#cajun – Creole Bayou

How to Halloween in Louisiana

Posted on October 18, 2023September 21, 2023 by Genevive Chamblee

Some places are the perfect destination for Halloween. Louisiana is one such location to get your spook on.

The Walking Dead has nothing on New Orleans. On October 21, 2023, prepare to run for your life in the New Orleans Zombie Run. Yes, you read that correctly. At 9:00 AM, the streets will fill with zombies for a two-mile race through the Warehouse District. Participants dress up like zombies and are chased by the Big Easy Roller Derby who are the official Zombie exterminators. For registration information, visit the link.
The Krewe of Boo Parade is an annual celebration that takes place in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Like Mardi Gras, this parade consists of ornate floats and celebrants decked in extravagant costumes. The parade route will begin at Elysian Fields in the Marigny District (i.e., Frenchmen Street and Washington Square area) and continue to North Peters Street, Decatur Street, Jackson Square, the Warehouse District, and ending around the Convention Center. The route is lined with jazz clubs, bohemian bars, bistros, and street entertainers to keep visitors occupied while waiting for the parade to begin. The Krewe of Boo parade will happen on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
But maybe running isn’t your thing. Perhaps you prefer to sleep among ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and other spirits and witness paranormal activity. The Hotel Monteleone has you covered. Book a stay at this haunted hotel and request a room on the thirteenth floor to encounter some of the permanent free-loading (and free-floating) guests.
If the Hotel Monteleone is too real for you or you don’t fancy spending the night with supernatural houseguests, try visiting one of the haunted houses. The Mortuary is located on Canal Street, and, big shocker, it really is a mortuary. Well, it used to be, at least. For approximately eighty years, it was. So, it’s not a stretch to think that some “guests” may still be lingering around. It’s not like they are dying to get out. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.) In any case, The Mortuary is a resplendent mansion that was constructed in 1872 and is one of the niftiest haunted houses to tour.
Another option for a haunted house is the New Orleans Nightmare located at 319 Butterworth Street in Jefferson is described as an “intense haunted experience” and includes a completely dark maze that visitors will need to depend on their senses (i.e., auditory, olfactory, and tactile) to navigate their path through physical challenges. There is also a fully interactive escape room and three main attraction events (Midnight Mortuary Blood Ritual, Repossessed, and The Deadlines. Don’t worry. There’s also a bar for visitors to grab a drink to calm their nerves. Granted, it’s also horror-themed. The New Orleans Nightmare is a must-see/must-do experience. However, this haunted house does come with a warning that its experience may not be suitable for children twelve and under.
Speaking of escape rooms, if you would like to experience one but aren’t in the New Orleans area or can’t get tickets, visit the 13^th Gate in Baton Rouge (832 Saint Philip Street in the old Steinberg’s Sporting Goods building). This attraction also comes with a disclaimer that it may not be suitable for children twelve and under and also adds that it may be questionable for those with a weak bladder. Interpret that how you will.
Who can talk about Halloween and New Orleans without mentioning the cemeteries? Perhaps the most famous cemetery in the world is the Saint Louis Cemetery Number 1. It is one of the oldest cemeteries (officially consecrated in 1789) in The Big Easy and is the resting place to Barthelemy Lafon (pirate), Madame Delphine LaLaurie (serial killer), Marie Laveau (voodoo queen), and Nicolas Cage. No, that wasn’t a typo, and yes, Nicolas Cage is very much alive and healthy. However, the actor preemptively commissioned his tomb in this cemetery.
Sticking with a similar theme is the Creole Death and Mourning Tours. This one-hour tour is a time-limited exhibition, running from September 20th through November 13^th. It highlights the mourning rituals of 19th-century Catholic Creoles residing in New Orleans. The tour is hosted at the Gallier House (1132 Royal St), a Victorian townhouse and former slave quarters, built in 1860 by architect James Gallier that now serves as a museum.
For lighthearted but amazing seasonal décor sightseeing visit the Buckner Mansion, Ghost Manor, The Kraken House, and/or The Skeleton House. Many people are likely familiar with the image of Buckner Mansion but not the name. That is because Buckner Mansion has been featured in both American Horror Story on FX and in Disney’s Haunted Mansion. It is located at 1410 Jackson Avenue. Next on the list is Ghost Manor located at 2502 Magazine Street. Ghost Manor is known for its specular electronic light show that is synced to spooky music. On 6574 Memphis Street, visitors will find a house that looks as if it’s been dragged out of the sea. The Kraken House’s legendary feature is its large-scale tentacles. Finally, the Skeleton House at 6000 St. Charles Avenue is as the name suggests, decorated with skeletons (not real ones, of course) in all manners of dress… and well, it’s easier to see than to explain. And while in the neighborhood, why not stroll down the rest of Saint Charles Avenue and check out all the other incredibly stunning decorations?
If you fancy a bit of music and dance, head over to the New Orleans Vampire Ball: Temple of The Dark Goddess at the House of Blues on Decatur on October 28. Doors open at 9:00 PM CST.
Or experience The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Mahalia Jackson Theater or relax listening to Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at the Sazerac House. And let’s not forget Get Out being performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are the holidays most frequently associated with giving and charity. However, the Halloween New Orleans (HNO) is an annual extravaganza in acknowledgment of the LGBTQIA+ community and is hosted by Project Lazarus. Over its 39 years in existence, the HNO has raised over five million dollars for the HIV/AIDS cause. The HNO’s parties are iconic.
This next comes with a seriously strong warning. It is only for mature audiences and may be triggering. I’m talking about The Museums of Death. It doesn’t get more real, graphic, and grave than this. If you’re easily triggered, I suggest skipping reading this description. This is why I have reserved to list it last. It’s a lot. Displays in the museum may include artwork created by serial killers, body bags, caskets/coffins, coroners’ and mortician’s tools, crime scene photographs, documents and depictions of various forms of execution and torture, images and depictions of suicide, a history of cannibalism, memorabilia from Charles Manson and the Manson Family, photographs of deceased individuals (including some of young children) prior to their burial, preserved and/or mummified human remains, and skulls. Cell phones and mobile devices are not allowed to be used inside the museum, and no photographing of the displays is prohibited.

That’s all I got. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is available.

When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.

Order your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Did you miss the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or X (formerly tweet) me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads, Amazon Authors, BookBub, Bluesky, Threads, or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and sign up today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

Author Bio

Genevive Chamblee resides in the Bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that make one go “hmm,” and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.

How to Prepare for Spring Weather

Posted on March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 by Genevive Chamblee

It’s spring! While many people are happy to see longer days and warmer weather, many areas are praying to avoid severe weather. Not even a week in, and already parts of the South are on alert for a cold front bringing with it gusty winds, heavy rains, hail, and possibly twisters. That prompted me to do this post.

It is not often that I am asked this question, but I hear it miscommunicated frequently at work. What is the difference between a weather watch and a weather warning? A watch means that the weather conditions are favorable for severe weather while a warning indicates that severe weather is in the area. As a child, I was taught the difference is that if a watch is issued, it means eyes to the sky to monitor if the weather is improving or getting worse. It means going about the day as usual but keeping a radio or television on to hear weather updates. In other words, watch what is happening. A warning is more severe. It means that a storm has been spotted and is in the vicinity. A warning means immediately taking shelter, getting somewhere safe, and hunkering down.

When a watch is issued, it is good to bring in or secure items that could become projectiles or damaged in weather conditions. This could mean moving a car from the driveway to the garage to avoid hail damage, securing patio furniture so that it is not uplifted by high winds and blown into windows or side doors, and bringing pets inside. It is also a good time to charge electronics such as cell phones, laptops, and portable chargers in case of a loss of power. Dragging out the storm radio or scanner, flashlights/lanterns, and having food that does not require heating are also good ideas.

Spring downpours are also nothing new. The most irritating part I find about them is not having an umbrella or raincoat when I need it or lugging one around when I do not. If the weather is nice, I may forget to take an umbrella inside with me. Later, I will hear the rain pounding against the building and realize I will be drenched. Most people no longer care about getting wet, however, many times, I will have items with me that I can’t afford to get wet. So, I have developed a plan to help combat this problem.

First, I keep multiple inexpensive umbrellas and ponchos stashed in various places. I usually keep two in my car because I am notorious for taking one out and not bringing it back. I keep one in my office and one in my backpack.

Second, I purchased a waterproof carrying case for my laptop. Even if I get soaked, I can protect my electronics.

