a blog in search of creativity… and dedicated to my mother for her artistic inspiration
Nothing says “Pancake Breakfast” like a Lazy Susan of syrup.
We went to breakfast on our way out of town this morning at a place called, Tiffin Inn Pancake House Restaurant.
We stepped into the diner and back into the 1970s. But it was good. Neither one of us got pancakes, but we did have big Southern breakfasts.
Our New Orleans breakfast sustained us until Birmingham, Alabama.
Joe and I went to The National WWII Museum while visiting New Orleans. We had been before on our honeymoon, but now it’s bigger than ever.
If you ever get a chance to go, please don’t leave town without visiting this museum. We’ve been twice, and still have not seen everything. And the Pacific wing will open this year sometime.
I love this photo. The reflections of the WWII soldiers in the window superimposed on the visitors is haunting to me. I jumped back when I saw them. I had no idea they were there when I shot the photo.
We all came to learn from and pay homage to the greatest generation in this museum. Their presence was even greater it seems looking at this photo.
I love New Orleans.
This restaurant is in the French Quarter, but I can’t quite make out the name. Sorry.
We stay away from Bourbon Street and preferring the quieter areas.
It rained most of our time there, but that just made things more cosy.
Since Alabama was in the Sugar Bowl this year (football to those who don’t follow college sports) Joe and I went to New Orleans to watch the game. It just happened to coincide with New Year’s Eve in the French Quarter.
One of the best New Year’s Eve’s I’ve ever experienced. We just happened to be under the Fleur de lis at the countdown – followed by a huge fireworks display over the river.
These were a couple of partiers we passed as we made our way back to our car.
A side note: We sat in the parking lot for and hour and a half before we could get moving. Gridlock! After traveling all day to New Orleans, we got to our hotel and in bed at 4:00 a.m.
Yes! It was a good year.
This is the charm from the bracelet Joe gave me for Christmas. He got it at my favorite store, Blue Skies.
The little blue bird inside reminds me of my mother. She used to call me her “little blue bird” since I was always wanting to fly the coop and see the world.
I got a new cookbook for Christmas: “It’s All Good,” by Gwyneth Paltrow.
Due to some health issues, including migraines, she developed recipes to help eliminate her medical problems.
Hmm. Migraines. Why not?
For a few weeks, at least, I plan on gearing my diet as closely to hers as I can reasonably manage. No coffee, shellfish, soy or alcohol (no problem). No dairy or gluten (small problem). No processed food. (Going to be tough)
Here’s the biggie: No sugar. (Not possible) I must have my morning Coke. But I will cut down on the amount I drink. Not quite a whole one per day.
I adhered to it pretty closely yesterday and felt great all day. We’ll see if it’s just my imagination after a few days.
At the very least, I’ll be healthier for a while. With any luck – it will cut down on my migraines.
My first healthy recipe: Sweet Potato + Five-Spice Muffins
If I looked for it, I could find the piece of paper with my great grandmother’s hand-written explanation of how old this piece of material is. And where it is from. I think it’s a table runner. But it’s a frigid, rainy day, and I have a cold. I think I’ll stay put.
But I know it’s pretty old.
The bells are equally exotic. I bought them years ago in a rare specially shop called, Pier One.
I bought this pepper plant several months ago to add color to the deck / kitchen.
The sign said, “Edible but hot!” Chances are they are even hotter now since I neglected to water them.
Today was our niece’s 18th birthday, so we all met at Blue Orleans for dinner to celebrate.
This scene looked like one of those still life paintings to me. I thought I’d make a photo out of it.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Photos and Migraines 