“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s Garden in New York City’s Central Park.
Happy April!
After a particularly wet and cold winter here in California, signs of spring are slowly showing up. Wildflowers are covering the rare emerald green hillsides, the bees are buzzing, and right here on the street where I live, I am thrilled to report that a hummingbird has made a new nest! We had an old nest that was used for at least 5-6 hatchings over the years, but I think it has gotten too ratty for the Gen Z of the bird world. So my sadness of being a literal “empty nester” quickly turned to joy when I saw the new mom working her magic on a nearby branch. Just the other day, too, a mama opossum was trundling around our yard with her babies in tow!
I am an actual empty nester, however, as far as my children are concerned. My daughter, 19, has been the last one to leave. At first it was very hard and my heart ached as I passed by her bedroom. She didn’t move too far away, though, so I got to see her often enough to help ease the transition. (My son and daughter-in-law live in Downtown L.A., as well, so only a stone’s throw away.) My daughter would often ask me if I was okay with her moving out, and I would say in a guiltless Jewish mother voice, “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.” That is mostly the truth, as yes, our job as parents is to see our children grow up and fly the coop. We want them to be happy, healthy and productive citizens…and yet…well, you know…we miss them. As the months have gone by, however, seeing my daughter “adulting” and creating a fulfilling life, has warmed and mended my previously hurting heart.
Anyway, this week is Passover and on Sunday, Easter. These holidays always mark a time of renewal and new beginnings. I find it an interesting paradox, however, that this time of rebirth is also rich in history and tradition. The foods we eat (the Seder meal of matzo, bitter herbs, gefilte fish, roast chicken, etc.) and the Easter ham, asparagus, potatoes and hot cross buns are tried and true holiday fare. I am fascinated with the concept of how old and new are constantly juxtaposed. The rich religious and spiritual aspects of these holidays are beautiful and meaningful.
Speaking of Easter bunnies, (or not) I was thinking the other day about Peter Rabbit. Not the Beatrix Potter rabbit of fame and fortune, but my very own Peter Rabbit puppet that I had as a little girl. My Peter Rabbit was white and had soft fur. I even remember buying him at my favorite Bullock’s Department Store. My father was the selected puppeteer and Peter was the star of many a playtime. Through my dad’s voice, Peter was always wanting to get into mischief and contrary to popular belief, did not like carrots. I have never owned a real rabbit, however. Only cats and dogs. Plus one little turtle named Murtamaw. I found a reasonable facsimile (see below) on the internet of what my puppet looked like:
As far as traditions go, we watched The Ten Commandments. I pretty much knew the dialogue by heart. “Let my people go!” Around this time as well, we watched Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz. It’s funny, I know, but I date my over 60 year old self when I say that we had only a select number of TV channels way back then and everyone, and I mean, everyone, watched the same things over and over. And every spring, those films came on like clockwork. As the first song in Fiddler goes, it was “Tradition!” (By the way, whenever I see the opening scene for Fiddler I hear my dad’s voice say, “That’s the story of your grandparents!” Kleenex, please!)
My holiday traditions have evolved over the years. As I am Jewish and my husband is not, we have created hybrid celebrations. I did have the mandatory matzo last night, along with roast chicken. On Sunday, for Easter, we are having ham (not Kosher here, don’t judge) and all of the fixings. Also, we have cute chocolate bunnies from See’s Candies. I have told my children that no matter how old they are, I will always buy them chocolate turkeys on Thanksgiving and bunnies on Easter. So there!
Next week I am going to start tackling my garden, which has really taken a beating this winter. Some plants and trees are thriving from the deluge, some have gone to plant heaven. I’m toying with the idea of creating a Shakespeare garden, with plants and herbs that would make the Bard wax poetic. I’ve never done that before, but I think it will be a fun project. Maybe I’ll even grow carrots!
Happy Holidays and wishing you all a sweet and savory Spring.
Cheryl Thatt-Burbank 