NATIONAL AMERICANA MONTH

August 31, 2026August 7, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

During September, National Americana Month brings the nation together to reflect on elements of life in the United States that have knitted us together and made us Americans.

All across the country, images of Americana appear in shop windows up and down small town streets. Whether it’s parades on Independence Day or concerts and county fairs all summer long, we each have developed traditions and a sense of nostalgia that forms a part of who we are as an American.

Religion, politics, language and histories collide and become heavily woven as cultures become rooted in the United States. The evidence is found in the art, literature and music of Americana.

Through every decade since the word Americana was coined in 1841, folk music has influenced a broad range of musical styles in the United States. Often the voice of oppression and rebellion, lyrics not only become a battle cry or anthem, but an oral history frequently repeated. Its ability to inspire and influence other genres of music continues today.

Our idea of Americana may be found in the very food we eat or in a turn of phrase. It may be an adventure on Route 66. Along the way, perhaps engaging in a friendly debate about baseball, hoops or an election while stopping at a roadside stand to savor dishes that have become uniquely American.

Other views of Americana are of the coastal sort. Take your pick. Historical or theatrical, poetic, scientific, uptown, downtown, city slicker or country bumpkin, Americana comes in all shapes and sizes. The question for National Americana Month is, what does it mean to you?

HISTORY

The Williamson County CVB founded National Americana Month to inspire everyone to celebrate what Americana means to them. Americana, much like art, inspires people in different ways. To some it is nostalgia. For others it is music, food or culture. For some, it’s celebrating who you are as an American. National Americana Month was founded in Franklin, TN, home to the Americana Music Association, the Americana Music Triangle, and Music City Roots.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Indulge in the nostalgic, the quintessentially American music, flavors, art and events you love most.

Franklin, Tennesse will be ground zero for National Americana Month! All month long, enjoy live music, BBQ, tournaments and more! Go to www.visitfranklin.com/americana for the complete schedule of events.

Can’t make it to Franklin? Americana is everywhere in the United States! Explore all month long and share using #NationalAmericanaMonth on social media.

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BRING MORE HAPPINESS INTO YOUR LIFE

August 7, 2026July 31, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Joy. Delight. Giggles. Laughter. Pleasure. Satisfaction. Fun. Enjoyment. Smiles. So many words describe our desire to be happy. Some of us seem to find happiness naturally. Others have to work at it. Here are some ideas to bring more happiness into your life.

1. Exercise

A lot of studies reveal that exercise promotes happiness. When we exercise, our bodies produce endorphins, dopamine, and adrenaline. Endorphins are also known as the “feel-good hormone” and dopamine is called the “happy hormone.” Adrenaline boosts our energy. Exercise also stimulates the endocannabinoid system. These receptors in our nervous system may be responsible for inducing that sense of euphoria some of us experience during intense exercise. Combine all of them together and they serve as an enormous boost to our happiness level.

That’s why exercise, even short bursts, improves our mood and outlook on life.

2. Infuse your social circle with happy people

Ever notice how it takes just one person to ruin the fun? That’s why it’s important to spend time with other happy people. Happiness tends to rub off and the more time you spend with happy people, the more you’ll begin to feel the effects of their influence.

3. Watch comedy

Remember the feel-good hormones called endorphins in #1? Well, another way to release endorphins is by laughing. Whether we watch a sit-com, listen to a funny podcast or go to a comedy club, laughter can change a mood from dark to light in just a few minutes.

4. Volunteer

When we step up to help an organization that improves the lives of human beings, we can’t help but feel good about it. Volunteering benefits us in many ways. Not only does it enhance the environment and lives around us, but it also provides us with a sense of accomplishment. We can take that feeling and build upon it, too. Volunteering tends to inspire us to do more good!

5. Disconnect

According to a 2017 Pew Research poll, the average household has multiple digital devices. That includes smartphones, tablets, and computers. More and more we’re also streaming media straight to our televisions. Whether we are gaming, checking social media, working or watching videos, we spend an enormous amount of time on these devices. All this time contributes to a drain on our energy, impacts our sleep habits, and results in a not so happy mood. By disconnecting, we provide our bodies and minds an opportunity to engage with those around us, to get more physical activity, and generally do the things that make life enjoyable.

6. Pets

Whether you’re a cat person, dog person or a reptilian person, it has been scientifically proven that our pets bring us joy. Once again, hormones are at play. This time, the hormones include dopamine and serotonin. Serotonin helps reduce anxiety and makes us feel more relaxed. It also reduces blood pressure. When we combine these results, it paves the way for an increase in happiness.

7. Forgive

Holding grudges increases anxiety and stress. When we have to spend time with the person who has wronged us, that anxiety and stress increases. Letting go of those feelings may not be as simple as forgiving the person, but it is a start in the right direction. This action may take time and a little effort, but forgiveness has a way of healing us and allowing us to make room for happiness.

