November 1st is National Author’s day, and as every reader and book lover knows, that is the day to celebrate your favorite author or authors.
It all started way back in 1928 when Nellie Verne Burt Mcpherson of the Belmont Illinois Women’s Club wanted to honor her favorite author, Irving Bacheller, who wrote Eben Hoden’s Last Day A’Fishin. She sent him a letter, and he responded by sending back an autographed copy of his book. It wasn’t until 1949 though that the U.S. Department of Commerce recognized it.
The month of November has a lot of things going for it that may or may not surprise you. We are all thankful for Thanksgiving, which involves lots of feasting and giving thanks. Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday. But here are a few little known events that also call the month of November "home":
National Dunce Day is upon us, and though the origin of this observance is unknown, the dunce cap itself has an interesting history. Dunce Day recognizes medieval scholar Duns Scotus, who thought that wearing a cone-shaped hat aided in learning. Duns Scotus, who hailed from Duns, Scotland, died November 8, 1308, hence the yearly observance of Dunce Day on November 8th. He came up with the idea for the conical hat that would become known as the dunce cap. The idea was that knowledge would travel through the point at the top of the hat and down into the head of the person wearing it.
Native American Feather Bonnets, camp fires, and stories. The kids' science club this last weekend at the H. M. S. Beagle Science shop in Parkville was a blast! Everyone had a good time, but I think the neatest thing about putting on this program was the fact that I learned so much about Native Americans. My professors are right. One learns best when one has to teach something, and I sure learned a lot about Native Americans when I was preparing for this club!
Advent – Dec. 2nd - 24th A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the nativity of Jesus at Christmas.
Boxing Day - Dec. 26th Traditionally the day following Christmas day, when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts from their superiors (or) employers.
Christmas – December 25th Commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Feast of Our Lady Guadalupe - December 12th Celebration of the patron saint of the Mexican Republic.
Make Up Your Mind Day is December 31th. Merriam Webster defines the mind as "the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and reasons." Make Up Your Mind day is getting rid of all the indecision and taking your position in whatever you are struggling with.
January is National Book Month. It is also International Coffee Gourmet and Hot Tea month. Now there's a winning combination for enjoying a relaxing afternoon! The holiday frenzy is over, and the weather has grown snowy and cold. Now is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and sip on your favorite flavor of coffee or tea.
When looking for ideas to use for my blog post, I often turn to the reliable source, Chase's Calendar of Events. This reference book has entries for each day of the year. Birthdays of famous people are included every day, and various events, anniversaries, and holiday are listed for every day. Some of the "special" days listed are quite obscure; they make you wonder about how much free time some people have on their hands.
I know what you are thinking…I don’t need a special day to clean off my desk. But take a look. Is your desk clean and clear of clutter? I know mine isn't. I have trouble finding a writing instrument, let alone a piece of scrap paper. So, I do need a day.
Is there anything more annoying or enticing than bubble wrap?! It’s hard to resist snapping it when you get your hands on it, but to others listening, it could be very annoying.
Believe it or not, there is actually a "Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day"! It annually falls on the last Monday in January, (this year's is Jan 28th). It is this country’s favorite shipping material and was invented in 1960. How will you celebrate…maybe a friendly snap off competition with friends or create a new bubble wrap fashion statement!
