May 1st is the best time of year for a holiday. Everything around is sprouting or sprouted, and summer vacation is around the corner. Admittedly, 'summer vacation' becomes an oxymoron as soon as you have kids. Still, expectation is in the air. For me, this day is forever tied to childhood celebrations in Hawaii where we'd wear muumuus and handmade leis. The neighbors were generous with their plumeria trees. We'd fill paper grocery sacks with blossoms, and then sit outside stringing them till our fingers were sticky with plumeria milk. At school, we perform hulas and play the ukulele, both of which we'd practice in music class. It's a sad reminder that art and music are now considered as "extras" and not funded as part of the curriculum - but that's another post. We don't have good lei flowers in Seattle. Tulips are too fragile. Rhodies are toxic. And what would I wear it with? I haven't owned a muumuu in years. (Actually, a good thing). But the sun might come out for brief visits today, and I've got a grown-up sized hula hoop. What more could I ask for? Happy Lei Day! You didn't think I'd post a picture of me hooping, did ya?