OK – So that was cool. We celebrated our first St. Patrick’s Day parade in New Orleans yesterday, something we heard so much about. The day was absolutely perfect – 70°, sunny, breezy, dry. Around 3 in the afternoon, the parade made its way to Louisiana Avenue where we were staked out. Revelers lined up and down the street. Music blared. There was a mix of Irish traditions, Mardi Gras traditions and made-up crazy stuff. Bag pipers and men in kilts invaded. Walkers from various social groups in New Orleans handed out flowers and kisses between slugs of beer. In addition, they gave away odds and ends like lucky beans, stickers, beads, scarves and much more.  They were followed by floats common to Fat Tuesday. Besides millions of plastic beads, throws included stew ingredients like cabbages, carrots, potatoes, onions, lemons, plus moon-pies, pickles, candy, feather boas, stuffed animals, panties, garters and more odd bits. The surprises made it fun.

My “catch o’ the day” was a set of three rare, vintage glass beads from Czechoslovakia. They hit my foot and when I picked them up, I couldn’t believe my luck. Apparently, Czech glass beads were the original throws. But, in the 70′s they were replaced with cheap plastic Chinese beads to save money.

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH!

This follows under the category of “Only in New Orleans.” City residents held a Second Line Funeral procession to bury the old New Orleans Saints football team, otherwise known for decades as the “Aints.” The paper bags that covered the faces of loyal fans who attended an era of losing seasons game after game to cheer the embattled team were laid to rest. Left in its wake is the joy of success.

Symbolically, New Orleans seems to be inspired to bury the old and celebrate the new. For all of us in the Big Easy, our new year starts now. Our resolutions aimed at a better future start today. As for myself, it means a greater connection to my home and family as well as a brighter outlook on my career as I learn the delicate balance of work and lifestyle.

That said, here’s the Aints Second Line Funeral march. Happy New Era!