JulieAloha

May 1, 2017

Happy May Day! I remember May Day as a time to make simple construction paper baskets, raid the neighborhood for bluebells, dandelions, and daisies to fill the baskets, then hang them from door handles on people’s porches, ring the bell and run away before they saw you, giggling all the way. Of course they knew what the neighborhood children were doing – they’d watched us all morning gathering our bounty and planning our attacks, sneaking up on homes one by one and hiding to see people’s reactions. Still, they played along with the game and pretended astonished surprise when they opened their doors and we ran away none the wiser. What a simpler time.

Years later I introduced the idea to my Extended Day kids. We made the baskets and cards for each teacher, I bought tulips and baby’s breath, and I taught the kids an aria from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, “Ricevete, o padroncina” – just before school we serenaded teachers and doled out our gifts – lovely!

Today I ignored the political ramifications and wandered about the grounds appreciating the flowers of May and being grateful for their color, scent, life and beauty.