Tennessee and Me

"Don't you just love these long rainy afternoons in New Orleans when an hour isn't just an hour--but, a little piece of eternity dropped into your hands...?"  From A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams

I love New Orleans French Quarter.  For years, I'd stay at the Burgundy Inn, a small charming hotel on Burgundy Street.  I had a cozy room off the back courtyard which faced a swimming pool.  Most of the time, there were no other visitors in that area.   I'd sit under a sun umbrella in this special place and read and write.  I'd usually read something written by Tennesse Williams whose writings I treasure. They always inspired me.  On rainy days, I'd sit out there as well.  The scent of the rain drops dancing on the pool water remains with me.  Banana trees and elephant leaves cooled the humid air.  I was in heaven.  In the late afternoons, I'd walk to the Napoleon House.   This was a restaurant and bar in a wonderful state of arrested decay with opera wafting through the yellowed walls.  The specialty was the muffalato sandwich.  I'd have one of those along with a glass of merlot at the bar.  Locals hung around here.  May I say locals who loved Tennessee Williams.  One was a tour guide and I was lucky to be shown a number of places where Tennessee lived and worked.  

 Just the other day, I received an invitation to attend the Annual Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival.  This will be held on March 28-April 1, 2007.  Spring is a beautiful time in southern Louisiana.  Everything is blooming and there are a number of festivals.  This  is a good one for writers. If you are interested in attending, please go to www.tennesseewilliams.net and find out more information.  I would highly recommend it!  Salud.