Another Round of Energy
Dear Shady Pines visitors, we are back with more in this jam-packed month of March. We started off the month with a burst of new energy from the lunar eclipse known as the Blood Moon.
Next, we found ourselves Springing forward an hour with our clocks. I don’t know about you but here in Shady Pines Story Town we’re still adjusting to Daylight Saving time.
Get The Scoop!
And now from the Shady Pines Gazette here comes Scoop, the Cub Reporter with more news of upcoming events.
“Hi everyone! This is an exciting month. As you would imagine, I’ve got inside Information on all the cool things happening in the sky and right here on the ground. Some of our neighbors will help me out by sharing their favorite events with you, too.
Are you ready for more March adventures?”
“I don’t know what’s going on with the moon these days but that bright light in the sky is about to take center stage again.”
Scoop finds a cool photograph of a crescent moon. “Keep an eye on the night sky next week. We’re having a New Moon on Wednesday, March 18th! That’s when the moon plays hide-and-seek and stays really dark. You’ll just see a sliver of it in the night sky.”
Scoop is reading all about the New Moon in his high school science book. “It’s the perfect time for stargazing. If you look up, the stars will look extra bright because the moon isn’t out-shining them!” he says.
Time To Wear Your Green!
Now Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs wants to to you all about St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17th. The mayor claims to be part Irish. As his name implies, our mayor sometimes “fibbs” a bit when it comes to telling the truth. We’ve never actually met any of his kin folk with ties to Ireland. But one thing’s for sure, he loves this special day!
“Let’s start with the sounds you hear on this day. Music is a big part of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—and Irish culture in general. I’m Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs and everyone in town knows I like Irish music. We usually have a big celebration downtown at Stonewall Park with all sorts of Irish musicians playing everything from harps to flutes.”
The mayor pauses for a moment. “If you think about it, from ancient days right up until now, the Irish pass along their religion, legend and history from one generation to the next through stories and songs. It’s a big part of their heritage.”
“Now let’s talk about Leprechauns. The original Irish name for these figures of folklore is “lobaircin,” meaning ‘small-bodied fellow.’ No one has ever confused me for being one of them,” he laughs.
Fibbs lowers his voice to just above a whisper. “Legend says if you don’t wear green on St Patrick’s Day, a leprechaun might just give you a tiny pinch!”
Mayor Fibbs smiles at this thought. “They’re also very secretive. There are folks in Shady Pines who will tell you while you’re out looking for four-leaf clovers keep and eye out for one of these tiny fellas. If you’re lucky, they just might lead you to the place they’ve hidden their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!”
A Bloomin’ Good Time!
Rita Malena is so excited. The Director of the Shady Pines Community Center is counting the days until the start of Spring.
“Finally,” says Rita, “On Friday March 20th we can celebrate by saying ‘Happy Spring Equinox.’ It will be the official birthday of Spring. It’s the day when daytime and nighttime are exactly the same length.”
Rita smiles broadly. “It’s time for the flowers to wake up, the birds to start singing, and for us to get outside and play!”
Rita realizes she has a lot to do to get ready. She looks in the drawer of her office desk to find her planning calendar.
“I can’t wait to start putting activities together. We’ll get the adults here and the kids next door at the Shady Pines Elementary School involved.
Rita can see it now. “We’ll have gardening sessions so kids can learn about planting flowers and vegetables.”
She gazes out the window of her office to the area behind the Center.
“We have plenty of room to grow all sorts of plants and show the kids why our farmers are so important .
Rita makes notes about adults she knows who can help with that project.
“Oh, and we can do some outdoor art projects, too,” says Rita . “We did that last year and then held a contest with prizes for the winners. It was really interesting to see what the kids came up with and the materials they found to use.”
Get Ready for the Kindness Challenge
You see Dear Readers, in our small Southern town, March is all about things growing, changing and glowing. This time of year there really is magic everywhere you look.
When you visit us next time we’ll explore another way to welcome Spring – with a fresh, helpful attitude. That’s right. We’re going to challenge all of us to find ways to plant seeds of kindness.
And you know when those seeds take root and grow there’s no stopping the positive effects they can have. Thanks for stopping by!
What fun. These posts are so uplifting
I don’t think I realized how much goes on in March. Thanks for showing us the magic Shady Pines
Excellent Worth all creativity
& perseverance you’re putting into this KINDNESS to all seems to be an answer ….accept & respect to
ALL
Beautifully done MaryJane
Thank you so much Jane!
Great content
Thank you!
I love reading your tales of kindness. Never knew March was so full of special days.
I’m glad you enjoyed it Susan!
Such an uplifting post! It’s good to be reminded of all the wonderful things spring brings to us especially during these uncertain times ☀️
Thank you Nancy!
I love the video introductions! The tone is positive, kind and uplifting.
I’ll make sure I wear green on March 17. I don’t want to receive a tiny punch. 🙂
That’s really nice to hear. Thank you Sheri!
I’m right with the Shady Pines spokespeople! Spring brings energy and excitement to the entire community.
So true Jane. Thank you!
I just love the video intros. March is full of magic with the arrival of spring flowers and the much needed warmer weather. March 19 is also St. Joseph’s Day. Sicilian families celebrate any family member named Joseph with a meal of “pasta con sarde” with breadcrumbs (pasta with sardines) and Zeppole di San Giuseppe (fried dough balls filled with custard cream or cannoli cream). It is a tradition our family !
St. Joseph’s Day. Thank you for letting us know about that special day Barbara. Appreciate you!
You make March even more exciting to look forward to. Leprechauns. Spring and new Moons! Thanks Mary Jane for your inspiring story.
You’re so welcome Robin!
Your video is such a wonderful introduction to all the exciting and fun activities March has us looking forward to. Thanks for always sharing such inspirational messages!
Thank you Teresa!
Can’t wait for Spring! Been a long winter here. Thanks for keeping us up to date on all the magic in March
I’m glad you started including these videos so we know who’s behind the messaging. It’s really good
I appreciate that Jim!
These Shady Pines posts are so much fun. I’m going to send this to my granddaughter
Gotta love a little March Magic especially because we’re about to experience basketball March Madness
Kindness reminders are always appreciated for all ages. And who doesn’t want to believe in Irish magic!
Exactly! Thank you Elaine
I remember looking for four leaf clovers as a kid. Never found one. Now I am more interested in the arrival of Spring!
Same here Sandi!
Nice reminder of all that March has to offer
I really like the way you’re using videos to introduce the posts
Thank you so much Sharon
This is wonderful!
I remember picking SHAMROCKS ☘️ first thing in the morning and wearing them on our way to Church for St Patrick’s day. Also the beautiful blooming daffodils,, tulips,primroses all over. Fond memories and welcome to Spring. Thank you Mary Jane
Those are lovely memories Kathleen. Thank you for sharing them!
May seeds of kindness be sprinkled throughout the world! Thank you for another great story!
Thank you Amy
March magic is in full swing at Shady Pines!
It is indeed. Thank you Tammy!
I love seeing how Shady Pines is coming alive with new energy and community fun. March magic!
March Magic indeed!
Wow – spring brings so many exciting things – and Shady Pines Storytown always reminds us of our blessings!
Thank you for that Joanne!
I will be thinking about how to plant seeds of kindness! I really enjoy the video at the beginning. Can’t wait until next time!
Thank you!