Mission: May Day. Join us!

This is what kept me up thinking in bed last night until 1:30 am.

I've decided that in my campaign to "reclaim holidays" for the good, we are going to celebrate May Day (May 1st) this year. I've been wanting to do something on this day for several years now, but it always sneaks up on me. Not this year --- I'm going to be prepared. And YOU (whoever is reading this) can do it, too!

There are many supposed origin legends and rituals that have been celebrated through the years with this holiday, but the one I'm focusing in on is the idea of the May Day Basket. I love the idea of reaching out to neighbors by delivering a nice treat or flower basket anonymously. So I'm not exactly sure what kind of basket we'll be making/leaving for people, but I think it will be fun! It will be a good way to encourage some older neighbors, as well as surprise some of the younger kids.

So here are some ideas to get YOU started, too.... There are some web sites with directions/suggestions for how to make little flower baskets (which you could alternatively fill with candy):
http://www.seedsofknowledge.com/holidays/maybaskets.html
http://basketmakers.com/topics/seasonal/mayday/frprojmaybasket.htm
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/may/mmaydaybasket.html

Or, if you don't feel like doing a basket for a neighbor, how about taking something to a nursing home? Or at least sending an e-card to someone? Let's spread some love! :)

Strider and I hastily composed a (pretty pathetic) poem that we think we might use with our baskets... Feel free to use it or (please!) improve upon it...

MAY you find a little more joy toDAY
As you go about work and play;
MAY you feel even more loved toDAY
And enjoy the adventures along your way.

This we wish you,
And more, to say,
You’ve been “pick’d”
To have a HAPPY MAY DAY!

SO, since May Day is exactly one week away now, consider this your wake-up call. Start making plans, get your supplies (if any needed) over the weekend.... and next Thursday let's reach out to our neighbors! Spread the word... and let's reclaim a good tradition.

(Cue music.... "What the World Needs Now" or "Pass It On" or something...)