Jazz Fest 2010 - Food excursions - May 2nd

My last day of Jazz Fest on the last day of Jazz Fest. As predicted, rain was expected, but that wouldn't deter me. I still had my plastic poncho and packed myself down with plate caddy, plastic bags, tin foil, and my lawn chair. Hard to believe, but I didn't consider putting on sunscreen - why bother?

Now the grillades and grits were wonderful the previous weekend - love that roux gravy. My "traditional" breakfast at Royal Blend is a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. Biscuits are homemade and no cheap fast food dollar biscuit could touch it. A single cappuccino with skim milk and OJ complete the food chain. Normally I wouldn't have singled out such humble fare, but it all looked too photographable.

Royal Blend's bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit with cappuccino and orange juice

When I arrived at Marconi and waited under the tent at the shuttle area, it began to pour. I didn't need to wait to get on the Fairgrounds to don protective lamination. I mentally prepared myself for arrival and what I would need to do to avoid slipping in the mud or forgetting to buy something. Remember, what I wouldn't accomplish would have to wait until next year.

There was some wait at the gate and rain fluctuated from hard to light. Once I got in, it seemed like a deserted town.

T-shirt tents were closed temporarily to wait for the rain to subside. Trying to get around in a hard rain would be a problem, so my plan was to get my T-shirt, food, and then go to the Grandstand on the bleachers out of the rain.

One of the entrees I looked forward in getting was fried eggplant with crawfish sauce. I arrived at the food booth, but was asked to return in 20 minutes. Although they were supposed to be ready before the Fairgrounds opened in order to roll on time, they were ordered to shut off the burner that heats the oil to fry the eggplant. Can't have soggy eggplant, so I strolled around and set my cellphone alarm to ring in 20 minutes time. Once my phone alerted me, I ran back to the booth and received the first order of eggplant crawfish on the last day of Jazz Fest.

Fried eggplant with crawfish sauce - serving No. 1

I didn't eat it immediately, though I wanted to. Instead I took out tin foil and wrapped it up tight and placed in a large plastic bag with enclosure. Once my T-shirt was purchased, I went in search of an entree I read about in the newspaper. There was a booth selling pies and I felt the urge to try the sweet potato pie and the sweet potato turnover. I purchased them, wrapped them up, sealed them in the bag and finally purchased rose mint tea and crawfish strudel.

As I neared the Grandstand bleachers, I noticed how they were all wet, even the ones at the top. The overhang wasn't enough to spare them and the wind was strong enough to dampen them despite the overhang. I could have opened my chair, but realized rain would come and I'd get soaked. My favorite tree next to the pond on the Fairgrounds wouldn't offer much protection either. I knew the Lagniappe Stage would have protected seats, so I found a dry one under a tent across from the stage.

I didn't know who was performing and didn't have a program with me. There was a flamenco dancing group with a wonderful Spanish guitar. I took the opportunity to eat as I watched the performance in amazement.

"The" Fried Eggplant with Crawfish Sauce and Sweet Potato Pie

The eggplant was crispy with a light herbal flavor. The sauce was creamy with ample amounts of crawfish throughout. I knew what I was expecting and wasn't disappointed. The sweet potato pie was over the moon: flaky crust with the sweet potato filling that had such a wonderful mouth feel. I compare it to the richness of eating high quality ice cream.

After the flamenco dance group was Nova NOLA, a Brazilian jazz / New Orleans strut fusion music group. I could not have been luckier since the group was wonderful (Google them, seriously) and the rain had gone from a sprinkle to zero flat. In fact, the sun came out at one point. As the performance continued, I ate the last of my vittles.

Crawfish strudel and sweet potato turnover

As you have guessed, the crawfish strudel is one of my all-time favorites and would eat it every week if I could. The turnover had somewhat of a soggy crust, but that was my fault. I purchased it early and sealed it in a bag. Condensation from the steam caused it to be soggy. There was a sweet shortbread-like taste to it and the sweet potato filling was thick and rich like the pie. I'll definitely eat another one next year.

Once Nova NOLA finished their set, I finished my food and walked out of the Grandstand into a sea of people. I wondered if the crowd was different from my "wasteland" picture I took only two hours before. Check it out:

And on my way taking this picture, I "ran into" a second line of Mardi Gras Indians. Only at Jazz Fest. Only in New Orleans. Take care and travel light.

