my black and gold reign, a repost...

I knew back a few weeks, when I decided to paint a giant Drew Brees, that something was different. Maybe it was sitting there watching each game, each week, being on the computer and sharing the plays with friends, or the entire city showing their faith, but I knew then, what I see now… A Black and Gold Supabeauxl.

From that first game after katrina that held us all together, to last nights victory, we’ve come from great tragedy to a great victory. The dome represents so many horrific things, right down to the fact that they painted it white shortly after, so as to not remind us of “Katrina”. I had friends at the dome that fateful night, and the stories were shameful. The people inside, and those at the convention center, all “Entertainment” for an America that sat and watched helpless as this city drowned. We were a tragedy unfolding, and becoming ONE giant reality TV show gone REAL.

The Emotions of that first home game with U2 and green day seemed to set the tone for the victory we would wait four years for. A Victory that each one of us earned, even though sometimes, it was on a couch with a beer in hand. Victory was KEY, to a city that has been struggling to move forward. Drew Brees coming to the game, to represent and help us rebuild, not only our Faith, but our team.

That last game? When fans showed at the Superdome with family members ashes, and more… The time had come. Fans representin the black and gold, and the decibles inside reflected the amount of pride and energy that WHO DAT fans have. Team members couldn’t hear each other, and the black and gold grew louder. Jokes with locals revolved around the fact that it was mardi gras, and we were all trained to scream for beads, therefore, screaming for a black and gold supabeauxl, had just crashed into the greatest gras since Katrina.

I remember being broken down in a car, somewhere in Alabama, driving back from a wedding we thought we’d never go to, but did,,,, once forced to leave a drowned city. Car broken down, and a new friend arriving to bring us to his house, while we waited for a ride back. He turned on that game, and I became a puddle of tears seeing the Saints on the field, while we all were roaming the country for someplace not only to live, but to SEE that game.

Then the return to the dome, and U2, green day, september ending, and the beginning of the mass return to New Orleans herself. Coming home to no electricity, no heat, no hot water, and yet, proud to be home. Even if it meant racing from one red cross station to another for ice, one salvation army truck after another, or driving long distances to make groceries, or dealing with a forced curfew, that you NEVER thought possible in a city once 24/7. Katrina may have crushed us on television sets, but back home, we were finally rising up, and returning…. NO MATTER WHAT.

It became evident that something was happening. That Gras had no brass bands until we got to muses… and babylon and chaos… that night the music returned, and that night a white float passed by with no riders… symbolizing all those lost during that fateful night. The playing cards I scored that night spoke of all the politicians who had turned their backs on us, and left us to drown. An Entire country that saw us as less than human, like animals caged and set free to pillage a city that was left behind. NOT ONE GOOD story that happened, was put on tv to linger as long as the stories of looting, and shooting. AND as someone who DID stay and walk around, my anger inside was turning to rage. A nation that sat glued to a television set watching a third world country go through a MAN MADE disaster… (yes thats right, the levee failures) and a nation making social commentary on the fact that THEY didn’t think we should EVEN HAVE A GRAS!

Well, I think that southern comfort billboard said it all…. NOTHING STOPS MARDI GRAS…. NOTHING.

We were all returning, home or no home, to bond as new orleanians at the mardi gras. Some for the first time since the storm.

And now, the Black and Gold Mardi Gras begins… From what I saw out and about last night? This will be a gras to remember. One filled with as much Joy as that first one after katrina. People were in their cars headed to the french quarter last night… the entire gulf coast just took a deep collective sigh, and felt that release of grief, that relief of pride and glory, KNOWING that last nights television airing of the supabeauxl, was now showing america something heroic, and not a tragedy.

That fateful day, that brought us to our knees, was forever changed by one Drew Brees….

I can honestly say that I’ve never felt such emotion during a football game. We had a few who hadn’t seen a supabeauxl game, we had a few who knew nothing of the game, we had some who had a hard time watching because they had been such lifelong fans, and then there were those in the room so confident that they just smiled during those first few moments where we were behind.

Texts poured in from friends all over the country at the beginning of this game… a nationwide WHO DAT NATION rose to the occasion…. I mean, who doesn’t like to see the Underdog win? . I laughed at all the music that has risen up just FOR this occasion. WHO DATS everywhere were joyful, and we were ALL IN THAT NUMBER. We were all marching in at that kickoff…

I knew a voodoo priest who had blessed them, I knew fans with parents ashes at that game, I knew there were voodoo dolls with pins waiting to come out, I heard about the citywide prayer vigil, I knew that this religious city would bring out all the spirits, and those long gone, would be standing over us, and I knew it was going to be a victory. The Spirits, the Sinners, and all the Saints, would make sure that the black and gold were no longer “Ain’ts”.

Knew the second half would be when we made it OUR game.

And there it was. the entire room rose up, and the city with it. The deafening sound of victory in New Orleans was now rising, and we were there.

I ran out the house with friends into the street… Cars were going by playing get crunk! Standing there in the middle of the street in the cold? was something I’ll remember for a lifetime. You could hear bourbon street, you could hear the neighborhood, and car horns, fireworks, who dats everywhere windows flew up and yelling WHO DAT WHO DAT WHO DAT WHO DAT…

It was almost like a Dr Seuss dream… all the cindy lou who dats were out the BOX!

I even got a text “WHO DA FUCK DAT”, and it was like the WHO DAT that went around the world.!!

I know for the next six months the “WHO DAT” will be the common greeting. I know that come tuesday, I will see history… the parade that we have waited for, will come out of the DOME SWEET DOME, and roll through this great city… a sea of black and gold, and JOY… sheer JOY.

Looking about the room at that victorious moment? TEARS streaming, TEARS flowing… laughter, tears, joy and more… Then seeing all the who dats in Miami, refusing to leave the stadium? BIG LAUGHTER all around. When I got home later? They were still sitting there WAITING for their team…

I ate so much food yesterday, because of the anxiety, because of all the energy I was expending just watching… waiting for it.. I felt I had played that game by the time it was over, I was exhausted. I got to watch it with some very close friends too, which made it even better…

Then the texts poured in again from all over the country. WHO FUCKIN DAT, seemed to be the resounding who dat pouring forth…

The walk to the quarter, staring at that giant parking lot of fans, flags, screams, horns, high fives, sheer joy, and more… the party had officially started.. my thoughts of how great it would be, having america see us, ALL of us, showing our black and gold… WITH NO RIOTING…

An incredible thing to even think of going to miami? I don’t think so. I’m proud fans went there, I’m even prouder that folks are heading here right now… knowing that this mardi gras is gonna be the shit. Knowing that the amount of money pouring out of the pockets, and into the city? YEAH U RITE! I can only believe what the quarter looks like RIGHT NOW. No one has slept, NO one… NO ONE WILL BE AT WORK TODAY…

we have come back… we brought the hurricane brees to miami, we have a NEW MAYOR, and a NEW BEGINNING, and no more PITY PARTY… but a Pride that will glow for quite some time. LOMBARDI GRAS is ON!!! If you are thinking of coming here? get moving… this is history, and this time? I hope Americans who dissed us take note… We might be a third world country inside the US, but WE HERE… WE BACK… WE DAT!

WHO DAT!

new art market

So since changes are goin on at the hi ho lounge, I decided to back off and let things go, however, they're going to go. Myself? a new direction, so as I lose saturday nights, I gain one saturday day. and its an art market idea. I have been asked to alternate my saturdays, which I won't do. So I'm giving them up, and just going to move in another direction. I am more concerned with my art, then the drama of booking, and arguing over something as trite as finding someone to blame for the mishaps of successful evenings.

the market will cost each vendor about ten dollars each, and we take no cut after that. we have two backyards and two stages, so we will add the element of live music to it. I'm madly searching for someone to do food. artists are easy to find, but food, not so easy, so I might approach Biddles, to bring his bbq. By the time the temperatures warm up, the backyard, and outside of bar, can be utilized, making for a fun day of art, food, music, and drinks.

if your interested, drop me a line.
thanks.
MC

yoga classes at skull club

thanks to Melissa for the wonderful class. Especially with all the illness Kim and I have had for the last week, that class kicked by azz. lots of sweatin, stretchin, breathin, and more. I'm pretty stiff, hours later, while the girl behind me stretched herself like a pretzel. WOW.

I look forward to this every thursday. at eleven am, a most wonderful way to start my day off. Ashanti yoga isn't a competitive thing, more of a stretch, and beginning learning session for those who aren't necessarily limber enough to do yoga. I have bad knees, so there's quite a bit I can't do. Melissa didn't push me.

At times I felt pretty weak, but all in all, I feel very balanced today. Moving all that blood, and oxygen? a great thing!

If your at all interested in joining up with us? I will tell you DO IT! I feel sore, tired, but energized, and I know that down the line? I'll be a much healthier person for it.

and they call that jury doodie!

dog doodie indeed! the entire month of november I found myself at the mercy of the new orleans criminal justice system. there was a couple of thursdays thrown in for good measure, but a total of six days spent in a room, with uncomfortable chairs, unknowing temperatures, and I felt like a hostage.

my first court case lasted all of ten minutes. we went upstairs, 55 jurors, and they brought out a man in chains. He was accused of first degree murder. He looked at us, and then spoke something to his lawyer. then he plead guilty. case over. 20 years. The judge bascally said that he brought us up, cause the guy WAS guilty, and they knew he'd fess up.

