Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Tomorrow we will fast. Today we will feast!

Happy Mardi Gras, everyone! I've already enjoyed a piece of King Cake this morning - let the sugar rush begin! I didn't find the baby in the cake this year, so I'm not "King for the Day." But, it's delicious anyway.  I'll have to scout-out some crawfish etouffee at some point today, too.

Look at this image from Bourbon Street. Can you imagine? There was a time I would have loved this scene, but now, no thanks. There will be no crazy partying-like-we-live-in-New-Orleans tonight.

Instead, we'll be gathering at church for a potluck dinner and preparing for Ash Wednesday. Our daughter was talking about Ash Wednesday last night and how her class,  along with the rest of the school, will receive ashes during Mass. Miss E. asked if the ashes would ever come off. I assured her that they would, but Lord only knows what was going through her head when it was described to her!

For Lent, I'm abstaining from chocolate and soft drinks (I know, I should stay away from the latter at all times, but it's a weakness). So, I plan to chow-down on the Samoas this evening. In addition to "giving up" something, we're also "doing," by forming small prayer groups throughout our parish, and meeting once a week during Lent. I'm looking forward to getting to know other parishoners and talking about my faith, something that I don't do nearly enough.

Lent also means Fish Fry Fridays, the St. Patrick's Day parade this coming weekend (Hubby and friends have entered a float -  there are boxes with hundreds of green-beaded necklaces in our entry hall.), and preparation for Easter. Hard to believe we're heading into this time of year.

Any big plans for Fat Tuesday? If you observe Lent, what will you be doing this year?
Images from costumzee and Chris Graythen/Getty Images