NATIONAL BOOK LOVERS DAY

August 8, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Book Lovers Day on August 9th harnesses all the excitement bibliophiles feel about books into one celebration.

A day for all those who love to read, National Book Lovers Day encourages you to find your favorite reading place, a good book (whether it be fiction or non-fiction) and read the day away.

As we are celebrating Romance Awareness in August, try a romance novel. I know, once upon a time I made that face too. I’m not talking about your grandmother’s books. There are a great many romance authors out there. With so many genres available picking just one might become a challenge. I listed some of my favorites below. This is in no way a complete list of what’s out there.

Romance

Julia Quinn
Diana Galbaldon
Suzanne Brockmann
Sherrilyn McQueen (a.k.a Kenyon)
Lisa Kleypas
J.M. Madden
Suzanne Enoch

Fiction

James Patterson
Patricia Cornwell
David Balducci
Janet Evanovich

Steven King
John Grisham
Dean Koontz
J D Robb
Michael Connelly
Agatha Christie
Tolkien
George R. R. Martin
Harper Lee

Bibliophile – a person who has a great appreciation for or collects books.

Step back in time

The very first books used parchment or vellum (calf-skin) for the book pages.
The book covers were made of wood and often covered with leather.
Clasps or straps kept the books closed.
Public libraries appeared in the Middle Ages.
Public libraries often chained the books to a shelf or a desk to prevent theft.

Moving forward

Along with several recent developments, book manufacturers use digital printing. Book pages are printed using toner rather than ink. As a result of digital printing, print-on-demand opens up a whole new realm of publishing. In this case, distributors don’t print the books until the customer places the order.

Related Days to Celebrate

International Book Giving Day
Library Shelfie Day
Library Lovers Day
National Tolkien Reading Day
National Tell A Fairytale Day
World Book Day
Read Across America
World Read Aloud Day
Read an Ebook Day
Return Borrowed Books Week
National Write Your Story Day
Children’s Book Day
D.E.A.R. Drop Everything and Read
National Librarian Day
Independent Book Store Day
Reading is Fun Week
Paperback Book Day
National Coloring Book Day

More and more, people read E-books. E-book (electronic book) refers to a book-length publication in digital form. They are usually available through the internet. However, they can also be found on CD-ROM and other systems. Read an E-book on a computer or via a portable book display device known as an e-book reader, such as a Kindle.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBookLoversDay

Sit back, relax and READ! Don’t forget to share the joy of reading with young people in your life. Inspire them with your favorite novel or find out about the last book they took off the shelf. Read to the littlest of the up and coming readers, too. And share what your reading with us, too! Need more ways to celebrate? We’ve got them!

Shop for a new title to read or explore the shelves for one you would like to give.
Explore the shelves of used book stores. You might find an out of print tome that might become the highlight of your collection.
Discover the world of online book stores. Their stock includes a variety of subjects and collectible items, too.
Record a video of you reading a story for a child in your life.
Randomly give a book to someone.

Use #NationalBookLoversDay to post on social media and spread the word.

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NATIONAL SUNFLOWER DAY

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Celebrating happiness is what we do. So, it makes perfect sense to celebrate the first Saturday in August as National Sunflower Day. Join us all day as we spread joy about the happiest flower on earth.

Sunflowers are said to be a symbol of adoration, loyalty, and longevity. Their bright yellow color is a sign of happiness, friendship, and intelligence. Much like the sun, sunflowers mirror vibrancy and give off an energy of life. National Sunflower Day reminds us to show our inner sunshine, while taking the opportunity to share one of the earth’s most beautiful flowers.

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Historically, sunflowers have been around since about 1000 BC. Native Americans used sunflowers as a valuable food source, oil, paint, textile, and during ceremonies. Interestingly, some archaeologists believe sunflowers may have been cultivated before corn. Today, sunflowers are still being used as a source of food, oils, and beauty treatments.

