#it was fun it was out by slidell

[eggjaculations]

recently went home to louisiana :)

[randomdarksidersblog27]

THE HORSEMEN AT MARDI GRAS

Death:

Death is not one to party. Not this version of him,at least. Younger him however,is a totally different story.

But, he'll indulge you and go to a few parades with you,mainly the small ones like in Slidell or Lacombe.

Stays away from the big parades in New Orleans and such, especially after finding out about all the random shootings. Gotta keep his favorite human safe right?

He tries his best to get you the best things,like the cute stuffed animals and such.

Gives his extra beads to the little kids and enjoys watching the dance groups.

All in all a pretty chill guy to go with.

Strife

Oh he's going to ALL the parades. No matter where they are.

WILL try and drink anyone under the table too. Tell him about the hand grenades,you'll lose him on Bourbon Street. He will down like,eight of those fuckers and only feel a buzz.

Oh and don't tell him about the flashing boobs for beads. He will look at every woman who did it unabashed. Will try to get you to do the same(if you have tits)

All in all,he's a party animal and fun for the first two weeks of Mardi Gras.

Fury

Not that into parades honestly. But will go with you if you ask,like Death.

Likes seeing all the face paint and body art going around, she'll probably try to do some on you or have you do some on her.

She will also,try and drink anyone under the table. Can ALSO drink a shit ton of hand grenades and not feel a damn thing.

She likes looking at the little shops on Bourbon Street, especially the Marie Laveaux voodoo shop.

She LOVES the dog parade in Slidell. Gets to pet all the cute puppers.

All in all,also a chill person to hang with for Mardi Gras. Not as crazy as Strife,but still fun to party with.

War

Not going to a parade. Nope,not one for crowds or anything like that.

Doesn't understand the concept of it either,and when you explain,he just shrugs and says he can BUY you stuffies if need be. Why go out,in large crowds,to drink and possibly get smashed into,run over,cussed at,spilled on,possibly SHOT,all for some measly plastic strands you place on your neck?

Oh don't even TELL him about the Boobs for Beads thing. He WILL padlock a shirt onto you if you somehow go to a parade without him. No one should be showing-or seeing-that for some stupid beads!

MIGHT have a drink or two,just to see what the hype is about. Meh,not the biggest fan.

If you DO manage to drag him to a parade,his favorite parts are the horses(duh)and the JROTC. He comments on their posture and such and enjoys the little show.

All in all,just stay home with this lovable lunk.

STAY SAFE THIS MARDI GRAS SEASON, PLEASE!

[bestjumpinflatablesslidell]

Best Selection of Inflatable Bounce House Rentals in Slidell

Look no further, Best Jump has the best selection of bounce house rentals in the Slidell area. We have been delivering these awesome inflatable rentals to St. Tammany Parish for years with hundreds of happy customers. The most popular themes are what you can find here at Best Jump. From Happy Birthday to the new craze Unicorns to Disney Princess, we have something for everyone! Take a look at Slidell's most unique selection of themed bouncy castles.

In addition to the inflatable bouncers, we also have combo bouncers which are a bounce house on steroids! They have the standard bouncing area where the kids can jump but there's more! Action packed with climb walls, vertical pop-ups, horizontal crawl bars, basketball goals and the inflatable slide these combos are a great choice for larger events or the older crowd. They can handle more kids in capacity plus gives them some extra features to stay entertained a little longer. Even better, some of these can be rented wet as a water slide combo during the warmer months. Looking for something even bigger than a water combo bouncer? Check out our amazing selection of water slide rentals in Slidell.

Why Choose Us for Your Bounce House Rental in Slidell, LA?

Our commercial grade bouncers are cleaned, sanitized and inspected after every use prior to being set up at your event. We have only the highest of quality inflatables in stock ready for rent. Being the most popular choice for outdoor events now, Best Jump Party Rentals has strived to be the top rated bounce house rental company in Slidell. Our reviews online on Google and our Facebook page prove that we go above and beyond to ensure our customer satisfaction.

Sometimes parents or party planners ask why people love renting bounce houses so much for entertainment. Well it's simple really! They are an affordable option to provide your guests with some entertainment while you enjoy yourself during the party without breaking the bank in the process. Our variety of options make it easier than ever to find something to work for your size event and budget. The easy online ordering right on our website makes planning the party a whole lot easier. Within a few clicks you can reserve the fun for the party right here on our website 24/7 at your convenience. Rest assured you will receive a series of emails to help guide you along prior to the rental. Best Jump is famous for how easy our process is up to the day of the event and even after.

Rent Bounce Houses for Events at Slidell Parks

In the many years we have been in business, we have delivered plenty of bounce house rentals to a handful of Slidell parks. Among the most common ones like Griffith Park. Slidell has some great places to host your party but be sure to check out their website for any regulations or restrictions before booking a bounce house rental online. Browse the City of Slidell Parks to see which one maybe a great fit for you. Did you know, to rent a bounce house and have it delivered to a park in Slidell the rental company has to be on their approved vendor list? No worries, Best Jump is on that list!

Live in Slidell but have a party in another city? Don't worry, we service cities all over St. Tammany Parish and the Northshore area. Take a look at our delivery area to check if we service your area. Contact our office if you don't see your city listed. We may still be able to accommodate.

ORIGINALLY FOUND ON- Source: Best Selection of Inflatable Bounce House Rentals in Slidell(https://www.bestjumpinflatables.com/slidell/bounce_house_rentals/)

[rebelsandtherest]

(Un)civil part 10 of 28

A FACE-family-centric (heavily centered around the North America twins) retelling of the American Civil War, told in 28 parts through anecdotes, letters, and telegraphs. Rated for language, themes of and depiction of death, other dark historical themes.

