It's the little things that make New Orleans such a unique place to call home to me.
Post Katrina, my husband and I seriously considered leaving. Moving to another state and starting over in a place that wasn't damaged, wasn't in a recovery mode 24/7. We even went so far as to start decluttering the house to put it on the market and looking at homes in a new city and state.
But, one Wednesday afternoon in the spring, we threw the kids in the car and headed downtown to Lafayette Square. Cowboy Mouth was playing that day and, being fans and having friends in the band, we wanted to listen to them play.
I remember that it was a bright, sunny day. Perfect spring weather in NOLA. As we sat in the grass in front of the stage, holding a cold beer and a plate of food from a local restaurant, singing along with the crowd, we just looked at each other.
In that moment, we both had the same thought.
Where else in the world are people just hanging out on a Wednesday afternoon...listening to great music, surrounded by friends and family and feeling a bond with the city that can't be broken? Where else would we go that would have the same vibe, the same soul? In my opinion, no where.
So, it's always a pleasure to see the Wednesday at the Square schedule come out. It gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling, looking back on that "ah-ha" moment when we decided that our roots here run too deep to pull them up. Now I know what I'll be doing for the next few Wednesday afternoons.
Come join me and we can love the city together...
We also thought about leaving also. I can't redo my hose again no matter what band plays. I won't stick around a second time.
Craig, to this day, my husband says they are the reason we are still here. (He's a musician too) :)
John, I'm sorry you feel that way, but I understand. I truly don't think we have the same risks that existed in 2005, but, you can never be sure, as we learned the hard way. I'm glad you are here now though!
Jason, didn't you know that I post all of these great events to get you to come and visit :p
What a cool story, Lisa. It's hard to leave a place you obviously love so much. It's fate that you and hubby had the same thought and the same time. Can't mess with that!
I'm visiting on a Wednesday. Something tells me I cannot keep up on a Saturday so better to play it safe!
Lisa- A plate of food and a beer listening to music.....you're right, how cool is that for a Wednesday Afternoon :) Seriously, I have moved a few times, and it's not easy to go somewhere where you don't feel the bonds or ties. You had a hard decision, but it seems like you made the right one, for you, in the end. Have fun and enjoy those concerts :)
Amanda, I have a feeling you could keep up any day of the week :)
Kathy, I believe that we DID make the right decision. There is nothing I can say more than...it's home.
Kathy, we have humidity but I've never seen a chigger here in my life!
Margaret, thanks :)
I'm in love with New Orleans and I've never been there! Your stories make me want to see it. I admire that the people in New Orleans, like you and your husband, can be so strong. Someday, I'd like to hear your stories about Katrina.
Elaine, not much to tell, thank goodness. We were soooo lucky to not have flooding on the West Bank.
Sharon, I'm missing alot of friends that have left the city and state. But, the city will recover. Not as quickly as we would all like, but it will recover.
Amanda, see you then!
Lisa, You are spot on yet again. Another great blog. I have many of those "I love life here" moments. Your blogs so often trigger great memories of New Orleans and help me appreciate living in the area.
I've never seen a chigger either- I wonder if they are associated with New Orleans. I hope not!
Your blog on Jazz Fest is much anticipated! That was the first place I heard Cowboy Mouth live.
Enjoy the Square!
Midori, you got it!
Amy, thanks...I can't wait for Jazz Fest! It's always such a good time. These Wednesday concerts just help to get me in the mood for more live music.