Hmmm, and drug dealers, and armed robbers get longer sentences. I looked up the guys case, and he did some pretty brutal murder. I don't think that getting 20 years, and possibility of parole for good behavior, is any way to solve this guys glitch. Or Mine.

then the next five days passed. sitting sometimes four hours, sometimes five, and today six. I got called up on a case of heroine and crack cocaine. they said it would be a case that would take an entire day. I pretty much have had the flu for the last week. I haven't felt well, or slept well. Thanksgiving was spent pretty much sucking down theraflu, and sleeping. I was not in a good mood, so when they asked if anyone had a problem with drug dealers? I spoke up and said, I'm a graveyard bartender, and I haven't slept. I see drug dealers every day, and I really don't see the difference between what he's sellin, and what I'm sellin. A drunk driver killing an innocent / a drug dealer selling heroine. Both guilty, so as far as I'm concerned, I don't think I'm really going to pay much attention to this case. I'm tired, and I've been up since yesterday afternoon.

Another guy spoke up and said he was a graveyard worker, and hadn't slept either. I basically closed my eyes, and just sat there, pissed off, tired, and waiting to see if my entire evening was about to be ruined.

about ten minutes later, the judge excused me and the other gentleman. We were told to go back downstairs, to sit and wait for????? I waited til about two, then got up, went to the front desk, and asked the woman WHEN do I get to go to lunch. She replied, What? you didn't go to lunch? I said, NO cause I got called to a case, and then sent back down here. I would like my hour lunch. Then the guy that was excused came up to my side, and said the same thing. The lady at the counter, made a few calls, and gave us ALL kinda attitude. Then the gentleman spoke up, and said, there's no reason to be rude, but WE BOTH were excused, and would like the same treatment as the rest of these folks.

another call, and suddenly, she looks at us, asks for our badges, and says go. I say, to lunch? she says, no your excused. So then the gentleman says, we have to come back? she glares and says , you can go home.

wow, I'm getting paid six dollars a day for five of the days. getting 20 for the two days I was called up. the check won't arrive, if it does at all, for another six months. In the meantime, It cost me cab fare several times to get there, because I work late, and I gave up, and lost my tuesday night shifts at work, because I work crazy shifts. 10 on sat nights, 14 or 15 on sunday nights, and another long monday... with the fringe fest and such the weekend before thanksgiving? I really got NO sleep, and ended up sick.

the justice system is flawed. For doing my civic doodie? I was treated like a criminal by the women who check you in. Glared at, each time I went to the bathroom, or went to get something to drink upstairs. The chairs? uncomfortable, since I have problems sitting so long. From one day to the next, the temperature would either be roasting, or freezing. courtrooms, always freezing.

all in all? I almost got put on the henry glover case, which is STILL going on a month later. How they can even try that case here? is beyond me. How they can even think that its going to be a fair trial? just proves my point. Orleans Parish? needs to get their shit together.

Jefferson Parish? one day jury duty, and 30 dollar pay.
WTF?

thanksgiving, turkey's, and the state of mysogyny

happy holidays to those who partake in the turkey known as thanksgiving. I personally? only partake of it, because I get invited somewhere. Its an okay holiday, but My parents always went to Hawaii years ago, to get away from it. An entire month, spent on the beaches, and in the warm breezes of the south pacific. Eating a dinner in a restaurant, and avoiding the big cooking mess.

My favorite thanksgiving of years ago, was in Arizona. Camping out in the woods, on property, and we had a great feast, and party. Chilly weather at night, and a bonfire that was huge. hiking in the dark, drinking, carrying on, and good friends.

Other times of fun, have been shortly after katrina, when Kim was working on bourbon, and I spent the day riding my bike round the city, stopping to see him, for a small tasty plate of food. avoiding parties, and just enjoying the warm weather.

last year, went to lou lou's, and met heather and her son. a very special thanksgiving, with many new friends, and just a wonderful day. I have been invited again, but have a nasty cold, so I don't know if I'll venture out.

FRINGE
The fringe festival was fun. I got the opportunity to parade with the burning spear tribe, and my sister, and her son. We had a really great time, and then brought it into the hi ho lounge. It was an interesting show, talking about 2012, and the rise of feminine energy in the world. Mayans predictions, mother earths anger, and what the future holds. She then proceeded to do readings in the room. Pretty right on the money, with everyone.

www.mardiclaw.net

you have reached, mardiclawblog.
guess what? there's a mardiclaw.net now. Just thought I'd direct you to it, since you may be here because you were just at SKULL CLUB. anyhow, a great art opening starts at nine pm, tomorrow, at the Skull Club, and with it? lots of wonderful things, if you plan to attend, there will be an interactive altar, so bring photo's of friends who've passed, fall flowers, candles, skeletons, virgin mary, a dog, a glass of water, or maybe some baked goods. This is the beginning of dia de los muertos, and this altar will remain until all souls day. Therefore, what better lead in? I invite all of you to skull club, tomorrow, for the reopening of a newly remodeled staple of the bywater art scene, and gallery opening as well for one... mardiclaw...

the tattooed psychic and fringe fest

super excited, my sistah is comin to fringe fest, and with her? Spiritus! spiritus is a show that empowers all of us, to what our potential is... please check out her website, and know that she brings the magi with her, and will discuss and answer questions regarding new orleans, and our rebirth.

Look for an early show on saturday and a repeat show on sunday...

mardiclaw.net

well, its been months, and I'm so frustrated, and finally, someone is coming to my rescue. All I wanted was some help getting some simple things on my website, so bear with me...

I promise you within days, you'll be able to buy art online from me.

wow, its already sept... what will I wear for halloween?

this time of the year, too many things are goin on! As much as I try NOT to get too involved, its almost impossible. we have 6t9 parade, fringe parade, prospect two/scadnola, and I'm starting to book shows again. Mainly, booking on the nights I work, cause I don't want to listen to any more five band nights, of crap music, and deaf ears the next day. I want adults, ones who tip, and good music. I don't think its too much to ask.

I've been going in a new direction with my paintings, and am involved in a show at the skull club opening oct 9th. I'll be painting to do a booth in nov, at prospect scadnola... and of course painting just to paint, and to try and build up a reasonable amount of work, to possibly do one of the many festivals in this city.

halloween is so close, and yet so far, but I'm still looking at costumes... and idea's... with voodoo fest, which I think I'll ignore this year, I might just enjoy a mellow halloween. 6t'9 rolls the weekend before, so THAT will be the weekend I'm out. halloween itself is on a sunday, and still haven't decided what to do, besides the game, on that evening.

of course, the holidays are right behind all the good stuff, don't think I'll make it home again this year, but always try to... seems like it never works out, although, my mom could sure use a visit from Kim and I. My brothers have managed to go out of their way again, to insult her. There is nothing more disappointing, than seeing and hearing about how my two older brothers have broken her heart. Shameful.

meaning, I really need to go home for christmas...

august and september, a time to remember

its been quite a few weeks, filled with parties, birthdays, saints hype, and more. I'm as tired as a mardi gras girl could be. somehow, I keep going...

I finally got to see the black men of labor parade. All the dancing, and all the music. Quite a sight to see, even though I had to step out before it was over.

Usually I go to the gay parade. I haven't done it in years, but this year? different. I'm glad I did it. I saw Honey from the creole wild wild west... He had been out all night, and hadn't been to the parade in years... My conversation the night before? got him out there, without sleep, and with Indian Suit still in the car... :)

The night before, I had a cancellation at the hi ho, with Bo Dollis Jr. His dad had gone in the hospital. There I was on labor day weekend, without a band. So I called Wild Man John and Honey, and they appeared. The night went off really well, and actually was less stressful, than the night before. At one point, the drumming suddenly got louder, and the door had opened, and other Indians came through the door, joining in. It was magical as always.

So I'm looking forward to seeing more Indian shows at the hiho... expect sundays to be an Indian practice, after the saints...

happy Indian Summer....

the five year anniversary of katrina

this next sunday it will have been five years... five years since that levee broke, and the water reclaimed our city. A manmade disaster of "epic proportions", would forever change the way america viewed us, and we viewed the government, and them. A television that was so mired in negative commentary, and pathetic images. You could see the underlying corporate news media's well paid for slant, and we still are dealing with the consequences of not only that, but our perception.

Spike Lee's documentary follow up to the levee's premieres tonite. a two parter, that deals with what I'm talkin, and the saints win, and the subsequent next disaster, the BP oil spill.

ABC news anchor Brian Williams has his take. I don't always know how to take him, and in his heart he means well, but he gets so much wrong. We can all thank him for standing on canal street telling the world that the french quarter was under water. It was not. Canal street is not the Vieux Carre. Five years later tourists are still asking the question... "How much water was in the Quarter".

Harry Shearer comes out also with the big uneasy. I love Harry Shearer, and his documentary will surely have a sarcastic, and truthful edge to it. He loves his city.

Recent documentaries coming are "Road to revolution", which is currently filming... A Wing and a Prayer, has been working on a documentary on voodoo, art, and rebirth in the bywater. Both of these projects have come to me... so I get to say a few words here and there, and show my art.

I look forward to this anniversary with a smile, and a bittersweet memory of what went down. What a horrific moment in time, immortalized by television krewes more interested in the story, than helping the people. A government that went on vacation, and then made promises never kept. All that insurance money spent by homeowners over the years, to be pocketed by the very "insurer" who broke their promise of giving a damn, then raising the rates. Fema screwing over the elderly, red cross trucks feeding people that didn't necessarily need them, overlooking the "hoods" of new orleans because they were afraid. the salvation army showing no fear, and responding. Church groups from all over the country providing water and necessities, and still the government and corporate news media getting it wrong.

the famous words, "get your asses to new orleans", "good job brownie", and W delivering an empty speech to the world, about how he cared, and then walking away, turning of the electricity, and turning his back. That man? proved to me that he only cares about his wallet, and his false security he can't offer. hundreds upon thousands of fema trailers bought and paid for rotting in mississippi, with dick cheney smiling, his fists full of cash.

well, despite all that? I'm moving ahead, like all of us have. You can't depend on anyone but yourself, and each person here in new orleans, that was there that day? has more than proved that fact.

