My quick two-night trip to New Orleans was a busy one, since my purpose in being there was to get pictures and finish up interviews for my next book, “Everyday Voodoo.” Everyone I met with was incredibly nice, and I am so grateful for the help everyone – from voodoo priestesses to shopkeepers – has given me with this project.
I got to be in a voodoo ritual one night, thanks to Rev. Claudia Williams of Starling Magickal. It was an absolutely amazing experience: very comfortable, positive and memorable. If you want to know more, you’ll just have to read about it in the book!
I had planned to tag along on a cemetery tour so I could snap shots of voodoo queen Marie Laveau’s grave. The tour guide was a no-show, though, so I hiked over to the cemetery by myself. All the tourist literature says “It’s dangerous! Don’t go alone!” Phooey, I say. I felt safe the whole time, got to wander through a residential part of the French Quarter I’d never seen before, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 was full of tourists. I wound up meeting three great ladies from Alabama and Texas, so thanks to them for making my cemetery adventure extra fun.
Despite my busy schedule, I still managed to inhale every muffaletta possible, downed a hurricane, and I spent a couple hours at my favorite spot in New Orleans, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.
Now that I’m home, I’m hard at work trying to finish up text for the book. I’m certainly feeling inspired after such a great trip.
