In my ART MUSE recipe card illustration, five joyful Chows weave around the maypole, ribbons dancing in soft arcs—a playful echo of those early traditions and May Day magic.
May Day, May Baskets & a Honeybeary Lemon Loaf
There are certain days that arrive carrying a little bit of magic…
and for me, May Day has always been one of them.
May is my birthday month, and perhaps that’s why I feel it so deeply—that gentle moment when the world leans back into life. The garden softens, the light lingers, and everything begins to bloom again.
A Childhood Tradition
As a child, May Day meant small baskets filled with candy and nuts, carefully made and quietly delivered.
We would place them on a neighbor’s doorstep,
ring the bell…
and run.
A simple joy—giving without being seen,
leaving behind a small surprise.
And in many ways, that spirit of giving lives on in this painting my father created of me in 1961—
a moment of childhood, preserved in color and kindness. Though it isn’t a May basket, it carries the same feeling… that gentle exchange of something small and heartfelt,
shared between people in a moment of connection.
My dad Joe Messer would go on to become a well-known artist,
but to me, this piece will always be something quieter and more personal—
a glimpse of innocence, of community, and of love simply given. I miss you daddy!
From Basket to Kitchen
These days, my May baskets come from the kitchen.
This Honeybeary Lemon Loaf carries that same spirit— bright with lemon, softened with honey,
and dotted with deep, rich berries…the color of a Chow’s signature smile
It’s the kind of treat meant to be sliced, shared… and today, left at your virtual doorstep with love—
a small May basket from my kitchen to yours.
FIND THIS RECIPE CARD IN MY DOG IN THE KITCHEN STORE
TELL ME YOUR MAY DAY STORY
In the comments below, share:
• A favorite spring or childhood memory
• Your dog’s name + breed
One comment will be chosen by random wheel spin to inspire a Dog in the Kitchen recipe illustration
Thank you Sandra,
I just adore the 5 chows dancing around the maypole and hope it will be available as a garden flag.
I personally relate to May Day as a child delivering little baskets to neighbors filled with freshly picked flowers and candy. We would ring the doorbells and then run away so they wouldn’t know who delivered the treat.
I had my own children honor this tradition.
Chow Chow #6 is Bosco, 4 years old and cousin to Gus.
Linus would love to be part of your pack.
Great recipe, Sandra!
I used to live in the Azores when I was young. It’s a volcanic island, so although it was lush and green there were very few trees; probably one reason I pay so much attention to trees to this day. May Day meant less rain and the gorgeous blue hydrangeas lined the stone walls by the roads. We would go to the park “to see the tree” – yes singular, one tree. The park swing set was there by the tree, and my daddy would push me on the swing until I felt like I was flying. Thanks for prompting me to recall this happy memory!
Leo the Lowchen here hopes you have some dogs who will play with him, and he says hello…
Wow what a beautiful place to grow up. I know all about the Azores!! Thank YOU for sharing such a happy joyful May memory!!! This month is special in so many ways for so many people. This is really fun. I bet that tree was a beauty. I wonder if it still might be there! Love to Leo the Lowchen from me and Ihana!!!!!
Happy May Day Sandra!
Living in Canada meant it really felt like May later in the month when strawberries first became available. I remember devouring my Grandmother’s Strawberry Shortcake, embracing the flavour of strawberries from her huge garden. Today, I enjoy a deconstructed version just because with macerated strawberries, olive oil cake topped with whipped cream that hints of vanilla.
Jax and Willem, the black Chow Chow boys, enjoy a bit of whipped cream. But just a little 🙂
Michelle, what a wonderful memory of your grandmothers shortcake!! Oh that sounds so good right now!! Tell the boyz to enjoy that whipped cream and purple kisses from Portland Oregon!!
Thank you Sandra. The painting of you by your dad is so special.
I am a huge chow chow lover. I am currently blessed with 2 in my life, Vince and Allison, along with a terrier mix, Grace.
I foster as a way of giving back to the breed and hope other chow lovers will do the same.
Happy May Day!
Happy May Day Kay!!!! Oh that all rhymes!!! Your work with fostering is so incredible my friend and very rewarding on all levels. A big WIN/WIN for our chows having you in their corner!!! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment!!!! Purple kisses to Vince and Allison and a terrier scruffy kissie for Grace!!!!
May first was always a special day. I was born and grew up in southern CA and May 1st signaled that Summer and Summer holidays were just around the corner. It meant weekends at Santa Monica, Laguna or Santa Barbara beaches. May first meant fun road trips after Sunday Mass. We would drive to Santa Barbara for breakfast, or Laguna Beach for lunch. Or, maybe just an afternoon drive to visit family and friends.
May 1, also was the day Mom made her wonderful date nut bread. I can smell it in the oven now! We always had a slice when it was warm from the oven. Sweet butter and cream cheese made it extra special.
Happy May to everyone!
Oh Chris, I LOVE that story!!! And how I can almost taste your moms date nut bread!!! Do you have the recipe? I would love to make it !!!!. And YES..CREAM CHEESE on it!!! Thank you for sharing your May Day story!!!!! May smooches from Ihana!!!
In the comments , share:
• A favorite spring or childhood memory
• Your dog’s name + breed
One comment will be chosen by random wheel spin to inspire a Dog in the Kitchen recipe illustration