Monday, December 20, 2010

Twilight Sounds

This was a lovely 15 minute experience this evening:


Uptown house~




I just came in here in early twilight checking for the mail when I noticed nestle in between the old Victorian house across the street and some trees this beautiful, glorious full moon beginning it ascent skyward.  As I was admiring it and the tickle of my chimes ringing out the pentatonic scales in baritone. The melody in my chimes are the sounds of what became the song Amazing Grace, but in actuality it was a West African sorrow chant sung by enslaved Africans from Sierra Leone in the belly of the ship.  At that time, John Newton in 1748, a slaver who turned away from slavery and penned Amazing Grace. At the Library of Congress when you see the copy it said written by John Newton, melody unknown

Please listen to this very brief demonstration & lecture by Wintley Phipps:


Then I noticed or heard rather, rolling on the winds on my street ever sound lovingly was the sounds of a trumpet,  intermingling almost in  a deliberate concert with my chimes.  Whomever it was really knew how to play! I forgot what I went outside for!

It was haunting and clear. I just stopped for a few minutes to listen.

Only in New Orleans...

Uptown Sidewalk~All Rights Reserved JHM©10




Breathe in..breathe out...
All Rights Reserved JHM©10


Info on John Newton:


Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation. ~Henry Ward Beecher

O..OH OMG Oatmeal! I ate oatmeal!

I did something today (I know there is a full moon), I've only done one other time since 1960...

I ate a bowl of oatmeal.




Yes! Me! Who would have thunk it?

Now don't keel over from shock even though I almost did.  I do not like oatmeal, hated it as child along with grits.

Yes I know all the health benefits to oatmeal: reduces cholesterol, helps in lowering blood pressure, fiber, yada, yada, yada.  , I just have hated it; never got over the intense dislike.

But I promised a friend who suggested something I found a bit intriguing to see if I could (no pun intended) swallow it.

Well by golly, it worked!  What was the suggestion? Something I love and would drink all year long...

Eggnog!

Yup eggnog....

So what I did after preparing the oatmeal in which I had added cinnamon and finely chopped apples



 I poured a 1/4 a cup of warm eggnog, took a deep breath & went for it.

It was really rather good.  I had to resist the mental process so I can be open to giving oatmeal the benefit of the doubt & actually liked it.

Ok, I did not have a coronary from ingesting.

Yet no one rolled out the brass band with a second line...



Shucks! Well you can't win it all :=).

But I was pleased and now almost 5 hours later I am still full, satisfied.

So who knows maybe it will become part of my new regimen as I bring forth more micro-adventures.

So it was mission accomplished.

But I forewarn anyone, I will not, unequivocally NOT consume grits.  It took me 50 years for oatmeal, I do not have the time or desire to manage grits!

Ya Ya!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

One of those days~Falling...



photograph by JHM©10


I discovered this poem I had written almost a decade ago when walking in the pouring rain that was so hard I could not tell where the curb ended and literally fell on my face. Boy did I ache the next day. However the day this happen I went home after drying off this popped in my mind... 
 









Falling Down 
By Jacquelyn Hughes Mooney©02 

I’ve fallen on my face… 
Soaked in a downpour when… 
Out of the blue... 
I fell on my face! 

“What else can happen? 
There’s no way out! 
What more do I need to do? 
I'm  so weary… 
This can’t go on.. 
Oh God, no more!” 


I fell on my face! 
Can I look up? 

Or get up? 
Roll over… 

Push away? 
No cheering around me 


No motivational speakers to perform… 
(Not even a phantom applause). 
No assistance just hard driving rain… 
Pelting relentlessly. 
And all around me... 
Weeds...
Debris…


Broke 
(No hope) 

I fell on my face! 
But I got up… 
And kept on walking. 
Soaked to the core… 
And carried on. 

(Without faith I am hopeless.) 

All rights reserved JHM 6-27-02© 


photograph by JHM©10

My Sounds...

About 8 years ago I was invited to a poetry ready at the Neutral Ground Cafe which I am delighted to know survived Katrina and has reopened.  During this Sunday afternoon open mike was a young man,very non-descript who walked up to the mike with an acoustic guitar and had this voice so sweet,I was swept away.

Not one but 2 poems about him while I was there...

I've not seen him since... I do not know if HE survived the storm or ever came back to New Orleans...