8. Clean

When life is cluttered, we feel uneasy. And no one feels happy when they’re uneasy. Whether we clean a room in our house, the garage, our yard or desk at work, the satisfaction of a job completed brings us happiness. At the same time, we remove annoyances. A messy closet where we can never find what we’re looking for becomes organized. We’re able to find our favorite shirt or shoes when we need them. Our clean and orderly bedroom becomes a sanctuary for rest. All of these results lead to more happiness in our lives.

9. Meditate

14 Ways to Foster Happiness - Meditation

Meditation is not an instant boost to happiness. It requires a consistent daily routine of meditation allowing us to focus on positive feelings. Over time, we train our brains to think and feel differently. Mediation also requires deep breathing which brings more oxygen to your bloodstream. You can find guided meditation sessions through any podcast medium or through video streaming applications, too.

10. Get outdoors

Fresh air and sunlight improve our energy levels with a boost of oxygen. It also increases those serotonin levels making us feel more relaxed and lowering our blood pressure.

11. Follow National Day Calendar

Not only do we Celebrate Every Day, but we supply you with numerous ways to infuse fun and joy into your life. And we do that every single day, 365 days a year. Our goal is to bring joy and celebration into everyone’s life. While also providing useful (and sometimes not so useful) information, National Day Calendar helps us to do many of the things on this list.

12. Sing

Whether it’s in a group, in the shower or the car, singing improves our happiness level. Like meditation and exercise, we take in more oxygen when we sing. We expand our lungs and take big gulps of air, which is then transported throughout our bodies. Singing also releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones we love so much. So sing away! Belt out your favorite tune or sing the ABCs as loud as you can while you wash your hands. However you choose to sing, do it with gusto!

13. Be creative

When we craft something with whatever skill we have, the result is a sense of accomplishment. That satisfied feeling can come from painting, carpentry, writing, or many other creative mediums. Go to the kitchen (that you just cleaned) and create a masterpiece dish. Garden or put together a model car. Braid someone’s hair or get artistic with some sidewalk chalk. So many crafty ideas require very few supplies, too! You can even take a class to learn a new artsy skill.

14. Throw axes

14 Ways to Foster Happiness - Ax Throwing

This one may seem a little off target, but this type of physical activity offers several reasons for increasing your happiness. Ax throwing arenas are growing in popularity around the country and with them the enthusiasts who enjoy them. It doesn’t take a lot of skill to throw an ax at wooden target, either. Hitting the bullseye, well, that’s another story. But once you’re in the arena, taking turns with friends, you’ll feel the increase in joy. Yes, it gets some of that aggression out of our systems, but it also gives us a way to focus our energy without taking it out on someone else. It’s physically demanding, but not too physically demanding. You don’t have to be in tip-top shape to start. It also increases our competitive drive, which helps us to motivate toward a goal. All of these add up to a boost in happiness.

Increasing your daily dose of happiness is just a few steps away. Try one or all of these ideas to set you on the path to greater joy.

NATIONAL COLORING BOOK DAY

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Coloring Book Day on August 2nd recognizes the joy children and adults alike derive from coloring in pages of designs.

Coloring and coloring books have always been popular with children, but over the years, adults have gotten more and more involved with coloring. Obviously, adult coloring is now a huge trend. Many find that it is not only fun but also a great way to reduce stress.

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With so many colors and designs to choose from, coloring offers enjoyment in so many settings. They’re portable and come in a variety of sizes. Take coloring books on vacation with you for rainy days or to document a fun memory.

For the technology enthusiasts out there you can even download an app on your phone. At the doctor’s office, or wherever you may be this digital version keeps the pages and colors at your fingertips.

Coloring books also make great gifts all year long. When someone visits, be sure to leave a coloring book and colors in the guest room for downtime. At the office, keep a variety of books in the breakroom for co-workers to fill up.

NATIONAL COLORING BOOK DAY HISTORY

Dover Publications created National Coloring Book Day in May 2015. Founded in 1941, Dover Publications leads the way. Dover released their first coloring book for adults, Antique Automobiles Coloring Book, in 1970. Dover now publishes Creative Haven®, a popular line of coloring books specially designed for adult colorists.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalColoringBookDay

Share your ideas for coloring books and post your pictures on social media using #NationalColoringBookDay to encourage others to find enjoyment in coloring.

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NATIONAL GRAHAM CRACKER DAY

July 4, 2026June 15, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

July 5th recognizes 1/3rd of the s’more. It’s National Graham Cracker Day! Hopefully, you saved a few crackers if you were busy making s’mores over the Independence Day holiday.

When Sylvester Graham first invented the slightly sweetened cracker, he intended it as a health food. In the early 1800s, the Presbyterian minister developed the cracker as part of his “Graham Diet” program. They were made from whole wheat graham flour with added bran and wheat germs. He believed his snack would curb sinful cravings.

