As we landed, I exhaled a deep breath, freeing myself of all that I left behind, at least for the next few days. I had finally returned to the beautiful city of New Orleans and was ready to be back in the Vieux Carre. To walk on the sidewalks of old, touching the brick buildings that have played witness to both celebration and tragedy, life and death and all that is in between, but mostly just to be in the French Quarter. This breathtaking space exists somewhere between preservation and progress, having a tricky but successful balance in honoring the past while walking through the present. I love this beautiful place and the community that exists here.

The last time I had visited, the hum of humanity, of life, was vibrating at a constant pace. It was familiar and almost lulled you into the space that was held for this vibration. There is such a strong feeling of life there in the Quarter. It’s as all of the emotions of being human and having human existences flowed through the streets, like streams connecting to the mighty Mississippi River.

There is so much history, so much beauty and a promise that while yesterday is not forgotten, today should be embraced and taken hold with the power that it holds. This time, there was very much an uptick in the energy of celebration in the Quarter. Quite fitting considering that Epiphany had just been celebrated a few days before. Every café and shop had King’s Cake or some kind of homage to the sweet celebration. The Quarter was dressed in carnival, with music, laughter, spirits (both to be consumed and to be honored), with the always exceptional food options with the bustling opportunities brought on with the tourists and the love of the season.

This quick weekend gave me a chance to recharge, reconnect and renew myself within the beautiful energy that is the heartbeat of the Quarter. It felt like coming home (again) and being met with the warm embrace of that grandmother, who shared all kinds of tales of the past, secret recipes, wisdom for today and hope for tomorrow. Thank you, New Orleans for yet another visit of rejuvenation, reconnection and recharge. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Part I

After many years of wanting and dreaming visiting the Big Easy, my time had finally come. In December of 2022, I was finally on my way, to what felt oddly like home. Being keenly aware of my mediumship gifts from such an early age, I couldn’t dismiss the shadow I saw moving in the corner of my eye any easier than I could dismiss this inner knowing that I would one day return to New Orleans.

BALANCE & REFLECTION

MY CROWN