February is the second month of the Gregorian calendar, named after Februalia; the Roman festival of purification. I kind of like the purification concept; it’s fitting for February.

I am not as tempted to be outside in February, so I have spent many days going through closets and drawers and boxes and bins trying to rid my house (and my life ) of nonessentials. I have been somewhat successful, but there is much more to do.

It seems this purging is what Nature has been doing; the winter landscape is much simpler and somewhat purified of its nonessentials. I suppose the people of long ago lived closer to the Earth and understood Nature a bit more and knew we should slow down with the season and examine the bare bones of our lives. Just as the trees are bare and reveal their simplicity, maybe we should reflect and look inward to restore ourselves for the splendor of spring when the Earth wakes up and our time must be spent tending to gardens and yards and all things outdoors.

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The full moon will shine on Monday. It has been named the Snow Moon because of the heaviest snows that fall in this, the coldest month of winter. February is also a good time to plant potatoes and add to the compost heap. If you planted strawberries in October, now is a pleasurable time of anticipation as the little white blossoms promise sweet fruit in May. And there is Valentine’s Day to enjoy; a simple and pure holiday filled with only chocolate and love.

All in all, it is a wonderful month to slow down and purify our lives and our environment while we observe the starkness of Nature and plan for the abundance of spring.

I have spent some time in the old Essannee Theater this winter. My daughter has involved herself with IPAL’s production of Oklahoma. It is wonderful and yet peculiar to be in the old theater house after so many years.

I, like many others, spent most Saturdays of my childhood there. Fifty cents would buy a ticket, popcorn and a Coke. The popcorn was in a small red and white box and the soda was in a paper cup that I could fit my hand around — just enough.

I have many good memories from there, but I especially remember “Babes in Toyland” in the early ’60s. The line to get in was wrapped around Castile’s and Annette Funicello and the talking trees did not disappoint. One of the last shows I watched there was “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” We went as a family and sat on the left side near the curtain. It was in the days before cell phones and my dad was “on call.” He told the lady at the ticket office where he was sitting in case there was a call for him. I can remember his laughter and the quaintness of the situation.

I am thankful that Little Theater has breathed new life into the old theater house where some of the fixtures and furniture remain amongst the wistful recollections of many generations. I put value in these old buildings with distinctive architecture and memories that we embrace along with thoughts of our youth. They bring comfort and connection and create our unique history here on the Teche. I hope our culture here does not become disposable, like metal buildings on empty lots where history once was.

PAM SHENSKY is the mother of five and a teacher at New Iberia Senior High.