Rochambeau

Celebrating Mardi Gras

~A Wonderful Memory~

Thanks to Sam and Jeff:

The Krewe of St. Denis Mardi Gras Ball, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 2012!  Twas BIG FUN!!

Happy Mardi Gras!

 

xox

Constance

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! 

~May all your day's be filled with love~

 

xox

Constance

Purple, Green and Gold

Here in a tiny cafe we sat nursing our coffee w/chicory, my husband and I and perk our ears we did, catching fragments of the unique New Orleans accent.  Did you know that New Orleanians and New Yorker’s have a similar dialects?  My mother has lived in both places and tells me she has heard that they were both influenced by German immigrates.

Shop fronts and  wrought ironed balconies are festooned with purple, green and gold bunting, all glamed up.........it’s Carnival!   The Mardi Gras season began on the Twelfth Night, and the celebrations becomes more and more exciting, with parades and balls beginning this weekend and running though Fat Tuesday.  The festivities will end as lent begins, on Ash Wednesday.  Streets are magically cleaned and the next day life goes on with the only evidence of the merriment, are strands of beads suspended from high trees and telephone wires.  People in Louisiana, take their celebrating seriously, it’s a part of their culture and a spirit that you can feel in the air.

We meandered along the uneven cobble stoned sidewalks of the French Quarter.  The backdrop was stunning blue skied days, punctuated by the glorious long shadows of winter.   A slight chill is still in the air, but easily avoided by crossing over to the sunny side of the street. 

 

Inspiration Galore! 

A super discovery, was happening into Masquerade, the BEST mask shop in New Orleans.  Each and every mask in this gallery is handmade.   Meeting the vivacious owner, Marian (above) was a true bonus.  She's an entrepreneur extraordinaire, as her shop features thirty-eight mask maker artists, from all over the U.S. 

There’s also a nice selection of Venetian carnival masks not to be missed.   It was fun and exciting hanging out and watching people try on different masks, reminding me of the days I worked for a milliner, how fascinating it was to see customers try on different hats and identities.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the way back we stopped by Gambino’ (famous for their Doberge and King Cakes) to pick up few.  A sweet ending to a happy few days away, together.

`````````````````````````

Hope you enjoy seeing and hearing about another part of the world because I do enjoy seeing yours!

xox

Constance

 

 

 

 

Mother Nature's Friend

A Tree Puppet Grows in Jefferson!

One who nurtures birds and mushrooms!

*The tree's green leaves are interchangeable to represent the four seasons (stems attach to branches with mini "claw clips" that have be disquised by glued on leaves).

Hope you enjoy! 

xox

Constance

 

 

Cecile and Marie Grace

The American Girl Book Club of Jefferson, Texas recently read two  books about girls living in New Orleans during the 1800's.

The newest heroines of the American Girl book series are called, Cecile and Marie Grace.  

These girls tell separate stories describing how they have met (from their own perspective) and meanwhile the reader has an opportunity to learn a bit about the culture of New Orleans.   Cecile and Marie Grace have grown up differently from one another but tie a true bond of friendship after having an "adventure" during a Mardi Gras Ball, (actually two Mardi Gras Balls).  These books includes a brief history of one of America's most beloved places, The Crescent City, also intermingled in the text are French words and even a mini French to English dictionary in the back of the books. 

Our girls first have "circle time" where we discussed the story they read, then Michele surprised us by pulling out her hoop slip.

A girl from each meeting was chosen to try the slip on, and don't these girls look regal? 

Next, Kay (who grew up in New Orleans) reminisced about her life there, describing the unique food, Mardi Gras parades, balls and costumes.  She spoke about what it was like taking the streetcar to and from school ( 7cents each way), about the different cultures living together, the meaning of gumbo and why we call it "The Crecent City".  Do you know?

If not, here's a clue!

 

*************

 

Kay delighted the girls by bring supplies to make their own Mardi Gras masks to wear this year.  Here's a small sampling of the masterpieces:

 

These girls make me happy, so I hope that they'll also bring you some joy too!

 

xox

Constance