the thick and sticky heat,
the gardens,
the gumbo, the oysters,
dear old ida calling me "dawlin",
the dancing,
the music,
the art,
the raw,
the dark,
the magic....

each day i walked your streets
and i soaked in your history and your stories
and the richness of your colorful culture.

i also felt the heaviness and devastation of the hunger
that so many are ruled by now. looking at the water lines on buildings made me sick. ghosts still roam the streets, and even a non believer cant help but see and feel them.

and then there were those who were rebuilding and
recreating that which was lost. such brave ones. so deeply
appreciative for support and business. ive never,
ever,
experienced such incredible and sincere hospitality.

i am so aware of how i dont fit so many places,
that when i do fit, my skin takes on a whole new feel.
and i feel a sense of freedom in every single cell of my being.

thank you for the dance.
what a gift you were to my soul.