Welcome to my blog. Wanted to try this out as I've read some interesting blogs from others. This blog is really an expression of my hope to help others as I help myself. Life is hard and we all endure some trying times. It is my belief that we all can look in the past and see that we've gotten through some issues. With this knowledge we need not be overly concerned about the outcomes of current issues.

Hurricane Katrina touched home for me this year and I've found myself with mixed emotions and sentiments. Yes, I feel like Kanye (West) spoke words of many an American. I still feel that there is more to be done right now. Evacuation was one problem. Problems have caked this situation like mud from the pontchartrain have caked streets from the 9th Ward to West End. As the days pass and anger/excitement is traded for calm thought, many more problems. And Katrina ain't one.

She has passed now. It is time to identify options. Will community groups find ways to communicate with each other enough to get their thoughts/concerns to their local representatives? While dead bodies are being collected in the wake of the storm, live bodies should be working with the state and the national government to understand what are the thoughts for the future.

My opinion is this...New Orleans is here to stay. Martial law was set in to protect the downtown area. Canal Street was already under construction for condominiums (i.e. above floodwater). The revitalized uptown area just [south] of the overpass leading to/from the Mississippi River Bridge will not take much to recover. A lot of the wharfs should not have sustained major damage either.

The question of the day for a lot of victims right now is, "Where is my $2000?" Other questions seek answers to housing, jobs, and the list, I'm sure, goes on.

I really send my heartfelt thanks to all of the cities and communities who have reached out to lend a helping hand. It is a beautiful thing to see small acts of kindness multiplied in the way that they have been.

I encourage all to believe in the possibilities. It will be a struggle. There will be some foolishness to arise, also. Simply believe in your possibilities and work towards that end, knowing that all things are possible.

Sorry I'm so late, this was from 9/12/2005