Now, back to work. As I mentioned earlier, I’m a little behind. In October I had two destinations, New Orleans for a wedding and then Hawaii for some much needed rest and relaxation. So this next blog is a bit of a catch-up collage, if you will, starting with a few from “The Big Easy,” and ending with the tropical splendor that is Hawaii.
New Orleans. This city has been through so much, especially since Katrina ripped through it in 2005. However, its spirit has never been stronger. New Orleans’ passion and dedication runs rampant through every vein of its city- its people, traditions, food, architecture, and music. Here are just a few sips from my cup of New Orleans.
* Preservation Hall- a must as a first-time visitor. Some of its greatest jazz musicians have had their start here.
http://www.preservationhall.com/news/index-newsarchive-2004.htm
* St. Louis Cathedral- I’ve been told it holds a ten year waiting list for brides. So by the time you tie the knot, you’re ready for the divorce!http://stlouiscathedral.org/
*Bourbon Street- Where one can grab a colossal size, kick your butt in one sip, daiquiri and lose their inhibitions to the sound of sweet jazz.
So about a week after shooting my New Orleans wedding I set forth for a truly lackadaisical experience- Hawaii. What can I say. I’ve been going to Hawaii for many years now and I never get tired of it. My favorite island has always been Maui, which is still lush with the old Hawaiian vegetation but with a little night life thrown in as well. This year we were on the island for Halloween which is actually, funny enough, similar to Mardi Gras. Everyone goes crazy- paraded costumes, crowded streets, and later in the evening- lots of drinking. The first parade, which kicks off the festivities. is the Keiki Parade. Keiki means baby or child in Hawaiian. Well, one of my favorite canvases is kids so I wasted no time in attending this one. With camera in hand, I squeezed my way in and out of the crowd, capturing any little tike I could get my lenses on.
Dorothy . . . still searching for Oz.
Superman after a rough night involving Lex Luthor and way too much kryptonite. Poor guy.
Another great American Hero- Michael Phelps.
As I weaved in and out of the colorfully costumed keikis, I noticed a young lad, off to my right in a patch of grass. He was trying to stand for the first time while his parents excitedly cheered him on. I found it ironic that he was wearing a spider costume- every time he tried to get up, all eight legs dangled loosely around his belly. This kid was ridiculous. So cute and so determined, I just couldn’t take my eyes off him until I witnessed his success.
And here was the pay off.
He was so excited. I screamed “good job buddy!” And gave him a high 40 . . . .ok bad joke.
Aside from Halloween, our trip was filled with plenty of beach activities,
as well as family. That’s right this trip was also a family affair, quality time for Joe and I to bond with ma and grams.
She’s adorable isn’t she. You would never guess her age. I love my grams.
And toward the end of the trip, Joe and I set off for the jungle. The common view of Hawaii is that of its beaches but there is a whole other world deep within its rainforests. It’s just another, greener, shade of Hawaii’s tropical beauty.
Joe’s impersonation of Tarzan. We both took turns at this one.
And once again another journey comes to an end, it’s always hard for me to reach but deep down I know where one journey ends, another begins.I wish you all a happy new year filled with many new journeys.