A Twist of Things to Come

We were lucky -- it was overcast and not too hot when we first got there. The sun didn't come out until after about an hour and a half, and even the most stalwart of us could only stand that for about half an hour. (87*F with 100% humidity was totally do-able, with ice water and frozen fruit pops to go with the fruit and snacks everyone brought. But 95*F and 100% humidity... was tough.)

It was absolutely great to see everyone again, one last time. A few people couldn't make it, but it was fun for the boys, and I got to talk to my homeschool moms (and dads!) again. I brought my camera, but I was too busy chatting to *think* about taking pictures. :(

The HS dad who is a book seller gave us books! Comics for the boys (one DC and one Marvel, since he wasn't sure which way the family swung, heh) and a collection of Andrei Codrescu stories about New Orleans. It was the most thoughtful gift he could have possibly given us. He and Ron always got on, so I bet he knew that Ron really likes Codrescu.

Then another mom who is a folk artist gave me a couple of things. She had been heading out to buy a gift, but remembered how much I love her artwork and stopped. She gave me two pieces. The first is a funky wall plaque with names of different notable NOLA places scattered around. It was just lovely, and I was glad to have it as a reminder of my time here:

( Picture under the cut )

It's the sort of thing she'll be selling to tourists during festival season, I'm sure. :) But that wasn't all. She gave me one of her shadow boxes. She hasn't parted with any of them yet, though she has been offered a LOT of money for some of them. They tend to be evocative and creepy. The one she gave me is slightly less creepy, because it has no dolls or people figures in it. I almost cried when I saw it:

( Somewhat over-exposed picture under the cut. )

You can't see the awesomeness of it well in this picture. It is full of detail and little fiddly bits. It, like most of her best boxes, seems to tell a story. It's full of mystery, history and decayed beauty. As soon as I have a writer's nook, it's going up in it.

She's grateful to me for 'talking up' her work on Facebook, but I genuinely love it. I wouldn't say I did if I didn't, really. Maybe I'm just weird and her art speaks to me in ways it doesn't to others, but I genuinely believe she could make a real name for herself.

I've often pondered whether my true gift in life is the ability to see greatness in others and in their work. I hope I have the opportunity to photograph her other work when I come back to town for the wedding. I want to use it in a project I'm working on. She has agreed to let me. :)

Well, first off, if any of you are planning on visiting New Orleans in the next year and would like to buy 50% off vouchers for ghost, cemetery or historical tours, have I got a link for you! It's only good for today (but these things do come around again, since it's a 'daily deal' type of offer):

https://livingsocial.com/deals/2420?ref=conf-jp&rpi=303042

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In other news, I'm pleased with the LOST series finale. It didn't exactly draw a diagram of how it all worked, but it was satisfying. Back at the end of season 3, I was sure they had killed it, that it would suck. But Ron got me to watch the next season opener, and we were hooked again.

After that I decided I was just going to trust them, and enjoy the ride. That was some good writing, and some mostly great acting, too. I think it must be hard for actors to play those kinds of 'ink blot' scenes, so open to interpretation, but that was all pretty well done.

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Not a peep yet on the rescheduling of the writing group. *sigh* I think I might just have to bite the freaking bullet and start one myself.

But I don't wanna.

The Crazy Live Journal Meme
( Cecily's Awesome Meme )

Oh, if anyone was looking for an easy-to-use website builder for folks with zero coding experience, check this out:



You have to download and activate it before the giveaway period is over, but there are instructions in the read me file.

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In other news, Sandra Bullock had a party this weekend. Her comfy house on Prytania was packed with people when we drove by on our way through the Garden District. At least, folks say it's her house. The yard was packed, too, and I envied no one. It was only six or seven and the heat was still quite oppressive. I just hope she's really happy.

Ran into C. and some of the other Green Lantern production families at the park Friday evening. They were quite nice, but I'm pretty sure I would find Hollywood culture/society loathsome. Good to know, I guess, though I'm sure no one in Hollywood will be weeping over my opinion. ;)

First off, the Best Hypothetical Book Ever, over at The Hypothetical Library.

Seriously, go look.

Also, today's Giveaway of the Day seems like it will be useful for interviews and things:



Speaking of which, I'm so behind on my list of interviews! So. Much. Work.