For those who live outside Louisiana, and the day before Ash Wednesday is just another Tuesday, here's a 10-point primer on everything Mardi Gras and the Carnival Season. 1. Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, a day to live it up before you give it up. This year (2026), Mardi Gras is Tuesday, Feb. 17 . The bulk of parades and other festivities occur the two weeks prior with most happening on the weekend prior. A Lafayette, Louisiana, Carnival ball. 2. Carnival i

I teach a life writing group in South Louisiana and love hearing the unique Cajun words and phrases of my students who grew up speaking...

This short story was originally published in The Times of Acadiana, Lafayette, Louisiana. You can read more about Blue Moon Bayou in the...

Happy National Pralines Day. Not sure who came up with this national holiday but it's a sweet one. Here's a recipe for Dark Sugar...

In addition to writing novels, I work as a food and travel writer. Tough life, I know. And like most writers, I have specific interests....

Last Saturday I was honored to be the guest on Louisiana Road Trips Radio with host Rick Godley on The Peach 99.3 in Ruston, Louisiana....

A short story about the love of Mardi Gras parade watching in New Orleans.

I visited the quaint, historic town of Franklin many times to research my historical romance, "A Cajun Dream." The book is set in the...

Many people have asked me where exactly in Louisiana does the Cajun Series take place. Since the family saga begins in 1765, many of the...

In 2014 Lafayette, Louisiana, was named the Happiest City in America by the Wall Street Journal's Marketwatch.com. I wasn't surprised. My...

From Delphine, Book Four in The Cajun Series 1. Never lose control. 2. Always be prepared. Never go anywhere unarmed. 3. Always sleep...