Gunner (my grandson) came home from Stanford this week of October 25th with a load of fabulous art he created over the summer in San Francisco. Gunner’s friend, Computer Science major Sean O’Bannon received a grant from Stanford to program a computer to create art. (“GAN” a Generative Adversarial Network is a form of Artificial Intelliegence that discriminates between “real” and “fake” images. By training off of a dataset of “real” paintings, then feeding itself images made of random pixels, the “GAN” is able to essentially “paint” never before seen works of art.)
Gunner received a research grant from Stanford University to produce paintings using “GAN”, with the help of his friend Sean’s programming. Out of this collaboration Ashbury Blues came into being. Gunner used the “GAN” images in a mode of abstraction, synthesizing graphic and pulp imagery.
Gunner sold other pieces of art he also created that were not part of the “GAN” inspired art project. In these pictures Gunner is signing “Snowball,” one of the new pieces of art he also sold at the show. The image came from an old Betty Boop cartoon, where Betty was rolling down the mountain in a huge snowball! Gee Golly!
Gunner’s art is so exciting! I love the characters he paints. they are so interesting and their expressions are so real! I love his use of color and movement in his art. I feel his art has great diversity of form, color, and a sense of play in each painting.
Gunner newest series, Ashbury Blues, explores the insanity of San Francisco city life, and the Bay Area tech/art divide Cowboys from pulp fiction magazines, cartoons from looney tunes, and computer generated abstractions, made with Artificial Intelligence, all find their way into crowded compositions.
The art show was a tremendous success and we are all so proud of Gunner and what he is accomplishing at Stanford!
My son Glen Lewis Dongieux better known as Duke is a son every parent wishes to have. He’s always there for his father and me and his children. We are his first priority. He’s clear, steady, dependable, and funny. Duke loves music! Loves to read a good book and he loves travel. He also loves his motorcycles! However as much as he loves all these things it doesn’t compare to his love for his children Gunner, Anita, and Dennis. He “lives” to spend time and have fun with his children taking them to games, movies, attending performances and games, etc. This son of mine is skillful, intelligent, capable, and interesting!
Duke as a child was interested in everything. He was a thinker and a dreamer and he was into everything. By the end of the day you were exhausted with all his ideas and activities. At night when you looked at him sleeping in his bed he looked like an angel with his blonde hair and sweet face and you forgot how much mischief he created.
He is my devoted son who calls me almost everyday just to say hi! Having been divorced most of my life my son is definitely my rock! I feel, every woman needs a strong man to help her see a different prospective in life. I can count on my son to provide another angle or view point. When I make a mistake of judgement and get myself in trouble he says, “mom check with me first when you are not sure of something.”
I will have to say he was a handful in high school. My understanding is that he settled down when he went to the University of Texas. I am not sure if that is actually true! However that is when he found himself and graduated in Journalism. He is a great writer and I hope and believe that one day he will write a great novel.
He is a builder and a renovator. He focuses on special details and interesting wall designs which make his homes stand out. He loves to bring a project in under budget. Duke has a great mind for business and he loves flipping properties with the goal being profitability which occurs, yet the process of creating a unique design may be just as rewarding. He believes realestate is the best way and safest way to make money.
It feels like I just closed my eye for a moment Duke, and then here you are fifty three years old today. Time flies by so quickly, and I just want time to slow down a bit. I love you son! I’m so proud of the man you have become! You are my rock, my buddy, and my devoted son, actually the best son I ever had!” Duke would say, “Yeh mom, I’m the only son you ever had”!
My grandson Parker left the first March to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from California to Canada. He and his friends are now in Truckee, California and have now hiked 1,154 miles.
The hardest part was crossing the Sierras Nevada mountains and through Yosemite National Park because of all the winter storms. Pepe and Parker summited Mount Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 states, a few weeks ago when others said it was impossible. Actually Parker and Pepe were the first five people to summit Mt. Whitney this year. The two things he said he would take away after that 11 hour climb are these two Viking quotes: “Ill is the result of letting fear rule thine actions” -The saga of Olaf Haraldsson “Ill rede bring ill luck” – Njal’s saga
Parker said he has worn-out two pairs of hiking shoes and had to buy a pair of boots to hike through the snow and to avoid frost bite. It has taken the guys a month to cross Northern California and they expect it will also take them a month to cross Oregon and Washington together.
