So, we are getting closer to our next journey to New Orleans. It has taken a special place in the Old Man’s heart. It made January special. From the chilly air, walking to the train, to the nap in the car as we clickety-clacked down the track. joy after the Holiday Season. Christmas in January. The Hotel Monteleone was better than we had even expected.

There is a magical Spirit in the French Quarter. People living life for the sheer joy of it! People who have gotten the message. As the Jamaican man told me in Philadelphia, ‘What you cryin about Mon.’ When you are in the French Quarter, you do not feel like crying.

There is music on every corner. Musicians playing from their hearts. Music from the heart touches hearts. Laughter was consuming. Self-awareness was minimal.

‘Are you guys ready to explore the French Quarter?’ Jane asked with a chuckle. ‘I looked out my window and saw a brass band marching down the street,’ Jane noted with a wink. ‘Each person I meet is genuine,’ Jane observed. ‘I am accustomed to artifice and disguise,’ Jane continued. ‘How much happier we would be just being ourselves,’ Jane observed. ‘The Hotel Monteleone is noted as a Writer’s Haven, and I can see why, as the ambiance is perfect for writing,’ Jane said, smiling as she took out her pen for a reminder.

‘We spend our days worrying about work, our careers…how our productivity enhances our sense of self,’ Chet said. ‘Did God create us to work for more money 24/7?’ Chet asked. ‘What about food for our spirit, our souls’ growth…the examination of questions beyond the temporal,’ Chet continued. ‘The Singer sang from her soul,’ Chet said softly. ‘She sang from hardship, pain, suffering,’ Chet noted. ‘The words had power beyond the written page,’ Chet said.

‘Look, there is a dancer in the middle of the lane…he is dancing as if no one is watching,’ Billy B said. ‘The dancer has complete freedom of self…he marches to the tune of a different drummer,’ Billy B laughed with joy. ‘The Bartender at the Carousle Bar in the Hotel Monetleone told us that we were good people,’ Billy B said. ‘He said that he sees a lot of people and he knows,’ Billy B continued. ‘The Carousel Bar circles slowly to afford the people sitting there a panoramic view of the lovely surroundings,’ Billy B circled as he spoke. ‘I reflected on life on Earth…we circle each day and never stop to see what we are passing,’ Billy B laughed heartily.