Thank you, Mimi!
Mimi and Grandpère had an extra copy of this CD. She gave it to me, because I love her city so much. I’m rocking out to it right now. It got here today, on Mardi Gras.
Feeling “homesick” in a good way. I lived there only for a month. Everything in me wants to go back. Before I went, I’d have told you that I didn’t like jazz all that much. That’s because I equated it with public-radio, New-Agey stuff. I heard a lot of street musicians in New Orleans, and their music is not that. Real jazz is an expression of the vivacity of that city. If I heard it in San Francisco or Seattle, it wouldn’t sound the same. This music is so organic to that place, and it’s a place I’m thoroughly in love with.
This CD makes me sad; it also makes me happy. It’s fun to listen to. And it inspires me to pray for New Orleans all over again; for the resurrection in the devastation, the lotus in the mud. (Yes, I spent years with Buddhists, though I never became one. The imagery fits.)
I want to go back. I want to support the spiritual rebuilding, if not the physical. I pray that I can. There is so much work to do.
One of the things I’ve been thinking of, is starting a chaplaincy for homeless people. Too early to tell, whether that’s a call, or a dream. I know there is need for it, though—and not only in NOLA, but every major city. The need there is so great, but there is desperate poverty in my own back yard, though I live in an area known for its affluence. We shall see what comes of this idea.
Anyway, thank you again, Mimi and Grandpère! Oh, and if you buy this for yourself (or a friend), a portion of the proceeds goes to the New Orleans Musicians' Village.
6 comments:
Do you know the chaplaincy for homeless people in Boston? It's run out of the Episcopal Cathedral there, or at least it was last time I looked. The priest who runs it is named Deborah Little, I think. I may be getting her name wrong. Google and see what you find. It's not called "ministry to the homeless" but has some other name. If you look at the St. Paul Cathedral website she may be on there.
Kirstin, I'm glad you liked the CD. Harry learned to play from some of the old New Orleans Jazz musicians. As Wiki says of him:
Connick's musical talents soon came to the fore when he learned the keyboards at the age of three, played publicly at age six and recorded with a local jazz band at 10.
And How are you feeling? How are the aches and pains. Better, I hope.
I will pray that you know God's will with respect to the chaplaincy for the homeless. That would be an awesome ministry.
Jane, I'll check that out. Thanks!
((((Mimi)))) I'm a bit stiff, still, but much less sore. Thanks! And thanks for your prayers.
Dear Kirstin, I will pray for the Holy Spirit to bring you the gifts of wisdom and discernment. You will know what to do when it is time.
Did I ever share links from my friend Splotchy's blog? Here is but one. Splotchy is an amazing guy.
Peace to you sister!
There is just somethin' about Nawlins, ain't there ? Really get under your skin...
I got that CD for my birthday last year, and enjoy it too.
New Orleans does that to a person. So many of its residents visited once and weren't able to leave. There's something in the Pontchartrain water, I suppose? Even me - I'm a country boy, I hate cities, but NOLA is calling me back.
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