Nouvelle Vague. Chapter 501.
When you know what you are willing to die for, you know what you are willing to live for. Me? I am itching to go on a cannonball run but it is not going to happen. It will be hard for outside observers to notice but I will be busy the next few months.
Angels dwell in details. I thought that when I was walking Mrs. King’s dog this morning. I think this all the time, living in New Orleans as I do.
Mrs. King and I had a late lunch today at Mona’s on Banks Street. Mrs. King followed me on her motor scooter while I led on my Vespa. She can attest, after following me, that I am not a menace to society on the road. As soon as I saw that Mrs. King was keeping up with me, I kept to the straight and narrow. When it comes to spending time with Mrs. King, I cannot get enough.
Good samaritan that I am, I changed a car tire while wearing a suit today. Only my hands got dirty. The lady in need held my coat while I figured out how the jack worked and tightened the lug nuts. Every day in New Orleans is a tiny adventure. Life is what you make of it.
People always accuse me of saying things that I do not say. I speak in nouvelle vague. It is a kind of pig latin, but even more vague.
“You say things without saying them, Mr. King,” people tell me. Guilty as charged. I wear my heart on my shirtsleeve. This is why I always wear a suit jacket, unless I am changing the tire of a lady in distress.
The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. The road to Heaven is paved with good deeds. Python Lady and I discussed this earlier today, briefly. Python Lady and I are here for the long haul. Our conversations last months. Such the world of the New Orleans afternoon demimonde.
Jane Goodall, of all people, lived in the town where I grew up. I have met her, but, then again, I have met all sorts of people over the past 58 years. I do not know why I am bringing up Jane Goodall except that I am thinking about going to Lower Decatur Street later tonight. I am not saying anything in particular. I am speaking in nouvelle vague.
Now, I am thinking about the secret jukebox song at the Abbey. Become a paid subscriber to get some real insider intelligence. I know the code for the best song on the jukebox and it is not listed. It is a secret.