New Orleans on my Mind

March was always an exciting month when I was growing up. Every year, my siblings and I would receive a package filled with beaded necklaces that shimmered violet, chartreuse and burgundy. Some of these baubbles had large gold coins (also refered to as "doubloons" in the French language, which describe the "Krew's emblem, name and founding date on one side and theme and year of the parade on the other).

My great-grandfather immigrated to the Big Easy from Russia before WWI. A few years later his family followed him which is one reason why Mardi Gras was a very familiar event in our family.

The stories that were told to me about Jackson Square , the Cabilldo and the French Quarter enhanced visions into my young mind. I attempted to imagine what a po’boy sandwich tasted like. I almost felt the vibration from the trumpets belting out the sound of jazz throughout the French Quarter. My visions were transformed to reality when I visited New Orleans with my mother and sister in 1996.

The tour guide was my great uncle Izzy, a native of the city. Uncle Izzy showed us sights that were off the beaten path and informed us of trivia that I have yet to see in any book. New Orleans – quite an eclectic blend of people, history, culture, food and antiques. The Spring Jazz Festival, the mysteries hidden inside the voodoo stores (which I did explore), rides along the Bayou , the famed landmark restaurants than have existed for over 100 years such as The Court of Two Sisters, Antoines, and the more recent establishments such as as Emeril’s. Dining on crawdads and ‘taters, gumbo, shrimp creole and pralines added zest (and calories) to this wonderful experience.

When I say, “My family is from New Orleans ” a smile graces across my face and I will always hold a special place in my heart for this City of Saints .

Wrist Candy

Bracelet. brace?let ?? (brslt) KEY ?NOUN:
An ornamental band or chain encircling the wrist or arm.
Something, such as a handcuff, that resembles a wrist ornament.
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English, from Old French, diminutive of bracel, armlet, from Latin brcchile, from brcchium, arm ; see brace



Me and my bracelets. Usually silver, "once in a blue moon" I wear gold. Chunky. Funky. Marquisite. Little gems. Cuffs. A message in the Inuit language. Costume. Woven threads entwined with glass beads. Dangling charms. Turquoise. I look at these bands that adorn my wrist. The clinking song that sounds when they slide up and down my arm is soothing to me.



When I was 7 years old, I wanted a P.O.W. bracelet. My older cousin had one and I wanted one too. The silver cuff bracelet was engraved with a solider's name on it. A soldier who was a prisioner in Vietnam. If he was Missing In Action, a little blue? sticker was placed on the bracelet. When OR if the soldier came home, the bracelet was sent to him. Quite touching. Many people wore a P.O.W. bracelet. It seemed like everyone had one....everyone but me,,...I was too young. However, I wasn't too young to have compassion for those brave service people.

Funny, I do not feel the need to wear a watch. I ceased wearing a watch during the summer of '87. On the other hand, my wrists feel naked if I do not have at least one bracelet on. Unfortunetly, I lost two treasured bracelets. One just slipped off my wrist. Whenever I purchase a new bracelet, I have a special clasp put on by my favorite jeweler, Joel. He owns Mount N Repair in Birmingham and performs excellent work.

A few of my friends enjoy wearing bracelets too. Sometimes I will purchase a bracelet for them for their birthday or holiday celebration. It is soooo tempting to"treat" mysef to a pretty bracelet at the same time BUT I do have willpower! Whew!!!

Motor City

Summertime in the Motor City. Every week ,in various towns, in cities vast and small, a car show is usually taking place. Now, this is not just a gathering for any vehicle. These machines with wheels are the crème de la crème, at least through the eyes of an antique car fan or owner.

I must admit, I am not very knowledgeable about these treasures. However, when I attend a show, my quest is to gain at least one piece of information. So far, through my "self taught mechanic class", I can proudly state that I know that when an 396 is stamped on the engine, it indicates the size of the engine!

The owners are more than happy to discuss car facts, stories about “the good ol' days”, engine size, paint color, when they purchased it and how much money was drained from their savings account. Basically, they will talk about anything and everything about their prized possession.

I gaze in awe at the 'Cadillac with the large rear fins, the creamy mint green Fairlane with it large body, a 1977 Mark IV, a souped up Chevy Nova (my mom had a very conservative 1977 Nova) and one of my favorites, a '69 Chevelle. Canary yellow, metallic blue, the color is irrelevant - I really wish I could say I owned a Chevelle. Heck, I wouldn't mind just driving one for a few minutes.

I wander a bit more, peeking inside the cars and wondering what the little box is above the glove box. I asked one of the gentleman nearby and he replied that it was a record player!! Yes, it actually held '45's and played the music - operates in a fashion similar to a cd, cassette or 8 track tape player !!

Ok, there she is...the pretty Mustang!!! 1967, green with white leather interior. The steering wheel is soo thin, the back seat incredibly small. Oh, but it is a beauty...and indeed one of my favorite all time cars.

The sound of laughter echoes in the background, somebody shouting, "look at this" and the music from the 1950's blares from the speakers. The lavender and rose horizon transforms to an almost evening sky on this memorable summer night in Michigan, home to the Motor City.