I only crack the back windows of my car and only a tiny amount. When I was about seven or eight years old, I remember the heat shattering my father’s rear windshield. Yes, it gets that hot. He taught me to always crack my windows when it is warm out. The problem with doing this is if you do not remember that you cracked them, you could end up with soaked seats. I must admit, I have done this on more than a few occasions and have been sorry each and every time. It is like driving while sitting on a wet sponge. It can take days for saturated seats to completely dry and leave a horrible stench. I have learned not to crack the front windshields. At least, if I forget and the seats get wet, it will not be the one I have to sit on. If the wind is blowing, rain from a cracked passenger seat can still allow the driver’s seat to get wet. For added protection, I keep a small roll of garbage bags beneath the seat. If I must drive on a soggy seat, at least the garbage bags can provide a barrier until I make it to my destination.

Everyone should always be using sunscreen. Now is the time of year when protecting the skin really is brought to the forefront. Many cosmetics and skincare products are now made with SPF. These products are good options. However, it should be noted that in many, the amount of SPF in these products may not be enough. So, having several products that include SPF may be a wiser choice if you do not have sunscreen available. For example, you want to use a moisturizer with SPF beneath a primer and foundation that also contain SPF.

Also remember, that most sunscreens will need to be reapplied throughout the day. Be sure to read the directions on the product selected. Consider keeping a bottle of sunscreen in your car glove compartment or in your purse for use when you are on the go. Spray sunscreens can be easier and more convenient to use for reapplication.

Be aware as long and warmer days melt away snow, some creeks, and small streams may be prone to flooding this time of year. Experts advise to never attempt to drive through flood waters. Even if the rising water does not look deep, appearance can be deceiving. Not only that, you do not always know what is in it. Once, my brother used my father’s boat in flood water, and debris in the water tangled on the motor’s propeller. It caused the motor to overheat and burn up. My father was ticked.

How can there be a spring post without talking about allergies? One of the worse feelings is shaving allergies to flare and having no medications to combat them. Now is the perfect time to stock up on your allergy needs and make yourself an emergency care basket.

Remember to keep hydrated. This is extremely important any time of year, but especially in hot weather. Dehydration in hot weather can lead to heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive salt and water through sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include the following: dizziness, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, unsteady gait, and weakness. It is important to replenish the water and electrolytes lost by sweating. These can be replaced by drinking water and sports drinks.

Sweating is necessary to keep the body cool. When a person can no longer control his/her temperature and is unable to cool, this can lead to a heat stroke. A heat stroke is different and more serious than heat exhaustion. Some symptoms of a heat stroke may include the following: combativeness, confusion, core body temperature above 104 F, delirium, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Heat stroke can damage your brain and vital organs and cause death. Anyone suffering from heat stroke systems should seek professional medical help immediately.

One final note, on March 31, Out of the Penalty Box, the first book in my Locker Room Love steamy sports romance series will be available for free download for a limited time only. To get the link and be reminded when it is available for download, sign up for my newsletter which will contain all of the information.

So, that’s it for today’s post. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is live.

Order your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or for search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

Author Bio

Genevive Chamblee resides in the bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that make one go “hmm”, and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.

Removing the Mask from Mardi Gras

Posted on February 15, 2023January 26, 2023 by Genevive Chamblee

Removing the Mask from Mardi and Shedding Light

On February 24, 1857, the first organized Mardi Gras parade occurred. It took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was hosted by the Mistick Krewe of Comus. It is important to stress the word organized because prior to this, Mardi Gras celebrations did take place. In fact, celebrations are documented to have occurred as far back as 1699 with the French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville being credited as the officiants. Yet, other historians argue that the first Mardi Gras parade occurred in 1710 in Mobile, Alabama. Those are discussions for a different day. For the purpose of this post, it will be assumed that 1857 in New Orleans is the official date and location. However, it is not often disputed that these early celebrations (prior to 1857), in New Orleans generally, were irregular, lacked structure, and were limited to the Catholic Creole community.

The fact that some of the first celebrations of Mardi Gras were held in the Creole community significantly relates to the continued utilization of masks and flambeaux as part of Carnival. Because I previously have written several posts regarding the definition, background, and history of Creole heritage, I won’t rehash that information here. However, having an understanding of how Creole is defined will provide insight additional insight into the issues mentioned in this post. I’ll link the related posts below.

WARNING: This is history, and history is not always pretty. It can’t be rewritten or undone. However, it can be used as source material for learning. That being said, some readers may find this discussion disturbing. The information listed herein has been compiled over the years from creditable sources.

The Mistick Krewe of Comus began as a secret society mainly comprised of French Catholics and Protestant Anglo-Americans. (Keep in mind that this is happening in pre-U.S. Civil War Louisiana, just four years prior to the thirty-three states dividing into the Union and Confederacy. (Yes, technically, there were border states, but since they didn’t secede most consider them as part of the Union.) The krewe continues to exist, however, it no longer holds parades. It ceased having parades in 1991 when a city ordinance mandated that all social organizations attest to nondiscriminatory based on race, religion, gender, physical/mental disability, and/or sexual orientation. Well, that didn’t happen. The Krewe of Comus elected not to comply with the ordinance and withdrew from parading. The ordinance was later repealed by two federal courts, citing it as being unconstitutional and infringing on the civil rights of social organizations. Although it was repealed, Comus has not resumed its parade. To date, the krewe’s activity and the identity of its members are shrouded in secrecy.

Benjamin Franklin is credited with discovering electricity in 1752 with a kite-flying experiment. Yet, the first light bulb was patented much later in 1879 by Thomas Edison. But even in 1925, it is estimated that only approximately fifty percent of homes in the U.S. had electricity. This isn’t something usually thought about when discussing Mardi Gras because electricity is something most people take for granted. When we see places with electricity, we think of rustic, poverty, underdeveloped, and/or natural disaster. But for hundreds of years, this was a daily norm. It simply didn’t exist. In 1857, this meant the streets were dark at night. Attendees couldn’t see the participants’ costumes or the floats after the sunset. This was the reason that most outside public events took place during daylight hours. That is until the Mistick Krewe of Comus introduced flambeaux. Let there be light.

Technically, the term flambeaux means torchlight. When using it in regards to Mardi Gras, it refers to the parade torch carriers. Flambeaux carriers originally were comprised of slaves and free men of color. Their main duty for the parade was to carry torches along the parade route. However, they didn’t just carry the torches. They made a ceremony of it by dancing, twirling, and performing tricks to delight the spectators. To date, flambeaux carriers remain an integral part and a highlight of Carnival.

Except for flambeaux, people of color did not have a place in the parade. They weren’t permitted. And this is where masks come into play. Recall that I mention the Krewe of Comus began as a secret society. They weren’t the only krewe to begin (and continue) in this fashion. The krewe member wore masks not only because it was fun to do so but also to conceal their identities. Because krewe members were elite members of society, their masks and costumes were elaborate and went beyond a Clark Kent pair of black-rimmed glasses. Furthermore, the masks and costumes provided krewe members the anonymity to engage in outrageous and outlandish behaviors—something that it still does to this day. But the masks allowed for something else. It allowed persons who weren’t allowed to participate to take part because their identity was concealed as well. Slaves and people of lower social economic status could blend amongst the wealthy and affluent. This tradition grew in popularity and stuck because it allowed all celebrants to be equal.

Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Interested in reading more about Creole and Cajun history and heritage, try these posts.

The Difference Between Creole and Cajun

The Difference Between Cajun and Creole

Creole FAQ

Cane River Culture

Mardi Gras: (Creoles Influence in Mardi Gras)

Is it Mardi Gras Yet?

The Season of Mardi Gras

Get ready. It’s time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is live.

Order your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

Author Bio

Genevive Chamblee resides in the bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that makes one go “hmm”, and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.

The Wrap Up

Posted on February 2, 2023January 30, 2023 by Genevive Chamblee

The Wrap Up

Well, we made it. The release of Future Goals is finally here, and daily blogging has been a blast. I’m not going to dare say that it has been easy because your girl has struggled a bit to get it researched, written, edited, and uploaded. But was it worth it? Absolutely. It was a challenge that I so much enjoyed. So, as the clock ticks down to the final hours of going live, I thought I’d list a list of all the daily blogs. To make the list easy to sort through, I sorted by category/topic instead of the date of publication. I also included posts written during the month that were featured on other blogs as a guest. Be sure to check them out as one of them contains information for a free giveaway.

