I think I can say with pretty high certainty that there isn’t a single person who hasn’t heard about the detestation in New Orleans and other cities bordering on the Gulf of Mexico. I have reserved commenting on it until now, I think, because I am in total shock. Although I haven’t lived there in many years, I was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana and traveled across Lake Ponchetrain many times into New Orleans. In case you don’t know where Bogalusa is (although I bet a lot more people know where it is now compared to a week ago) here is a You can see the proximity to New Orleans, Biloxi and Gulfport…now the ground zero of hurricane Katrina. I can’t even begin to fathom the detestation these people have experienced. Not only have they lost everything, but they may never be able to return to their beloved city. I have my own petty reasons for extra sorrow (see below) but right now just being safe, healthy and with my family makes me feel like the luckiest woman in the world. My heart goes out to all the victims of Katrina…especially the poor who had no means to leave New Orleans. And now, my inconsequential thoughts on losing one of the great cities that is dear to me.

My family has a long history with New Orleans. My great grandmother was French Cajun (Cajuns are French settlers that were exiled by Britain). Many of my relatives lived in New Orleans. My great grandmother lived in Westwego (just south of New Orleans across the Mississippi River) and I remember going to her house to see the Mardis Gras parades. I still have many aunts, uncles and cousins living in New Orleans. Although I have not spoken to any of them in years, I can only hope they are all safe. Fortunately, my father has heard from a few that had the means to evacuate while they still had the chance.

I have begged my husband for the last several years to visit New Orleans with me. I was fortunate enough to see it again in February 2001 while in town for a golf tournament. Most people think of Mardi Gras when they think of New Orleans, but that is not all it is. The city was just as I remembered…the food, music, people and culture. It actually made me a little homesick for the first time ever. I really wanted Jim to be able to experience a bit of how I had grown up…the history and feel of the city. Now I fear it will never happen. I cried last night as I watched images of a flooded New Orleans. How can they possibly rebuild??? Is it even feasible to do so??? The whole thing is really too difficult for me to grasp.

There has been an outpouring of generosity and of course knitters are no exception. Please join Margene and Susan in their effort to help storm victims. They are hosting a relief effort through the Red Cross and so far they have collected $15, 432 in donations from fellow knitters (of course, non-knitters are welcome to contribute).

yarn.com is donating 10% of purchases to the Red Cross for Katrina victims. I can’t think of a better reason to go yarn shopping!