I love a beautiful painting. Unlike writing, (which is usually self-explanatory regarding motivations) artwork is different. Some paintings compel us to stare for hours wondering ‘what was the artist thinking?’ With his haunting images and breathtaking landscapes, George Rodrigue is one such artist. I don’t remember the first time I saw a Blue Dog painting; it always seemed to be one of those things I associated with life in Louisiana. Good food. Balmy summers. Hurricanes. Blue Dog. However, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I discovered Mr. Rodrigue’s other creations – Cajuns and Oaks. I was in love. I still am. Whatever his motivation, I feel it. Whether it’s a pirogue floating in a small bayou or his signature Jolie Blonde, each stroke of the paintbrush radiates pure love for his Acadiana roots and Louisiana heritage. Next Saturday, we’re headed down South to celebrate our birthday month (May), and first on the list is brunch at Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro in Lafayette, co-owned by the Rodrigue brothers. Next, a trip to the Rodrigue gallery to view his Memorial Retrospective. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my birthday.