Back in the day, back when I was young and fresh, idealistic and motivated to chart out and follow that promising path before me I attended Tulane Medical School for a semester. Not as a medical student, but in my chosen field of Occupational Therapy. My class was intermingled with the medical students in order to have access to the cadaver labs for the study of gross anatomy, and other courses such as neurology, cardiology and psychiatry which would prepare us to practice in the medical model as therapy practitioners. Having lived in north Louisiana for most of my formative years, New Orleans for me had always been a far off, mystical, magical place. Once I moved there, and became a part of the culture, albeit temporarily, I realized that New Orleans truly was a magical city. One of a kind, the real deal. As it happened many years after my departure, I did not experience the horrors of Katrina, nor have a first hand understanding of it’s devastation. But, I do think I understand the spirit of that city, a strong spirit which still smolders deep within the embers of hope. 
I can still recall the unmitigated revelry of those Mardi Gras celebrations of which I participated. I can still hear the chants, “Throw me something, mister!” as the elaborate floats slowly cruised Canal Street adorned with beads, coconuts, flowers, bejeweled and elegantly costumed Krewes, and all manners of celebratory finery. My senses are still alive with the aromas of fresh coffee and french beignets, red beans and rice, and crawfish etouffee. What an amazing time for the citizens of New Orleans as their beloved Saints stoke the embers which represent not a mere Superbowl football game, but the very essence of what the event engenders: Hope. Even as an “outsider” I am aware of the deep sense of pride and hope ensconced in the spirits of the New Orleans citizenry. My close and dear friend Craig Fuller sent the video I posted below. I hope you enjoy it, and mostly I hope it makes you smile. (click the link below to view)
Buddy D Parade from Cottage Films on Vimeo.
Is it Just Me? 
excellent! very good depiction of NOLA – there is really nothing like new orleans…i travel there about every 3 – 4 weeks for business – i am in outside sales. the wrath of katrina still exists today, but it is improving.
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Well, Frances, on your next visit to NOLA please stop into cafe Dumonde early in the morning as the sun is peeking over the river there and enjoy a round of beignets and coffee for me will ya 🙂
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Love it !! Having lived in New Orleans for a brief time as well as a young adult and having visited there often as a college student at LSU, the city has left its mark on me for a lifetime… Thanks for sharing the video..
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Beautifully written Bill, as always. You fascinate me with your words. Many fond memories of the French Quarter as well.
You need to plan a trip to Sounthern Cali this year.
Mark
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Mark,
Thank you for your kind words my friend. I appreciate you taking the time to read some of this insanity, lol! So Cal, huh? I am hoping so……
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Our Saints, like the phoenix rising from the ashes, give us hope.
Thank you for sharing the video. I have not been to Mardi Gras and that was the next best thing.
Keep posting. I always enjoy your writing.
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Carole, you are very kind and inspirational. Thank you.
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Lovin the blog, you are, indeed, a writer. I started one awhile back and can’t get back to it but you have inspired me to return. LOVE the video, seriously, I fancy myself a texan after 30 years but Louisiana is in my core and thank God for that… one never forgets their times spent in New Orleans 🙂
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Kathleen, thank you for stopping by and reading. Let those creative juices flow, get your blog up and running again, I can’t wait to read you!
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