November 2 ~ Day of the Dead

You might think that this day has something to do with Halloween, but it doesn't.  This is a Mexican holiday to honor friends and family members who have died.  The Day of the Dead is a time of celebration, where partying and eating is common.  According to Wikipedia, traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts.

Design a personalized gift at Zazzle.

All Saints Day ~ November 1

In the middle ages the Roman Catholic church celebrated with festivals hundreds of religious faithful saints and martyrs.  I came to pass that there were so many of these festival days that they decided to combine the lesser ones into one day which became known as "All Saints' Day."  As a religious holiday, there aren't any weird or wacky ways to celebrate, so you're on your own to decide how you want to make this day special.  Whatever it is you come up with as your holiday plans for the day...ENJOY!!!

Traditional Columbus Day ~ October 12

Until 1971 and the Uniform Monday Holiday Act , Columbus Day was celebrated on October 12, the anniversary of Christopher Columbus landing in the New World.  Probably one of the biggest and best know celebrations of the day is the Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

This may not be a strange or unusual holiday, but some people believe we shouldn't celebrate it at all.  The story of Christopher Columbus we all learned in grade school is not exactly an accurate picture.  But, if you're happier with the story as we learned in school that's okay too.   

September 30 ~ Feast of St Jerome

If you wanted to I'm sure you could celebrate a "Saint's" day every day of the year.  Some Saints though are more interesting or fun than others so I do include some of them in my holiday list.  Saint Jerome is the patron saint of students of scripture and librarians.  So, why not visit your local library and be kind to the librarian.  Return your overdue books and pay your fines. 

One of the most recognized libraries in the United States is the NY Public Library outside of which stands two lion statues.  Today's trivia questions is... What are their names?

September 21, 2010 ~ Happy World Peace Day

Yes, the peace symbol is back in style!  I have no problem admitting that I was around when it was first in style.  Back then there was some controversy over the symbol itself, some believing it was satanic, demonic, or a derivation of a Nazi symbol.  You can still find references to those things on the internet, but for the most part I think today's youth just see it the way the youth of the 60's did... a sign of Peace and Love.  All that aside, today is World Peace Day, first celebrated in 1981 as a holiday declared by the United Nations General Assembly.  Globally there will be thousands of events ranging from prayer vigils to comedy club activities...All with one thing in common, the hope for peace throughout the world...

Celebrate Peace today and every day!!!

September 18, 2010 ~ National Cheesburger Day

Just had to do that...

Now, let's fire up the grill and get those burgers on...give me two slices of cheese please!

If you really love cheeseburgers you might be interested in these...

September 16, 2010 ~ Mexican Independence Day

Happy Mexican Independence Day!!!  Okay, so if there isn't anything else to celebrate I'll celebrate the holiday of another country.  It might not be a silly holiday for them, but since I'm not Mexican I think it qualifies for me call it an unusual thing to celebrate.  I've actually been looking forward to this one...gives me a good reason to eat Mexican food which I love.

While enjoying my meal I'll listen to some great Mexican music.... For your entertainment here's a video of some song and dance to get you in the mood.

September 15, 2010 ~ International Day of Democracy

The United Nations General Assembly decided in 2007 to declare September 15th the International Day of Democracy.  The internet is full of information about this day and it's importance.  All too often I believe as Americans we forget just how lucky we are to live in a country founded on the principles of democracy. For me, I've always been a bit of a sucker for that good old patriotic spirit, so I'd like to share with you a wonderful rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance.



God bless America and the American people.

September 14, 2010 ~ National Cream Filled Doughnut Day

MMMMMM....don't you just love these food days that give you an excuse to eat something fattening and totally void of any nutritional value?

Scout out the doughnut shops in your area, some of them actually give away free doughnuts today.  If you can't find a shop giving them away, you might want to try your hand at making your own.  Here's a recipe courtesy of About.com:Southern Food.

Cream filled doughnut are made with yeast and butter, filled with your choice of instant pudding.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 packages active dry yeast
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 6 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour (about)
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 4 cups cold milk
• 2 packages instant pudding (3.4 ounces each)

Preparation:

Scald milk in saucepan; stir in sugar, salt, and butter. Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm. Measure warm water into a large mixing bowl; sprinkle in the yeast and stir until dissolved. Stir in lukewarm milk mixture, eggs, and half of the flour; beat until smooth. Stir in lemon peel and remaining flour to make a soft dough; mix well. Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a buttered bowl, turning to grease all sides. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, for about 45 minutes, until doubled in bulk. Punch down and turn out onto lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Roll out half into a large round, 1/2 inch thick. Cut with floured doughnut cutter, with center section removed. Place doughnuts on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining half of dough.
Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from draft, until doubled in bulk, about 30 minutes. Fry in deep hot fat, 365°, until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels; cool thoroughly before filling.
While doughnuts are cooling, pour milk into a deep bowl. Add pudding mix and beat until well blended, about 1 minute. Refrigerate for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Spoon pudding into a pastry tube with wide nozzle and pip into the cooled doughnuts. Sprinkled filled doughnuts with confectioners' sugar. Refrigerate until served.

