cj Sez: The photo taken
at a parade pretty much describes the craziness of Mardi Gras in Mobile…fun and
chaos in the streets.
I admit I’ve never been to a Mardi Gras parade—too peoply for me—but
here’s my favorite Mardi Gras story from a few years ago.
Once upon a Saturday morning, I booked the authors’ writing
room at The Haunted Bookshop and was thrilled when I found a parking space just
around the corner from the bookstore. 
I spent almost two hours working on story
outlines, proud of myself for being quasi successful at outlining—I call
myself a pathfinder when I write.
Just before noon I thought, “Okay. Time to leave.” Instead I
meandered around the shop. I left the Bookshop at 12:30, and, blink, when I
turned the street corner, my minivan was gone. I’m thinking who in the world is
desperate enough to steal a 10-year old minivan?
A bit of investigation revealed that a Mardi Gras parade was
scheduled to roll down that street at 2 p.m., and the parking spaces had to be
cleared two hours before it began. I was thirty minutes late.
I explained to a friendly, motorcycle police officer
(looking handsome in his uniform, astride that Harley) that I had accidentally
overstayed my welcome at the parking space and wondered if he knew where my van
went. He said it had been towed to a temporary impound lot, but he couldn’t pinpoint
exactly where on the map/documents he was carrying. Another motorcycle cop
rumbled up (I do love the throaty sound of a Harley engine) and pointed. My
vehicle was, he said, “That way. Just go straight. You can’t miss it.” I tightened
my grip on my briefcase and spent the next twenty or so minutes weaving through
increasing crowds and around barriers as I walked half a mile “That way.”
I paid $125 to be reunited with my vehicle. (A bargain since
this year I’ve read the recovery fee has inflated to $150.) I guess I should
have taken the time to read the temporary, fluttering, yellow paper sign with
small lettering that listed parade parking hours.
By the by, Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is
March 1 in 2022. However, the floats start parading in Mobile in January. Each float
carries a costumed krewe* throwing parade goodies to the crowds. Each krewe has
a unique history, name, and an annual theme for their floats.
(*What does krewe mean in Mardi Gras?
A krewe is a group or organization of revelers who band together to host an annual Mardi Gras ball, ride on a Mardi Gras parade float, and participate in social events throughout the year. There are more than 40 krewes in Mobile.)
§§
Etcetera ...
COVER REVEAL...my latest cozy mystery short,
"Firebug," is included in this charity anthology. Tentatively
scheduled for release in April.
§§
Reading Suggestions:
LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER
§§
That’s it for today’s post. You-all guys keep on keeping on,
and I’ll try to do the same.
cj
P.S. The Haunted
Bookshop has signed paperback copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER my author-graphed
books or any book of your choice on-line from a favorite, indie bookstore,
contact The Haunted Bookshop here: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
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