Parker said, “Muir Pass” in the afternoon was breathtaking and awe-inspiring. That it’s no wonder the pass was named after such an influential man in the outdoor community. Though not pictured here, the stars that hung outside of “Muir Hut” the night they spent the night there were the most beautiful he had ever seen. He also said that the Sierras are unforgiving and unforgettably rewarding. He would recommend the 250 mile John Muir Trail to anyone interested in getting their feet wet in the hiking community!
“This is the most spacious and delightful high pleasure-ground I have yet seen… and though lying high in the sky, the surrounding mountains are so much higher, one feels protected as if a grand hall.” – John Muir
Parker and friends are now out of the mountains. They encountered rain storms and flooding creeks but at least they were not freezing. They said coming through the mountains by far was the hardest part of the hike.
Parker came out of the mountains lean and strong of mind. He’s a trim and muscular 180 pounds after bulking up to about 215 pounds before he began this adventure. He said he can do without so much gear now! He has even sent his tent home so he can make faster progress to the finish line. He said his goal is to finish the hike by mid August! Then he is going to do the” Iron Man” in Kentucky in October! My grandson Parker is an incredible young man! What a story he will have to tell. What an adventure!
Jete’ Ann is my first born! She was a happy, independent, and delightful child. As she grew into her teenage years she was optimistic, spunky, and confident. The last three years of high school she attended a private, boarding, Catholic school “Sacret Heart” in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. She attended The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg her freshman and sophomore years where she pledged Chi Omega sorority. She transferred to SMU in Dallas in her junior year where she majored in “boys.”
Jete’ had so many boyfriends it was hard to keep up! One was more handsome and charming than the next. Just as you started to like one she would disappear him and she’s find someone she liked better. Then about two years after college she was working as a medical technician in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and she met her “Prince Charming”, Tommy Crosby. This year they celebrated their 25 wedding anniversary! I think he’s her keeper.
Jete’ married Tommy Crosby on May 7, 1994 in Seaside, Florida. It was such a beautiful and romantic wedding. The celebration lasted for three days. The rehearsal dinner was a seated meal on the beach at sunset with dancing afterwards. The next evening again at sunset the wedding service was in the gazebo on the beach then the reception in a white tent in the village of Seaside followed by dancing until midnight. The celebration ended with a Mother’s day brunch at one of the charming Seaside cottages. We hated to say goodbye to this “Fairy Tale Wedding!”
Jete’ and Tommy never have a dull moment with their three children, Ryan, Katy and Claire! Life is full and exciting and often hectic when these three sibling are home. Jete’ and Tommy have fabulous dinners and parties and one never turns down an invitation to dine with them or attend a party at their home! It is always quite fabulous!
Florida has always been a major attraction for the Crosby’s with the sugar white beaches and turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico. Jete is a fabulous decorator and has just finished putting her signature on their new beach home in Grayton Beach.
So join Tommy in a birthday toast to Jete’ today, June 18th!
Happy Birthday Jete’! I’m so proud of you and all that you have accomplished!
My father, Leon Baquet, Jr., was born in Scott, Louisiana on January 16, 1911. His father was Leon Baquet, Sr. and his mother Emmalina Castille.
My father’s parents were merchants and artists! They owned a General store in Scott, Louisiana where they sold a variety of things from groceries to feed, bakery goods to caskets, and even hats that were designed by Emmalina.
My father loved his children as did all the men in our family. We were so blessed to grow up in this family because we were so cared for and unconditionally loved. We were always with our parents, included in everything and all events. We were a team!
My grandfather Baquet
My grandfather Guidry
I’m sure that through the generations of our family “children” were a blessing to be cherished. Research over the past decade highlights the link between affection in childhood and health and happiness in the future.
I’ve been through tough times in my life but I have always landed back on my feet. I have never gone into a deep depression, or felt unlucky to be alive. In fact I feel so fortunate for all I’ve gone through because it has taught me valuable lessons.
Research also has proven that affection in childhood leads to higher self esteem, improved academic performance, better parent-child communication, and fewer psychological and behavior problems. Studies also highlight the relationship between parental affection and children’s happiness and success.
So here’s to all the men in my family on Father’s Day 2019! Thanks for loving all your children, especially “Nicky” you were the best!
Grayton Beach is a nationally ranked nature wonderland and consistently ranks among the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the United States. It offers fishing and paddling and you can explore miles of trails to traverse through a coastal forest.
