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!
India
Joy – the pictures you shared are beautiful! Looks like a fun apartment. Can’t wait to see how you make it your own. Thanks for sharing your cooking life (& a bit more) with us.
calista
I have apartment envy right now. And light envy. I adore what you’ve done with the place! I’m so glad you made it safely.
Alison Y.
What better reason to have a cocktail, then unpacking in your new home.
Enjoy all the new exploring.
Are you willing to say why you moved?
Annie B
Wonderful. The pics fill me with nostalgia and happiness for your new place in life. Savor it and share it with the rest of us.
Amy
Joy! I’ve been following your blog for a LONG time (since before I moved to nola, myself, about two and a half years ago!). I ride my bike throught the quarter to get to work every day (I live right near the fairgrounds in mid-city). This is by far the best city/place I’ve ever lived — for so many reasons. Let me know if you need someone to enjoy it with! Or just some starter tips on stuff to do (though I know you’ve been here before!). We also live right near the Mystery St. entrance to Jazz Fest if you need a stoop on which to enjoy a bloody mary before going in (great spot for those around the corner). Happy unpacking!
Josephine
I admire your adventurous spirit and honest ‘voice’. I was thinking about you on the weekend while I was making your extra crumb coffee cake :-) Glad to hear you and your furry friend arrived safe and sound! I hope it doesn’t take too long to feel settled in. I’m looking forward to more ‘tastes’ of New Orleans – living in Australia, I know almost nothing about the place!
Becky
Thanks for sharing your cross country adventure – am praying that your big transition goes smoothly!
Kirsten @ Fit + Fab
Oh how I would love to go to New Mexico at some point!
lizytishknits
What a wonderful looking apartment! Love the view of the street. A move like that seems so scary to me so I think you are very brave. Banana bread seems like the perfect homey snack. Extra treats for kitty too until he settles in, I bet. Can’t wait to see what New Orleans is like. :)
maryann tomlinson
I used to have an aluminum measuring cup just like yours. I get so happy when I see things on your blog that I actually own, like the little wooden pepper mill and the jelly mold (miniature bundt pan) you use to hold ingredients temporarily. Good luck to you in your new venture!
Sarah Galvin (All Our Fingers in the Pie)
I made a move like that about 3 or 4 years ago. I know that surreal feeling and I was surprised how long it lasted. But that’s a good thing. What’s wrong with a 2 year vacation!
Caitlin
Congratulations on your move, Joy! We all love you and can’t wait to see more of your new home!
Argelia
it is so great that you finally arrived to your destination. i can not imaging leaving my city and going to another part of the country, and because of that i think you are so brave :D
i discovered your blog a few months almost by mistake and i got to say it has been very helpful and funny.
Please take care and i cannot wait to read your banana bread recipe to compare notes with mine
Marsha Frenkel
Joy!!!!! Mazel tov to you! This is epic what you’ve done and what you are about to embark on! Reading the blog today (as i do every day) I felt like it was my own friend making the change and am truly happy for you. And don’t worry about the kitchen space, because of you and your book I’ve been able to create some amazing things in my tiny Santa Monica kitchen. You learn quickly how to love it and make the most of it and in return it would give you the world with just the help of some butter and sugar. Cheers and thank you for sharing!!!!!
Bee @ camera in tow
I absolutely love New Orleans! Can’t wait to read about all of the adventures as you explore your new city. Oh, that apartment. The hardwood floor, the balcony, the light. Sigh.