Mardi Gras Indians

Jazz Fest 2010 - Food excursions - April 30th

Julie, my long-time friend from high school, came into town on business and wanted to go to Jazz Fest on the second Friday. Problem was the possibility of rain, but I managed to find two clear rain ponchos. Last time we went to Jazz Fest was two years ago and all we had were small umbrellas when it poured on us. Tip umbrella forward - back gets wet. Tip umbrella back - lap gets wet. Wind blows rain - doesn't matter because you're soaked. We left before Billy Joel took the stage. The clap of thunder was our signal to leave. Julie brought up our mishaps when we talked about doing the fest again. I assured her that we would leave before the rain drenched us.



We arrived from the shuttle and onto the Fairgrounds about 11am. We stationed our collapsible chairs on the front line of the "chairs only" section in front of the Acura stage. We had gone to Royal Blend for breakfast at 8:30am, but once on the Fairgrounds, the smells of seafood cooking just reawakens your appetite. We took shifts in going for food and I made a dash to the Crawfish Monica booth.




Crawfish Monica (on a Plate Caddy) with Strawberry Lemonade

Crawfish Monica is a blend of crawfish cream sauce and fusilli pasta with a dash of spice and special magic that only that dish contains. It's definitely one of my fave dishes on the short "got to get it" list at Jazz Fest.

The "plate caddy" was an invention I came across during TV viewing several years ago. I usually don't pay attention to such devices, but it immediately struck me that it would be perfect for Jazz Fest. It's been a mainstay of my Jazz Fest ensemble ever since. I usually pack a few paper plates underneath and switch out after one or two uses. There are holes to transport plastic utensils and napkins. One major drawback: large plastic cups will not conform to the built-in cup holder. It's worth being able to balance a few items on the plate than try to juggle them in your arms or hands. I always have someone ask me where I got it. It's great for transporting and eating while seated in a chair.

Shrimp and grits; crawfish beignets

The shrimp and grits entree was a new offering at Jazz Fest. Unfortunately, it fell flat in my opinion. I looked forward to trying it and the portion given was ample. The grits were lumpy in the stew and the overall taste didn't have enough spice or cajun ambrosia I expected.

Crawfish beignets are another story. They are on my short list and are a combination of hot and cool. Beignets are small drops of dough containing crawfish which are deep fried. Then a cool remoulade sauce is lathered on top. Remoulade sauce recipes vary, so trying to pick out the ingredients used for this sauce would be a futile exercise. Unless the purveyors who create the entree publish the recipe, you'll never really know.

Most of the day was spent chatting with Julie, dancing to the Dixie Cups and Earth, Wind, and Fire, and trying to duck the raindrops, which we were most successful in doing.

Jazz Fest 2010 - Food excursions - April 25th

My first day of Jazz Fest was Sun, April 25th and preparation is always key, especially going by myself. It was the first time in the ten+ years I've been attending Jazz Fest where I wasn't packed down like a mule. In the early years I came with a beach towel and cash. Now I have a litany of items in my arsenal: collapsible chair in a cloth sheath with a handle, my Old Navy purse sling (with a nifty zippered compartment for my CD player!), a cloth bag to hold my "plate caddy", and cash. But on this day, I knew my order of business was to attend a few food demos (see previous blog) and to eat what my heart wanted most after a year of denial.

Again, preparation is key and the first order of business was early morning breakfast at Royal Blend on Metairie Road. It's my hangout before business during the work week, but it's base camp before City Park opens for shuttle parking. Usually I eat light, but I was in the mood for one of their Sunday specials I never had before:

Grillades and cheese grits with a homemade biscuit from Royal Blend (204 Metairie Road in Metairie)

Their version is very good. Basically beef debris cooked down with tomatoes, peppers, onions, etc., and ladled over grits. It gave me a good start to the day since I'd be in the grandstand for a few hours.

Once I arrived at City Park, the traditional parking mecca had been moved to the Rugby Field across from the new dog park, "City Bark". Once I parked, another part of my Jazz Fest tradition commenced: slathering myself in sunblock. I wait until that moment because I don't want to sit in my car with my legs covered in goo. I don't use SPF 4. I'm far too fair for that. I get the industrial strength SPF 50 and cover every patch of exposed skin. I use baby wipes or the equivalent to wipe off my hands and leave them in the car.

My arrival in the Fairgrounds and through the gate was around 11am. I knew the first food demo would be around 11:15am, so I made a dash to the Strawberry Lemonade stand and then to get my first taste of Jazz Fest since last year:

Crawfish strudel; white chocolate bread pudding; strawberry lemonade

The strudel is flaky phyllo dough with a filling of crawfish meat, onions, peppers and all in a stuffing-like consistency. They give you a spork, but I usually eat it like a hot dog. It is spicy, salty, and wonderful. White chocolate bread pudding has a great blend of soft French bread that has been baked with custard and vanilla and then bathed in a white chocolate sauce. I'm grateful that Jazz Fest is only two weekends out of the year or I'd have serious weight problems. The strawberry lemonade never disappoints, always refreshing, and helps with any energy zap from the heat.

