Thankful for New Orleans – Day 1

I’ve never participated in the Facebook trend where each day in November you post something for which you are thankful. There’s nothing wrong with it…I just always assumed  I wouldn’t remember to do it each day  or, even worse, I would forgot someone or something that should have been recognized. There’s also a chance that I’ve never done it simply because so many other people do. Rebelliousness or whatever. 🙂  I decided this year that I would try something similar but put my own little New Orleans spin on it. I’ll be posting a photo each day on my Instagram account (nolajules68) of something that makes me thankful that I am lucky enough to live in this amazingly unique place. I’m going to include a little more information about each photo as a blog post. And yes, I am aware that my last blog entry was Mardi Gras-related, but I’m committed to doing better! So here goes…Day 1 of the 30 Day Thankfulness Challenge, New Orleans style. And hey, I’m thankful for you for following and reading, as well!

Day 1 – Public Art

If you’ve spent much time in New Orleans, you’ve probably seen some interesting outdoor artwork. I love murals, and I am fascinated by what can be done with a blank wall and a few cans of spray paint. Just days after the passing of New Orleans native Fats Domino, graffiti artist and muralist Jules Muck (@muckrock) painted this amazingly lifelike and enormous mural of Fats on the side of a house in the St. Roch area of the city. I saw a photo of it on Sunday and was determined to find it Monday, despite the fact that I did not know the exact location. I’m always up for a good seek and find mission, but after driving around the area for about 45 minutes, I was needed at home and was forced to pack up my camera in defeat. I had no idea how close I was until I learned its whereabouts from Instagram user @amournola Monday night. With good directions it was an easy find!  If you want to see the mural in person (and you should!) it’s on Marais Street,  just off St. Claude and Franklin. It’s visible from Franklin Street, so you can’t miss it. Let me know if you pay it a visit. And if we’re not following each other on Instagram, what are we waiting for?!