August 9th, 2010
Heather Elizabeth in Lower Ninth Ward 2010
This letter is dedicated to New Orleans artist John Scott who died shortly after Hurricane Katrina.
Please note: Below are my pictures of New Orleans present day and from 2005 shortly after Katrina hit. It is not until now that I share many of my 2005 photos with the public. I hope my 2005 photos serve to highlight both our Katrina successes and failures in 2010. It is with greatest respect for all New Orleanians alive and dead that I share these pictures with you. Many of our neighborhoods are now hallowed ground. It is my sincerest hope that my fellow New Orleanians will see just how far we have come, but at the same time never forget 8/29/2005. Peace be with you all.
Dear customers and friends,
It is time for me to write my annual Katrina Anniversary letter. Every year this letter is a process like giving birth. It takes me weeks to compose. Many of you reading this have become dear friends. I want to take this moment to thank each of you for supporting my small NOLA business during the last 8 years. Heather Elizabeth Designs wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for y’all.
What has happened since my last Katrina anniversary letter? Well, New Orleans was coming back Post-K with a vengeance. The Saints won the Super Bowl! Native New Orleanians joked about this happening for years. We would say to each other, “Can you imagine if the Saints won the Super Bowl?!?” When the city realized the Saints were going to the Super Bowl, there was a frenzy of excitement everywhere. December 2009 and January 2010 were magical months to live in New Orleans. Who could have imagined such a serendipitous event for New Orleans after August 29, 2005? Simply put, the 2009 Saints Super Bowl win helped New Orleanians continue to heal from Katrina.
Another wonderful event was New Orleans got a new mayor! Mitch Landrieu became our mayor after we won the Super Bowl. Mitch has always been a real friend to New Orleans. He believes in this city and her people. When you talk to Mitch about New Orleans his love of this region is palpable. His win only helped to cement the fact that New Orleans could look toward a brighter future.
Then, the BP oil catastrophe happened. Not in my recent memory could I remember such a loss of life on an oil rig. Day-by-day things gradually worsened in our beloved Gulf of Mexico. Our wetlands, coast and wildlife were ensconced in black oily muck. When pictures of oiled wild life were finally published, it was all New Orleanians could talk about. We couldn’t believe our beloved brown pelican was covered in oil! It was more than many of us could stand to watch. And, then there was the ongoing decimation to our seafood industry from the spill. Fishermen that had been fishing for 6 plus generations were losing their livelihoods.
As we were dealing with the ongoing tragedy out in the Gulf, we learned 2010 would be a bad hurricane season. Meteorologists forecasted that our hurricane season could be like that of 2005. This was all you needed to send people down here into an absolute Post-Katrina melt down. We knew that oil was everywhere in the Gulf. We also knew that if a hurricane hit with oil in the Gulf, we would have a catastrophe on our hands that would make Katrina look like a cakewalk.
Now, let’s fast forward to the present…
It appears the well is capped. But, the repercussions of it will be felt for a long time to come. (that is another letter! LOL) We are praying for 2010 to be a year in which we do not have to evacuate and the damned well stays plugged. As long as we have no hurricanes or oil spills, New Orleans may carry on with her miraculous REBIRTH. The New Orleans Saints didn’t call it quits and they won the Super Bowl! New Orleanians won’t call it quits either. We will keep fighting for this city as those before us have done for the last 292 years and we will win this battle, too!
On a lighter note, I am very proud to share with you some encouraging information regarding New Orleans tourism Post Katrina. Pre-Katrina we had 8.5 million visitors a year. Our numbers have slowly crept back up. By 2009 we had reached 7.5 million tourists! This is great news for our city. Then, Arthur Hardy, our local Mardi Gras expert, says Mardi Gras is back to Pre-K levels. Also, New Orleans was rated #1 for Night Light by Trip Advisor and #7 for top places to visit by Travel & Leisure Magazine. All of these things are a testament to the fortitude of the people of New Orleans.
New Orleanians are a strong people with huge heart. If you aren’t lucky enough to call this crazy place home, please come and visit us. The music, food, and people are just as wonderful as they ever were. There is place set especially for you at our table. Please come join us in our rebuilding & celebration of life in this one of a kind American city.
