put into words.  The music is lively, full of positive energy and just what I want to begin my day today.  Tomorrow…..I’ll need a few pick-me-ups as I have my left knee replaced.  But that isn’t going to get me down…oh no!  I’ll be back on my feet finding the music and dancing away before you know it!  And just because I won’t be able to get around easily over the next few weeks won’t stop me from posting!  Stay tuned for stories and history and more!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 10 18th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

People watching is one of my favorite ways to pass time.  I also love to window shop.  Finding an area that is unique and different from the usual mall shops that can be found in most cities is always a challenge, except in New Orleans.

I strolled down Magazine Street like a child with a new toy.  Everywhere I looked my eyes were met with something whimsical, beautiful or edible!  Color and creativity collide in every window enticing one to walk through the door to see more.

If you’re hungry there are plenty of eateries that provide outdoor areas for dining.  You’ll find food from every ethnic group, served up in large portions with just the right libation to accompany your meal.

If it’s antiques your after you’ll find them on every block, beautiful chairs, artwork, accessories and more!

Items for that special man in your life can be found at Aidan Gill.  I’m loving this bag that has a tag reading “Thank You For Giving A Damn”.  Bow ties and other fineries can be found within this shop, what a treat in today’s world where t-shirts and denim have become the norm.

I especially loved “Razzle Dazzle”, not only because I believe a bit of sparkle perks up any day, but because there was so much eye candy everywhere I looked it was over the top!  These folks don’t think of decorated trees for Christmas only.  There are trees lavishly decorated for every occasion throughout this colorful shop…ideas are overflowing in my mind.

You’ll find all sorts of shops to delight and entice you when you spend a day on Magazine Street.  And you might just find a bit of sage advice….if you happen to be a man with a barn!

Melissa | Out&About | 10 16th, 2015 | No Comments »

New Orleans is known for good food.  Even the smallest cafe will offer a delicious gumbo or blackened steak.  But most well known when it comes to delicious Creole food is the Brennan family and it’s famous restaurant, Commander’s Palace, in the city’s Garden District.  Having worked at Commander’s for years our son-in-law is now general manager at their sister restaurant, Cafe Adelaide.  I was eager to try it out so off we went!

Named after their aunt, Adelaide, her nieces and nephew began this cafe as a tribute to her joie de vivre and her habit of always looking on the bright side and living the good life.  The restaurant is located on the main floor of the Loew’s Hotel at the corner of Poydras and St. Peter, just across the boulevard from the famous French Quarter.

When you visit the Cafe on the weekend you’ll want to don your best hat!  Entering into this fine eating establishment with your fanciest chapeau will provide you a choice of free signature martinis to accompany your meal.  The menu clearly says a limit of three (cause that’s enough!).  Aunt Adelaide loved fine food and libations, she would certainly be pleased!  Our sweet Em got a little carried away with the hats, but don’t worry, no martinis passed her lips!

I am a brunch lover so having heard of Cafe Adelaide’s “Brunch With Hat-itude!” I knew I was in for a treat.  I was not disappointed.  Chef Carl has put together a menu of such delectable items it’s enough to make a foodies head spin!  His take on corndogs, made with whole Gulf shrimp and Tasso, lightly battered and served on a pool of five pepper jelly with pickled okra garnish is simply heaven!

You might also find paradise in The Boucherie Biscuit.  A light as air buttermilk biscuit split and topped with braised pork shoulder, topped with two poached eggs, Andouille country gravy and a generous dollop of Creole slaw.  When you visit Cafe Adelaide you’ll find out for yourself!

I, personally, cannot resist Shrimp Remoulade.  Large, succulent Gulf shrimp, bathed in remoulade sauce and presented atop the freshest, crispest greens and raw veggies.  Local produce plays a big role in the menu items as well as fresh caught fish and seafood.  You’ll find only the best….not a surprise to me.

Did anyone mention dessert?  Lift me up to the heavens!  A delectable Meyer lemon trifle topped with homemade candied ginger ice cream….

A luscious dense chocolate brownie with freshly made coconut sorbet…..

Or the Cafe’s fabulous cheesecake, made with their very own house made Creole cream cheese.  It’s drizzled with a bit of blackberry liqueur and garnished with the freshest berries to be found.  You have to save room for dessert, don’t even think of leaving without it.

My trip to Cafe Adelaide was memorable leaving me yearning to go back for more!  Aunt Adelaide is surely smiling down from a fluffy cloud, wearing one of her signature fur coats, red hair blazing in the sun.  Or maybe she’s wandering through the tables, with a wink and a smile as she enjoys seeing diner’s enjoy this wonderful eatery named in her honor.  I’m sure she would say “Cheers” to all!

And Miss Em?  She was completely tuckered out from all of the fun!  Brunch at Cafe Adelaide is “kid friendly”, a wonderful way to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning!

Cafe Adelaide | 300 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 | 504.595.3305

Melissa | food & entertaining | 10 14th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

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Anytime one undertakes a major move there are adjustments to make, shifts that occur and events beyond one’s control.  Our move to the New Orleans area has been no different.  It is a process, beginning to put down new roots, meeting new people and connecting.  I believe this gets more difficult with age since we tend to be more protective of ourselves and our privacy.  But I have always been one to reach out and I continue to do so.

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I’m enjoying the little bit of exploration my knee has allowed me.  Whether it is driving down Magazine Street in New Orleans….

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Or the charming little town of Covington that is near our home.  New things to see, festivals to attend and restaurants to try.  It is a lovely place to be.

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Crossing the vast causeway every other day or so to enter into New Orleans is always a time to reflect and be at peace.  It’s the longest causeway in the world.  At 24 miles long it spans Lake Ponchartrain, which seems more like a sea to me than a lake.  There is something about living on or near water that is essential to my well being.

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I have plans to discover and walk the extensive path of Tammany Trace that skirts the lake and the railroad system on what is called the North Shore.  I’ll have photos and words to share.

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I’m feeling more connected, more settled with the passing of each day.  I’m thankful that you enjoy this blog and that you look forward to more posts I’ll be sharing!  Have a joyful week and let your lights shine!

Melissa | Out&About | 10 12th, 2015 | 1 Comment »