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Started By
Message
TulaneLSU's Top 10 signs of Carmel, California
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:45 pm
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:45 pm
Dear Friends,
Most Americans are deprived of art. Most live in ugly communities, in ugly homes, filled with ugly things not the least of which are the ugly things they worship on their televisions, radios, and computers. They shop in ugly stores along ugly roads filled with ugly noises. America is a consuming, money-craved land to the point that much of what passes for art is really little more than shiny tentacles of the great and terrible consumerism Leviathan.
Although Aaron Broussard, former president of Jefferson Parish and mayor of Kenner, was quite an unattractive man in physical appearance, he knew that to build a great place to live required investing public funds in the arts. He tirelessly worked to build Kenner’s Rivertown. At its peak in the early 90s, it was a surprisingly beautiful place worthy of more than a single visit. The Saints Museum, Mardi Gras Museum, castle, theatre, and planetarium were bolstered later by one of the Metro’s great French Creole restaurants, Le Parvenu, which began a fifteen year streak of shrouded grandeur in 1995. Rivertown survived Katrina’s winds and waters, but it could not survive the post-Katrina movement back to Orleans Parish, nor Broussard’s illegal dealings, which ended him in federal prison. That his public legacy will be that of theft from the public, and not a thriving artistic commune in southern Kenner, will be another living tribute to the story of Icarus or Chaucer’s Chaunticleer.
There are communities throughout America that buck the trend of ugly. Of particular note, I think of New Orleans, San Francisco, Sante Fe, Fairhope, AL (although The Grand is a grossly overrated resort), Princeton, and Seaside, FL. After a recent visit, I can now add Carmel, or more commonly known since 1906, as Carmel-by-the-Sea to this list.
Carmel is, in fact, by the sea, and is located at the midpoint of the California coastline. Its water is the deepest blue and its sand the lightest white of any along that long coastline. Its name comes from that wonderful mountain in Israel where Elijah battled the prophets of Baal. There, hundreds of Baalites sought to show Baal’s superiority over the Lord God. Elijah knew better.
The rules were straightforward: bulls and animals were brought to the altars of the most high. There the false prophets would call for Baal to set the animals on fire. Elijah would do the same, entreating his God. Elijah knew the truth of his God’s greatness, so to show just how great is God, he soaked the altar and his sacrificial animals in water. All prayed for their god to send down fire and light the altar, to prove which God was the almighty. Of course, the God of Abraham and Isaac won that battle.
Afterward, Elijah returned to the top of the mountain named Carmel and he saw a dark cloud. Soon the parched land suffering from a three year drought was awash in vibrant rains. The fields filled with grains and fruits. God and God’s people were triumphant. Elijah and all of my dear readers, are filled with zeal having been zealous for the Lord God of hosts!
For New Orleanians, when one hears Carmel, the mind usually wanders from the biblical story to that of the Lakeview all-girls school, Mount Carmel, which is usually said in the native tongue so quickly that the entire name blends to a rushed “montcarmull.” I recall going to a 2000 homecoming dance with a sophomore from Mount Carmel. We visited the planetarium in Rivertown. As the lights in that domed room dimmed, the MCA Cub tried to steal a kiss from me. I remained steadfast, however, turning my lips to the side, saving them for the embrace of my Beloved.
The Carmelites originally were amongst the most strict of all hermits. Only several centuries after their founding were its members allowed to leave their cells, eat during the winter months, or even enjoy the taste of meat. By the late 16th century, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross transformed the order in Spain from that of reclusive mendicants to those who served a purpose in building a better world, just as Jesus commanded. Even so, the Carmelites still are monks and tend to focus inwardly rather than outwardly.
Believe it or not, the Carmel Mission in the so-named California town is actually a Franscican mission founded by Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest. Serra was born on the Spanish island of Mallorca, 100 miles south of Barcelona. After his religious awakening, he learned his mission was to Mexico. Near Mexico City, he joined the famed Portola Expedition in 1769 on its travels up the California coast, then known as Alta California. Serra established the mission at Carmel in 1771, moving it from the colonial capital ten miles north at Monterey, before traveling northward to San Francisco. During just 13 years, Serra established nine missions from San Diego to San Francisco. It was this holy work that gives good justification for calling Father Serra the Father of California. Like almost all good and lasting things in our world, their origins are planted in the Gospel of our Lord.
On our travels, Mother and I enjoy worshipping in the varied houses of our Lord, experiencing the smells and sights of, to us, foreign lands. It was no different in Carmel, where we spent an unexpected day, awaiting our surprise round of golf at Pebble Beach. We both sighed with disappointment when we arrived at the gate of the Mission to find it was closed due to the pandemic. On the bright side, the walls were scalable, short enough for good photographs of the grounds.
I do hope one day to be buried on the grounds of a beautiful church like this one. What a perfect rest.
Most Americans are deprived of art. Most live in ugly communities, in ugly homes, filled with ugly things not the least of which are the ugly things they worship on their televisions, radios, and computers. They shop in ugly stores along ugly roads filled with ugly noises. America is a consuming, money-craved land to the point that much of what passes for art is really little more than shiny tentacles of the great and terrible consumerism Leviathan.
