09. September 2024

Like light through an emerald canopy, Bayli shared the path to becoming Briarwood's Curator, what the work entails, the rich history of Briarwood Nature Preserve, and the almost unbelievable accomplishments of Caroline Dormon, whose life and efforts have meant so much to so many, even if her name might seem somewhat obscure to most.

19. August 2024

In this episode, I had the opportunity to visit with Candice Alexander at her art studio in downtown Lake Charles, Louisiana, where I was immersed in a kaleidoscopic presentation of her works. When entering Candice's studio, it would be easy to assume that one is looking at the works of multiple artists—that assumption would be wrong.

05. August 2024

In this episode I visited with Village Coffee manager Hunter Forman, and co-owner Aaron Quinn, to learn more about the importance of their unique venue, the "name your price" items on the Village Coffee menu, and how dishing out dignity to all of the people of Sulphur, Louisiana is roasted into every bean, and baked into every bite.

22. July 2024

In this episode, I had the opportunity to visit with one the most industrious and caring people I know, Jill Leo, Director of the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association & Natchitoches Main Street. Jill would be the first to accept the compliment gracefully and quickly share the wealth of credit with others who work tirelessly to help her make the Natchitoches, Louisiana, events successful.

08. July 2024

In this episode, I had the pleasure of visiting with one of the Cane River region's most resourceful and passionate stewards, Rebecca Blankenbaker, President & CEO of Cane River National Heritage Area. It's clear that through Cane River National Heritage Area's partnerships and projects, the Natchitoches area will continue to be of interest to seekers, a delight to travelers, and a place to explore, rest, renew, contemplate the past and consider the road ahead.

23. June 2024

In this episode, I had that opportunity by visiting with CSE President & CEO Matt Koch, Chief Marketing Officer Colleen Desselle, and retired past CEO Eddie Oakley to discuss CSE's 80-year history in Southwest Louisiana, their commitment to serving CSE's members and their efforts to bring their unique passion for people to other markets.

15. June 2024

For over 20 years, George Swift, the CEO & President of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance has been using his unique chemistry of professional skills and personal strengths in service to the Southwest Louisiana region. Recently, George announced that he was stepping down from this critical leadership role with the Alliance. Soon, he'll be stepping up to the next chapter in his personal and professional life.

18. December 2022

Sharing has been dangerous, and while I feel the need to tell the truth of momma's life toward death, I know it is a lot more than most can bear—I am still trying to determine if I can bear it as well (I can—I will). There have been friends—brothers and sisters, who have opened their hearts in ways that have been very helpful. They make a space that holds the pain, and then they put their hands on it—they do not seem afraid to bear witness.

11. November 2022

There will be hard days When they come if you wish I will arrive with blanket bowl and bell I will arrive with water oil incense fire and flute We will sing talk sit laugh cry and pray I will see you You will see me We will see things as they are On the hard days and they will come you will have my hands feet eyes ears mind and heart If you wish I will arrive bear witness to you with you in the dark with a light Eyes open fully I will not look away Dear one you are not and need not ever be...

23. September 2022

Just a few days after mid-September each year, the dawn light breaks directly east across our drive, Tara. That day was this Wednesday last. Sol blazed orange as I looked down the drive, and turning east, as I have done in years past, that same light is mirrored in the glass of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church, named after the “little flower of God,” sigil Saint of my dear patroness, Brooke. I have often considered this clean east-west alignment a bit of a hinge-moment, a...