AO's Simple Guide to Great Things in Life

I looked in every small shop on every side street all over the city. It had to be just right. And then, there it was, sitting on a shelf in a small shop down an alley from a much bigger shop. I knew it from the moment I saw it. It was a "thing" I would treasure for a lifetime. 

I am not a things person. I am a people person. There are few "things" in this life that really matter to me. Exceptions to this are those things that invoke a memory of someone or somewhere I love. These items transform a chaotic day into something tolerable simply by serving as a reminder of a different time. It is these very "things" that sustain me to the next treasured time with those I love. 

Some of my most treasured things include glass eggs from Grandma Dee, a pew in my living room from dad's church, and a painting from an artist I met in Florence, Italy. 

The history of the New Orleans Water Meter cover dates back to the 1920s. They can be found all over the city. Their popularity grew after Hurricane Katrina as a symbol of pride that represented the history and uniqueness of the city. 

What better way to remember this lovely trip than with a pendant featuring this unique piece of NOLA history!  It's kind of funny that I bought a pendant with the word "sewerage" on it to conjur up fond memories. That's the way life works. It has a way of changing your perspective with one simple thing. This four day birthday getaway mirrored my life views in so many ways.  I will cherish the memories for ever. 

So I give you...

"AO's Simple Guide to Great Things in Life" 

(A part of my everyday, but especially essential for trips such as this)

1 - Avoid Prostitutes and Voodoo

I know what you are thinking. This first one is a bit PG Rated. I have a firm rule of thumb on this very thing. If The Rev says it, then I can say it.  Since this very jewel came out of my dad's mouth, I am certain it bears repeating. I have heard advice like this my whole life. My dad learned early on that he best give the bulleted version of the "Thou Shalt Nots" (stay tuned for my 40th bday post - a feature on this very subject) to his free spirited girl rather than a 3 point sermon. When I called him Friday night before I left, he said, "Babydoll, avoid the prostitutes and the voodoo. Oh and make sure you eat at Irene's". Thankfully, I heeded his advice on all three. 

2 - Eat Good Food.

It sounds simple but there's something to be said about the girl that plans the food venues of the trip long before any of the activities have been decided. Simply stated, I love food. Good, local food makes me feel at home and welcome - like I am a regular to the town. And I clearly define a city based on its food options. The less homegrown, local options, the less apt I am to visit. I guess I'm a "food snob" in that way. We enjoyed all of the local flavor of New Orleans - beignets, poboys, jambalaya, red beans and rice. With every bite, my affection for the city grew fonder.  Irene's won the "best meal" category by a landslide. It was the kind of place where the servers felt like family and made you want to stay all night. We almost did!

3 - Music That Moves You

My mom gave me a birthday card once that told the story about a 90 year old woman tapping her foot and shaking her hips as she walked in every room. Inside she wrote, "Always keep dancing. Love, mom".  I can't help it. Music is the generator to my soul. I love all kinds - the bigger the brass, the better. From the piano player at Irene's (in backdrop of picture above) to the fiddler playing for coins on the sidewalk, New Orleans oozes with great music. It's the first thing you hear when you wake up in the morning and the last thing you hear before you lay your head down to rest at night. 

4 - Love the One You're With

I fail at this one the most often. Life leads. I follow. Before long, I don't recognize anyone around me. Marriage is tough and building a genuine, authentic relationship is even tougher. Quite simply, sometimes time is the only healer of things. We found that out early in our marriage, but knowing and doing are two different things. Last summer, we committed to carve out time for each other.  This trip was no exception. We needed time for just the two of us.  Each night, we ended our day by the pool listening to jazz music. We would talk about our past, cherish our present and build on our future. There is not a cookie cutter for making the most of your marriage, but I'm convinced that the greatest ones are built on times like these. 

5 - Look Up

We've all heard it - NOLA is a city of sin. You can see it around every corner. I can assure you there is plenty of sin in the ole 504. One thing you don't hear much about is God's beauty that can also be seen around every corner.  

The delightful artist that sold us a new piece for Lilys room. 

The beautiful shutters that adorn every window. 

The store owner who was thrilled to see his pendant as a perfect fit for my favorite chain.

The street performers - there were hundreds - everyone with extreme talent.  

The wonderful server at Cafe du Munde that delivered an amazing cup of hot chocolate. 

The well crafted balconies that give each building a unique European style. 

"It has been said that a Scotchman has not seen the world until he has seen Edinburgh; and I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi-Gras in New Orleans." ~ Mark Twain

Although we weren't there for Mardi Gras, NOLA has moved to one of my favorite cities. I fell in love somewhere between a "Streetcar Named Desire" and a bag of beignets. 

~ao