Photgraph byJHM©10


Man on the String
By Jacquelyn Hughes Mooney©03

A man on the string…
And he sings a celebration that swept the world.
Flowing with a mysterious refrain…
Will you continue to sing with the man on the string?
Who stopped just long enough, only to begin still another celebration unto me?

This man on a string, as he continues to ping.
Oh just so doing his thing…

As he continues to swing in the belly of the Neutral Ground Cafe.
These sound that vibrated around the world.
And he brings no steel to the space on Daneel (Street)
He is just bringing another celebration song to thee.
All rights reserved JHM 7-13-03©

Photgraph byJHM©10

His Sound
By Jacquelyn Hughes Mooney ©03

His sound was like John Denver with cayenne pepper…
Thrown in for good measure.
And his sound wrapped around my left ear.
Engaging his heart’s voice enlivening my soul.
His sound is like John Denver with cayenne thrown in for good measure.
(Fly away…. Fly away…. Flay a-waaaay!)

All right reserved JHM©03

Photgraph byJHM©10

Thursday, December 9, 2010

An Appeal

This was not a blog I had eagerly looked forward to writing not display for the whole world to see,all though it may seem arrogant to think the whole world is reading; it simply feels like that.


Like many, many people I am at the end of my rope and being forced to do what I would have been impossible to consider a year ago.  Never in my life had I been at this stage and options have shrunk to the point I do not have any choices remaining.  I know no choice is a choice and yes I know there is always a way out of "no way" it is just not making themselves apparent right now.

Power is not strength;Power is faith.  Power=freedom, determination, hope and trust...

Jacquelyn
12-8-10








"All that is necessary is - to accept the unacceptable, do without the indispensable, and bear the unbearable." ~ Kathleen Norris

12-1-10

Dear My Community of Friends & Associates,

As many of you know, I returned to my beloved hometown of New Orleans about a year and a half ago in the hopes of rebuilding and revitalizing my career in fabric art and writing Just as the city of New Orleans goes about its revitalization, I have been able to take many positive steps in the hope of accomplishing my dreams; while at the same time, we both have had serious negative reversals that have stalled our attempts at revitalization.  Although it is difficult for me to take this step, I am writing to you in an appeal for financial help.

Shortly after my return, I lost a large amount of critical funding when a patron suffered some economic setbacks. Like so many of us during these hard economic times, our ability to rebound from these setbacks has been extremely difficult.  My own ability to rebound has been hampered by health problems that necessitated two abdominal surgeries within three weeks of each other late summer/early fall.

I have already been helped through the generosity of several supportive, generous friends and organizations who practiced wonderful acts of kindness by providing transportation to appointments, bringing food during my postoperative recovery and helping me keep my utilities turned on & sanity going.  As I proceed down the road toward recovery and wellness, I have tried to repay my community by becoming involved in some volunteer opportunities and to reconnect with fellow artists and clients who have supported my work in the past {mention any seminars, workshops, gallery exhibits, networking events, etc}; as well as to actively seek commissions and pursue job opportunities.

I have also been very fortunate to have a patient and benevolent landlord who have allowed me to stay in my apartment as I attempt to generate my own income.  Although it pains him to have to do this, my landlord has given me notice that I must pay him at least half of my rent arrearages or vacate my apartment by January 1, 2011.  I realize this is a business decision he must make and hold no ill will toward him. He has been more than kind and helpful toward me; in fact, all most unheard of in these critical times we are facing as a nation...

Today, December 1, 2010, is Pay It Forward Day. In honor of this day, could you find it in your heart to help me remain in New Orleans and continue to pursue my dreams by sending a donation?  The Wandering Moon has made her way back home and would prefer not to wander anywhere else for the time being!  Any contribution, large or small, will be greatly appreciated; and, in turn, I will pay it forward. I do not take any of this lightly.  This is not an easy task to do to put my pride & dignity forward in such a public way, but I am determined to turn things around with all I have in me to do thus.

 With sincere thanks to all of you,

Jacquelyn Hughes Mooney


"If you planted hope in a heart today in any hopeless heart, If someone's burden was lighter because you did your part, If you caused a laugh that chased a tear away, If tonight your name is mentioned when someone kneels to pray, Then your day was well spent." ~Unknown


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Style-Deco


 There Eyes are Watching God movie
 1920 Recently discovered NYC subway Ceiling~Photo John-Paul Palescandolo & Eric Kazmirek
 Killer vanity in Art Deco style~ I would love to own this.  I have one similar but not as grand!
 Deco inspired necklace

 1920 Recently discovered NYC subway Stairs~Photo John-Paul Palescandolo & Eric Kazmirek

 From Soft Surroundings' Initially Yours Gift Collection www.softsurroundings.com
la Baker...Josephine
 Art Deco inspired "Harlow" sofa from Funky Sofa:www.funkysofa.com
Art Deco Sofa from Funky Sofa



Shug Avery (Margaret Avery) in juke joint in the movie The Color Purple
1920 Candelabras My dream gift.