* you may view an archive of my previous Katrina anniversary letters from the last 5 years here
Much New Orleans love,
Heather Elizabeth
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Lower Ninth Ward 2005
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Home in the Lower Ninth Ward 2005
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Homes in the Lower Ninth Ward 2005
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Lower Ninth Ward 2005
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Lower Ninth Ward 2005
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Lower Ninth Ward 2005
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Rescue Boat Hurricane Katrina 2005
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Lower Ninth Ward 2005
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Lower Ninth Ward 2005
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Cars in Lower Ninth Ward after breech
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Abandoned boat after Katrina on Elysian Fields
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Rescue Boat under Exressway 2005
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Cars under the Claiborne Bridge 2005
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Home where some Lower Ninth ward residents perished in the flood water.
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Metal roof or wall hanging from tree/Katrina 2005.
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Home in Lower Ninth Ward 2005
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Kermit Ruffins picture after Katrina 2005
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Broad Street after Katrina 2005
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Carrollton Avenue 2005 Post Katrina
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Fats Domino’s house after Katrina 2005
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St. Bernard Parish after Katrina 2005
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St. Bernard Parish Home 2005
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St. Bernard Parish after Katrina 2005
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St. Bernard Parish home 2005
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St. Bernard Parish after Katrina 2005
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17th Street Canal Federal Levee Failure after Katrina 2005
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17th Street Canal Federal Levee Failure after Katrina 2005
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Lakeview home after Katrina 2005
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Ground Zero of the 17th Street Canal levee failure 2005
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Home washed into street near 17th Street Canal 2005
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17th Street Canal Home after levee failure 2005
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Across the street from the 17th Street Canal levee failure 2005
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Remodeled home in the Treme 2010
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Homes in the Marigny 2010
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Hurricane Katrina Memorial Plaque
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Hurricane Katrina Memorial
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Torres Park in St. Bernard Parish 2010
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Torres Park in St. Bernard Parish 2010
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Torres Park in St. Bernard Parish 2010
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Torres Park in St. Bernard Parish 2010
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St. Bernard Parish Sign 2010
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St. Bernard Parish Home 2010
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St. Bernard Parish Neighborhood 2010
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St. Bernard Parish tear down lot 2010
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St. Bernard Parish Neighborhood 2010
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St. Bernard Parish 2010
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OIL SPILL ad in St. Bernard Parish 2010
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Torres Office Building St. Bernard Parish 2010
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Chase Bank St. Bernard Parish 2010
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New Movie Theatre in St. Bernard 2010
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New Movie Theatre in St. Bernard 2010
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New Movie Theatre in St. Bernard 2010
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Home Depot/Firestone in St. Bernard 2010
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Lowe’s in St. Bernard 2010
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Pontchartrain Park sign (Gentilly, NOLA) 2010
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Ponthchartain Park, Mr. Lation on his front porch
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Pontchartrain Park, Mr. Lation 2010
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Pontchartrain Park, Golf Course 2010
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Pontchartrain Park Community Center 2010
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Pontchartrain Park HUGE pot hole 2010
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Pontchartain Park playground 2010
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Pontchartrain Park home 2010
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New Pontchartain Park home 2010
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Holy Cross neighborhood 2010 (Orleans Parish, Ninth Ward)
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Holy Cross neighborhood 2010 (Orleans Parish, Ninth Ward)
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Holy Cross home right off the bridge 2010
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Holy Cross Home 2010/Katrina damage
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Holy Cross neighborhood 2010 (Orleans Parish, Ninth Ward)
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Holy Cross neighborhood 2010 (Orleans Parish, Ninth Ward)
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Holy Cross neighborhood 2010 (Orleans Parish, Ninth Ward)
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Holy Cross neighborhood 2010 (Orleans Parish, Ninth Ward)
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Holy Cross High School 2010 (Orleans Parish, Ninth Ward)
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Lower Ninth Ward 2010
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Lower Ninth Ward 2010
