Bay Shore NY
5-05-2026 2:27pm

April Showers Bring May Flowers



SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

What showers? It's May, and we've hardly had any rain. But, the snow did something magical to the ground this winter. The Cherry Trees have never bloomed so bright.

Cherry blossom trees (sakura) have deep roots in East Asian culture, symbolizing renewal and the fleeting nature of life, with a history spanning centuries in Japan where hanami (flower viewing) became popular during the Heian period that spanned from 0794 to 1185. They were introduced globally in the 19th to 20th centuries, most famously via a 1912 gift of 3,000+ trees from Tokyo to Washington, D.C. representing international friendship. 

  • Japanese Heritage: While originating in East Asia (China, Korea, Japan), the ornamental, non-fruiting cherry trees became deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, with extensive, varied planting occurring in the Edo period. The Edo period, also known as the Tokugawa period, lasted from 1603 to 1868 and was marked by political stability, cultural flourishing, and isolation from foreign influence.
  • The Washington, D.C. Gift (1912): Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore spent 24 years advocating for planting trees along the Potomac. With First Lady Helen Herron Taft’s support, a gift of 3,000+ trees (mostly Yoshino) arrived from Tokyo in 1912.
  • Significance in D.C.: The trees have survived controversy (the 1938 "Cherry Tree Rebellion" over the Jefferson Memorial) and have been reciprocated with American dogwood trees. They are now the center of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival.
  • Symbolism: In Japan, cherry blossoms represent the transience of life, as they bloom brilliantly but briefly.

Cherry Blossoms are everywhere. This week, the petals have started to fall. They look like confetti. Their season on Long Island and in New York City typically runs from late March through early May with peak bloom usually arriving in mid to late April. Here are some of the best Cherry Blossom viewing spots on Long Island:

  • Greenport: Known as Long Island's "cherry blossom capital" with over 300 trees, particularly stunning along the waterfront and main streets.
  • Old Westbury Gardens: Features beautiful, mature cherry trees within its expansive 200-acre estate.
  • Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay: A top spot for spring blooms and variety.
  • Argyle Park in Babylon: Known for its picturesque lake lined with blooming trees.
  • Stony Brook University at the Charles B. Wang Center: Features a beautiful, serene Japanese garden setting.
  • Caumsett State Historic Park: Offers a natural setting to enjoy the blooms in mid-to-late April.

Cherry trees are along a lot of roadways, too. While driving with your windows down, you can smell their fragrance in the air. It's the sweetest smell of Spring.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, the scent of flowering trees can take you back to your childhood. The memory of certain smells can be very powerful and transforming. 

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

I recently joined a local choral group. It's so much fun! I've met such wonderful people around my age who love to sing. What better way to spend time. We had the good fortune of being invited to sing at Sagtikos Manor this past Sunday at a 250th celebration honoring our great nation. Cantare insieme è la cosa che mi rende felice. Singing together makes you happy.

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SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was listening to a local historian tell us some secrets about the Revolutionary War at Sagtikos Manor.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear Lord,

Please find all missing persons and bring them back to their families. Amen.

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: The Cherry Trees are beautiful this time of year. 
Italian: I ciliegi sono bellissimi in questo periodo dell'anno.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

Bring nature into your home with a Cherry Blossom arrangement. It's the perfect accessory for Spring.

SKYARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Spring is finally blooming. What do you like most about Spring?

Please put your answer in the Comment section under my post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - SPRING FEVER by ELVIS PRESLEY

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Lyrics

(Spring fever)
(Love is in the air)
(Spring is everywhere)

A little bird, he told me so
He said, "Come on, get on the go
Open your eyes, the sky is full of butterflies"

The blossoms on the trees
Stir up the honeybees
Spring makes my fever rise (Spring fever)

Spring fever, spring is here at last
Spring fever, my heart's beating fast
There is no doubt now love is in the air
Get up, get out, spring is everywhere

Well, if you feel the wanderlust
Just grab a car or hop a bus
In every town there's excitement to be found

So much is happening
Don't miss the joy of spring
The world's in love, just look around (Spring fever)

Spring fever comes to everyone
Spring fever, it's time for fun
There is no doubt now love is in the air
Get up, get out, spring is everywhere

Spring fever, it's spring fever time
Spring fever, watch that fever climb
There is no doubt now love is in the air
Get up, get out, spring is everywhere
Spring is everywhere

MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paid subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each week in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter! You can also become a paying subscriber.

Skylark Live Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. You can find some of my vlogs on my YouTube channel. I also post them on my social media platforms. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!

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