Cross Processing Take Two

As I mentioned in this previous post, I've been experimenting with E-6 film in my old 35mm camera. I learned a lot of what not to do from my first roll, so here's what came out of my second one. I explored some familiar and not so familiar spots in the Crescent City. Here are a few of my favorites. You can see more on my facebook page.

Like to Read?

As I mentioned earlier this week, I discovered a bookstore in the French Quarter. It's called Arcadian Books & Prints. It must have been the beat up exterior that initially drew me to the store, and then I saw the sign for "free books." Of course I had to further inspect what books the store was giving away for free...on the off chance there might be something I'd want.

However, then we went inside, and I was completely overwhelmed. It was cramped and dusty, and I immediately started sneezing. Being allergic to dust is really a downer sometimes. As you'll see from the photos below, there are mounds and mounds of books with seemingly no order at all. Two people cannot occupy the same space inside or even pass each other. Despite that, the guy working there assured me there was order in what I saw as chaos. It was also one of the most charming places I had been to in awhile. The charm was really in the chaos and history all stored up in one amazing place.

If you like to read, you should stop in and explore the collection. I'm sure you'll find something that you MUST buy and take home. If not, accompany a friend who will purchase a book; I know my friend April did. Or, you may just find a "free book" on the stoop that's perfect for your collection.

A Glorious Day

A couple of weekends ago, my friend April came to town. I was stoked for her to be hanging out with me. She was my roomie when we lived overseas, and we haven't seen each other much in the last 6 years.

On Friday, we went out and walked all around the Quarter. As usual, I brought my camera along and took pictures of our adventures on that perfect, cool, and sunny day. It was the most amazing weather...I couldn't get enough of it, but after about five hours we were done.

We went into the coolest little bookstore too, but more of those pictures later this week.

For Megan!

One of my best friends, Megan, moved away a few months back. It was kind of devastating for me, even though she'd been preparing me for it during the two years she lived near me. They never planned to stay here long term. She also took her son and my favorite child in the world with her, imagine that? I miss them both terribly, but thankfully, they're not too far away. Hopefully, I'll be able to see them soon.

In the meantime, she asked me if I had any wrought iron photos because she wants to use them to decorate her bathroom. I can't remember half of what I have, so I decided to take some new ones...just for her to choose from. Joe & I went out roaming, and here are a few of the results. The additional photographs can be seen here.

It's Christmas Time

It's Christmas time, and as a result, I have promptly changed my ringtone back to "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." It's not that I don't like the decor or the ever repetitive Christmas songs on the radio; however, sometimes it's all just a little too much for me.

I like to keep my Christmas simple, which depresses almost all of my friends. This means no tree, no decorating, reluctance to attend Christmas programs, and so much more. I know, I'm weird.

Despite all of this, I went to Fulton Street for a photo session. While I waited for the clients, I broke out my Lensbaby and took a few shots of the decor. There was also blizzard like snow...the kind where I could barely open my eyes. Intense.

All you Christmas lovers out there, eat your heart out because this will likely be the only Christmas post.

Birthday Bliss

Last week was McKenzie's birthday, so I kept the day open in my schedule. She planned out a great day, and I tagged along for the ride.

I suggested that we ride the ferry over to the French Quarter because I thought it would be fun, and it was something she had never done. We got a fairly early start and after the ferry, we strolled several big blocks over to Croissant D'or for brunch.

Afterward, we made our way to Anthropologie. Ahhhhh! Then we hit up the movie "Life As We Know It." The movie was better than I expected, so we had a grand time watching it while devouring a boatload of popcorn. I really love that stuff, even though I'm sure it's doing something bad to my body.

We finished up the day with Bible study and then dinner at Tracy's on Magazine. The food was fantastic, but make sure to bring cash if you plan to eat there. As usual, I wasn't prepared.

It was a very full day filled with friendship, fun, and laughter. I'm so thankful to have such a great friend who keeps me in stitches.