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Lower Ninth Ward 2010
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Lower Ninth Ward 2010
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Martin Luther King School Lower Ninth Ward 2010
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Fats Domino’s Home Lower Ninth Ward 2010
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Heather Elizabeth in Lower Ninth Ward 2010
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Make It Right sign noting levee breech 2010
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Make It Right sign showing flood water intrusion 2010
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Make It Right sign Lower Ninth Ward 2010
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Make It Right sign Lower Ninth Ward 2010
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Make It Right Sign 2010
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Make It Right Foundation Katrina memorial area
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Make It Right Foundation Home 2010
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Make It Right Foundation Home 2010
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Make It Right Foundation Home 2010
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Make It Right Foundation Welcome Center 2010
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Make It Right Foundation New Home 2010
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West End (aka the Lakefront) 2010
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Southern Yacht Club in West End 2010
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Lakeview near 17th Street Canal breech 2010
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Lakeview near 17th Street Canal Breech 2010
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Lakeview near the 17th Street Canal breech 2010
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Lakeview Blighted Home 2010
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Lakeview Remodeled Home 2010
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Lakeview House Slab 2010/across from breech
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Lakeview 17th Street Canal levee breech/Ground Zero 2010
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New Home in Lakeview 2010
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Remodeled Korean Church in Lakeview 2010
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Lakeview Beth Israel Synagogue 2010
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Lakeview Blighted Home 2010
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New Construction in Lakeview Post Katrina 2010
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Lakeview New Home 2010
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Lakeview New Home Post Katrina 2010
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Lakeview Starbucks 2010
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Lakeview Starbucks 2010/the “water line”
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Lakeview/Harrison Avenue 2010
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Lakeview Remodeled Post Katrina Home 2010
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New Lakeview Grocery 2010! (formerly Lakeview Fine Foods)
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Garden District Home 2010
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Benjamin Buttons’ house 2010
Tags: 5th anniversary of katrina, arthur hardy, brad pitt, gentilly, Gulf oil spill, hurricane katrina, john scott, lakeview, lower ninth ward, make it right foundation, marigny, new orleans, new orleans saints, pontchartrain park, st.bernard parish, treme
Posted in Katrina Anniversaries | 2 Comments »
July 28th, 2010
Hi everybody! I am off during the hotter summer months from the art markets. Please visit the local shops which sell my work until I get back out to the art markets again in September. I will have some new items available in the Fall which I am very excited about. So, please check back with me often! Also, you may stay in touch with me via Facebook or Twitter for product updates and just all around GOOD NOLA news!
Tags: new orleans
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April 16th, 2010
Come see me at one of the remaining April art markets! I will have some items on SALE! Also, please note every Wednesday, I will be at the Weds at the Square Artist Village through June 2010. Come say HI and get some great Mother’s Day gifts!
Bywater Art Market
Saturday, April 17th (10am-4pm)
Location: Markey Park at the corner of Royal & Piety Streets
http://www.bywaterartmarket.com
Wednesday at the Square Artist Village
Wednesday, April 21st
5-7:30pm
Lafayette Square, St. Charles Avenue
http://www.wednesdayatthesquare.com
Arts Market of New Orleans
Saturday, April 24th (10am – 4pm)
Location: Palmer Park (S. Carrollton Ave. at Claiborne Ave.)
http://www.artscouncilofneworleans.org
Wednesday at the Square Artist Village
Wednesday, April 28th
5-7:30pm
Lafayette Square, St. Charles Avenue
http://www.wednesdayatthesquare.com
Tags: arts market of new orleans, bywater art market, new orleans, wednesdays at the square
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February 9th, 2010
As many of you know, I have been very sick. Unfortunately, I am not able to attend the historic SAINTS Super Krewe tonight. I am doing the next best thing and watching it live on tv. I am crying b/c 4 1/2 years ago I could not have imagined the SAINTS winning the Super Bowl nor a SAINTS parade that would rival the likes of Endymion. Any of us who grew up in New Orleans or has lived here long enough has heard, “Can you imagine what would happen if the SAINTS ever won the Super Bowl?” Well, now we are so fortunate to finally be in that number! All I can think about is when I was evacuated to Tulsa for 3 1/2 months. During those early days of evacuation I was enveloped in the deepest depths of sadness. I didn’t know where many of my family and friends were. Simply put, I didn’t even know if some of my friends were alive. I know many of you reading this experienced the most wretched of circumstances. As I watch these floats roll down Poydras Street in front of the Superdome, I am filled with great joy. I can remember seeing the flood water enveloping the Dome as I watched helplessly from Tulsa. Now, I sit here and watch our beloved SAINTS victorious in a SUPER BOWL and parading down our once flooded streets. This is such a historic and beautiful night. I know all those SAINTS fans up in heaven are smiling down on us now. New Orleans is living proof that the hardest of obstacles can be overcome. New Orleans is rising up because of her people and I love each and every one of you.
WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME TO BE A NEW ORLEANIAN!! WHO DAT, baby!!!???!!!
