Thursday Beats: Blues4Sale

I am NOT a homebody. I get really antsy after two days of only going from work to home. I go crazy! I can't take life being monotonous or predictable. I need something new or different. The ups and downs and all arounds of life might make my stomach sick, but I'd rather that than living it in the same walls day in and day out. Life is too short not to add some Tony Chachere's every now and then!

Please tell me you can relate! 

I think this is part of the reason that pushed me to start finding the awesomeness of this city. I remember being a teenager and just being sooo bored. But with all the great stuff that I can find in my backyard, I can't ever imagine a bored moment. 

So what is this awesome post Thanksgiving Thursday Beats all about? The amazing guys who form Blues4Sale. Just because they sing the blues doesn't mean these guys will leave you crying for some lost dog. The music captivates and draws you in. But I'm sure at some point, you'll begin to hate the woman who broke their heart.

Going back to the need to get out of the house, these guys are regulars at the Balcony Music Club (1331 Decatur Street  New Orleans) on Wednesday nights. You no longer have to wait til the weekend for amazing night out! Trust me, you need it.

To hear samples and see more about these guys, check out http://www.myspace.com/blues4sale4

I know a website for them will be up soon.

                                              

Thursday Beats! First edition: Dana Abbott Band

Welcome to my first edition of Thursday Beats! Let me take a poll. When you think of New Orleans, what comes to mind? Yeah, yeah food. Besides that. Okay, and besides having to work off the weight after eating your way through New Orleans. My recent tourist friends know what I'm talking about. We get amnesia or something down here when it comes to eating. You stop at one place and stuff your face. Leave that place, promising to never eat again. But the moment you walk out of the doors, you start looking for somewhere to eat! I know. Sidetracked here with food. Look, I had a Lean Cuisine for dinner, but I was also making 60 plus brownies for my kids' parties at school. My mind can't focus when there are brownies around that I can't eat.

Let me take a moment and refocus.

Another thing associated with New Orleans is the absolutely amazing time people have in the city. That credit should be given to those who are not just talented, but more like gifted with a perfect marriage of vocals, performance and instrumental abilities. And we can go see them any night of the week that we want! They are playing their hearts out, doing what they love. Are you fortunate enough to be able to do what you love?

For my first artist, let me introduce you to the Dana Abbott Band! These photos were taken at her performance at Tipitina's. However, you are more likely to find her at the Balcony Music Club (1331 Decatur Street, 70116) in the Marigny. Catch her Fridays from 9-11:30. She has this amazing soulful voice that makes you want to hear more. And she's backed by a band that makes for a perfect marinade of sounds. You won't be able to sit still when this band takes over (perfect enough to dance off all that eatin'). Click the links below to follow. ReverbNation lets you hear some her tunes (my personal favorite is "What it is", and my husband can't get enough of "Hey Pocky A-way"). 

www.reverbnation.com/DanaAbbott

www.facebook.com/DanaAbbottband

Let me break it down for you. You are willing to get dressed and head out to an over-priced movie, paying for over-priced snacks and drinks. You'll even remark at how ridiculous it is. Then, the movie is lackluster, but then the money is already wasted. Instead, why not change your usual of a boring night in or an over-priced night to the movies. Go on and head out to where you can have a night sure to be one of your best ever. Get out and support New Orleans!

Thankful for...

With so much focus already on Christmas, did you even know that Thanksgiving was happening so soon? I might be one of the few people in the U.S. who truly enjoy and look forward to being with family for Thanksgiving. It's always crazy and exhausting, but I treasure it as well. We goof off a LOT and are VERY competitive, with our games of choice being Phase 10 and that runaway train game (in English, we call it Mexican Train game, but my sweet cousin cannot remember the name). We form most of our catch phrases during this time (wow- I didn't know the iphone was so square), and I end up with some pretty great photobooks to show off our memories.

This year we celebrated a little early for two reason: 1. so that my amazing, smart, wonderful, and beautiful sister could be with all of us;  and 2. to have a major surprise party for my amazing, smart, wonderful, beautiful and wise mom! 

So, on Saturday (I'm so proud of myself for getting the photos together the very next day. unheard of in my life right now!), we journeyed to the French Quarter. Not an easy task for 11 people when the FQ is crowded as much as Disney World is on Christmas. So, here are my favorite moments from a trip to the Quarter. 

 Defeated, but not sad. They wanted to get beignets, but the line was around the building.

 Where else can you walk around the streets and get to have amazing live performances like in New Orleans? This city moves to the rhythm of its musicians.