Writing

Mental Health

Cultural

Fun Holidays

Misc./Future Goals

Guest Blogger Posts

The Season of Mardi Gras (01/23/23)
Names Are Everything (and giveaway/contest) (02/01/23)

***NOTE: If the above links for the guest blogger posts do not work, click here to go to the main blog page. The dates of the blog post as listed beside the name of the post.

This concludes the daily celebratory posts. I hope you have enjoyed these posts, the topics, and getting to know a little more about Future Goals. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? Did you enjoy the daily blogs and the topics discussed? What was your favorite post? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Is this something that you would like to see me do again in the future? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s time to hit the ice again. Future Goals is live.

Order your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box(book #1) where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

Author Bio

Genevive Chamblee resides in the bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that makes one go “hmm”, and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.

Future Goals Behind the Scenes (Saint Anne)

Posted on January 31, 2023December 31, 2022 by Genevive Chamblee

Welcome back to the bayou, or if it’s your first time here. Hello. I’m so glad that you found this place. As by the title of this post, I’m writing about the world—or rather, city—building of Saint Anne in my Locker Room Love series. For those who are not familiar, Locker Room Love is a contemporary sports romance series. However, each book can be read as a stand-alone. Future Goals which releases on 02/02/23. Future Goals is the fifth book in the series, and it is a hockey romance. To celebrate its release, I’m posting daily on a topic that in some manner relates to the story.

Books one through three (Out of the Penalty Box, Defending the Net, and Ice Gladiators) are all set in the fictional city of Saint Anne, Louisiana. While the fourth book, Penalty Kill, mostly takes place in Northcove, Mississippi, a portion of it also occurs in Saint Anne.

Saint Anne is a culturally rich and diverse city in South Louisiana, located in western Jefferson Parish and close to New Orleans. Many of the residents are bilingual in English and French—both Creole French and Cajun French—but certainly not all. It is home to professional athletic teams, the Saint Anne Civets (hockey) and Saint Anne Hounds (football).

The city was founded in 1726 by Roche d’Iberville who was the great step-nephew of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. However, the story of Saint Anne began several years prior in 1722 when a hurricane destroyed most of New Orleans. Before founding Saint Anne, Roche resided in New Orleans. However, Roche had two serious issues. One, he was a heavy drinker, and two, he was a ferocious gambler. Even in the eighteenth century, booze and gambling weren’t a good combination. He found himself in serious debt. On the brink of starvation due to the hurricane and being hunted by his debt collectors, Roche set out on a fishing expedition in desperation. He was moderately successful in this endeavor, however, on his return trip, his ship ran aground in Talwalka, a derelict subsect of the Coushatta Indians, territory.

Initially, the Talwalka were curious about the fishermen. However, upon a search of the ship, they discovered Roche and his men had caught a pocket shark which presented a significant problem for Roche. Pocket sharks were held in veneration by the Talwalka because they were believed to be sacred to Nerrivik, the god of the ocean. Catching one was thought to anger the gods and required a blood sacrifice for the offender. For this reason, Roche was taken to the tribal site on orders of Pelahat, the chief of the Talwalka, and sentenced to death. However, Hurit who was the daughter of Pelahat intervened.

Having been a liaison between the Indigenous People of Louisiana and the Caucasian settlers along the Mississippi River, Hurit pleaded with her father to spare Roche’s life. Her father granted her request but banished her from the tribe. Grateful and indebted for the gesture, Roche saw this as an opportunity to begin a new life. He quit gambling and drinking (for the most part), took Hurit as his bride, and moved to an unpopulated area that he claimed as Saint Anne.

Like many cities in South Louisiana, Saint Anne is a city that was heavily influenced by Catholicism during its development. It is named after the Catholic saint Saint Anne who was the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus. The city is filled with beautiful cathedrals and statues. With its unique, copious, and distinctive architectural, and cultural heritage; beauty, eclectic art scene, and cosmopolitan feel, Saint Anne is a favorite destination for athletic events, conferences, cuisine, live music, Mardi Gras carnivals and festivities, sightseeing, and tropical climate. A fusion of African, French, and Spanish influences are present throughout the city.

Saint Anne shares many similarities with the Big Easy, such as using a working streetcar transit system, having a geographical layout based upon social economic status with the most prominent neighborhoods being located closer to the city’s center, and sitting below sea level. The population of the city is just shy of 97,000 but is growing daily.

Saint Anne also is the location of the University of Louisiana at Saint Anne (ULSA), an elite a leading research-extensive university that was established in 1844. ULSA has a student population of close to 31,000 (which isn’t counted in the 97,000-city population). The University has a business administration school, dental school, engineering school, law school, medical school, pharmacy school, and veterinary school. It also boasts Division I athletics—the Minotaurs. The school colors are indigo and maroon.

So, that wraps up this post. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again. Future Goals Coming soon.

Preorder your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box(book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

Author Bio

Louisiana Creole Flag

Posted on January 27, 2023December 31, 2022 by Genevive Chamblee

Today, I will revisit a topic that I discussed many years ago. I have some new information to add, and since I was just getting on my blogging feet, many people probably did not see the post. In celebration of the release, I am posting daily to my blog about a subject that somehow relates to the story. The reason I selected today’s post is because in my upcoming sports romance, Future Goals, which will go live on 02/02/22, I have characters in the story who are Creole. (I also have characters who are Cajun in the story. For those who are interested, I have written a post about the differences between Creole and Cajun cultures, as they are not the same.) Thus, I thought discussing the Louisiana Creole flag would be an appropriate topic.

DISCLAIMER: Before writing posts, I do my best to conduct research from credible sources. Sometimes, information changes between the time of posting and the time that I write the article. In other instances, some topics have controversial elements in that not all “experts” agree on a singular answer. In today’s post, I’m specifically talking about the “Louisiana Creole flag.” It is important to make this distinction because there also exists a National Creole flag and a Creole National Heritage flag. The three are not the same. The National Creole flag was designed by Lisa LaCour Bellow and has a white background with a teal print. The Creole National Heritage flag was created by frenchcreoles.com. Since this is a more intricate design, I’ll discuss it later in the article. I will do my best to give credit where credit is due when it comes to flag designs. If by some chance proper credit is not given, it is in error and not intentional.

This post will discuss what each symbol on the Louisiana Creole flag means and the significance of each of the included elements.

To begin, it is important to discuss how the Louisiana Creole flag came into creation. Joseph Hilton Bergeron, better known as Pete Bergeron, is the designer of this flag. Mr. Bergeron has worn many hats including serving in the U.S. Navy, working as a salesperson, and holding the position of bilingual director of French Programs at KRVS Radio. Additionally, he hosted the radio show Bonjour Louisiane and is the founder of Le Cajun Music Awards and Festival. He designed the Louisiana Creole flag in 1987. The first flag was handstitched by his sister, Delores Kay Conque.

In 1995, this flag was adopted as the official Louisiana Creole flag by C.R.E.O.L.E. Inc. C.R.E.O.L.E. Inc. is a nonprofit Creole heritage preservation organization that seeks to identify, preserve, and promote various aspects of Creole culture (e.g., art, architecture, customs, dance, food, language, literature, and music). It was founded by John Broussard, Marlene Broussard, W. Paul Cluse, Mary Alice Drake, Geneva Phillips, and Herbert Wiltz and is based in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The Louisiana Creole flag is composed of four sections; however, when one looks closely, he/she will realize there are actually five sections. I’ll discuss the sections from left to right, starting with the upper left quadrant.

The upper left section of the flag is a white fleur de lis on a blue background. It represents French heritage. I need to note here that the fleur de lis has an extensive history and one that is too lengthy to discuss here with any type of adequate justice. For that reason, I will provide a brief summary of some of the most important information about the fleur de lis as it relates to the Creole flag. For anyone interested in knowing more, I have written a previous in-depth post dedicated to the fleur de lis entitled Flower Power, but there also are many other sources that provide tons of information about this flower. But here are some facts that I think are noteworthy as to its inclusion of the Creole flag.

While the origins of the fleur de lis are unknown, it can be traced back to the ancient Persians, Greeks, and Egyptians to symbolize warriors. Over the centuries, it has appeared on various European flags and coat of arms and has been used as a symbol of monarchy and French royalty. During the French Revolution, it was used as a symbol of supremacy. It also has many religious associations, including being carried into battle by Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc), a devote Catholic and “defender of the faith” and a leader of a French army. [As a side note, she won the battle of Orléans (a city southwest of Paris, France) when she was only seventeen years old. The city of New Orleans in Louisiana which is named after Orléans, France, named Joan as the city’s patron saint.]