Once the last food demo had concluded, I wasn't hungry. But Jazz Fest is, in my opinion, like dieter's heaven -- throw the rule book out the window for a day or a weekend. You never eat like this normally. This is the food that is only available at the fest and only for a limited time. Get your feed bag on! So I'm eating what I want whether I'm hungry or not, I decided. I went past the Grandstand past the blues and gospel tents to the food area behind the crafts area. It was there I found my final repast for the day:

Peach cobbler and rosemint herbal tea

Just what I was looking for. The cobbler has a hearty crust, fat peaches, and just enough balance of nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar. The rosemint tea is a popular manufacturer's blend with a hint of mint. I always add lemon juice offered at the booths and use my personal favorite sugar substitute.

Now I haven't mentioned prices and don't plan to because "sticker shock" is not the reason for the season. This is my vacation every year and normally people spend more and eat more than they normally do. I buy beverages that are created, not bottled. I eat whatever I want without fear of counting calories or pennies. Life is too short to get stuck on trivialities and it's important to support the local culinary talent by tasting their wares.

So if you need permission to do what you normally wouldn't do, then I grant it with all my heart.

Jazz Fest 2010 - Food demonstrations

I go to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to eat -- each and every day I attend, every year I go. Doesn't matter the band line-ups or the weather forecast. Sometimes I'll get to experience some good musical acts (such as Nova Nola this year), but I always find my food favorites and try out a new dish or two.

This year I had the good fortune of attending the fest on Sunday, April 25th with three wonderful chefs who had excellent food demonstrations on the Zatarain's Food Heritage Stage. In order of appearance:

Red beans & rice grits with poached egg & Andouille by Lee Richardson, native New Orleanian and head chef at Ashley's at Capitol Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Lee was approached by Esquire magazine to do a recipe that is equivalent to eating "like a man". Because rice is prevalent in the bluegrass region, he had experimented with using long-grain rice in different ways. He ground up rice in a coffee mill and found that the taste and cooking times is consistent with regular grits. Because of the "red beans and rice" theme, he cooked his favorite red beans recipe with the rice grits. You can find the recipe on http://www.nola.com/ under "Food" section from March 18th. As far as the poached egg, the chef explained that there's no recipe for making a soft-boiled egg. In fact, the one he made is far more scientific than anything a novice cook could do at home. First, the eggs are farm fresh and smaller than one at the regular grocery store. And they are cooked in a tub of water (reminded me of an incubator) at a precise centigrade temperature for a specific amount of time. The result is a yolk that is the consistency of firm jelly (think of cranberry sauce out of the can in one piece). Absolutely wonderful.

Pecan Beignets with Louisiana Strawberries by Christy Phebus from Bayona (413 Dauphine St in New Orleans)

Technically, they aren't beignets. Beignet dough contains yeast and when fried (such as the best ones on the planet at the Original Cafe Du Monde in the Quarter) puff up, but aren't able to fill properly. This recipe is almost like a choux ("shoe") or profiterole pastry dough where once done and baked/fried, you could fill like an eclair. In this particular recipe, the dough was cooked and then eggs were added until it pulled away from the sides of the pan. Once it was this consistency, a commercial product of pecan paste was added. They were fried in canola oil and dredged in cinnamon sugar. Louisiana strawberries were cut up and were only allowed to macerate for a few minutes to have some "strawberry juice" to plate over the beignets. If you place sugar on berries for too long a time frame, you wind up with a mushed up product almost akin to pureed fruit. If you want the recipe, email Christy from the address on Bayona Restauant's website. Great dessert!

Smothered Andouille & Potato Gnocci by Donald Link, head chef and owner of Cochon Butcher & Restaurant (930 Tchoupitoulas St in New Orleans) and Herbsaint (701 St. Charles Ave in New Orleans)

Donald Link recently received the 2010 James Beard Award for his latest cookbook Real Cajun. I'm not sure if the recipe is in there, but it is a basic potato dumpling/gnocci starchy dough. Donald demonstrated that the dough should give a little when pulled after the dough has been formed. Then it is a matter of rolling it out by hand into a long tube. He said it is a great Sunday meal at home where he can make gnocci and toss them with sauce or, in this recipe, saute in oil and add spring onions (or known as green onions everywhere else) and andouille. At the restaurant, he has a gnocci board that will indent the dumplings by passing them over ridges in the board; however, home cooks can mark each dumpling with the tines of a fork. The ridges will catch and hold the sauce, so it is an important step to do.