 Lunch was at one of my favorite places in the Quarter- Oceana's. Everything has so much rich flavor with the perfect amount of spices. We sat in the courtyard, which was perfect so that we could be loud. Also, so that the kids could run off a little energy. Everything I've tried at this restaurant has been perfect- from the crawfish pies to st. james crepe to shrimp po-boys to salads.

 Me and some crazy guy. I don't know how he keeps showing up in my photos. LOL

 My sweet Iz! I want chairs like these so badly. I had a blast using them as a photo prop (see below)!

 Iz and MB (pronounced: MmmmBah)

 Els-belles

 I cannot wait for these to cuties to be grown up and talking about these special memories!

I hope y'all are thankful for family this year!

She's a Brick..House....I promise I'll stop singing

Before now, I didn't think I would ever include this photo. Or if I did, I'd hide it in the series (wait til you see what's coming! I'm sitting on pins and needles.) of my next abandoned place. However, I changed my mind. I'm a woman. I'm prone to do that.

So, here's a tip for my budding and experienced photographers. When you're hunting out a place, check for anything that has names (in this case, a brick that doesn't match its surroundings) or dates. If you record street names, Google maps can even be a powerful source for naming old landmarks. I love uncovering a good mystery, especially since it has paid off well in my adventures.

So, I looked up Acme Standard, which is a brick company founded in 1852. The name Perla confused me, but thankfully their website gave a great line of the company's history. In 1943, an Acme plant was in a town called Perla. The plant in Perla was one of few that employed German POWs (oh my word, what people would say about that these days...).
Acme Standard has experienced great success, except for two periods of its existence: the Great Depression and the current economy (I'd insert my point of view here, but you can make the connection for yourself). Found: http://www.brick.com/company/history.htm
Have a great week! And have a better weekend!

Take a Long Look

Photography, as we all know, is not real at all. It is an illusion of reality with which we create our own private world.

Arnold Newman

Meet my Jumanji house (seriously, doesn’t it remind you of that Robin Williams movie?). It’s taken over by vines as thick as my arms. At first glance, you might wonder why it’s my favorite (I know, because I’ve been asked many times why I love decayed buildings.). But take a second, longer look. It’s not your typical beauty. It stays hidden. Its potential is amazing. It sits in wait for the day it will be restored and loved.

I love finding the diamonds in the rough. It’s an exciting challenge for me. And when I create something like this that I am so excited about, I’m sharing a piece of myself. And I’m grateful for those who have seen that I have potential and have encouraged me, even in my weirdness. You mean the world to me.

And if a day goes by without my doing something related to photography, it’s as though I’ve neglected something essential to my existence, as though I had forgotten to wake up. I know that the accident of my being a photographer has made my life possible.

Richard Avedon

The Journey

I was going to start this post by saying how October is almost coming to a close. That would've been embarrassing. Ever been so sure of yourself to find out you are so wrong? I'm a frequent visitor in that arena. Instead I will begin...November has started and is moving quickly! 

I am so thankful this year is coming to a close. But, it leaves me to wonder the changes that will take place next year. Will it be worse than this year?

My husband came home from his second tour to Iraq last Christmas. We had so many hopes for this year. We had so many plans. We were excited to be together as a family again. But we were not prepared for how much pain and exhaustion would come as we rang in the new year with beautiful fireworks. And we kept telling ourself that if we just waited a little longer, then we'll be okay. Unfortunately, it still hasn't happened by the 11th month. Maybe just another month. But as much as we have wanted to give up at times, we keep pushing harder and giving more. And it's hard for me to be open enough to share that we've struggled. I thought we left our struggles last year in Iraq. I'm trying a new thing about being a little less guarded and a little more open (my heart beats like crazy just sharing this much with anyone). But rejection has taken on many forms and has pushed me down a lot. I'm learning not to be a quitter but a fighter. I'm learning how God is way bigger than our circumstances. I'm learning that there is hope in abundance with Him when there is nothing in this world.

And that brings me to this piece. I've worked and reworked it for months, but this is the final product. This is my journey. It's about pulling the beauty from the dirt and the grit. It's about how this journey has dark and stormy days, but there is also Light in the path. 

I hope that this wasn't too heavy. I promise to add some lighter stuff soon!

OCH Market on November 12th

Well, it finally happened! I wiggled my way into an art market! (and then the nerves and the fear set in) While this won't be my first art market (okay, honestly, the first one happens next Thursday night.), it will be my biggest.
If you are in the New Orleans area, plan on stopping by!

O.C.H art market
November 12th, 10-3 p
1618 Oretha C Haley Blvd

Also, you can click on the events link that I will post on the lefthand side.


I'm hoping that I can have everything together by then! Anyone have any advice to offer?