Although Aaron Broussard, former president of Jefferson Parish and mayor of Kenner, was quite an unattractive man in physical appearance, he knew that to build a great place to live required investing public funds in the arts. He tirelessly worked to build Kenner’s Rivertown. At its peak in the early 90s, it was a surprisingly beautiful place worthy of more than a single visit. The Saints Museum, Mardi Gras Museum, castle, theatre, and planetarium were bolstered later by one of the Metro’s great French Creole restaurants, Le Parvenu, which began a fifteen year streak of shrouded grandeur in 1995. Rivertown survived Katrina’s winds and waters, but it could not survive the post-Katrina movement back to Orleans Parish, nor Broussard’s illegal dealings, which ended him in federal prison. That his public legacy will be that of theft from the public, and not a thriving artistic commune in southern Kenner, will be another living tribute to the story of Icarus or Chaucer’s Chaunticleer.
There are communities throughout America that buck the trend of ugly. Of particular note, I think of New Orleans, San Francisco, Sante Fe, Fairhope, AL (although The Grand is a grossly overrated resort), Princeton, and Seaside, FL. After a recent visit, I can now add Carmel, or more commonly known since 1906, as Carmel-by-the-Sea to this list.
Carmel is, in fact, by the sea, and is located at the midpoint of the California coastline. Its water is the deepest blue and its sand the lightest white of any along that long coastline. Its name comes from that wonderful mountain in Israel where Elijah battled the prophets of Baal. There, hundreds of Baalites sought to show Baal’s superiority over the Lord God. Elijah knew better.
The rules were straightforward: bulls and animals were brought to the altars of the most high. There the false prophets would call for Baal to set the animals on fire. Elijah would do the same, entreating his God. Elijah knew the truth of his God’s greatness, so to show just how great is God, he soaked the altar and his sacrificial animals in water. All prayed for their god to send down fire and light the altar, to prove which God was the almighty. Of course, the God of Abraham and Isaac won that battle.
Afterward, Elijah returned to the top of the mountain named Carmel and he saw a dark cloud. Soon the parched land suffering from a three year drought was awash in vibrant rains. The fields filled with grains and fruits. God and God’s people were triumphant. Elijah and all of my dear readers, are filled with zeal having been zealous for the Lord God of hosts!
For New Orleanians, when one hears Carmel, the mind usually wanders from the biblical story to that of the Lakeview all-girls school, Mount Carmel, which is usually said in the native tongue so quickly that the entire name blends to a rushed “montcarmull.” I recall going to a 2000 homecoming dance with a sophomore from Mount Carmel. We visited the planetarium in Rivertown. As the lights in that domed room dimmed, the MCA Cub tried to steal a kiss from me. I remained steadfast, however, turning my lips to the side, saving them for the embrace of my Beloved.
The Carmelites originally were amongst the most strict of all hermits. Only several centuries after their founding were its members allowed to leave their cells, eat during the winter months, or even enjoy the taste of meat. By the late 16th century, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross transformed the order in Spain from that of reclusive mendicants to those who served a purpose in building a better world, just as Jesus commanded. Even so, the Carmelites still are monks and tend to focus inwardly rather than outwardly.
Believe it or not, the Carmel Mission in the so-named California town is actually a Franscican mission founded by Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest. Serra was born on the Spanish island of Mallorca, 100 miles south of Barcelona. After his religious awakening, he learned his mission was to Mexico. Near Mexico City, he joined the famed Portola Expedition in 1769 on its travels up the California coast, then known as Alta California. Serra established the mission at Carmel in 1771, moving it from the colonial capital ten miles north at Monterey, before traveling northward to San Francisco. During just 13 years, Serra established nine missions from San Diego to San Francisco. It was this holy work that gives good justification for calling Father Serra the Father of California. Like almost all good and lasting things in our world, their origins are planted in the Gospel of our Lord.
On our travels, Mother and I enjoy worshipping in the varied houses of our Lord, experiencing the smells and sights of, to us, foreign lands. It was no different in Carmel, where we spent an unexpected day, awaiting our surprise round of golf at Pebble Beach. We both sighed with disappointment when we arrived at the gate of the Mission to find it was closed due to the pandemic. On the bright side, the walls were scalable, short enough for good photographs of the grounds.
I do hope one day to be buried on the grounds of a beautiful church like this one. What a perfect rest.
This post was edited on 10/22/20 at 4:00 pm
15
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:45 pm to TulaneLSU
Before we explored outside the Mission and the town, we did the famed 17-Mile Drive around the peninsula home to Monterey and Pebble Beach. This little knob of land sticking into the Pacific is home to some of the most beautiful vistas and private homes in all our beloved land. We had a convertible, making this drive even more delightful. There are two entrances, and your $10.50 entrance fee is good for one day during daylight. Of particular note on this drive were Crocker Grove, home to Monterey Cypress, the Lone Cypress, of Pebble Beach fame, and bird rock, which up until 90 years ago was covered in feet of guano. When the excrement was harvested, the birds gave way to seals, who have resided there ever since.
