January 2008: New Beginnings



41
History Unfolds at the LSU Textile & Costume Museum
Bridal gowns are among treasures that offer an insight into the fabric of Louisiana life.
by Ruth Laney

ON THE COVER

Gently Held Heart
Acrylic, 18" x 24"
by Henry Muse
46 Beyond the Cliché (and Back Again)
Some males are adapting to a new kind of bachelor party that steers clear of debauchery and iconic drunkenness. And some aren’t.
by Jeremy Alford

52 "I am more in favor of marriage than I am of weddings"
And other mischievous musings from the
original Sweet Potato Queen, Jill Conner Browne
by Melissa Bienvenu

Our Regulars

6
Editorial Reflections
by James Fox-Smith

56

The Good Feast

In New Orleans, an Iris Blooms
by Brenda Maitland

Kudos for Cracklins
by Dale Irvin

Perfect Picnic
Mountainside
by Dale Irvin

74 Antiquarians
Object of Desire
by Ruth Laney

76 Musical Meanderings
Slim's Y-Ki-Ki
by Alex Cook

78 Folk Wisdom
The Truth about the Tooth
by Lucile Hume

81 Weekends Away
Fewer Footprints in the Sand
by D. Fran Morley

86 B & B Listings
A Resource Guide

90 Cultural Icons
Egalite, Fraternite, ... Party!
by Dale Irvin