With Spring in the air, it’s the perfect time for play! One of our favorite games growing up, way back when kid’s chased ice cream trucks and endured skinned knee caps from rough bike rides, was Mother May I. Ahem, Mother May I. See what we did there? Anywho, as an ode to playing outside when the weather is pristine, we’ve compiled a list of items you can find at HPB that correlate with some of the actions a player might choose after asking the famous question.
Mother May I…take two giant steps forward?
Giant Steps by John Coltrane
Few things are better than a pleasant spring evening filled with jazz, and Coltrane’s fifth studio album certainly fits the bill. The titular track lends all the pep one could ever desire in their step, its 4/4 swing tempo practically dizzying. The rest of the album follows suit with its subsequent tracks certainly holding their own (though Naima, while wholly satisfying, may not be quite as bright). It is Coltrane, after all. Head to your nearest park and let the sounds of one of the genre’s greatest contributors provide the perfect ambience for a checkered table cloth, cold fried chicken and the best lukewarm wine you can find.
Mother May I…take a frog leap?
Before You Leap: A Frog’s Eye View of Life’s Greatest Lessons by Kermit the Frog
No need to wait until January to take up a new resolution. The start of a new season is always a good time to reflect and set new goals and who better to guide you on the journey to becoming your best self than everyone’s favorite amphibian? In Before You Leap, Kermit The Frog shares life lessons on living up to your potential, leaving home and yes, even falling in love. Let’s face it. It’s not that easy being green, but somebody’s gotta do it…and Kermit is here to help. Barring any jealousy from fellow frogs and such, we think this read is best enjoyed while sitting on a bench in your local aquarium as you keep a roving eye on the kids during the 5th grade Spring field trip.
Mother May I…take three baby steps forward?
What To Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Eisenberg Murkoff, Sharon Mazel and Charles J., M.D.
Each year, Spring sees the migratory return of…*drumroll*…STORKS! We all know that’s where babies come from, but we also know they never leave new parents with a how-to manual before they go. Those silly, forgetful storks. If you’re expecting a precious bundle of joy, we’ve got just the thing. What to Expect When You’re Expecting cuts the question marks out of the birthing experience, debunking tons of myths that catch new parents off guard. Flip through a few pages as you enjoy the light evening air each night, not-so-patiently waiting on your partner to get back with that dill pickle dipped in half peanut butter, half vanilla ice cream.
Mother May I…run forward for 3 seconds?
I Am Bolt – directed by Usain Bolt
As the weather turns from wintery mix to balmy with a slight breeze, outdoor exercise beckons to us all…okay, maybe only a quarter of us. If you’re a part of the group who dares to take their knees to the limit, whether on a trail or on the track, we’ve got just the thing for you! I Am Bolt chronicles the life and times of the fastest man in the world…literally. This all-access feature documentary on nine-time Olympic gold medalist and eleven-time World Champion, Usain Bolt, is bound to have you logging more than a few miles on your Fitbit. That 10-mile Tough Mudder is waiting. You can do it!
Now that we’ve provided a few suggestions to kickstart your foray into Spring, we want to hear from you. What do you plan to do now that the weather is agreeable? What were some of your favorite outdoor games growing up? Be honest, how many times did you lose Mother May I because of that kid who took the frog leap at the last second? Let us know in the comments!