7 Sunflower Uses

Cooking oil
Sunflower seeds
Salad mixes
Tea
Medicinal purposes
Skin care
Crafts

The U.S. is a massive producer of sunflowers. In fact, this bright, beautiful flower is a major crop in both North Dakota and South Dakota. In 2022, North Dakota produced 762 billion pounds of sunflowers. With the average height of a sunflower being five to six feet tall, a sunflower head can grow bigger than an human head. As the weight of the sunflower head becomes heavy, it begins to fall forward causing the petals to fall off. Shortly after the petals fall off, harvest begins on the sunflower. On average, one sunflower can produce up to 2,000 sunflower seeds per head!

Sunny Days

Sunflowers are a unique flower. Though many flowers are known to look for the sun for nutrients, the size of the sunflower presents an opportunity to visually see how it follows the sun movements throughout the day. During early mornings, sunflowers can be seen sort of in a sleep position slightly bent downwards. However, as the sun begins to shine, they slowly find the bright sun to face their growing day. Interestingly, the sunflower tends to face east, avoiding the hot sun. Scientists assume it is a natural defense of the sunflower to avoid the hot sun. Sunflower enthusiasts assume their perfect flower is not only the happiest flower, but also the most intelligent, too.

August is considered the peak growing season for sunflowers, which is why National Sunflower Day is a perfect time to experience the beauty of vast fields of golden awe. Brilliant fields of yellow flowers welcoming the morning sun can be found throughout North Dakota. In fact, seeing fields of sunflowers blanket the earth will lift the spirits of those witnessing this amazing wonder of breathtaking beauty.

FOUNDING NATIONAL SUNFLOWER DAY

The National Sunflower Association and North Dakota Tourism introduced the idea to create National Sunflower Day in 2022. After forming a partnership, National Sunflower Day became reality in 2023. Each year on the first Saturday in August, we intend to spread joy about the happiest flower on earth during National Sunflower Day. This collaboration is a special effort help spread the word about the agricultural giant North Dakota is in growing sunflowers, and especially to promote happiness.

A partnership between the National Sunflower Association and North Dakota Tourism gives anyone who visits the state a chance to see the thousands of acres of fields every year in late summer with their Sunflower Map. This map includes exact coordinates of sunflower fields across the state and weekly updates from the farmers who cultivate them on how the bloom is going. Visitors can time their visits when the fields are at their most beautiful. Some of the fields even include a sunflower mailbox full of free and locally grown and processed sunflower seeds.

FOLLOW THE SUN

Take a drive to view fields of sunflowers to see their true beauty in mass.
Give a bouquet of sunflowers to a friend to brighten their day.
Add sunflower petals and seeds to your salad.
Plan a road trip to North Dakota in August and coordinate places to stop to visit sunflower fields and get updates from local farmers who cultivate sunflowers.
Share your photos on sunflowers on social media using #NationalSunflowerDay.

ROMANCE AWARENESS MONTH

July 31, 2026July 16, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

February isn’t the only romantic month on the calendar. Check your relationship’s pulse during Romance Awareness in August. If it needs a jump start, there are lots of ways to put some spark back into the relationship.

Add excitement by planning the unexpected. Surprise your significant other with a date night with only a few clues as to the destination. None of it needs to be expensive or elaborate, but making an effort to make the evening fun, spontaneous and memorable will be worthwhile. Maybe it’s a note clipped to a single flower saying you’ll pick her up at 7 PM and to wear sandals. It ends up with a picnic on the beach; or it could be a text to him that you’re in the mood for takeout, be ready in an hour – a three-hour road trip later and you’re at the nearest drive-in theater eating hot wings under the stars.

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The simple things mean so much more than elaborate gifts. A wrapped mint slipped into a pocket with an encouraging message on the day of big presentation sends waves of support and love when it’s needed most. Sharing our successes with those we love is another way of enhancing the romance. Toast each other’s success and bask in the glow.

Spend quiet time with each other. Read books, do chores, sleep. Just be. Sometimes, just being together in the same room generates energy that may have been missing.

Cultivate activities as a couple you enjoy doing together. Whether you enjoy games, biking, sports, antiquing, travel, music or haven’t discovered your interest yet, get out there and explore.