Cochon is part deli and part butcher shop where you can purchase boudin and andouille that has been made on the premises. Donald said that his cousins still make boudin in different areas of the state, and each one tastes different from the other. They put the sausage in casings by hand whereas the cousins use hoppers and machines to make massive amounts of sausage at a time. One of the attendees lives in Hawaii and planned to bring back 16 pounds (yes, not a typo) of andouille to the island. He attends Jazz Fest every year and uses the sausage year round until he returns for the fest and another supply.

Mad Hatter's Luncheon Pictures

Christian with Saints Michael Lewis (aka Beer Man), Yvonne LeFleur, Dr. Laura Badaux, and associated luncheon ladies

Christian and I walk the plank..er..the catwalk!

Here's my shot with Christian. Geez, could the expression on my face get any worse?!

Here's an action shot

Another one of Christian and luncheon ladies

Christian with some luncheon ladies

Here's an interesting shot -- Christian and a luncheon lady

and a camera taking the same picture

Poor lighting of picture of Eric Paulsen, Christian, and Mr. Andre (Christian's Dad)

In sickness and in health

Disclaimer: I'll be discussing subject matter that some may find offensive since it has to do with specific tests and examinations involving female body parts, and a retrospective into the female menstrual cycle. Click off now because I'm going into "TMI" land. Remember, you've been warned.

With everything going on in my personal life, I had pushed off getting my annual pap smear and mammogram. I received letters from Ochsner reminding me it had been thirteen months since I had made an appointment. It was more a time issue than anything else, but I knew it was important to do.

My first encounter with an ob/gyn was when I was 13 years old. I started my monthly cycle in April 1980. Nothing Mom could tell me or the "starter kit" from Stayfree could prepare me for what I would experience. I remember cramps so bad I wanted to put my kneecaps into my eye sockets. What prompted the visit was I almost fainted and experience two cycles in a month. If you thought the onset of turning into a woman for a 12-year old girl was bad enough, it was raised to level orange by going to the doctor.

He was an elderly doctor with many years of experience. He had several daughters, one was his nurse, and I was assured he had seen patients as young as eight. In retrospect, even if Mom had explained every section of the exam, it would have been too much for me to process. All I remember was him putting on a latex glove, covering his hand with a tube of goo, and at the first feeling of "something wrong", I screamed my head off. I was long. I was loud. I drowned out my mother telling me to be quiet and still, the nurse trying to keep me on the table, and the only thing I heard from the doctor as he left was, "I can't take this!" To this day, I firmly believed I cleared the waiting room. He prescribed iron pills and I never went back. I went to a "normal" routine of every 25 days riding the crimson wave.

At the beginning of college, I experienced another two-timer, and went to another male doctor. He was younger and I was older. I didn't scream, but I was tense, nervous, and he suggested I have an ultrasound. I recall that I had to drink about 64 ounces of fluid and my bladder can hold about 60 ounces before I need to urinate. I went to the exam and had the warm gel and cold ball bearing mouse on my abdomen. Every place she pushed and toggled, I thought I would burst. Thank goodness the architect of the building put a ladies room next to the exam room. No problem with the scan: normal.

The next year my doctor left and his replacement (another man) said I would have a physical examination without the ultrasound. When I explained the circumstances about getting the ultrasound, his response was, "we have instruments to assist with that". Never went back. Never had another exam until two years ago.

I turned 39 and was having regular cycles. "Regular" is defined as irritability seven days before I surf. Also part of the package is bloating, wanting to eat 24/7 and feeling like I look like Jabba the Hut's girlfriend. Then the pain, which lasts for 8 hours and the flow, which is heavy for two days and tapers off for three. "I feel pain like being hit by a semi and bloated like roadkill on a highway", is the best way to sum it up. I've never had the inkling of having a baby. As far as I'm concerned, they could take my uterus out, fill it full of candy, and use it as a pinata. No, my decision to get the pap smear and the mammogram was simple: if they found something, I want it to be found early. I started with the simplest solution: get a female ob/gyn.

As I've been told, women who've had children don't have a problem with the exam because once you've gone through childbirth, an exam is nothing. Considering I've never given birth, I knew there would be discomfort. My doctor is wonderful. She understood, made me comfortable, answered my questions, and took her time. I still don't know why a speculum is shaped like a shoehorn, but I conclude the inventor was male.

