postings, politics and pouring rain

I am sitting in my living room in New Orleans into about the 6th hour of a storm and constant rain. I have to sit close to the front door so I can piggyback on someone else's wireless connection because I can't get the dial up to work. I refuse to pay for internet connection here (another monthly bill)...

I havent posted because I've had the cold thing for two weeks (cough still a pain in the ass), slammed at work per usual and trying to finish my book so all else goes to the wayside. I had this trip planned because it's my friend Jack's 87th birthday and I wasn't going to miss that. (The idea being that we would show up for his funeral so if you're not going to show up for his birthday while he's alive...what kind of friend are you?)

We celebrated here yesterday, house full of people, Debra cooked for us (you will all taste her fabulous creole food) and we drank a lot of champagne. Yesterday and the day before were gorgeous, clear crisp, then it started getting muggy and we knew the storm was approaching. I hear thunder as I type.

I am happy to talk politics as I did a bit when we were at Betsy's. I am sick of politics that points fingers, that accuses opponents of being disloyal or terrorist or whatever. Debate is what made this country and we need to be able to get back to the debate table and talk about difficult subjects without resorting to name calling, accusations and passive aggressive politics. We need to believe that compromise is a good thing, and consensus -- no matter how difficult, brings the surest solution (my book is about this).

Thus, my candidate is Obama because he is trying and I think succeeding in promoting an open discussion without belittling anyone. I read his books, I gave him the max contribution, I have met him several times, and I think he's a rock star. For the first time in years, and maybe in my life, I found someone I can stand up and cheer for, who makes me excited about the system again and about being involved.

That said, I also know Edwards and met him the last time around. I'm a lawyer so I have already a certain pigeon hole I put him in (he's a plaintiffs' trial attorney and I'm usually defense)...I think he's a good guy but lost his crediblity last time and like McCain, is having a hard time regaining it.

For the conservatives, Huckabee is the guy trying to make it happen -- and in my mind he's also a more concilatory politican, although I don't agree with his stance in many ways, I just want more debate. I feel oppressed by the current atmosphere of people refusing to discuss because the sides are at each other and too far away. My entire law firm are Hillarites -- mainly because one of my partners is married to Harold Ickes, if you anything about insider politics...he's running Hillary's campaign. Another partner is a national chair...I smile politely with them but they all know I'm a die hard Obama fan.

Lastly, the book is nearly completion -- I think over thanksgiving I'll have enough time to finish and get it out to my first round of readers (the cops, the FBI agent, etc.) for veracity. What I really want to do -- and I've been going through all my writing in my garrett because we're renovating the house and I need to move everything -- is finish my poetry book. Been writing little, but reading others more with huge envy for the loveliness of the writing. Anybody out there ever read any HD?

There's a night program for an MFA in poetry...am considering it...sounds crazy, doesn't it?

In the meantime, I am planning new Orleans...don't get discouraged by the hotel situation as that is as it always is. There will be b&b's, and other places...keep looking. Try quikbook.com and other sites. Also, some people rent out their homes for fest so look on the nojazzfest.com site as well or craig's list. We'll get everyone a place to sleep. It may be a mad slumber party (even with the husbands) at our house if need be. I am very excited about showing everyone around and we're going to do some incredible dinners...more to follow.

So wanderings, musing and all...want to find a way to stay in New Orleans and not to have to work anymore. Just want to write. Seem to get too tangled into life to break free of what those responsibilities are that hold me back.

Sabbatical in three years. Will I last until then?