Aunt Linda’s View from the Cottage

When we were kids, every May Day my brother and I would make cone-shaped baskets out of construction paper and fill them with fragrant lilacs, Japanese quince, and other blooming flowers we picked from our yard. Once finished, we would sneak up to our grandparent’s front porch, slip the handle of the basket over the doorknob, ring the bell, and hide ourselves in the bushes.

Grandma always came to the door, and upon discovering the flowers, would look around and loudly wonder who-in-the-world would bring her such a lovely bouquet. That was our cue to jump out of the bushes and yell, “Surprise!” Grandma always rewarded us with her homemade cookies she kept in a marshmallow tin. But the best part was knowing we made her happy.

Sometimes we’d also surprise our neighbors with our May baskets, but never reveal ourselves. That was fun too!

Although I’ve never seen it in person, I love the images of young girls dancing around the May Pole, weaving the ribbons in and out.

All these memories came together when I wrote the Elfery Storybook™, Mistletoe and the May Pole. Michael Orwick, our illustrator, created the lovely cover art of the elves doing a May Pole dance.

All of Whimsmoore’s Elfery Toys of the Month™ include a toy with the companion book. So for May, I (with the help of the elves, of course), designed a basket with a self handle. There’s no need to wait for any glue to dry! We also designed our completely original and unique tissue flower kits.

So whether or not, you use our May Basket Kit, we hope we’ve inspired you to help your children or grandchildren make a lovely flowery surprise for someone special in their lives come May 1st.

Happy May Day to you!