In the upper right quadrant is the Senegal Republic National (Le Drapeau Sénégal) flag. This flag is composed of the colors green, yellow, and red in three equal-sized vertical stripes. The green band represents progress, hope, and Islam. The yellow stripe represents natural wealth and has a five-pointed green star located in the center. The star represents hope and unity. Finally, the red stripe symbolizes determination and sacrifice.

Moving to the lower left quadrant is the Mali Republic National (Le Drapeau du Mali). This flag is also tricolor and has three vertical stripes of equal size. The first color, green, represents the fertility of the land. The gold stripe symbolizes mineral wealth and purity. The final stripe of red represents the bloodshed in obtaining independence from France. When the colors of the flag are viewed as a unit, they represent pan-African (relating to all people of African birth or descent).

The final quadrant in the lower right depicts Spanish Colonial heritage. It is a red background with the Tower of Castile (gold) located in the center. The Tower of Castile symbolizes the Kingdom Castile (Reino de Castilla) which was a large and powerful state on the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages.

I began by saying there were five sections. This final section is easily seen but often dismissed as not being an element. It is similar to photographs taped in a photo album. People tend to focus on the photos but not the page where it is taped. The four quadrants are separated by white space. However, this white space isn’t unintentional. It actually is a white cross that represents the Christian faith.

When one views the Louisiana Creole flag in its entirety, it is very apparent how it embraces all the cultures that have blended together to form what is now known as Creole culture. And this is why arguments about who is considered Creole and who isn’t (based on a narrow definition of what Creole culture is) fall apart. Creole culture is very inclusive.

Now, let’s discuss the Creole National Heritage which was designed by frenchcreoles.com. I must make a disclaimer. There are several versions of this flag. I’m uncertain where the different variations originate or which one is “official.” Some of the versions may have been proposed designs that have been circulated and remain in the public. Since there are a few variations, I first will give an overview of the elements included and then discuss the variations in layouts.

To begin, it is a multicolor background with an oak tree in the center. The upper left corner is a beige/light brown while the lower left corner is dark brown. These colors represent racial colors. Three diagonal stripes divide the beige/light brown from the dark brown. The first diagonal stripe (from left to right) is red. The red stripe represents Native American/Indian heritage. The next stripe is white. This represents European Heritage. The final stripe is black, and it represents African heritage. The oak tree intersects the three stripes. The tree symbolizes integrity and strength.

Some variations of this flag include the following:

A fleur de lis in the upper left on the light brown/beige background and a white star in the lower right on the dark brown background.
There also is an inverted version of this flag with the fleur de lis on the dark brown and the white star on the beige/light brown.
Of the previous two versions, one or both of these symbols (the fleur de lis and white stars) may be depicted.
Two white stars with one white star located on the beige/light brown and the other white star located on the dark brown.

In all of these variations, the fleur de lis represents French heritage, and the white star represents American heritage.

It should be noted that other Creole flags not discussed in this post may also exist.

With that said, that’s all that I have for today. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again. Future Goals Coming soon.

Preorder your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

Author Bio

Genevive Chamblee resides in the bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting mushy watching pet adoption commercials, and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well. Genevive believes in variety, equality, and representation of all and is willing to tackle difficult subjects that may be shunned in many romance novels.

The Difference Between Cajun and Creole

Posted on January 18, 2023December 7, 2022 by Genevive Chamblee

Today’s topic is one that I previously have written a couple of posts about. I believe the last time was five years ago, but it’s still something that I get asked about often when meeting new people. If you’re following this blog, you know that I am celebrating the upcoming release of my newest novel, Future Goals, by posting daily until the release date on 02/02/23. Each post is a subject that is in some way related to something that occurs in the story. Future Goals is a sports romance set in Louisiana, and a few of the characters are Cajun. Others are Creole, and yes, there is a difference. Because I have covered this topic previously and the subject is based on history (which doesn’t change), some of the information presented herein may be duplicated. However, I will try my best to limit duplication and include new information.

Nearly every seminar or workshop I attend begins with an icebreaker, and usually, that icebreaker involves each participant introducing himself/herself to the group. Many times, the group leader or host will ask that each person give his/her name and where he/she is from. Generally, I dislike icebreakers because I’m not going to remember any information provided unless something really unique is said, (e.g., the person has twenty-five kids, and they are all twins), and even then, I probably will only retain this information for a short amount of time. Yeah, I don’t always pay attention to those types of events, but I’m veering from the subject. When I introduce myself from being from Louisiana, ninety-five percent of the time the response is, “Oh, you’re Cajun.” A long time ago, I used to do this. Now, I just shake my head and let it go because it’s not always worth an argument.

See, there are some people who bitterly disagree that there is a difference, and I think this is largely because so many people have used the terms Creole and Cajun interchangeably. In addition to that, the two cultures coexist in the same area and are blended in some instances. To add to the confusion, the term Creole has several definitions. Therefore, it depends on who is answering the question of whether or not a distinction will be made between the two cultures. So, to understand, it’s best for me to begin with a definition of Creole. But before I do, here’s a disclaimer.

DISCLAIMER: This post is an extremely simplified explanation. Anyone wishing to gain an in-depth understanding or more information should do further research for themselves. The information presented here is reported from knowledge gained over many years of research and taught history. Each person is welcome to have his/her own belief and view. It’s perfectly fine to disagree with this post. All I ask is to be respectful in the comments. Now, to carry on.

Let’s begin with the more familiar facts and terms. So, I looked up the word Cajun in the dictionary just for giggles. According to Merriam-Webster, Cajun is defined as “a Louisiana descendent from French-speaking immigrants from Acadia.” The next logical question then is where is Arcadia? According to historical records, Arcadia is a small fishing community in Nova Scotia, Canada, adjacent to Yarmouth. The name was changed from (Upper) Chebogue to Arcadia in 1863. Now, when I posted a similar article some years ago, I wrote that Cajuns are largely descendants of Nova Scotia. This caused a bit of an uproar among some people. However, this fact is backed by several credible sources, but as with anything, there are bound to be experts who disagree. Again, anyone interested in this topic is advised to conduct his/her own research and form his/her own conclusions.

But let me back up from 1863. Where does the name Acadia originate? Well, there are two historical sources to cite. The first is from the Italian Explorer, Giovanni da Verrazzano. On behalf of Francois I, the king of France during this period, Verrazzano sailed an expedition to North America. There, he explored the Atlantic coast near what is the present-day state of Delaware and gave it the name “Arcadia.” Later, in 1566, Bolognino Zaltieri, a cartographer, named the present-day areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia “Larcadia”. A third explanation of the name’s origin is that it may have Indigenous roots from the Mi’kmaq’s word for “camp.”

French settlers (primarily from western France and known as Acadians) had resided in the Chebogue area since the early 1600s. This eastern area of Canada was a British province. However, there came a time when England and France didn’t play nice with each other. Without diving too much into this complex history, the short of the story is that the tension between the two countries grew. The British eventually gave the Acadians an ultimatum to pledge loyalty to Britain. They refused. In 1755, Acadians were exiled from Nova Scotia. This is referred to in scholarly articles as Le Grand Dérangement (the Great Deportation). They were deported to Britain, British colonies, and France. They later migrated on their own (not deported) to Louisiana after the revolution in Saint-Domingue. The Acadians found Louisiana attractive because it was being a French colony and the residents spoke French.

The word “Cajun” can be traced to the nineteenth century. The French of noble ancestry referred to in the area referred to themselves as “les Acadiens.” Others (perhaps many who were not of the nobility) referred to them as “le Cadiens.” Well, guess what happened. Many Americans could not pronoun either “Acadien” or “Cadien” and ended up saying “Cajun.” It stuck.

Taking all of this into account, it is fair to say that Louisiana Cajuns can trace their roots to France and the French settlers in Canada. That is the first half of the equation needed for today’s topic. The next half isn’t as straight forth as we tackle Creole. The following are a few facts about the term Creole that may bring clarity to what may be seen by some as a confusing origin.

