While wonderful is a complex thing, speaking of nature and the way the wind blows or in the case of south Louisiana, hurricanes. Yes I was here and lived through Katrina. I know more than I care to know about it in many respects. The repercussions still affect my life daily. My house and my family are as prepared as you can be for hurricane season. We pretty much live that way with the exception of a few extra gallons of gas (check) and a little extra water (check) and a little extra stuff (check).

Gustav is out there, not even in the Gulf as of yet. The Heather Graham Writers for New Orleans Conference is this weekend. It’s a way to get people back to New Orleans and spending money. It was started after Katrina. I’m all for it. I was in New Orleans the weekend or so before Katrina hit and have been back many, many times since. It’s a place I’ve spent a good deal of time, being a native of south Louisiana, I love New Orleans.

I think the fact that our state is better prepared is wonderful. I think the fact the general public is in a better position than it was three years ago facing Katrina is wonderful. Do I think being prepared is frightening a lot of people, in a word yes.

But, do I want the weather to ruin my weekend? Heck no, it’s something I have been looking forward to for months. I mean months! Just getting back into the writing grove a little over year ago was something I didn’t take lightly. It’s something I want. It’s something I truly enjoy. It’s something I love. So despite the thought of contra-flow traffic nightmares (maybeJ) I think I’ll do a little packing later, maybe print a few notes and take the advice of one of the greatest women in publishing… and Gustav – don’t even think about it!