Tags: katrina, lombardigras, new orleans, saints
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November 21st, 2009
Heather Elizabeth Designs’ November 2009 Art Market Dates
All of our merchandise can be found at our art market shows. Please note: In case of inclement weather conditions I may not be available at the art markets. If in doubt please feel free to call me at 504.237.1458 to hear a recorded message confirming my presence at the art markets. You may also visit my Facebook page or Twitter page for art market weather updates!
Come visit the local art markets for special sales and new merchandise. See you soon for your Holiday shopping! Remember I have something for every New Orleans die hard!
CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN. Saturday, November 21st (9am – 4pm)
Bywater Art Market
Location: Markey Park (corner of Piety Street and Royal Street)
http://www.bywaterartmarket.com
Sunday, November 22nd (11am – 6pm)
3rd Annual Po Boy Fest
Location: Oak Street, Uptown (In The Artist’s Village)
http://www.poboyfest.com
November Arts Market of New Orleans TWO-DAY EVENT!
Saturday, November 28th (10am – 4pm)
The Arts Market of New Orleans
Location: Palmer Park (S. Carrollton Ave. at Claiborne Ave.)
http://www.artscouncilofneworleans.org
Sunday, November 29th (10am – 4pm)
The Arts Market of New Orleans
Location: Palmer Park (S. Carrollton Ave. at Claiborne Ave.)
http://www.artscouncilofneworleans.org
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September 21st, 2009
Well, I am back at the Arts Market of New Orleans after a hiatus since June! Please stop by and say hello. Lots of fun new things to see! I also will have my new Holiday 2009 ornaments on SALE (this month only!)…other items will be marked down as well to celebrate my re-entry back into market season! So, look for the good ‘ole favorites such as my NOLA night lights and wine stoppers to be on SALE, too! I look forward to seeing many of you soon!
Print the coupon below to receive $10 off any purchase of $65 or more at 9/26/09 Arts Market of New Orleans. Coupon must be present!
And, remember if your night light doesn’t have a Heather Elizabeth Designs tag on it, it’s not the REAL deal! My night lights are only sold at authorized dealers listed on my website! Big NOLA hugs to y’all.
Sept. 26th Arts Market of New Orleans Gambit Ad
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July 28th, 2009
Dear friends, every year I write a Katrina Anniversary letter. It’s been 4 years since she hit and New Orleans had federal levee failures which flooded our city. There has been lots of healing over these years, but there is still much healing to be done. I guess the same could be said of our rebuilding as well.
I watched a Weather Channel special two nights ago with Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News and his Katrina experience. As I watched it took me back to those horrible weeks that followed August 29th, 2005. It was a tenuous time for New Orleanians. Those of us lucky enough to have evacuated watched helplessly from afar as our city and her people struggled to live. And, I mean that quite literally! It was the most helpless feeling I have had in my entire life.
I evacuated to stay with my older sister in Tulsa, OK. She was the only one in my family to leave New Orleans. I was very sad to see her leave many years ago, but now her home in Tulsa was my only saving grace. I was so relieved on that day in early September when I got her phone call at the hotel. I was exhausted from watching hours on end of my city being destroyed. On the verge of an all out breakdown, the phone rang. It was my sister saying, “Pack your things and come live with me in Tulsa.”
I got to Tulsa along with my two dogs and boyfriend. (my mother in father were elsewhere. long story!) I remember being in her backyard with my dogs. Relieved to be out of a hotel, but emotionally distraught about what my future would be. Her neighbor peered over the fence and started to talk with me. He worked for an electrical company in Tulsa. He proceeded to tell me, “Yeah. I just talked to a friend and he told me that the main electrical grid for New Orleans is destroyed. It may be 6 months or longer before it is repaired.” I couldn’t tell you what that man said after that. I just stood there dumbfounded and sickened to my stomach. It’s a feeling I hope to never have again in my life. All I could think about was HOME. New Orleans.
I ended up being evacuated for 3 1/2 months in Tulsa. I was home just in time for Thanksgiving. That was a very special Thanksgiving for our family in 2005. I remember on the ride home from Tulsa we came to point where the Cypress trees grow in the swamp. Yes, many of our beautiful ancient Cypress trees were cracked in half by Katrina’s wind, but they were still standing. Just as they had been for hundreds of years.