FF.net  |  Ao3

Tumblr:  Part 1,  Part 2,  Part 3,  Part 4,  Part 5,  Part 6,  Part 7,  Part 8,  Part 9

-------------------------

August 6, 1862

Letter from Francis Bonnefoy in Paris to Sir Arthur Kirkland in London

-------------------------

Mon cher,

It has indeed been an age, or perhaps an age and one half, since you and I have written to one another outside the confines of human politics, a truth which makes me feel ancient and remorseful. Your sense of conversation is such fun to tease, shame on me for neglecting my own talents. Your letter was poorly written and short, and under different circumstances you are right in assuming I would harass you for it—I rarely overlook such an invitation, as you well know—but under today's sun, I find myself similarly ill-composed and I will not blame you in the slightest for your abandon.

I was, as it would happen, only just arrived in Paris when I received your telegram. I am not exaggerating when I say the staff were still unloading my luggage when the messenger boy arrived at my door, looking quite confused as to where to put himself. To think, I spent the last six months in Mexico, practically on Alfred's doorstep, and only now that I am thousands of kilometers away in Europe do I hear news of him. Your message seized my heart with fear, and I must reprimand you for taking so long to follow with your letter. In the interim, I have been beset by such palpitations as I've not known since before Napoleon's uncle introduced himself to me.

I assume you are skimming my letter, as you always do—you really must take time to relax, mon cher, and enjoy the finer things in life (my own very fine penmanship included). Therefore, I will interrupt myself before I write any more and assure you that France has no intention of becoming a bedfellow to these southern rebels. The starvation of cotton is of course a painful and frustrating truth, but it cannot be resolved by taking sides. Europe's only way out of this war is an absolute peace between the American north and south, and I doubt you or I could broker such a deal at present.

This being said, I confess that my aristocrats seem all too willing to warm the Confederates' bed, jumping in from Mexico or from across the Atlantic. Much like yours, their interests reside in their coffers: cotton, wine, brandy, and silk. Napoleon has been tight-lipped towards me regarding the issue, but has on more than one occasion asked if I've spoken with John Slidell. I do not know his plans on the matter, but I will be keeping a keen eye on the emperor, and will endeavor to warn you in advance of any declarations.

Your news of Alfred himself is harrowing, to say the least. You and I did not speak often during your civil war, from what I recall—and what I do recall involved you trying to cut off my head—but Alistair has told me stories that haunt me to this day. If Alfred's case is indeed more dire than yours, I should faint to imagine what horrors beset the boy. This 'Andrew' you've spoken to must be causing him considerable turmoil. We all knew a civil war was possible when he set out on this grand experiment last century, but I doubt any of us imagined it would be so violent.

Mattheiu never spoke to me of 'others', even when he was very small, but I am not surprised to hear that there were more. I wonder if any are yet left? You and I had many more brothers and sisters, once, but history is not kind to all of us equally. Alfred has always been the stronger of the twins; let us hope he remains strong enough to throw off whatever unwelcome demon has taken up residence in his mind. Should the South win, would "Andrew" replace him entirely? Would one of these 'others' replace him? Would he be compelled to live a double life? It does not bear comprehension.

I will not conclude this letter without leaving you a measure of hope, Angleterre. However, the hope I have to offer comes in the guise of a story you may find unpleasant. I am loath to dredge up the bad blood of yesteryear, but I pray it may remind you of the strength of notre cher Alfred. In the summer of 1780, when your own Lord Cornwallis was still routing the southern colonies, I was with Alfred and General Washington and mon cher Lafayette in the North, near New York. You may remember the devastation you wrought at the Battle of Camden in S. Carolina. All told, I believe it was the single bloodiest day for Alfred or his men, and even so far away, he was bedridden and miserable for an entire week, causing us no small amount of worry as we awaited news of tragedy. Though in unbelievable pain, Alfred insisted on joining Gen. Washington for his briefings each morning, forsaking crutches or chairs or other assistance. Upon hearing of the rout at Camden, he was on his feet and prepared to leave before anyone could tell him 'no'. You remember how slight of stature he was back then, and yet even as an invilid, he fought with the strength of ten men. It took myself and two of Washington's larger lieutenants to pick him up and haul him bodily back to his sickbed.

My point in all of this, Arthur, is to remind you exactly how strong Alfred is, when he puts his mind to it. The fact that someone so strong has been brought so low by this war is a warning to us all. If you are able, however, I would have you take heart in the strength you witnessed firsthand during his Revolution. If this 'Andrew' or the Confederacy should like to take Alfred's mind and body whole, it will be a challenge for the ages. Alfred will fight tooth and nail. We must trust that it will not be in vain.

Even so, by all indication this war is going to be a long one. We must take solace where we can, and pray that Alfred makes it through to the other side intact. No Americans will write to me, I think because of my business in Mexico. If you hear any other news of Alfred, I beg you to share. I worry for him. My thoughts are with you and your colonies as you seek to forestall whatever rash decisions your aristocratic leaders are dreaming up in their pipe dens. In this struggle, you and I find ourselves on equal footing, mon ami. Despite how I relish tormenting you, perhaps you may take some brief comfort in that.

Yours,

Francis

-------------------------

Historical Notes:

1. You may be wondering why Francis here (and Arthur in the last chapter) are using such short greetings and signatures compared with letters in previous chapters. It is both improper and incredibly rude to address someone so simply in a letter, especially when they are someone of such stature. The answer is quite simply that they are very, very old friends, who, when speaking to each other in a personal sense, see no need to stand on ceremony. It is at once an insult to the other, and a sign of affection. This, I think, sums up their relationship.

