Menopausal moodiness can sure make you sad.
The events of life can too sometimes.
Sarah Josepha Hale, famed editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, knew something about sadness and about techniques for overcoming gloom and grief.
In Sarah’s day, a new mode of dining was coming into fashion in the United States:
PICNICS!
Sarah wielded her powerful editorial pen to promote this trend. Her wise words are:
“We gain strength by touching the earth.”
Pack a picnic in honor of Sarah Josepha Hale and find your own strength, thankfully, renewed!
Here’s a picnic perfect dish that would meet Sarah’s approval:
Summer Tortellini Salad
one pound tortellini, cooked
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
2 spring onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped black olives
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1/2 cup shredded or cubed cheese, your choice
Mix all and refrigerate.
Read about the history of the picnic here.
Top Photo: The Fashion Pages of Godey’s Lady’s Book were so popular that ladies framed them to decorate their walls. This one is from my collection.
Second Photo: Sarah Josepha Hale, the first female editor of a major magazine and the poet who wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” lost her beloved husband David when they were still young. The mother of five, Sarah supported her children by writing and editing. She wore widow’s black for the rest of her life but lived a life of gratitude and vigor. For decades, she campaigned to have Thanksgiving declared a national holiday, and won!
Third Photo: The cover of Godey’s Lady’s Book, June 1867.
Fourth Photo: I found this fine basket on the website of Victoriana Magazine.
Healthy Living Apps: Just out from Healthline: the best Healthy Living Apps. I wonder what Sarah would say. Thumbs up, I bet.
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