THE URGE FOR ADVENTURE APRIL 2018

The Green Man

HEY GUYS,

April Is Here, and so is Spring the season known for rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and regrowth.  So plan to use some of these longer days or nights for greater opportunities to reinvigorate something, maybe, even do something outrageous. At least something To Move You Out Of Your Comfort Zone. Then,  If Nothing Else, You have Given Youself Some Great Conversation Starters.

Helping You TO Spruce Up Your Perspective and Your Style In Ways That Inspire Your AWESOMENESS, check down the page of daily ideas or thumb through other pages of this Months  Site of Contact.

April 2018 Month Long Activities

National Amateur Radio Month

National Alcohol Awareness Month

National Architecture, Decorating, Home & Garden Month

National ASPCA Month

National Autism Awareness Month

National Awareness of Stress Month

National Cancer Control Month

National Cannabis Awareness Month

National Car Care Month

National Card and Letter Writing Month

National Child Awareness Month

National Community Spirit Month

National Couple Appreciation Month

National Defeat Diabetes Month

National Distracted Driving Awareness

National Diversity Month

National DNA & Genomics & Stem Cell Education Month

National Donate Life Month

National Emotional Overeating Awareness

National Exercise, Walk & Physical Wellness Month

National Facial Protection & Rosacea Month

National Fair Housing Month

National Financial Literacy Month

National Genocide & Human Rights Awareness Month

National Global Astronomy Month

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month

International Guitar Month

National Humor Month

National Inventor’s Month

National Jazz Appreciation Month

National Kite Month

National Knuckles Down Month

National Keep America Beautiful Month

National Library Snapshot Month

National Licorice Month

National Mathematics Awareness Month

National Men Health Month

National Occupational Therapy Month

National Parkinson's Awareness Month

National Pecan Month

National Pet & Pet Health Month

National Poetry Month

National Prevent Animal Cruelty Month

National Social Security Month

National Soft Pretzel Month

National Soy Foods Month

National Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

Records and Information Management Month

National Scottish American Heritage Month

National Sexual Assault Awareness Month

National Women Helping Women Heal Month

National Workplace Conflict Awareness Month

World Habitat Awareness Month

Worldwide Bereaved Spouses Awareness Month

APRIL Week LONG ACTIVES

The fresco, The Resurrection, was painted by the Renaissance master Pinturicchio in 1494 — just two years after Christopher Columbus first set foot in what came to be called the New World.

Antonio Paolucci, director of the Vatican Museums, told the Vatican daily L’Osservatore Romano that after the soot and grime were removed, in the background, just above the open coffin from where Christ has risen, “we see nude men, decorated with feathered headdresses who appear to be dancing.” One of them seems to sport a Mohican cut

Week 1

American Indian Awareness Week

International Pooper Scooper Week

International Tree Climbing Days

National Public Health & Medication Safety Week

National Window Safety Week,

Testicular Cancer Awareness Week, “aka Get A Grip Week!”

World Oceans Week.  

Week 2

Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week,

International Spring Astronomy Week,

National Dental Hygienists Week

National Library Week

National Public Safety Telecommunicators (911 Operators) Week

National Student Employment Week

National Robotics Week                                                                                       

National Park Weekends (April 15-16 and 22-23).

Week 3

Animal Cruelty Awareness Week                                                                 

Global Youth Service Week                                                                        

Human Violence Awareness Week.            

Loose Change photo by Scott Keene 2016

National Coin Week

National Karaoke Week

National Organize Your Files Week                                             

National Pet ID Week

Week 4

Administrative Professionals Week, April 23-29 (Last Full Week)

Air Quality Awareness Week, April 23-29 (Last Week)

Fibroid Awareness Week, April 23-29 (Always the Fourth Week)

Gathering of the Nations Pow Wow 2017 New Mexico

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 23-29 (Last Full Week)

National Dream Hotline, April 28-30 (Last Weekend)

National and Global Youth Service Days, April 28-30 (Last Weekend)

National Money Smart Week

National Tattoo Week

National Volunteer Week

Spring Astronomy Week Sky Awareness.

 APRIL DAY LONG ACTIVIES

APRIL 1        Sunday        April Fool’s Day

APRIL 1       Sunday        Easter Sunday

APRIL 1        Sunday        One Cent Day

APRIL 1        Sunday        Sourdough Bread Day

APRIL 1        Sunday        Poetry & Creative Mind Day

APRIL 2        Monday       World Autism Awareness Day

APRIL 2        Monday       Children’s Book Day

APRIL 2        Monday       Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

APRIL 2        Monday       National Reconciliation Day

APRIL 3        Tuesday       National Chocolate Mousse Day

APRIL 3        Tuesday       American Crossword Puzzle Day

APRIL 3        Tuesday       SAAM Day of Action – 1st Tues. in April

APRIL  3       Tuesday       World Party Day

APRIL 4        Wednesday  Awareness & Assist in Mine Action Day

APRIL 4        Wednesday  National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day

