A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S REVELRY

My favorite book about Tasha and her unique talents and lifestyle.

I have long been a huge fan of Tasha Tudor, primarily known as the author and illustrator of children's books featuring her little Welsh corgis. The thing I admired most about her, however, was that she was a strong woman who was willing to buck the status quo, in order to live the life she knew she was meant to live.

As I mentioned earlier, I've been re-reading the essays in the book Simple Abundance, by Sarah ban Breathnach, this year, and this morning I was trying to get caught up on those I missed last week. The essay for June 23 reminded us that "for centuries, wise women have known that a bit of midsummer madness and magic are good for the soul." You knew that, right? But did you also know that Tasha Tudor, along with her friends and family, formed a group called The Stillwaters, who believe that life's simple pleasures are meant to be savored and that Nature is to be revered?  According to Eldress Tudor, "Stillwater connotes something very peaceful. Life without stress. Nowadays, people are so jeezled up. If they took some chamomile tea and spent more time rocking on the porch in the evening...they might enjoy life more." That is now my new favorite expression. I know a whole lotta people that are just waaaay too jeezled up! Anyhoo, every year on Midsummer's Eve, Tasha and the other Stillwaters would get together for a Great Party, filled with music, dancing in the barn, and a "sumptuous summer supper." Tudor said the Stillwaters "are very hedonistic. Life is to be enjoyed, not saddled with", and their first commandment is to take joy from each day.

I couldn't agree more, and it got me to thinkin'. I decided a while back that, in addition to our annual get-together in Dallas at Christmastime, my siblings and I, along with our mates and offspring, should have a summer shindig right here in Wimberley. This year it's being held over the July 4th holiday weekend, but next year I'm thinking I just might have to move it up to Midsummer's Eve. Not only will we be less likely to have reached triple digit temperatures at that time, we might even manage to conjure up a bit of midsummer madness and magic!