I think we all deserve a standing ovation for the courage, and optimism that makes this place, the wonderful place it is...

come hell or high water, I'm a nola daughter...

funeral for big chief al morris the third, the northside skull and bones gang

I've always been attracted to the bone gangs of new orleans, and never really got to experience that tradition. I know they get out there on mardi gras day, I know they're scary, I know that kids run and hide from them, I know they carry bones, and they have stark skeletal outfits with huge paper mache heads.

then there's the skeleton krewe that rolls with krewe d'etat.

then there's 6t'9 social aid and pleasure club, masking in skeleton makeup and costumes, giving out candy during halloween, so kids don't have to trick or treat in blighted neighborhoods.

but the recent funeral of the first storm king of 6t'9? Big Chief Al Morris III? was an experience that was very intimate, and on a hot hot day in the treme. Led by second chief Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, and the Treme Brass Band, the small secondline weaved through the treme, and began with "We are the north side, skull and bone gang"....

my summer / the hi ho lounge.

I've been having a blast. John and Lori at the hi ho lounge, have finally provided me with a work environment that I can embrace, and participate in.

Saturday nights, live music
Sunday nights soon to be SAINTS SUNDAYS followed by the mardi gras indians rehearsing for mardi gras... right now? True Blood, and the season is kickin in very eloquently and bloody...
Monday nights is Bluegrass, always a really fun evening filled with newbies learning, and the regulars... love monday nights, with dollah plates of red beans and rice.
tuesdays with trivia, a really fun fun night, testing your local and international and drama skills... you can win booze and pizza and more!

Wed nights are piano\
thursday nights are brass, and friday also live.

If your hungry? there's pizza. damn fine pizza.

and don't forget my birthday party either on the 25th of august. then the anniversary of katrina with the indians on the 29th.

stop in and say hi. I work saturdays through tuesdays...
and thanks lori and john.

I came out swinging, against carpetbloggers/baggers

I recently responded to a blog that Loki wrote on Humidcity.com. I wasn't exactly sure what he was referring to, but it brought up my anger regarding people who defend new orleans, or I should say "pretend" to defend new orleans...

http://humidcity.com/2010/07/30/nola-cred-my-ass/

I came out swinging, and they in return, "THEY" carpetblogged it.

OFF WHITE LINEN

sixth annual, off white linen
six to ten pm saturday august 7th.
1061 Camp Street
New Orleans, LA
in the new orleans arts district.

art by Will Smith Jr, Margie Ayres, Mardi Claw, Jennifer Dettinger, Clara Diaz, Rachelle Obrien, Shmuela, Amanda Sibley, Mike Stabile, tamar, Kathryn Wheat, and more

fashion by Kendra bonga, Howlpop, Tora Lopez, Cree Mc Cree, Miette and more

dj Lingerie, Jazzholes, Jim O and the Sporadic Fanatics, Micah Mcgee, Missy Meatlocker and O.L.D.

snacks by holly tamale...

after party at the circle bar with country fried.

fourth of july

one holiday that as a child? I loved. as an adult? I've had good ones, I've had bad. lately in the last few years? I just don't get too excited. Maybe its cause I see things changing, and so much innocence lost, or maybe its cause I just am angry with the way politics are, or maybe its cause I'm not a flag waving, patriotic person. Not to say that I don't support the troops, but I don't support the troops going to war, so somebody can profit from it.

Since that fateful day that I went through that Hurricane, I've changed my views of government, and the response to the people. I've seen a new president arise, and then fall down and submit to the "powers that be"... in other words, I voted for change, and instead, got another politician. Seems like Louisiana is still a "colony" of the US... and they don't care if they kill the entire state, to get that precious oil.

I felt that the response to katrina, in many ways, reflected the fact that we are an oil state. they care about the oil, but not the people. Well, now they've really reassured me of this, by not responding to the gusher from the get go.

BP gets to hire mercenaries? WTF? I feel like a wave of refugee coming on again, in the country that I was born and raised in, only the third world of the US, (meaning louisiana) still isn't treated with any respect... OR revenues, from the rape of this beautiful state, so that a bunch of Oil Hookers can get rich.

I can only imagine the price of gas, if we had allowed McSame and Palin take over our country. That thought still frightens me...

I see James Carville come out swinging. I see Bobby Jindahl spewing a bunch of BS, and pretending he's doing something, while his friends profit from a sand berm, that won't last more than a few hours if we get a "big one". I see Billy Nungessar speak great lengths of truth, yet shuffled into a corner, and used by big corporate newstations, to make him look silly. When in fact, he has some legitimate things to say. I see Anderson Cooper standing in the quarter showing the country a bunch of drivel over and over, much like katrina footage, soon to become oil spill fatigue. I see the news crews spinning this, I hear that Haley Barbour claims there's no oil on his beaches, I see the pictures of the same beaches, and now hear that they're fining folks for taking them. cover up? yes... how DO you cover that up? Ask anyone in Alaska about the Exxon Valdez...

So much negativity, even the christian network is using it to sell the end of the world, the oceans on fire, the sea has turned black. Hmmmm. Is oil the antichrist? or are the oil barons of the earth, the antichrist?

Rachel Maddow is about the only one I've seen who has said anything honest... and has gotten in a boat and shown america. Hardball touches on it. John Stewart, and Steven Colbert, touch on it. Even Bill Maher, has come out swinging.

yet... its still gushing. its still killing... and now? its getting closer to Lake Ponchartrain.

What kind of response effort is this?

anyway, back to the fourth of july.
kinda hard to be patriotic, when all you see is people who don't give a damn about the very people who drill for this, who fish the oceans to provide food for your dinner table. Killing an ecosystem so fragile, that we become even more vulnerable to storms...

but the one patriotic thing I can do? Is speak my mind.
and there you have it. I'm very unhappy about the last five years. I've seen a country that cannot respond to the very people who make it what it is.

Next time I vote? I hope there's someone new out there, I hope the revolution will be televised, I hope people wake up... but somehow? I think Louisiana fatigue will have replaced the truth. A truth that the "idiot box" "big brother" has hidden from the modern day couch potato american.

happy fifth of july.

Oil RIG paintings

I've gone on a mission. so far, the avenue pub, the hi ho lounge, and the corner muse all have oil rig paintings... the one at the avenue pub? will be part of their benefit in august for shrimpers and fishermens families... the one at the hi ho? will be for sale on my new website, coming on line here within a week or so. The one at corner muse? is for viewing pleasure, if you'd like to purchase it? show me a donation to the gulfrestoration network for $100, and its yours. The Verti Marte benefit for employees, will be this week, go to antoines annex 513 royal, to purchase raffle tickets, or make a bid on it.

up and coming viewings, NOLA brewing will be receiving one, st roch tavern, schiro's, and of course, THE SKULL CLUB already has one.

If you'd like to display one of these, please leave me a message, and we'll work it out. As long as the money collected goes to my charities of choice... tri state bird rescue, or gulf restoration network. thanks... scroll down to see one of them. OIL RIG / FLAG of louisiana

imagine that

WOW, what a day of reading blogs, and information. From the callousness of that jerk from texas saying that President Obama is sticking it to the wrong folks, and apologizing to BP, to Michelle Bachman standing behind him. What is up with people who think like this? I know, I know, they're funded by big oil. But really? To be so clouded by greed, that you can't see the sky through the clouds?

Who works these rigs? "The Little People". Without them, do you think you'd get a piece of the pie? By not being responsible, ya think its okay to "enslave" people for your greed? To leave things a mess? I mean, as a bartender, I leave things the way I'd like to find them when I come in. Is that a philosophy of bar etiquette? and not in daily life? Really, anyone who thinks like this? Has a BIG OILY TEET they're sucking on. They suck, so does BP.

Then there's the idea that so much oil is being taken from the ground beneath, that it will all collapse and cause a HUGE tsunami, taking out the entire state of florida, and parts of the gulf, and large parts of the world. really? All this done on purpose because someone thinks the footprint of humans needs to shrink? WOW... thats rich.

How bout the terrorists posting that they'll send bombs to set the sea aflame? Aren't we already lighting those fires? How bout those who believe that this is the end of the world? I mean really!

WOW all that from one little oil spill that could.

I seem to be in places where things happen. They have always come out positive, no matter what the odds were. I think the state of Louisiana is screwed on so many levels, mostly economically, then environmentally... I dread finding out that we won't see CASH MONEY for all the wrongs by a system of OIL thieves... leaving us vulnerable, leaving us polluted, leaving us EVEN poorer than before.

I pray for the revenues, and hope some lawyer sues for back revenues... I pray that BP and Halliburton and all those who think they're search for oil, was worth more than the living culture of Louisiana, all find an oily end to their greed... as in a new green energy for everyone to participate in...

Is it the end of the world? I thought there would be tons of suffering worldwide. I watch tv, seems like thats goin on. I wonder whats next. tornadoes, flooding in the midwest, hurricanes, tsunami's, and global financial crisis. War, famine, pestilence... wow... all kinds of good things on the horizon.

Personally? I think we're about to see a new beginning... and an end. Those who see a new beginning, know what I'm talking about. Those who believe in this? aren't sitting round with a tea bag on our hat, we're sipping tea, and talking about solutions. We also RANT, but in the end, its all for the greater good of mankind. This answer that the generation behind will save us? doesn't work for me. What works for me, is being proactive, and trying to make change, or do something good for people.

take heed. the world is changing. sometimes we see things getting worse before better. so in these times of change... remember that.

sundays at the hi ho lounge...

well, treme is coming to an end, and I can say that its been a fun run. I've been raffling off a painting each week, which... has kept me on my toes. This sunday will be the last episode for the summer, and should be the final episode with more of my mardiart! Its been a hoot seeing my stuff in the background of episodes... vaughns, and the cocaine scene in the last two episodes...

