Alternating in August

August is a month of transition, marked by a blend of summer’s lingering warmth and the impending arrival of fall. As families prepare for the back-to-school season, August provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a variety of national days that capture the essence of this transitional period. From quirky observances to meaningful commemorations, the month offers a diverse palette of events that encourage reflection, creativity, and enjoyment.

One of the standout features of August is its rich array of national days that highlight different aspects of life. For instance, National Watermelon Day on August 3 invites families to gather and enjoy this refreshing fruit, perfect for summer picnics. It serves as a reminder of the joys of summer, encouraging people to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. Similarly, National Relaxation Day on August 15 prompts individuals to take a break from their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.

As August unfolds, the month presents opportunities for community engagement and awareness. National Dog Day on August 26 celebrates our furry companions and raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. This day not only honors the bond between humans and dogs but also encourages responsible pet ownership and the significance of animal welfare. Engaging in activities such as dog walks or adoption events can foster community spirit and compassion.

In addition to these celebrations, August is also a time for personal growth and creativity. National Craft Month encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides, whether through painting, knitting, or DIY projects. This observance highlights the therapeutic benefits of crafting, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. By dedicating time to creative pursuits, individuals can find joy in the process of making, which can be particularly fulfilling as summer draws to a close.

Celebrating All August

National Dog Month
Black Business Month
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Family Fun Month
Get ready for Kindergarten Month
Happiness Happens Month
International Peace Month
MedicAlert Awareness Month
Motorsports Awareness Month
National Back to School Month
National Brownies at Brunch Month
National Catfish Month
National Crayon Collection Month
National Eye Exam Month
National Goat Cheese Month
National Golf Month
National Hair Loss Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Panini Month
National Sandwich Month
National Water Quality Month
National Wellness Month
Romance Awareness Month
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month                                                                  The Allure of August’s Birthstone: Peridot

August’s traditional birth flowers are the gladiolus (symbolizing strength and sincerity) and the poppy (rest and imagination); the birthstone is peridot, a bright green gem associated with vitality and protection; zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23–August 22), noted for confidence and warmth, and Virgo (August 23–September 22), known for practicality and attention to detail.

Famous birthdays in August:
– August 4 — Barack Obama 
– August 4 — Meghan Markle 
– August 5 — Neil Armstrong 
– August 6 — Lucille Ball 
– August 7 — Charlize Theron 
– August 9 — Whitney Houston 
– August 11 — Chris Hemsworth 
– August 16 — Madonna 
– August 17 — Robert De Niro 
– August 23 — Kobe Bryant 
– August 29 — Michael Jackson

Ultimately, August’s alternating themes of celebration and reflection create a dynamic atmosphere for individuals and families alike. As the month progresses, it serves as a bridge between the carefree days of summer and the structured routine of fall. By participating in the various national days, people can not only enjoy the present but also prepare for the changes that lie ahead, making August a month of both fun and meaningful experiences.

EASTER

Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox. Considered Christianity’s most important holy day, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Depending on which calendar a church follows, some will celebrate the holiday earlier than others.

Leading up to Easter Sunday is an entire season of observances beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent’s official beginning. Lent is a time of fasting and reflection, which represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness for 40 days. Many know this as a time when Christians give something up for Lent.

Then during Holy Week, the Sunday before Easter is known as Palm Sunday. It commemorates Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey just five days before the Romans crucified Him. Maundy Thursday remembers Jesus’s last supper; Good Friday is the day of the crucifixion; Holy Saturday is the period between the crucifixion and the resurrection; and Easter Sunday.

EASTER HISTORY

Before Easter (Pascha), Passover was the primary holy day celebrated; however, Christianity closely links the two holidays. Jesus’s last supper was a Passover meal. By the 2nd century, Orthodox Christians also celebrated Pascha alongside Passover as well as pagan spring festivals.

The Easter Bunny tradition comes from medieval Germany, where the Osterhase or Easter Hare would lay its colorful eggs in nests prepared by children. In the 18th-century, settling in the Dutch Pennsylvania countryside, immigrants brought this fable and tradition to the United States.

Dying eggs is a tradition that dates back thousands of years across many cultures. Eggs symbolize rebirth, fertility, and life springing forth. Today Easter egg hunts take place across the country. It is not unusual to see children in their Sunday best surrounding a giant Bunny. Many will also get their picture taken too!

The palm leaves are usually burned to create ash for the following year’s Ash Wednesday traditions.  Easter comes with many symbols. Some of them include:

  • Eggs – Symbolizes new life and rebirth
  • Lambs – Represents Jesus
  • Easter Lilies – Symbolizes innocence, purity and peace
  • Hot Cross Buns and Easter Breads – Represents Jesus, the bread of life

HOW TO OBSERVE EASTER

  • Participate in any number of church services.
  • Some churches conduct sunrise services.
  • Dye eggs with children and have an Easter egg hunt.
  • Local communities also hold annual egg hunts, so check your local social media, newspapers, and community listings for dates and times.
  • Use #Easter to share on social media.

Allure of April

The Allure of April: A Celebration of Renewal, Reflection, and Rebirth

Welcome to April, the golden child of the spring season. There is a distinct magic that happens this month—a shift in the atmosphere that feels both energetic and serene. The last whispers of winter have faded, and the world outside our windows is waking up in full force. The trees are budding, the bulbs we planted months ago are finally blooming into tulips and daffodils, and the daylight stretches longer into the evening, inviting us to spend more time outdoors. April doesn’t just mark the continuation of spring; it feels like the true starting line for the year ahead. It’s a time of gentle momentum, where we are encouraged to clear out the cobwebs—both literally in our homes and metaphorically in our minds—and make space for the color and light that this month promises to deliver.