Grayton beach is a small, undisturbed village located along the Gulf of Mexico in the Grayton Beach State Park. The 400-acre State Park has natural trails that wind through a salt marsh and coastal forest. It also has beautiful beaches and a coastal dune lake.
My daughter Jete’ and her husband Tommy built an incredible home in Grayton Beach along the dune lake. My daughter Renèe and I and Whitney were invited to be one of the very first guest to enjoy it. Whitney is the girlfriend of my grandson and Renèe son, Parker. Parker if you remember from a previous Blog is hiking the Pacific Coast Trail from California to Canada. He has hiked 700 miles now and is near the Sierra mountain range which he will be hiking through.
Jubilee Retreat
The back porch
The woods behind their home
We sat on this porch in the evening and listened to the frogs croaking creating a chorus of sounds and the birds chirping and singing! With a glass a wine we watched the sun set. In the morning we enjoyed our cup of coffee and made plans for our day. It was the best way to end the day and welcome in a new day. Life is good when family and friends get together without plans and schedules to meet.
We spent quiet time together talking, reading, and yes checking in with those back home and sometimes looking at social media. We also enjoyed “an incredible home massage” and “great nights sleep” without having to get up early in the morning to rush off to the demands of the day.
Katy on a recumbent bike
I haven’t ridden a bike in years because my knees have gotten stiff at eighty. I thought I could ride a three wheel bike but that didn’t’t work either. Then they brought the recumbent bike out and when I sat in the seat of this adult tricycle I said “Yes” this works! One day I rode 3.4 miles and was a proud as a peacock!. What fun to have at Eighty.
One day we visited with “Liz” Ryan’s girlfriend and her mother Deborah and brother Bryan at their home down the beach. (Ryan is my grandson an Jete’s son who is now working in Bloomington, Indiana as a Medical Engineer). I know he would have loved being with us this day! To get to the beach Bryan and his friend Russ drove us to the beach on the party barge.
These pretty feet didn’t have to walk to the beach!
We even celebrated a very special birthday with dinner and a special yummy birthday cake! Whitney turned Twenty Four!
Whitney
Birthday cake decorated with fresh flowers!
We spent four of the most heavenly days at “Jubilee Retreat” getting in touch with our “inner peace” Thank you Jete’ and Tommy for being the generous humans that you are! In saying goodbye in this blog I’m sending all “The Symptoms of Inner Peace” to ponder!
March 31st was a bright sunny day as Starr and I begin our journey to Louisville, Kentucky for our first Road Scholar trip! We immersed ourselves in the study of the life of Thomas Merton who was born on January 31, 1915 in France and died much too young on December 10, 1968 at the age of 56 in Bangkok, Thailand. He was a Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist, and scholar of comparative religion. He wrote more than 70 books and scores of essays and reviews. His bestselling autobiography, “The Seven Storey Mountain” was published in 1948 and is said to have sent scores of World War II veterans, students, and even teenagers flocking to monasteries across the United States. “The Seven Storey Mountain” was also featured in the National Review’s list of 100 best non-fiction books of the century.
I love this quote by Thomas Merton: “Every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants something in his soul. For just as the wind carries thousands of winged seeds, so each moment brings with it germs of spiritual vitality that come to rest imperceptibly in the minds and wills of men. Most of these unnumbered seeds perish and are lost, because men are not prepared to receive them: for such seeds as these cannot spring up anywhere except in the good soil of freedom, spontaneity and love.”
Starr and I were thrilled to be apart of this small group of knowledgeable individuals who seemed to know as much about the life of Thomas Merton as the experts we studied with. We were sad to say goodbye to them because we all became friends. Actually our group exchanged email addresses so hopefully “Thomas Merton” will be the catalyst that will keep us in contact with each other.
We had an afternoon free so we took the Louisville City Taste Tour and visited Mom-Pops Shops, where treated to “Famous” and “Favorite Foods” of Louisville, tasted Local Beer, Wine, & many Bourbons! We visited famous Attractions and had a fabulous afternoon laughing and developing friendships!
Our Road Scholar study trip ended at noon on Friday and Starr and I drove to Lexington to visit my granddaughter Claire. She showed us around the University of Kentucky campus and we visited awhile at her adorable apartment with her roommate Emery. Later my grandson Ryan came over from Indiana for his girlfriends Liz’s Chi Omega’s Black and White Ball. We all had this pre-birthday celebration at this fabulous French restaurant. Yum!
