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First, an invitation...to a particular couple that I affectionately call PB & J.
I am in an organization that parades on Mardi Gras Day, February 28th we have a Mardi Gras Ball following the parade. I would like one day to dance at his wedding, but until then, maybe he would like to dance at my Ball. I would really like very much for them both to come south and join me. One of the reasons, unknown to them, that I call this couple PB & J, is because I think she becomes like jelly when she is with him, and he probably melts like peanut butter in your mouth when he is with her. Anyway, I have only three sets of tickets. One goes to my daughter and her date. One set I have made available to my friend Mark, if he wants to go, and my last set to PB & J. I know I may be crazy by even the thought of this invitation, what the heck, it would be an adventure and something neither one has done, and may even have a wonderful time here in the port city, and maybe even take a trip to New Orleans while in the area. Just a thought. I think it would be fun.
EDITED: Unfortunately, I have to ammend this invitation. Details to come later ONLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. Just to let you know, I am NOT CANCELLING, just extremely sad about this.
So, about Mardi Gras...
I recently wrote to a friend of mine a little history about Mardi Gras, which I will share with you.
Joe Cain, is someone who came to and lived in Mobile. He started Mardi Gras here in the States. A lot of people believe it started in New Orleans, but that is not the case.
I don’t know off hand about the colors of purple, gold and green, but those are the Mardi Gras colors.
Joe Cain is buried in a cemetery behind the public library, next to his wife. Years ago, on Joe Cain Day, the cemetery used to be open to the public, where people would picnic and leave flowers or bottles of liquor on Cain’s grave. Now, they lock the gates and no one can get in.
Mardi Gras is pretty rowdy in New Orleans, but in Mobile it is more like a family event. I grew up going to parades, and in high school marching in the band during Mardi Gras. When I was of age I even went to a few of the Mardi Gras Ball’s. I felt like a real princess dressing up and going to the Ball.
So, now I am in a Mardi Gras association called The Order of Athena. I always liked Athena, the Goddess with the bird. Anyway, this is one of the older organizations and harder to get in to be a member. I am so excited about being a part of it.
The older associations parade on Mardi Gras Day, which is a privilege . The newer the organization, the farther back from Mardi Gras Day they parade. Athena parades on Mardi Gras Day! That is good for me, because everything is closed down, and I don’t have to ask off for work, and we are also closed the day after.
So, now you know a little bit about Mobile, Mardi Gras and how it started. (Sorry about the history lesson.)
Beads are always a favorite at Mardi Gras thing to catch from a float, those and moon-pies.
I'll be writing more about Mardi Gras and my participation in it in days to come. I am so excited.
So, if you live close enough to drive, I wish you would come and plan on celebrating here. And, I hope the ones I have invited to the Ball can come. *keeping fingers crossed*
Take Me to the Mardi Gras Lyrics
Words & music By Paul Simon
C'mon take me to the Mardi Gras
Where the people sing and play
Where the dancing is elite
And there's music in the street
Both night and day
Hurry take me to the Mardi Gras
In the city of my dreams
You can legalize your lows
You can wear your summer clothes
In the New Orleans
And I will lay my burden down
Rest my head upon that shore
And when I wear that starry crown
I won't be wanting anymore
Take your burdens to the Mardi Gras
Let the music wash your soul
You can mingle in the street
You can jingle to the beat of Jelly Roll
Tumba, tumba, tumba, Mardi Gras
Tumba, tumba, tumba, day
Mm------------
