As a little girl on family visits to New Orleans, I sat with my great-grandma Boh on her porch swing and listened to the passing trains. I collected Mardi Gras beads.
I'm a California native, but now that I'm lucky enough to be working on NCIS: New Orleans, I get to do those same things with my two-year-old son.
As my toddler is finding out, there's a festival for everything in New Orleans. The music, the food, the people, the laughter — these are worth celebrating all year long, not just during Mardi Gras.
This city makes you follow your heart, open up, sing a little louder — and it especially encourages you to dance.
Sure, the summers are hot and humid. That's not always fun, but it's good for the skin. My trick is starting the day with cold raw coconut water. During winter, the night shoots are much colder than I imagined, so dance parties are often necessary between takes.
I feel like there is a guardian angel watching over our show.
Our executive producers — Mark Harmon, Gary Glasberg, Jeffrey Lieber and Jim Hayman — are the most grounded and fun bosses I've ever worked with. Our producer Joseph Zolfo takes care of business. He looks out for his cast and crew — no one messes with Zolfo's people!
And, hands-down, the crew is my all-time favorite. Most are New Orleans natives: they work hard, they play hard.
Coach — our boom operator, whose real name is Jimmy Armstrong — hugs me every day and brings us homemade goodies that his wife makes. Each department on our show operates with the utmost integrity. This crew is top-notch.
The cast! Scott Bakula is always looking for ways to make the show better. He's one of the kindest human beings I've ever known. Lucas Black is probably my long-lost brother (we have no problem making fun of each other every day). CCH Pounder is a goddess! A very wise and beautiful woman. My other "brother," Rob Kerkovich, is so talented and has become a dear friend. It's like we are all away at summer camp in New Orleans.
I tell myself daily that dreams come true on NCIS: New Orleans. And they do — they really do. I'm home.
