My daughter's on her way home from New Orleans after finishing her first semester of college. Three days ago she texted me photo of the St. Charles streetcar (I took these one when we went on a college tour together in 2007). She wrote: "They decorate the streetcars!" She also texted me that after Christmas, people in New Orleans take down their ornaments and then immediately put up Mardi Gras decorations.
She absorbed a great deal in the classroom but she is also learning the true meaning of Southern Hospitality. She learned the value of her extended family who has welcomed her with open arms. They have graciously hosted her for many Sunday night dinners, cookie-baking parties, family celebrations, and luncheons, and they shuttle her back and forth from the airport. How could I ever thank them enough for making her feel so loved and accepted?
12 comments:
Oh man! You're making me miss living in the deep south! We lived in Baton Rouge for five years and they do love their decorations. And it is true...they put up the Mardi Gras stuff immediately after Christmas. That was a real education for us as we moved there a week before Christmas in 1990. Wait until your daughter has King Cake! That's some fun!
If you would like to look at my post about it, here's the link:
http://bearswampreflections.blogspot.com/search/label/King%20Cake
I hope that you will be able to visit your daughter for Mardi Gras...why do I assume that you would truly enjoy this celebration?
thank you...
Dear Susan,
I learned another new thing about you today. Loved your post about your gorgeous King Cake. I have a baby food jar filled with plastic babies just for Mardi Gras.
Dear melissashook,
Ha! Are you ever a quick study! Of course I adore Mardi Gras, especially in New Orleans. I actually prefer to go one week before Fat Tuesday, the celebrations are at a more enjoyable scale then.
I know one Momma who's going to be glad to have her little chick back in the nest. So glad your sweet girl has had such a great first semester.
Extended family is the very best. How exciting to have her home for the holidays.
I'll never forgive myself for not having gone to New Orleans when i was a student in Virginia ! These decorated streetcars look so great!
re. your design floral classes, this is fabulous indeed. I LOVE the wreath!
Take care..i've got a nasty cold right now..arggh !!
Dear Relyn,
I love seeing the nest complete! We're having a lovefest right now!
Dear Marilyn,
We are so happy she chose to go to school in New Orleans. It's fantastic to see her so happy!
Dear My Castle in Spain,
You'll just have to come back! New Orleans is better than ever!
I know you could make a wreath like that using things you find in Andalucia. It would be beautiful.
I'm so sorry to hear about your cold. I hope yours heals faster than mine did.
Your daughter is truly fortunate!
I love New Orleans SO MUCH. My parents lived there for awhile. Some of my most fantastic memories lie there. Will be going back soon!
She's right about Mardi Gras. The parties start on the Twelfth night!! Then it's time to trade the red and green for purple, gold and green and the season starts!
You know there is ALWAYS something to celebrate!
Merry Christmas early to you Dutchbaby!!
xox
Constance
Dear Constance,
New Orleans has a fantastic spirit of resilience and celebration. What I failed to say in post is that the Mardi Gras decorations actually go on the tree.
Merry Christmas to you too, Constance!!
I love New Orleans - such a great city! Glad your daughter is able to experience some Southern hospitality (says this Southerner). xi
Dear paris parfait,
Why does it not surprise me that you are Southern? Your blog is all about Southern hospitality.
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