Haunted Playgrounds

My past haunts are part of who I am- the countless hours I've spent, the secrets I've shared while there, the joy and sadness alike.... They stay with me.

Uptown Square

Many of my earliest memories are of this place. It was 2 blocks away from our house in the Garden District. My brother and I would ride our bikes over and spend all day in the shopping area. There was a novelty store that sold Warheads, as well as a dollar theatre- complete with creepy concession stand guy. It was where I saw Nightmare Before Christmas when it first came out in theatres. I used to imagine being proposed to in Uptown Square- that my future husband would know how much love I associated with it, and would seek to add to those

happy associations. Now it's abandoned- it's the site of a weekly Farmers Market, but that's

about it.

Audubon Park

I used to live less than a block away from Audubon Park. My brother and I would walk through it on the way to/from school every day. On our days off, we would ride our bikes through the golf courses and search for abandoned golf balls. We climbed countless trees and explored for countless hours. I used to feed squirrels and pretend they were my pets.

French Quarter AKA Vieux Carre

I've lost myself in its streets countless times. It is my muse, my siren, my most secret and beloved heart. As you walk through hidden corridors and dark alleys, the dischordant tunes of the steamboat permeate the air. The smells vary from heady perfumes to savory dishes to nauseating body odor. Tarot card readers set up camp next to jazz musicians and people leisurely dance in the street.The warm air embraces you like the city herself is passionately kissing you. These streets have held nightmares for me, and they have saved me from countless heartbreaks. So many times I would wander the streets alone in the middle of the night, and no harm came to me. The city has always kept me safe.

Lake Lawn Cemetery

Cities of the dead, and with such beautiful architecture- The tombs are inspiring. Whenever I come here, I feel such love. The only time I've been apprehensive in a cemetery was when my friends and I would visit at 3 in the morning. But even then, I was more fearful of some random crazy bum than any ghost. You could spend hours here and still miss out on something amazing and inspiring. The dead are guarded well, and their monuments are made with reverence.

Fashion

I can accept trends in fashion. They're fine. But they are constantly changing- so why do women spend so much money trying to keep up with them?

Example-

Animal print/hair boots

Exhibit A: Roberto Cavalli

Price?

$4,240.

Why anyone would pay that amount of money on a pair of boots that will be relevant for a maximum of 5 months is beyond me. Plus, they're somewhat veering into safari hooker territory, don't you think?

Now....

Exhibit B: Type Z Extrema

Price?

$92.

Granted, the quality probably isn't ideal, but seriously- do you plan on following this trend for an extended period of time? I didn't think so.

Common sense, women. Don't be a slave to trends! Classic *Personal* style is the way to go!

(And if you are going to follow a trend, at least limit your monetary output.)

Weather Woes

One thing that always confuses me out here is the weather. A majority of the time, I have some kind of resentment complex concerning the perfect temperature. Where's the rain??? Where's the humidity??? Why is it always sunny???

I know people move out here for the weather. I was not one of those. I like overcast days. Here, the sun has a serious ego issue. If the day is overcast, you can see rays stabbing through the clouds, while the sun tries to peek through. But oh, the sunsets over the ocean.... I can't argue then. Pastel clouds, like a psychadelic easter egg hunt, plaster the sky for a brief span of time before the sun begrudgingly slides below the sea.

I like the weather here only when it's at war with itself.