New Orleans, one year later, transformed from the Big Easy to the City of Hope. I've wanted to visit New Orleans for a long time, and now that I have, the timing was bittersweet due to Katrina's visit a year ago.

I was in N.O. for a convention, which brought money and life into the economy, and added our presence to a somewhat empty city. We were warmly welcomed and people really wanted to share their stories, with the sense of hope and gratitude for being alive mixed into the tears, best described as an emotional gumbo. These images present a sort of gumbo as well, offering some of the flavor of New Orleans as of this moment, reflecting both past and present in the Big Easy, some of its beauty and glory as well as some of the destruction this city endured during, and in the aftermath of, Hurricane Katrina. One year ago...

It is true that the hotels downtown, the casino, and the nightlife on Bourbon Street are all in full swing, though with less tourists than in past years, and with the recognition that people are struggling and hurting and living in trailers or displaced, and things are not the same. Yet the Spirit of New Orleans is alive, for sure.

My camera died on this trip, maybe in sympathy with those who would rather be living a normal life than a life as post-evacuees or 10x30 trailer residents. (Or maybe it was voodoo!)

I did manage to take a few images of classic, good times New Orleans (from beignets to Bourbon Street), along with some images of the aftermath, rebuilding, the levees, and other remnants of the disaster.

I spent a great deal of time talking with local people, from people selling flowers on the street, to cab drivers, waitresses, and hotel staff. Everyone has a story, mostly of gratitude being alive and for seeing people returning to visit or resume life in the city of New Orleans.

These are but a few images you can see in New Orleans at this specific time, limited mostly to the French Quarter as well as a few of the more damaged areas near the canals and levees, and lakefront. One can see the pumps and canals being furiously repaired and reinforced around the clock, and one hears the sounds of construction (and demolition) everywhere.

Let's hope the help continues, the weather is kind, and the good times roll back strongly and loudly once again.