Indeed, Carmel is home to one of the most interesting drives and picturesque communities in America. Each of its buildings appears to be cobbled together by hobbits and elves. Should it snow, it would be an authentic winter wonderland. The intricate architectural details and storyland-like roofs leave the visitor with feelings of entering a Tolkien, Lewis, or Dickens novel. This is a community that came alive with artists a century ago, and their artistic legacy permeates every building in the small town.
I was told by one of the storekeepers that there are no numbers on buildings in the commercial center. Buildings were intentionally left unnumbered to avoid the dangers of a computed world. Instead, it encourages the journeyer to forget of destinations and instead, like in nature, to explore unencumbered by our pragmatic systems. It certainly encouraged me to look up, and note the diminutive, hand-crafted signs. We live in a world of large and attention-grabbing signs. Perhaps we should look at the smaller signs a little more closely. Carmel was a town that forced me to the small, and in the small I found great beauty.
TulaneLSU’s Top 10 signs of Carmel, CA:
10. Carrigg’s of Carmel
Carrigg’s is one of the moderate to classier interior design stores of Monterey. I was mesmerized by its many Nutcracker-themed elements, and soon realized the store was ablaze in Advent fury. The decorations were on a level with the lobby store inside The Roosevelt. Although I was not supposed to take photos in the store, I thought it my OT duty to share with you, my friends, the beauty of the store. And I present a bonus Top 10 within a Top 10, TulaneLSU’s Top 10 Carrigg’s of Carmel Christmas decorations:
10. Glass prostrate Santa ornament
9. Flocked tree with Big Bens and toy soldiers
8. Candy Cane Charlie
7. Santa nutcracker
6. The Rat King
5. Locally painted scenes of Carmel glass ornaments ($40)
4. Sea otter glass ornament
3. Santa Claus Lane
2. Glass balls of holly, to the theme of Cosmo’s favorite Spade designs
1. Hand-painted nutcracker
It is not to the level of my Ulbricht nutcrackers, hand carved in Germany, but its colors were beautiful.
Indeed, Carmel is home to one of the most interesting drives and picturesque communities in America. Each of its buildings appears to be cobbled together by hobbits and elves. Should it snow, it would be an authentic winter wonderland. The intricate architectural details and storyland-like roofs leave the visitor with feelings of entering a Tolkien, Lewis, or Dickens novel. This is a community that came alive with artists a century ago, and their artistic legacy permeates every building in the small town.
I was told by one of the storekeepers that there are no numbers on buildings in the commercial center. Buildings were intentionally left unnumbered to avoid the dangers of a computed world. Instead, it encourages the journeyer to forget of destinations and instead, like in nature, to explore unencumbered by our pragmatic systems. It certainly encouraged me to look up, and note the diminutive, hand-crafted signs. We live in a world of large and attention-grabbing signs. Perhaps we should look at the smaller signs a little more closely. Carmel was a town that forced me to the small, and in the small I found great beauty.
TulaneLSU’s Top 10 signs of Carmel, CA:
10. Carrigg’s of Carmel
Carrigg’s is one of the moderate to classier interior design stores of Monterey. I was mesmerized by its many Nutcracker-themed elements, and soon realized the store was ablaze in Advent fury. The decorations were on a level with the lobby store inside The Roosevelt. Although I was not supposed to take photos in the store, I thought it my OT duty to share with you, my friends, the beauty of the store. And I present a bonus Top 10 within a Top 10, TulaneLSU’s Top 10 Carrigg’s of Carmel Christmas decorations:
10. Glass prostrate Santa ornament
9. Flocked tree with Big Bens and toy soldiers
8. Candy Cane Charlie
7. Santa nutcracker
6. The Rat King
5. Locally painted scenes of Carmel glass ornaments ($40)
4. Sea otter glass ornament
3. Santa Claus Lane
2. Glass balls of holly, to the theme of Cosmo’s favorite Spade designs
1. Hand-painted nutcracker
It is not to the level of my Ulbricht nutcrackers, hand carved in Germany, but its colors were beautiful.
This post was edited on 10/22/20 at 4:14 pm
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:46 pm to TulaneLSU
9. Carmel Dairy
The location is now Palomas Home Furnishings, which I thought sold terribly tacky wares, and I refused to enter, even when Mother asked nicely. The building never housed cows. Instead, milk was brought from the cows there and bottled in small glass jugs. The dairy opened in 1932 and the salesman, who came out to entice us inside, told us the sign was original. I have my doubts, as the paint looks too fresh, even if the painter attempted to give the impression of a patina.
8. Carmel Bakery
The Carmel Bakery opened in 1899, or was it 1904? The sign gives an earlier date while baked goods inside say 1904. When I asked the baker inside which was right, she said, “Why do you care?” I was unprepared for such rudeness, so I sulked away, not answering her question. The baked goods looked quite enticing, although I did not see any black and white cookies or chocolate chip cookies.
7. Little Napoli
I had never heard of this restaurant, but by 10:50 in the morning, my appetite was disturbing me, so I asked Mother if we could eat. Mother was in one of her shopping moods, so she responded, “It is far too early for lunch. We have much shopping to do before then.”
