The Bliss Project

In the last year, under the regime of "The Orange One" or, as I usually refer to him, the "Cheeto in Chief", it is my belief that most well meaning, and consciously aware Americans have been experiencing some sort of chaos or depression.  It's hard to know what's to come of our country when there is a monkey running amuck in the White House, right?  Well, after chatting with friends and seeing how this was actually creating a new sense of urgency in people to "live for today" and "make this life count", I decided that I wanted to collect stories, so speak.  To talk to folks about what they do to keep a smile on their face, or, ya know, stay hopeful, see the light. What feeds their soul??? 
The Bliss Project can be found on my Facebook page: Follow Your Bliss
Here's a link to the photo album:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/blissgoddess/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1044728208990671

 

Remember,

Be Kind

Be Honest

Be Brave

~ALWAYS~

 

When in the Big Easy

Anyone who knows me, knows my affinity for New Orleans.  The old, haunted feeling of it, the music, the food, the art... really, it's a place that has always called to me. 

It had been several years since my last visit, so, when my boyfriend and I started talking about going, I was ecstatic!

We first went last month for Mardis Gras, and that, in and of itself is a story!  We had so much fun, we decided to go back just a month later.  As it turned out, my fella's favorite band was playing at House of Blues, and he really wanted to see them live again.  So, after a crazy couple of weeks at work, and the emotional stress of watching my oldest son move to another state, we decided it would be great to make the trip again.
This was a short trip, arriving friday afternoon, leaving sunday morning, so, it was all about just enjoying it, no stress, no plans (except the concert).

 

I want to first give props to my flight attendant on our Delta flight from Atlanta to New Orleans.  We left Albuquerque at 6:00 AM, so I hadn't eaten.  The flight from ABQ to Atlanta was bumpy and we were in the back row...no windows. The folks in front of us and around us all had the shades down on their windows, so it was dark and the turbulence without being able to see out, was making me feel sick.  We had to run to our adjoining flight, so, there was no time to grab a bite at the airport.  When we got on the connecting flight, my boyfriend told the flight attendant that I hadn't eaten and was feeling really nauseous.  5 minutes later, she comes up to me with ginerale, Sunchips, a couple granola bars and bananas.  She was smiling and sweet.  I didn't get her name, I wish I would have.  She was great.
After landing and checking into our AirBnB on Frenchman, we ventured out for lunch.  Our host told us about a place called Horns.
https://www.facebook.com/Horns-860346813982274/

The menu was full of New Orleans style fare, and we were so hungry we had a hard time choosing.  I ended up deciding on the catfish with spinach and grits.  My boyfriend had a pulled pork po'boy, I believe.  The atmosphere there was casual and local.  Artsy and fun décor and what seemed to be original wooden floors and walls.  The bar was made of wood and seemed to have an oldness about it too.  The salt and pepper shakers were kitchie and adorable.  The staff was pleasant for the most part.  We had originally had one waitress who gave us menus and took our drink order, but then seemed to forget about us.  Another waitress saw me looking around and took pity on us.  She came by and took our order and was, from that point on, very attentive and sweet.  The food was good!  It was just what we needed!

We had the concert to go to later, so we took a little walk through the neighborhood and then headed to our room for a little nap.
Our AirBnB was on Frenchmen Street in the Marigny.  My favorite area of NOLA.  The house was about 100 years old, and the owner had put new appliances in and done other work to make it livable after having sat abandoned for over 20 years.  He lived upstairs and rented out the 3 bedrooms on the main floor. 