My first mammogram was more awkward than painful. You never fully undress and the gown is open long enough to expose a breast to the platform of the testing machine. Part of the awkwardness is the fact I don't have many mammary glands. The tech had to coax what I had onto the glass plate, like somehow pooling it all in the middle would make it bigger. Hand around the machine, head back, staring up and somehow not move with a machine feeling me up. And then the other breast. And side views. I was told afterwards that some women get called back because it comes up abnormal and "don't put yourself six feet under if you get a call back". It was fine.

This year I waited to get my mammogram until I talked with my doctor. There had been a new recommendation from a task force about women over 40 only needing mammograms every few years instead of every year. She explained that the task force was not in league with the AMA or the gynecological societies she belonged. She felt the task force's recommendations would do more harm than good because the insurance companies could re-evaluate their stance on paying for mammograms every year for women in their 40s and women won't pay out-of-pocket for them. Money would take precedence over cancer prevention. Another consideration is that young women have abnormal mammograms, go through biopsies, and some cases prove negative. These women "were scared needlessly". My doctor was unapologetic.

"I'd rather scare nine young women than miss the one with cancer!" But she reasoned if it was painful for me or if my insurance didn't cover it, I could go every other year. I told her getting one every year was not a problem, even if I had to pay for it myself.

My doctor just returned from maternity leave and the subject of men came up. I said if men had to have the babies, the world's population would decrease by two-thirds.

"My husband didn't understand," she said. "It's like taking a backpack and putting 30 pounds worth of bricks on your back. Then carry it everywhere and try to do everything with it. I had to examine patients with all that extra weight." Then she went on about how she has multiple bags to carry along with the baby and her husband, at times, will go on without her until she calls him back and makes him take something. One fight began when he had the nerve to try and put his laptop and camera in one of the bags she carried along with the baby.

"If men had to have babies," she concluded, "they'd be grown in a lab, and bought and sold on eBay!"

A week after my mammogram, I received an email from my friend Gary. I hadn't heard from him since my father took ill. The email was about Brenda, his girlfriend and roommate (now his wife) who was battling breast cancer. It had mets that went into her spine. She was recovering, but it had been hard on both of them. He invited everyone to St. Baldricks, an event where recipients volunteer to have their heads shaved to raise money to battle pediatric cancer. After I read the email, I pulled out the card to call and find out the results of my mammogram. I left a message on the recorder.

On Brenda's blog, she talked about how she had lost weight from running and her better health saved her life. It helped her stamina with the chemo, which she'll finish in a few weeks. Gary reasoned that his hair will grow back around the same time Brenda's will.

Brenda also pointed out that she had good health check-ups for years and took them for granted. Shortly after seeing them at St. Baldricks, I received letters from my doctor and the breast center: this year's pap smear and mammogram are normal. No, I won't take those for granted again, either. Life's too short and health's too important.

Get checked yearly and take steps to ensure you'll be around for awhile. If you won't do it for yourself, do it for the people who love you.

Travel light and take care.

Better black dress

My closet is a testament to my contribution to fashion mediocrity. It is a "working" closet with items that vary from occasion to season, career to casual, and everything has a reason for being there. I can put on anything at a moment's notice, with some items still in cleaner's cellophane hanging at the readiness.

I have coordinated suits for winter, coordinated pants suits for summer, skirt sets, business casual pants with business casual shirts to match. There are items I received as Christmas gifts, but the majority are personal purchases "on sale". I don't know the phrase I love most: "on sale" or "machine washable".

Dresses range from the black-and-white linen sheath for luncheons, a burgundy Ann Taylor sleeveless for dressier occasions, and a sleeveless sundress that does a great job in covering up the bulges near my underarms (if you ever see a long-haired model with the ends over her shoulders covering her underarms, she has bulges, too). But for many years there was an evening dress and jacket set that had been in my closet that I never wore, yet reluctant to give away. I've moved it back and forth in the closet at least a hundred times. I couldn't wear it without being altered and never got around to doing it. This year I decided I would finally have the outfit altered or give it away.

My first encounter with the outfit was when I was 17 years old. I don't remember the details on how I got it. It belonged to my mother. I loved the material and the way it looked. Mom had had it in her closet for many years. Even though she went through child bearing and the ware of aging, she never got rid of the outfit. At this time I was at my skinniest -- 110 pounds. I was about six inches taller than my mother and she was petite in frame in her youth. I was able to slip the black satin sheath over my hips and could barely zip it up. I wasn't able to do cartwheels, but it fit well enough to where I could walk.

