Thomas Cole found America so polarized that he no longer wanted to live here, and moved to India. That was 1969.

Thomas stayed in India, Nepal, Thailand, Tibet and Afghanistan for 16 out of the 20 next years where he became what-we-don’t-dare-call a “rug merchant.” Thomas a far more elegant title for that occupation, and now he has a new, double-barreled occupational handle and achievement – he’s an author/photographer. Thomas’s new book of photographs is called Standing in the Shadows – New Orleans in Focus. It’s an elegant and impressive pictorial chronicle of the city.

Roger Johns is an award winning author. His award is Georgia Author of the Year, because he lives in Georgia, but he’s a native Louisiana boy from Alexandria. Roger’s books are crime novels, with a main character called Wallace Hartman who’s a woman detective. The stories are set in Baton Rouge, which Roger describes as “the most interesting city” he’s ever been in. And he’s not kidding.

You never forget your first. That’s why Joy Clark will remember this Happy Hour forever. It’s Joy’s first podcast. If you’ve never heard Joy play or sing, you are in for a treat – she’s the real deal. She also has a fascinating life story that involves being home schooled on the West Bank and a long lost African American cousin in Germany.

Andrew Duhon almost bought himself a time bomb in the shape of a touring van today, but luckily figured out the truth before he got himself killed on the road. Andrew, as he often does, tries out a brand new song. It’s another beautiful dissection of the human heart.

Photos taken in the few remaining rays of daylight at Wayfare by Jill Lafleur.