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HISTORY

Celebrate Romance founder, Eileen Buchheim, created Romance Awareness Month to encourage couples to improve their relationships through romance all year long.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Being aware of and adding more romance into your relationship will be a win-win for both you and your significant other. Passion has always been an essential part of relationships. Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference, such as; holding hands, a shoulder rub, a flower, making dinner together, playing your favorite song, leaving a personal note, or watching a movie together.

Romance Awareness Month is also a great time to catch up on some reading with the wide selection of romance novels that are available.

If posting on social media use #RomanceAwarenessMonth.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Jen’s Perspective Magazine for more special times..

Alternating in August

July 31, 2026August 31, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

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.

NATIONAL DELAWARE DAY

July 12, 2026June 30, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

Nemours Estate Wilmington Delaware — Nemours Estate Wilmington, Delaware

National Delaware Day on July 13, recognizes the First State to declare independence from the British. Rich in history, Delaware’s lands once belonged to New York and later Pennsylvania. But the independent spirit of this beautiful coastal countryside is more than just legendary.

Delaware Eyewitness: Behind the Scenes in the First State Paperback – February 26, 2020

by John Riley (Author)

The Delaware River and Bay derived their names from the 12th Baron del la Warr, Thomas West, a governor of Virginia. The name later carried over to the land as well.

During the Second Continental Congress, Delaware’s delegates created a bit of suspense for the history books! Read more under Caesar Rodney and George Read.

Delaware became official in 1776 when the 13 colonies declared their independence from the British government and Delaware adopted its first territorial state constitution.

First State

Delaware is proud of its First State status. With that comes many other firsts. Delaware boasts the earliest Swedish settlers in 1638 who built the Old Swedes Church which still stands. Now known as the Holy Trinity Church, it is one of the oldest churches in America. Swedish settlers built the first log cabins on American soil, too.

The Stars and Stripes flew for the first time during the Revolutionary War during the only battle to take place on Delaware soil.

Shipbuilding became big business first in Delaware in 1840. The first iron shipbuilding yard in the United States was founded in Delaware by Samuel Harlan of Betts, Pussey, and Harlan – machinery makers.

The American Clyde: A History Of Iron And Steel Shipbuilding On The Delaware From 1840 To World War I Paperback – October 6, 2012

by David Budlong Tyler (Author)

From ships to rails, Job H. Jackson and Jacob F. Sharp founded the Jackson and Sharp Company of Wilmington in 1863. By 1871 they built the first narrow-gauge railcar in the United States.

The coastal state also lays claim to the first bathing beauty contest in 1880. To attract business to a summer festival, the competition was held at Rehoboth Beach. Thomas Edison was one of the judges.

Known as the Chemical State, Delaware is a hub for manufacturing and munitions. In 1939, the world’s first nylon manufacturing plant opened in Seaford under the name of Dupont.

State of Delaware Official

State Capital – Dover
State Flower – Peach Blossom
State Nick Name – The First State
State Song –
State Butterfly – Tiger Swallowtail
State Tree –
State Mineral –
State Motto – Liberty and Independence
State Fruit – Strawberries
State Herb – Sweet Goldenrod
State Fossil – Balemnite
State Fish – Weakfish
State Hero –
State Heroine –
State Bird – Blue Hen Chicken
State Insect – Ladybug
State Folk Dance – Maypole Dance
State Animal –

Delaware Flavor

From land to sea, Delaware satisfies the appetite all season long. Once known as the best producer of peaches until a blight wiped out the orchards in the late 1800s, the state is making a comeback, and the peach blossom is their state flower.

Summer boardwalks and beaches fill with the salty sweetness of taffy and crab cakes made from the regions’ blue crab.

The world’s largest maker of scrapple, RAPA Scrapple Company, calls Bridgeville, Delaware home. Also the home of the World Champion Pumpkin Chunkin competition in the heartland of the state, an autumn drive will fill your basket with fresh produce, poultry and the season’s best baked and canned goods the farmers’ markets can produce.