I’ve been staring at this map of New Orleans for most of the morning. I’m trying to memorize the way the Mississippi River shapes and bends the city. I’m trying to remember the order of the streets in the French Quarter, and the name of that really cool second-hand shop in the Bywater. I’m trying to sort out if the parades run down Claiborne Street or St. Charles Avenue or neither or both. Which side of Magazine Street has the best shops? How many steps from Royal Street in the French Quarter must I walk before I get to Cafe Du Monde?
This piece of paper has most of the answers, holds the music, the characters, and details the bustling life in New Orleans.
I should tell you now… I’M MOVING TO NEW ORLEANS!
The beignets are calling. The music is summoning. The life to be lived is just there!
I’m packing up my beach bike, mixing bowls, all the ripe avocados I can get my hands on, and moving to New Orleans. Come early March, I’ll call the French Quarter my home.
We’ve talked about New Orleans before: Hello, New Orleans! and Hello again, New Orleans!
We’re going to be talking about New Orleans a lot more! As I explore the city, I’ll share the great places I find here. I hope you’ll be along for the ride.
Thank you in advance for your patience this month as I pack up my butter, props, camera, and cat and drive across a few states on this new adventure. I expect those of you who already live in New Orleans to be my friends. How utterly presumptuous of me, but… just let it happen. If you’re visiting new Orleans sometime this year, I’ll write about some wonderful people, places, and food I discover along the way. I like that we’re in this together. Thank you!
Lastly, I’ve told my cat about the move, and he’s slightly worried about frizzy hair: his and mine. I comforted him with the thought of homemade beignets and a parade or two.
Let’s live!
Stephanie
Super exciting Joy! Just love the culture in the big easy. We look forward to your dispatches from LA (the state). Godspeed.
Rachel D.
This is suuuuuper exciting news!! I have quite the adoration for new places and spaces and I love change….I’m from Mississippi, but have lived from San Diego all the way down to South America…I’ve lived in New Orleans for the past three years and never imagined I’d fall as hard as I did in love with the city. I’m pleased to call it home. The city welcomes you with open arms and your expectation of friendship couldn’t be more excitedly received!
until March!
Meghan
YAY! I live here, and I’ve been reading your blog for years now. I love it. New Orleans will be so lucky to have you, and it will love you back! :)
Diana
Oh Joy! So happy for you and inspired by your sense of adventure in life. I look very forward to your stories about life in New Orleans!
Chris
Good luck!
Tammie
Wow! I’m sure you will love it! Congrats on the new adventures!!!
Anna
OMG!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS JOY!! I’m supe r happy for u i hope you have a nice time and have nice neighbors!! Hope your cute cat loves it tooo! Love you and your blog!! You are funny !!!!!!!
Carly
I am so. so. so. jealous. New Orleans is one of my all time favorite cities. Best of luck to you, Joy! I look forward to reading about all your new adventures!
Jessica L
oh Joy, oh Joy!! I am SO INCREDIBLY HAPPY you are moving to our fabulous city. My friend and I were just discussing how amazing it would be if you could one day procure a king cake recipe for the blog. I’m a bit biased, certainly, as a born-and-raised New Orleanian, but I know that you will LOVE living here. Maybe I’ll see ya at cafe du monde one morning? (Royal’s not too far from cafe du monde, no need to worry)
sandra
Are you moving now!? You can witness Mardi Gras – How fun!!
Erica
So exciting! New Orleans is such an amazing city – totally original, utterly exciting and oh! the food!
erica
You must do some snooping and find out what kind of powdered sugar they use at Cafe du Monde. It is special!
kait
I just moved to New Orleans in August. I love it. Let’s be friends!
Laura
I’m a new reader and am so excited you are moving to my city!!! We’ve lived in Mid-City for a little over a year and have never regretted it.
Kristina
I was comforted knowing you were a part of my home town and will miss that. But, I’m looking forward to posts about a whole new town. Enjoy the new adventure!