APRIL 4        Wednesday  National Hug a Newsperson Day

APRIL 4        Wednesday  National School Librarian Day

APRIL 4        Wednesday  National Walk Around Day

APRIL 4        Wednesday  Tell a Lie Day

APRIL 5        Thursday     National Caramel Day

APRIL 5        Thursday     National Deep-Dish Pizza Day

APRIL 5        Thursday     National Go For Broke Day

APRIL 5        Thursday     National Raisin and Spice Bar Day

APRIL 5        Thursday     National Read a Road Map Day

APRIL 5        Thursday     Child help National Day of Hope

APRIL 5        Thursday     Alcohol Screening Day – 1st Thursday of Full Wk. April

APRIL 5        Thursday     First Contact Day

APRIL 6        Friday          International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

APRIL 6        Friday          National Caramel Popcorn Day

APRIL 6        Friday          National Sorry Charlie Day

APRIL 6        Friday          National Student-Athlete Day

APRIL 6        Friday          National Tartan Day

APRIL 6        Friday          National Teflon Day

APRIL 6        Friday           National Walk to Work Day

APRIL 7        Saturday      World Health Day

APRIL 7        Saturday      Day of Remembrance Victims of Genocide

APRIL 7        Saturday      National Beer Day

APRIL 7        Saturday      National Coffee Cake Day

APRIL 7        Saturday      National No Housework Day

APRIL 7        Saturday      Passover Ends Evening

APRIL 8        Sunday        World Oceans Day

APRIL 8        Sunday        National Empanada Day

APRIL 8        Sunday        National Zoo Lovers Day

APRIL 9        Monday       National Cherish an Antique Day

APRIL 9        Monday       National Chinese Almond Cookie Day

APRIL 9        Monday       National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day

APRIL 9        Monday       National Name Yourself Day

Phippe Halsmann photo Dream of a Poet

APRIL 10      Tuesday       National Encourage a Young Writer Day

APRIL 10      Tuesday       National Siblings Day

Apr 10         Tuesday       Be Kind to Lawyers Day

Apr 10         Tuesday       Be Kind to Farm Animal Day

APRIL 11      Wednesday  National Barbershop Quartet Day

APRIL 11      Wednesday  National Cheese Fondue Day

APRIL 11      Wednesday  National Eight Track Tape Day

APRIL 11      Wednesday  National Pet Day

APRIL 11      Wednesday  National Submarine Day

APRIL 11      Wednesday  National Library Workers Day

APRIL 12      Thursday     National Big Wind Day

APRIL 12      Thursday     National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

APRIL 12      Thursday     National Licorice Day

APRIL 12      Thursday     Support Teen Literature Day Library Wk.

Peach Cobbler

APRIL 13      Friday          National Peach Cobbler Day

APRIL 13      Friday          National Scrabble Day

APRIL 13      Friday          National Thomas Jefferson Day

Laughing Buddha

 

APRIL 14      Saturday      International Moment of Laughter Day

APRIL 14      Saturday      National Dolphin Day

APRIL 14      Saturday      National Equal Pay Day

APRIL 14      Saturday      National Ex-Spouse Day

APRIL 14      Saturday      National Pecan Day

APRIL 14      Saturday      National Reach as High as You Can Day

APRIL 14      Saturday      National Auctioneers Day – Third Sat in April

APRIL 15      Sunday        National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

APRIL 15      Sunday        National Rubber Eraser Day

APRIL 15      Sunday        National Take a Wild Guess Day

APRIL 15      Sunday        National Titanic Remembrance Day

Orchids by Franz Andreas Bauer

APRIL 16      Monday       National Orchid Day

APRIL 16      Monday       National Bean Counter Day

APRIL 16      Monday       National Eggs Benedict Day

APRIL 16      Monday       National Wear Pajamas to Work Day

APRIL 17      Tuesday       World Hemophilia Day

APRIL 17      Tuesday       National Bat Appreciation Day

APRIL 17      Tuesday       National Cheeseball Day

APRIL 17      Tuesday       National Ellis Island Family History Day

APRIL 17      Tuesday       National Haiku Poetry Day

APRIL 17      Tuesday       National Last Filing Day IRS Tax Return

APRIL 18      Wednesday  National Animal Crackers Day

APRIL 18      Wednesday  National Columnists’ Day

APRIL 18      Wednesday  National Lineman Appreciation Day

Model

Jimmy Flint-Smith -Hanging with friends

APRIL 19      Thursday     National Amaretto Day

APRIL 19      Thursday     National Garlic Day

APRIL 19      Thursday     National Hanging Out Day

APRIL 20      Friday          National Cheddar Fries Day

APRIL 20      Friday          National Lima Bean Respect Day

APRIL 20      Friday          National Lookalike Day 

APRIL 20      Friday          National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day

APRIL 20      Friday          National High Five Day – Third Thursday in April

APRIL 20      Friday          Get to Know Customers / Customer Appreciation Day

APRIL 21      Saturday      National Yellow Bat Day

APRIL 21      Saturday      National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day