I'd love to bring my copies of treme to my parents, but SOMEHOW don't think they'll find the humour in all of it. LOL

Anyhow, I've already found another louisiana HBO series, to take its place, although its not entirely filmed here in nola. That series would be True Blood. I will be showing episode number two this weekend.... AFTER treme.

Last week's episode ended with a bummer, and then I ran through five pieces of art raffled, and right into true blood... No One sat round and cried, although I think this week? will be some sadness in the house.

AGAIN, I will have the mardigras Indians in the house, and again, raffle.

Its been tons of fun, and keeping with the tradtion of the raffle? I will continue this new challenge for the summer, by continuing to raffle off NEW works, in line with true blood... afterall, a skellie with fangs? not so much of a stretch...

I'd like to thank all who have been coming out each week. regulars on the tv series, miss carrie... (unknown stripper number two), jeffrey holmes, jaybird, wildman john, and a bevy of friends who I keep seeing in the background scenes, and artists alike! WOW, we've had a fun year getting ourselves out there.! I'm curious what the rest of america thinks...

SEE YOU THIS SUNDAY... and don't forget... I'm collecting pet food for the residents of the gulf coast who are having a hard time feeding themselves, and their pets... every sunday I'll be taking donations...

good news.... new website coming soon!

FYI
it will be www.mardiclaw.net.
my previous website was being run by unscrupulous folks, who misused my "checking" account for their "own" paypal account. This made Mardiclaw very angry. I scuttled the boat, and ended the business and friendship part of this venture. Occasionally, I spew up vile commentary regarding the callousness and carpetbaggery of these two individuals... but today... with lawyer in hand? will be soon outing them, unless they remove my name, and quit using my photo's to make money in the country they live in. If you see mardiclaw's picture on other websites? particularly ones where I'm skeleton? then you shouldn't pay any cash amount to these folks unless you speak with me.

In the meantime... good news is now you'll be able to buy prints from me. I will have pages with works for sale, and where to buy them, and prints... I'll even have some oil spill art, for sale, and will be kicking BACK cash to the gulf restoration network...

This is all exciting news... look for my new website here in the next week.

Mardiclaw.

wow, dead fish in bay jenny.

really? yeah... the bottom of the big fish food chain just started floating to the surface. In the meantime, people make videos of birds who AREN'T going to make it. So WRING their necks you sicko! they're suffering, and your giving me suffer fatigue. I'm all about saving the birds? but the ratio? is very small for those who live, after trying to save them. ONE PERCENT! those that still live, mainly die from injesting the oil, or have liver failure, or more. Its really enough to make you just want to WRING a BP exec neck!

treme episodes, down to two more!

this last episode featured mardiclawart in the background.... of all things... the cocaine scene with sonny and the Hooker? anyhow, my flambeaux guy was right there, and with only two more episodes, Wild man John and Juan Pardo will be in the house, for the final shows. I have three more pieces in the series, John has another scene or two, st josephs, and super sunday. Both of us invite you to come early, get a seat and enjoy treme with us.

nothing like Indians in da house.

for summer, I'll be switching over to true blood, which airs tonite at seven pm. Season opener, and plenty more to come. I'm thinking of keeping the art tradition going, by continuing to raffle art, after true blood. let me know what ya think.

now showing at...

the skull club, although its by appointment only. go to www.skullclub.com
the hi ho lounge 2239 st claude avenue.
the avenue pub 1732 st charles avenue.

look for a new website at the end of this month. many of the bird paintings Ive been doing? will be for sale on this site, and partial proceeds will go to the bird rescue and animal fund for the gulf states.

A new show at the end of the summer at scarlett o hara's
Off White Linen in august.

thanks for taking the time to check me out on blogspot.com

summertime, and the livings FAR from easy

When Jazz Fest arrived right round earth day, we all were on a big high... Afterall, it seemed like it was gonna be a good year. We had rebounded, and we're coming into that five year window, that WE survived. As a city, as friends, as a community.

Then, that fateful blowout in the gulf, and the amount of BS, from BP, MSM, and the fed's. The lies, upon lies, upon lies, making it seem like Katrina all over again... only worse. Watching the news spin it, watching BP buy up huge lots for ads claiming they're doing all they can, and now FEMA, that four letter word, coming into play.

and just when it was safe to enjoy our summer.

I am horrified, discusted, and angry. I'm trying my best to put it on canvas, and I have a feeling, the country will be seeing OIL SPILL fatique, much like katrina, before summers end. Only that OIL? is WAY more than they ever said.

watching rachel maddow the other night, was one of the few reports I've seen that was accurate. Anderson Cooper stands in the quarter with James Carville, speculating... But Rachel? she gets in a boat, and takes you there.

John Voight decides to blast the president... Yeah, we live in the age of the blame game. Its all Obama's fault, cause thats how the republicans spin things, when they don't want you to see the real truth. A big Halliburton sign should be hung right there, where it says to blame Obama. This has more to do with Bush, and Cheney, than it does Obama. Those two made sure regulations were removed, and those two sold this country to corporations, and to big Oil, making us all slaves to the big oily man.

Sorry, but there will never be a day in my life that I forgive Dubya, and Darth Cheney. After eight years of wars we went into, so they could profit, to watching those two turn disaster upon disaster into more profits for them, I began to find the america I grew up in? A place of lies, greed and deceptions. Still is, I'm still standing here at ground zero, watching it unfold again.

However, I believe in being proactive, so I paint my anger, I doth protest too much, and I make damn sure that I collect dog food, for families who now can't afford to keep their pets... put together a benefit, to save the birds, and will continue to keep chipping away at the false american dream, for those that are glued to the corporate idiot box, brainwashed, and Oiled, by an american nightmare.

from mayor mitch landrieu.

How many times are you going to ask the people of Louisiana to be the
tip of the spear? How many times are you going to send them into battle
without the right armor or without the right equipment and expect them
to continue to show up?… The deal ought to be: If you want to drill,
protect us. If you don’t want to drill, stop driving.

Thank you Mitch Landrieu. Bout time someone addressed a very serious issue... the one where LOUISIANA doesn't get revenue from the Oil extracted from our state.

OIL SHEEN LITE and other misuses of the modern media.

I get a phone call from home... (portland, oregon) Is that Oil spill hitting land yet? YOUR KIDDIN ME, I answer...

not kidding. Yup, again, the media picks and chooses who they support or don't. big Brother has arrived, in case you haven't realized it yet. There are millions of people out there so brain washed, that they might not even KNOW, we have a spill... and just in case you didn't know this? there's another one they're hiding in ALASKA. all while the country worries about the "epidemic" in arizona, the end of the season of "Lost", and of course "Dancing with the Stars".

I'm beginning to think I might see the beginning of the end of the world. My mother certainly thinks so. Our conversation was emotional, and she didn't ask me when I was leaving, she just point blank said she thinks they're trying to OIL US AWAY.

I remember my Oregon basics, a state so green, and so very clean, and the descent from there to other states that didn't recycle, and then to Louisiana, where you can put the garbage can under their feet, and they still throw it on the ground... all the while joking that we're sinking and its landfill. WELL, you might get your wish, DRILL SPILL KILL Toxic LANDFILL....

welcome to the chernobyl of the gulf states. I don't think I'm exxagerating either, I think the amount of dispersant that mr BP aka BIG PRICK is forcing into our eco system? will cause cancers for generations. AND mr big prick is profiting from it as well. its his product, and its illegal in his country. How bout we fill a face mask with it, and force him to breath it? THATS how mad I am.

When I see those birds? When I see the sea turtles, dolphins, redfish, shrimp and crabs all suffocating? I just want to see Louisiana CUT OFF the OIL TEET to not only big prick, but to the entire country... WHERE ARE THOSE OIL REVENUES? WE should be making MONEY off this, NOT the other way around, but then again, the carpetbagger seems to be one in the same as big brother, corporate america, and the OIL WHORES.

Seize the assets NOW of BP AND HALLIBURTON... Go out and inspect these rigs.... Fine them if they aren't safe! ELEVEN people DIED!

end offshore drilling, until you can change the laws, regulate it, fix it, and end privatized profits... SEND THE OIL INDUSTRY GASHOLES a message.

the mississippi delta cannot take this... we have poisened our land, our water, and now possibly the eco system of the keys, and beyond. The time is NOW... to think GREEN for a better future, and opportunity to create a whole new industry, in this time of depression.

the oil spill... something I'm livid about.

Just when we got things going, something takes it away, and it reeks of so many rotten things, mainly corporate oil, and the possibility of seeing my state, once again, in the middle of BULLSHIT. No response, No hit the ground running to fix it, No fixing it for months, and OIL whores still making a buck off of it. A disaster is worth MILLIONS of dollars for the carpetbagger, and this one? even collected on his insurance policy, taken out days after he realized they were in trouble. Many folks after katrina, NEVER saw a dime of insurance money.

Then they spend all kinds of money on a PR firm, and not us. Sounds just like the Army Corps of Engineers! Then Halliburton steps in like they're the good guy, when in fact, they are partly to blame as well. BP Spending money on a tourism commercial for Florida, just in time to catch the Spill.

A president who doesn't respond quick enough, A governor who stands and screams, while he pushes for offshore drilling to resume, the rajin cajun downplaying dead animals and the "suffering" we don't need to care about, yet he's mad as hell his heritage is in danger, Tony Hayward making callous remarks about how he'd like to get his life back, and On and on and on....

bottom line, WHAT ABOUT THE GULF STATES AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT?

The only person I trust so far? Is Phillip Cousteau, and his drop through the oil to see the damage... Damage we've been lied about.

