Accentuate the Positive 
by Lori Murphy & The Inside Northside Staff
One of the many songs that emerged during World War II was “Accentuate the Positive.” The catchy tune and its message lifted the hearts and spirits of war-weary Americans.
“You’ve got to accentuate the positive … Eliminate the negative … You’ve got to spread joy up to the maximum … Bring gloom down to the minimum …”
As we prepare this issue of Inside Northside, there is negativity in the air, with a Wall Street crisis and election campaigning that is anything but positive. Amidst all the gloom, it’s easy to forget the positive. So, inspired by this song, we reflected on things that make us thankful for the northshore. As we look forward to Thanksgiving and the ensuing holiday season, we share with you some of our favorite northshore blessings.
We are thankful for who we are. Despite our busy lives, people are kind and respectful. They’ll hold a door open for you or let you into a traffic line. Even strangers smile and say hello. We’re neighbors who genuinely like and look out for each other and rally around those who are in need.
We are thankful for our unique natural environment. We love our lakes, rivers, ponds and creeks—from the refreshing water of Abita Springs to the beaver pond in Bush. Especially Lake Pontchartrain, with its boating, swimming, fishing and crabbing. We relax just by being around the lake, feeding the gulls, enjoying the sound of the waves as they lap the shore and marveling at the way the water turns to diamonds at sunset.
And what can compare to our forests of pines, tall and fragrant, gently swaying in the wind? Or to the grand oak trees in old Mandeville? Or the Spanish-moss-draped cypress trees in the Honey Island Swamp?
We like listening to crickets and frogs at night. We love our birds—hoot owls, hummingbirds, cardinals, kites, bluebirds, blue jays, finches, mockingbirds, doves, egrets, eagles and even the gaggle of Canada geese at the entrance to North Park.
We are thankful for our lifestyle. We treasure the small-town atmosphere found in the heart of each of our communities. We are proud of our schools and churches, healthcare facilities and recreational opportunities. Our many convenient shopping choices range from antique stores and art galleries to farmers markets and special boutiques where welcoming owners usher in the latest trends.
We let the good times roll—with festivals celebrating everything from strawberries and crabs to wooden boats. We love the Trace and the Trailheads, the Kids Konnection playground and high school football.
We are thankful for our economy. The expansion of our business prospects since 2005 has helped insulate us from much of what we hear on the nightly news. With new companies and their employees getting settled into our local economy, 2009 looks to be a very good year.
We are thankful for our clients. Entrepreneurs and service providers of the highest order, their leadership instills confidence in a bright future.
We are thankful for you, our loyal readers. You invest in us by sharing your stories and giving generously of your feedback. And, through your continued patronage of our clients, you make Inside Northside possible.
Last, but not least—we are thankful that we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We have a pet alligator in the middle of town in Ponchatoula, a giant chicken in Pearl River, an oversized bovine in Mandeville—and, of course, the Mardi Paws pet parade and the wacky UCM museum in Abita Springs.
These are just a few of our favorite things we’re thankful for! Our wish for you is that this holiday season be blessed by all of your favorite things.
