Smile Therapy

April 13, 2025

 

“I’m not lost. I’m right where I’m standing.
Unfortunately, where I’m standing may be lost”

~Winnie the Pooh
“Tigger’s Shoes/Lights Out.” The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, S1E20, May 17, 1991

 

From AP News

 

When the world you were familiar with begins to appear unrecognizable and disruption replaces composure, the result can be disorientation, fear and stress.

Such was the cause of illness for a sunfish living at the Kaikyokan aquarium in southwestern Japan.

The ocean sunfish is part of the blowfish family and is known for its big eyes and distinctive shape, This particular fish, who originally swam in the Pacific Ocean, off the southern coast of Kochi, began living at the aquarium in February 2024.

The large fish with the big eyes had become one of the most popular attractions at the aquarium. It was accustomed to seeing the smiling faces of human visitors parading by its tank (from its perspective, outside its window) all day, every day.

When the aquarium closed on Dec 1 of 2024 for a six-month renovation, the sunfish began looking unwell. The keepers in charge of the fish were baffled as to why the fish was doing poorly and, suspecting digestive problems, decreased its food. However, the fish began to avoid eating altogether.  They also tried occasional visits to comfort the fish during construction noise. However nothing seemed to be helping.

One day during a meeting, a staff member mentioned that, as a result of the aquarium’s closure, the absence of visitors and an audience may have affected the fish’s well-being.

Although skeptical, the keepers created human-shaped cardboard cutouts, dressed in their uniforms and decorated with photos of smiling faces. These new “visitors” were placed outside the tank to keep the sunfish company. According to Moe Miyazawa, one of the aquarium managers, the fish appeared to be watching with interest as the new “audience” took shape.

To the surprise of all, the sunfish began eating again the very next day and soon recovered. The staff members now visit the tank more often, making sure to wave at the sunfish.

The aquarium is set to reopen this summer.

Here’s a brief news story about the fish, with video of it swimming by its cardboard friends:

 

These days, one can often feel like there’s a huge “Under Destruction” sign pasted across everything. I myself have felt the stress of these “interesting times” mentally, emotionally and physically.

For me, a call or visit with a familiar friend has often been a surefire way to lift my spirits and soothe my soul. Something as simple as sharing a thought, a meal, an experience or even better, a laugh, can make an enormous difference in my ability to feel grounded and also to remember, as Winnie the Pooh so wisely stated, that I am not lost. Where I am standing may be lost. Hopefully, like the sunfish’s aquarium home, the disruption is only temporary.

~~~~~~~~~

Share some Chocolate Covered Matzo Ice Cream Sandwiches with a friend to provide some much-needed chocolate and ice cream therapy and get a smile in return.

 

Chocolate Covered Matzo Ice Cream Sandwiches
This is a great time of year to pick up a box of matzo crackers to have on hand for these yummy ice cream sandwiches. Matzo crackers are also great for making Lasagne di Pane (a lasagna made with Sardinian crackers that are difficult to find in the U.S.) or to have on hand for a quick pizza crust or to make breadcrumbs for recipes. I get mine at Trader Joe’s.

Also, those that keep kosher for Passover would already be aware of this, but if you are making and sharing these for someone who is, note that not all brands or flavors of ice cream may be considered kosher for Passover. It’s best to check the label to make sure.

 

12 oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
4 plain matzo crackers, 6-inches square
1 quart vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)

Optional, to decorate:
Sunflower seeds, toasted, unsalted slivered almonds or crushed hazelnuts or pistachios
Toffee bits
Toasted coconut flakes

 

 

Line a baking sheet with foil

Take ice cream out of freezer to soften. Ice cream should be soft enough to scoop easily, but still firm enough to hold its shape.

Put chocolate chips into a medium-sized heat resistant bowl. In a small, heavy saucepan, over medium heat, heat cream until just beginning to bubble (do not boil). Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in bowl and stir until smooth (takes several minutes of stirring).

Place 4 matzo crackers side by side on the foil-lined sheet. Spread chocolate mixture in a thick layer over one side of each cracker. Place tray in freezer for 5 minutes to harden. Turn matzos over and spread chocolate on remaining sides of each cracker. Return to freezer to harden for 5 minutes.

Scoop half of the ice cream onto each of two coated matzos and spread out gently to edges, keeping a square shape. Use an offset spatula to even out the surface. Top with remaining chocolate coated matzos. Drizzle remaining chocolate mixture over tops in a decorative pattern. Optionally, you can sprinkle nuts, toffee bits or coconut flakes over the drizzled chocolate as decoration.

Place in freezer until ice cream is hard. Once frozen, cut each sandwich into 4 quarters. You can then wrap them individually to freeze and enjoy later or you can serve immediately.

 

Makes 8 ice cream sandwiches.

 

 

 

 

 

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