One of my dogs died while I was evacuated in Tulsa. She came evacuated with us, but an unfortunate accident occurred and I had to put her to sleep. It has taken me 4 years to get another dog. Louis (named after Louis Armstrong and Louis XIV) will not ever replace my Boo, but he is an integral part of my healing process. Dealing with the aftermath of Katrina and then to lose one of my dogs was almost more than my soul could bear. I suppose I got through it all by grace of God.
I go back to Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News. After we got back home to NOLA, he would come quite often to give the country updates about Katrina recovery. One evening, we found out he was here and where he was reporting from! We drove like mad in the car to get to him. We got there just in time to see him finish his news report. He was reporting from the London Avenue Canal breech in Gentilly. And, I remember Harry Lee sitting in a chair nearby. This neighborhood was besieged with over 8 feet of water. When Brian Williams was done, I went over to thank him for his commitment to NOLA. I couldn’t get 4 words out before I was overwhelmed with grief. Mr. Williams gave me hug and held me for a moment. He said, “Everything is going to be o.k.” I will not forget his words.
We still have much rebuilding to do. As I have said in past Katrina letters, our rebuild is marathon not a sprint. Every few months a grocery store, library or post office opens. New Orleanians rejoice at these events b/c we know what it is like for them to be gone.
It has taken me 4 years to deal with the emotional trauma of Katrina. Only months ago did I begin to write down my memories of the storm. I still haven’t finished doing it. I have to stop sometimes b/c it is just too hard to remember those things. But, it is helpful. If any of you reading this are trying to come to grips with your Katrina baggage, I highly recommend writing it down. It’s been a great release for me. Also, it is very important for all of us to document history for future generations.
I will close with a few words. Any of my fellow New Orleanians who are back at home and struggle with our recovery remember the words Brian Williams said to me, “Everything will be o.k.”
8/28/2009 Development: CNN Headline News called me today about my Ireport that I had posted on their network. They asked if they could do an interview today. Of course, I was thrilled to talk about New Orleans. Click here for the video of the interview I did with Chuck Roberts and click here to read their blog about my 4th Anniversary letter which you are reading now. Thank you for not forgetting New Orleans, CNN!
And, for those interested in my handcrafted NOLA photograph jewelry and accessories for the home, please click here.
Much New Orleans Love to All,
Heather Elizabeth
Tags: 8/29 investigation, gustav, holy cross neighborhood, katrina, katrina anniversary, lakeview, levees.org, make it right, new orleans, ninth ward, support new orleans
Posted in Katrina Anniversaries | No Comments »
July 11th, 2009
Handcrafted Heather Elizabeth Designs St. Louis Cathedral night light
I am off from the outdoor art markets for the months of July and August. I will be back out at the Bywater Art Market, Arts Market of New Orleans and the Harrison Avenue Marketplace in September. I will also be adding other outdoor venues along the way, so please make to sure check back regularly! Another reminder to become a Heather Elizabeth Designs FAN on Facebook. I am also on Twitter now. So please follow my tweets here.
I am working on some wonderful new items for all of you for Holiday 2009. If you are in need of Heather Elizabeth gifts during July and August, please visit the shop listing on my website. Or you may purchase items online and your items will ship in a timely manner.
Lastly, I would also like to take this time to express my deepest thanks to the customers who have supported this native New Orleanian and her business since 2002! It has been a tough road sometimes to own my own business, but customers like you have made it one of the most rewarding endeavors of my life. It’s sounds corney, but it’s true.
Some very loyal customers have brought it to my attention that I have a couple of copycats out there. They say imitation is the best form of flattery, but I think it shows a lack of imagination and creativity. I ask that you please continue to stay loyal to Heather Elizabeth Designs as you have done for all these years. Your loyalty means that I may continue to create wonderful designs. Designs that are truly my own ideas which come from the deepest expression of love for my ancestral home town. I will leave you with these last thoughts:
If the tag doesn’t say Heather Elizabeth Designs, it’s not the real thing! So, please do not support those who have copied my original ideas and hard work.
Much New Orleans Love to all!
Heather Elizabeth
Tags: arts market of new orleans, bywater art mar, harrison avenue marketplace, heather elizabeth designs, new orleans night lights, st. louis cathedral night light
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June 9th, 2009
Thank you, WHERE Magazine for choosing my ribbon streetcar pendant as a Must Have New Orleans souvenir! We ranked 12thin a list of 50 other souvenirs. There is nothing like a piece of hand crafted New Orleans memorbelia to take home!
WHERE Magazine June 2009
Tags: WHERE mgazine
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