OR 6 TO 4 ON 5-21 IN MONTGOMERY!

By Bertha Lazenby Whetstone I Remember Mama's Bonnet

When I recall memories of my childhood, Mama's bonnet is one of the first to come to mind. I don't remember when Mama's bonnet was new, it was worn and frayed the first time I remember seeing it. The bonnet was made from coarse gray material. It was full in the back with a piece of material gathered at the nape that covered her neck, and a wide brim bordered with a narrow ruffle. I like to think that, in its time, it was a grand bonnet. Mama hung it on a peg on the back of the kitchen door, handy to reach it when she went outside. She would take the bonnet from the peg, shake it out, put it on her head, tie the ribbon as gentle as if it was expensive Sunday bonnet.

I can see her now bent over the washtub, scrubbing clothes on the scrub board, her bonnet protecting her head and face from the hot sun or cold wind.

I have seen the bonnet used for many things other than protecting her from the elements. A trip to the henhouse would yield a bonnet full of fresh eggs. Nuts of all kinds would fill the old bonnet as we walked through the woods.

Once while picking blackberries, I got into a wasp nest. As I was screaming and crying from the stings Mama came running. Pulling off her bonnet, she swatted the wasps until they were gone. Then we walked to the spring, she dipped her bonnet in the cool water and gently touched each wasp sting until they didn't hurt so much.

The bonnet was always handy to pull off and swat one of her offspring that didn't want to mind. As she milked, she would use her bonnet to swat a horsefly that was bothering the cow. Mama's bonnet was a symbol of hard times, for there wasn't any money to buy material for another. I like to think of the bonnet as a symbol of hard work, love, and devotion, as she gave unselfishly of her time and energy for her family.

I don't know what happened to the old bonnet, whether it was so worn and tattered that mama discarded it for a new one, or if it was left hanging on the kitchen door for someone to throw away. I have often thought about the bonnet and wished I had it to place in a frame to keep forever, for it was as much apart of mama as her long dresses and aprons.

Happy Mother's Day!

Like Echos of The Past

Women & Childen boarding trains Not knowing where they will go Fathers, husbands, staying behind To fight for freedom One last time

Germany, Poland, France, USA All over the world United as 1, 1 mankind

These trains of freedom Not like the past These trains hold Safe passage For Mothers, Daughters & Son's Refuse at last

Take in all these people From Ukraine Show the world we have learned From The Past That we will never return to echos of the past.

- Bill Blessing

THE EMBER

Southern winds they are blowing Blowing thru the night A stray ember from a fire can cause a fire or a fight And civil rights they broken left and right Hatred and violence Is not the way to go Freedom writers taught this to us Not too long ago. We should've learned from the march, Selma to Montgomery, was just the start People got to learn to get along, we've got To right all the wrong That burning ember Won't go away As long as there's hatred it's gonna stay Let's put that ember Let's put it out

The Marvelous Wonderettes

Written & Created by Roger Bean directed & choreographed by Melissa Rain Anderson

May 24–June 26, 2022

Festival Stage | 2 Hours | One Intermission | Recommended Ages 13+

This smash Off-Broadway hit takes us to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet and learn about the lives and loves of Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. When the Wonderettes reunite to perform at their 10-year reunion, we learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Featuring more than 30 classic 50s and 60s hits, including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” Matinees available, order tickets at asf.net or scan QR code and order from your phone.

Scan to Order ASF Tickets

Free Subscriptions

www.RiverRegionBoom.com