2. "Napoleon's uncle" refers to Napoleon Bonaparte, who was the uncle of Napoleon III, who was, at the time of this letter, Emperor of France.

3. Though France and Britain had no actual agreement during this time on the American war, there was an informal understanding that France would not break their own neutrality without cooperation from the British. This was likely not a mutual sentiment, as Britain was the key European lynchpin in the tides of the American war, but Europe as a whole seemed hesitant to venture into the American conflict without outside cooperation.

4. Francis' mention that he does not think that peace can be brokered, as well as his mention that Napoleon III is interested in his thoughts on John Slidell (a confederate representative to Europe, you'll remember, he was the one to reach out to Paris) are both allusions to an attempt by the French to do just that. Though it will not be discussed directly in this story, France actually wanted to broker an armistice between the Union and Confederacy. Napoleon began discussions around this armistice idea with Britain and Russia in the latter months of 1862. In theory, the armistice would allow the Union blockade to stand down, trade to resume, and hopefully, would lead to a peaceful resolution of the war. However, both Britain and Russia disagreed with the plan, mostly because the U.S. made it clear they would never stand for such a thing, and it never came to fruition.

5. The Battle of Camden was a battle fought in August 1780 between the American Patriots and the British Empire in South Carolina. The battle was both a resounding victory for the British and, by all accounts, the single bloodiest day for the American Continental Army. American casualties were 1050 killed or wounded. By comparison, the British casualties were just 314 killed or wounded. This is an interesting event to keep in mind as we head into the bloodier years of the American Civil War. To this point in history, the bloodiest battle in the largest conflict in Alfred's history saw just over one thousand men dead or wounded. The Civil War, as many of you already know, was rather a different beast in this regard. The Civil War saw several battles that, in one or two days, killed more Americans than the entirety of the Revolutionary War.

[mrbroadcastlive]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MrBroadcast (@mrbroadcasttv)

"SLIDELL and Surrounding areas it's the wave!! Come out and be apart of the @floeticcypher ""Good Vibes"" Its a night raw expression, music,open mic, networking, singles looking to mingle and the ultimate girls and boys night out! We have grown fun! November 7th @themapleroom 8pm Food and drink Specials are available! __________________________ Feature to amazing artists @saintmercedes_ @southsidealisan Hosted by @seanb4real House poet @mrbroadcasttv This event is brought to you by @pinpointmgt @bkbytrina @katrinasbrim 👀 you there! For vendor opportunity dm us. ________________________ #thebroadcastreport #MrBroadcast #JulianFiles #motivation #poetry #author #writer #love #morningmotivation #anime #comicbook #nola #quotes #igpoets #podcast #neworleans #lancecagnolatti #poetsofig #writersofinstagram #words #thoughts #netflix #hulu #neosoul #FloeticCypher " (at The Maple Room) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4fLuS4l_FH/?igshid=r6b7b8ht1czo

[primarycolorspreschool]

What’s the Need of Summer Camps for Children?

Summer camp is a great opportunity for your kids to take part in different activities away from home and make friends. It helps them be independent and grow their confidence. But what’s the need for summer camps? Do kids really need to go away from home and stay in a strange place for weeks? Are they missing out if they don’t go to summer camp? In this post, we will explore the need for summer camps for children and whether or not they are beneficial. So if you’re wondering if your child should go to summer camp, read on!

Promotes a healthy living

The environment of summer camp in Slidell is designed in a way that promotes healthy living, involving healthy eating habits and physical exercise. In camps, children participate in several physical activities, which help them maintain good health. They engage in many fun activities, games, exercises and more that give them an opportunity to boost their physical health and relieve stress.

Improves Leadership Skills

According to research, children who attend summer camp have enhanced leadership skills. Camp provides opportunities for children to learn how to work collaboratively, solve problems, and communicate effectively. These are all important skills that will help children succeed in school and in their future careers. In addition, summer camp can help children develop a positive sense of self-esteem and confidence.

Improved Decision-Making Skills

Summer camp is the perfect opportunity for children to learn and improve their decision-making skills. With so many activities to choose from and new people to meet, the camp provides ample opportunities for kids to practice making decisions. From choosing which activities to participate into deciding how to spend free time to working out conflicts with friends, campers have countless chances to hone their decision-making skills. And with the guidance of professionals, they can learn how to make good choices that will benefit them both now and in the future.

Attain Faster Growth

There’s no doubt that enrolling children in Mandeville summer camps helps them in attaining fast growth. It promotes overall development as it brings out a child from their comfort zone and pushes them to explore new activities. It ultimately establishes new interests. Children get the chance to do activities that they have never performed before, and it develops new skills. A good summer camp helps a child in finding their real identity and the things they love.

Build Social Skills

As children grow, they need opportunities to build friendships and learn social skills. Summer camp provides a perfect environment for this. Campers have the chance to meet new friends, work together as a team, and practice communication and conflict-resolution skills. Through activities like group games, sports, and arts and crafts, campers learn how to cooperate with others and resolve disagreements. They also learn how to handle victory and defeat gracefully. These are important life skills that will help your child in school and in their future career.

For overall growth, summer camps are important for children. It comes with unlimited benefits. If you are looking for the best summer camp in Slidell, Primary Colors Preschool is the ideal to choose. It has a positive image of developing the thorough skills of children.

[csuitesslidell]

3 reasons why Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana is a great choice when travelling with kids

Planning for a family vacation to the city of Slidell, Louisiana? Are you travelling with toddlers or infants? Travelling with kids can be fun and tiresome at the same time. It is important to ensure that the kids have a peaceful, safe, and comfortable place to stay during their trip.