“But Mother, I am so hungry and I haven’t had pizza in two days. And we didn’t even get to meet with SuperSaint for pizza at Golden Boy.” SuperSaint, do know that a few days ago, I returned to that Little Italy of San Francisco to try Golden Boy, but they would not sell me pizza by the slice, so I turned away.
“I said no. Now let’s get to shopping.”
“But Mother….”
“Fine, then, why don’t you take my platinum card and eat by yourself.”
Reluctantly I did. I do not like eating without Mother in public when we travel, but my ghrelin levels were climbing to mountainous heights. I took the card, as I pitifully looked to the ground. I had to wait another few minutes before they opened. In the meantime, I walked around and saw that Carmel, like the French Quarter, has vintage Celicas:
As the clock turned, I entered Little Napoli. The hostess who did not seem Italian offered me an outdoor seat on the street or the patio. I asked to see the patio first, and seeing that it was adequately open and unpopulated, I chose the patio. It was a beautiful little space.
Breakfast at the Monterey Plaza and Hotel was less than filling, so I chose three courses. As we were less than 20 miles from the artichoke capital of the world, I started with a grilled artichoke. It was among the best artichokes I have ever had. It was grown at nearby Pezzini’s Farms, of which I had never heard, and had Mother not made a fortuitous turn at the last second, would not have visited on our way to Yosemite.
Il secondo was a Margherita pizza. I had six pizzas in California on this trip, and this one was behind only one. It baked in a wood-fired oven, that I was too fearful to ask my waitress if I could view. Had Mother been with me, I would have summoned the courage to ask to enter the kitchen. I love visiting restaurant kitchens.
Finally, with the mellow tones of Frank Sinatra overhead, I entered a chicken Parmesan with fresh egg noodles. It was simply fabulous. After a few restaurants in New York and Impastato’s, I would rank this chicken Parm.
6. Burns
You can likely guess that I do not wear cowboy hats or cowboy boots. I still appreciate a quality company’s quality sign, however. I was not sure, but I think I saw Carmel resident, Clint Eastwood, trying on a hat while we walked past the store.
5. Thomas Kinkade
Although a morally flawed individual, few can question the enormous talent Kinkade possessed. His ability to capture light in the dark of winter, especially during Christmas, gained him many fans, myself included. Most of his galleries, like this one, are now shuttered forever. It is a reminder that every dynasty, empire, and talent is eventually forgotten on this Earth. Our calling is not to build things for our name’s sake, but to build for the greater glory of God’s Kingdom. Acts of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice are the things that live on after we are gone. May we all leave legacies of virtue!
4. Olivier By the Sea
Perhaps the second greatest olive store in America after the poorly named Bodacious Olive of Pensacola’s main street. The colors on this sign earn its place. Its oddly capitalized second word, by, caught my eye.
3. Cottage of Sweets
Like so many of the buildings in this magical town, the design is nothing short of that of a fairytale. After lunch, my hunger again grew. I had not gotten any dessert, so I entered Cottage of Sweets. They advertise English desserts and candies. I love a Tunnocks teacake, so after failing to find a package of that silver wrapped marshmallow filled chocolate bullet, I asked the counterman. He had never heard of such a sweet, and it dawned on me that Tunnocks is a Scottish, not English, treat. I apologized profusely.
Instead, I grabbed a bag of candy Legos near the exit. These hard candies were quite similar in taste to the original Sweetarts.
The location is now Palomas Home Furnishings, which I thought sold terribly tacky wares, and I refused to enter, even when Mother asked nicely. The building never housed cows. Instead, milk was brought from the cows there and bottled in small glass jugs. The dairy opened in 1932 and the salesman, who came out to entice us inside, told us the sign was original. I have my doubts, as the paint looks too fresh, even if the painter attempted to give the impression of a patina.
8. Carmel Bakery
The Carmel Bakery opened in 1899, or was it 1904? The sign gives an earlier date while baked goods inside say 1904. When I asked the baker inside which was right, she said, “Why do you care?” I was unprepared for such rudeness, so I sulked away, not answering her question. The baked goods looked quite enticing, although I did not see any black and white cookies or chocolate chip cookies.
7. Little Napoli
I had never heard of this restaurant, but by 10:50 in the morning, my appetite was disturbing me, so I asked Mother if we could eat. Mother was in one of her shopping moods, so she responded, “It is far too early for lunch. We have much shopping to do before then.”
“But Mother, I am so hungry and I haven’t had pizza in two days. And we didn’t even get to meet with SuperSaint for pizza at Golden Boy.” SuperSaint, do know that a few days ago, I returned to that Little Italy of San Francisco to try Golden Boy, but they would not sell me pizza by the slice, so I turned away.
“I said no. Now let’s get to shopping.”
“But Mother….”
“Fine, then, why don’t you take my platinum card and eat by yourself.”
Reluctantly I did. I do not like eating without Mother in public when we travel, but my ghrelin levels were climbing to mountainous heights. I took the card, as I pitifully looked to the ground. I had to wait another few minutes before they opened. In the meantime, I walked around and saw that Carmel, like the French Quarter, has vintage Celicas:
As the clock turned, I entered Little Napoli. The hostess who did not seem Italian offered me an outdoor seat on the street or the patio. I asked to see the patio first, and seeing that it was adequately open and unpopulated, I chose the patio. It was a beautiful little space.
