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....