Normally I'd be packing...

A few weeks ago, I did a piece about king cake. When I wrote it, I didn't realize how much I miss New Orleans. I haven't lived in the city since July of 2006. Joining a Mardi Gras krewe ensured I'd visit at least once a year. I resigned from the krewe back in June, but I was planning to visit for Mardi Gras if things with the pandemic had improved. They haven't (obviously), so I stayed home. Please, for the love all things New Orleans that we love, stay home this Mardi Gras. Don't go for a visit. Don't go to Bourbon Street. Don't make it harder for the people who live there. Stay home.

I've been attempting to cure my homesickness by looking at pictures of house floats and following #yardigras on social media. People all across Louisiana, and around the world, have converted their homes into "house floats." They're gorgeous and funny and so in the spirit of Mardi Gras and Louisiana. It's a resiliency that most people don't understand. Seeing the creativity and heart of so many has helped keep me in good spirits, even though I'm sad and angry that we can't have nice things. 

For today's piece, I decided to share a list of the random things I'd be packing if I were riding this year. Thanks to Kelly and Heather for sharing items for this list. Miss y'all, and hope we can celebrate again soon. 

I have one more Mardi Gras post planned for Mardi Gras Day (February 16). Not sure what it'll be, but it'll definitely be fun!

Details:
Stitches: back stitch

Thread palette: DMC 550, 3818, 444, C550 (all 3 strands)