NOLA Architecture 023 - Exposed Brick

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A common architectural "accent" (if you will) seen in New Orleans is a home or interior wall where plaster or some shell covering is falling away due to age- exposing old worn brick underneath. I call this an "accent" because it looks pretty cool, so few people attempt to correct it. Unfortunately, new structures are sometimes altered to mimic this. People will literally cover a brick wall with something, then hit it with a hammer to expose the brick. Sad, I know- the "antiquing" of New Orleans. That cheapens the look and now when you see the phenomenon, you can't be sure if it's contrived or true sign of age and character. It's just one more way New Orleans devours itself.
The buildings in this photo series seem to exhibit brick exposure just around windows or doors. It makes sense that it happened due to moisture escape or structural shift around items that are not part of the contiguous brickwork of the wall. But If I noticed that, so could someone looking to mimic it. You just can't trust anything these days.

NOLA Flora & Fauna 004 - Resurrection Ferns

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These are called Resurrection Ferns (ones that grow from random places- cracks in steps, walls, etc) after a good rain.

People often ask me what my favorite thing about New Orleans is (because I annoyingly somehow find a way to work the topic into every conversation I have).

I have one reply: "If you stand on a street corner for any amount of time, something will settle on you and start growing. A spore will land in your ear and you'll have a 3" fern growing out of your head by the time the bus comes."

The rich delta soil spits out life in alarming volume. When the city is gone I will come fish its ruins, because it is the city that will not stop giving.