RevGals February Friday Five

With Valentine's Day around the corner, it seems appropriate to write about February holidays. However, I'd never heard of "Waitangi Day" before: Feb. 6 is a holiday in New Zealand to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding of New Zealand, in 1840. I'll avoid Fur Rondy, as it is connected with Sarah Palin's home state.

1. When February comes along, how do you feel about the coming month?
February is not my favorite month except that it is the shortest. Here in upstate NY it is cold, snowy and icy and dark. But there is usually a light beginning to shine at the end of the tunnel. This winter has been especially cold and long. And now Epiphany is almost over with its emphasis on hope for the Light. But though cold today (20), the sun is shining with the recent snow piled all over. It looks inviting but it is not fun going out. And although there are several things to celebrate in February, all my energies are put into “getting through February.”

2. What memories do you have about Valentine's Day? Are you doing anything to observe it this year?

I am not a big Valentine Day fan. It reminds me of days in grade school when we had to have valentines for the whole class and I hated it then too. I will probably make a decent supper for J, though.

3. It is interesting that Monday's "Presidents Day" is not officially called that in every state. It is a U.S. federal holiday entitled "Washington's Birthday." Which is your favorite president and why?

I am still a Kennedy fan. He was the president of my youth. He asked me to think of what I could do for my country at a time when that question needed to be asked. I am a fan of Jimmy Carter to this day. And I have a connection to Lincoln—my mother’s family travelled with the Lincoln family over the Appalachians in the early 1800’s to Springfield, MO. It is the reason why my family is Republican to this day, except for me. Too bad the Republicans didn’t remain the party of the people as it was in Lincoln’s day.

4. Will you be celebrating Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras? How?

I may go to some church’s Pancake Supper. My congregation doesn’t do one. When I lived in New Orleans, Mardi Gras was the culmination of weeks of “ball season” that was lively and fun. Mardi Gras for one day just doesn’t really compute. But I have always said that Mardi Gras was my “feast day.” I am usually preparing for Ash Wednesday.

5. Any other ways to celebrate in February?

I guess I should celebrate February. It might help the mullygrubs that I generally get during the month. The forecast is for more snow throughout next week. Bah humbug! Let Lent come!

Bonus: A Lenten book or website you recommend.

www.workingpreacher.org has worked well for me.