Breakfast at the Monterey Plaza and Hotel was less than filling, so I chose three courses. As we were less than 20 miles from the artichoke capital of the world, I started with a grilled artichoke. It was among the best artichokes I have ever had. It was grown at nearby Pezzini’s Farms, of which I had never heard, and had Mother not made a fortuitous turn at the last second, would not have visited on our way to Yosemite.
Il secondo was a Margherita pizza. I had six pizzas in California on this trip, and this one was behind only one. It baked in a wood-fired oven, that I was too fearful to ask my waitress if I could view. Had Mother been with me, I would have summoned the courage to ask to enter the kitchen. I love visiting restaurant kitchens.
Finally, with the mellow tones of Frank Sinatra overhead, I entered a chicken Parmesan with fresh egg noodles. It was simply fabulous. After a few restaurants in New York and Impastato’s, I would rank this chicken Parm.
6. Burns
You can likely guess that I do not wear cowboy hats or cowboy boots. I still appreciate a quality company’s quality sign, however. I was not sure, but I think I saw Carmel resident, Clint Eastwood, trying on a hat while we walked past the store.
5. Thomas Kinkade
Although a morally flawed individual, few can question the enormous talent Kinkade possessed. His ability to capture light in the dark of winter, especially during Christmas, gained him many fans, myself included. Most of his galleries, like this one, are now shuttered forever. It is a reminder that every dynasty, empire, and talent is eventually forgotten on this Earth. Our calling is not to build things for our name’s sake, but to build for the greater glory of God’s Kingdom. Acts of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice are the things that live on after we are gone. May we all leave legacies of virtue!
4. Olivier By the Sea
Perhaps the second greatest olive store in America after the poorly named Bodacious Olive of Pensacola’s main street. The colors on this sign earn its place. Its oddly capitalized second word, by, caught my eye.
3. Cottage of Sweets
Like so many of the buildings in this magical town, the design is nothing short of that of a fairytale. After lunch, my hunger again grew. I had not gotten any dessert, so I entered Cottage of Sweets. They advertise English desserts and candies. I love a Tunnocks teacake, so after failing to find a package of that silver wrapped marshmallow filled chocolate bullet, I asked the counterman. He had never heard of such a sweet, and it dawned on me that Tunnocks is a Scottish, not English, treat. I apologized profusely.
Instead, I grabbed a bag of candy Legos near the exit. These hard candies were quite similar in taste to the original Sweetarts.
This post was edited on 10/22/20 at 4:18 pm
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:46 pm to TulaneLSU
2. Kris Kringle of Carmel
Upon first passing in the morning, the door had a sign that read, “Be back at noon.” I had my phone alarm set, so when noon arrived, I was at the door, impatiently waiting. Finally, the ancient and faultless grandmother store matron opened. Had we not been in these times, I would have asked her for a hug and hot chocolate.
Instead, we began a fifteen minute conversation on some of our favorite Christmas decorations. She, like I, is a fanatic for Roman Christmas ornaments and figures, and she showed me the limited numbers she had on shelves. I bought one such Nativity scene, which she kindly shipped at no additional charge. We also talked about our favorite Christopher Radko ornament, and lamented that some of Radko’s works are being outsourced to China. She is well aware, and she is no longer selling Radkos as a result.
The lovely lady’s name was Margaret, and I asked her if she minded I take photos of my favorite ten decorations from her store. She happily obliged, and even encouraged me. I sent her a postcard from Yosemite for her kindness and friendship. I also invited her to post on the OT, and she said she would consider it. If you do happen upon Margaret from Kris Kringle of Carmel, please give her a most hospitable Christian welcome.
TulaneLSU’s Top 10 Kris Kringle of Carmel Christmas decorations:
10. Disney carolers
9. Columbian manger scenes (unsure who the figures represent, but it is so childlike!)
8. Countdown chalkboard
All of my countdown calendars limit the anticipation to a month. With this chalkboard, you can start on Boxing Day! I also appreciate the reminder to the ignorant to cover both mouth and nose.
7. Children’s Nativity
Every single child in the world should be given the tools and encouragement to fashion and paint a nativity set of his or her own. Please, parents, do not deprive your children of this simple yet profoundly important joy in life. I still have the first Nativity set I made in Sunday school in 1991. It is one of more than 100 Nativity sets with which we decorate our downstairs. If I am able, I would be happy to do a Zoom meeting with you and your family to teach you how to build your own Nativity sets.
6. Celtic cross with Irish blessing
I dated, for a brief time, a girl who attended St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church. Mother thought it a travesty that I would lower family standards to date a Presbyterian. I reminded her, though, that the Presbyterianism of the past century was the main repository of American Calvinism and Edwardism. Mother reluctantly agreed that I could continue seeing her and even allowed me to worship in her church, where they sang this blessing as their benediction: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
5. Olive wood Nativity
Is there anything better than a Nativity made out of natural materials, some of which would otherwise be heading for the landfill, if not saved by a idealistic artist? Every time I see a downed tree I think of all the possibilities of that wood. What a marvelous material on which to put the mark of humanity! And so often we toss that wood. To create and to carve and to love -- these things are for our being, not television and objectification of women.