Too complicated for me...I think I'll just go buy myself a dozen or so... Until tomorrow...Keep celebrating!!!

September 13, 2010 ~ National Peanut Day

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Pea-Nutty Facts and Fictions:

• Peanuts are not really nuts, they are legumes-related to beans and lentils.
• Astronaut Allen Sheppard brought a peanut with him to the moon.
• Peanut growth cycle from planting to harvest is about 5 months.
• The peanut plant originated in South America.
• Peanuts are naturally cholesterol free.
• The world's largest peanut was 4 inches long, grown in North Carolina by Earl Atkins.
• One out of every 90 people in the US suffers from a peanut allergy.
• The US produces about 6% of the world peanut crop.
• 20% of the world's peanut production is used in candy.
• Two US Presidents have been peanut farmers: Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.
• The official state crop of Georgia is the peanut, Georgia is the number one producer of peanuts in the US.
• Peanut shells can be used in the manufacture of wallboard, fireplace logs, roughage for livestock feed and kitty litter. 
• Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth.
• The term "peanut gallery" became popular in the late 19th century.  It referred to the "cheap seats" in the theater where audience members would throw peanuts, a common theater food at the people in the more expensive seats or at the performers to express their dissatisfaction with the performance. 

  
Make sure you go out an get yourself some peanuts today!!!  What you don't eat yourself, you can save for Elephant Appreciation Day!

September 12, 2010 ~ Video Game Day

I'll admit, I don't know much about video games....I'm an old timer, I remember when Pong was the greatest thing since sliced bread.  Now a days there are more video games out there than Carter has little pills...(now if that doesn't tell you how old I am nothing will)
This is definitely a day for the young, and those without carpal tunnel.  My idea for the day...Moms and Dads leave the kids alone and let them veg out as much as they want to today playing their games.  If nothing else, it will keep them quiet and you'll be able to do what you want without being interrupted.

Upcoming Holidays:
September 16 - Mexican Independence day

September 19 - Talk Like a Pirate Day

September 22 - Elephant Appreciation Day

September 29 - Save the Koala Day

September 11, 2010 ~ Make Your Bed Day

Happy Make Your Bed Day!!!  This one had to be invented by a mom who wanted just one day of having the kids make their own beds....  Now, if you are lucky enough to have a maid, as in this art poster, this day isn't all that special...you're use to having the beds made.  Not really sure who would want to own the poster of a maid making a bed, but to each his own.  I did notice the maid is working on those hospital corners...
As the mom of an Army recruiter I thought I'd share with you the proper way to make a bed (with those hospital corners) Army style...


And now for those of us less serious about the art of bed making.....


Yup, that looks more like the way I do it!!!

September 10, 2010 ~ Swap Ideas Day

WOW, what a great idea....let's swap!!!  If this isn't the most "open ended" holiday I don't know what is.  This holiday could be incorporated into what ever your passion or occupation.  If you love to cook, you could swap recipes.  If you're a gardener, you could swap seeds or plants.  If you are a mom, you could swap tips or maybe even "babysitting" time.  If you own a "service" business you could swap your services for another businesses services.  The possibilities are endless.

I think the most important aspect about this day is to realize that we all have something to offer.  No matter how "ordinary" you think you are, you're sure to have some special talent or gift that would be appreciated by others.  So, put on your thinking cap, and share your bright idea today.

September 9, 2010 ~ It's Teddy Bear Day

I don't have any plush bears from my childhood, but I do have this ceramic cutie that was made for me by my aunt.  I've always loved this and I've had it for as long as I can remember. 
Teddy bears are such a comfort, to young and old alike, it's great to have a whole day just to honor them. 
Stuffed bears have been around a lot longer then the name "Teddy Bear" which was coined by Morris Michtom of the Ideal Novelty and Toy company.  Michtom was inspired by a political cartoon of President Theodore Roosevelt on a hunting trip in Mississippi in 1902.
There are so many great ideas for incorporating the Teddy into your festivities for the day...search the internet and you'll be overwhelmed.  This one caught my eye...

Follow the image link to Allrecipes.com to get instructions on making these cute Teddy Bear Biscuits.

September 8, 2010 ~ International Literacy Day

Well, if you were good you read a book on Monday for "read a book day" and you're all set for today.  First celebrated in 1966 this day was proclaimed a holiday by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to draw attention to the millions of adults who cannot read.  To find events and ideas of how to participate in this day, you can check with your local Rotary Club or Library.
On the homefront, the best thing you can do for your children is to instill in them a love for reading.  Start them off young, read to them until they are able to read to you, and let them see you reading in your spare time.

September 7, 2010 ~ Happy Grandma Moses Day

Anna Mary Robertson Moses, born September 7, 1860, began her career as a painter when she was 76 years old.  Her primitive style depicted scenes with which she was familiar, peaceful landscapes and farm work.  Her success story is just as "American" as her artwork.  With age, her arthritic hands could no longer hold her embroidery needles and so she pick up a paint brush and expressed her creativity with paint and canvas.  She sold her paintings at a local drug store for under ten dollars each, until being "discovered" by Louis Caldor.

