MARCHing through Lent
I stink at puns
Happy March, Lent, and spring, bibliophiles!
OK, technically it’s not spring. The vernal equinox has not occurred. But the first week of March is one of the most beautiful of the year in Louisiana. You can set your clock to the green shoots of grass and foliage that emerge on March 1 every year, in a color I like to call “March green.” No paint or crayon or even Nature herself can duplicate March green, which only exists for the first few days, when the sprouts are new and haven’t photosynthesized into deeper, more mature greens. The azaleas also emerge (although a few jump the gun in last days of February), but by about March 4, the whole world is March green combined with glorious pinks and whites. It almost makes me forget that August will come soon, with 100+ degree heat and hurricanes. For one week in March, my hometown is perfect.
Then, during the second week of March, pollen turns everything—and I do mean everything—yellow. We call it The Pollening, and you don’t have to have allergies to sneeze for a month when every breath is full of nature’s life-giving soot. But for now, for another day or two, spring is still perfect and new. In Louisiana, the resurrection happens during Lent.
We’re not big on conformity.
I hope your Lent is filled with fasting, prayer, and almsgiving as God pours out His blessings upon you. And I hope you remember to thank Him for the flowers, whenever they bloom where you are.
Recent Events
I had the absolute pleasure of giving a guest lecture as well as speaking to two classes at Ave Maria University in February. I also took my son, who’s a junior in high school, for a campus visit. We had such a good time that I forgot to take pictures, except in the back yard of the condo where we stayed. You might be in Florida if…
Upcoming Events
If you’re in Baton Rouge, join me at Basis Baton Rouge-Materra, 7550 McCall Dr., for the Spring Social on March 21 from 9-11 am, where I will have a table at the maker fair with my books. Signed copies make great gifts, and you can also support my son’s soon-to-be senior class at their matcha waffle booth. (My son won’t be there—he has a singing engagement at church. I think he and I might be related.)
Recipes
My latest recipe for Catholic Mom is mushroom and chickpea soup. Yum!
Don’t forget, I love to hear from you! Just hit reply or leave a comment on Substack.
Blessings,
Karen