Thank you for bearing with me last week as I trekked from Los Angeles to New Orleans in a little Corolla with a very large orange cat. I sure did see a lot of road and sky! Palm Springs has the windmill game on lock. Arizona surprised me with its dreaminess. New Mexico has the biggest sky. Texas made me lonesome for… something, I’m not sure what. Louisiana was swampy and mysterious. It’s strange, but even after a month of packing, driving across the country felt more like a road trip that a permanent move. It’s funny how home became so connected with my little Venice bungalow. I think it will take a lot of days to undo that.
Tron Cat fared remarkably well on the 30 hour road trip. For as much of a beast as he is when I’m in the kitchen, he was surprisingly compliant and docile in his crate in the passenger seat of my car. He only had a few freak-outs… but to be fair, I had a few mid-trip freak-outs myself. It’s nothing a few cat treats and sour gummy candies can’t soothe.
On the road I filled my ears with The Moth Podcast (really beautiful, real storytelling), NPR’s Fresh Air (I LOVE this recent episode with American Hustle’s David O. Russell), and 99% Invisible (I listened to every episode they made because it’s fascinating and obscure bits of pop culture). Turns out I also know every single word to Fiona Apple’s “When The Pawn…”, so there’s that.
Out of the car and into the French Quarter in three days! Just like that!
I’m slowly setting up shop here. Unpacking is so much better than packing packing.
There’s a sunny spot for the bike.
There’s a tidy spot for all of the spices.
I’d love to show you more of my kitchen but I’m still trying to figure things out. There’s not a ton of storage and I’m going to have to do some serious tetris to figure it out. This apartment is beautiful, but it’s not one of those perfect places that has a kitchen spot for each and every item. Do those perfect places exist or is it just a thing on Pinterest? Imperfection has its charm.
So far the spice drawer is the only reasonable zone, and that may even be changed. I promise to show more as I figure the space out.
I’ll probably just invite you over to make biscuits… so, let’s just do that.
Count on me to always find a way to make a cocktail even when the kitchen isn’t entirely unpacked.
Outside of the front gates are more street musicians, cocktails, and crawfish that I can currently comprehend. This lady was singing as I walked up with bags of groceries. I suppose this might be a new normal. I’ll share all of it with you. It feels like we have time, right?
What I’m really trying to figure out is how to make this kitchen feel like home. Right now it feels like I’m baking in a stranger’s kitchen, but I’m sure that will change with time.
I wanted to make something that would fill my foreign kitchen with familiar smells. Banana Bread! So simple and comforting. I’ll share the recipe with you tomorrow.
I feel like we’re in this together and I appreciate you! Thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement and support!
kcsaling
I’m convinced that real life has nothing to do with what’s on Pinterest. We should look at it as pretty art and nice fluffy dreams and then go back about our real, messy, character-filled lives.
Michelle
your new adventure starts now! hooray! nola is wonderful, we were there for a week in december and it was not enough (as with all terrific places)..
Jessica (bakecetera)
welcome home! your road photos are beautiful and typically NPR can make any trip a bit more enjoyable :D your new kitchen looks incredible, and soon every trinket will have its perfect spot!
Julie
I’m so excited for you! Welcome home!
Bonnie-Jean
Yeah!!! You made it! So glad the road trip went well. Have fun finding new homes for all your belongings. I’m really looking forward to future posts about life in New Orleans.
Gina Gee
congrats on your move! i love your little apartment in new orleans- its so cute and chique!
Marie | Little Kitchie
Your new apartment looks beautiful, Joy! Glad you’re there and getting settled. Excited for you!
Amy
Welcome home Joy. I hope you and Tron Cat settle in well. Take care of yourself while you settle in.
I always remember the speech from ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ when she first removes into her new home. I have used it to get me through many situations (not just buying/renting a house).
“The trick to overcoming buyer’s remorse is to have a plan. Pick one room and make it yours.
Go slowly through the house. Be polite, introduce yourself, so it can introduce itself to you.”
Introduce yourself to New Orleans Joy. I am sure it will love you!
Sheri
Your apartment is lovely, Joy. I’m contemplating a big move myself, from the Midwest to the East coast, & you have given me courage. Looking forward to reading about your New Orleans adventures.
Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
Your new apartment looks like a dream! So glad you made it safe and sound. Have fun breaking in the new kitchen. xo
Callie
this is such a great thing. moving like you have is brave. and bravery is hard..and exhilarating and tiring and hard…did i say hard? your bravery is adding lots to my reserves. thanks yo.
Stacy
What an exciting journey for you, Joy! Can’t wait to hear more about your new digs! :)
Lynn @ The Actor's Diet
That Fresh Air episode was so special – Terry Gross is the best interviewer ever. Happy to see you settling in.
Amanda D
Cocktails are quite helpful for unpacking. Congratulations on your new home!
RLV
Can’t wait to read/see more!
xo,
RLV