SUPER SUNDAY. Mardi Gras Indians
Posted by jOe
So, being a native New Orleanian and having friends who are also native, it comes as no surprise that I had to find out about this one-month-after-Mardi-Gras parade from a friend from Seattle. How did I miss this for the last 25 years?
I take no credit for myself.
Sunday afternoon the Mardi Gras Indians were marching in their own very laid back parade. And honestly, it was probably the best parade I've ever been to. Short; a busy but not overwhelming crowd; and short. It was good.
Desire Street Ministry: Neighborhood Easter Event
Posted by jOe
Saturday the Desire Street Ministry partnered with Kids First Pediatrics (located on Louisa Street, one of their six locations throughout the city) to host a neighborhood outreach and awareness Easter Fest. Some of the other partners present included Families Helping Families, Carelink, Lighten Up Louisiana Youth, IV Servies, the Children's Hospital, LaCHIP, and Claiborne Discount Pharmacy; all of which working to help neighboring communities grow in both health and knowledge.
The NOFD turned out to show give the children an apparatus and water hose demonstration.
In addition, CDC 58:12, the 501(c)(3) operating inside of Desire Street Ministry is hosting their anual Summer Enrichment Program from June 21 - July 30. For more information call Kirk Stevens at 504.304.9356.
Here are the pictures from the day:
Chronicles of Sam: Episode 3
Posted by jOe
It's been far too long since we've done a Chronicles of Sam episode. I realize this every time I post a new one.
This episode takes place in an abandoned theatre, and we did all those things you always wanted to do when you were 16, like sneak into the projection room, climb over the concession counter, and knock down ceiling tiles with a big round thing. Okay, the big round thing was just because it was there.
Normally, other than the obligatory smashing of glass things, we don't change or take anything. But this time we couldn't help it. We acquired a few souvenir movie rolls of film.
In a word, this weekend was, in typical Urban Exploring fashion...
SMASHING!
Care Effect: OZ
Posted by jOe
Two weeks ago I introduced Christopher who was having legal problems. I finished by asking you to pray for him to see God's power. Today, I saw him again. He pulled me aside like he had the first time we met, except this time his anxiety was gone, and it was replaced by a warm smile. He went on to explain how the case was miraculously dropped, for no apparent reason. Free to go.
"See," I told him. But he didn't need telling. He knew.
Minutes after the food had been served, I found Warren. He was wearing an apron.
"Cook?"
"Yeah."
And that's where the conversation stayed for a moment, until he continued: "I'm not sure who cooked this meal, but we do the same one inside, and I haven't tasted it, but I think mine is better."
Then he looked at me with a little smile.
I explained what I do. Take pictures.
He told me about his powerful story. A story of drugs and alcohol that lost him his wife, kids, job, and life, as he knew it. In a moment of candid reflection he admitted, when you're like that, it's because you're willing to accept the life the addictions bring you.
He told me when I write these words to title his section Finally First. And to let everyone figure that out.
Here's a hint: he wasn't shy to admit that as soon as he started putting God first, things in his life began to radically change. And change for the better. No matter what good things he put first, his wife or kids, it was all the same path destine to failure. He quoted Hosea 4:6 and Philippians 2:8-14. Verses that speak a special strength to him.
Marty was doing security when last we met. But this week he was helping in the kitchen. Marty reminds me of a movie star: the way he looks and the way he holds himself.
Even with a hairnet, I was kind of jealous. Still, I look forward to his conversation. He's sharp.
Lastly, on his way out, I met Alex, who grew up on the Westbank, like me. Look for him again in the future--we might be working together soon!
Christopher.
Warren.
Marty.
Alex.
Monday was
Posted by jOe
World Water Day. Christine Amanpour interviewed Ben Affleck who just returned form eastern DRC, which remains one of the darkest places in our World in terms of murders and rapes per capita. He was there raising awareness for a place that's seen far more civil war and violence than neighboring Darfur but has received disproportionately less media attention.
As I was thinking about this, I was struck with the thought: how does a celebrity 'raise awareness'? Aren't they really only raising awareness for them self? And does any of that awareness linger around and make a difference for the people who need it?
What do you think? Where do you stand on this?
On a slight shift, here's a video from photographer James Nachtwey. Really, all three and a half minutes are worth a watch (minus the melodramatic narration), but the best part is 1:17 - 2:08. I thought about writing more on this, but I think the video speaks enough for itself.
sxswSTREETPORTRAITS
Posted by jOe
If you've been reading my blog for any time now, You'll have noticed that I love to take street Portraits. If i had to chose one word to describe Austin's 6th street area, it Would be
hipsters.
I was very amused.
On a cool note, I had a chance to meet Attitude. You'll know him even if you don't recognize him yet. He's been around for a while, but a few years back he signed with Warner Bros. Records and frequently collaborates with Timbaland. And most recently with Yo Gotti.
Mike & Megan.
guy in vneck.
travelin broke.
Alex in Ray Bans.
Oz the bouncer.
Jason on duty.
3 musicians.
Larrell.
Attitude.
Heinrich.
Nick & Britney.
blue street Shoes.
couple.
Sean.
Alex, the manager & Howard.
tried to get a picture of an awesome fight. and these guys needed a picture.
bouncer who looked like a guy from something and Howard and Tony.
SXSWptTWO
Posted by jOe
This was my first South by Southwest, and I wasn't really sure what to expect. Although I went to document the Lobbyist, that turned out to be only one part of my trip to Austin. After they played, we melted into the crowd of performers, celebrities and music-aficionados alike, taking in the music and trading CD's with great new bands.
On a humorous note, it took some time for the boys from New Orleans to adjust to the open-container laws.
Smiles.
Part two of one
Posted by jOe
Here are the rest of the shots from what strangely feels like only a couple hours ago. But it was really 14. Driving.
SXSW, pt 1
Posted by jOe
Here's the first of a three parter. The band.
There was much more here at Austin, but I'm about to run out of internet time. On the road. We've slept in someone's uncle's weight room; crammed 7 seven people in a hotel room; and it's still going.
Check back Monday for more
!
Literally running out of the hotel room! More pictures in this post...probably coming Saturday!
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