 I guess one can tell I love the furnishings & jewelry of the Art Deco period.

Grow...Show... Know


 Mustard Greens photoJHM ©10
 Brussel SproutsphotoJHM ©10
 Thai Basil photoJHM ©10


Okra Pods photoJHM ©10


I read in our local paper that the Lower 9th Ward's Sankofa Community Development Corporation announced the opening on November 20th,2011 of their Sankofa Farmers Market!  I strongly encourage people to support their effort since in the Lower 9th ward Community there is no supermarket & the pioneers who have come back to re-establish their homes in this community have to travel great distances for simple things we take for granted.

I see an irony for me as I am fortunate in the sense that I can leave my home & in 5-7 minutes can access 5 supermarkets and in 10 minutes the local Wal-Mart and yet 20 minutes away the residents of this community have to travel great distances for the aforementioned markets.

So as the adage goes: "If the mountain won't come to Muhammed, then Muhammed must go to the mountain".  I say way to go to this group in still yet another venture forth by creating this farmers market so the Lower Ninth Ward + their neighbors, Bywater, Arabi,Upper 9th Ward, St. Bernard Parish,Fabourg Marigny, & Treme + others could access fresh produce and other products locally grown.

I personally plan to support them with my dollars and volunteer in whatever way I can,some of which will mean traveling past the supermarkets I have easy access to and going downtown to do my part.

Kohl Rabi photo JHM ©10

About Sankofa Farmers Market: 

The Sankofa Farmers Market was developed in response to the requests of community members for access to fresh vegetables and fruits for sale at the market. You have asked for a farmers market where you can have direct access to home grown produce. The farmers market will operate every Saturday and will offer seasonal, nutritious produce and locally caught seafood. We will accept the EBT/SNAP benefit card, credit cards, debit cards, and cash. We hope to build a viable market for both vending and shopping to thrive with healthy nutritious food. 

This farmers market will be a year round outlet for local farmers and fishermen to vend their goods in accordance with state and national goals, as well as to provide a social outlet and neighborhood meeting place for families and seniors. We are working in peer partnership with marketumbrella.orgfor consultation with technical information, regular evaluation, and the appropriate market management trainings. We believe that adding EBT access, along with a strong marketing campaign and weekly retail outlet presence, will accomplish the following: increase fresh food accessibility to low-income customers, increase sales for our farmers and fishermen, increase economic and community development in the Lower Ninth Ward. 

The Sankofa Farmers Market will be the 2nd farmers market in the city to have EBT access. This market will also be the only farmers market, not only in the Lower Ninth Ward, but also in communities adjacent  to the neighborhoods, including the Upper Ninth Ward, Gentilly, Arabi and St. Bernard Parish.


If it is to be, it is up to me.~ Author Unknown 

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

At this Moment~ Still standing...

10-24-10 Oretha Castle Haley Bl with a view of downtown New Orleans.

It never fails whenever I take a visitor on a mini tour of the city how I see my hometown in a diferent way.

Saturday after taking a couple of visitors on a tour of the Lower 9th Ward watching how other people seem to have a total lack of regard for the pioneers who moved back & rebuild. (That experiemce is a whole different story & I do not want to get on my soap box about that).

Back to subject; I wanted my guests to see the Musian Villiage & the being built Ellis Marsali Music Center we came across a part of a house that I had seen once before but could not remember where it was to photograph.  Lo & behold we found it:

 Side "back" of house
 Toddler's sneaker
 "Back" of house
 Guest & 9th Ward resident
Side of house

I still marvel that the front is still standing.  However it was my guest who discovered the toddler's sneaker still hanging on the tree. 

As sad as it may seem, it still indicate that someone(s) made a mark & despite it all at this moment we are still standing.

May we never underestimate the extraordinary capacity one may have to be resilient at this moment.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

1st Saturday in October Stroll

Even a city sign becomes part of a sculpted topiary...
Alocal restaurant at the end of my street undergoing renovations...
Love the metal scuplture water fountain in this side gallery house.

