La Nouvelle-Orléans..The City That Care Forgot by Gaiadriel
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FE & PS
Hi all...
Certainly not wanting or trying to beat a dead horse, but as many of you undoubtedly know, this day marks the 2nd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's wrath on my city, my home, the people of my birthplace...(hence the placement in the *historical* category, yes?) I am rebuilding life...and doing okay...yet so many days, I simply wish I could hit some magical rewind button...and waltz back into my old life, in my old house, in the place that I know like no other place on earth. Ahhh, but not possible. So, here's to picking oneself up by the bootstraps...and doing what has to be done, sans sniveling. Still, I miss it in some deep and aching sense. And today was harder than I imagined it would be...with so much time now having passed between then and now. But, healing takes awhile sometimes. And anger, when justifiable, is sometimes a healthy and damned righteous thing. Mine lies in the fact that my country can come to the *aid* of others literally across the globe in a day...but became paralyzed in complete and total inaction with this event...while third world conditions visited my city....people with no potable water to drink...babies and the elderly dying from exposure in sweltering 95 degree heat while trapped on bridge overpasses. I could live another hundred years...and NEVER will I come to a place of forgiveness for that...nor do I wish to. I've got one word for it...(actually I've got a whole lot of them...but most involve four letters)...INEXCUSABLE. Okay, okay, I won't bore you to tears on a political or personal rant, honest..That's certainly not my intent. So, enough...
New Orleans has long since been referred to by a great many names, La Nouvelle-Orleans, the "Crescent City", and even since long, long before its ravage, "The City That Care Forgot"...the latter of which couldn't be more accurate now. So, it is with a heavy heart and more than a little angst, but greater than all else, sweet and cherished memories...and yes, pride.....that I give to you this particular image. The water is self-explanatory. The colors, however, are representative and meaningful. The official colors of the city's great Mardi Gras celebration being purple, green, and gold. And these are symbolic for us native folk. Purple represents loyalty, green represents faith, and gold represents power.
Wishes to each of you for a smooth remainder of the week. Work is still in demand mode for me, so my apologies for yet again lagging behind in my comments. In the meantime, my heartfelt thanks are yours...for your beautiful comments on things that have come before. What great company I keep amongst so many incredibly talented people that I am proud, and blessed, to now call *friends* via here.
Thoughts and hugs,
Nancy~*
Comments (36)
maria4scott
Wonder image Nancy and very moving presentation. I have never been thru such a disaster so will never claim to know how you feel. I can honestly say my heart goes out to you and so many others that lost so much. I'm glad your moving forward Nancy, thats all we can do really, but also never forget the past.
annie5
It's so beautiful Anne..texture and colors are fantastic! All is perfect..really nice :)
freda
I cannot but feel for you, Nnncy. I didn't realise you lived in New Orleans. I was horrified at the lack of help by the US government for your stricken city. And your image is excellent, as usual, and very evocative of the New Orleans tragedy.
claude19
Dear friend artist, I understand your sadness and your anger. As French and an amateur of Jazz, without being a large specialist, I was glad to know that a remainder of our emotional contribution existed in your city, as in Montreal with Magik. But here I speak about it without really to have measured, even if I were scandalized, which represented tous.les.jours to seek his memories. I did not include/understand why the Mayor was re-elected, or I am afraid to include/understand too well... Europe I believe has to enormously send money for the fast REBUILDING of the city... but I believe that everyone lies there low and here, and I am quite sad of knowing that being human suffer over there from the race to the money and the food. With all my artistic friendship, I thank you for having me rafraichi the memory, already 2 years and nobody any more speaks about it... in the media... a catastrophe drives out the other!!! CLAUDE
Lipa
Moving and beautiful. I followed the events from afar, but closely. It was for me another big illustration of the fact I had known only too well that governments' first priority is not people. Never was. Never will be. Anywhere.
daffodilbaggins
An appropriate image for an event like no other. I too am appalled that your city is still in the condition it's in, and I can find no words to adequately express my disgust at that situation. There's much I could say on this, but this isn't the place....just know that we all care, and hope very much that things improve, and sooner rather than later.
