Finding Serenity
Posted by Margaret Benson
After a week of work (and a few Mardi Gras parades!) that seemed to go by surprisingly fast, we spent today exploring the French Quarter and celebrating the culture of New Orleans. We had a later-than-expected start this morning after tidying the house a bit, making a (very small) dent in my homework, and for many others doing some yoga led by the wonderful Suzanne! Finally, we were off to explore the French Quarter.
Though we had spent some time in the French Market earlier this week, today was more of a day to just wander and get a better feel for the city. Helen, Lucy, Caroline, and I ended up spending most of our time around Jackson Square, looking at the many art displays along the way. I’ve been amazed by the variety of art displayed in the park throughout the years, but not until this year did I really pay the art and the artists the respect they deserved. After many conversation with these artists, many who have grown up in New Orleans, I felt connected to these wonderful people. Hearing their stories and their passion, we all wanted to help these artists out (and get some lovely New Orleans art for our walls back in Richmond!) so we purchased a few pieces. Many of these artists were using (or originally used) remnants of Katrina. We saw doors, pressed board, and fence posts that had been collected and turned into art after the storm. Devastation turned into beauty. Though many of these artists now use non-Katrina scraps, the history is fascinating and adds such dimension to the artwork. I ended up purchasing a painted fence post showing a local saxophone player named Joe! I’m very excited to have this new addition to my wall at home, though carrying it through the airports might be slightly problematic...
French Quarter time was followed by a quick carriage ride through the area (we had a very friendly guide and I still continue to learn so much about the area!) and then The Gumbo Shop and Preservation Hall in the evening! I was slightly disappointed to find that The Gumbo Shop couldn’t make me my favorite dish from last year, but I settled with a very tasty fish. Many people had the award winning chicken gumbo and we had a very enjoyable meal before hearing some incredible music.
Preservation Hall is one of my favorite places of the city. Though I wasn’t able to go my first year, I spent all the time I had in the tiny room full of Jazz last year. Tonight I was very happy to make my way back. At the end of such a packed week, this was the perfect time to sit, think, and reflect on everything that’s taken place. I have the hardest time explaining my love for traditional jazz. Nothing is planned. Everything is real and raw. Yet each and every time it all comes together - the clarinet, the saxophone, the trumpet, and the trombone, the drums, the bass, and the piano all coming together to create serenity.
Listening to this music and how it all comes together so seamlessly reminds me so much of our every day life. Here in New Orleans, we see so much hope, so much devastation, so much culture, and some corruption, but it’s one of those places where I really can feel calm. Like the music, I have a hard time explaining what the city really means to me, why I want to spend my time here, and what makes it so different, but somehow it all pieces together to create serenity.
I hope to bring this back to Richmond with me as I face the huge balancing act of school and church and various activities. Though life can often seem like an unplanned mess, somehow it works out. God has a plan for each and every one of us. Through all the bumps in the road and unexpected twists, we can still find the serenity.
It’s very late here... plus we have daylight savings right on our backs, but the sounds of (slightly delirious) laughter are creeping out of our rooms and into the hallway where I sit and type away. I am awed by how the nine of us have come together on this awesome journey, and I can’t wait to share the stories with all.
I forgot you have been on trips there before! Now you’ll be able to lead tours there! Glad you’ve had this experience. Another preparation for the adventures that lie ahead in college.