…the beginning of Autumn, a time of change! A welcomed break from the sweltering temperatures of summer, a look ahead to landscapes erupting in riotous colors—how magnificent! With a new month comes occasions for celebration, so let’s take a peek at what is at the top of the list for the entire month of September. What better start than to begin with music. Not just any music but tunes that date as far back as the 11th century that are still played in the 21st century. Then, make a music connection with each celebration.
The Labor Day celebration exploits the backyard barbeque, much like the Fourth of July, with patriotic decorations dominating the scene. Since its inception in the 1880s it celebrates a means of honoring workers for all their efforts. In that spirit, the backyard barbeque is often laden with hammocks, comfortable lounge chairs, lawn blankets and even lots of huge pillows! Tiki torches, twinkle lights and candles in hurricane lamps keep the atmosphere cheery and bright until well into the evening. For some areas of the country, this holiday brings with it a slight chill in the air, which might warrant that first sweater or jacket of the season.
Whatever you have planned, whether you are traveling, reached your destination, or simply staying at home, have a safe and enjoyable holiday! Remember America’s past and the sacrifices for her freedom. Otherwise, there would be no Labor Day celebration.
Labor Day is the last holiday of the summer: wearing white will go out, school will be in and a change in season is just around the corner. Do you know how it came about, what it means, its founder, the establishment of the first Labor Day? In other words, what is Labor Day celebrating?
Stepping back in time is fun . . . just plain and simple fun! Whether you are a teenager wanting to learn about the eras in which your parents grew up or the adult who wants to relive the memories, the nostalgia is an alluring invitation for a trip down memory lane.
Looking back provides reflections into who we are, how we have evolved and in some instances, where we are going [again]. Making comparisons of how things were ‘back in the day’ to present day is often hilarious. The changes in fashion, cars, appliances, entertainment, even looking back/reflecting upon sayings about the future, which is now the present, can have one doubling over with laughter or simply smiling in amazement.
No matter how you turn it, the sands of time flow only one way through the hourglass. Look ahead, not backwards, but always keep the memories. Events, encounters, endnotes (sweet or sour) may be gone but certainly not forgotten. They are you, you are them. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness.
Not only are we awakening to a new day but to a new year! Okay, okay, okay, I know it is not Happy New Year 2015. We still have a few months left in 2014. However, it IS the beginning of a new school year and for many counties, school is already in session while in others the doors do not open until after Labor Day. In either case, preparations are in order with still lots to be done.
It seems like just yesterday we were getting ready for summer vacation. Now, summer is rapidly drawing to a close with hints of autumn already in the air…somewhere anyway. Still sweltering temperatures continue to rise throughout many states whose residents wait patiently (hopefully patience is part of the picture) for cooler temps.
Whether parent, student, bus driver, teacher or administrator, the question for all is “Are you ready?”
Reach out today, Be a caring friend. Know a teacher? Lend a helping hand!
“For me its balmy airs are always blowing, its summer seas flashing in the sun; the pulsing of its surf is in my ear; I can see its garlanded crags, its leaping cascades, its plumy palms drowsing by the shore, its remote summits floating like islands above the cloud-rack; I can feel the spirit of its woody solitudes, I hear the plashing of the brooks; in my nostrils still lives the breath of flowers that perished twenty years ago.”
Hawaii was admitted as the 50th state on August 21, 1959. Hawaii was subject to cultural and societal repression during the territorial period and the first decade of statehood. Along with other self-determination movements worldwide the 1960s Hawaiian Renaissance led to the rebirth of Hawaiian language, culture and identity.
What is your favorite form of relaxation? Walking barefoot in the park wiggling your toes in dew-dappled grass? Watching a sunset while enjoying a glass of wine, alone or perhaps with a loved one? Getting a manicure or pedicure, maybe both? A day at the beach? What about a massage while listening to soothing music set against a backdrop of a waterfall? Any of the above, none of the above. Endless possibilities. Get yourself in serious thought mode. Write it down. Maybe even make a list since a whole day for relaxation has been set aside.
We all live in such a fast-paced world that it is easy for life to become very stressful and overwhelming at times. Pressure, anxiety, tension are constant companions so get away from all the stress! That’s right. Leave it behind. Take a step back and slow down the pace. If not for the day, go for an hour. Kick back, breathe deeply, take the next few moments (as many as you can), grab a lounge chair and RELAX!
If Henny Penny, aka Chicken Little were to look upon the night sky at a time when a meteor shower is occurring, he/she would surely declare, “The sky is falling!” Well, Henny Penny is not around but a meteor shower is definitely in the picture!
Grab a lawn chair and set it up for a spectacular starry, starry night show but first check your weather! Hopefully, the weather gods are smiling in your area. The annual Perseids meteor shower is set to peak in the skies over Earth tonight as 30-40 (some sources report 100) shooting stars (meteors) an hour are expected to streak across the night sky, and continue for several days.
Check out the Perseid Visibility Map! The Perseids will be visible any time after dark but peak viewing will be August 13, 3-4 am local time. This will be true any place in the world.
Welcome to Missouri, a land of fertile plains, rolling hills, well-watered prairies, historic rivers and a state rich in history and culture. Missouri was admitted to the United States as the 24th state on August 10, 1821 as part of the Missouri Compromise. The most widely recognized nickname for Missouri is The Show Me State.
What is life without laughter? That is one category personally I have no clue other than it would be total boredom! With a husband that is a joke waiting to be told, a smile waiting to happen, and who considers a day wasted if not at sometime during that day making someone else laugh, there is always sunshine even on a rainy day. Sure we have our ups and downs, bad communication and misunderstandings, but who doesn’t? That is LIFE! It’s all in how you handle the moments with even the bad ones somehow allowing a smile to emerge along with flowing teardrops.
I never know at any moment in time what might he might say to knock me off my feet or send me bending double with laughter. Here are two that are totally hilarious. One a couple of years back and another recently.
My middle name is Anita. I have never really liked that name, never use it, never write it, especially since marriage. Out of the blue Jim calls me from across the room, “Anita! Anita!” I turn with a scowl look on my face responding, “Anita? Don’t call me Anita!” His immediate reply, “But, baby, I needa ya!” Get the pun?
For this one, keep in mind we just celebrated our Pearl Anniversary on July 10.
We are having some work done on our sprinkler system since the grass in the backyard is dying from all the heat and lack of sufficient water. The man putting in the irrigation system is named Jackie. Jim approaches Jackie and calls him over to the back porch, “Jackie, do you know why I love my wife so much?” Of course, Jackie responds with all sorts of commonalities and a few funnies of his own but remains somewhat perplexed because he knows Jim is going to come up with a doozie. And a doozie he did indeed. “She is beautiful, works like a hired hand, makes damn good biscuits and she doesn’t snore!”
What can I say? I love this man!
When it comes to laughter, there is hardly anything funnier than children and animals so let’s not stop here. Watch the video to end your day or perhaps begin a new day with a smile on your face and a laugh in your heart!
The cats are the best! What do you think? Which is your favorite?
catnipoflife 