What... are ya tryin to kill us? It sure seems like it. Drew Brees says god sent it to us, cause we're so resilient... he would plug the hole with his fist if he could. Thats all interesting and positive, but it doesn't solve the problem. AGAIN, we are the red headed step child of the media, getting bad publicity, like no one but the gulf can. Thank you corporate media for painting it "Oil Spill Light". I hope each of your grandchildren live to see the day of your out right disregard for the gulf states, and mother nature weve caused... that is.... if we're still here.

treme, daymo

tough episode tonite. LaDonna finds her brother, which opened up a HUGE roomful of tears... I even had to suck it up, and realized that all those trucks were FULL of dead bodies, and to find that her brother was a victim of the system? Really hit home. We have such a messed up system here in nola. I hear these stories all the time. sad sad stories...

I read salon today, and the reviewer was dissing the show, and I got the feeling that she's never been here. her question had lots to do with the Daymo character... well now she knows... we all know.

Brings up so many stories of people who never returned, were never found, and most likely are gone. When I see the count that the government called "those who died" I'm reminded that THAT isn't the true number. You have to count those who died of broken hearts, those who were never found, and those who were murdered, when all they were, were folks looking for someplace to go. I'm sure there were many up to no good, but the killing went on. We're finally talking about the danziger bridge, finally getting to the bottom of endless rampages of murder... and for what?

I'd like to cry murder right now, since the OIL whores are killing us. the swamps in st bernard? are done. Our line of first defense has been swallowed once again, and for what? so folks can drive their cars fast? sucking up gas? petrolium..? and to think we won't even see our royalties until 2017!

yeah, we all get the short bus on this one... AGAIN...

and all those missing? I wish for their familes to find closure. Certainly, many are still wondering.

trumpet magazine, and local artists

I was recently interviewed along with other friends regarding art in new orleans... It was a fun article, and I would like to thank kalen for writing it. Afterall, any exposure is good exposure... but I'd like to add a few things to the article.

When we originally talked, our topic leaned on the treme series, and how one of the big things in the show were the musicians, when in fact... at that time after the storm, we were without musicians. Most of the instruments had drowned in the storm, along with many other things... I even ended up with a neighbors piano at that time. What was back... were the artists, and among them was Michael Dingler, aka REX. He went about putting up street signs so we knew where we were. Many of those signs are still intact. Proving artists were more proactive than the city government. there is no artist figure in treme... there should be.

there was a big push to own anything nola, and since many of the art pieces had drowned, and clothing as well as instruments, a sense of pride was rising up among the creative folks within the city.

I came to town one weekend, and bought tshirts with nola on them, so I could show my pride back in gallatin tennesse and nashville... I was very proud to be from nola, despite what they put out there on the corporate news stations, and regardless of the rumours of how nola was full of beggars, thieves, and welfare recipients...

Jeffery Holmes did toxic art... found, drowned objects and made them into art. He did the memorial on the neutral ground that still remains. lit up with battery operated lights, even when there was no power in the city.

others took everything they could from christmas past, and put up trees with drowned ornaments, others took stuffed animals and tied them to vehicles, others found dolls, and set them up. Everywhere you looked there was a strange thing going on with found objects... there was even a house out in arabi, that sat upon the wicked witch of the west, in the middle of the road. People were trying to find humour... I went looking for it myself.

At that time I was spending my days riding my bike from place to place, getting ice for the ladies next door, whom had no refrigerator... and most of my days spent looking through things people were throwing out. My sister Faye "the tattooedpsychic" had told me that I should pay attention to what came before me. I had a local artist hand me all her supplies on her way out of town, I found canvas stretched wherever I went, I found paintbrushes, people brought me paint, people handed me all forms of media, to create with. This is what she was speaking of, when she said that I should pay attention to what was handed to me. Someone was telling me something, and I should follow the path...

I did.
I look back on that time, and it was certainly therapeutic. I look at what I'm suddenly creating now that the Treme is on TV. I have a wealth of photographs, some 7,000 of this city at her worst. My intent was to use these images in paintings, and it has taken me almost five years to do them. Sometimes I touch on them, but mostly I was doing post K dia de muerte. These days, I've progressed to an entirely different nola vision. HUMOUR of course steeps everything I do, and a sarcasm as well. I am currently painting for "Off White Linen" in August, and another show at the big top regarding women in parades, come september. I will be branching into the retreat at the riverbend, and of course finishing that MURAL at the avenue pub.

So if you get out there, and see my works at surrey's, smile... At Skull Club? grin... at the HI HO? Laugh, as we share a drink over the Treme.

I still have my sense of pride, still have my humour, and still hold some dark images within, at time to time they peek out.

Proud to call this home.

tonites treme giveaway...

2239 st claude avenue... the hi ho lounge...

now showing at surrey's

1418 magazine street, listed on diners, drive ins and dives.. wonderful spot for breakfast, and lunch, open til three... get over there and buy some art.

happy mothers day!

well, being mothers day and all, I had to post something regarding my mom. We don't always see eye to eye, but this last year has been rough for her, and myself. I have two older brothers, who have no respect for her, and have shown us their true colors in the last six months, resulting in stress on her, and my stepfather, that I'm sure won't go unwarrented, in their old age, when they hope family stands behind them.

the good news is... my mom has realized that sometimes when something bad goes down, something good, comes forward. I guess that would be me. I came to her aid recently, and got her a new lawyer, one who stands behind her, and is prepared to fight for her, in case my bro's try to commit her. Trust me, my mom is FAR from being lost in her mind. If anyone is, it would be them. As they teach their kids to disrespect the elderly, I laugh, and remember my mom and her tenacity.

When my father died in 1990, he said to her, "Gladys, your the most obstinate woman I ever knew, and I still love you for it..."

So here's to my mom, for teaching me, that sometimes, being a bitch is all a woman has to defend herself with, and sometimes being a bitch is all we have. This bitch? Stands behind her mom... Who is growing old gracefully now, without my two greedy, disrespectful brothers...

here's to you MOM, for making me a tough old broad.!

more treme

sunday nights at the hi ho lounge for the treme are becoming one of my favorite nights of the week. I look forward to painting something for it, and I get great joy seeing someone score a nice one...

I really enjoyed john goodman this past episode, when he decides to go on youtube, and make his commentary regarding new orleans, and saving chicago, new york, california, etc... when he finally explodes with commentary from one of bourbon streets tshirt sayings... I had a great chuckle. he pretty much said it all.

here's what I think is missing though, and maybe they're going to address it, but power outages... curfews, more national guard, some drag queens, they completely skipped halloween, when they pushed the curfews back so you could stay out later. although, maybe the curfews pushed back, but the cabs were unavailable after eleven pm. where's st bernard parish? show me some red cross lines, some more fema parks, houses in the middle of roads, and more carpetbaggers...

a public roast of fema, would make me really happy...
maybe that tshirt that NOPD printed saying chocolate city we're bitter...

oil spill in the gulf

here we go with another disaster, which is being underplayed by the press, and the big oil companies.. there goes my oyster season, shrimp and crawfish season. there goes the gulf!

in the words of bill maher, every asshole who yelled drill baby drill, should have to report to the gulf this morning, and begin cleaning it up. Shame on Obama for layin in bed with these creeps.. Offshore drilling needs to stop. We need to be proactive, and start taking the bus, or riding a bike to work. Its truly shameful that mother nature is ruined by big oil... and our entire gulf network, bayou's, and more... all for the mighty OILY dollar.

hurricane part three... leaving the city...

We settled in and cooked up what was left of our friends filet mignons and pork chops in their fridge. Kim started red beans as well. might as well cook up everything ya can...

Their house was across the street from Schiro’s, and it was raised very high. A second story with a porch, and we figured that we would stay there in case the water came up even more.. (according to the radio, the water hadn't come yet, but according to us? it was already here...) There were people walking by, some were looking for help, some offering help, and others just checking out the neighborhood looking for opportunities, places to loot.

There was a guy looking for money to feed his baby… Where was he buying baby food? Money meant nothing at this point. I think we gave him some money, and later he would come back with ice for us. Where he got the ice? I dunno, another guy came by as well with ice... We iced down what food we had left. Then there was the emergency vehicles heading into the ninth, pulling boats, trying to help people out of the flood waters. All walks of life, going about scrounging for whatever they could find. The city was pitch black.

I tried to take a nap. It was too hot, and the mosquitos were ravenous. I had bug spray, and the water and gas were still working at Kevin and Joe’s house. Kim kept cookin his red beans and rice. We barbequed on the porch and watched the sun go down. Opal was in full patrol mode. She was Barking at every gang or group that passed. We watched some people put their hands on the windows at Schiro’s, testing to see how thick the glass was, so they could make a decision whether to throw a brick… Then I heard the sound of a shotgun being cocked, and someone said, I don’t think your going in there….

The neighbors were watching out for the place. They had decided if anyone was going in, it would be those who patronized it, and lived in this hood. I could hear neighbors fighting over whether to stay or go, and threats of “we could die here”. I tried to sleep, and it was too hot. We bathed throughout the night, trying to cool off, but we were miserable. I worried that someone would break in, and realized Opal was wide awake. Candles burned, and the city was all blacked out. The only lights were emergency vehicles, and cars and flashlights….

The next day our friends loaded up their car, and their cats and decided not to stay. Kim asked if they would take me, they said they didn’t have room. Kim kept pressing the issue, that they had two cars. Terry and Andy worked with Kim, and the brother had arrived just days before the hurricane, from Phoenix. Kim kept pressing the issue, until he gave us the keys... Kim convinced him that the looters were coming, and his truck most likely wouldn't be there when we all returned... They talked, and then made a pact, and suddenly we had keys to a pick up truck with no gas in it. They exchanged numbers, and they took off, agreeing to meet up in Baton Rouge in a few days. Now we had hope. Steve and Kim went about looking for gas.

I packed up our stuff, and prepared to leave. We traded 20 gallons of water and a weeks supply of food for two gallons of gas from a neighbor. We gave them milk, and the red beans, and the toilet paper. They were staying, as they were home owners. We loaded up the truck, and even though we didn’t have enough gas to get too far, we had gas. We went out Chartres street, to Decatur to the crescent city connection. There were people making a mass exodus, asking for rides, and I still had the feeling we could be carjacked, with the exception of Kim in the back with the two dogs… opal was still in patrol mode.