If you are visiting the city of Slidell, Louisiana, plan your stay at Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana, one of the top-rated hotels in the city.

Here are the top 3 reasons why Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana will be the best choice for tourists and visitors travelling with children.

1. Smoke-free ambience

Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana is a a100% smoke-free property. The management of Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana imposes a fine on those guests who smoke in the suites and guest-rooms. This makes the guest rooms and the suites at Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana the best in the city. The rooms are well-lit and spacious. Hence, it serves as a great ambience for a perfect family vacation with your kids.

Spend a memorable holiday in the city by planning your stay at Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana.

2. Complimentary stay

The staff and the management at Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana love to host the little guests and hence we offer a complimentary stay for the children under the age of 17. The children can stay with their parents in the same room without any additional cost.

This amenity makes the Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana one of the best choices for kids in the city.

3. Peaceful sleep

Guests with toddlers or infants can avail cribs or rollaway beds from the service staff at Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana. This is to ensure that both the children and the parents are able to get a relaxing, super-comfortable and peaceful sleep during their stay at Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana.

Set on a trip to the city of Slidell, Louisiana with your friends and family? Plan you stay at Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana. Experience one of the best stays of your life at the hotel. The service staff at Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana are well-trained and they deliver exceptional customer service round the clock to the cater to the needs of the guests. Make the most out of your trip to the city of Slidell, Louisiana by planning your stay at Comfort Inn & Suites, Slidell, Louisiana. For enquiries and bookings, visit our website: https://csuitesslidell.com/

[joshofreedom]

🎂Grateful Birthday🎂 • That’s the word for this year. Grateful. Thank you @b_st.andre for the macaroons I love so much. Thank you friends and family for the kind words yesterday and today (160+ on Facebook 🤯). I love connecting with so many people and seeing their stories since we are so spread out these days. Thank you to my work fam for the love shared. I am so grateful for @drivemedical and being CHOSEN to handle Louisiana and South Mississippi for this amazing company. I am so glad @blakerymer pushed me to apply. • Yesterday was tough. I share a birthday with @briggsandkjs__yaya ‘s dad, William Whitehead. He was the best grandad period, but also the best person to share a bday with. I am soooo gonna miss that 7:00 AM call with him singing happy birthday, but I am so happy he is at peace now. • Anywho, long story short, yesterday was awesome (from@now@on I will take off work to chillax and soak up the years spent 😂. Cheers to 2022 and beyond. Let’s have fun, No? • #BirthdayPost #Grateful #Friends #Family #Framily #Macaroons #Cake #MayBabies (at Slidell, Louisiana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdMmTtPrs4N/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[metazensae]

Tagged by @wildhybrid

A - Age: 29! OLD B - Biggest fear: not knowing what to expect? Everything about the future, my dudes. C - Current time: 1:13 AM D - Drink you last had: Vitamin Water ;A; E - Every day starts with: dragging my unwilling ass out of bed at the last possible minute before I’m late for work. F - Favorite song: uh,,,, Tristam and Rogue - Flamewar ?? or like the Qemists - Anger ??? or like Purity Ring - Begin Again ??? Honestly, I don’t have a favorite SONG, but I like THESE SONGS bc they remind me of my characters Zeke and Emile and put me in that MOOD I need to write about them G - Ghosts, are they real?: ................... ironically I’m terrified of ghosts irl. I consume ghost material bc I NEED ANSWERS I NEED TO UNDERSTAND. But like I don’t want to think about them actually existing thank you. H- Hometown: Slidell, LA J - Jealous of: ??? I’m pretty good right now? I’ve tried this new tactic of instead of being jealous - just uh... assimilating the traits I admire? Or like? Working on myself to get where I need to be? K - Killed someone: Not yet :) L - Last time you cried: Oh. This is bad news. This morning. At 6 am. M - Middle name: Eula N - Number of siblings: 3! O - One wish: To actually be able to make my comic Fyr ond Brynstan P - Person you last called: MY DEAR SWEET COLLEAGUE  <333 Q - Questions you’re always asked: “What’s your major?” “What classes are you taking?”  <----- I’m a teacher, not a student, my dude. I know I look young but...  R - Reasons to smile: ALL OF MY NEW FRIENDS HERE???? My hubby <3 My 3 cats <333 MY STUDENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! S - Song last sang: Fun fact - I write my own songs? So I was singing one of those! T - Time you woke up: 9:00 AM (LATE AS ALWAYS) U - Underwear color: seafoam green V - Vacation destination: Orlando, Florida / Disney World. (lol same wildhybrid!) W - Worst habit: Procrastination. Not trusting ANYONE EVER X - X-rays you’ve had: spine bc I recently discovered I have scoliosis and foot bc I dropped a table on it and hurt some ligaments 2 years ago. Y - Your favorite food: Samgyeopsal. Korean food in general. Z - Zodiac sign: Capricorn

[runningroman]

Beignets (& more!) in the Big Easy

Last month Brandon & I spent a week in the city that literally never sleeps...New Orleans. Okay so I know that reference is meant for New York City but when bars never shut down and you can buy alcohol at bars at 7 am, New Orleans really doesn’t sleep! 

It was his first time in the city and thankfully we had my friend Kelli (who’s from Louisiana) and her husband there to meet us an show us around a bit. Kelli & I went to New Orleans together a couple of years ago just the two of us so having the men in tow was a fun change! 

Brandon took about 100 photos of us eating gelato. We asked for one. He thought he was funny!

It was SO good to see her! Even though we don’t see each other often (maybe only once a year) it’s so easy to pick up where we left off like no time has passed. Unfortunately they could only play tourist with us during the weekend so once the week rolled around we were on our own and we certainly stayed busy.

