Innergize Day on the day after the Autumnal Equinox offers an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. This is a day for you!
Since fall has officially arrived, it’s time to shift gears. The fast pace of summer activities passes by now. Languid autumn days provide tranquil sunsets and peaceful moments. These are the times to focus on your personal well-being. Do things you enjoy that make you feel good about yourself. Let stress and worry fade away for the day.
The day is an excellent time to look inward. Whether you rejuvenate your spiritual connections or develop mindfulness, refocusing your energy can have huge benefits. After trying to cram every activity into a few short months, we sometimes lose focus. Fall allows us to take a deep breath and be more mindful of our bodies, spirits, and the world around us.
INNERGIZE DAY HISTORY
Michelle Porchia of Inner Dimensions created Innergize Day.
On the Sunday following Labor Day, National Grandparents Day, honors the love only grandparents can provide.
Grandparents and their grandchildren share a special bond. These hugging, caring and patient people in the lives of children offer more than a generous dose of love. Grandparents provide an abundance of wisdom. They also offer guidance and stability.
When grandchildren need a story, grandparents tell the best. A grandparent’s wealth of family history and lore offers lessons of their own. Through humorous stories and some serious ones, grandparents gently point grandchildren in the right direction.
In 2004, the National Grandparents Day Council of Chula Vista, California announced a song for the day. A Song for Grandma and Grandpa by Johnny Prill became the official song of the United States National Grandparents Day holiday. The Council presented Prill with the National Songwriter’s Award for his song, too.
The forget-me-not is the official flower for National Grandparents Day.
As the number of grandparents grows from 65 million in 2011 to 80 million in 2020, expect the observance to increase in significance, too.
NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY HISTORY
Celebrated in the United States since 1978, the United States Senate and President Jimmy Carter nationally recognized Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia as the founder of National Grandparents Day. McQuade made it her goal to educate the youth in the community about the significant contributions that seniors have made throughout history. It was also her hope to have the youth “adopt” a grandparent, not just for one day or a year, but rather for a lifetime.
The Joint Resolution
In February of 1977, Senator Randolph along with the concurrence of other senators introduced a joint resolution to the Senate. The resolution requested the president to “issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as National Grandparents Day.” After Congress passed the resolution, on August 3, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. The statute cites the day’s purpose: “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”
Other Claims
Others claim the origin of this holiday resides with the efforts of Hermine Beckett Hanna of North Syracuse, New York. She recognized seniors and their importance as early as 1961. New York Congressman James T. Walsh awarded her efforts on February 21, 1990, in front of the United States House of Representatives. He also thanked Hermine Beckett Hanna “for her important role in the establishment of Grandparents Day.”
While we have our grandparents in our lives, it is important to cherish them. Spend time with your grandparents. Learn about their life and ask questions to keep the stories coming. Do the things they enjoy doing. Sometimes, they only want to spend time with you.
How else can you celebrate the day?
Pick up the phone! Surprise your grandparents with a much-awaited phone conversation.
Take your grandparents on an adventure. Plan a day doing their favorite things – one of which is probably spending time with you.
Write a letter to your grandparents. Share with them the things you’ve been doing. They will read your letter over and over.
Learn something from a grandparent. Have you always wanted to know how to make Grandma’s pecan pie or catch a whopper from the river? Grandma or Grandpa will probably show you how. You only need to ask.
Help them out. Clean out a flower bed. Take out the trash. Mow the lawn. Paint a room. Fix the internet. Run an errand. The list goes on.
Take a photo. Sometimes we forget to capture moments with the people we love the most. Take a photo with your grandparent and make sure they get a copy.
Speaking of photos, spend some time looking through old photos with your grandparents. Ask them questions about the people in them and record the information.
Adopt a grandparent. As surprising as it may seem, there are some of our older generations who have no grandchildren. However, they still have love and wisdom to share.
If you no longer have living grandparents, share a fond memory of them. Remember something each of them taught you or one of the fun things you used to do. You can also write down your memories to share with future generations.
Use #NationalGrandparentsDay to post on social media.
National New Hampshire Day on September 7th recognizes the 9th state to join the Union. The Granite State epitomizes New England in many ways. From its breathtaking landscapes to its fascinating history and people.
State Symbols
State Capital – Concord State Nickname – The Granite State State Motto – Live free or die State Bird – Purple Finch State Flower – Purple lilac State Animal – White – tailed deer State Folk Dance – State Fish – Brook Trout State Dessert – State Fossil – State Mineral- Beryl State Tree – White Birch State Fruit – Pumpkin State Song – State Gemstone – Smokey Quartz State Rock – Granite State Insect – Ladybug
Quotable Quotes
If you’ve ever wondered where the phrase “not yet begun to fight” originated, just look to one of New Hampshire’s notable naval officers, John Paul Jones.
“Live Free or Die” is the state’s motto. Another revoluationary hero, John Stark earns the credit for it. In a written toast in honor of the anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, Stark’s full quote reads: “Live free or die, death is not the greatest of evils.” While he may not be the first to share the sentiment to live free or die, his toast summed up the country’s dedication to independence.
Settlers
New Hampshire’s history holds more than noble quotes. Many firsts fill its timeline. In 1719, Scotch-Irish settlers brought the first potatoes to North America. The settlers planted them in the settlement of Nutfield, now known as Londonderry.
Before Paul Revere had his famous ride, he first made another all-important journey. In 1774, Revere rode the 55 miles from Boston to Portsmouth to warn the citizens of an impending seizure of Fort William and Mary. The village stormed the fort and took control of the ammunitions before the British arrived.
Politics and More
New Hampshire became the first state to established an independent government. The state also created the first written constitution.
