I know my coworker is sick and tired of hearing me sing along to Irving Berlin's "In Your Easter Bonnet" on the (ancient) record player at school everyday. I play it over and over. I tell her it's payback for my having to listen to her play the Muppet's Christmas CD at Christmas. So, for a week in December and April, we both grin and bear it.
The record is a 33 rpm, which means there are several themed songs on it: Bunny Hop, Peter Rabbit, Little Ducky etc. The minute I hear the musical intro to "Easter Parade" I am transported to childhood. No matter how hectic the day, hearing Bing Crosby croon "In your Easter bonnet with all the frills upon it..." actually calms me. It lowers my blood pressure, I'm quite certain. Those lyrics evoke memories of my own Easter bonnets and my daughter's Easter bonnets. Do they even have Easter bonnets anymore?
Here is a photo taken in April, 1951 on my grandma's steps. My cousin, Jerry 20 months old,
me, 21 months old, my brother John, 9 months. Look at that expression on my face. Stinky boys!
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My fondest memories are not of the baskets and goodies. Back then it was strictly candy and not soccer balls and big toys in oversized store bought prepared baskets like today.
The eggs were real, boiled, and breakfast!
I envision myself at age 7 wearing a fancy dress. I have a matching bonnet and purse. I am wearing my little white gloves and patent leather Mary Janes heading into Sunday School class with my banana curls bouncing. The teacher places a potted pansy planted in a plastic margarine container in my hands. It is mine. Each child receives one. What a thrill! She says it is a sign of hope, and God's love, rebirth and resurrection. I am just a little girl. The Bible story and Easter message is simplified, but I understand.
To this day when I hear that song, "In your Easter bonnet..." I smile and go home. I inhale the aroma of cutlets frying and sliced potatoes and onions sizzling on the stove... I hear my dad's guitar picking and singing; my mom's voice; my brother begging me for a turn. I was way too bossy.
When I hear "Easter Parade" I am a little girl again...
I get a whiff of spring air...circa 1956.
Wishing each of you a happy and blessed Easter. I will be going on spring break, which means I will be reading comments related to this post and then taking a blog break. Thank you all for your visits. Please come back in a week or so.
The record is a 33 rpm, which means there are several themed songs on it: Bunny Hop, Peter Rabbit, Little Ducky etc. The minute I hear the musical intro to "Easter Parade" I am transported to childhood. No matter how hectic the day, hearing Bing Crosby croon "In your Easter bonnet with all the frills upon it..." actually calms me. It lowers my blood pressure, I'm quite certain. Those lyrics evoke memories of my own Easter bonnets and my daughter's Easter bonnets. Do they even have Easter bonnets anymore?
Here is a photo taken in April, 1951 on my grandma's steps. My cousin, Jerry 20 months old,
me, 21 months old, my brother John, 9 months. Look at that expression on my face. Stinky boys!
My fondest memories are not of the baskets and goodies. Back then it was strictly candy and not soccer balls and big toys in oversized store bought prepared baskets like today.
The eggs were real, boiled, and breakfast!
I envision myself at age 7 wearing a fancy dress. I have a matching bonnet and purse. I am wearing my little white gloves and patent leather Mary Janes heading into Sunday School class with my banana curls bouncing. The teacher places a potted pansy planted in a plastic margarine container in my hands. It is mine. Each child receives one. What a thrill! She says it is a sign of hope, and God's love, rebirth and resurrection. I am just a little girl. The Bible story and Easter message is simplified, but I understand.
To this day when I hear that song, "In your Easter bonnet..." I smile and go home. I inhale the aroma of cutlets frying and sliced potatoes and onions sizzling on the stove... I hear my dad's guitar picking and singing; my mom's voice; my brother begging me for a turn. I was way too bossy.
When I hear "Easter Parade" I am a little girl again...
I get a whiff of spring air...circa 1956.
Wishing each of you a happy and blessed Easter. I will be going on spring break, which means I will be reading comments related to this post and then taking a blog break. Thank you all for your visits. Please come back in a week or so.