New Orleans adventure

New Second Line by Rhonda Blasingame 2010

Recently my sister and I met up with some cousins in New Orleans.    We had a delightful long weekend in the city.  The Vacation Rental where we stayed was a very old "double shotgun" style house, a duplex that is long and narrow.  It was adorable!  Not your usual cookie-cutter hotel room.  Nope, this one had age and personality!


It was a pleasant surprise to find a quilted wall hanging above the fireplace in the dining area.  And the more we looked at it, the more there was to be seen. 





The darker blue at the top forms the shape of the Louisiana coastline along the blue Gulf of Mexico.  Black figures in raw edge hand applique march and dance across the quilt in a traditional New Orleans Funeral procession.  First the hearse carrying the deceased, followed by family members on foot.  Next in line are the musicians. Can you almost hear them playing "When the Saints Go Marching In"? Bringing up the rear is the "second line" carrying umbrellas. 


A closer look shows bead embellishments on all the umbrellas, and clear raindrop beads falling upon them.  I wish my photos could do it justice.  I had to use my cell phone since I had not brought a separate camera.

 Fortunately, the quilter, Rhonda Blasingame, had put a label on the back.  She made the quilt in 2010.  Even the backing, with it's bright umbrellas, was a delight. 

Some of the tourist-y things we did on our 'cousins weekend':

* Riverboat cruise on the Creole Queen to the historic site of the Battle of New Orleans.  The National Park Service has a museum there too.

* Demonstration class at the New Orleans School of Cooking.  Loads of fun!  It was interesting to hear the history of the area in relation to the many cultures that blended to create the unique cuisine of New Orleans.

* Walked around the French Quarter, attended Sunday Mass at the Cathedral, went to the Cabildo Museum, and decided that Bourbon Street was NOT our cup of tea! lol

Jackson Square, New Orleans