4. Carmel house
Like the thin wooded Scandanavian ornaments, this adorable house of wood would be a great souvenir from this beautiful coastal town. Margaret agreed!
3. Framed Nativity scene
The colors here are astonishingly blue, like the sea near Carmel. Although I would not use this scene in our home, I can still appreciate its beauty in a store.
2. Roman Holy Family
Roman makes the best mass-produced European Nativity sets, even if they are made in China. This lovely piece drives home the point of Christmas: a family of love at peace. What a silent night that we all desire in our souls.
1. Roman Nativity set
Gloria!
1. Carmel cornerstone
The cornerstone of the mission causes me to contemplate those beautiful hymn words, “On Christ, the solid rockI stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Were it not for Christ, New Orleans would have long ago sunk. It is a continual battle between resting on the righteous and firm foundation of our Lord, and sinking into the mire of sin and perdition. May we all, forevermore, plant our feet on the Rock, our Redeemer, and never step away!
Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU
P.S. I saw not a single person walking the streets of Carmel without a mask. These individual acts of good citizenship add up, allowing beautiful communities like this one to push forward in the midst of that terrible, invisible pawn of Satan.
Upon first passing in the morning, the door had a sign that read, “Be back at noon.” I had my phone alarm set, so when noon arrived, I was at the door, impatiently waiting. Finally, the ancient and faultless grandmother store matron opened. Had we not been in these times, I would have asked her for a hug and hot chocolate.
Instead, we began a fifteen minute conversation on some of our favorite Christmas decorations. She, like I, is a fanatic for Roman Christmas ornaments and figures, and she showed me the limited numbers she had on shelves. I bought one such Nativity scene, which she kindly shipped at no additional charge. We also talked about our favorite Christopher Radko ornament, and lamented that some of Radko’s works are being outsourced to China. She is well aware, and she is no longer selling Radkos as a result.
The lovely lady’s name was Margaret, and I asked her if she minded I take photos of my favorite ten decorations from her store. She happily obliged, and even encouraged me. I sent her a postcard from Yosemite for her kindness and friendship. I also invited her to post on the OT, and she said she would consider it. If you do happen upon Margaret from Kris Kringle of Carmel, please give her a most hospitable Christian welcome.
TulaneLSU’s Top 10 Kris Kringle of Carmel Christmas decorations:
10. Disney carolers
9. Columbian manger scenes (unsure who the figures represent, but it is so childlike!)
8. Countdown chalkboard
All of my countdown calendars limit the anticipation to a month. With this chalkboard, you can start on Boxing Day! I also appreciate the reminder to the ignorant to cover both mouth and nose.
7. Children’s Nativity
Every single child in the world should be given the tools and encouragement to fashion and paint a nativity set of his or her own. Please, parents, do not deprive your children of this simple yet profoundly important joy in life. I still have the first Nativity set I made in Sunday school in 1991. It is one of more than 100 Nativity sets with which we decorate our downstairs. If I am able, I would be happy to do a Zoom meeting with you and your family to teach you how to build your own Nativity sets.
6. Celtic cross with Irish blessing
I dated, for a brief time, a girl who attended St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church. Mother thought it a travesty that I would lower family standards to date a Presbyterian. I reminded her, though, that the Presbyterianism of the past century was the main repository of American Calvinism and Edwardism. Mother reluctantly agreed that I could continue seeing her and even allowed me to worship in her church, where they sang this blessing as their benediction: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
5. Olive wood Nativity
Is there anything better than a Nativity made out of natural materials, some of which would otherwise be heading for the landfill, if not saved by a idealistic artist? Every time I see a downed tree I think of all the possibilities of that wood. What a marvelous material on which to put the mark of humanity! And so often we toss that wood. To create and to carve and to love -- these things are for our being, not television and objectification of women.
4. Carmel house
Like the thin wooded Scandanavian ornaments, this adorable house of wood would be a great souvenir from this beautiful coastal town. Margaret agreed!
3. Framed Nativity scene
The colors here are astonishingly blue, like the sea near Carmel. Although I would not use this scene in our home, I can still appreciate its beauty in a store.
2. Roman Holy Family
Roman makes the best mass-produced European Nativity sets, even if they are made in China. This lovely piece drives home the point of Christmas: a family of love at peace. What a silent night that we all desire in our souls.
1. Roman Nativity set
Gloria!
1. Carmel cornerstone
The cornerstone of the mission causes me to contemplate those beautiful hymn words, “On Christ, the solid rockI stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Were it not for Christ, New Orleans would have long ago sunk. It is a continual battle between resting on the righteous and firm foundation of our Lord, and sinking into the mire of sin and perdition. May we all, forevermore, plant our feet on the Rock, our Redeemer, and never step away!
Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU
P.S. I saw not a single person walking the streets of Carmel without a mask. These individual acts of good citizenship add up, allowing beautiful communities like this one to push forward in the midst of that terrible, invisible pawn of Satan.