By 1939 her paintings were being sold throughout North America and Europe, and in 1946 some of her scenes were depicted on Christmas cards.  In 1949 she won the Women's National Press Club Award for her accomplishments in painting.  On her 100th birthday in 1960, New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller declared September 7th Grandma Moses Day.  Grandma Moses died at the age of 101 on December 13, 1960.  She created over 1000 painting during her career, at least 25 of which were painted after she was 100.

Not only did she leave us with some wonderful artwork, she also gave us some great quotes:

• I look back on my life like a good day's work, it was done and I feel satisfied with it. I was happy and contented, I knew nothing better and made the best out of what life offered. And life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.

• If I hadn't started painting, I would have raised chickens.

• Painting's not important. The important thing is keeping busy.

• A primitive artist is an amateur whose work sells.

• If you know somethin' well, you can always paint it but people would be better off buyin' chickens.

• I don't advise any one to take it up as a business proposition, unless they really have talent, and are crippled so as to deprive them of physical labor.

• ... I'll get an inspiration and start painting; then I'll forget everything, everything except how things used to be and how to paint it so people will know how we used to live.

• What a strange thing is memory, and hope; one looks backward, and the other forward; one is of today, the other of tomorrow. Memory is history recorded in our brain, memory is a painter, it paints pictures of the past and of the day.

• Now that I am ninety-five years old, looking back over the years, I have seen many changes taking place, so many inventions have been made. Things now go faster. In olden times things were not so rushed. I think people were more content, more satisfied with life than they are today. You don't hear nearly as much laughter and shouting as you did in my day, and what was fun for us wouldn't be fun now.... In this age I don't think people are as happy, they are worried. They're too anxious to get ahead of their neighbors, they are striving and striving to get something better. I do think in a way that they have too much now. We did with much less.

• I look out the window sometimes to seek the color of the shadows and the different greens in the trees, but when I get ready to paint I just close my eyes and imagine a scene.

• I paint from the top down. From the sky, then the mountains, then the hills, then the houses, then the cattle, and then the people. 

Obviously the most important thing for you to remember today is..... It's NEVER too late!!!

September 6, 2010 ~ Labor Day

I hope everyone is enjoying a day off, relaxing on this Labor Day.  September 6th is also "National Read A Book" day.  How convenient that you have the whole day to sit and do just that.  No big blog for today...Just want to remind you that we have some fun days coming up this month.  For many of them I have cards available on Greeting Card Universe, simply click on the link found on the sidebar.  Enjoy and don't forget to pick up a book today!

September 5, 2010 ~ Be late for Something Day

I suppose this would be more fun if it were on a week day and you could be late for work.  But, it is a holiday week-end and you must have somewhere to go that you can show up fashionably late.  You can find actual instructions on being fashionably late on eHow.com.  Imagine that, some people might need help to be late.

 I found some references to the fact that this day was started by the Procrastination Society.  But, when I tried to find information about the society I found that there is not one, but several groups dedicated to procrastination.  One thing they all seemed to have in common was The Procarastinator's Creed which reads something like this:

1. I believe that if anything is worth doing, it would have been done already.
2. I shall never move quickly, except to avoid more work or find excuses.
3. I will never rush into a job without a lifetime of consideration.
4. I shall meet all of my deadlines directly in proportion to the amount of bodily injury I could expect to receive from missing them.
5. I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my obligations.
6. I truly believe that all deadlines are unreasonable regardless of the amount of time given.
7. I shall never forget that the probability of a miracle, though infinitesimally small, is not exactly zero.
8. If at first I don't succeed, there is always next year.
9. I shall always decide not to decide, unless of course I decide to change my mind.
10. I shall always begin, start, initiate, take the first step, and/or write the first word, when I get around to it.
11. I obey the law of inverse excuses which demands that the greater the task to be done, the more insignificant the work that must be done prior to beginning the greater task.
12. I know that the work cycle is not plan/start/finish, but is wait/plan/plan.
13. I will never put off until tomorrow, what I can forget about forever. 

As for me, I've always been a procrastinator...and many times I've tried to change, but I always seem to put if off.  Lucky for me I now live in the south, and as everyone down here knows..."tomorrow's another day"

September 4, 2010 ~ National Newspaper Carrier Day

On September 4th 1833, Benjamin Day, publisher of the New York Sun, hired the very first "paperboy", Barney Flaherty.  And so, on this day we honor all of those remarkable men and women who make sure that every day the current news reaches our doorstep...or at least pretty close.


How about making some party hats for today:

September 3, 2010 ~ College Colors Day

This is one of those "moving" holidays... in other words it falls on September 3rd this year, but the holiday is actually the first Friday of September.


Pretty self explanatory I would think...wear your college colors today.  If you didn't attend colleges, wear the colors of whatever college you feel attached to.

College students have been the perpetrators of some curios fads and crazes over the years.  Let's see there's been - raccoon coats, pole sitting, swallowing gold fish, cramming a bunch of people into a phone booth, streaking....ummm, aren't these supposed to be educated people?

Have fun, enjoy the upcoming week end and wear your colors proudly!