The day began early after a long night. Some days are that way. The snow is melting slowly in the below-freezing temperatures. More cold weather is coming tomorrow and the weekend. The kind of cold that hurts when it hits your face. A cold that is difficult to shake off when you enter the warmth. When summer arrives, we will reflect that we had a true winter this year.

Snow flurries are forecast for New Orleans on Saturday. It was warm earlier this month. We walked about as if in a dream. A bit like a cruise ship on land… a land cruise. The French Quarter had a Spirit of Light. Colors were brighter. Energy was at its zenith. Hope replaced fear. Dread had no spot to set down roots. Worry came out of the shadows and melted in the bright sun. A woman peddled a tourist cart with two people in the passenger seats. She looked happy, and they were in bliss. The means of conveyance was slow and just right for the French Quarter.

‘I have come seeking the Light,’ the Man In Black said. ‘I have searched my entire life for its meaning, and now I am here to see if this is the answer,’ the Man In Black continued. ‘A Shadow follows me,’ the Man In Black explained. ‘When I watch the political horror show of our country, the Shadow looms large over my shoulder and obscures the Light,’ the Man In Black whispered. ‘Many tell me that such is life with the Looming Shadow following each of us until we die,’ the Man In Black noted. ‘It is said that here in the French Quarter people have learned to live without the Looming Shadow,’ MIB said. ‘The legend, if it be myth or truth, is that the angels play music with the happy folks of the Quarter and sing of their soul connection with Heaven,’ the MIB laughed as the Looming Shadow shook and frowned. ‘As I listen to the music, I feel lighter and free,’ MIB witnessed. ‘Sadness followed me, I wore it like a cloak…” Now I feel joy and peace,’ MIB laughed.

‘I told you of the joy of the French Quarter,’ Jennifer said. ‘MIB, there is hope for you too,’ Jennifer continued. ‘There is light throughout the Quarter as people seek the angel’s participation,’ Jennifer noted. ‘Light comes from a quest for it that begins within our souls,’ Jennifer said. ‘The Looming Cloud will disappear in the light of the angels dancing to the brass band,’ Jennifer laughed. ‘Look at the stairs ascending to Heaven and the happy people dancing on them,’ Jennifer laughed and pointed.

The Looming Shadow looked afraid of itself. LS was accustomed to having his way with the MIB. He had been with him for a long time. Suddenly his services were no longer required as MIB became Man Of Joy or MOJ…