-
The Story on the Line, the Other Part of Genealogy
I proclaim to be a terrible genealogist. This is a true statement and definitely not opinion. I spent my childhood in libraries, church archives and peoples homes researching. I knew how to work a microfilm machine, remember those, and WRITE DOWN what we found. No copies, or pdf’s or scanning available. My Mom created a massive database of Creole genealogy. By the time I was an adult I had lost the genealogy bug. There were several people of my generation that were doing the work and doing it well. I feel like I can let it go and enjoy their findings. What Connects Us What I do want to learn…
-
Living in My Shame Storm
Right before I began to write this one of my former coworkers and friend, messaged me that she loved to read my stories. And that she misses my big hugs. At that very moment I was sitting here staring at this blank screen and thinking, “I can’t do this”. Who am I to think that I can write something and provide value to anyone. I’ve failed again. Unknowingly she reached down and pulled me out of the shame storm that I often find myself in. I discovered what being in a shame storm meant from Brene Brown’s book, Daring Greatly. And boy am I in one. I feel like a…
-
My Love Hate Relationship as a Non-Profit Executive Director
While I talk way to much about my side hustles, my main hustle is being a non-profit Executive Director. I’ve worked in the non-profit world for almost as long as I can remember. I grew up the kid of a non-profit addict and learned from the best. Instead of sleepovers, dance or cheer camp I was with my Mom. We went to libraries to do research, conferences, symposiums (how about knowing what a symposium was at 10 years old) and countless meetings. I learned by listening but most definitely not getting involved in grown folks conversation that also involved work. I kept my mouth shut! My Mom, My Hero Then…
-
Teresa Colson Burns, Medium
About Teresa Teresa Burns is the daughter of John and Janet Colson and my sister. A native of Natchitoches she’s lived most of her adult life in Lafayette, LA and is a wife and mom to four daughters. Teresa discovered her gift as a medium about ten years ago and has been using it to help others ever since. A registered nurse for nearly thirty years she now commits herself fully to her gift. This episode I finally got the opportunity, after much begging, to have my sister, Teresa, as my guest on the GumboLife podcast. She was basically not having it and I had to voluntold her. It’s one…
-
I Did the Privilege Walk and it Changed Everything
In 2019, I was honored to be selected to be in the Emerge Louisiana class. Emerge Louisiana is a program to train Democratic women to run for office. The group of women selected were picked from across the state and weirdly I was also selected to be in the group. I was so excited, a little overwhelmed but, the first day of class the imposter syndrome settled deep and heavy in the pit of my stomach. These women were amazing. They were lawyers, two of which are now Judges, they were long time advocates and activists, and successful businesswomen. Women that were teachers and directors of big and important things.…
You May Also Like
Living in My Shame Storm
-
The Creole Sauce Boss, Bryant Fuselier
About Bryant Bryant “Boobie” Fuselier aka The Sauce Boss is a treasure of St. Landry Parish. Bryant takes care of people here both as a nurse and with his delicious cooking. He was born and raised and still lives on his family land in Prairie Laurent, LA in between Opelousas and Leonville. He is married to Melinda Guillory Fuselier and they have a son Cody Fuselier. Bryant is known for his cooking in our community and has a catering business, Sauce Boss Catering, and his own line of spices, Fuselier Foods. You can find out more about his story and check out his recipes on his website at Fuselier Foods.…
-
2021 Word of the Year
I’ve been selecting a Word of the Year for almost ten years. I usually get that word on a bracelet that I can wear everyday as a reminder and to focus on that word. I honestly haven’t done that great of a job with it the past couple of years. This year I wanted to put some real thought into what that word was, what it means and how it would help guide me through my goals. What is a Word of the Year What is a Word of the Year? It’s one word that you pick to help guide you through any decisions you have to make, it can…
-
Goals for 2021!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure for more information. Wow! Can you believe it, we finally made it to 2021. Didn’t 2020 seem like the longest and most painful year ever? I’m looking forward to the grace that I hope this year brings to us and working on my goals for 2021! I wrote about goal setting in my last blog post and wanted to share with you the goals that I came up with for 2021. This is making me be extra vulnerable to share something that I usually keep private and close to me. But it’s time for me to open up and share some…
-
An interview with Dustin Fuqua
About Dustin Dusty Fuqua hails from Avoyelles Parish and resides in Cenla. Fuqua works as Chief of Resource Management at Cane River Creole National Historical Park in Natchitoches Parish. Dusty has apprenticed under John Oswald Colson aka The File’ Man for over a decade and works with the Sassafras Society to perpetuate the gumbo file’ tradition. Dusty is active in Louisiana french language matters and enjoys participating in French tables and meetups. Dusty can be found on Instagram @DustyCreole or Facebook at Dustin Fuqua. Also search on Instagram for #sassafrassociety for all things file’. This episode Coonie, Cajun, Creole: Ethnicity, Context, and Identity on the American Landscape. Dustin Fuqua, native…
-
The Adventures of Pamela Wood
This week my guest is the incomparable Pamela Wood. We discuss her journey to Cane River and her adventurous introduction to New Orleans.