Today, makers use bleached white flour and blend a variety of flavors including honey, cinnamon, and chocolate. They also come in smaller bite-size snacks and fun shapes.

While a delicious snack on their own, they also make terrific ingredients for desserts. Crushed graham crackers blended with butter and pressed into pie tins, or springform pans make excellent crusts when lightly toasted. Graham crackers layered between yogurt and fruit taste delicious in a parfait. When it comes to crumb toppings, oats, brown sugar, butter, and crushed graham crackers blended together and lightly toasted will always satisfy.

Graham Cracker Sandwiches

Some of the easiest ways of using graham crackers are making a type of sandwich. Of course, one of the most popular treats made with graham crackers is the S’more. However, that’s not the only type of sandwich we can make with these sturdy crackers.

Ice cream sandwiches – It’s summer, so head to the freezer. Just one scoop of ice cream between two crackers is all it takes. Wrap the sandwich in wax paper and place it back in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour.
Nut butter sandwiches – Whether it’s peanut butter, hazelnut, or sun butter, spread your favorite between two crackers and enjoy.
Fruit sandwiches – Layer banana or strawberry slices between two crackers. Add nut butter.
Frozen fruit sandwiches – Puree your favorite fruit and then freeze slightly. Spread the pulp on the crackers and refreeze just like you did the ice cream. These sweet treats are delightfully refreshing!

During Christmastime, graham crackers go into overtime. They join forces with gingerbread and create magical houses with frosting. The edible delights may not last very long, but they make memories that last a lifetime.

HOW TO OBSERVE #GrahamCrackerDay

Pick up some graham crackers and start making some memories. No matter how you celebrate, there are numerous, delicious ways to share. Post on social media using #GrahamCrackerDay to encourage others to join in paying it forward.

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Celebrating Mom in May

April 30, 2026May 1, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

May arrives with longer days, blooming flowers, and a gentle reminder to pause and celebrate the women who shape our lives from the shadows of selflessness. While we often honor mothers with greeting cards and brunch reservations, the true essence of “Mom” lies not in a single Sunday, but in the quiet, relentless rhythm of family life.

A mother—or the mother figure who steps into that role—is the family’s emotional architect. She is the one who remembers the school permission slips, the pediatrician appointments, and which child is afraid of the dark. She tracks not just birthdays, but the subtle shifts in mood: the slumped shoulders after a tough day, the fidgeting that signals worry, the sudden silence that means something is wrong.

At dawn, she is often the first to rise. Not out of obligation, but out of love’s habit. She brews coffee while packing lunches, writes a sticky-note joke for a child’s lunchbox, and somehow knows exactly when to offer a hug or simply sit in companionable quiet. By mid-morning, she may be a mediator of sibling squabbles, a cheerleader for a failed math quiz, or a translator between a teenager’s grunts and a partner’s confusion.

As the sun arcs higher, the mom figure becomes the family’s logistical mastermind. She juggles carpools, extracurricular schedules, grocery lists, and the invisible labor of maintaining a home—changing sheets, restocking bandages, remembering whose turn it is to take out the trash. Often, she holds a paid job outside the home, adding professional deadlines to the emotional and domestic ones.

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But her role goes far beyond tasks. A mother is the family’s historian and storyteller. She keeps the photo albums (digital or physical), reminds everyone where the baby lost their first tooth, and repeats the funny stories until they become legend. She is also the family’s soft landing place—the one who says, “It’s okay to cry,” and means it. When a child fails, she doesn’t lecture; she listens. When a partner struggles, she doesn’t fix; she holds space.

Grandmothers, aunts, stepmothers, foster mothers, and chosen moms—the women who mother without the title—perform this same alchemy. They show up to recitals without being asked. They keep a spare key and a listening ear. They knit blankets for newborns and offer wisdom wrapped in patience. In families where a biological mother is absent, these figures fill the void with fierce, tender consistency.

Yet for all they give, mothers often carry a quiet weight: the guilt of not doing enough, the exhaustion of invisible work, the loneliness of being the default parent. They downplay their own needs—skipping the doctor’s appointment, eating the cold meal, staying up late to sew a costume or edit a resume. And still, they show up again the next morning.

So this May, let’s celebrate differently. Yes, bring the flowers and the brunch. But also notice the small things: the way she folds laundry while listening to a child’s story, the gentle firmness when she sets a boundary, the laughter that breaks through a chaotic evening. Thank the mom figures who aren’t blood but chose to love anyway. Give her an afternoon of silence, a handwritten letter, or simply the words, “I see you. I see all of it.”

Because in the end, what mothers and mother figures do is nothing less than this: they make a house feel like home, and they teach us, things like how to use a spoon. By their very presence, we see what unconditional love looks like in action. And that is worth celebrating—not just in May, but every single day.

Jen's Perspective Blog

Love, laugh, live! Life to the fullest.

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NATIONAL AMERICANA MONTH

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