I love this sign.Everytime I see if I burst out laughing. New Orleanians have some a delicious sense of humor.

This morning I realized the sun was rising later then its usual 6am when I like to walk. I left at 7am to take my walk enjoying the coolness & the quiet of Sat morning while those who normally don't get to do, I suppose, sleep late. I was please that I walked a total of 12 blocks round trip.

It felt good, but even more so was drinking in the beauty of some of the lovely homes I encountered
This morning I realized the sun was rising later then its usual 6am when I like to walk. I left at 7am to take my walk enjoying the coolness & the quiet of Sat morning while those who normally don't get to do, I suppose, sleep late. I was please that I walked a total of 12 blocks round trip.


It felt good, but even more so was drinking in the beauty of some of the lovely homes I encountered and reveling in how the sunlight caught some of the most common things in uncommon ways.

I still see things with the delight of a child & the appreciation of a mature woman. And still can drool, yet dream of owning one of these interesting homes with a bevy of history, sounds & memories. Very affordable tis dreaming...

I will take strolling through the neighborhood for 45 minutes any day of the week rather then walking a treadmill going no place although the physical benefit are the same. I can recharge, revitalize and rejuvenate my senses as well as my body. SO why not double the pleasure?

Friday, October 1, 2010

A Man Named Pearl Coming to New Orleans





If you are in the New Orleans area, you must come & see this extraordinary man speak. Otherwise search out the documentary "A Man Named Pearl". It is the most warming,restorative story of the human spirit,humilty & artistry.

He will appear on CBS affliate WWL-4 Thursday morning


SELF-TAUGHT TOPIARY ARTIST PEARL FRYAR

Fryar to Speak on a Panel with Leah Chase and Edward "Kidd" Jordan


When Pearl Fryar and his wife sought to buy a house in an all-white neighborhood of Bishopville, SC, they were discouraged with the explanation that "Black people don't keep up their yards."

Remarkably, instead of fueling bitterness and anger, this comment motivated Pearl to win the Bishopville "Yard of the Month Award," and eventually to transform his ordinary suburban yard into a horticultural wonderland.

The garden's topiary centerpiece emblazons both its message and Pearl's own philosophy: "Love, Peace, and Goodwill."

Schedule:

WHAT: "An Evening with Pearl Fryar"
WHEN: 5:30 p.m., Thursday, October 14
WHERE: Longue Vue's Playhouse
COST: $10 Suggested Donation

WHAT: A Man Named Pearl Screening
WHEN: 9 a.m., Friday, October 15
WHERE: Dillard University Lawless Chapel
COST: FREE

WHAT: Topiary Sculpture Demonstration by Pearl Fryar
WHEN: 10:15 a.m., Friday, October 15
WHERE: Dillard University Lawless Chapel
COST: FREE
For more information, contact Hilairie Schackai at 504.488.5488, ext. 401 or hschackai@longuevue.com

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Ya Ya,Crawfish & New Dat~ 1 year home.






This is my 1 year anniversary back home in New Orleans. On one hand it seems like time has whizzed by but then on the other hand it seem like it was just yesterday.

I am glad I allowed myself the 1st year to acclimatized & adjust to all the changes since 2005.

How little I knew it was really going to be a course of wisdom to do just that to give a year in adjusting.

I do not regret coming home and truly look forward now to be more of a participant. Without a doubt it has been scary at times. Nothing to do with the city, but all of us being tossed around because of the recession.

If I had to rate the year I would give it a strong B.

Several things that I was bound & intent to care for were done though sometimes with bated breath. I look and pray for in this second year to see some quantum leaps forward, to get myself integrated back into the arts community producing work (and shall I dare?) actually be able to begin providing for myself independently.

What I truly need at this juncture is a modest start-up dollars. All funds are exhausted and because of all the medical issues nothing is coming in. I know it is that way for many, but I am only 1 person and now things are at a critical mass. If I don't do something and do it soon, well the alternatives are unimaginable.

There is always a way out of "no way". I just have to find it. I was to receive an endowment in November & just had the rug pulled out from under me. It is not cancelled just redirected into mid 2011, but that will not help me now.

One good thing is I do not spend money I do not have nor have expectations until it is in hand. Too many times in the past I like many artists have people make offers and then pull out.

Unless I have a retainer or the full amount, I do not put hope in empty offers, so while disappointed I am not devastated.

So on to the next day. And the next and the next.