Mardi Gras by Bob Trammell
- Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday, making me remember the good time I had with five friends and thousands of new acquaintances several years ago at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I never went back* because it was easily the most fun I ever had and there does not seem to be any possible way that could be duplicated. And those friends have scattered, two dropping out of sight, another moving to another state, one passed away and one is still my crazy friend Cary who I pick up with where we left off every time I see him.
- On Ash Wednesday, the revelers will wake up to a city with perfectly clean and strangely quiet streets. The ankle deep trash that is allowed to be dropped in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras will have been swept away by people hard at work during the night.
- On that Ash Wednesday, during the long drive back to Atlanta and just out of New Orleans, we had a flat tire on the van. Later, when Ed took it to be repaired, he was told it had a bullet in it. Just part of the New Orleans experience and no real surprise to any of us.
* This was before Hurricane Katrina. I have been back to New Orleans since, but not to Mardi Gras.
20 comments:
Sorry I haven't been on your blog in the last week, I've been away.
I've NEVER heard of anyone getting a bullet in their tyre before! Wow.
Lynn I did not know that you are such a wild child. LOL I am pretty sure that a bullet in my tire would be enough reason in itself not to return to New Orleans. Actually I have only been there once and all those roads over water kept me from wanting to return. (I forgot what they are called.)
Joe -
I've missed you. I'm glad you had a nice trip though.
Granny Annie -
I'm not at all wild, but I do like to have fun. This trip came up unexpectedly for me - some friends were going and I said how much fun that sounded and got the instant invite. I tried to back out, thinking they were just being polite, but they really wanted me to go. It was a perfect group and we got along beautifully. I've never laughed so much. I loved the parades, the food and the people watching the most. I called my dad from Preservation Hall so that he could hear that I was listening to his beloved Dixieland Jazz.
I was on a work trip down there a few years ago and had to be evacuated because of an incoming hurricane (before Katrina) and got the last seat on the flight out.
Lynn~ I thought that was your art.
I'm glad the bullet was just in the tire! There are those perfect fun times that you're right - they're impossible to duplicate and are never forgotten.
I would love to go to Mardi Gras!
A bullet in your tire. Oh my. I've been to Marti Gras and had the BEST time. I was in college and had the stamina that goes with it. I know I can never go back. I just don't have the energy for it. I love New Orleans, just not Marti Gras. Laissez le Bon temp rouler!
A bullet in your tire? OK, I would have been REALLY surprised. Good God. Nice picture though!
It is wise not to try to recreate life's most beautiful experiences. Often by their very nature they are once-in-a-lifetime gifts, and are best appreciated as such.
I know what you mean, Lynn. here are certain experiences that were so right the first time, that I feel like it would be tempting fate to try to do those things again.
I bullet in your tire - I'm glad you are back home here girl! sandie
I've been twice pre-Katrina and I kinda want to remember those trips!!
Have a super week my friend!
j
lg -
No, but I'm flattered you think I'm so talented. I used to work with Bob Trammell and admire his artwork tremendously.
Talon -
I know! The van was parked on the street for Saturday - Wednesday that we were there, so the bullet hit the tire during that time OR someone fired at us from the highway. Either way - not good.
Mama Zen -
It's so fun - you need to go.
happygirl -
I know - I doubt if I would have the stamina for it again either, but I did love it when I was there.
Riot Kitty -
I guess there's a criminal element around there. I went around that by carrying my money in a little shoulder purse that I had hanging from my shoulder inside my jacket.
Sparkling Red -
Exactly right. I could never top that fun time. And my best friend Julie was still alive then and along for the trip - I'm so glad we had that experience.
FB -
Tempting fate - that would be tempting fate for sure.
Sandie -
I know - thank you. :)
John -
My heart just broke for the people of New Orleans during Katrina. I'm glad it has come back though.
Oh wow. Memories of a fine time to cherish with a little drama (the bullet) thrown in. How lovely.
The Elephant's Child -
Little did I know that was a once in a lifetime trip. I'm fairly well-traveled, but that trip was the most fun, for sure.
Wow, the part about the bullet being in the tire...that's a story in itself.
I've haven't been to Mardi Gras, but have visited New Orleans several times.
You made me think of the good times I spent with friends. The memories made me smile and even chuckle a bit at my daring. But you are right, we can't recapture those special times. We can make new ones, but the old memories have to stay in the photo albums of our minds, softening at the edges with age, but still there to be pulled out and enjoyed.
Thanks for sharing this memory:~)
O.M.G. A bullet in the tire.
Oh, I can just imagine the high spirits of the whole event. They will be reveling in Austin tonight. Not sure if they sweep off the streets here by dawn, tho.
Happy Mardi Gras!!
xoxo
Hope Fat Tuesday went well for you- It was my Day Off- but I didn't drink anyways-
I heard the Big Easy thought they were gonna have trouble with the early curfew this year.
I also hope Post-Katrina the place gets some kind of normal back.
As long as the bullets don't hit you....
Jannie -
There seem to be a number of Mardi Gras celebrations around - sounds like Austin gets in on it, too.
xo
Snaggle -
Right - as long as the bullets don't hit you. Exactly. :)
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