Deciding to Walk into the Desert

In less than a week I will go cold turkey. I, Elena, lover of carbohydrates in all of their blessed goodness will embark on a 40-day journey into the gluten-free wasteland...

A few days ago it came to my attention that next week is Ash Wednesday. While most people wouldn't really highlight the observation of Lent as one of the more magical components of being a good Catholic, I always loved it. I remember looking forward to Lent and the way life sort of slowed down and became much more thoughtful and consciously lived.

I don't consider myself very religious. I rarely, if ever, step into a church, but I do believe that true sacrifice is an important part of self-discovery. Therefore, this year I will be observing Lent in the most dynamic way I could think up. I will completely give up the thing I love most...gluten.

I don't know what I expect to find out there in the desert. Answers? Peace? Health? Spiritual Awakening? I guess we'll find out.