NEWSLETTERS

April Newsletter
©2002 Terri Hendrix

"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year."
—Mark Twain

Where did April Fool’s Day come from?
There is something punny about it!
Well, in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar to the Christian world, which moved the date of the new year from April 1 to January 1. Since some poor souls hadn’t heard of the date change—or didn’t believe it—they continued to celebrate the new year on April 1, much to the chagrin of others, who played tricks on them and ridiculed them as "April fools."

Today, of course, we delight in playing small tricks on friends, family, and even strangers. In fact, before I continue, shouldn’t you attend to that shoelace that’s untied?

In each case of April Fool’s trickery, we hope our victims have a healthy sense of humor, because, after all, the most clever April Fool’s joke of all is the one where everyone laughs, especially the person upon whom the joke is played.

Me, I love practical jokes—in any month. I buy fake roaches, bugs, and a vast array of other disgusting toys that’ll trigger the gag reflex in anyone (fake dog doo is my favorite!). You never know whale or when I’ll strike! As I’ve looked on in glee, many an unsuspecting houseguest has screeched in horror at the plastic ants I occasionally keep hidden in the butter dish. Once, though, I did receive my payback. We were setting up for a Halloween show, when I spied a fake spider….a hairy, scary-lookin’ tarantula….in a closet near the stage. Since Lloyd has a bug phobia, I figured I’d spook him—HA!—so I set out to corral the phony critter. Much to my surprise, though, the bug turned out to be surprisingly lifelike—perhaps because it was REAL!. I’ve enjoyed my share of pranks, but on that night, the joke was definitely on me—as my own screeching indicated! (The entire story, by the way, is recounted in the "Aquarius" section of the web site—under the heading "One Time.")
* * *

"April come she will
When streams are ripe and swelled with rain"
—Paul Simon

March was such a busy month that I hardly had a moment to chuckle at anything. I’m pleased to report that we finished the new CD. Trust me, it took a lot of woman and man hours, but we had a true sense of porpoise. I did my best; Lloyd did his best; Glenn and Paul were their usual wonderful selves; and everyone else we worked with added their unique talents to the project. The result is something I can’t wait for you to hear! And the art work is amazing! I’ll tell you all about it in next month’s newsletter.

When I was able to spend time at home, sleep was difficult because of the trains. Repairs are being made to some track somewhere, and ALL trains have been routed by my bedroom window—or so it seems. Yup, they’ve been on a roll lately. Every night I fall asleep serenaded by the windows shaking to the Boxcar Bump. Perhaps they’re sole trains.
A few days ago I was yelling over the fence to my neighbor (we don’t talk. trains.), and all of a sudden I noticed buds on the trees. How off-track have I been? Sure, I’ve noticed things: the trains; TAX DAY COMING SOON (the government’s April prank); the approaching lose-a-precious-hour-of-sleep-but-gain-an hour-of-daylight ritual; the crabgrass and johnson grass and other miscellaneous thorny weeds in my backyard; bills; dogs who’ve rolled in something (have you smelt that?); the shedding of dogs who’ve rolled in something. But somehow I’ve managed to overlook the new leaves and little roses springing into action! Marlene Dietrich once said, "Grumbling is the death of love." I think she’s right. So yesterday I sang with the trains (if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em) and hung lights around my back porch. I was outside as much as I could ‘cause I didn’t want to miss the show. And what a show it is! And best of all…. it’s free! I cod have danced all night. Salmon chanting evening. Happy spring, everyone!

Happy Easter too! And a joyous Passover to those of you celebrating that sacred feast. But no matter what your faith is, consider the words of Martin Luther, who once wrote, "If you’re not allowed to laugh in heaven, I don’t want to go there."

One last thing: your pre-orders for "The Ring" kept me from having to take out a whopper of a loan (with big ol’ interest tacked on to it). I have absolutely nothing to blow my whistle and grumble about. Now I filet me down to sleep.
Warm regards,
Terri Hendrix

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