Eastertide
Waiting for the weather to catch up...
It was a very early Easter this year, and it felt a bit odd hiding the boys’ eggs for our backyard hunt in a rather flowerless yard. But we can continue to celebrate the season for 50 days, after which time (hopefully) the weather will be truly Springlike. Here’s Sheridan’s arrangement of “This Joyful Eastertide.”
ART MILESTONE: IT’S THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF IMPRESSIONISM!
April, 2024 marks 150 years since the first exhibition of impressionist art. While the public was mainly receptive to the displayed works of Degas, Cézanne, Renoir and Morisot, the art critics initially scoffed…including Louis Leroy, who wrote this entertaining, but scathing, satire called “Exhibition of the Impressionists.”
Fast forward to April 2016, when Steve and I were in Paris at the Musée de l’Orangerie. This museum houses Monet’s breathtaking “Water Lilies” mural in a circular room (which was packed with enthusiastic art lovers—here’s a short video we took). An encouraging reminder that MANY creative innovations take quite a while to catch on!!
RECIPES FROM OUR EASTER TABLE!!
Our starter—and finisher!
Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting (Smitten Kitchen)
COMEDY SPOTLIGHT: Nate Bargatze
As usual, I’m late to the comedy party with this recommendation. Nate Bargatze is WONDERFUL—hilariously deadpan, and a “clean” comic (I’m no prude but I do love how comedians like him, Gary Gulman, and Brian Regan, can get solid laughs without raunch). Nate’s a Southern guy, but his really relatable humor transcends regions. Here’s a sampling…hope you enjoy!
WHAT I’VE BEEN READING LATELY…
APEIROGON by Colum McCann. One of the most powerful novels I’ve read in ages—the deep friendship between an Israeli and a Palestinian, two fathers who lost children in the ongoing conflict, and who work together for peace and understanding. “Apeirogon” is defined as a shape with infinite countable sides—an apt metaphor for the many different perspectives of those caught in the horror of war.
REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt. Another touching friendship story, this one between an aquarium worker and an escape-artist octopus named Marcellus. I’d loved “Soul of an Octopus” (non-fiction) and thought I didn’t need to read another octopus book—I was so wrong!
THE HEAVEN AND EARTH GROCERY STORE James McBride is a fabulous writer, and I think this is his best book to date. Set in 1936 Pottstown, PA, this compelling novel about the Jewish and African-American residents of the impoverished Chicken Hill neighborhood explores faith, love, endurance, and the incredible value of community.
SEARCH by Michelle Huneven. As a long-time church worker, this book was right up my alley (aisle?) But I think it’s a great read for anyone. It’s written as a memoir-with-recipes; Dara, a parishioner and food writer, is pressed into duty as a member of her church’s “call committee,” seeking a new pastor.
SONGBOOK by Nick Hornby. A terrific collection of essays about Nick Hornby’s favorite pop music (Nick is the author of “About a Boy” and other super books). I found myself humming along (and looking up the songs I wasn’t familiar with).
BLOG PREVIEW: BELLS ARE WINGING
In which I share a charming Easter legend—one that is feathery, not furry, but still really sweet. Why is the French idea of church bells sprouting wings and flying to deliver the candy any weirder than the Easter Bunny doing it? Hmmm? Join me at Working Title and decide for yourself—bells or buns?
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK (by Jeff Goins):
Sing out, my friends—Alleluia and rejoice! We’re still here!