This post was edited on 10/22/20 at 3:52 pm
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:46 pm to TulaneLSU
b
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:46 pm to TulaneLSU
b
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:46 pm to Demshoes
c
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:46 pm to OweO
d
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:46 pm to OweO
Z
ETA: I'm just here for the noodz of O's friend
ETA: I'm just here for the noodz of O's friend
This post was edited on 10/22/20 at 3:48 pm
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:46 pm to TulaneLSU
.
Reserved to call you a bitch.
Reserved to call you a bitch.
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:46 pm to TulaneLSU
Dear Friends,
Most Americans are deprived of art. Most live in ugly communities, in ugly homes, filled with ugly things not the least of which are the ugly things they worship on their televisions, radios, and computers. They shop in ugly stores along ugly roads filled with ugly noises. America is a consuming, money-craved land to the point that much of what passes for art is really little more than shiny tentacles of the great and terrible consumerism Leviathan.
Although Aaron Broussard, former mayor of Jefferson Parish and Kenner, was quite an unattractive man in physical appearance, he knew that to build a great place to live required investing public funds in the arts. He tirelessly worked to build Kenner’s Rivertown. At its peak in the early 90s, it was a surprisingly beautiful place worthy of more than a single visit. The Saints Museum, Mardi Gras Museum, castle, theatre, and planetarium were bolstered later by one of the Metro’s great French Creole restaurants, Le Parvenu, which began a fifteen year streak of shrouded grandeur in 1995. Rivertown survived Katrina’s winds and waters, but it could not survive the post-Katrina movement back to Orleans Parish, nor Broussard’s illegal dealings, which ended him in federal prison. That his public legacy will be that of theft from the public, and not a thriving artistic commune in southern Kenner, will be another living tribute to the story of Icarus or Chaucer’s Chaunticleer.
There are communities throughout America that buck the trend of ugly. Of particular note, I think of New Orleans, San Francisco, Sante Fe, Fairhope, AL (although The Grand is a grossly overrated resort), Princeton, and Seaside, FL. After a recent visit, I can now add Carmel, or more commonly known since 1906, as Carmel-by-the-Sea to this list.
Carmel is, in fact, by the sea, and is located at the midpoint of the California coastline. Its water is the deepest blue and its sand the lightest white of any along that long coastline. Its name comes from that wonderful mountain in Israel where Elijah battled the prophets of Baal. There, hundreds of Baalites sought to show Baal’s superiority over the Lord God. Elijah knew better.
The rules were straightforward: bulls and animals were brought to the altars of the most high. There the false prophets would call for Baal to set the animals on fire. Elijah would do the same, entreating his God. Elijah knew the truth of his God’s greatness, so to show just how great is God, he soaked the altar and his sacrificial animals in water. All prayed for their god to send down fire and light the altar, to prove which God was the almighty. Of course, the God of Abraham and Isaac won that battle.
Afterward, Elijah returned to the top of the mountain named Carmel and he saw a dark cloud. Soon the parched land suffering from a three year drought was awash in vibrant rains. The fields filled with grains and fruits. God and God’s people were triumphant. Elijah and all of my dear readers, are filled with zeal having been zealous for the Lord God of hosts!
For New Orleanians, when one hears Carmel, the mind usually wanders from the biblical story to that of the Lakeview all-girls school, Mount Carmel, which is usually said in the native tongue so quickly that the entire name blends to a rushed “montcarmull.” I recall going to a 2000 homecoming dance with a sophomore from Mount Carmel. We visited the planetarium in Rivertown. As the lights in that domed room dimmed, the MCA Cub tried to steal a kiss from me. I remained steadfast, however, turning my lips to the side, saving them for the embrace of my Beloved.
The Carmelites originally were amongst the most strict of all hermits. Only several centuries after their founding were its members allowed to leave their cells, eat during the winter months, or even enjoy the taste of meat. By the late 16th century, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross transformed the order in Spain from that of reclusive mendicants to those who served a purpose in building a better world, just as Jesus commanded. Even so, the Carmelites still are monks and tend to focus inwardly rather than outwardly.
Believe it or not, the Carmel Mission in the so-named California town is actually a Franscican mission founded by Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest. Serra was born on the Spanish island of Mallorca, 100 miles south of Barcelona. After his religious awakening, he learned his mission was to Mexico. Near Mexico City, he joined the famed Portola Expedition in 1769 on its travels up the California coast, then known as Alta California. Serra established the mission at Carmel in 1771, moving it from the colonial capital ten miles north at Monterey, before traveling northward to San Francisco. During just 13 years, Serra established nine missions from San Diego to San Francisco. It was this holy work that gives good justification for calling Father Serra the Father of California. Like almost all good and lasting things in our world, their origins are planted in the Gospel of our Lord.
Most Americans are deprived of art. Most live in ugly communities, in ugly homes, filled with ugly things not the least of which are the ugly things they worship on their televisions, radios, and computers. They shop in ugly stores along ugly roads filled with ugly noises. America is a consuming, money-craved land to the point that much of what passes for art is really little more than shiny tentacles of the great and terrible consumerism Leviathan.