The concert that evening was at The House of Blues.
https://www.facebook.com/HOBNewOrleans/?hc_ref=SEARCH

Having been to New Orleans several times before, this is one place I just never visited.  So, we took the bus down to the area in the French Quarter where House of Blues is located.  Now, although I LOVE New Orleans, I'm not a big fan of Bourbon street or the crazy, tourist filled areas.  I go to NOLA for the music, the food, and the feeling in the air.  HoB is located on Decatur and although not as crazy as Bourbon, does tend to be close to where the tourists like to go.  While walking to the venue, I spotted gorgeous vintage dress outside of a shop.  DETOUR! 
SWOON!!!  I found a shop called Dollz and Dames.
https://www.facebook.com/dollzanddamesofficial/?hc_ref=SEARCH
The House of Blues seems like it would be nothing but a tourist trap, at least that's how I feel about places like this.  Famous, opened and owned by a famous person, several around the country....  I would not have even gone there, had the concert not been there, actually.  I admit now though, that I was pleasantly surprised.  The atmosphere, albeit, kitchy, was fun and full of smiling faces. We sat outside, and had a few Old Fashions, (our favorite drink) and while my boyfriend tok advantage of the crawfish boil, I had a veggie flatbread off the menu.  It was filling, the drinks were good and the service was friendly.  What my favorite part of dinner was though, was the band on the outside stage.  Whoooo Weeee... I don't know who they were, but those boys could play some blues!!!!  WOW!  Here they are, if you recognize them, let me know so I can tag them!  Thanks!
The reason for the trip was to see Matisyahu, who happens to be my boyfriend's FAVE band/performer/artist.... 
We went into the music hall and started to look for a place to set our drinks and hang.  We made our way upstairs and saw that the best seats were roped off, VIP.  Well, as he does, my fella found the maitre'd and got us into the VIP section.  This also got us access to the Foundation Room.  What a treat!  We walked in and the house band was super fun, and the atmosphere was "loungey" and sexy.  We of course had more drinks and talked and enjoyed the music.... oh, and a little secret that's not quite out of the bag yet.... we got engaged!
Ok...  That's another story entirely!
So...  Matisyahu was amazing!  We danced our butts off!  What a fun night!
We tried walking home, but, had been drinking, stopped for nachos and got turned around! lol!  We called an Uber... thank goodness for Uber late at night, right?
Saturday was our one full day in town this time.  We started our morning off at what we now consider our favorite breakfast place while in New Orleans. 
https://www.facebook.com/cakecafeandbakery/
We had eaten there while in town for Mardi Gras and staying at an AirBnB in the Marigny.  Our AirBnB this time was on Frenchman street, and not far at all from this wonderful little, neighborhood café.   