The matching jacket was almost as long as the dress (knee length), in the same black satin material, with a touch of black velvet at the collar. It seemed pristine, but upon opening the jacket, the pale yellow lining revealed a jagged rip. I wondered if that was the reason that she gave up wearing the dress initially. Don't want to wear the dress without the jacket; can't wear the jacket with the rip.

I probably kept it in my closet the same amount of years as Mom did in hers. I decided, of all days, this past Mardi Gras day, to try the dress on after the last trying on about 25 years ago. To my credit, even 25 pounds heavier and sporting pudgy hips, I was able to slip the dress over my hips. It was loose on top, but there was no way I could zip it. The heavy metal zipper wouldn't budge past the middle of my back. I could move, but it was an effort, like being wrapped in cling wrap and trying to tiptoe. No way I could wear it out in public, so my goal was to find a seamstress and find out what could be done.

I made inquiries of friends and found a seamstress on Behrman Hwy. Kim Xuan was a well-dressed, smiling lady. I explained what I wanted to do. She asked me to try the outfit on in a nearby dressing room and come out. I felt exposed in her tiny shop (we were alone), but I managed to tiptoe with the dress halfway on to the platform where a full-length mirror stood. She studied the dress and with a white piece of tailor's chalk marked areas to be altered. It was like being in pre-op before plastic surgery and the surgeon marks the areas to be cut or sucked with a black marker.

She asked if I had material to let out the dress. The dress went from seam to seam with no additional fabric to expand it. I didn't have any extra material and the dress' material is about 63 years old (won't find that on the shelf anywhere). Since there was ample material near the lining of the jacket, she decided to remove the extra material there and extend the pale yellow lining. She told me to call her in ten days.

Ten days later, she asked me to come in for a fitting. Colorful pins were placed on either side of the dress, so slipping it on was a challenge. She was embarrassed to say that the replacement zipper she used to replace the old toothy metal one had to be replaced. The fastener to pull the zipper up had broken. We used a safety pin in the interim. The dress felt roomier than before and the added material didn't disturb the ivy pattern in the design. I went back on the platform and she tugged at the back with the pins and studied how the dress draped on me.

Another week and I returned, tried on the dress and it took shape; however, there was one area that she said needed work and the jacket lining still needed to be repaired. I told her I'd return in another week. After all, I wasn't in a hurry -- outfit hadn't been worn in decades. One more week wouldn't matter.

Last Saturday I returned and tried everything on for a final fitting. It fit perfectly. I looked in the mirror and tried to picture Mom as a young adult in this dress. What was she like then? She had to have bought the dress on an excursion on Canal Street. Westbank women flocked to Canal Street for dresses, good shoes, and matching purses. The garment tag was missing, but I remember it was Molly-something from New York. Was this outfit for a special occasion or was this the Saturday night with friends' outfit she wore every Saturday? What happened for the inner lining of the jacket to rip? Why did she hang on to this one dress out, even years after she would never be able to alter it to fit her? I think now the dress has a happy ending. I'll wear it for as long as I can and will give it away once it becomes too small for me.

During this process, we never discussed the price. I was willing to pay what Kim Xuan wanted and I justified it this way: I don't see myself getting married, so no wedding gown in my future. I'm past the time of the prom. I won't be receiving any awards. I figured I could get a lot of use out of this outfit; the little black dress; the better black dress. I silently reasoned I will have to pay for what I want, and if that means rebuilding a dress practically from scratch with repairs on top of that, then it will be uniquely mine and worth it. After all, Kim designed the evolution after piecing fabric fragments together to fit my frame, and repaired it. Final cost for the work on the dress and jacket -- $65. Now that's true sticker shock.

I thanked her profusely and took her business card. I have a few things I can get altered and asked what she did in terms of work. She smiled and said, "Everything! I make new and I repair!" For those local, here's her information:

Kim - Xuan Tailor & Alterations

853 Behrman Hwy, Gretna, LA

504/393-2841

Mon-Fri 10am - 6pm / Sat 10am - 4pm

I have not worn the dress for a specific occasion and not sure if there will be one on the horizon for it to be called to duty. I don't have a picture of me wearing the dress, but the following pictures are of the dress/jacket; jacket only; dress only; and close up of the ivy detail in the fabric:

I could have gone out and bought a brand new black evening dress, but I doubt I could have found both pieces for $65. I guess you can call it being enviromentally-friendly by recycling vintage clothing. Or thrifty that I altered a dress and jacket for under $100. In the rush of life and all the things we can spend money on, one of the last things I do is something selfish for myself. I believe all of us are worth some sort of indulgence or to break with the routine and do something that would serve nothing more than spending a pleasant afternoon or evening. It make take extra time and cash, but if you enjoy what you've purchased or done, isn't that profitable in a sense?