Starr and drove back to Atlanta Saturday feeling like we had an incredible adventure. I was going to visit with Starr and Don, see a few friends, and just relax a little before driving back to New Orleans. My actually “Eighty First” birthday was Sunday, April 7th and Starr and Don gave me the most wonderful Surprise birthday party at their home.
Starr and I have been best friends for “61” years! Our friendship begin at LSU in 1957 and continued through the years. Life is good! Best friends are forever!
I’ll end this Blog with another quote by Thomas Merton about life: “The logic of worldly success rests on a fallacy: the strange error that our perfection depends on the thoughts and opinions and applause of other men! A weird life it is, indeed, to be living always in somebody else’s imagination, as if that were the only place in which one could at last be real.”
If you haven’t heard of Thomas Merton you have missed a wealth of inspiration!
My granddaughter Anita is working on the Campaign for the the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for “Student of the Year” at her school “McGehee” in New Orleans. She is on a team with her friend Claire Bruton. The team that raises the most money will receive College Scholarship money and get the title of “Student of the Year”.
I am so impressed with my granddaughter and her friend Claire for taking on this endeavor and becoming a “Difference Maker” in their school. It’s especially impressive to me during this Lenten Season for them to be doing God’s calling to make a difference in a child’s life and hopefully find a cure for this dreadful disease and save the lives of both children and adults. It is one of the most beautiful spiritual things I have seen my granddaughter do and I’m so very proud of her. I ask you to read her story and give with your heart to their cause to wipe out Leukemia and Lymphoma forever.
Anita Dongieux
Hello! I am Anita Dongieux, and I am honored to participate in the 2019 Students of the Year program, a seven-week initiative in which select high school students from around the country participate in a fundraising competition to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I am proud to be raising critical dollars in honor of a young patient hero who is currently battling or is in remission from a blood cancer. Each dollar is a vote. The candidate team that raises the most money at the end of the seven weeks is named Student(s) of the Year. Our mission is to not only raise the most money but also to bring attention to blood cancers like leukemia, which is the most common form of cancer in children and teens.
Growing up, I have witnessed many stories from family and friends, talking about how cancer has affected them and their loved ones in the past, so when I got this opportunity to participate in such a wonderful campaign I knew I needed to make myself a part of it. I am most proud to be able to compete in such a rewarding experience at such a young age– not only has this campaign taught me a ton about how LLS is helping to fund blood cancer research and patients dealing with cancer, but it has also taught me amazing life skills that I will remember forever. I hope to carry on this tradition of working with the LLS organization at my school, Louise S. McGehee, and to inspire the younger girls of my school to participate as well. As my school’s motto states “Leading Women”, I hope that through my actions I can inspire everyone to stay active in their community and to learn to love helping others in any way possible.
Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. And many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are helping patients with other cancers and serious diseases. In fact, drugs first approved for blood cancers are now approved to treat patients with stomach cancers, skin cancers, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
We really are changing the face of blood cancer!
All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. They’ll not only support LLS-funded research but will help provide critical information and support for patients, and support advocacy for laws to ensure patients can access the care and treatments they need.
Saying goodbye to family Craig (father), Katy (maternal grandmother), Renèe (mother), Whitney (girlfriend), Bobby (peternal grandfather), Bailey (sister) Whiskey, Bear, and River (man’s best friends)
Saturday, March 9th Parker told us goodbye and departed with his friend JP. They flew to San Diego, California where they met up with the third member of their team Conner. We are all excited for them as well as worried about them completing the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail hike.
Parker, JP and me
This backpack is all they will carry as they leave on the trail 750 miles north of the Mexico Border where their elevation will continue to rise. They will walk through the desert sun and mountain passes and have to find a way to stay warm as they sleep through cold nights.
Parker with his grandfather Bobby
Some of the things they carry in these backpacks are a lightweight sleeping bag and pad, a tent, rain gear, down jacket, trekking poles, a hat, sunglasses, rain gear, backpacking stove, a water filter, a headlamp, and base layer clothing. absolutely no cotton clothing.
They mailed boxes of supplies to themselves at various post offices along the way before they left. They will also stop in towns along the way for extra food. It is said that people along the tail are more than happy to help hikers get to towns. This is definitely a great adventure for the stout hearted!
Christian on Atlas (Abelix)
Christian arrived home from an equestrian training internship in Houston, Texas as Parker departed for his Pacific Crest Trail hike. She is now training with Fox Ridge Farm in Folsom, Louisiana with trainer and owner T.J. Leblanc.
