Our Nola

I have very close family ties to Mississippi and Louisiana. Hurricane Katrina definitely left a mark on my family and impacted thousands of others. The Gulf Coast is still reeling from the disaster and with the tenacious spirit of it's inhabitants, the area will be born again. But there is still much recovery to do. Last year, one of my favorite shows, Studio 60, (now cancelled) did an amazing Christmas episode. It was probably one of the better holiday shows I have ever seen. And although I may be a little biased, the music from that episode will stay with me forever. Unfortunately, the clip from the show is no longer available on NBC. The episode featured musical performances by New Orleans musicians displaced after the hurricane. The musicians were led by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews in an original arrangement of "O Holy Night". The song is amazing, stunning, beautiful and haunting all at the same time. It is sure to leave you with chills or at the very least an overwhelming sense of peace. The musical arrangement was assembled with the help of the Tipitina's Foundation, an organization dedicated to restoring Louisiana's irreplaceable music community and preserve the state's unique musical culture. Another one of our favorite sites is Save Nola. (NOLA, the abbreviation for New Orleans, LA) Several evacuees, in a attempt to rebuild their city by raising funds to build homes founded the sportswear line. The items are created, made and promoted by a group of native New Orleanians who lost their homes and personal possessions. 100% of the net proceeds will go to organizations dedicated to building, rebuilding or “greening” homes in New Orleans. The New Orleans affiliate of Habitat for Humanity is one such program. Save Nola is proud to support their unprecedented effort to build homes and restore our beloved city. Additionally, Global Green is working to create a safer, sustainable environment for the city’s future. The line of merchandise is great. We have t-shirts, baseball caps, and a tote which are rotated weekly in our wardrobe, they are staples really. Together, we will save Nola.

And that leads me to our daughter. We are giving Mattine the middle name of Nola. Although, it is a city she has never visited it is a place she will learn to know and love- the food, the culture, the family ties. She already has an incredible spirit and has overcome so much. The future awaits her and with the help and love of family, friends and strangers alike she will continue to grow and blossom. The name just seemed fitting. Except it is our "Nola Girl" who is saving us!