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.

NATIONAL PIZZA PARTY DAY

Each year on the third Friday in May, millions of pizza lovers across the nation join in extolling the qualities of pizza on National Pizza Party Day.  Celebrate by inviting friends and family to share a night of fun at your favorite pizzeria.  Another way to celebrate is with a homemade pizza with fresh toppings or by having one delivered.

  • In ancient Greece, Greeks enjoyed bread covered with oils, herbs, and cheese.
  • In Byzantine Greek, the word was spelled “πίτα”, pita, meaning pie.
  • A sheet of dough topped with cheese and honey, then flavored with bay leaves was developed by the Romans.
  • The modern pizza had its beginning in Italy as the Neapolitan flatbread.
  • The original pizza used only mozzarella cheese, mainly the highest quality buffalo mozzarella variant which was produced in the surroundings of Naples.
  • It was estimated that the annual production of pizza cheese in the United States in 1997 was 2 billion pounds.
  • The first United States pizza establishment opened in 1905 was in New York’s Little Italy.
  • Pizza has become one of America’s favorite meals.

Explore More…

Be sure to check out more ways to celebrate all things pizza, like National Pizza Month, National Pizza Day, National Cheese Pizza Day, National Sausage Pizza Day, and National Deep Dish Pizza Day.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Share photos of your pizza party on your favorite social media and include #PizzaPartyDay

NATIONAL MINIATURE GOLF DAY

Annually the second Saturday in May recognizes National Miniature Golf Day. This day is separate from Miniature Golf Day, which is celebrated worldwide on September 21.

Similar to the sport of golf, but as the name suggests it is a miniature version of the game. While still played with a series of 9 or 18 holes, miniature golf courses are shorter, usually themed, and have a variety of obstacles that add to the difficulty of the game. 

There also isn’t any need to call “FOUR” since only putters are used in this version. The distances are too short (usually about 10 yards) to use any of the other clubs in golf. Most courses consist of concrete or artificial turf so don’t worry about replacing any divots, either! The game also goes by the names mini-golf, midget golf, putt-putt, and peewee golf.

Some of the more challenging miniature golf courses have waterfalls, caverns, and castles with drawbridges as part of their obstacle course.

NATIONAL MINIATURE GOLF DAY HISTORY

The Illustrated London News had mention of the earliest documented minigolf course in its June 8, 1912, edition. The first standardized minigolf courses to enter into commercial mass-production were the Thistle Dhu course in 1916 in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and the Tom Thumb patent of Garnet Carter from Lookout Mountain, Tennessee in 1927.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationaMiniGolfDay

Watch out for the water hazards and the windmill! Meet your friends at your local miniature golf course and have a fun-filled day. While you’re out putting, share your photos using #NationalMiniGolfDay.

Going Green, Emeralds it is!

Wether its the Emerald isles or the Emerald Coast, they both get their names from May’s beautiful birthstone….you guessed it Emeralds.  These precious stones have been coveted by humanity throughout history and its easy to see why.  If you have a May birthday this is your stone.  If not the allure and beauty of the stones gives all the reason needed to add these to your wardrobe.

Symbolically, emeralds have been treasured for millennia as stones of foresight and truth. Ancient Romans dedicated the gem to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, believing it protected lovers from infidelity and deepened the bonds of commitment. Cleopatra, history’s most famous emerald enthusiast, used them not just as adornment but as political and romantic statements—each green stone a promise of power and passion intertwined. In medieval lore, an emerald held before a serpent would blind it, but held to a lover’s lips, it revealed whether their vows were true. This dual symbolism of protection and honesty makes the emerald a profound choice for engagement rings or anniversary gifts.

Colors range from light Columbian to deep Emerald.  Most are determined by mine location.  The fewer inclusions the more valuable the stone.  In times gone by these stones were thought to have powers beyond matching a gown.  Some are rumored to be cursed, while some held curative powers if ingested.  Emeralds are so coveted they even have a shape of diamonds and gems named after them.

A symbol of unending love and honesty have encouraged favoritism as wedding stones of choice.  The Regency era in particular Irish and English girls received many.  Long seen as a symbol of hope and prophecy made them very popular.  Unlike the red ruby, a statement of passionate love, an emerald conveys a complex symbolism and emotions.  Cleopatra draped herself in Emerards.  Rich luscious green color beautifully played off the violet of Elizabeth Taylor’s eyes in the 1960’s. While being most calming color green, it reflexes growth, peace, balance, and reflection.  Healing and fertility are also attributed to these very rare gemstone.  Verdant tones and inside are tempered by cool blue within the stone symbolize a steadfast bond.

Beyond myth, the emerald’s physical character reinforces its romantic message. Known for its characteristic “jardin,” or garden-like inclusions, no two emeralds are exactly alike. These internal fissures and flecks, once considered flaws, are now celebrated as the stone’s fingerprint—proof that perfection is not the goal, but rather unique, resilient beauty. Gifting an emerald says, “I see your imperfections, and I love the whole garden they create.” It is a love that accepts depth and history, much like a long-term partnership that has weathered small storms and grown stronger for them.

Moreover, green itself is the color of the heart chakra in Eastern traditions, believed to govern love, compassion, and emotional balance. Wearing an emerald close to the skin is thought to soothe old wounds and open the wearer to genuine connection. For a May birthday, receiving this stone is more than a keepsake; it is a wish for a life filled with loyal friendships and a marriage rooted in mutual growth. Just as spring’s green deepens into summer’s abundance, so too does emerald love mature—from tender beginnings to a rich, unbreakable bond.

Emeralds are often associated with strong sexuality and fertility, it was historically believed to help with difficult births or the problems bearing children.  Linked to healing and balance within the nervous, respiratory and even aid digestion.     Ancient Romans, for example, felt that the very soul of an individual was restored when they wore emerald jewelry.
So whether for your Birthstone or you just love the color, I wish you any and all luck they may contain.