January 1, 2022

Some know creator Gary Alipio as a digital marketer at the Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Others know him as children’s book author of The Craziest Fishing Tale on the Bayou and volunteer kidlit advisor for SCBWI. But most know him as DAD of Melina, aged 12, a self-taught illustrator. “She’s fearless with the pencil,” says her dad. Together, they bounce all sorts of artistic ideas off one another, creating things that just need to be shared.

LOCAL

 
From swan boating to picnicking to fishing, City Park’s Big Lake is a popular getaway for us. Come spring, there’s a fishing pier and shaded trees along Bayou Metairie … plus lots of BASS. 

ROAD TRIP

I spent several young birthdays with relatives down at Jean Lafitte Public Boat Launch and Rosethorne Playground. So, when it comes to road trips, crabbing is a fun time and tasty dinner, too. 865 Jean Lafitte Blvd, Jean Lafitte

NAMASTE

Our pandemic hobbies were pretty safe: walking the Lake Pontchartrain levee is our “recharge the batteries” time. On a good day, you’ll find clovers galore or be graced with the presence of a bald eagle. 

FOODIE

It’s never a question of if but when. Shogun sushi is our go-to for any occasion, especially takeout for staycation movie marathons. 
Shogun Japanese Restaurant and Steak House, 2325 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie.

CREATIVITY

I’ll type letters … what my daughter calls writing … while she works magic with pencil on paper or digital pencil on an iPad. “If her creations were real, oh, what a bizarre world we’d live in.”