In 1828, when ownership changed hands at the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, the new owner reduced the wages of only the femail textile mill workers. On top of already difficult work and long days, the owners placed even stricter requirements on its employees. Frustated, on December 30th, about 400 of the female workers walked out. It became the nation’s first all female strike. The strike failed and resulted in many of the striking workers returning to work at even lower wages.
The state also holds its primaries before any other state. Early on during election time, the country focuses its attention on New Hampshire. Another phrase often attributed to New Hampshire: “As New Hampshire goes, so goes the nation.”
Known for its fall foliage, New Hampshire’s impressive colors bring visitors every autumn. From mountains to the seaside, the state offers year-round adventure.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNewHampshireDay
Celebrate New Hampshire’s historic places, panoramic scenery and captivating personalities. Explore all New Hampshire offers! Use #NationalNewHampshireDay to share on social media.
NEW HAMPSHIRE FLAVOR
With apples as the leading fruit crop in the state, it should be no surprise that the people of New Hampshire specialize in baking and cooking with them. That includes their cider donuts! Not that anyone would refuse a donut, but these taste like fall!
Apple Cider, whether spiked or not, is a special treat in New Hampshire. A hot mug of autumn’s spiced orchard produce will warm you right up!
If you need a stronger drink to warm the cockles of your heart, try New Hampshire’s honey mead which is often fermented with the season’s fresh fruits. Also called honey wine, mead may be the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage.
Being a coastal state, seafood like lobster is a top choice but don’t over look fresh water favorites like fried lake bass. With the mountain hikes to take in all the scenery in New Hampshire, it’s easy to work up an appetite to sample all this goodness!
Notable People
John Langdon – Patriot – (June 26, 1741 – September 18, 1819)
National Read A Book Day is observed annually on September 6th. On August 9th, we all celebrated National Book Lovers Day. While these bookish days may seem similar, National Read a Book Day invites us ALL to grab a book we might enjoy and spend the day reading.
Don’t keep it to yourself. Share the experience! Read aloud either to children or to grandparents. Read to your pets or to your stuffed animals and plants.
Reading improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline and tend to participate in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetime. Books are an inexpensive entertainment, educational tool and time machine too!
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Set during the Civil War, Little Women follows the life of the March family. Loosely based on Alcott’s life, she cast herself as talented the Jo March.
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens – David Copperfield tells the story of a young boy’s life as he struggles to become a writer. From an abusive start and many trials, the author relays the memories of his life.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling – The 7th book in the Harry Potter series brings Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger back to Hogwarts for a final standoff with Voldemort and his Deatheaters.
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George – This is the story of nine-year-old Miyax and her transition from an Inuit culture to an American one in San Francisco.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls – Loved by generations, this classic story tells of the bond between a boy and his dog in the Ozarks.
The Three Muskateers by Alexander Dumas When young d’Artagnan travels to Paris to join the ranks of the Musketeers, he soon finds himself challenged to three duels with Athos, Porthos and Aramis. However, the foursome is abruptly attacked by the evil Cardinal Richelieu’s guards, and d’Artagnan fights alongside them, proving his skills with a sword and his honour. The three Musketeers enfold d’Artagnan into their ranks, and what follows is a swashbuckling tale full of intrigue, friendship and revenge.
HOW TO OBSERVE #ReadABookDay
Sit back, relax and read a book. Whether you prefer to escape into the world of fiction or learn something new, celebrate with your favorite books. Visit the library or the local book store. Pick up a new book or read an old favorite. Explore the past in history books and memoirs or dive into the mean of terrific poetry. Read aloud to a child or give them a new book. Share the stories you’re reading using #ReadABookDay to post on social media.
If you need any suggestions or just looking for something new these are some of my favorite authors.
September is classical music month. Classical music differs greatly from today’s standards. However, classical music sets stage for the music we have today.
Classical music has many periods and styles throughout its history. Classical music is actually broken into different smaller periods, each having their own differences. It is interesting to see just how much music has changed over time!
Classical Music Time Periods
(PLEASE NOTE: The dates of the time periods are only estimates since there are no exact dates for when each time period occurred/ began/ended)
Medieval (500ish – 1400) The music of this time was connected to the church. Forms of music from the early part of this period would be Gregorian Chants and Organum.
Some Composers From this Period: Hildegard von Bingen, Guillaume de Machaut
Renaissance (1400/1450 – 1600) The Renaissance era brought many new ideas and gave a little bit more freedom from the church, which allowed for more experimentation with music. The printing press, invented in the 1400’s, also allowed for music to be printed. Instrumental music was developed as well.
Some Composers From this Period: William Byrd, Claudio Monteverdi, Josquin Des Prez
Baroque (1600 – 1750)The music of the Baroque was very ornate. This period also had the creation of the concerto, canata, oratorio, and the sonata. There were advancements with instruments as well.
Some Composers From This Period: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi
Classical (1750/1775 – 1820) Classical era music was more simple/cleaner than Baroque music, and focused more on the melody. Dynamics (the change in volume) were important. The woodwind section of the orchestra was added during this period.
Some Composers From This Period: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven*, Franz Joseph Hayden
*Beethoven is considered to be a bridge between the Classical and the Romantic periods
Romantic (1820 – 1910) Romantic pieces are know for being very expressive and emotional. The orchestra saw much growth in this period with the expansion of the woodwind and brass section.
Some Composers From This Period: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms
CELEBRATE
Find some classical music to listen to alone or with friends and family. If there is a concert you can go to, go with a few friends or family. If you want to learn how to play an instrument, then go out and find a place to do so. You can learn from various resources such as books, websites, or find a private tutor in your area. If you’re in school, then consider taking band or joining a music club. There are plenty of ways to celebrate! Use #ClassicalMusicMonth to post on social media.
