living fat-n-happy in the Big Easy

grits, oatmeal, licky, sticky peanut butter.... What more does a mini-mouse need to be content? Her light step never triggers the trap. Our only hope is that by receiving regular meals she'll gain some girth in order to amply weigh-in. She skitters about, never concerned by our presence. More of a companion than a nuisance, until a few nights ago, when late in the night, James was awakened by a little tug, tug, tug on his hair. For him, that sealed little Minnie's fate - the next day the trap was set.

off to bed with warm pjs and a good book

The Pajama Program provides sleepwear for kids in foster homes, orphanages, and shelters. The program was started in NJ by a woman who realized that kids went to bed in the same clothes that they wore during the day. After Katrina, a PJ program started in NOLA. Last week, I went to a Pajama Jam party - adults in jammies giving pjs to children in need. The Pajama Program's goal is to give pajamas to 5000 kids in NOLA this winter.

The kids who receive pajamas also get a book. The books were provided by another organization that I've been volunteering with First Book-Greater New Orleans. Also, a national organization with chapters or branches throughout the country.

I've been so impressed by the various organizations that exist in this city to provide for those who are struggling to get by. So much has been done. So much still to do.....

Letters from NOLA to South Africa

An assignment in Mr. McDonald's classes last week:
My friend Brandi is a photographer and teacher in South Africa. Her students have never seen or touched snow. Write a letter to her students describing snow and I will send it for you.
What does it feel like? Taste like? Smell like? Look like? Sound Like?

They then looked at photos on Brandi's website to learn about where the kids lived and to get an understanding of what their lives are like. http://www.photosforafrica.org/ .

Thanks Brandi for your hard work and for providing inspiration to NOLA kids!!!!!!


Here are some of their letters - no grammatical edits made but shortened in places:



Dear students,

Today I am going to tell you about snow. Snow is like ice but a little softer. December 11, 2008 it snow in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States of America. The snow was so nice and it had a lot of snow on the ground. It was so much snow it was like 3 inches. I wish that you could see the snow, but one day you will. Snow is the best thing in the sky I've ever seen. When it snow the roads get slippery and people might have accidents but theirs nothing really bad about snow because it's verry fun. You can also build a snowman (with drawing). You can build snowangels in the snow (another drawing). I like the snow so much it seems like a part of my life. Well it was nice having to tell you about snow because I had a great time. Please have a nice day or nice night. Ms. Brandi, it was nice speaking to your students. If you ever write back please have my name in it or let the kids know how precious snow is and how wonderful snow is. From, Phil



Dear Children of Africa,

My teacher Mr. McDonald told us that we should write an letter to you guys & girls. I really want to tell you about our snow day in New Orleans, Louisiana. If it ever snows down there roll up a ball of snow and throw it at someone then you will have an snow ball fight. My friend Devin throw one at my leg when it was snowing down here. It feels like it is going to melt your skin. It taste like H2O (water). It smells like nothing. It looks like little white dots falling out of the light blue sky. It doesn't really have an sound but when it hits the ground it melts. Love, Darkayla

P.S. I hope you can come and vist us a Pierre A. Capdau.



Dear students

I am going to describe snow to you. Snow is white, it's very soft. It snowed one when I was in school at Capdau UNO Charter. When you bald the snow up it gets hard and you can have snowball fights. You can make a snowman and you put scarf, 3 buttons, 1 carrot and 1 hat. You would love the snow if you could see it you and your friends will have a lot of fun if you can come down and play in the snow. I wish you can. You can come down here to play with us. We will have a lot of fun we could play football or basketball.



Dear students,

Snow is a joy because it is fun to play in because it doen't snow often in Nola. Snow is soft and cold and it is white like the clouds. Snow only happen in December because it is the coldest part of the year. Sincerely, Justin



Dear Pin Pil,

Snow looks like crunched up ice and it is very white and very cold. It feel kinda nasty and when you tuch it your hands would freeze up and would start stinging. It does not sound like nothing unless you throw it at somebody they l.o.l. Oh and just to let you know l.o.l. means laugh out loud. When you pick it up it sticks together because its like a magnet and kinda connects together and thats how snow is. Right back to me if you can. Ya digg? Sincerely, Halle



Dear students,

I would like to tell yo about snow. Snow is water, but because of how cold it is that turns it hard and it forms snow flakes. It snowed last week, because it was below 30 degrees. It was very cold. We played in the snow and made snowballs and had a snow ball fight. It was fun. I live in New Orleans, Louisiana. Down here we have a lot of holidays. The holiday that is coming up is Christmas. Merry Christmas! I'm sure you heard about Barack Obama our new president. I'm happy about that. Sincerely, Capdau Student

P.S. Holla at me (write back)