More information:
https://www.facebook.com/OCHArtMarket

The Lakefront and the Promos

The Lakefront will forever be one of my favorite locations. It holds some of my best memories of many moons ago. It was tragically destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. But I’m so excited about all the work that is being done to restore the area! Hopefully some post-beautification pictures can be added soon, but let’s face it, I’m the girl who loves the ugly.

Switching topics…Ever since starting my business, I have realized the importance of knowing all the hottest trends on this internet thing…ugh…I’m trying to keep up with everything! All I really want to do is focus on growing in photography! So, here comes my plug on not only the internet, but also in growth. My newest love- meetup.com! And, as I’m writing this, I realize just how much it sounds like a dating site…Sign up to meet others (as in plural.) who have formed groups based on common interests. I just saw this one group in New Orleans who go out to eat at different restaurants. Oh my WORD, I nearly fainted! A club, all about the joys of eating! I must stay strong…I can’t do it…

So, pertaining to photography, I started meeting with the PhotographersExperience group. They are just the greatest group of people when it comes to learning photography!! We all work together to learn new ways to photograph different scenarios or people. It doesn’t matter how much or little a person knows, but they are extremely welcoming. And, if you haven’t been able to connect the dots on what this promo has to do with my lakefront shots…well, it was our group outing one weekend. My other promo is a big THANK YOU to my awesome brother for telling me to start connecting with this group (among many, many other countless things he’s done for me. Really, he’s amazing! Although, I’m still on the fence about whether or not he’s just trying to make up for how much he tortured me as a kid. just kidding!)

Richness that won't raise your blood sugar

Beyond the beautiful homes of the Garden District and the amazing food, New Orleans has a deep, rich history. Don’t discredit the little things that seem unimportant. I’m not recommending to go through trash on maybe Bourbon street and hope that one day it will have importance (never mind that the visual image that I get from that makes me shudder). However, learning a little more about my city makes me excited, and I hope that even this little tidbit will make you say ‘oooo, cooool’ as I did.

I’ve seen these signs painted on buildings in a couple of places in New Orleans. I have a slight obsession with all signs (just a wee bit). I’ve always been curious about this one in particular, Uneeda Biscuit. And, yes, I spelled it right. You may not be able to see the posted price, but it was 5 cents…is anything 5 cents now? Maybe a half a piece of gum.

Uneeda Biscuit was once a company in 1898. This New Orleans company was a combination of two companies (okay, a lightbulb will be flashing over your head in about one second…) named The National Biscuit Company and the New Orleans Nabisco Baking Company (lightbulb!). Eventually, it was just called Nabisco Foods. Now, isn’t your life a little better for knowing that?

Soft and Sweet Vintage

My girls are completely camera obsessed. Which is great for me because I'm in love with taking photos! So, my husband and I took time to take the girls to City Park, which is a beautiful part of New Orleans that has NOMA, Storyland, and many beautiful parks. 

    Shooting children can come with...exhaustion is the safest word. Don't most parents dread the photo shoot? I think that's why I've learned so much from years of it with my own kids. I wanted it to be a great experience for our family. For my first tip, I always pack plenty of food and water. They like to run like a prisoner escaping to freedom, so naturally their little selves stop after 20 minutes with 'mom! I'm hungry!'. (In which my response is, 'and I'm mommy. Nice to meet you, hungry.')

   I also like to check my expectations. Sometimes the best photos come out of unexpected looks and actions, and then we get to capture the real them! It's also good to keep the length of the shoot around 30 minutes. After that, they do not want to cooperate. 

    

So, here's my favorite moments behind the shoot. From I have no idea where, my daughters picked up this pose where they stick their belly way out (and with my youngest, it's so so funny. Nickname #1 for her is Squishy.) and their hips the opposite way. If you could hear my sigh, it'd say 'oh my word they are growing up too fast.' My oldest is starting to take direction really well (head down. eyes up. look left.), and she also likes to come up great poses. I love it! 

My younger daughter just wanted a million pictures of her running or jumping. Nickname #2 for her is Granny. (Any child that thinks it's fun to suck her teeth earns that name.) During one of her ventures, she somehow managed to get her dress stuck in the back of her underwear...this is so typical Izzy. LOL I love her. 

We found a tiny little cobblestone bridge, so they played princesses. Tip #? (I'm not keeping count.) for the uncooperative girl, let them play their favorite princess. For whatever reason, they act more 'proper' (and this word is always spoken with a British accent) when playing different roles. And I actually got a 'thank you, mommy, for letting me play my favorite princess' after we finished. I think we call this a success!