The word Creole derives from the Portuguese word crioulo. Crioulo means a slave born in the master’s household.
Originally, the term Creole was used to describe a person born in or indigenous to Louisiana (both the territory and later the state). This included both white colonists and African slaves who were “native-born.”
Over time, the term has been used to refer to persons of mixed European and black descent.
However, due to racial tension, further distinctions were made: French Creole (European ancestry), Black Creole (primarily African ancestry), Creole of Color (mixed race ancestry), and to describe persons whose ancestry is from Francophone and Hispanic communities.
The term also is used to refer to as blended French, African, Russian, Italian, German, Chinese, Spanish, and Native American. Then, others used the term to refer to only free people of color.
Sometimes, the term is used to refer to anything “pertaining to New Orleans.”

Before continuing, I need to address the term free people of color. This does not refer to freed slaves as free people of color who were never slaves. And this brings up another issue that I will address in a moment. Instead, this term was used to describe persons who shared both European and African heritage. However, not all Creoles have African ancestry. Creoles can trace their French genealogy to Aquitaine, Brittany, Île-de-France, Normandy, and Poitou, Rouen, (these are not all-inclusive); their Hispanic ancestry to Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Spain, and Trinidad, (not all-inclusive), and their African ancestry to Angola, Bight of Biafra, Bissau, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Gold Coast, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive. From just this, it is easy to understand why some people are confused by the term Creole, but let’s continue.

Clearly, the different uses of the term Creole have created confusion for some. This is why there is so much debate (even among the Creole community) as to who is Creole and who isn’t. For some reason, some people want to narrow the definition and limit inclusion in the group. However, if viewing the term from a historical perspective, it is very inclusive of a blend of many cultures. And if that’s not proof enough, consider the Mardi Gras parades and some of the oldest krewes who participate. Then, look at the origins of the people in those krewes. The diversity is evident and has been recognized for a long time.

WARNING: The next section is not pleasant. For that reason, it is frequently overlooked and/or not discussed. However, to gain a basic understanding of what Creole is, this next part is needed information.

The term free people of color also was used to make a distinction between “mixed-raced” people and African slaves who had been freed. This was very important to people at the time who classified themselves as free people of color because they were a separate class and held a special role in society. They had rights and privileges that freed slaves did not have. Thus, in many ways, the term Creole was political. After the American Civil War, this status and distinction changed, and many of the rights and privileges of free people of color revolved which created much controversy. Unfortunately for some, that controversy continues today. When a person identifies as having Creole heritage, there are those who argue this is a way of denying being Black or African heritage due to self-hate. However, as mentioned previously, not all people who are Creole have an African heritage, and for those that do, the term embraces that heritage. Some people think Creole is based on skin color, hair type, or other physical features. But again, Creole heritage has its origins in many different races and cultures. Therefore, people who are Creole have a diverse array of skin tones and physical features. Rather, it is the blending of the aforementioned cultures that form the Creole culture.

One final point before ending. In another previous post, I discussed the differences between Creole and Cajun foods. I had one person vehemently argue that there was no difference. Well, of course, there is. Do you want to know why? Because the areas in which they settled in Louisiana were different.

Cajun cuisine is known for its robust flavors and frequently is referred to as “country” food. This is because it was the practice of Arcadians to utilize every part of an animal. This gave birth to dishes such as jambalaya and boudin. The Holy Trinity” (onion, celery, and bell pepper) frequently serve as the base for many Cajun dishes. Other common spices found in Cajun cuisine are garlic, green onions, paprika, sassafras, and thyme. Cajun cuisine also is known to have simpler recipes with fewer ingredients, a medley of veggies, and shorter cook time. They prepared simple and efficient meals often in one pot.

On the contrary, Creole cuisine is often referred to as “city” food. It is known for its richness, sauces, roux, and, in general, contained more ingredients (e.g., remoulade sauce) than Cajun dishes. They had more complex recipes. Plus, many Creole dishes include seafood and tomatoes. Now, before anyone comes at me, this is not implying that Cajun dishes exclude seafood and tomatoes. This statement needs to be taken into perspective in regard to what was occurring during that time in history when Creoles and Cajuns were settling in Louisiana. This is another long topic, but I’ll keep it simple. Many Creoles, because of their jobs, had more access to what were considered “exotic” ingredients. Seafood and tomatoes were more readily available to Creoles, therefore, they used them more. But Cajuns also had access to these ingredients. Thus, tomatoes and seafood are also found in several Cajun dishes.

All I can suggest to people who disagree that there is a difference between Creole and Cajun food is to visit Louisiana and go to an authentic Creole restaurant and an authentic Cajun restaurant. The key word is authentic because anyone can slap on a label and have it mean nothing (take for example Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican dishes). It is clear in the menus as well as the taste of the food that there are differences. That is not to say there aren’t also many similarities. The point being made here is that Creole and Cajun are not the same cultures. Cajun seems to be a more popular or well-known term, and as a result, Creoles get swept under the same umbrella. Are there people who have both Creole and Cajun heritages? Of course. There was never any denying that.

There is also a difference between Creole French and Cajun French which is different from Canadian French and European French. I have also previously written a post about that topic as well but will not be covering it here.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again. Future Goals Coming soon.

Preorder your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (book #4) takes the ice again. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

Author Bio

Creole Bayou Blog Update

Posted on September 5, 2022December 7, 2022 by Genevive Chamblee

Today’s post is an update as to what is going on at Creole Bayou. As I’ve stated from the beginning and multiple times afterward, I created Creole Bayou as a place where hard-to-find information about the Creole and Cajun cultures can be housed in a central location. I do my best to be objective and conduct in-depth research on each topic. Over the years, I have expanded that scope to include other topics (i.e., writing, mental health, and how these three areas may interact with each other) as these are areas of interest to me. From all the positive feedback that I have received, I’m assuming that this has been a step in the right direction. However, if you follow me and disagree, please let me know. What is it that you would like to see posted on this blog?

Additionally, Creole Bayou is a place of love, acceptance, tolerance, and inclusion. All are welcome. There’s no hate here. Some topics covered may be sensitive in nature, and I do provide warnings/disclaimers before delving into those types of topics.

Second, I have come to realize that my topic schedule has not been as consistent as it has been in the past. I will try to get back to it, maybe with some moderations. Here is what I plan.

First Wednesday of the month: Writing-related.
Second Wednesday of the month: Mental Health
Third Wednesday of the month: Cultural
Fourth Wednesday of the month: Romance/Relationships
If there is a fifth Wednesday of the month, it will likely be two or more of the previously mentioned combined. By combined, I mean something like how a mental health issue affects the writing process, how cultural differences can affect relationships, etc.

This is the plan. However, if you enjoy one type of content more than the other, please let me know. Or if you would like to see the order switched, let me know that as well. You can leave a comment on the blog post, tweet me, send me a private message on Instagram, or email me at genevivechamblee@yahoo.com. Also, depending on what is happening on a given week, this order is subject to change.

Most of my posts combined these topics, and there are several reasons for that.

I live and was raised in a culturally-rich area, and I enjoy speaking about it. I want to share with the world my world.
I am a writer. Specifically, I write romance. More specifically, I write sports romance. In my romance novels, I include culture and mental health issues. As a writer, I enjoy sharing what I have learned (and am still learning) about the writing process.
Since I write about romance and mental health issues in my novels, it seems only natural that I would write about those topics in my blog as well.
I research what I write. Unless I specifically say a post is an opinion piece, I research (through news articles, interviews, reports, books, etc.) the information I present. If I’m uncertain of something, I make it known. I always encourage anyone reading anything that I post to conduct further research for himself/herself if she is interested in the topic. There is always more than one point of view.
And speaking of points of view, I definitely have one, and I will post what it is many times. However, when presenting topics, I attempt to be as objective as I can be. I don’t always get it right, and I don’t mind when readers tell me that I didn’t hit the nail exactly on the head. That is how I learn how to do better. I do listen. All I ask is to be respectful in the criticism.

Third, I will continue to write bonus posts. When I do, they will continue to be posted on Mondays. My posting time for both days will continue to be 10:00 AM CST unless something interferes with that posting time. I generally tweet a reminder the day before and the hour prior to the blog going live. You can follow me on Twitter @dolynesaidso.

Fourth, I will continue to periodically write a special series. Generally, I post special series on Mondays, but sometimes, I decide to post them on other days. However, they will not take the place of the regular Wednesday post.

Fifth, Sometimes I have guest author interviews. I haven’t had any of those in a while. A few were scheduled but didn’t happen because of life (e.g., schedule conflicts, technical issues, etc.) Hopefully, in 2023, I’ll be able to get back to them.

