"some people just don't have a choice"

Despite the tourist appeal of the famous Bourbon street, I'm not much for it. I've ridden my bike through the French quarter a few times and try to dodge the street altogether, avoiding ingesting its garbage-grease-stale beer aroma.

On Halloween night, however, I decided to face the swarms (and the stench) in the Quarter and went out in my homemade scarecrow attire. And a strange thing happened. Even in the midst of all the chaos, a feeling arose in me, like a switch inside turned on and suddenly I began to feel a little bit at home.

"Some people just don't have a choice." My housemate, Dan, said this a few nights ago, in reference to the allure of New Orleans. We had watched New Orleans' musician Kermit Ruffins perform, and energy was high.

I've heard people mention this allure frequently, this irrepressible draw of the city. I've heard it and thought, "Yeah, I could see that..." but hadn't really understood it, not until recently. And I still couldn't understand it like the folks who have lived here all their lives can, or like the ones who lived here and haven't been able to return. But I think I'm getting an idea.

In the past week it's begun to feel like the fall season. Blue skies, dried colored leaves on the ground (I was afraid these would never come), and cold that urges sweaters and hats. It's beautiful.

I continue babysitting (got the job!), busying myself with community events, and participating in the life at the Catholic Worker. On Wednesday mornings we bring a light breakfast and chat with folks looking for day work at a Home Depot. We've kept this weekly tradition for over a year. We have hosted a couple guests these past few weeks, and continue to explore ways to offer support and allyship to our neighbors and greater New Orleans.

This Friday evening we are hosting a potluck and dialogue about the School of Americas protest, happening next weekend Nov. 19-21. I hope to be able to go with my housemate Joe and a few friends. An update will come about that later!

I hope you are well wherever you're at.

Blessings,
Steph