One day we took a bus out to Slidell to go on a swamp tour with Cajun Encounters. When they tell you that you’re going to get up close and personal with some alligators, they are not kidding.

They fed the gators hot dogs and they loved it!

Just came to say hello!

The tour took us through some very picturesque swamp land (which sounds funny but it really was pretty) and we got to see lots of gators, birds, and even raccoons. 

We did several walking tours around the city too including a “ghost” tour which was fun for what it was but not sure I’d recommend it. The stories were just that: stories, and the guides seemed a little desperate to make you believe. One story that I’d always heard about from movies and TV was that of the Lalaurie Mansion which we got to walk by. It’s a creepy tale about a crazed woman who killed her servant staff in the 1800s so it was eerie to see the mansion in person. Whether or not it’s haunted, I’ll probably never know!

We also toured several of the famous cemeteries, including St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 where Marie Laveau, the “Voodoo Queen” is buried. There is so much history in these cemeteries and we both really enjoyed walking around and listening. I had no idea that when individuals were buried in these above-ground tombs they only stayed there until another family member passed (but the tombs can not be open for at least one yer and one day). Once it was time to place another individual inside the tomb, the current resident’s bones are placed in a sack and put either in the bottom of the tomb or in the back of it. Some of these tombs have hundreds of people in them! 

Inside St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Also inside this cemetery is a (rather obnoxious) pyramid tomb that the actor Nicholas Cage built for himself to one day occupy. Apparently he did so to rid himself of the evil spirits that consumed him during his brief tenure as the owner of the Lalaurie Mansion. Take that with a grain of salt if you ask me!

In addition to walking (A LOT), popping in and out of bars on Bourbon St. and Frenchmen St., and people-watching, we also took an evening jazz cruise down the Mississippi River. I wasn’t too sure about it at first (I fully expected a tourist trap) but it was probably one of the best things we did! It was relaxing, the drinks were good, the weather was nice, and the band (The Dukes of Dixieland) was phenomenal. 

On the Steamboat Natchez before pulling out of the city.

And what would a trip to New Orleans be without eating everything we could put our hands on. These are only a few of the many food pictures I took!

Crawfish Etouffee

Boudin for Breakfast

Beignets at Cafe du Monde

While I don’t have pictures of our hotel, it was pretty awesome. It was the site of the old jazz museum so every room was a tribute to a jazz legend (ours was B. B. King). The hotel was right in the French Quarter so it was super convenient to get everywhere, I’d definitely go back - if only for the free milk and cookies they put out every afternoon! I have to give Brandon credit for this part of the trip, the hotel and logistics were all him. It was nice not to be the planner! 

Hanging out in Jackson Square

New Orleans never disappoints! xo

[karetova]

I officially announce that I will be in charge of #photography for the Camellia City Smooth #Jazz Festival in October. I am truly honored that they chose me and I am even more honored to work along side Diane Colmore- Bias on organizing this event. Check out their website and come join the weekend of fun! http://www.camcityjazzfest.com/ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ (at Slidell, Louisiana)

[redabiz2]

Ghostly Louisiana Alligator Tour Near New Orleans

By Laura Smith

When visiting New Orleans, there are a lot activities, sight-seeing tours and awesome restaurants. Whereas, party lovers often love to make an annual trip to Mardi Gras each year. While this is the case, a ghostly Louisiana Alligator tour can also be a lot of fun. A great way to plan a trip to see alligators is to combine the plan with other events going on in the New Orleans or nearby Slidell. For, while the state can provide great entertainment, most of the fun is centered around New Orleans. In addition, there are often discounts on swamp boat and airboats during the hot seasons of the year and on occasion, discounts or free admission to the zoo. For most individuals, encountering an alligator in the wild generally results in the individual running in the opposite direction. Despite this feeling, an alligator will rarely attack unless provoked. Whereas, alligators are rumored to have the strongest bite of any other animal on earth. While Louisiana now has a large and abundant alligator population, this was not always the case. In fact, it was not until the early 1960s, when a large drop in population was recognized by the state's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It is believed the drop was due to a number of poachers in the area which were killing the alligators for skin which would then be sold to the fashion industry. While poaching has slowed down since the 1980s, conservation programs have remained in place to assure the population will only continue to rise. One way conservationists are doing so is by having ranchers incubate eggs found in the wild, then release 14% of the alligators born from those eggs back into the wild. As a result, the population had grown from 300,000 in 1985 to over 3 million in the current population. Alligators are often known as kings of the everglades due to their size and strength. For, most often these reptilian creatures range in size from eight to fifteen feet and live a span of eighty or more years. In addition, with a bite that is equivalent to a small vehicle crushing down a person, getting too close is not an option. Ironically, at the same time alligators have difficulty picking up their prey due to the shape of their jaws. Instead, most compensate by swallowing anything near an intended meal, whole and with one quick gulp. Alligators also have strong stomach acids which allow easy digestion and the consumption of metal. Sensors inside the jaws allow these reptiles to detect motion in all depths of water. The sensors purpose, to allow the reptiles to locate food quickly and easily when in the area. As such, most operators do not allow food or drink on the boat as if any were to be dropped or thrown overboard, it could create a negative experience for the alligators and potentially, those aboard the boat. Several alligator tours are available in the New Orleans area. Two of these tour operators are often the most popular, Cajun Pride out of LaPlace and Honey Island Swamp Tours out of Slidell, both of which offer amazing tours of the bayou and swamp. While Cajun Pride provides day tours, Honey Island Swamp Tours offers day and sunset tours. As such, individuals with other plans in the city can always find an opening for one or both of these exciting and interesting tours.

About the Author:

You can get a summary of the factors to keep in mind when booking a Louisiana alligator tour at http://www.chootem.com right now.

