Throughout middle school, high school and college, two of my favorite pastimes were intentionally scaring myself witless via horror flicks and terrifying novels. On any given night of the week, I’d hole up with cousins, friends or boyfriends in…
As the editor of Louisiana Life Magazine, I probably shouldn’t admit this, but until about 12 years ago I avoided eating crawfish. As I’ve shared before, I wasn’t an adventuresome eater in childhood. Also, I grew up in Kentucky,…
In 2020, my husband and I rescued a cat. The friendly little guy, now known as Mr. Percy, was living under our neighbor’s house, getting by on his wits and charming food out of everyone on the block. One evening…
Like a lot of picky children, for much of my young life I avoided unfamiliar foods. I was raised on a farm so regional fruits and veggies, beef, chicken and pork were recognizable and safe, while everything else was suspect.…
New Orleans La Société de Saint Anne parade revelers march the ashes of those who have died the past year to the Mississippi River on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — On May 16, Louisiana Life magazine won 10 awards, at the 42nd annual International Regional Magazine Association (IRMA) awards presentation in Ottawa, Canada. Louisiana Life was a finalist for Magazine of the Year. IRMA members…
I often daydream about how cool it would be to live and work in a new city every year or maybe even every few months. In the past, I’ve cobbled together about two weeks of working remotely from about…
If like me, you aren’t fond of constantly getting up to forage around in your bag or medicine cabinet to find lip balm, this pro-tip is for you. Quick and dirty: Put them all over your house. Longer version:…
A few weeks ago, my husband Mark was losing it. He’s an extrovert, at risk due to asthma and we are 24 weeks and 195 days into this COVID-19 dumpster fire. Our medically approved activities include: Neighborhood walks and bike…
During our first three Carnival seasons after moving to New Orleans, by the time Fat Tuesday arrived, we were too pooped to party beyond a brief amble out to the corner for a couple of the morning parades while sipping…
My people aren’t hunters. We shoot and we eat, but we don’t shoot what we eat. It’s just not in our DNA, I suppose. At least it doesn’t appear to be part of the genetic makeup of the five generations…
The term “bucket list” just doesn’t sit well with me. Not because of its allusions to death — there’s no stopping that canoe from its rapid whoosh down river. Rather, the idea of rushing to get entertaining and adventuresome things…
On my 21st birthday, my mom and grandparents took me to a casino. It was the first time I’d ever set foot in one, seeing as you have to be of drinking age to get in, and it was…
True confessions of a food-obsessed writer
At 83, celebrated author Ernest J. Gaines reflects on his hopes and passions from his home in Oscar.
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