OMG, we had a Pan au Chocolate and a sweet roll and grabbed some sort of strawberry/custard filled slice of yumminess for later.  This was all before the main entrée of spinach and Portobello omelet.  We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful spring morning. 
I do love walking through the Marigny.  The beautifully colored homes and the art in and around the neighborhood makes my heart happy.
The afternoon was somewhat rainy, and we spent the day just strolling through the French Quarter, walking in and out of some of the shops we love and a few we hadn't yet seen. I love Royal street for this, but there are sweet shops and galleries everywhere you look.
We ended up going into an antique gun and sword shop, where I had a pretty intense paranormal experience, which i'll save for another time.
During the rainiest part of the afternoon, we dipped into this little corner bar for a drink and some snacks. 
https://www.facebook.com/ChartresHouse/
We enjoyed a little Jameson on the rocks, along with their crab and corn bisque, and crawfish bread.  the atmosphere was a little posh, mixed with European tavern, meets French Quarter loveliness.  Our server, was very professional, and the food was lovely!
That evening, we had plans to hit a friend's art show in the warehouse district.  After a bit of time at our AirBnB, chillin' on the porch with a few of the other guests, we got ready and walked to the bus stop, to catch a bus to the street car and head from the Marigny to the Warehouse District.  By the way, getting around on public transit is pretty easy in the Crescent City.
Later in the day, we were on Frenchman street, and had a sweet tooth.  We popped in to The Praline Connection for a sweet treat.
https://www.facebook.com/PralineConnection/
We ordered sweet potato pie, coffee, Bailey's Irish cream, and something called a "shoe sole".  The best way to explain this is that it's like the best part of the sweet roll, smashed down, and made crispy on the outside by warming it.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it! 
So, we figured we would eat somewhere in that area.  My fella, being the foodie that he is, has been dying to take me to a fine dining establishment, and we just happened to be near Emeril's.  I wasn't too hip on the idea.  I didn't like the idea of being around uppity people and having to put on some sort persona that didn't agree with who I am.  Well, I finally agreed to at least see if we could get in.  I was dressed up, but for an art show, not a 5 star meal.  The host told us that we needed reservations, but, then looked up and saw an empty table in the bar.  They serve the full menu there, so, we went ahead and sat down. 
Waiter places napkin on lap.
Waiter has assistant.
Assistant never lets water get very low.
Appetizer: Greens = very tasty.
Meal: Salmon = bursting with flavors and melts in your mouth.
Dessert: Chocolate torte, along with espresso and a glass of lemoncello = WOW!!!
Ok, so, maybe fine dining like that is a sweet treat once in a while.
After that amazing meal, we made our way to our friend's art show.  Whew! Finally in my element!  The hippies and punkers and artists! Yay! The show was in a warehouse that had been converted to a bar and music venue, called The Howlin' Wolf.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/howlinwolfnola/about/?ref=page_internal
We looked around at all of the vendors, and came across my friend and her fella.  She makes art and jewelry out of toys.  I met her when I was in NOLA during Mardi Gras and we became fast friends, we knew we were kindred spirits.
We made our way back toward Frenchman street, for more art and music.  We tried to get into The Spotted Cat, but it was packed that night!  I love that place, and obviously, so does everyone else!
https://www.facebook.com/Spotted-Cat-Music-Club-192525186022/
There is a little open air art market right next to it though that I've enjoyed on our trips there.  As always, I picked up a few odds and ends from local artists.
After a lovely evening of food and art and music, we headed back to our AirBnB, where the host and other guests were all enjoying the lovely evening.  After a bit, we realized that we had had an early dinner and were hungry.  Our host told us about a little place called Fry and Pie a few blocks away.
https://www.facebook.com/fryandpie/
We made our way there for one last meal in New Orleans.  We got a little chocolate pie made with Guiness and the fries topped with cheese, and egg and bacon.  It was perfect for that 1:00 AM snack.  Fry and Pie is located behind the Hi Lo Lounge. What a perfect idea.  Late night fries and pies near a popular bar area!  Well, we sure enjoyed it!
So, all in all, food, drinks, music and art.... another great weekend in NOLA with my sweetie!
Can't wait to go back! 
(oh, remember the part about us getting engaged?  We are planning on getting married there during Mardis Gras next year!)
Here are just a few more pics I took from the trip.

Thank you for viewing! 

Don't forget to

Follow Your Bliss

~ALWAYS~



~Shoestring Fashionista~ 4 June 2016

The first outfit, i wore to work yesterday.  It's a little scaled down from my usual office attire, but, it was friday, and i figured i'd be a little more casual.

The skirt is the main piece.  I picked it up at the thrift store for about $4.99.  It's got 3 levels of gorgeous, multi colored, stitched floral design.  (close up below)

I paired it with a black tank top and a thin pinkish sweater.  I think the tank was probably from Old Navy or maybe Target.  The sweater was from a clothing exchange.  The shoes are my fave black, strappy sandels.  Picked those up at Buffalo Exchange last year for about $10.

The next outfit is a "Saturday afternoon out with my kids", outfit.

The dress has an H&M tag, and the fabric reminded me of my 90s hippy dresses.  It has a little rip on the bottom, so it was $3.99 at the thrift store.  Flat and comfortable, fabric baby doll shoes by Chinese Laundry, also known as my "chola shoes" were my choice today.  I grab them at Asian import stores for $5 usually.

I couldn't handle my hair today, so messy bun was about all i could do.  The shades are from a cool shop in Phx called Lady Muerte.  They always set up next to me at the Northern AZ Tattoo convention, and we traded.  I did henna on her, and she let me pick a few things out. I love barter!

Back side view.  Just for fun!