Ghostly Louisiana Alligator Tour Near New Orleans via Lose weight with REDA http://bit.ly/2ZuKMqH

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5 Reasons For Parents To Choose Summer Camp for Their Kids in Mandeville and Slidell

This article was genuinely published here and copied with permission.

With summer just around the corner, many parents like you are probably wondering if it would be a good idea to enroll their kids in Summer Camps in Mandeville or Slidell. Fortunately, there are quite a few great reasons why parents should consider choosing a summer camp for their kids – instead of the usual vacation or educational trip. Read on and find out these valuable reasons why you should choose a summer camp for kids this year in Mandeville or Slidell. 1. Make New Friends One of the best parts of camp is getting to make new friends. It can be difficult for kids to make friends during the school year when they’re focused on studying and homework, but at camp, they don’t have to worry about those things. They can sit around and get to know each other through fun activities like storytelling and playing games. Your child will learn how to interact with kids their age, how to compromise and work as a team, and how to stand up for themselves in different situations. Making new friends through summer camp gives them an experience that no amount of schoolwork ever could: the ability to communicate with people outside their comfort zone. Camps offer your child a unique opportunity for personal growth by allowing them to experience something new in a supportive environment where nobody is allowed to judge them or discriminate against them because of their interests or background. 2. Memory Making Opportunities Summer camp is like a well-oiled machine when it comes to helping kids make memories that will last a lifetime. It is our goal to provide opportunities daily for your child to go home at the end of the day and tell you about their experiences at camp. 3. Unplug from Technology In addition to outdoor play, your kids will be unplugged from technology at summer camp. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy for kids to get sucked into the endless scroll of a device. Kids need to know how to interact with their peers in person and not through a screen. Childhood is too short and they’ll miss out on so much if they are always plugged in!  So help them learn balance and learn how to unplug with being a part of summer camps in Slidell or Mandeville. 4. Learn Independence and Self-Reliance

Children must learn to become independent and self-reliant. A camp is a great place for them to practice these skills in a safe environment. This can be as simple as learning to take care of oneself, getting along with others, or making decisions on one’s own. 5. Disciplined Schedules Disciplined schedules in summer camps help children to cultivate habits and make them more responsible. They learn to plan, get things done on time, be neat and clean, respect others' property and work towards their own long-term goals efficiently. The nature and way in which summer camps in Mandeville are organized provide the flexibility of having a disciplined schedule that can address all the needs of children across the age groups. Joining a Summer camp in Mandeville can change a child's life for the better. So if you are excited to send your kid to Summer Camp, contact Primary Colors.

[johnhardinsawyer]

The Pursuit of Joy

John Sawyer

Bedford Presbyterian Church

11 / 18 / 18 – Stewardship Celebration Sunday

Philippians 4:4-9

“The Pursuit of Joy”

(Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing)

Last Friday – a week before the snow – it was a beautiful Fall day.  Our eighteen-month-old son, Samuel, and I were at home and Samuel made a move toward his jacket and the stroller.  He wanted to go out.  So, we walked over to Livingston Park in Manchester – close to where we live – and we hit the playground.  After about five minutes on the swings, it was time to move over to the play structure where there are a whole bunch of steps, and poles, and slides.  Oh yes!  The slides!

Until a few weeks ago, whenever Samuel wanted to go down a slide, Amy or I would either hold his hand or have him sit in our laps while we went down the slide and everyone had a good time.  But recently, Samuel has been having a whole lot more fun going down the slide on his own. Last Friday was the first time I had gotten to see this bold streak of independence and I watched as Samuel made his way to the top of the slide, sat down, and – on the count of three – pushed off, laughing all the way down.  As soon as he got to the bottom, it was time to climb back up and go again.  The uncontainable joy on his face and the little giggle that he gave each time he went down the slide were priceless.  And, because Samuel was full of joy, so was I.

All of us have experienced joy at one time or another.  Maybe you have slid down a slide, maybe your child – who used to slide down slides – has walked across the graduation stage, or married the right person, maybe your team won the game because of a miraculous goal at the last minute, maybe you heard the right song at the right time and it took your mind back to that one special moment, maybe your whole family is going to be gathered around the same table – for the first time in years – to enjoy Thanksgiving supper together. I do believe that most of us know what joy looks and feels like.

Joy can’t be faked or manufactured.  It is a special thing – a precious thing.  It can happen all of a sudden in the most unpredictable ways.  We were feeling one way and then, in an instant, we feel joy. And – like the pumpkin chiffon pie that I will be eating at Thanksgiving this coming week – once you taste a little bit of joy, you end up wanting more of it.  It is like encountering some part – catching some small glimpse – of something holy, and your heart leaps in your chest and a tear comes to your eye.  Oh, we know joy when we feel it.

We also know how it feels when our joy is taken away.  Hearing the voices of some of the residents of Paradise, CA (the town that was destroyed by a wildfire) on the radio this past week, it was hard to hear any joy there.  Looking into the eyes of a parent whose child is locked in a battle with addiction, it can be hard to see joy there, too.  There are circumstances in life can rob us of our joy.  If only we could get it back, somehow.  Lucinda Williams – one of my favorite songwriters – sings an angry song to someone who has taken her joy and she wants it back.  They had no right to take her joy away, but they did.  And she is going to go wherever she has to go – to West Memphis, to Slidell (some of y’all know where that is) – to look for her joy.[1]  She sings about it so passionately, that I sure hope she finds it.

Joy is different from happiness.  It is a deeper thing – a holy thing.  And, even though one of the founding documents of our country says that our Creator has endowed us with certain unalienable rights, such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,”[2]  as people who love and follow Jesus Christ, happiness is nice, but joy is better.  You see, people can get very personal – sometimes, downright selfish – about their own happiness, but joy?  Joy is for sharing.

