September in New Orleans has brought some unusually cool weather courtesy of the Canadian cold front (which also kept Hurricane Irma away from the Big Easy). No one who has spent any time here is a stranger to hurricanes, but this year they were breeding like rabbits! 
My heart goes out to our neighbors in Texas and Florida. Twelve years ago New Orleans was the canary in the coal mine for the flooding to come. Ironically, even though we are below sea level, we are less likely to flood now because of the reinforcements in the levee system that were built after the devastation. Well, that’s what they say anyway!
Some of my clients may know that I have packed up my studio (rocks and tools too) and have placed a “for sale” sign on my house, in the hope of moving back to Canada. Selling a house in New Orleans in the dead heat of summer with hurricanes swirling around is well, um, crappy timing! To make matters worse, the City That Care Forgot, also “forgot” to maintain the pumps. For those of you who don’t know, because we are below sea level AND surrounded by water, we have a sophisticated pumping system that (when it’s operational) keeps the water off the streets. After a lot of finger pointing, the city is on track to get the pumps back in action. One of the things I love about living here is, that even when facing disaster, people have a sense of humor. Below is a sign someone put up next to the pumping station in my neighborhood before the expected deluge of Hurricane Harvey.
Our optimistic pumping station.
So, I am hoping this cool front will bring more beautiful weather AND a “sold” sticker on the house.
In the meantime, the shop is still (maybe) up. If you have read this far, and have a piece you’ve been hankering for, I am offering a 20% discount for those who have the *audacity to email me (lydia@ledajewelco.com) and ask. I rarely put my stuff on sale because I just put too much of myself into it.
Happy September to all.
Here’s a pretty purple sapphire (September’s birthstone) & amethyst bauble to tempt you to mosey on over to the shop!
Rose Cut Amethyst and Purple Ceylon Sapphire Necklace
FYI: The shop address is boutique.ledajewelco.com
Please be aware that I am unable to create anything new, or repair pieces at this time.
*this is humor! I am really easy to talk to!! Really.
Yes, you really are easy to talk to! I will miss you after your move away. We really must stay in touch. A toast to the cooler weather!
Thank you my friend. I consider you to be of my “tribe” – I will always stay in touch. XXX