Going across the bridge I remember looking up at the state flag of Louisiana, with the pelican on it. I was thinking this was our salvation, we were on our way out. I saw all these people walking, with all they had left. Just trying to get out. It was probably high noon or so…. Sometime after we made our exit over the Mississippi, the police from Gretna got on the bridge and wouldn’t let anyone leave. They made you turn around and go back to New Orleans. The cops were afraid that the west bank was about to be looted by all the people in new orleans. They had guns, and they meant business. Later they would say it never happened… but it did. Ed Bradley interviewed people on 60 minutes, and they told their story. They even had video footage to prove it. Like a lot of things that they said never happened. When it comes to the truth, believe me, it happened.
I was thinking of the CBD and our friends we left behind. All I could think of was all that gasoline and oil coming up with the sewer water, and combining with the flood waters. One match and the entire business district would be up in flames.

I thought of our conversation leaving Lauries that Tuesday morning. Joking about bass fishing on canal street, or catching crawfish right there in front of where I work. I was wearing a dress with a skeleton on it, and I remember this woman saying how appropro the dress was for the impending apocalypse. Climbing over trees on esplanade avenue to get to the other side. Wading through water to get back home, and going by Iggys, and seeing them serving drinks with the looters only a half a block away. Thinking “whats wrong with you people, don’t you know that your putting your lives and your employees lives in danger?

On Canal street back at the footlocker, they couldn’t find the other shoe in the back, so some bright individual lit a match and the place was on fire. Steve told me he was at Dominics, and they were trying to get the water out, and he was helping them move stuff to safer spots, and then after helping them out, they wanted six bucks for his drink. Obviously even they were guilty of price gouging. The night of the hurricane, I gave drinks away, if you helped me. Some people just have so much greed in their hearts, and they only think of themselves. I remember my girlfriend riding her bicycle by, and proudly carrying her weapon, with intent to use it if you fucked with her… I was wondering about Jeff and Rachel, and how they were gonna get out. Later I would find out they broke into the cabby wherehouse, siphoned gas and got out. They were charged up to ten dollars a gallon in Mississippi, as they fled the city. More price gouging.

We got to Raceland, and we were about to run out of gas. Looting was everywhere, all the way to raceland. A police officer said there was gas there. We found two stations, and got in line. I got out of the car, and got the gas can filled in case they ran out before we got to the front. They sold us 30 dollars of gas. I remember them being Mexicans, and I remember they had a generator. There wasn’t the same sense of urgency here, we were in the country, but at the same time, no electricity, and gas was scarce. We pressed onward into Lafayette. I had friends in Baton rouge, and I called them. The phones were still going in and out. My friends were under siege, as the thugs from new orleans had taken over baton rouge. We kept going, trying to find a room, but no one would take dogs. It wasn’t for lack of cash, it was just people were picking and choosing. We kept going all the way to Alexandria, where we met up with friends.

They had friends in Monroe who agreed to let us crash. Gabriel Landry put us up. He was very kind, and had food prepared, and offered us everything he could. He put up about ten people, some he knew, some he didn’t. Once inside, I started to relax, until I saw the TV. Then the horror settled in. They were showing all kinds of looting, and talking about murders and rapes, and showing people on rooftops begging to be rescued. Now I’m thinking what the FUCK? Why isn’t anyone helping? Why? You mean to tell me I just left that?

Reality set in, and we opened up some wine, and started drinking. I charged my phone, and called friends and family members assuring them I’m wasn’t in the middle of that anymore. We proceeded to get drunk, and I watched as Kim decompressed. One of the girls there, thought that Kim was a racist. He was talking about the racism he felt, and how the thugs were just out of control. She had no clue, she wasn't there, she wasn't a new orleanian, she wasn't paying attention to the fact that Kim was Puerto Rican, and I was white, all she heard was the "N" word, and that convinced her that we were klan members... She was an idiot, she had no business making any commentary, we were going through PTSS... We finally crashed on an air mattress, and Opal layed down with me under the covers.

The next day we packed up to leave. Steve had his laptop, and Kim found us a hotel just a few hours NW of Monroe, up in El Dorado Arkansas. They took dogs, so we packed up again, what little we had left. I did a mass email, letting everyone know I was alive, and Kim listed us on a survivor list. He also enrolled us in FEMA, and then we all looked at each other and split apart. I gave Steve $100 as they needed to get to Florida. We said our goodbyes.

We got to El dorado Arkansas, and checked in. A guy at the counter asked us if we were from New Orleans, and what had happened. He insisited on paying for our room. I told him I had money, but the lady at the counter said, no, he’s paying. He was paying for everyone who evacuated. I asked him why, and he explained that he was from Florida, and had had the kindness of others. It was his turn to pay it forward. I remember him driving away, his truck said “Jesus saves, and so do I”. Later in November of that year I would see him in New Orleans helping people gut their houses.

I bumped into my friend Tracy in the lobby. We hardly recognized each other, we were so tired and stressed. I laughed that I had managed to bring our swim suits... of all things...

We crashed. Opal crashed. It was now Thursday, and nothing had happened yet in New Orleans. Nobody had arrived to help anyone yet. NOBODY. The news said President Bush would be in Nola by Friday. What the fuck? Five days later? someone decides that maybe they should send a rescue squad? Now I’m cursing Nagin, who is having a temper tantrum in front of the entire country, I’m cursing governor Blank one, for not being able to make the decision to send in the guard… Oh Yeah, the Louisiana Guard is in IRAQ! Now I’m cursing out that pathetic shit who calls him self W… he’s coming back early from his vacation…. And that shit from FEMA… oh yeah BROWNIE… nice job brownie, nice clothes ya got there…. All these motherfuckers just letting new orleans drown. All GUILTY!
You think the government cares? THINK AGAIN!

We make a bet that W shows his face on Friday at five pm, during dinner hour, and the first thing he’s going to do it hug a black person….

We go back to bed. Opal sleeps for two days solid. I go downstairs, and now the churches have arrived, with food and clothing. Lots of really wonderful people arrive to help. It was incredible, and restored my faith. One lady insisted on giving me $20. Another brought me clothes, as I was her size. The red cross was there, giving cards away so you could purchase what you needed...

We went to the local salvation army for more clothes. We really didn’t have much. I found Alltel and paid my phone bill. I had a fear that they would turn it off. I was afraid of the cost of roaming fees and text messages. They told me all charges dropped, and I paid anyway.

On Friday night at five pm, we watched as W, hugged a black person in Mississippi. He never stepped foot in New Orleans, he just viewed it from above. Asshole.

We’re hearing there is no gas between Little Rock and Nashville. We calculate the amount needed to get there, and buy gas cans and fill them. This is the largest mass exodus in the United States. Rumours of gas prices soaring up into ten dollars a gallon. We load up and move out on Saturday morning.

We drove and drove, and when we reached Nashville, family was there to THEIR relief. They had been so worried, but we were fine. However, more shit was looming in front of us. The guy who had given us the car, had reported it stolen, and was now calling us on the phone and threatening us. He had a relative call and threaten. Fuck him, I took the car, and siphoned out all the gas, and copied off the emails sent between us, confirming that we knew him and had permission to have the car, and went to the police station and surrendered the keys to them. I explained our story, and the officer had no problem with it. I had the guys two emails, saying thank god we were safe, and yes we can meet in Baton Rouge as planned. I explained that he told us he wanted the car tuned up, and delivered with a full tank of gas, in CALIFORNIA… which wasn’t going to happen. The cop told me the guy told him he gave us the keys, and that we refused to return it. HA HA HA…. I returned it all right…. I pointed out that the insurance was expired, the tags were from Arizona, proving he wasn’t a resident of Louisiana.

I then called FEMA and reported his name in case he tried to collect money from them. He had been in nola for one week. He had no proof that he lived there, and I made sure the red cross knew as well. Then I received a package from his insurance company. He was using our address in Nashville to buy insurance. I called them, and explained to them that he did not live here, and that there were no tools stolen, or stereo, or cell phone. I gave them the entire story, and gave them the officers name that I reported the car to. Fuck Ken…. He had some good Karma coming, but then got greedy, so fuck him.
Its amazing what people will do to try and put one over on ya…..

Everyone I knew was saying to leave nola for good. We were going through withdrawal. I was mortified that the entire country sat there in front of their tv's, and watched all of this unfold, and couldn't/wouldn't do anything about it. I was discusted that the news showed only bad things, and no good things. I was sickened when they labeled black folks as looters, and white folks as foraging. I was getting more and more angry at George W Bush, as NOW the entire country can see what a LAME DUCK he is... has a meeting to discuss the largest hurricane ever to hit the country, and then go on vacation and ignore it.

I was even more upset when I saw all the folks lined up to help. AND our own military was being used to keep them from helping. I would see the lines going through each state, and I would just cry, thinking YES, here comes the calvary, and then realize, they weren't being allowed in. I spoke with the vet down the street, who wanted to rescue animals, and they wouldn't let him in. The drinking water on its way to nola, made to turn around because George W Bush was flying over.? WTF?

It was a barrage of information on each station, repeating over and over, and brainwashing all the couch potatoes of america to believe that everyone in new orleans was black, on welfare, looting, and not worth saving. The great Louisiana purchase was now on.

Lies, Lies, and more Lies. My friends called and wanted me to come to Seattle. Since I wouldn't be returning to work anytime soon. They were trying to come up with ways on the tv to vaccuum the water out of the city. They were dumping sandbags on the levee breaks, they were trying the best they could, and still, under water... Fingers pointing, more lies, and more BS from the feds... It was all very frustrating. VERY.

hurricane part two

Lauries building could withstand 200 mile an hour winds. We were on the ninth floor on the inside of the building. So we felt fairly safe from any breaking glass.... We still taped the windows with X's.

