Sunday Morning With New Orleans; I live

“We are afraid of death because we fear we have not lived… We must live!” is a quote that I a came across a couple of months ago.  But after two-nights in New Orleans and running on roughly 8 hours of sleep, the author of the quote eludes me. My brain is still trying to process why I decided to get up at 7am when I have nowhere to be after such little sleep. I just couldn’t pass up the chance to write a blog sitting in the courtyard of our apartment this weekend. The wind chimes play in the background complementing this writing session with a slow tune to keep the creative juices moving.

This place just breathes life at every turn. I look down one street and I see a man who creates hand drawn postcards and sells them for 2$ dollars a piece. Around the next corner I see a man singing gospel tunes to the passers by as a performance street artist holds a statuesque pose for the crowd. The music also changes like the wind in New Orleans. I have heard Jazz down one alley, and a classical violinist jamming for a crowd, or to no one at all, almost as if he didn’t play music, he wouldn't be able to breathe. As their passion fills the air and their energy seeps into your soul, I can see are youthful passion coming out in others as they are reminded that they don't have to fit a mold.  This city definitely doesn't fit the mold and that's why I'll keep coming back.

As our journey through the day and the city continues, we decided to take a break, have a drink and watch the crazy world of New Orleans go by.  Just by sitting still, we soaked in culture.  A second line paraded by, the brass band, the first line leading the way and the second line of people marching, smiling and feeling the music. We also saw a street performer that looked like something out of the movie Alien sauntered past, and we even thought we saw Gerard Butler, but that is still up for debate.

Our night continues at the Spotted Cat on Frenchman Street to take in music away from the craziness of Bourbon Street.  The band was like nothing I've ever heard before.  My wife thought it sounded a lot like jazz mixed with Jewish folk longs.  Needless to say, the clarinet player and his supporting cast held the attention of the crowd and got them involved in the performance. Everyone in the room was swaying, tapping their feet and getting out $1 bills to leave as a tip because these guys deserve a thank you. 

But, I must go now and finish my last day here in New Orleans.  I can't wait to see what kind of inspiration I will find around new corners today that make me want to smile, put shivers up my spine and make we want to go out and experience life “We are afraid of death because we have afraid we not have lived…We must live!" New Orleans, you are the model for how, "We must live!"

This is what keeps me going with so little sleep