New Orleans in the Spring

Mornings wandering the neighborhood streets of Uptown New Orleans offer a subtle peacefulness punctuated with the intermittent cawing of the local crows.

A cool breeze rolls in off the Mississippi River, dancing with the smothering southern heat as they both struggle to take the lead. 

Blackberries fall from their branches and splatter across the concrete as the sweet scents of jasmine and magnolia blossoms fill the air.

In just a few hours, the smell of crawfish boiling on Magazine will spill into the neighborhood as tourists bask in the lively culture.

Remnants of Mardi Gras cover the city as beads decorate the trees along Napoleon and St Charles and residents drape throws over their rod-iron fences. 

Flags for the upcoming Jazz & Heritage Festival adorn the front porches of the Creole cottages; the city never waits long for its next celebration. 

The cool breeze dissipates as it begins to lose its battle with the dense heat while the brutal southern summer peeks around the corner.

Until then, the city will revel in the blooms of new life and festivities that Ostara has to offer.