We went back down to Dominic's to drink ourselves to a spot where we could just float up to the room and pass out. You could hear Glass breaking, car alarms, wind howling, and the rain was coming in sideways. We shared some of the food from hobnobbers, with the patrons of Dominics. I got pretty dang drunk, and I just passed out once in the apartment. I knew the power would go out, and I knew the heat would set in, and I knew it was going to get really difficult to sleep, once we got to that point.

Woke up the next day with a sense of relief. Electricity had ended at 6:30 am according to the clocks. The building had a generator, so you could charge your phone downstairs. Not that it mattered, the phone towers were down. Somehow, my phone rang, first my mom, then Debbie, then Faye, then Fitz. I realized later I could catch a signal outside and around the corner, but at the same time didn't want to waste the charge.

We made breakfast on the hurricane stove I had bought a few years back at a garage sale in Arabi. The lady laughed as she sold it to me, telling me that they had never had to use it, and gave me a deal with extra cans of propane. Months later when I returned to Arabi and saw her house, I cried... thinking I hoped she wasn't home when the twelve feet of water rushed through her neighborhood and destroyed it.

Kim went back to our house to check it out, and I took Opal for a walk in the French quarter. The quarter was dry, but signs broken, glass everywhere, and the smell of rotting food was already in the air. Trees ripped out of the ground, the roof on the Old US Mint was peeled back like a sardine can and crumpled on the ground like a piece of paper. Back at our house, water everywhere, but not in the house. It was up to the top step, but our home was intact. People had a real sense of relief at this point, and were actually celebrating. Some of the bars were back open and serving beer.

I realized it was turning dusk, and headed back towards Canal Street, and that’s when I realized that things weren't right. The footlocker windows were broken and looters were inside. I went back to Laurie’s apartment and waited. A few friends came by, checking on us, and asking if we had a game plan. Jeff and Rachel were going to try and get to their car, and find gas. We were all still unaware of what was about to happen. For now though... things seemed okay. It was hot, humid, and hard to sleep, but we managed.

Tuesday am, we got up, went downstairs, and the lobby was full of water. It was now impossible to get a phone call out. Our friend Steve came by. He had concerns about our animals, and getting out. They were sandbagging the lobby to keep out the water, but it was there. I went outside around the corner and got a phone signal. I almost got run over by an emergency vehicle, and got drenched as the wave of water hit me. The water was up to my knees. My Shrimp boots were swamped, and I could feel the sense of urgency... things were about to really go wrong. I was standing at this point on baronne and gravier streets.

I called my mom to let her know I was Okay, and then Kim’s sister, who wanted to come get us, but that was impossible. Now people were frantic and trying to get out. SUV's treading through the water, and people offering money and anything they had for a ride. The guy across the street at the grocery store was charging $20 for a loaf of bread. Later they would throw a brick through the window and loot him of everything. I can't say that he didn't ask for it. He would return later, and burn his business down, to try and recoup something... he reopened on carondelet, on the corner on commons... I can't say that I'm willing to buy anything from him to this day, since he was such a greedy bastard on that day.

The water was rising, and Steve wanted us to join him, and help him with his 16 year old dog mojo. As we walked back through the quarter, we had an amusing conversation. Joked about bass fishing, and catching crawfish on Canal Street. We got to esplanade and trees were ripped out by the roots. You couldn't drive a vehicle through there if you tried. Old oak trees just ripped out. Water still rising and you knew the sewers were too. Some people were laughing it up, and others panicking.

We got to Elysian Fields, and a girlfriend of mine pulled up on her bicycle to tell us they were looting the Roberts on the corner. The pockets of water were back and forth depending on the street. We decided to check out the market, and realized that NOPD had actually come by and opened it up. They even had baskets to help you carry stuff with. But you had to wade through the parking lot to get in. We had lots of supplies, but went in anyway. It was pitch black, but we had flashlights, and it was my neighborhood grocery store, so I knew where I was. Four half gallons of Gatorade, candles, baby wipes, canned food, hydrogen peroxide, dog food, toilet paper, Steve even grabbed some expensive bottles of wine. Within minutes people were trying to break into the cash registers, the ATM, the safe, and grabbing carts full of beer, liquor, candy bars, and shit that just didn't make sense to me. There was a sense of urgency in the air, and it was starting to make me nervous. We stayed maybe ten minutes, and then there was the stench of rotting food in the air, and people shoving and screaming. It was truly frightening. They even left out the salad bar when they closed, and it reeked. We saw several friends inside coming out as we were, and they were doing the same thing as us. We realized at that point that it was about to become a very dangerous place, and I thanked god that we got there in the first few minutes. We got the hell outta there, and plodded on.

We got to steves and relaxed. We had to lug all this stuff through the water, and take breaks carrying it. We actually had more than I thought. Charcoal brickets, lighter fluid, toilet paper, the candles were religious ones, and they said the hand of god on them, to guide you through times of trouble. I thought that was ironic.



Then Kim and I went to our house. The water was now thigh high. My neighbors were sitting on my porch. Their house flooded. I live in a raised house. Judy and her brother were both mentally handicapped, and stayed because their family wouldn't let Judy take her dog with her. They were stuck. I was sickened by that, an animal should be respected. Another neighbor left his dog locked in the house, and he was howling. Perry broke a window to feed the poor thing, but in the end the dog died. All these animals stranded. It was horrifying.

But I had Opal, and thank god we did, cuz she is not the friendliest of dogs, but she sensed what was going on and was in patrol mode. At this point at the house, I wasn't really thinking. I should've grabbed more things, but we figured we wouldn't be gone more than a week. We still didn't know how we were getting out, but we locked down the house from looters. They weren't too far down the road. We took all the doors off the closets and nailed them over the windows. BTW we have bars on all the windows, and doors. We gave Judy and her brother all the canned goods I had. Gave her all the frozen food from the fridge, and cleaned it out of everything but ketchup and mustard. I gave Judy everything I could. I was worried for her, but I had to think of us, and move forward.

(Note… if you ever are coming into a hurricane, always clean out everything in your fridge… including the ketchup, mayo and mustard. When I came home, there were roaches and all kinds of funky things inside. Unplug your fridge and leave the doors open, or you’ll end up cleaning up a very nasty smelling rotting thing. Kim actually ended up cleaning Steve’s fridge later, I did ours. I did it by dumping bleach in it and letting it sit for two days, then wiping it out, then putting fresh coffee grounds in it and charcoal bricketts to kill the smell….)

We packed what we thought would be enough, as most of us here in nola thought we weren’t going to be gone for more than a week. I could hear my cat trapped under the house. I couldn’t get to him. I tried to find him prior to the storm, but he was hiding. Now he was trapped, and I couldn’t get to him. I threw anything I could food wise outside, hoping he would find it when the water receded. He was a smart cat, and I told Judy to leave any food she had out for him as well.

We left the house and waded out to st. claude avenue. There we saw what was the beginning of utter chaos. Looters were dragging furniture out of the store on the corner. They had pried open the hurricane shutters. They had mirrors, couches, tvs, and anything they could take. They had them perched on bicycles and were heading back into the ninth ward through the flood water, and taking this shit home. I wondered what they were going to plug this stuff into? Let alone keep it dry wading through the water. I knew the water heading downriver, would be MUCH deeper than where I stood. Later you would hear stories of how they would chain pit bulls to the stuff they looted, to try to keep from being looted themselves….


Back towards Steve’s we bumped into friends hanging out on their porch. They seemed to be comfy, and not worried too much. They had a gun, and plenty of food, and water, and were drinking. We told them the pay phone worked on St. Claude at the fish market, and we walked them up to it. Now the looters were running outta stuff to steal and were eyeballing the bank. Soaking wet people coming outa of the ninth with all they could carry, and these greedy fuckers carrying all they could steal…. Going back in.

The water was just up over our ankles, but the phone still worked. They called their families, and let them know they were okay. I’m sure their families let them know what they were watching on tv, cuz afterwards they had a sense of fear in their eyes they didn’t have before. We wrapped it up and headed back to the house.

We talked Andy into driving us back to Lauries to get our stuff. Once again we weren’t thinking. We grabbed stuff, and didn’t really realize that we weren’t coming back. I grabbed the money from the bar… I hadn’t counted it yet, but I figured at least a thou… I looked at our two friends who were staying behind, and said very seriously… “you have bicycles, and I know your dream of riding up to Chicago was in the future. I suggest you do it now, cause whats happening is very frightening. Get on your bikes and get outta here… “ I pointed my finger into John’s chest like a mother telling a child what to do. Later, he would tell me, that they got on their bikes, and rode to Baton Rouge, where Brians parents would come get them and take them to Chicago… They had to leave the two cats and the snake. They put out all the cat food, and water they could, and moved. When they left, things had really escalated…

That day at Lauries, no more elevators, as the generators were in the basement, and now filled with water, and the kids staying there were stealing from more businesses. People were trying frantically to find a way out, offering money, and anything they had. There were a group of Russian kids that were drunk and thinking it was all fun and games. We had to climb up nine flights in the dark. The emergency lights were on, but not real bright. When we got upstairs, the emergency flashing lights were on. Strobe lights going off, and a sense of emergency that would haunt me when we returned in October…. It was very surreal and the place reeked of vomit and beer. It was almost too much to take. I just wanted to get back to the Marigny where I knew it was safer. Andy just wanted to get back to his car, as we were afraid of being carjacked. We raced back to the Marigny. Now we knew what streets weren’t flooded, and now we knew what route to take to get out.

Now the radio is saying that the levees are going to break and more water was coming. You need to go to the convention center…. Yeah rite…. We figured we could ride bikes out if we had to. Steve had a grocery cart for Mojo, as he wouldn’t be able to make it walking or running out. we discussed our options, while cooking dinner.

an excerpt from my hurricane diary part one.

