Mardi Gras and Lent

We aren't big on celebrating Mardi Gras but we do have some pretty

great memories of it.  Let me explain.

My best friend lives in Mobile, Alabama.

Did you know that the Mardi Gras parades actually originated there?

We've been to visit her numerous times during Mardi Gras.I

For those of you who have ever been to Mobile, well lets just say January and February

(when Mardi Gras happens) are good months to visit.  It can get pretty hot and humid.

We even went to New Orleans once for a parade.

(I didn't care for that trip but that's a different story)

The parades that we went to in Mobile where a little more family friendly.

They not only throw beads, they through moon pies.

(and who from the south doesn't like orange or banana moon pies)

Mostly what I think about when I hear Mardi Gras are the fun

times with Janet and her family just visiting, cooking,

going to the beach and and shopping in Fairhope.

We did find this really cute flag in Mobile.  The have entire

stores dedicated to Mardi Gras decorations. 

So every year (if were not visiting) we put up our flag and remember

all our adventures.

I decided to get Mike a King Cake this year.  First time! 

It was yummy.  Think cheese danish with sprinkle sugar on top.

                                            ................... and that brings me to Lent


For Lent I've decided to give up soda (regular and diet), fast food (with the exception of veggie subs and chargrilled chicken sandwiches) and ice-cream in all forms (milk shakes, gelato, italian ices etc...)  I'm writing it down to keep me accountable.  Soda will be the hardest for me because I drink at least one or two or more a day.  And yes I know that it's bad for me and is probably the major cause of my, shall we say weight issues.   I know it will be hard.  I want it to be hard.  It's suppose to be a sacrifice.

This year I've also decided to do a "random act of kindness"  for a different person  for each of the 40 days leading up to Easter.  I was inspired by an awesome blogger Laura who spent the days  leading up to Christmas doing this.   I'm going to find a way each day to lift up someone.  It could be be a notecard, a phone call,  an email, a letter, a gift.  It doesn't really matter what it is, but to let someone know they're making a difference in my  life.

And lastly I'm going to be doing 40 bags in 40 days.  Maybe you've seen it on Pinterest or on another blog.  I saw this last year (can't remember where) and then again today on The Larson Lingo.  Basically purging your house of treasures you don't need or use and donating to a worthy cause.   Goodwill, Homeless Shelters, Adoption garage sales, any number of places that will be able to make good use of the gentlely used items that most of us have.  To hold myself accountable I'm going to post pictures.  I find that I accomplish more than I set out to do when I'm accountable for it.  I know my husband will love this.  The man hates clutter even though he is what some might call a collector and others might say accumulator. 


                                             Anyone else interested?
I pray to be purposeful with my time to connect with God and be aware of his presence and to honor him in my life daily, especially during Lent. 

Blessings