's Motd Tues 2/5/2008

[Guest guest]

HAPPY MARDI GRAS?

Tuesday, 05 February 2008There are many pluses to growing up in New Orleans' French Quarter. And one of those pluses was my introduction to Mardi Gras!Mardi Gras is a grand celebration that was created for and allowed everyone to indulge in many fabulous festivities. I'm sure you've seen, on news reports, the Mardi Gras floats that travel up and down Canal Street. And the people riding the floats are throwing those coveted Mardi Gras beads as the parade watchers compete catching as many as they can. The parade crowds lining the streets shout the famous cry...Throw me something, mister!Every year, my father would make costumes for my brother, Lenny and I. The two of us would parade around the French Quarter which was filled with so many more Mardi Gras revelers who were dressed up, too.The colors of Mardi Gras are green, purple and yellow. It's a very magical time in New Orleans. Now tomorrow is Ash Wednesday which begins Lent. And during Lent, you have to give up some of your favorite foods. (That's the only thing I didn't like about Lent!) That's why Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday, which is being celebrated today. That means you eat, eat and eat on this Tuesday because you will starve tomorrow, Ash Wednesday.Food is as much a part of Mardi Gras as the floats and the beads. All the restaurants cook special dishes and are packed with people who can't wait to enjoy our famous Louisiana cuisine.My parents started making food for us the day before Mardi Gras. Then, we would pack big lunches so we wouldn't get hungry while watching the parades. And, you guessed it, everything we brought to eat was either fried or had some rich sauce!Goodness knows, how many calories the average tourists to New Orleans consumes in just this one day. They justify it by saying, Well, I have to let my hair down sometimes! I have to have a little food frenzy sometimes. I've been so good...I feel like being bad today!You know, it's a shame what we do to our bodies with food. The amount of weight you can gain in one day? Well, it may take you a whole month to lose...it just doesn't seem fair! Our society has been built on celebrating holidays with a fork in our hands. I wonder if people could have just as good a time by staying on a healthy program, no matter the holiday or where they travel?Today, I will talk to my brother and he will tell me about all of the beautiful floats. He'll catch some beads for me and send them to me, too! He and I spent so many happy Mardi Gras celebrations standing side-by-side, our hands reaching upwards as we shouted...Throw me something, mister!Tonight, I'll say a little prayer for all those people who will overeat today on...Fat Tuesday!Love,