Finally, I will continue to strive and improve Creole Bayou.

Now, it’s your turn to sound off and tell me what you think. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

When the scandal of a double homicide threatens to destroy his career, this billionaire hockey player hires an ambitious sports agent to improve his public image. It’s time to let the puckery begin.

Speaking of breaks, ex-athlete Ryker Kitsch wants his in the sports agency realm. He sees his chance to make a name for himself by helping rebrand his agency’s newly acquired hockey star, Timothée Croneau. The guy needs every lick of positive PR he can get. So, why is the devilishly gorgeous forward fighting him at every step and leaving Ryker to wonder if he’s been hired for a babysitting gig?

The mess Timothée is stirring was never in any contract Ryker was hired to handle. One thing’s for sure. Whether it’s a forecheck or backcheck, collision is inevitable.

Order your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p

Other booksellers: https://books2read.com/penaltykill

Missed the three in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

Author Bio

Misconceptions about Mississippi and Louisiana

Posted on August 15, 2021December 7, 2022 by Genevive Chamblee

Welcome one and all. If this is your first time here, bienvenue au bayou, and if you’re a return visitor, welcome back. I’m so glad you returned. This is a season of celebration in Creole Bayou. On 08/21/21, Penalty Kill, the fourth standalone book in my Locker Room Love series—a sports romance series revolving around the lives and loves of professional hockey players, releases. Each day until then, I am blogging daily about a topic that is somehow related or relevant to the story.

Today, I am continuing the blog festivities on this Creole Sunday by taking a look at culture. Penalty Kill is set in both Louisiana and Mississippi. I thought I could dispel some common misconceptions about each state…you know because they each get a bad rap. Okay, sometimes, it’s deserved because, let’s face it, the histories of these states aren’t bedazzling. There is definite ugliness in their past. However, in all fairness, not many states have spotless records. It’s just that other states don’t constantly have their wrongdoings and sore spots thrown in the media spotlight. History can’t be undone. It shouldn’t be ignored, either. Yet, if the past is all that is focused on, then a future is impossible.

In the Serenity Prayer, one line states that a person needs to accept the things that he/she cannot change. In short, it calls for taking responsibility. To a great degree, southern states have done that. They have admitted and owned up to the past. The next line in the Serenity Prayer is a call to change things that are within the power of being changed. This is where many things currently stand—with good people attempting to make positive changes for a better future. No, not everyone is aboard to want or make a change and cling to the old ways. However, many are, and it is in that light and for those people who desire progress and change that the spirit of this post is written. Bashing is easy, but one can’t move forward if he/she is constantly looking behind.

So, I asked questions of my friends, colleagues, coworkers, and family what are some misconceptions that people not from Mississippi or Louisiana had about them. I can’t say that I was surprised by any of them as I’ve heard them all too many times.

The South, especially the deep south, is renowned for being religious and conservative. However, that does not apply to all people who live there. People’s attitudes and beliefs just may surprise some. It’s also not fair to lump all the “South” together as a whole. While Mississippi is largely Southern Baptist (except for the coast), Louisiana is largely Roman Catholic. Try getting those two groups together at a convention and see what happens. But in both states, other religions exist and thrive, including other protestant religions (Lutheran, Episcopalian, Methodist, Pentecostal, Anglican, Presbyterian, Seventh-Day Adventist, Assembly of God, etc.). There’s a good selection of people who consider themselves “nondenominational.” Furthermore, there are people of non-Christian faiths (e.g., Judaism, Buddhism, Muslim, and Wicca). Still, others practice shamanistic (a religion characterized by belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits responsive only to a priest or priestess who uses magic for the purpose of curing the sick, divining the hidden, and controlling events) and animalistic (a belief that every natural thing in the universe has a soul) religions such as voodoo. Additionally, there are people who have no religion (e.g., agnostic and atheist). It is an erroneous assumption to believe every southerner is deeply religious or that they all even believe the same thing and live together in harmonious Christianity. Just take a look at the sheer number of churches that exist. Many exist due to in-fighting that divided the congregations. What is fair to say is that some groups are more vocal and visual than other groups. Plus, I’m going to go out on a limb here and argue that many of the “born-again”/ “religious” people are only that in name only when it is convenient. When churches were closed due to the pandemic stay-at-home restrictions, many “church-goers” pitched hissy fits because they couldn’t congregate in church. Well, if anyone had checked the churches’ attendance rosters, many would have been discovered as not having attended church services in years. (And some of the regular attendees act as if they sleep through every service by the way they behave.)

Not all people in Louisiana are Cajun. First, many people have (and continue to) moved to Louisiana (especially New Orleans) from all over the world. “But, Genevive, that’s not what is meant. When people say Louisianans are Cajuns, they are referring to the original settlers.” And the answer is still NO! Yes, Acadians from Novia Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island (these are not all-inclusive) along with people from the France areas of Aquitaine, Brittany, Île-de-France, Normandy, and Poitou, Rouen (these also are not all-inclusive) did settle in the Louisiana area. But these were not the original inhabitants of the area. Native Americans/Indigenous persons of the Atakapa, Caddo, Choctaw, Chitimacha, Houma, Natchez, and Tunica tribes (these are not all-inclusive) were there first, and their heritage and culture still shine prominently in the region. Additionally, along with French and Canadian settlers, there also were settlers from Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Spain, and Trinidad, Angola, Bight of Biafra, Bissau, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Gold Coast, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal. (These are not all-inclusive.)

Cajun and Creole are not the same. I wrote an entire post (a couple actually… Creole vs. Cajun: How to Know the Difference and How to Understand Creole Culture to name two) dedicated to this topic. I won’t rehash it all here but will leave the link to the original article for any interested readers. Just know that Cajun is a culture, and Creole is a different culture. They both share a lot of similarities and heritage, but there are major differences between the two. Often when people refer to the people of Louisiana, all are lumped together as being Cajun. However, the Creole culture is very prevalent and has a ubiquitous role and impression on South Louisiana culture. Furthermore, people in North and West Louisiana are very different than South Louisiana. The accents are different as is much of the culture. Many times, people not from the area assume the entire state is like New Orleans when it’s not. Anyone thinking that they will receive a New Orleans experience across the state is sure to be disappointed.

Mississippi often is a state that is overlooked or billed as ranking last (at least in everything positive). Yet, there are some pretty awesome things that have come out of the magnolia state. For example, in 1894, it was in Vicksburg, Mississippi, that Coca-Cola was first bottled. Until that time, the famous soda had only been sold as a fountain drink. It was Joseph Biedenharn, who already had been bottling soda water, who bottled up the first Coke. Staying with the soda line, Barq’s Root Beer was invented in Biloxi, Mississippi by Edward C. Barq, Sr. And speaking of stuff in a bottle, Pine-Sol was invented in Jackson, Mississippi, by chemist Harry Cole. Oh, and if you need something delivered, it may be interesting to note that the founder of FedEx, Fred Smith, is from Marks, Mississippi. And since Mississippi is often the “butt” of jokes, David Harrison of Columbus, Mississippi made the first soft toilet seat cover.

Everyone in Louisiana speaks French. This is a myth. It is estimated that only approximately 6% – 10% of native Louisianans speak European French, Cajun French, or Creole French (and yes, there is a difference between these languages…see my post Is Creole a Language? Say What?). In the early 1900s, there was a state mandate (for political and monetary reasons) that all residents of Louisiana learn to speak English. It was this mandate that is believed to be responsible for the decline of French being a first or second language being spoken in Louisiana households. Later, a stigma was placed on non-English speakers which furthered the waning.

Southern hospitality is real. Look, no one has to believe me about this one, but it’s true. There are so many examples that I could point to or stories that I could tell, but I’ll stick to one that I’ve spoken about many times before but one that also is familiar to many people. Hurricane Katrina hit both Louisiana and Mississippi hard; although, it’s mainly remembered for the flooding it caused in New Orleans when the levees broke. However, entire Mississippi coastal communities and cities were washed out to sea—completely gone. Many people hadn’t expected the storm to do as much damage or come as far inland at the strength that it did. Devastation happened, and for days (weeks and months in some places) there was no outside help. But the residents opened their hearts and homes to each other, some strangers. The Cajun Navy rode out to help rescue people from roofs. Grocery stores had barbecues in their parking lots. People shared what they could. It’s not often that one walks down a busy street and doesn’t have at least a half a dozen people speak. Even driving down an unfamiliar street, people will smile and wave. Being called “honey,” “sugar,” “sweetpea,” or “darling” isn’t intended to be an insult. And if you engage in a conversation with a stranger longer than five minutes, you are likely to be asked who your people are and offer you something to eat. That’s because polite manners are a quality that is still stressed and valued.

