A year ago, I started writing this column documenting a weekly adventure. Since then, I’ve done things like:
- helping the grounds crew at Tiger Stadium;
- being a mermaid at the Audubon Aquarium (the scariest thing I’ve done in a long time);
- becoming a blacksmith (I have the twisted iron to prove it);
- walking to the largest bald cypress tree in the world;
- helping a beekeeper save a hive in midair;
- going behind the scenes with the mascot, Mike the Tiger, at LSU;
- meeting the Gold Man in the French Quarter;
- “strutting” with the Dancing Dolls, at least in theory (these kind young women were a highlight of the year).
It’s been quite a year.
For the first “Louisiana at Large” column, I went for a walk in Audubon Park in New Orleans where, by chance, I met Ciera Ellis. Our time together was a reminder of the joy that comes with meeting new people. On Friday, I went back to Audubon Park, with plans to meet and walk with Ellis. However, at the last minute, she was called away.
I was already there, so I did what I did last year — started walking, hoping to meet someone. First, I crossed paths with Robyn Ledet…