The summer is over. It makes no sense, but the kids start school this Friday. I’m sure that they have their reasons, but why start school on a Friday? This summer has gone by so fast. It seems like we just moved into this house and got settled.

The kids and I went to New Orleans this past Saturday and had a blast. We went to the Aquarium of the Americas and the Insectarium. The kids had been to the Aquarium before but this was my first time. I was blown away and I can’t wait to go back. We also saw a 3-D IMAX movie. EJ was reaching out and trying to touch the sea monsters. I may post some pics on my next blog. I was also taken to a little hole in the wall called Check In, Check Out. It’s a place that would fit in perfectly on the Food Networks Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. The kids shared a shrimp platter that they finally finished off last night and I had a HUGE shrimp poboy. There was so much food that I ate their potato salad and they still had dessert left over. We had such a great time that I am really looking forward to my next trip

The funny thing is that it was the same place that my dad used to bring me and I have to admit that I got a little misty. It was good though. Any memory of my dad is a good one and I feel more of a connection by bringing my kids there. I try not to get sad and dwell on the loses that we’ve had, but it gets hard sometime. This Sunday our pastor was reading a prayer request about a woman who had been diagnosed with cancer; she is going back this week to see how bad it is. He prayed that there won’t be any trace of the cancer at her next check up. I definitely believe in the power of prayer, but situations like that always seem to cut at me. When Cora got sick, we prayed for her healing, but it wasn’t in God’s plan. I just feel, I don’t know, it bothers me sometimes when others talk about their healing. It’s not that I doubted God or anything like that. Sometimes you end up feeling like other people think that maybe Cora died because our faith wasn’t strong enough. Of course, I know that’s not the case, but it does hurt. I know that God has a plan for everyone. I mean, just think about it. If Bob Marley were alive today, he and Snoop Dogg would probably have a song together or something like that. The new Marvin Gaye single would have a rap by Akon in the middle of it. No, I trust him and his judgment.

Another funny thing happened this weekend. I actually went to New Orleans and had fun. After Katrina, I swore that I would never go back. Anyone who has read my past blogs probably remembers that. I ended up having to back for work a few times, but I didn’t think that I would ever return for fun. I had to admit that we had a great time. There is so much to do and so much to see. As a writer, it was apparent that every building had a story and from the artists and street performers, I felt truly inspired. Creatively, I am at a very good place. I know that things are going to be hectic when school starts, but I am going to make it. I believe in myself and my abilities and for me, that’s a good place to be.