we are women of words

Some Thoughts on Lent and the Undeniable Power of Cupcakes...
from our own Especially Emilie

Born and raised Episcopalian (the slightly less fervent, more rebellious, but perhaps equally self-righteous cousin of the Catholic) I have come to embrace all --well, most-- of the Episcopal traditions. And every year, my mother, my sister and I participate in Lent together. Now, let me give you a little background on Lent: Traditionally, one gives up something, usually food related, as a sacrifice in recognition of the time Jesus spent fasting in the dessert directly before his crucifixion. It begins on Ash Wednesday, forty days before Easter, actually, I take that back, it really begins on Shrove or Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras in New Orleans. On this day, everyone eats as much rich food, drinks as many alcoholic beverages as possible and dances as irreverently as Jerry Lee Lewis before the forty days of deprivation to follow. This way, they can hopefully begin Lent with penitence in their hearts, and a hangover in their heads.

Each year I see Lent as a self-reflective time to exercise self-discipline. I look forward to cleansing my body and spirit by giving up all junk-food and sometimes even a couple bad habits. Usually, the process is relatively easy, and even enjoyable ...usually... It was easy before I was surrounded by CUPCAKES EVERYDAY! Now, I know you're thinking, "It's just forty days." Yes, it is only forty days, but forty days is a loooooong time, my friends. Forty days surrounded by luscious chocolate, scintillating snickerdoodle, and that conniving carrot cake is a very long time. Yes, these along with virtually dozens of other alluring flavor combinations are enough to make the strongest, the most dedicated fall. It is more than a mere mortal can stand, and with great shame I must admit that I, too, have succumbed to these evil seductresses, these saccharine sirens, clothed in frosting and sprinkles. But, in my defense, may I just say, I believe that if the Devil had come armed with cupcakes while he tempted the weak, starving Jesus fasting in the dessert...I think even Jesus could not have said no to a chocolate Guinness Stout cupcake with Bailey's Irish butter-cream frosting, and frankly, the whole story would probably have turned out a lot differently. I'm just sayin'...