Even though there is more than two feet of snow in my yard the calendar says it’s spring. Maybe it’s all part and parcel of the annual celebration of April foolishness. April Fools’ Day is as good a time as any to act just a little foolish. Heck, if April has its usual showers, we will need something to lift our spirits. Why not enjoy a month of silliness? Think of it as random acts of foolishness.
There is no need to go overboard, stay away from anything too crazy and definitely avoid anything dangerous. Don’t go investing in a Ponzi scheme or play in traffic. Don’t run with scissors and definitely don’t run up your credit card. If your thoughts are turning towards a drastic new haircut or pink dye, you might want to think twice. Or not. After all, it’s only hair. It will grow out and think of the laughs you’ll share for years to come.
In any case, concentrate on small acts of foolishness, anything fun and just a tad silly. A little bit of silliness will energize you. It shouldn’t be too hard, most of us have done some pretty foolish things in our lives. In fact, some of us are practically an expert when it comes to acting foolish. For example, I dated Mr. Wrong, not once but twice, have sung karaoke until dawn and bungee jumped.
The list of possibilities is almost endless. Perhaps you decorated your neighbor’s lawn with pink flamingos, lived on grapefruit for eight days or frantically waved to a friend or neighbor only to discover it was a perfect stranger. Maybe you channeled Lucy and dyed your hair red, decorated your own lawn with pink flamingos or bought a new dog, when you already had three.
If by some fluke, you are one of those perfect people who never, ever act the least bit foolish, well, you have my sympathy. I would suggest that now might be a good time to give it a try. Here are a few silly ideas to help you live foolishly, if not every day, well at least from time to time.
Chase a rainbow, literally or figuratively. You never know where you will find a pot of gold. What’s your definition of gold? Shiny coins or a day filled with golden sunshine and no To-Do list?
Sing at the top of your lungs when one of your favorite songs comes on the radio. My personal favorites are Aretha Franklin or Donna Summer, but anything Motown will do.
Dance to the too-loud-music in one of those mall stores for tweens and teens. Your children may not be too happy with this tip. Most teenagers are embarrassed by public displays of silliness by their parents. Luckily, I know a few who are able to tolerate this kind of foolishness from an eccentric aunt.
While you are in the mall, if your budget can manage it, buy a new pair of shoes. At least in April, stay away from anything too sensible. If you must be practical, at least flirt with frivolity. They don’thave to be expensive. You can probably find a pair of shiny red heels, frilly flip-flops or pink sneakers at a discount store for less than $25.
Host a pajama party, not for your kids but for yourself and your friends. Gather up your best pals, put on your jammies and crank up the tunes. Share lots of laughter and cheerful chatter. Indulge in some of your favorite finger food and a glass or two of your favorite chardonnay, maybe a little champagne. Don’t forget 2009 is the year of the potluck so everyone can contribute to the feast. A good thing about a grown up pajama party is you don’t have to call your dad to come get you when you’ve had enough. You can drive your own self home. (I said it was a pajama party, I didn’t say it was a sleepover.)
Enjoy April and,
Bon appétit!
Spicy Marinated Olives
These olives are a favorite at cocktail parties. Everyone asks for the recipe! Enjoy!
16 ounces of your favorite olives, try a colorful mix of black and green. If you can, include Greek, Kalamata, Sicilian and Niçoise
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons dry white wine
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, slivered
1/2 teaspoon dry thyme
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Combine all the ingredients in a medium sized bowl and toss to combine. Marinate in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally, for at least 24 hours.
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Susan Nye lives in New Hampshire. She is a freelance writer and cook. To learn more about her catering services and cooking classes and find lots more recipes visit her web site at www.susannye.com For updates, cooking tips and more, follow Susan on Twitter at http://twitter.com/susannye. © Susan W. Nye, 2009
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