Summer Adventure Series: Meow Wolf

"

Have you ever been to a place that overwhelms all of the senses and leaves you feeling giggly and and literally drunk off of art and the actual experience?

Well, if that sounds like something you would like to feel, my dear, i encourage you to head to Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico!!!

Being the social media fan that i am, i heard about this place, this upcoming artsy thing, via Facebook in late Feb, early March of this year.  i wasn't sure what it was exactly.  A venue?  i saw that Amanda Palmer was performing there opening night, i was that Dear Tic was on the roster for late march.  Hmmm... but all of the images that were showing up made it look like some sort of psychedelic museum.

Well, twice this year i missed out on seeing Amanda Palmer. Shoot!  Her opening night performance at Meow Wolf sold out! (also when she and Neil were there supporting Bernie Sanders)Damn it!

When my sister and her kids were in town from Portland for my grandmother's funeral.  They decided to road trip it one day with her best friend, and ended up at Meow Wolf.  All she told me was that i HAD to check it out! That she and her teenage children, who grew up in the weird and artsy city of Portland, had come out of there having had quite a mind altering experience.  Well, being the me that i am, i knew i had to make it there ASAP.  

Finally, the kids were out of school for the summer and i had an extra day off of work.  We hopped in a friend's car and a group of us drove the quick 45 minutes up the hill from Albuquerque to Santa Fe.  

We were not disappointed. 

Let me back up a bit and explain, to the best of my knowledge just what Meow Wolf is.

Meow Wolf itself is an art collective.  A group of artists came together a few years ago to create something phenomenal. They had an open door policy to their studio and many people used that "radically inclusive" policy to show up, no questions asked, and create.

i mean, really, how cool is that?

These artists and creative types collaborated on pieces of art, both one and 2 dimensional using color, texture and recycled pieces and things began to come together, and then, come life.  

When this collective decided to expand and had the opportunity to move into a large space, i.e. the old bowling alley, they needed, as was put in their TedX, a fairy godfather of sorts.  Enter, George R. R. Martin.  Santa Fe resident and famed author of Game of Thrones.  He was able to help out with the funds necessary to bring this artistic wonderland to life.

Ok, fast forward to this past Monday.  

When you enter the parking lot, you know you're in for a treat~ A "ginormeous" spider, a metal wolf, a giant robot...

I won't give too much away because, one, you just have to go there and see it for yourself, and 2, you experience, along with everyone you're with will be completely different!

I was there with my 15 year old daughter, my 7 year old son, two girlfriends and their 2 teenage daughters.  We entered and were immediately transported into a fantasy of psychedelic and thought provoking phenomena~

Every window and door leads to something extraordinary.  Even the refrigerator lead into another room!  Yes, you can walk through the refrigerator! I mention it because it was my son's fave.  There are tree houses and black and white rooms and florescent rooms and even a siting of some sort of giant, abominable snow owl!  The lights, the sounds, the 100s of things to touch and pick up and open... It goes on and on and on~

We even took a break in the 1980s game room! Unfortunately, Ms. Pacman was out of order, but, my kids tinkered with a few games while my girlfriends battled it out on Galatica!

There is a stage in one room of Meow Wolf where they bring in acts of all sorts.  That's next on my list, hitting up a night of music there!  (It would be fun with a date! Anyone interested?)

I want to share a few pics from out adventurous day at Meow Wolf and i encourage you to head over there as soon as humanly possible! i for one can NOT wait to go back!

  

The Painted Girls~Book Review

The Painted Girls
by Cathy Marie Buchanan

"A historical fiction based on a sculpture by Degas, this story was captivating in its ability to encapsulate the world of three lowly, underprivileged sisters in1880's Paris. As soon as I was introduced to Antoinette and Maire, a beautiful picture was already painted in my mind of the girls in their laced up ballerina slippers and tattered practice skirts. The coming of age, the sisterly love, the loss of innocence and the idea of a better life, kept me up nights wanting to know more and read on. Buchanan pulls together reality and imagination and weaves a tale of a tie past in a way that made me feel like I was walking the streets of Montmartre with every page."