Ruthie, the Duck Girl dies

Our dear Ruthie died of cancer last week in Baton Rouge at the age of 74. She had evacuated there due to Hurricane Gustav.

Here's a link to her obituary on NOLA.com

The funeral will be Monday. Details at the link above.

Most assumed she was already deceased, which somehow seems appropriate for someone of her legendary status. But her spirit lives on in so many of us who enjoyed seeing her skating through the Quarter with her ducks following behind. Many stories will be told this week of her escapades.

How is it that she, above all others, carried the magic of that time and place with her for decades? People who know nothing of her are always drawn to the images of her in my gallery. Her presence was and continues to be appreciated by so many, especially those of us who deeply love New Orleans.

Peace be with you, dear Ruthie.

George

WWNO radio interview

WWNO radio producer Diane Mack recorded a great interview that aired last week. Please take a listen:

4 minute interview

New Orleans Magazine's Top Female Achievers

I was touched by the spirit of Mildred Fossier, a 95-year-old retired civil servant and one of this year’s honorees at the New Orleans Magazine Top Female Achievers luncheon. She brought the audience to its feet with her moving acceptance speech in which she praised New Orleans for its long history of diversity.

View more photographs

The other top female achievers of 2008 were Valentine Bemiss-Williams, the director of Love Alive Fellowship Choir; Sheila Ealey, the founder of the Creative Learning Center for children with autism; Cathy Harris, the founder and president of C. Harris Cos. Inc.; Yvonne LaFleur, the owner of Yvonne LaFleur New Orleans; Barbara Motley, the proprietor of Le Chat Noir; Capt. April Overman, the commander of the Reserve Division of the New Orleans Police Department; Kathleen Sullivan Schiavi, an obstetrician/gynecologist at East Jefferson General Hospital; Melinda Sothern, a professor of research at Louisiana State University’s Health Sciences Center; and Ann Rogers Tuennerman, the founder of Tales of the Cocktail.

"Katrina Days" book now available

The long and winding journey of publishing my first book has reached its conclusion. Katrina Days is now available for purchase on my website.

I am pleased with the result and reviews have been very positive. Here's what some have said:

"Remarkable. awesome, sad. Thank you, George." -Celeste Judell

"...the book...is wonderful." - Russel Honore´, Lt. General, US Army (Retired)

"What an awesome depiction of such an unbelievable and destructive force of nature! Thanks for sharing your talent and vision of its effects on the lives of those in New Orleans with the world. The city, our state, and our country have been changed forever by this storm and your heartwarming work will help us to never forget.

"I am truly proud of you and I will always value our friendship. Keep up the great work! You are a tribute to your profession." - Diane Sykora

"...love the images you've chosen for your Katrina book! I, too shot a whole lot of Katrina damage images, but your story telling ability is incredible, and the personal way Katrina touched you shows through, humor and all. The melting candles - just awesome! Of course, we all regret the damage, suffering, economic impact and lost lives as a result of Katrina, but you have made lemonade out of lemons with this book. Congratulations!" - Phillip Colwart

"I absolutely love it!!!!! I want to get a copy to Spike (Lee). The pictures left me speechless! Beauty in Sorrow is an amazing thing to capture and see. You have the vision that most people try for all their lives." -Phyllis Montana-Leblanc

"Katrina Days" photography book now available

My new book, "Katrina Days", is now available at my Magazine Street Gallery or online. Here's the link:

http://georgelong.com/book.htm

Please take a look.

George