All Creole people have the same phenotype. Wrong, wrong, wrong. This has been a debate for too many centuries to count. People have used this argument to exclude certain physical appearances from identifying themselves as Creole. Again, I’ve written many posts on this subject and will not rehash it in this post, but here’s the gist. Dating back to when Louisiana was first settled, many diverse ethnic groups settled there. These diverse groups married each other, had children, and created a multicultural society. Now, consider the definition. Creole has been defined in many various ways. One was is a person of mixed European and black descent, especially in the Caribbean. Another definition is anyone who traces his/her ancestry to Louisiana’s colonial period. A third definition is French-speaking descendants of settlers from the Caribbean, France, Spain, and/or West Africa. There are other definitions, but from the ones I listed, it is evident that people who are Creole may all look very different.

Mississippi is often credited to be not only as one of the poorest states in the U.S. but also with the reputation of having the lowest-ranking education system in both quality and safety. However, it may come as a surprise to some that the first state to systematize community/junior colleges was Mississippi. In 2020, Mississippi’s education system was determined to be second as the “most improved” education system. Now, this may not seem like much or seem laughable because when you’re at the bottom, there’s no other place to go but up. Another way to view it is to realize the issue has been acknowledged and accepted as serious and a priority. Everyone and everything must start from somewhere. It is being addressed. Progress is being made. Additionally, one must understand the “why” behind the problem. When the pandemic shutdown happened, much was exposed regarding the Mississippi educational system.
First, many areas are rural. There’s no access to the internet or Wi-Fi. For that reason, many students were unable to keep up with their classes when everything went virtual. There were homes that only had one computer but multiple school-aged children who were all required to attend virtual classes at the same time. Other rural households with internet had limited data plans that internet companies refused to extend. Students were getting booted from the system or not able to log on once they had exhausted their data plan limits. This highlighted an issue that far exceeded the pandemic. These students had struggled to do any online assignments given by teachers prior to the pandemic, and the teachers and/or schools had given it little consideration. “Not our problem,” seemed to be the answer. Or “not that many students are affected” was the sentiment. With COVID, the days of ignoring were over, and the issue had to be addressed.
Second, in an act to “keep up” with national averages, school systems have focused on “teaching for the test” and in ways parents do not understand. Thus, parents are unable to help their children with schoolwork. More importantly, instead of “learning” some of the students began “mimicking” or “memorizing.” They weren’t learning how to generalize or apply the concepts and principles being shown to them. Emphasis was being placed on correctness and not understanding. When I was growing up, it was deemed better to make a mistake and learn than to get something correct by going through empty or thoughtless motions.
Third, many bright children in the state are well-educated through homeschooling. These numbers may be omitted from the statistics. Some are homeschooled due to their parents feeling that public-school education is inferior, but many others are for religious reasons. Some choose homeschooling out of fear of bullying or having special needs that parents do not feel are adequately compensated in traditional schools. The point is these many of these children are extremely bright and gifted and would boost their ranking if included.
Fourth, and I know what I’m about to say is going to rub people the wrong way, there are many immigrants in Mississippi. The problem isn’t immigration status; it’s a language barrier. Parents and teachers (and sometimes teachers and students) are unable to communicate. This can hinder both teaching and learning. Now, this is in no way an argument for a national language, it is just to denote a very real issue that exists with communication. No hate is intended.
While no one is giving the Mississippi education system a complete pass, some matters must be viewed from a slightly different perspective to fairly judge the system for what it is. One thing that makes the pyramids in Egypt impressive is that they were constructed without modern technology. They accomplished great things with the resources available at the time. When viewing educational accomplishments, it’s not just the outcome that is inserted into the measurement. It is also the resources available and used to achieve that outcome. It’s a cycle. Many large businesses will not come into the area because they feel there is nothing attractive about the area. Well, nothing will be attractive about the area for businesses if businesses fail to come. The same applies to jobs. A person may not be hired because he/she does not have any experience. However, that person will never gain any experience if no business will hire him/her. If the nation fell into a national food shortage tomorrow, who will be more valued—the computer genius who can program algorithms or the farmer who can produce food? Mississippi has plenty of work to do, but perhaps the judgment shouldn’t be as harsh as it has been.

That will wrap up today’s post. Let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comment section. Did anything on this list shock you? Are there any items that were not on the list but should have been? If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. If you’re not following me over on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou. We have fun, and there’s no need to worry about what’s in the water. Not everything bites.

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of my new steamy, sports romance, Penalty Kill, guaranteed to make the already melted ice turn to steam and fog the plexiglass. It is the fourth book in my Locker Room Love series. Available at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p andwww.books2read.com/penaltykill.

When the scandal of a double homicide threatens to destroy his career, this billionaire hockey player hires an ambitious sports agent to improve his public image. It’s time to let the puckery begin.

Timothée Croneau is that jock—the bad boy superstar with the naughty reputation. He’s handsome, arrogant, and a billionaire. He’s also the number one person of interest in a double homicide and was recently traded to a losing team who is showing him no love. And wouldn’t it be just his luck that his career splashed in the toilet six months after his long-time agent kicked the bucket? Now, he’s stuck with Ryker Kitsch. An agent is supposed to fix his life, though, not break his heart.

Speaking of breaks, ex-athlete Ryker Kitsch wants his in the sports agency realm. He sees his chance to make a name for himself by helping rebrand his agency’s newly acquired hockey star, Timothée Croneau. The guy needs every lick of positive PR he can get. So, why is the devilishly gorgeous forward fighting him at every step and leaving Ryker to wonder if he’s been hired for a babysitting gig?

The mess Timothée is stirring was never in any contract Ryker was hired to handle. One thing’s for sure. Whether it’s a forecheck or backcheck, collision is inevitable.

Get your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p

Other book sellers: https://books2read.com/penaltykill

Missed the three in my hockey romance series? No frets. Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

Author Bio

Getting Wild

Posted on August 1, 2021July 19, 2021 by Genevive Chamblee

Bonjour once again mes amis. Welcome back to Creole Bayou and my month-long celebration of the upcoming release of my sports romance, Penalty Kill,which goes live on 08/21/21. Penalty Kill is the fourth standalone book in my Locker Room Love series—a sports romance series evolving around the lives and loves of professional hockey players. So, if Penalty Kill is a sports romance, why am I writing a post about Mississippi and Louisiana wildlife? The answer is simple. As part of my cyber celebration, I am uploading on my blog daily about a topic or theme that occurs in or is related to something that happens in the story. (Now, if you’re wondering how wildlife fits into a hockey story, you’ll have to read that part for yourself. No spoilers here.)

Since Penalty Kill is set in both Louisiana and Mississippi, it only seemed right that I should discuss the wildlife in each state. Let’s start with Mississippi.

Panthers. Might as well get the controversy out of the way. Are there or are there not panthers in Mississippi. Well, it depends on who is asked. Many expects say there are not. Many locals say there are. What is known is that panthers once did exist in the state. They are said to have been hunted to extinction in the state. Well, actually, the word used is “extirpate,” which means they met their demise in some manner and that may have not been by hunting. So, I guess my saying they were “hunted to extinction” is misleading. Something happened to them, and they are said to no longer live in Mississippi. However, there are plenty of people who report having seen panthers in the Mississippi woods. I think it’s safe to assume that there have not been any confirmed panther attacks in Mississippi since before the early 1900s. So, why is it on this list? I don’t know. To cover all the bases maybe. Actually, it’s because the second I hit publish and a few of my besties read this, they are going to rudely inform me that I forgot all about panthers and that they aren’t referring to anyone’s dating life.

Black bears. Many people may be surprise to learn that there are black bears in Mississippi, but there are. After all, the teddy bear acquired its name from a bear hunting expedition in Mississippi by President Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt. Fortunately, there have been no reported bear attacks on humans in Mississippi history.

Wild bores. Let me just say from personal experience, these are not animals you want to walk up on. I rounded the corner in the old Mississippi Museum of Natural Science into one of these, and OMG! These animals can be huge, weighing over a thousand pounds and with razor-sharp tusks that can split a person wide open. The positive attribute about them is that they are likely to run from humans. However, if they feel cornered, threatened, or a need to protect their young, they will charge.