I had just had my birthday, and Kim’s was in front of us. It was Saturday and a hurricane was turning towards New Orleans. I can remember looking up at the TV set at work, thinking it was all okay, and realizing that we weren't. I thought it was odd that the year before when Ivan was coming they had evacuation plans, and curfews announced. This time not a thing was going on.... They even had national guardsmen here BEFORE the hurricane the year before....

I'm looking at the TV, and the mayor is now calling for a mandatory evacuation. The storm was moving fast, and had taken a turn towards us, and now is heading straight to New Orleans. I didn't have a car, so I called for a rental, and there was no problem at THAT end, until I got to the airport, and saw the line of stranded tourists.

The rain had started, and the winds were picking up. These people had been standing in line for hours, and only one car rental agency was open. In typical New Orleans style, only one person behind the counter, and she wasn't in any kind of hurry. I'm thinking of how I'm going to be there all night, waiting for a car, and then getting into it, driving with no sleep, and possibly drowning in it. So I changed my mind, and caught a cab back home, as we had a place that was hurricane safe to stay in. I didn't want to separate from Kim, and especially not from my dog Opal.

So home I went for a good nights sleep and to greet whatever was about to happen. I was scheduled to work the next day, and my employer had already evacuated, and I just decided to do whatever it took to be safe. To make as much money as possible, and to be as responsible as I could be for him.

The situation at the airport was messed up. They should've just Xeroxed ID’s and gave out the keys! Let us have the cars so we can get out! I mean really, there's several car rental agencies in new orleans, and lots of cars... and only one remained open. Only one was making cars available... If you could GET one! I counted at least 22 employee's moving cars around in the lot. just movin cars from spot to spot.

Got up the next day and went to work. There were no cabs, so a friend came by to check on us, since he was staying behind. He drove us in, and found out where we were staying. That day we were going to have a huge birthday party for several of us, but most had already evacuated. My boss had made red beans and rice and potato salad, so we just decided to cook it up and give it away.


Spent the day trying to put stuff up high, as I knew the water was coming in. On a good rainy day, water rises on that street... Kim emptied all the grease from the fryers, so that if the water was really high, we wouldn't be looking at a grease stain for the next century, of where the water came to. I had as many people as I knew help us in every way. Gave 65 pounds of ground beef to the NOPD, with bread, cheese and anything else they could carry. They were staying in the hotel up the street.

I remember several different friends who stopped in. Jeff and Rachel, who checked in with us, and I told them I was at Lauries... Then there was Addie and some guy, who came in and got shots. I remember screwing up her shot, and she got kinda mad, but I gave them new ones for free. Lisa came in with Chicago Joe, they were stayin at the Hilton, another friend came in trying to sell a brand new bike, to get money to buy gas... the kid down the street was in a big hurry to split, and get to meridian Mississippi, he took off shortly before things started to get kinda scary. Folks comin in to buy bottles of booze, others to get food. I had the shutters shut, with a sign saying something bout red beans and rice, food, drink a hurricane, and somethin else... people were frantic, they were partying, and "She" was coming, and we all were going to roll with it.

Kim went through the kitchen, moving as much as he could out of "floods" way. He had been through the eye of Hugo, and Andrew, so he already had a good idea of what was to come. My sister had called a month out and told us that something bad was going to happen at the end of August. She's a psychic, and wasn't so sure WHAT was going to happen, but the message from the other side was to watch our backs, not separate, and keep opal close. Stick together... I had thought about that all month long prior to "K", but now I knew what she was talking about.

Boiled 54 dozen eggs and gave them away. We figured they would last longer cooked. Selling drinks, feeding people, in the midst of frenzy. For the most part people were pretty calm. Some were really drunk, and just wanting to drink the evening away. My boss called, he wanted to know if folks were playing the poker machines... "Not so much" was my answer. most folks just wanted food, and drink. Eric from across the street came by to see if I had any bread left. Charles came by and got some various sandwich makins too. I gave as much as I could away. Afterall, once the power went out? and the doors shut? It was just gonna rot. Who knew what was to come.

Worked until midnight, when I could see the winds really picking up. Grabbed the money, the bar cat, and Ice, liquor, juices and anything I thought we could use. Closed the hurricane shutters on the front door, and went to my friend Laurie's apartment. She had already left to go to New York. She offered her place also to two other friends. they hung out at the bar with us. We were gettin pretty drunk... the rain was comin in sideways, and you had to hug the buildings to keep from getting pelted with the rain. It was very intense, and the rain was very cold. I have to admit, it was quite a rush.

meet de boys on da battlefront

I sure love the TREME. this weeks episode with Coco Robicheaux? hilarious opener... gotta love that chicken! I totally loved the church kids and the "off the beaten path" direction that Davis sent them... He soooooo did the right thing.

I decided on Sunday nights, that I would do a raffle to win a piece of original art for my customers... for every drink you purchase, you get a raffle ticket. at the end of the show, I pull a winner.

I felt compelled to be a shameless self promoter of my art, and the show, and my shift. I will continue to do so, as it was a success... I was worried for a minute when all that rain came down, and the lightnin took out the satellite, but the loa's came forward, and we all got to watch our show.

discussions at the bar, came from many who got cameo's. One, my friend Kerry, will be in next weeks episode as unknown stripper number two... LOL :) you go girl!
then more came forward, as our friends all started telling stories about the scenes they're in too. All of this just makes this even more interesting than Kermit Ruffins BBQ.....

cordelia WAS the fool

a new production at the allways lounge... MAKE sure that you step across the street and visit me at the hi ho lounge if your planning on seeing this... The lovely poster is YOURS truly.... and thank you michael martin for playing with a whimsical typeface, adding to the picture! I wish you success!

Treme "won't bow, don't know how"

besides being my favorite line from last weeks episode, and my favorite scene of last weeks episode, this one line has brought forward a bunch of memories for me. My landlady (85 yrs old) and her sister, turned OFF, the series last week, when John Goodman went on his rant. They're catholic, and the reference about the priest made them blush. I on the other hand, felt kinship, as he blasted away at the media, and almost "stroked out".... senitiments that were shared throughout the city by all, indeed!

but that Indian Chief, had enough flavor to him, to give me the chills. Makes me want to paint more Indians, and catch more secondlines with Indians... I can remember one morning waking up after the storm, to see them coming down St Roch... muttering Obama under their breath, chanting, dancing, a conjour for NEW things to come... they had been up at the park up the street, to show support for the rebuilding of the st roch neighborhood.

then there was Anba Dlo, and Wild Man John dancing away the night, and enjoying his opportunity to shake, rattle and roll us all into a frenzy while the wild magnolia's played.

the ninth ward hunters at st roch tavern, every sunday before mardi gras, practicing... threatening other tribes as they stepped onto their turf. The tension so thick in the air, I walked out with the hairs on my neck standing up.

The Empath was with me that night, and he walked out rejuvenated... exhilirated... and ready to take on anyone who came near.

The bone gang on mardigras night, last moments of alcohol infusion, last moments of costume, last moments of spyboys in the room... tourists looking upon them, wondering "what is up with all that blood on that mans apron?" then seeing the giant paper mache skeleton mask go back on, and a giant bone gang looming over them, on their way out the door. They didn't get it at all, but they could feel the hairs on the nape of their neck too.

much to be said about our Indian culture, our music, our dance, our secondline, our will... and that determined line... "won't bow, don't know how"'

did america really think we would just walk away?

surrey's 1418 magazine street

besides being on diners, drive ins, and dives, surrey's is by far one of the best places in this city to dine, and BUY ART. This Jazz fest season will be like last year, featuring new works by yours truly. Last years successful showing sold about 35 works to the public, and thank you WILL SMITH JR, curator, and friend, for allowing me the opportunity to sell my sometimes twisted, yet whimsical view of nola...

I'd also like to thank Will, because on a recent spending spree, for the HBO series "the treme", Will sold a beautiful oil giclee of a mardi gras float to the series art curator. In turn, he turned to Tim Cohn, and told him about me.

About a month later, Tim purchased four pieces from me, to be featured in the background scenes for one of the episodes... THANK YOU WILL and THANK YOU TIM and THANK YOU TREME!

So in honor of this fabulous purchase, and in honor of my new diggs to watch the Treme, I'll be hosting the show at the hi ho lounge on sundays. There will be a grand prize at the end of each show, for the person who can name / write down the most local references in that episode. from artists, musicians, chefs, local stars, etc...

AND if you want to stay ahead of the entire thing, get over to surrey's, because THATS the one hot spot that the Treme has purchased the art in the background. Be a New Orleanian, and come for the food, come for the music, and come for the art.

Surrey's / 1418 magazine street / 8am to 3pm daily
go to diners drive ins and dives for the recipe for banana's foster stuffed french toast.... salute!

negative energy? or stupidity?

there's been lots of BS floatin out there this week. I haven't paid much attention to it, simply because it isn't worth paying attention to. What I've noticed this week, is malicious words floating in space from folks who I quit hearing some time ago. The part that got my attention? Was when those words could possibly hurt someone, WHOSE intentions are for the greater good of the community.

I never thought much of a man whose sole intentions are to upstage everyone around him. Act like ya mama raised you babe!

I never thought much of a man who lives and breathes something he can't create. Taking credit for someone elses work? AGAIN, act like ya mama raised ya!

AND I never thought much of MEN, who think women are less than equal. Usually those men have some issue with their mother, and then take that out on their wives, daughters, friends, etc. I've watched my two brothers display that attitude my whole lives, and yet HAVE they learned anything from it? NO.

I'd rather smile at the man who thinks he's better than the rest. Partly because I know that they're still in the "gradeschool" or "cradle" of life, while the rest of the world has gone on to college, grad school, and beyond.

grow up.

just a few at the avenue

just a few