TJ and his daughter Katherine have been training Atlas for the last few months. These Westfalen horses were bred for competition and have a quiet temper. They are an elegant horse of good character. They are also prized for their trainability and good work ethic and expressive movement.
Christian has been having trouble finding the right trainer to develop these qualities in Atlas until she found TJ and Katherine at Fox Ridge Farm. Atlas has seem to lack a positive attitude and focus until TJ put a chicken in his stall and he responded almost instantly.
(Black Hawk) is Atlas’s his friend and companion!
Horses are unique individuals that handle situations differently. While one horse may be calm as a cucumber and show no care in the world, another might have a high “flight” and response to the slightest thing. A horse that has had exposure to poultry won’t “have his feathers ruffled” by sudden movements and loud noises. A little exposure to flapping, squawking and scurrying can go a long way to desensitizing a horse to those types of events! Thanks to TJ who looked into Atlas’s eyes and said, “what’s wrong Atlas you are a champion, let’s find a way to make you concentrate!” That’s the difference in an average trainer and an expert trainer. Atlas has found his trainers, TJ, Katherine, and his friend “Black Hawk.”
Christian riding Atlas and winning her first ribbon!
Christian is on the Savannah School of Art and design equestrian team and competes for the school. However she has not personally competed professionally in several years. She is now working with TJ and Katherine at Fox Ridge Farms to sharpen her skills to the level she used to compete at. Winning her first ribbon in years on Atlas, even though it wasn’t first place, was a proud moment for her.
There are four lessons in this blog: the first is from Parker who shows us the courage it takes to follow ones dreams when everyone says don’t do it. It’s too risky, you’ll never accomplish it. The second from TJ that says, never quit looking for and developing talent! The third is from Atlas who lets us know we can find courage from the oddest places and discover one’s potential! The fourth is from Christian who shows us that to compete at the highest level it takes discipline and practice, practice, practice and a horse name Atlas (Abelix)!
My two daughters Jete’ and Renée and their husbands Tommy and Craig enjoying lunch at Brennans Restaurant!
Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”. It is the last day that one can eat rich food before the ritual of fasting takes place during the Lenten season. The Mardi Gras season is a Christian celebration that actually begins on the Epiphany January 6th. The colors of Mardi Gras are purple symbolizes Justice, green which represents Faith, and gold signifies Power.
Reneè and Craig walking through the French Quarter!
It’s madness in the Quarter during Mardi Gras. It’s a little bit crazy and a whole lot of fun! There are all kinds of costumes, some funny, some strange, and some you cannot talk about. People on the balconies throw beads to you so you have to be very careful not to get hit in the face. The post to the balconies are greased so people on the street can’t climb up to the balconies.
Bailey and Katy at the Hermes Ball!
Katy and her Dad
Katy with her parents
Katy was a returning maid at the Hermes Ball; her father will be her escort. The Krewe of Hermes always puts on a show for its ball and parade. Hermes is one of the favorite parades because the floats are so beautiful!
One of the Hermes floats this year!
Bailey and Max at a Mardi Gras event!
There are parties all over the city. New Orleans is a city that never sleeps so you can go from one venue to another and from one jazz club to another and end up at cafe du Monde for coffee in the morning. It’s like no other city in the world! You just have to experience it once in your life.
Whitney and Parker
Christian and Austin, Whitney and Parker
Everyone loves to dress up in costumes at Mardi Gras. It puts you in a festive mood. Christian and Parker are brother and sister and two of my grandchildren.
Gunner brought four of his friends from California home for Mardi Gras. They all go to Stanford and are all in the Phi Psi fraternity. They are loving all the excitement!
Gunner, Nate, Abe, and Tyler
Gunner, Nate, Sean, Tyler
Gunner took his friends out to the House of Blues and partied until 2 am! This was a pretty early night in New Orleans. Ops there! where did Sean go . Oh there he is hiding behind his i-phone.
Rex has hand painted floats and is the King of Mardi Gras! The traditional song of Rex is “If ever I cease to Love.” The story goes that the song was adopted because the Grand Duke Alexis had a fondness for the actress who sang the song in the musical which was playing at the time of his visit to New Orleans.Katy, Gunner, and Christian
Even though Mardi Gras doesn’t end until “Fat Tuesday” every one has to return to their Universities. So my three grandchildren, Katy, Gunner, and Christian want to say “Happy 2019 Mardi Gras” to all! We had a grand old time!
Katy is Eighty 