National Paperclip Day
Invented in 1867, the bent wire paper clip is still used today. Ahhh, something so simple and so useful! So here is today’s haiku:
Curved wire holds secure
without puncturing damage –
like a mother’s arms
Check out the history of the paper clip here: https://www.officemuseum.com/paper_clips.htm
Americans eat over 50 billion hamburgers a year. That’s a lot of beef! This sandwich was made famous when introduced at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. St. Louis is also one of the test markets for the new Impossible (no-meat/all plant-based) burger. So, here is today’s haiku:
HAMBURGER DAY
A ground meat patty
served with bread, cheese and veggies.
How ’bout just veggies?
For more information, check out these links: https://www.kcur.org/history/2021-09-14/st-louis-worlds-fair-1904-ice-cream-hamburger-dr-pepper and https://impossiblefoods.com/products/burger
I love the sun but too much exposure is not kind to my pale Irish skin. So, today’s holiday reminds me to wear sunscreen protection – everyday.
Don’t forget because sun damage accumulates over time and truly, prevention is better than the cure.
Here’s today’s haiku:
National Sunscreen Day
Don’t forget your shades,
large-brimmed hat and sunscreen too.
Please protect your skin.
A successful life can also be a simple life. You can accomplish great things with minimal materials. Today’s holiday is a good reminder of this: National Paper Airplane Day.
The world record for time-in-air is 27.9 seconds. The world record for distance is 69.14 meters or 226 feet and 10 inches. Go ahead, check it out, and see how long and far you can fly.
Here’s today’s haiku for you:
Simple, paper toy
aeronautical lesson
airtime and distance
There are seventeen holidays that celebrate wine (e.g., red wine, white wine, etc.). Today simply celebrates all wine. Archeology tells us there’s evidence of wine making going back to 6,000 BC. Here’s to today’s haiku:
National Wine Day
Cana miracle
if you uncork some vino
please drink mindfully
Note: consider this link for learning more about the best non-alcoholic wines https://bestreviews.com/food-drink/wine/best-non-alcoholic-wines
With three brothers and three brothers-in-law, I am fortunate to have both allies and smart alecks close at hand. Here’s to men who remind us who we are, keep us grounded when we need it and kick us in the ass when we need that too.
National Brother’s Day
Nemesis and friend
reliable and honest
brothers have our back
Below is a picture, taken many years ago, of my brother Mike (on the right) and me. Mike passed (aka continued) nearly thirteen years ago. I think of him often and especially today.
Today is World Turtle Day which “shellebrates” this reptile that’s been on Earth since the dinosaurs. Here’s a haiku honoring their longevity:
Slow and steady wins,
persevering with wisdom:
Turtle Mindfulness
Today is the International Day of Biological Diversity (IDB) which was created in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly. It is not a celebration but rather a recognition of the many species that have gone extinct over the last 50 years and it’s dangerous impact on the future of our planet and our own species. It is estimated that the species extinction rate is 100 times more than normal and rapidly increasing. The UN and other environmentally-focused organizations seek to educate the world on the importance of living in harmony with nature and the many ways we can do this.
Today’s haiku is:
International Day of Biological Diversity
Too fast, too many,
biodiversity loss …
let’s find harmony
For a brief overview of the challenge, check out this link: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/international-day-biodiversity/
Today is National American Red Cross Founders Day. It celebrates the many accomplishments of Clara Barton and the disaster relief organization she founded in 1881. Here is today’s haiku:
Seeking ways to help,
angels of the battlefield,
let’s help the helpers
Check out https://www.redcross.org/ for more information on their blood drives and smoke alarm campaigns.
Today is National Rescue Dog Day; a special day for me. My wife and I have two adopted rescue dogs now and have fostered others as well. Also, nine months ago, I started walking rescue dogs at the metro kennel to provide them exercise and fresh air while they await adoption. For a variety of reasons, some dogs are slow to be adopted or fail adoption efforts. Due to life challenges, many of these dogs are “reactive” in that they prefer to interact with only one person and without other dogs around. Whether it’s fear of abandonment, abuse or competition; some dogs just want their human all to themselves and, until that perfect match is made, they need daily exercise and TLC (tender loving care) to stay mentally and physically healthy. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be one of the volunteers who provides the exercise and TLC. Seriously consider rescuing a dog someday, they will surely rescue you right back.
Below are four of the dogs I walked this week with a picture, brief stats and haiku descriptor:
Ellie, small giant,
mighty sniffer on the trail,
she goes where she wants
High energy boy
jumps for joy – over your head –
happy BFF
Full of power and
vinegar, she hides her heart
’til she knows she’s safe
Younger than she looks
doesn’t like a leash, it’s true,
but loves a play yard
Life Matters 