I'm a gym rat and there's no way I could have worked out or starved to fit in that dress. Had it been one size smaller, I may not have been able to wear it after being altered. My challenge to all who read this is go into your closet and find the dress or suit that you'll wear after losing twenty or fifty pounds or one day take somewhere to be altered to take it in and let it out. Examine it, try it on, get it altered, and take it out on the town. If you feel it's time to give it away, let it go without regret.

Christian LeBlanc's Art Show, "In the Nursery"

Christian LeBlanc’s Art Show, “In the Nursery”
Reception – Sat, March 6^th, 2010
Jean Bragg Gallery – 600 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Art on display at gallery

“New Snow” – 1996 – Mixed media

Colored pencil drawing depicting young mouse looking out of a window of a structure reminiscent of a wooden cottage; winter scene with snow, holly, and red bows. Through the window a Christmas tree with decorations can be made out, along with a red candle in the window.

Instantly it reminded me of the style of Christmas card I’ve sent in the past: whimsical, peaceful, and charming.

“Late” – 1996 – Mixed media

Elderly lady warming herself by fire after coming in from snow. Cap, muffler, shoes are strewn about on the wooden floor. Two characteristics about Christian’s work: severe level of detail and an absence of color in places. There are pictures within the picture on the bookshelf and mantle that beg further study. Also, the mantle and hearth around the fireplace remain untouched with color. Multiple areas of shadow where the fire’s light bathes the furniture in the room.

Four pictures appeared at the art show commissioned by the Coconut Grove Theatre in Coconut Grove, FL commemorating the theatre’s 40^th anniversary and the premier of the play, “Ladies in Retirement”. The four pieces are entitled: “Lucy in Disguise”, “Nick Nacks”, Albert Upsets the House”, and “Nun on the Run”.

The synopsis of the art read: “The director of the Grove thought Christian’s children’s characters dovetailed well with the Victorian whodunit’s aesthetic. Displayed in the theatre’s lobby, the pieces capture different pivotal scenes and contain vital clues necessary to determine the identity of the play’s villain. The play starred Julie Harris, Eileen Brennan, Carol Cook, Lou Leonard, Laura Esterman, and Christian LeBlanc. Julie Harris has the fifth piece.”

“Lucy in Disguise, Ladies in Retirement” – 1995 – Mixed media

At first glance, the female mouse is wearing a red feathered boa; however, on closer inspection, it is a Rapunzel-esque type of wig. Many details to consume: ruffles and bows of Lucy’s outfit, the ribbon under the chair occupied by a male mouse, fruit on the cedar robe displaying two dresses, and the list the male mouse is holding. It reads: “Steps to trap Aunt Helen; 1) dress up Lucy, 2) dim light (a lot?)”

“Nun on the Run” – 1995 – Mixed Media

Mouse in “flying nun” habit – unsure if male or female – pulling wooden wagon with “oil” can. Sign on left states “Estuary House”. The details are in the different flowers and grasses that flank the simple dirt path with a faint blue sky in the background.

“Albert Upsets the House” -- 1995 – Mixed media

Four mice – three female, one male (Lucy and Albert?); male and female dance as one sits restlessly in a chair and the other is depicted as a servant (embroidery on her dress); seashells on the floor with glue and more shells on the table. A newspaper is strewn, Groves --- Times, with the headline “petty cash stolen”. Mirror reflection of dancers.

“Nick Nacks” -- 1995 – Mixed media

Female mouse (Lucy?) sits at a piano with a purple cloth across the hood. Most of the background is colorless pencil as her red hair takes a life of its own and shows different objects among ribbons: a striped, lit candle, pitcher and cup, clock, book (“Mice and Men”), ship with sails, key, and a black teacup with spilt contents.

“Waiting Up” – 1996 – Mixed media

Mouse in striped cap and pink pajamas holds a candle, waiting for someone to arrive during the night-time snowfall. Dwelling is a mix of tree trunk and brick/mortar. Round window reveals objects inside on a shelf and takes up a section in each pane: chair, books, and a vase. Background shows a green tree with snow and far background contains white outlines of winter trees.

“Small Talk” – no date – Mixed media

Mouse underwater with snorkel and fin, sitting on a rock on the ocean floor in front of a very large multi-colored fish. Tiny starfish to the right and blue lines delineating water. Fish’s tail is curled around itself, almost to fit into the frame.

“What’s Gnu?” – no date – Mixed media

The gnu has gold-rimmed glasses, a red bow tie, and an academic regalia gown (one stripe – Master’s degree?). He appears to be reading from the podium, which is suspended in mid air.