Alligators. The risk of an alligator attack in Mississippi is low. In fact, nonce have been reported in the last sixty years. However, just because none have been reported does not mean that they cannot happen. A few factors that drive the low attack rate is that Mississippi has a lessor gator population than many other southern states, such as Florida and Louisiana. Fewer Mississippians live in areas where gators are likely to habituate, and people give these animals proper respect by staying their distance.

Let’s talk snakes. (I’d rather not, but there’s no getting around it.) There are plenty of venomous snakes in Mississippi. The most common is the copperhead. Frequently, they are found beneath logs, boards, or flat rocks. The first rule of thumb is always be mindful when lifting anything that is outside or in a pile. The second rule of thumb is to watch where you step. Rattlesnakes make up another group, specifically three types: Eastern Diamondback, Pygmy, and Timber. Two other venomous snakes that must be mentioned are the cottonmouth and coral snake. In Mississippi history, there has only been one recorded death from a snake bike. However, don’t let that cause you to be slack if you happen upon one of these. These bites are quite painful and can cost a pretty penny. Some reports are of hospital and/or treatment bills of close to a half a million dollars.

Moving from reptiles to insects, one of the least favorite arachnids to encounter is the brown recluse (also called Fiddleback spider). Typically, brown recluses live outside in dark areas such beneath rocks, leaves, wood piles, sheds, and garages. However, they also may be found in closets, cardboard boxes, under piles of clothes, and in shoes. (If you’ve ever seen Southerners shake their shoes before putting them on, this is likely the reason.) Usually, they hunt at night. What I find the disturbing about brown recluses is that many people do not feel when they initially bitten. It isn’t until hours later when symptoms begin to appear that the person realizes what has happened. However, only approximately ten percent of brown recluse bites will require the need for medical attention. But it’s the ten percent that do that has cause for concern. Brown recluse venom will rot the flesh (necrosis). Reportedly, these spiders can live without food for several years.

Ticks. These disgusting insects (yes, I called them that because I’m an insect hater) are such a nuisance, especially to pets. Ticks generally hide in shady and moist areas (e.g., high grass and bushes). The largest concern with ticks is that they can carry and spread Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is reported to cause more than 200,000 cases per year in the U.S. Untreated, Lyme Disease can call arthritis, neuropathy, facial palsy, and other neurological issues.

Mosquitoes. Who would think mosquitoes are anything more than a pest in Mississippi? I would challenge anyone to find a native Mississippian living in the region who has never been bitten by a mosquito. These creatures are everywhere. (And I’ll tell you something. In my opinion—and it’s only my opinion with no research data or proof—those fog machines that drive around polluting the air with pesticides only stirs them up more. Personally, I think it’s a ploy to force kids playing outside to go inside for the night. Again, just my opinion and not scientific facts. I’m not the Health Department or anything.) But what is a fact is that mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV) may be deadly. According to the CDC, only approximately 1 in 150 people develop serious symptoms if infected with WNV. Luckily, most people who are infected experience no symptoms, and approximately 1 in 5 will only experience mild symptoms.

Now, moving on to Louisiana. Seeing how Mississippi and Louisiana share boarders, it makes practical sense that some of their deadly wildlife is the same.

So, first up is the Louisiana Black Bear. I don’t know that there is a difference between Mississippi black bears and Louisiana black bears other than where they may register their honey. Likely, these bears travel from state to state, and I doubt they pay any attention to state lines. Although, it is typically reported that black bears generally stay within a two mile to a fifteen-mile radius, bears have been recorded to travel over a hundred miles. Land development and availability of food likely plays a role in how far black bears travel. Also, natural disasters such as hurricanes, storms, and out-of-control campfires that destroy their habit may cause bears to relocate. In an instance of flooding, a family of bears was spotted walking down a Louisiana main street. Residents remained inside and took photos as the bears passed and eventually disappeared into a wooded area not affected by the flood. The family wasn’t interested in harming people, and to the best of anyone’s knowledge, are living happy bear lives in their new section of woods.

Nutrias. I used to claim to be an animal lover (and still do on most days), but these twenty-two-pound rats may cause a person to rethink that position. I mean, Mickey and Minnie are cute and all, but I don’t want them running round my house. (And technically Mickey and Minnie are mice and not rats, and there’s a difference between the two. Nutrias take rat to a whole different level.) There is some back and forth if nutrias are aggressive towards people or not, with most citing they are only aggressive if they feel threatened. The most significant threat they pose is to the Louisiana marshes. If Louisiana disappears it could be because these creatures devoured so much marshland that the Gulf water had no land to contain it. Maybe they shouldn’t be included on this list, but here they are.

American Alligator. The encounters between humans and gators occur more frequently in Louisiana than they do in Mississippi. The main reason for this, of course, is because there are far more alligators in Louisiana than Mississippi, and the fact that more Louisianans live in areas that gators also like to live. In short, their paths are more likely to cross. There are also reports that alligators in Louisiana tend to grow larger than the ones in Mississippi. Thus, the encounters with gators in Louisiana may be a little more harrying and more likely to be reported. (As a side note, I do not know if incidents of hunters getting bitten when trying to trap or haul in what they think is a dead gator but isn’t is counted in the number of alligator attack incidents.)

Snakes revisited. Geez, I hate doing this. So, there are really seven venomous snakes in Louisiana: Northern Cottonmouth (also called Water Moccasins), Eastern Copperhead, the rattlesnake trio (Easter Diamond-back Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, and Timber Rattlesnake), and the coral snake duo (Harlequin Coral Snake and Texas Coral Snake). I’m going to admit that I’m one of those people that a snake is a snake, and if I can see it, the two of us are too dang close. I’m not trying decipher shapes or heads, slits of eyes, or colors on bodies. I don’t really care. However, growing up in the south, my father did attempt to school me on determining the difference between a poisonous and nonpoisonous snake. (I still don’t care, mind you, but…) The coral snake is frequently confused with other snakes and this leads to more incidents than necessary. So, for those who are interested, here’s the rhyme taught to make the distinction.

Red touching black, friend of Jack. (And my name isn’t Jack, thank you.)
Red touching yellow, you’re a dead fellow.

Africanized Killer Bees. It is a frequent misconception that these bees’ venom is more toxic than that of other bees. It’s not. The name “killer” likely derived from their aggressive nature. See, these bees kind of developed as the result of a science experiment gone wrong. (See, it was always said never to mess with Mother Nature.) African bees were bred with honeybees to increase pollinating activity in months that honeybees didn’t produce as much. (Someone should have left well enough alone.) The result was the production of a more aggressive bee string that rapidly reproduced and killed off other bees. What makes these bees dangerous to people is that of they feel threatened, the entire colony will swarm in attack. That could be as many as 10,000 bees. They can (and will) sting repeatedly and may chase up to a quarter mile.

Fire ants. These aren’t usually deadly unless someone has an allergy and goes into anaphylactic shock. Yet, if bitten, they certainly can make life miserable.

So that draws this post to a conclusion. What did you think? Did any animals on this list surprise you? Did you learn any new facts? Let me know your thoughts and opinions below in the comment section. Oh, if you like this post, please click the like button and share it. As they say, sharing is caring, and it does help my blog grow. If you’re not following me, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of my new steamy, sports romance, Penalty Kill, guaranteed to make the already melted ice turn to steam and fog the plexiglass. It’s the fourth book in my Locker Room Love series. Available at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p andwww.books2read.com/penaltykill.

Timothée Croneau is that jock—the bad boy superstar with the naughty reputation. He’s handsome, arrogant, and a billionaire. He’s also the number one person-of-interest in a double homicide and recently traded to a losing team who is showing him no love. And wouldn’t it be just his luck that his career splashed in the toilet six months after his long-time agent kicked the bucket? Now, he’s stuck with Ryker Kitsch. An agent is supposed to fix his life, though, not break his heart.

Speaking of breaks, ex-athlete Ryker Kitsch wants his in the sports agency realm. He sees his chance to make a name for himself by helping rebrand his agency’s newly acquired hockey star, Timothée Croneau. The guy needs every lick of positive PR he can get. So, why is the devilishly gorgeous forward fighting him at every step and leaving Ryker to wonder if he’s been hired for a babysitting gig?

The mess Timothée is stirring was never in any contract Ryker was hired to handle. One thing’s for sure. Whether it’s a forecheck or backcheck, collision is inevitable.

Get your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p

Other book sellers: https://books2read.com/penaltykill

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.