Although Aaron Broussard, former mayor of Jefferson Parish and Kenner, was quite an unattractive man in physical appearance, he knew that to build a great place to live required investing public funds in the arts. He tirelessly worked to build Kenner’s Rivertown. At its peak in the early 90s, it was a surprisingly beautiful place worthy of more than a single visit. The Saints Museum, Mardi Gras Museum, castle, theatre, and planetarium were bolstered later by one of the Metro’s great French Creole restaurants, Le Parvenu, which began a fifteen year streak of shrouded grandeur in 1995. Rivertown survived Katrina’s winds and waters, but it could not survive the post-Katrina movement back to Orleans Parish, nor Broussard’s illegal dealings, which ended him in federal prison. That his public legacy will be that of theft from the public, and not a thriving artistic commune in southern Kenner, will be another living tribute to the story of Icarus or Chaucer’s Chaunticleer.
There are communities throughout America that buck the trend of ugly. Of particular note, I think of New Orleans, San Francisco, Sante Fe, Fairhope, AL (although The Grand is a grossly overrated resort), Princeton, and Seaside, FL. After a recent visit, I can now add Carmel, or more commonly known since 1906, as Carmel-by-the-Sea to this list.
Carmel is, in fact, by the sea, and is located at the midpoint of the California coastline. Its water is the deepest blue and its sand the lightest white of any along that long coastline. Its name comes from that wonderful mountain in Israel where Elijah battled the prophets of Baal. There, hundreds of Baalites sought to show Baal’s superiority over the Lord God. Elijah knew better.
The rules were straightforward: bulls and animals were brought to the altars of the most high. There the false prophets would call for Baal to set the animals on fire. Elijah would do the same, entreating his God. Elijah knew the truth of his God’s greatness, so to show just how great is God, he soaked the altar and his sacrificial animals in water. All prayed for their god to send down fire and light the altar, to prove which God was the almighty. Of course, the God of Abraham and Isaac won that battle.
Afterward, Elijah returned to the top of the mountain named Carmel and he saw a dark cloud. Soon the parched land suffering from a three year drought was awash in vibrant rains. The fields filled with grains and fruits. God and God’s people were triumphant. Elijah and all of my dear readers, are filled with zeal having been zealous for the Lord God of hosts!
For New Orleanians, when one hears Carmel, the mind usually wanders from the biblical story to that of the Lakeview all-girls school, Mount Carmel, which is usually said in the native tongue so quickly that the entire name blends to a rushed “montcarmull.” I recall going to a 2000 homecoming dance with a sophomore from Mount Carmel. We visited the planetarium in Rivertown. As the lights in that domed room dimmed, the MCA Cub tried to steal a kiss from me. I remained steadfast, however, turning my lips to the side, saving them for the embrace of my Beloved.
The Carmelites originally were amongst the most strict of all hermits. Only several centuries after their founding were its members allowed to leave their cells, eat during the winter months, or even enjoy the taste of meat. By the late 16th century, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross transformed the order in Spain from that of reclusive mendicants to those who served a purpose in building a better world, just as Jesus commanded. Even so, the Carmelites still are monks and tend to focus inwardly rather than outwardly.
Believe it or not, the Carmel Mission in the so-named California town is actually a Franscican mission founded by Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest. Serra was born on the Spanish island of Mallorca, 100 miles south of Barcelona. After his religious awakening, he learned his mission was to Mexico. Near Mexico City, he joined the famed Portola Expedition in 1769 on its travels up the California coast, then known as Alta California. Serra established the mission at Carmel in 1771, moving it from the colonial capital ten miles north at Monterey, before traveling northward to San Francisco. During just 13 years, Serra established nine missions from San Diego to San Francisco. It was this holy work that gives good justification for calling Father Serra the Father of California. Like almost all good and lasting things in our world, their origins are planted in the Gospel of our Lord.
This post was edited on 10/22/20 at 3:47 pm
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:49 pm to TulaneLSU
Lol at the bump saves
Jefferson parish is president not mayor. Kenner is mayor.
Jefferson parish is president not mayor. Kenner is mayor.
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:50 pm to TulaneLSU
Friend,
Some great Weather you enjoyed on your trip. I hope you have throughly enjoyed your manifest.
Some great Weather you enjoyed on your trip. I hope you have throughly enjoyed your manifest.
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:50 pm to TulaneLSU
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:53 pm to TulaneLSU
The signs of Metry are much more appealing than those found in that shite hole.
Posted on 10/22/20 at 3:55 pm to TulaneLSU
Nice damn NARWHALS!
This post was edited on 10/22/20 at 3:57 pm
Posted on 10/22/20 at 4:02 pm to TulaneLSU
quote:
TulaneLSU
Nice, sounds like you and mother had a good time and ate well.
This post was edited on 10/22/20 at 4:03 pm
Posted on 10/22/20 at 4:04 pm to AUriptide
Glass prostate? What the frickkkkkk
Posted on 10/22/20 at 4:16 pm to TulaneLSU
I absolutely adore that kids nativity
Posted on 10/22/20 at 4:19 pm to TulaneLSU
Friend,
It is with utmost anticipation that I look forward to your tale of your attempt to conquer El Capitan in Yosemite.
Nice pics and descriptions as usual!!
It is with utmost anticipation that I look forward to your tale of your attempt to conquer El Capitan in Yosemite.
Nice pics and descriptions as usual!!
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