Home again...what a day!

Arrived home after a luxurious last day in New Orleans..took the time to tour the Ogden Museum of Southern Art (www.ogdenmuseum.org) and became acquainted with an artist named Walter Inglis Anderson. There is to be a special about him and his life later this year on PBS. I enjoyed his work. The real snare for me was the exhibit on photography and a great film narrated by Morgan Freeman on southern art. Learned a lot about my heritage of the south and a lot more, too. Then, lunch at Emeril's which is described in posts below. I was a bit intimidated to dine at a 5 star restaurant, but there is a reason that restaurants are 5-star: extraordinary service that makes you feel right at home. I was seated at the "back" of the restaurant which I enjoyed immensely - I got to watch the chefs as they created meals while getting to know them. It was like a mini seminar on restaurant management. And I left with a very full tummy.

The grill chef...Chris. I learned that the grill is the most difficult job in the kitchen, taking up to 5 years to master.  

At Emeril's you have not only one wait person but THREE...Devon (on left) stood by my side the entire time and when my tea or coffee was an inch or less under the the top, it was immediately refilled. Carlos, (middle) was great at suggesting my meal (Smoked Wild and Exotic MushroomsGrilled Pork Chop with turnip greens, and dessert -- pecan chocolate tart with homemade vanilla ice cream). To say it was good is like saying Michael Jordan plays basketball.  

Chef de Cuisine at Emeril's www.emerils.com. I asked him what he enjoyed most and least about being a chef. What I learned? Leadership -- whether in the kitchen -- or in the boardroom is essentially the same.  

It's all about the friendships. These are some of the people that I do "work life" with..they are there to kick me when I need spurring onward, to nurture me when I need encouragement and to have fun when we need to party! 

One of my favorite parts of our events -- the "Friends of Time" dance troupe. I wish I could move like they do!  

Great food at "Le Madelaines". 

More great food...

New Orleans is a gastronomical delight. Today I ate at a place called "Le Madelaine" which has french pastries. I ate my first potato galette, which is a twist on what midwesterners calls potato cakes. It has jalapenos, onions...it is amazing.

Lots of meetings today...I spoke to our area on building communication through technology...one of my favorite topics. When I think back to how some things were done in our industry even five years ago, compared to where we are today...it is breathtaking how fast technology is changing our business. This event the clear signs of a new era are seen...but I wonder how many people see what opportunities lie ahead.

Tonight will probably become an all-time favorite...several of us went to a cheesecake bistro where we gorged on huge desserts. I had the chocolate peanut butter cheesecake...wonderful!

Tomorrow, I'm cutting out early to be home for my family. I have spent a fair amount of time thinking and absorbing some new ideas. I'm glad I came...and will be glad to be home.

Rockin' band and great dancing at the party. This event is my favorite of all the events that we attend. Always full scale, over 12,000, food, bands, amazing decorations. This featured a comedy show, a karaoke band, 2 other live bands and 6 "ports of call" and a huge "ship" in the middle where foods of all kinds were served. 

At "Mother's" restaurant, a New Orleans landmark, featuring regional specials such as the "ferdi" (po-boy) that is out of this world delicious. Great food, even better people. 

My best buddie...Maggie...en habla enspanol pari mi. 

Artsy-fartsy hotel. 

In New Orleans

Just arrived in New Orleans and am headed out for some sightseeing and shopping. I'm taking my new camera along so I'll post some blogs and some pics later today.

I've discovered this great hotel...very quiet and very chic...I'll post more on it later with a full review.

Loreena McKennitt

I forgot about an old album that I had tucked away and am listening to it now...great stuff, from Loreena McKennet, sort of a new age/celtic sound. Really different and having stumbled upon it I feel as if I've found an old friend that has been lost.

Speaking of which, I found out about a friend of mine that was killed today. His death was quite tragic...seems he was stabbed or something...anyway, my grandmother was quick to fill me in on all the gory details. She could write mystery novels with every detail in full flourish. Before I was finished talking with her, I felt like I could puke...awful way to die, stabbing, I'd think.

But what is a good way to die? Hmmm..haven't thought about this before...I'd have to say dying in one's sleep might be a good way to go. I think dying in an airplane would be really horrible. But positively worst of all would be dying alone.

I remember him vaguely...although what I remember, he was great fun. Really smart (got tons of scholarships) and I guess he was a doctor of some sort. Grandmother couldn't remember...in her mind everybody is a doctor or a teacher.

Having a friend die cannot help one but think about their own mortality.

Still have to pack..

I'm not near ready for my trip tomorrow...actually, I get on the plane at o'dark thirty...I'll be in a coma, so I'm trying to prepare. Use to be I would worry about what shoes to wear, now I worry about how to get my laptop with me. I did get a new bag for it that will help me transport it. I can't be without my laptop for too long...I do most of my writing/teaching prep on it...and being in airports is a great place for thinking and for writing.

I'm listening to one of my favorite artists, Sarah McLacklan, and she always puts me in a mellow mood. I've picked up my favorite candle for my room and made sure to pack my favorite pens...what I wear is incidental. Turning 40 has its advantages...

I still have one class/speech to gather..I've been working on it throughout the day while I was in meetings, etc. It's about technology and how it can build relationships with clients in the new century...one of my favorite topics, truly, because it offers so much creative thought. I have pages of notes, I need to simmer down to a few main points...listening to music helps me do that...

I also got a new "do" for my trip...actually it signifies a new growth for me...a new part of the journey. I've made some big blueprints for the next few years and as I've thought about them, I've shed some things and have taken on some new disciplines, trying to make them good habits.

Spanglish

I saw this movie this afternoon and have to say, it has a lot to offer.

Normally, Adam Sandler doesn't do much for me. In this flick he was adorable. He plays an almost perfect parent -- not one that has all the answers, but perfect in a High E.Q (Emotional Quotient" way.

Tea Leoni is one of my favorites. I loved her in "Family Man"...she isn't as good in this flick, comes off a little high strung (which is what her character is, by the way).

The love story between Sandler's and Vega doesn't really get off the ground. Vega looks like an inspiring Penelope Cruz, much too young to be a mother for this film. And a bit too immature as an actress to compete with Sandler, Leoni.

Some of the best one-liners come from Cloris Leachman who plays the mother of Leoni's character. I liked this one, "Your recent lack of self-esteem is just a good conscience."


The message of the story, however, is affaecting and rewarding.

What I did with my weekend....

Indoor soccer is fast and fun

Third Place in Tourney . Ellen is back row, last on right.