Well, well, well....here it is. My first blog post EVER. Ekk!! This is kinda exciting! Okay, all cheesiness aside, let's get to the important stuff:
So, I've been sitting here for maybe 45 minutes trying to think of some creative ways to start this off. Should I start with my childhood? Naaah, no one cares about that. I mean, nowadays, almost everybody can say their parents got divorced when you were 4 years old, forcing you to move to an unknown place away from friends and familiar sights. Okay then...how about after college? Ugggh, yet again no one cares about how you had to move back home because you had no idea what to do with that pretty little piece of paper. Every post-grad knows all about that, right? (RIGHT?!?) Alright. Different approach. Let's not talk about me; (if you decide to ever read this blog again after this first hideous post, you'll have plenty of time to get to know me) let's talk about Her.
She is unique to say the least. She plays by her own rules and definitely dances to the beat of her own drum (and trumpet and saxophone and guitar). She is spicy in more ways than you think. She sure as hell doesn't give a damn what anybody else thinks; but people who know her think she's pretty amazing. She is inspiring. Countless artists have chosen her as their sole muse. She is strong. Stronger than any man and even some of nature's most formidable forces. She can show an entire nation that no matter how many people doubt her, a disaster (or two) won't kill her spirit.
If you haven't guessed it...She is New Orleans.
So why chose to personify New Orleans as a super sassy Southern lady who could probably out-drink your entire Bourbon Street bound Bachelor party? Because, well, why the hell not? (Keep up, darling) It's that easygoing, walk a little slower, enjoy the music YET with that rough around the edges attitude that I love about this city. She reminds me a little of myself...or at least what I aspire to be : )
For this reason and many many more, I decided to regain my birthright: to once again become a New Orleans resident. The last time I lived there I was maybe barely 4 years old, my parents had just split up and I thought I would never see this place again. We were only moving an hour away to Gulfport, MS but to a 4 year old it might as well've been the Pacific.
Since then, my life has taken me to some different places: college which led to study aboard which led to England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Spain and France which led to college loan debt which then led to moving back in with the parentals. But through all these ups and downs (and especially the stagnant periods) New Orleans was always stuck in the back of my mind. Why couldn't I shake it? I had considered moving to other "hip" places like Memphis, Austin, New York City and even Hawaii. But nope...She wouldn't let me forget her.
So it was around this time last year when I made the decision. And here I am; just TWO WEEKS from moving to the Big Easy. Got my apartment waiting, a whole lotta lists made and more determination than I've ever had before. More than anything I want people to see my photography. Thats right, I'm a photographer (did I really forget to mention that earlier??) I've been fascinated with it since I was little and in college I received my B.A. in photojournalism. For the last year, however, I haven't been producing a lot of images. But that's all gonna change in New Orleans. I am going to push myself to make some of the best photos I've ever made. I have no excuses (wellllll, except maybe a major equipment overhaul but we'll fix that....fingers crossed!)
Whatever happens, it is sure to be a BIG adventure.
Can't wait : )
This was a great post! Makes me want to actually get some guts and move somewhere else a little ways away from gulfport!
ReplyDeleteHaha. This is funny. I like the idea. I started one awhile back before moving to Austin with similar intentions, but I have been neglecting it since I moved here due to the fact that I am very overwhelmed. But, I plan on changing that soon and exploring my wonderful city more now that I am on my feet! I look forward to reading all you have to say about beautiful Nola.
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