I love visitng Lousiana. The trees, the land, the history. It has always interested me and I always have a great time when I go. However...there is always one thing that makes my pulse race, my palms sweat, and leaves me with a strong desire to turn around and head back to Dallas.
And it is right around this curve...
Oh yes...there it is. A bridge. And not just any bridge. A bridge over water. And not just any water. A bridge over the Mississippi River.
And here we are on it. And instead of holding my breath and closing my eyes like I normally do, I found that if I concentrate on taking pictures while crossing the bridge I won't think about plunging over the side and not being able to unlock the doors as we sink to the bottom of the staf infected Mississippi River. And then trying to decide which would be worse...being trapped in the car or actually having to swim in the Mississippi. It's a toss up.
But we made it....and thank goodness we did because on the other side of the bridge was a photography class that I had been dying to take.
Karen Russell's One Day Photographers' Workshop
My partner in crime on this crazy adventure was the fabulous Jennifer Relle.
Armed with her bag o' meds we were ready for our 9 hour class. And let me tell you it was 9 of the most intense hours I have ever experienced.
Here is Jenn at about hour 5. We had a few set backs in the beginning of the class. Apparently we missed the email that they were NOT providing tables and we needed to bring clipboards to write on. Also, it seemed we didn't take the first email seriously about bringing a pillow for the ghetto plastic chairs that we had to sit in for 9 hours. So on our lunch break Jenn and I hit the WalMarts and bought some tailgate chairs and clipboards. And I have to say that it was the best $20 I have spent in a long time.
Here is a picture of the amazing Karen Russell. She made the class fun and meaningful despite the chair situation. :)
Thank you Jenn for going with me! (See, we don't have to be in our 20s to have a crazy road trip.) And thanks to the Anties! Always wonderful hosts and I can't wait to come back.
Well...almost.