Beyond the holidays, the true allure of April lies in the season itself. This is a month that engages all five senses. It’s the sound of birdsong returning in the early morning and the gentle patter of a “April shower” against the window. It’s the sight of cherry blossoms painting the streets pink and white, and the bright green “fuzz” of new leaves on bare branches. It’s the smell of wet earth and fresh grass after a spring rain—a scent so unique it actually has a name: petrichor. As the weather warms, we trade our heavy coats for light jackets and our comfort food cravings for fresh salads and citrus. April invites us to reconnect with nature, to take the long way home, and to simply pause and appreciate the beauty of growth happening all around us.

For many, Easter is the emotional and spiritual heart of April. Whether you observe the holiday for its religious significance or embrace its secular traditions, it is a day centered on themes that perfectly mirror the month: hope, renewal, and joy. There’s a special kind of charm in preparing for Easter Sunday. It might involve hosting a brunch featuring a glazed ham and hot cross buns, or watching the children dash across a dew-soaked lawn in search of hidden eggs and chocolate baskets. It is a day that encourages gathering, whether you are dressing up in your pastel best for a church service or sitting around a table with loved ones. Easter reminds us to look for the sweetness in life, to celebrate new beginnings, and to welcome the light back into the world.

Celebrating All April

April also plays host to two very different, yet equally significant, types of celebrations: personal milestones and planetary awareness. To all the April babies—the Aries and the Taurus—this is your time to shine. There is something wonderful about having a birthday during such a vibrant month; it feels like the whole world has put on a floral display just for you. As you celebrate your own trip around the sun, you’ll also be celebrating the birthday of our planet on April 22nd. Earth Day serves as an important collective reminder of our role as stewards of this beautiful world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to align your personal new year with actions that benefit the earth—whether that’s planting a tree, starting a compost bin, or simply participating in a local park cleanup. It’s a beautiful synergy: as we celebrate our own lives, we also honor the planet that sustains us.

Notable Birthdays


· William Shakespeare (April 23, 1564): England’s most famous playwright and poet.
· Charlotte Brontë (April 21, 1816): British novelist who wrote Jane Eyre.
· Harper Lee (April 28, 1926): American author of the classic To Kill a Mockingbird.
· Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928): American poet and civil rights activist.

Charlie Chaplin (April 16, 1889): English silent film star and director.
· Eddie Murphy (April 3, 1961): American comedian and star of Beverly Hills Cop.
· Robert Downey Jr. (April 4, 1965): American actor famous for playing Iron Man.

Jackie Chan (April 7, 1954): Hong Kong martial artist and actor known for his stunt work (while primarily an actor, his martial arts skills place him here).
· K. LeRoy Irvin (April 3, 1957): Former American NFL cornerback and Super Bowl champion.
· Joe Welch (April 3, 1963): Former American MLB pitcher.

Queen Elizabeth II (April 21, 1926): Longest-reigning British monarch.
· Booker T. Washington (April 5, 1856): American educator, author, and advisor to presidents.
· Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743): Third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence.

As we journey through these next few weeks, let’s allow the spirit of April to inspire us. Let’s embrace the showers because we know they bring the flowers. Let’s gather for Easter, celebrate the Earth, and raise a glass to the Aries and Taurus souls marking another year. April isn’t just a month on the calendar; it’s a feeling—an optimistic, breezy, and colorful feeling. So, open the windows, let the fresh air in, and step outside to enjoy the show. After all, the world is blooming, and we get to bloom right along with it.

Happy April, everyone! How are you welcoming the new season? Let me know in the comments below!

NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY

On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day.  This holiday focuses on giving extra attention to our pets.  The day encourages pampering our pets and focusing on the special relationship pets hold in our lives.

Did you know that most households in the United States have at least one pet?  While there are more cats than dogs in the United States, more households have dogs than cats, but not by much. Pets are not limited to the canine and feline categories.  There are quite a few who prefer the companionship of birds, reptiles, fish or rats.  Whoever your pet companion is, we are sure you will enjoy spending a little extra time with them on National Love Your Pet Day and reap the benefits, as well such as stress relief and lower blood pressure.  So on February 20 (and every day) show your appreciation to your pets!

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLoveYourPetDay

Bring your pet a special treat, take an extra-long walk or give them more attention. Other ideas include:

  • Check that their vaccines are up to date.
  • Watch a pet video with them full of cats, dogs and other critters. 
  • Give them a few extra strokes with the brush while grooming. 
  • Practice their favorite commands – sit, shake, rollover. 
  • Play their favorite game or bring out their best toy.
  • Inspect their toys to make sure they’re in good shape. Throw out any broken toys. 
  • Wash their bedding, even if it’s not their laundry day. Let them fluff it up just the way they like it. 

The kittens featured in this post were rescued after their mother abandoned them on our front porch.  We bottle fed them till they could eat solids on their own. Now they rule the house.  They are joined in our home by 4 other cats (Charlie, Inky, Molly, and Leo) and (Rosie) a well mannered dog.   Be sure to meet them all on our YouTube channel.  Any proceeds earned from our channel support the care of our feral community.

Peanut chases the 60 lb doouseg through the
Peanut chases the 60 lb dog through the house.
Named after Wyl E. Coyote, Wylie is a laid back lover who likes to cuddle.
Named after Wyl E. Coyote, Wylie is a laid back lover who likes to cuddle.

Whatever you decide to do, spoil and appreciate your pets!  Use #NationalLoveYourPetDay to post on social media.

Spoil your pets today!
Spoil your pets today!