Max Eherman, "Desiderata," and the Noise of Political Chaos

 Waking this morning after a night of dreaming, I was drawn to remember the poem by Max Eherman, "Desiderata."

So many people and groups have claimed this beautiful love letter, that I had forgotten where it originated. It seems to resonate with me annually. I am not certain why; but the words wash over me and bring a great deal of peace.

I used these words when teaching high school students, and had the plagiarized words copied for my classroom. Thank you Max for your dedication and love. You wrap us up in a comforting blanket amid the noise and vexation of a unruly political environment.



Desiderata

This Sicilian Girl Explores Her Heritage

This Sicilian girl explored her heritage this St. Joseph's Weekend.

Our 17th Anniversary coincided with several cultural events revolving around St. Joseph, the patron of the Church and Sicilians.These altars are lovingly made to thank St. Joseph for special prayer interventions and to feed the poor and needy.

Bobby and I began our trek with a perfectly appointed altar at AVO Restaurant on Magazine Street. Avo is a chef-owned restaurant from New Orleans-born chef Nick Lama, a third-generation Sicilian. “Avo” is an Italian word that translates as “grandfather” or “ancestor."

All proceeds from the altar were donated to the St. Francis of Assisi Haiti Fund. Bobby and I gladly promoted the endeavor, and the $1,000 plus dollars will go directly to a multi-purposed building which will serve as a Community Center, School, and Church. 

AVO provided a wonderful four course meal freely served to all. A couple of French speaking tourists arrived with backpacks and were invited to join the festivities. How does one explain to non-English speaking tourists such an elaborate free feast? We took their pictures and kept their plates full.

Our second stop was the altar at St. Joseph's Church on Tulane Ave. So many candles were purchased that  the floor around the side alcove became an extension of the altar.

We believe that our special intentions will be addressed by the intercession of this special envoy to Christ. Baskets with hand written prayers are laid among all of the hand crafted food, pastries, and candles. These candles are available for sale, of course! We are all Italian, and Catholic, and know how to turn our celebrations into cash.

An unusual placement for the third altar that we visited was in the Marigny, at the Love's Lost Lounge. OK: yes a bar. You all know that wine is part of every Italian celebration! Here there was a long line of Quarter residents being offered an excellent free feast.

The golden foiled floating altar arrived in the French Quarter via a parade which was punctuated by these real Italian flag throwers from Sansepoicro, Italy.

Lastly, Bobby and I cooked a wonderful Mario Batali's Neapolitan Lasagnas.

What a celebration!

Post-Katrina Recovery Signs and the 2016 Election Road