Le Salon Annex

I'm not sure why this year has hit me harder than the others. Perhaps, it is because my son, unborn at the time of the disaster, has started kindergarten. His difficulty in adjusting reminds me of my own vulnerability in the years 2005-2006. While slightly reluctant to share this personal story, I decided even though we move on, it's important to remember. This essay was first published in Mother Verse , Issue 5, January 2007. Goodbye, My New Orleans first published in Mother Verse , Issue #5 The television in the hospital waiting room was on but muted. A large red and orange graphic was swirling on the screen. “Hurricane,” I said casually as I steered my toddler away from the vending machines. My husband replied, “Yeah, It’s gonna hit the Florida panhandle.” “Hmm,” I pondered before I was distracted by the calling of my name. I was there for the five month ultrasound that would reveal the gender of my new child. My husband held our reluctant 20-month-o...

I am thrilled! The amazing and generous Beto Palaio has featured three of my photo essays, "Transitory Treasure," "Graffiti's Gray Area," and "Above Ground" at his lovely blog, Academia Postmoderna de Letras . Muito obrigado, Beto!

Happy day! My second book, "Rampart & Toulouse" a novella and other stories, is released today. Free worldwide shipping. Many thanks to all who have ordered a copy. Cheers! View the book trailer and order here .

My second book, Rampart & Toulouse , a novella and other stories will be released on August 13th, but pre-orders are being accepted now. See the book trailer on the book page here . Thanks for the interest!

Cover shot by Kristin Fouquet Blink Ink #7 is here! Barr Bielinski, Randall D. Brown, Ashley Dean, Sarah Fiete, Amanda Gowin, Nick Johns, Peter LaBerge, Shea Newton, Robin Stratton, Susan tepper, Richard Thomas, Stephanie Thurrot, JJ Toner, Dale Wisely, Jim Wittenberg. www.blink-ink.com . Subscribe/Submit/Inquire.

While all book reviews are a matter of opinion, some subject matter is more personal for certain readers than others. James Lee Burke’s novel The Tin Roof Blowdown brought back one of the most tragic experiences of my life. I confess I have bypassed most books concerning or having Hurricane Katrina as a backdrop. The memory strikes like a raw nerve being hit repeatedly by a dentist’s drill. Some heartache never completely heals; we simply learn to live with it. The optimist in me wants to believe the major tragedies in people’s lives will be the zenith of suffering for them and they will live the rest of their days with renewed reward. However, life is not always so just. When many were beginning to comprehend the effects of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita arrived, adding to the destruction and loss in the region. In my hometown New Orleans, throughout Louisiana, and along the Gulf Coast, we all suffered in some capacity. Visitors to our region, who understand and appreciate our cul...

"Soap Box and Baby Book" copyright 2011 Kristin Fouquet I'm delighted to have three photographs in Beat the Dust , June 2011 issue, alongside some great fiction and poignant poetry. Enjoy the online version here: Beat The Dust, June 2011 or print a copy here: Beat the Dust, June 2011 Chap-book Many thanks to Melissa Mann.