Some of our ancestors in the faith once asked the question, “What is the chief end of man?”[3]  Or, to put it another way, “What is the chief and highest purpose of humanity?”[4]  Their answer to their own question was this:  “The chief end, or purpose, of humanity is to glorify God and enjoy God forever.”  This is our purpose – what we are called to pursue with all that we are – to glorify God and enjoy God forever.  Perhaps, this is why Paul, in today’s reading from the Letter to the Philippians, encourages his readers to “Rejoice in the Lord always. . .”  (Philippians 4:4)

Just so you know, Paul refers to joy throughout his Letter to the Philippians.  “I thank my God every time I remember you,” Paul writes, “constantly praying with joyin every one of my prayers for all of you. . .”  (1:4)  “If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joycomplete:  be of the same mind, having the same love, be in full accord and of one mind.”  (2:1-2)  “But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoicewith all of you – and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoicewith me.”  (2:17-18)[5]

Whether the times are good or bad, whether Paul is experiencing great hardship or triumph, he is pressing on toward the goal of the heavenly call of Christ Jesus (3:14) and he wants the Philippians – and us – to join him, because this is a cause for great rejoicing.  Paul’s joy is contagious.  He wants it to catch on.  This is why he tells the Philippians in today’s passage to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” He wants them to rejoice in the Lord so much that he immediately repeats himself:  “. . . again, I will say, Rejoice.”  In the original language, this word means “to rejoice and be glad”[6]in the Lord.  But another definition reads, “to welcome or greet”[7]the Lord – as if to say that welcoming the Lord into our lives makes us glad and gives us joy.

It should be noted that as Paul wrote these words about joy and rejoicing, he was sitting in prison – in prison for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.[8]  Now, I am sure that there were times when Paul was frustrated in prison and downright upset with his lot in life, but when he heard of how those Philippians were sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, it filled his heart with joy.  He was thankful that all of his hard work and sacrificing had not been in vain.  He was thankful that, maybe, his imprisonment had helped encourage people to be bold and fearless in sharing their love for Jesus.  He was filled with joy, because all that had led him to his present circumstance had been done for the glory of God.

Paul wanted the Philippians – and us – to be known as people who are gentle, people who are not anxious or afraid, people who pray, and people who receive [and share] the peace of God.  To rejoice in the Lord – to welcome the Lord into our lives – means that we are inspired to be honorable and just, pure and pleasing, commendable and excellent.[9]  At least, this is Paul’s hope for us.  And I would go so far as to say that I believe we have been seeking to live this way as a church.

I don’t know if you remember, but it was only three short years ago that the front portico of our sanctuary was being rebuilt.  For a couple of months, everyone who came to worship couldn’t use our front steps, but had to come in through other entrances.  And then, on a bright December Sunday in Advent, we all went outside and dedicated our new portico and columns.  It was a joyful moment – the culmination of years of worry and work.  Tears were shed and smiles were shared.  There was joy in the air.  Over the past three years, we have been able to celebrate some wonderful things which have given us great joy:  the painting of our building, the start of the Bedford Community Food Pantry, shoring up the foundation of our historic sanctuary, new carpet and paint, paying off our line of credit, closingour line of credit, celebrating baptisms, having confirmands and adults join the church, having our Sunday School grow in wonderful ways, having wonderful music each week, and people who give of their time and talents on committees and ministry teams, Thanksgiving baskets filled to the brim, and, most recently, surprising Karen Hagy in a joy-filled recognition for her twenty years of service to God and our church.  All of this – and more – was done in the pursuit of joy. . .  sharing in the joyous good news of Jesus Christ, rejoicing in the light and love of God, for the glory of God and not ourselves.

Our church has grown in faith, and hope, and love, and fearless generosity.  We have seen it happen right here in our midst.  This was not something that we did on our own. It is something that God has done – that God is doing.  And, because of this, we rejoice, and give thanks, and sing, and pray prayers of thanksgiving, and we look forward to the future.  Because if God has done all of this to us and through us, then what does God have in store for us, Bedford Presbyterian Church?

In the coming year, we will be completing renovations on the back part of our building – creating a usable and heated space for groups to meet and pray and worship.  We will be continuing to assess how we use our space here at the church for use by outside groups as well as storage.  We are planning a mission trip to Puerto Rico in early April.  We hope to hire a part-time Sexton, who can add his or her gifts to our staff by caring for this house of worship and the many things that happen here.  And, after years of focus on the infrastructure of our church, we will be refocusing on the ways we are connected and the ways we serve, and learn, and grow here.  This may involve some help from an outside consultant who can help us to see ourselves with new and fresh eyes.  All of these things are just the beginning, though. . .

God, through the giving of your gifts, can do all of this and more – right here in our midst. What will the Lord do though us?  Through you and through me?  How is God calling us to give?  What will we do for the glory of God, in the pursuit of joy. . .  real joy. . . true joy?  May our joy be contagious.  May it be shared with one another, and with our community, and with the world.  

May our joy give God joy.

Friends, rejoice in the Lord, always – and in all ways.  Again, I will say, rejoice.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

---------- 

[1]Lucinda Williams, “Joy” – Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.  Mercury Records, 1998.

[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life,_Liberty_and_the_pursuit_of_Happiness.

[3]The Westminster Catechism (Shorter Catechism), Book of Confessions7.001 (Louisville: Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA) 1999) 175.

[4]Paraphrased, JHS.

[5]See also Philippians 1:18, 25; 2:28-29; 3:1; 4:1, 10.

