The Best Time of Year in New Orleans

The inspiration of Mardi Gras.

Hi friends.

Before I get back to the business of worrying about my novel (and America), let me tell you: Ooh, I had a great Mardi Gras run this past weekend. Honestly you can’t get me to take time off for nothing, but Mardi Gras is insidious in the best possible way where all you can do is be consumed by it. Once you decide you’re in, that’s when all the fun stuff starts to happen. And also the most inspiring moments.

It’s important and valuable to me to admire the work that people put into their costumes and sculptures and floats. I just always walk around feeling so proud of everyone! Of their creativity and artistic discipline and commitment to self-expression. It is deeply fulfilling to witness the art of all my neighbors, whether I know them or not.

Also I love to dress up a little bit myself, I must admit. I’m not much of a crafter, but I do know how to ask for help.

My Mardi Gras day jumpsuit was made by our extremely talented pal Jacq Francois, who designed the 1000 Words logo and cover art. I got so many nice compliments on it as I walked through the streets of this city. I loved running into people I know, all out on a beautiful sunny day. All of us telling each other how great we looked.

Also thank you to those readers who stopped to say hi. You made my fucking day, truly.

I also took the dog out on Lundi Gras to a couple of brunches in the neighborhood—I kept calling it his “Doggie Gras”—and he even got to march in a neighbor’s short parade. I have to say that this dog really loves to party. And he will work the room for treats.

Speaking of working, I did write a tiny bit every day, but it was mostly editing and reorganizing chapters. Living and enjoying my life felt more important at this moment. But I wrote in my journal in the mornings, just checking in with myself, and inevitably some fresh ideas showed up. And I thought about how I needed to be deeply in my brain for the next couple of weeks after all of this stimulation.

Specifically I wrote down, “Be in your brain.”

It’s the best strategy for finding my way back to my work. What does that mean for me exactly right now?