I learned a lot today. I even made new friends. But what really happened to me today, is beyond words. Even as I write, selfishly about how I grew today, how I learned today, how I drank with new friends and loved NOLA again today – I fully submit that I can’t capture what changed in me today. Not in words.

I have been here. But not the here that exists now. I was a stumbling, raucous tourist before. I was a gluttonous, mindless wasteoid here before. Before I saw. Not just the devastation of Katrina. That would be trite bullshit. And I won’t be that. Before I opened my eyes, my ears, and my full abilities to this place, I was not really here.

So this is a christening of sorts. To steal from the recent Grammy award winners – it is a Rebirth. And I walk, fully conscious, white robe and all into the water and cleanse my previous clouded notions of this lady. This fierce seductress of a city. And allow myself to see, anew, what confronts me.

Here are some pictures from today’s walk through the Lower 9th ward and the Make It Right Homes. There are also some pictures of homes not lucky enough to be touched by philanthropic angels and post-apocalyptic mercies.

Tomorrow – we seek more truth about musicians, artistry, industry, and making enough to live (not just survive).