“Watching the Day Burn Down” – no date – Mixed media

Female rabbit strolls in a garden of yellow daisies and red mushrooms with black dots. Is she in miniature or is everything around her larger than life? She pushes a doll carriage containing a doll of a rabbit and a teddy bear. The time is sunset as the sun goes down and the orange sky gives way to darker skies, stars, and a sliver of moon. The oblong shape of the piece allows the eye to focus naturally up and down, gathering more detail of the grass along a dirt path, and use of shadow behind the female rabbit.

Synopsis at art show: “One of a long line of early commissions for fellow teachers during Christian’s stint as a kindergarten teacher in L.A. One of the pieces (along with “Nicholas Goes Fishing” and “Stepping Out” won Best in Show at his first art exhibit at the Culver City Art Expo in CA.

“Five O’ Clock at the Nine O’ Clock cannon” – no date – Mixed media

Upon closer inspection, part of the buildings in the background have pencil marks, but no coloring. Great detail in expressions on the character’s faces, the bow and wreath on the cannon, and the nearby basket. Beautiful sunset. T-boy is gesturing to a nearby maple. From the disapproval on the girl’s face, I suspect T-boy has a homemade parachute and announced he would jump out of the tree to try it out.

Synopsis from art show: “From the children’s novel, Tales of the Louisiana Moon”. In 1721, Adrian Pauger laid out the Place d’Arms (today’s Jackson Square) in the little French town of New Orleans. For many years the square was used as a military parade ground. Maple trees were planted on either end of the grounds in 1806. In the ancient New Orleans, a cannon in the Place d’Arms was fired at 9 o’clock every evening announcing the nightly curfew. The town gates were shut tight and all the men of good will were expected to be safely in their homes. Actors: Shemar Moore (Malcolm), Tonya Lee Williams (Olivia), Sinna Goins (Callie), Camryn Grimes (Cassie), and T-Boy (mouse).

“Bon Temps” – 1996 – Pencil.

French for “Good times”. Simple sketch of an alligator carrying a fleur-de-lis embossed umbrella adorned with beads and carrying a drink in his hand. Uniquely New Orleans.

“Le Parrain” – no date – colored pencil

French meaning “sponsor”, but local Cajun refers to a parrain as a godfather. Elderly woodland creature (badger?) with spectacles, blue jacket, checkered pants and a cane with gold tip in front of a cypress tree. Unlike other works where most of the characters are engaged in activities, this rendering shows an aged creature with a bent back, looking melancholy at an autumn tree.

“Steppin Out” – 1996 – colored pencil

Night scene – large pocked moon in background as a female zebra in a long, yellow gown, sneaks away. Picking up the hem of her dress reveals a ribbon-hemmed petticoat and pink sneakers. There is light detail on the dress, along with the different grasses and a star-studded sky. She looks worried as she steps away from a nearby carousel with a zebra in the background and the face of a hippopotamus.

“Greener Pastures” – 1996 – colored pencil

Zebra adorned in pink bows on her mane and her blue dress with lace trim. She is either taking her pink sneakers off or putting them on while seated in a yellow chair. Different flowers and grasses surround her with a faint sketch of the carousel in the background.

“The Horrified Bridesmaid”

Mouse in a blue dress with pink ruffles underneath, full bustle, wearing a feathered hat and gloves. She is carrying the bride’s train. Her expression reveals she has inadvertently taken a peek and discovered something unexpected.

Synopsis at art show: “Title illustration from the commission commemorating the wedding of Laura Lee Bell and her then fiancé Scott Martin.”

“Nicholas Goes Fishing” – no date.

Bayou scene with marsh and cypress trees. A mouse sits on the edge of a wooden dock with a fishing pole watching the bobber (water ripples indicate a possible bite). A variety of flowers and grasses surround the wooden door in the tree. Mouse is in checkered pants, red suspenders, and a red and blue cap. Illustration is reminiscent of works by Arnold Lobel and James Rice.

“Baby and Bunny” – 1996 – Mixed media

Female rabbit tending to child who is tending to her teddy bear in the baby carriage. Under late autumn, early winter tree with brown grass and leaves around them. Careful attention is made to the rabbit’s dress and child. Colorless clouds in the background and the top of the tree shows pencil sketches of higher limbs that aren’t there. They disappear at the top of the drawing.

Christian said the art show at home caused him to feel vulnerable since he’s showing a part of himself that few seldom see. I told him he was very talented and he would be successful in anything he did. I can’t remember a more absorbing and enjoyable evening.