April 1, 2017 (day 32) ah. This is where the counting gets tricky with the turn of the page and new month. (artwork by Manor Framing and Curly Girl Design)
I did a little research in hopes I could shine a light on the origin and history of this day known as April Fools. But honestly it’s quite complicated. Calendar changes back to the 1500’s…celebration of the new year…Chaucer…Caesar. And while my history loving studying and teaching sons may not agree with me, I just don’t care. (“How do you not know this stuff, Mom?! How do you NOT care?!)
And so I turn to the topic of laughter. Silliness. Joie de vivre. Acting or being foolish. I settled back in at home this evening, quiet apartment, still a little lump in my throat, and on cue (cosmic history) arrives a photo with a classic caption and message via text from one of my oldest (longest) friends. Who also happens to be one of the funniest people I know. This photo above was a gift from her which hangs above my kitchen sink, as a little reminder or altar in my world. Because the kitchen sink is where my Cinderella BS Princess mind can do some serious cartwheels. She forgets about gratitude for the ability to wash dishes from a MEAL that has been PROVIDED. And to top it off, said source of water she has absolutely no idea where it comes from to wash and sterilize the dirty dishes. Oh, and let’s not forget the lovely appliance off to the right called a dishwasher. Load em, insert tab, press button, bam! (Sorry my AP Environmental Friend teacher, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my gist?!)
Another friend posted a great prank her 12 year old had her walk right into hook line and sinker. Mentions of selling it all and tiny houses…there were a few in my FB feed today. My dad was always the prankster on this occasion of fools and his chances of success much greater if we were unaware of the date. The earlier in the day the better.
And I may not care about history (in this case anyway) , but I am down with the science of smiling and laughter. Less energy exerted than frowning. Sending messages from your brain to the rest of your body. Fools gold. Lighting up our veins and organs and spirits. Shining light and soaking it up.
I worked with a wise person a few years ago who wanted me to have the intention of being a creative playful adult. Huh? She was right. I had begun to take life a bit too seriously and not really noticed it. Hence my Rolodex speed dial…to old friend . Who brings out the lighter side of me because I have no choice. And we now share crock pot recipes which if you had ever told me back in middle school that recipe sharing for one pot meals would be a thing I would have rolled my eyes and sighed. You don’t know until you know. And then there’s the minimal washing of dishes with a crock pot meal. Back to that again.
While I know I’m still in the woods with grief, it doesn’t mean I can’t put my best foot forward. The both/and of life. Practice. And lucky for me, I have found my crew. Come to think of it, someone’s laugh, also a signature. Get out there and practice, people. I’m with you.
xo, b
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