[6]Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament(Chicago:  University of Chicago Press, 1979) 873.

[7]Walter Bauer, 874.

[8]See Philippians 1:12-13.

[9]See Philippians 4:5-9.

[nsula]

Love of performing leads Jourdan Waddell to pageant title

NATCHITOCHES -- Stages have always been a second home for Northwestern State student Jourdan Waddell.

Waddell fell in love with performing, starting at three years old when her mother enrolled Jourdan in dance classes.

The Slidell native entered the Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet Pageant on a whim last year, and Waddell was on the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium stage as the runner-up when winner Erica Jarlock’s name was called.

But Saturday on that same stage, all eyes were on Waddell as the LOB crown was placed on her head, cementing the pageant fever she caught one year ago and her place as Miss Northwestern-Lady of the Bracelet.

“It was so exciting. I wanted this title more than I’ve wanted any other preliminary title,” Waddell said. “I was so nervous leading up to the pageant in the week of practices, but I worked really hard, especially on the private interview.

“Last year, the LOB was my first-ever pageant, and I had never thought about doing pageants before then. I just went into it as a fun experience.”

That fun experience starting shifting into a serious hobby when a judge approached Waddell after the 2017 LOB event, encouraging her to contend for her hometown Miss St. Tammany Heritage/Miss Slidell pageant, which she won.

Waddell hired a pageant director following the win as she ramped up her preparation for Miss Louisiana this past June.

To her pleasant surprise, Waddell’s name was called in the Top 10 of Miss Louisiana in her first statewide pageant and only third pageant of her career.

That feeling turned to more of a nervous fear when Waddell was still standing on the stage in the Top 5, finishing as the fourth runner-up.

“The Top 10 was my goal even though I couldn’t expect anything with this being my first (Miss Louisiana),” Waddell said. “When I (made the Top 10), I was thinking, ‘Ok, this was good, I don’t need any more.’

“When I made the Top 5, I honestly was kind of afraid. I didn’t expect to be so close to becoming Miss Louisiana, and I felt unprepared at that point. I’m a 20-year-old standing next to women two-to-four years older. My parents were even frightened, telling me they weren’t ready for me to do all that.”

Waddell won’t have that same fear as she aims at the Miss Louisiana crown this year.

The junior psychology major will have the backing of current Miss Louisiana Holli’ Conway, a Northwestern State graduate who finished third runner-up at the Miss America pageant earlier this month.

“Just being from NSU, all of us had common ground, and I grew super, super close to Holli’,” Waddell said. “You find people that know what they are doing and learn the ropes from them throughout the (practice) week, and I observed her and how she went through rehearsals (at 2017 Miss Louisiana).

“I would talk to her at events and sit next to her at dinner, and she’s a really great person. Holli’ has shown that’s she gotten a great education here and great training as member of the theatre department here. Having Holli’ do so well shows that somebody from little ol’ Natchitoches can do great things.”

Waddell’s attention won’t solely be focused on the Miss Louisiana crown.

Her underlying passion is dancing, and she’ll perform for her first time in the 2018 Christmas Gala for the first time.

Waddell dreams of being on the Radio City Music Hall stage as a member of the legendary Radio City Rockettes dance company.

“I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work and multiple auditions -- it’s not going to happen the first time,” Waddell said. “Dance is the goal really, even though I’m a psychology major.

“I love to perform and entertain people. When I go on stage, I don’t feel like the same person as I am talking to you right now. It’s a feeling that I get when the audience is drawn in, they want to get something out of your performance, and they want a story. Performance is my skill, not necessarily dance. Performing is that feeling you get when people are watching you.”

Her long days of dancing at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, an academy at which Waddell trained after a half-day at high school in Slidell, has prepared her for that stage along with her dance instruction at NSU.

After her dancing career, Waddell’s long-term career goal is to obtain a doctorate in psychology and start her own private practice.

Psychology is playing an active role in her pageant platform “Stomping the Mental Health Stigma.”

After suffering unexplainable physical symptoms as a child, Waddell was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder in high school.

“I would have these stomach aches as a child, and I had these constant doctor visits and nothing would come up,” Waddell said. “Nobody thought I might have had something else going on psychologically.

“I had really hard time adjusting in my freshman year of college and became a totally different person. I barely ate anything. I didn’t sleep. I lost 20 pounds my first semester. If it wasn’t for someone bringing me to the counselor’s office, I wouldn’t be here at NSU right now.”

Waddell wants to encourage others who may be suffering in silence to seek help.

“Our counselor’s office is amazing, and I ended up working there as a student worker,” Waddell said. “I want to educate other people about the signs and symptoms of mental illness just in case they are struggling or they may notice somebody else who needs help.

“The stigma is the worst part about it. If someone goes to counseling, other people automatically assume they are crazy or psychotic -- and the words they use make that person feel even worse than they already do. They don’t want to get help at that point because don’t want to be seen as a burden or as somebody that people can’t work with.”

Waddell found her footing in Natchitoches and is an active member in Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, the Alpha Lamda Delta honor society and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

She feels like she’s found a family at NSU, becoming more aware of another family tie she didn’t know she had.

Waddell’s cousin Chris Waddell has a crest on the football field at Turpin Stadium after he collapsed in a light football workout in 2004. Chris suffered from Kawasaki Syndrome, a condition that can result in rapid aging of the heart. The football team participates in “Chris Waddell Day,” a service day in which the team visits multiple elementary schools in the area.

“I was little when Chris passed, and I had no clue when I came here that this was the school where it happened and where his crest was,” Jourdan said. “It just made everything clear about why I came here.

“I felt like I was supposed to come here for a reason. Now my family loves it here. This is my second family now.”