JillianElf
oh...Nancy you make my heart ache...the whole thing makes me angry, sad, and more than a little determined...Yes sometimes anger is damned righteous thing, especially when applied against a wrong. I am proud of your wonderful city, and I am sad that it is still not what it was, the truest place of culture and history in our country. I did not not know you lived there, or lost your house or have stayed and stuck your chin out. You know what? I am so proud of YOU. A wonderful sharing and a great image. Hugs, Jilly.
mansco
A splendid work and interpretation.... Hurricane Katrina was really so terrible, of course we all saw news about it but I suppose you have to live it.... to get in ones skin. Like everything that happens in our lives we just can't do nothing that pass a page of our story, although it's so sad and hard sometimes. You seem to be a strong person and going forward... but politics have no shame and just turn there heads to another place that gives them money... Hugs and take care my dear friend ;O)
Gaiadriel
Thanks to all of you for your comments. Please understand and know that posting of this was not intended to elicit empathy...though always, your support means a great deal to me. The intention was/is to honor this day in the only way I can that is even the slightest bit positive or productive. Claude, as for your questions regarding re-election of the mayor....I have a simple, but, I think, fairly accurate explanation: People, anywhere, are afraid to change horses in the middle of the stream...meaning that they are unwilling to risk sweeping change in precarious times. I suppose that to some degree, it feels far safer and is somewhat comforting to stick with that which is at least known...than to venture into the vast unknown when all around you is otherwise crumbling. In my own humble opinion, it may well be why our president got re-elected, too...biting tongue... But, as Daff says..this is not the place....so I'll hold the rest of my thoughts. Pffft, many aren't very nice anyway...lol :)
amota99517
Beautifully done and a wonderful tribute to the city and to those who lived through this event. Your image speaks the words that you do not. Excellent work!!!
CarolSassy
Lovely dedication to your hometown. I've always wanted to go there, but the chance was never there! If we ever get to go, you wanna come down? lol q-: You can take us to everything Cajun. Excellent work! (:
fractalinda
May she rise again in all her splendor..and may your love for her, along with your righteous indignation play a part in the restoration! What a moving and meaningful tribute and rant, Nancy- not to mention your wonderful, dynamic image. The colors are so rich and beautiful..and- after reading your poignant commentary, they are even more impressive. Excellent expression of your experience and superb work.
npauling
This is a very sybolic posting and very well done. We also followed your disaster from TV screens and we wondered how a huge country like the USA could not cope with the disaster or the aftermath. It has made us think how vulnerable we are in our very small country so we have doubled our efforts to be able to try and look after ourselves for several weeks. It doesn't bear thinking about. My thoughts are with you at this time of sadness.
magnus073
Beautiful image Nancy and more than that I feel all of your passion and pain in it. I am sorry for the terrible loss of so much in your city and know few people have experienced such horror on such a grand scale. You are in my prayers as is everyone in your beautiful city.
Electralena
Ohhh, dear Nancy. My heart is crying for you and for so many others like you!!??? This dedication is beautiful, powerful and very, very heartbreaking! Big hug from me...Elena
afugatt
Wonderful image and tribute. I am very saddened about what happened two years ago and even more saddened about what has NOT happened since.
mamabobbijo
A beautiful tribute to a Grand Lady. She will rise again , and thanks for the most part to those who live there. The heart and incredible strength of those who live in and love New Orleans will see her through and then we'll see who tries to take the credit for the amazing place she will become again.
bpclarke
My hopes and prayers will always be with those who are still fighting the battle to regain their city back. This is a gorgeous tribute. Excellent work. Just keep those bootstraps ready sweetie, you'll get there. Bunny
lior
Moving and beautiful!
gateman45
well so far the "govt" has spent 175 billion dollars on new orleans..and although i sympathize with your plight...dats a lotta dough...(i read this figure today and wondered whose pockets are getting lined)...does'nt sound like yours.but your right the whole "system" fell apart... love your tribute..wish you all the best in your personal recovery...
Juliette.Gribnau
Wishing all good things happen for New Orleans..
FractaliaNo1 Online Now!
Such a lovely design/structure/texture/colorings! very nice art!
saretta
A splendid artwork,your words are moving,truly moving...we saw the images of that terrible disaster in Italy on the CNN and it's something nobody will ever forget...my thoughts are with you with a hope for you to get to move on,though i understand that in cases like these it sounds so rhetorical....a big hug from me.
Janiss
It's difficult for me to all understand but I have a lo understand! Its really sad and terrific! Nancy, this fabulous work is an perfect illustration for your texte.. simply gorgeous my friend!
carlx
Absolutely awesome composition and design!!!
jccj56
Beautiful Image!! New Orleans such a wonderful city,been there many times.Love the cajun way of life.I am saddened and i do feel your pain,but she will rise again.
tresamie
Lovely! The Mardi Gras colors are so poignant. I hope that things get better soon.
Richardphotos
very beautiful your dedication.
algra
First my compliments for that splendid depiction based on the bad experiences in your town. I didn't know you lived there. I read your whole story (I seldom find time to do that but yours here I read word by word, using my dictionary) and I'm deeply impressed. How is this possible in world's riches and mightiest country? I've read that our (Dutch) engineers will assist to prevent such disasters in the future and I hope they will have success. I wish you strength and courage for the future and I wish you all the best.
elmurray
This is absolutely stunning Nancy and a beautiful tribute to your wonderful city. Take care, my friend!