APRIL 21      Saturday      National Kindergarten Day

APRIL 21      Saturday      Record Store Day

APRIL 21      Saturday      Astronomy Day

APRIL 22      Sunday        International Mother Earth Day

APRIL 22      Sunday        National Dance Day & Record Store Day

APRIL 22      Sunday        National Girl Scout Leader’s Day

APRIL 22      Sunday        National Jelly Bean Day

APRIL 23      Monday       World Book and Copyright Day

APRIL 23      Monday       English Language Day

APRIL 23      Monday       National Cherry Cheesecake Day

APRIL 23      Monday       National Movie Theatre Day

APRIL 23      Monday       National Picnic Day

APRIL 23      Monday       National Take a Chance Day

APRIL 23      Monday       National Talk Like Shakespeare Day

APRIL 24      Tuesday       International Sauvignon Blanc Day

APRIL 24      Tuesday       National Pigs in a Blanket Day

APRIL 24      Tuesday       Poem in Your Pocket Day

APRIL 25      Wednesday  World Malaria Day

APRIL 25      Wednesday  National DNA Day

APRIL 25      Wednesday  National East Meets West Day

APRIL 25      Wednesday  National Hug a Plumber Day

APRIL 25      Wednesday  National Telephone Day

APRIL 25      Wednesday  National Zucchini Bread Day

APRIL 26      Thursday     World Intellectual Property Day

APRIL 26      Thursday     National Audubon Day

APRIL 26      Thursday     Take Our Children to Work Day

APRIL 26      Thursday     National Kids and Pets Day

APRIL 26      Thursday     National Pretzel Day

APRIL 26      Thursday     National Richter Scale Day

APRIL 26      Thursday     National Administrative Professionals’

APRIL 27      Friday          National Babe Ruth Day

APRIL 27      Friday          National Prime Rib Day

APRIL 27      Friday          National Tell a Story Day

APRIL 27      Friday          National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

APRIL 28      Friday           National Arbor Day – Last Friday in April

APRIL 28      Friday           National Hairball Awareness Day – Last Fri. April

APRIL 28      Saturday      World Day for Safety and Health at Work

APRIL 28      Saturday      National Superhero Day

APRIL 28      Saturday      National Blueberry Pie Day

APRIL 28      Saturday      National Brave Hearts Day

APRIL 28      Saturday      National Great Poetry Reading Day

APRIL 28      Saturday      Workers Memorial Day

APRIL 29      Sunday        Day to Remember Victims of Chemical Warfare

APRIL 29      Sunday        International Dance Day

APRIL 29      Sunday        National Peace Rose Day

APRIL 29      Sunday        National Shrimp Scampi Day

APRIL 29      Sunday        National Zipper Day

APRIL 29      Sunday        National Sense of Smell Day

APRIL 29      Sunday        National Rebuilding Day

APRIL 29      Sunday        International Spring Astronomy Day

Saxophonist Antonio Hart conducts a master class with students at Havana's Universidad de las Artes, part of International Jazz Day 2017 celebrations in Havana, Cuba, April 28, 2017.

APRIL 30      Monday       International Jazz Day

APRIL 30      Monday       National Adopt a Shelter Pet & Pet Parents Day

APRIL 30      Monday       National Bugs Bunny Day

APRIL 30      Monday       National Hairstylist Appreciation Day

APRIL 30      Monday       National Honesty Day

APRIL 30      Monday       National Kiss of Hope Day

APRIL 30      Monday       National Oatmeal Cookie Day

APRIL 30      Monday       National Raisin Day

APRIL 30      Monday       National Sarcoidosis Day

A Monthly Tool to the Self Directed Life

2018: Working Your Plan From Interior Motivation

This March, Site of Contact's Starts a Monthly Guide to steer or invoke question or directions for your search for meaning or reward in your life.  This month the concept of Goals and maybe some thoughts about them you have not considered before.

Goal are all about Consciously Doing, as any good coach will tell you, the goal focus is maintain by conscious - frequency, consistency, and intensity, this is the triangle elements of successful goal training.

But before you begin, flesh out what passions are in the loins, that will drive your goals for 2018. Is it to become a better person, such as in: Being healthier and stronger, or maybe more innovative, or entrepreneurial in business, or obtaining and displaying more Life skills, or just simply being a better friend or family member?

I suggest writing down what you have decided.  Every few months going over them to see if they are still valid or has there been some kind of alteration or have they been disregarded or replaced all together, for it is okay to make changes or alterations as your  awareness of yourself grows.

I get from the emails and phone calls we received, many of you have begun doing just that. Many who started this type of exercise in 2017 have reported things being better, and more efficient for themselves, yet for others of you, this has not gone so well. I understand that you found new behaviors were needed in your life to manifest your goals, and trying to stick to the triangle elements of successful goal training was tough. So, let's step backup and reconsider your goals in light of the creation and maintenance of new habits.  

Question, why do you want to achieve that goal in the first place? Simple question, but at the heart of it is the key to the matter of sustaining new habits. Goals should not be just because you think you should do them. That "wanting to do it” attitude may be the ticket to working harder at it, rather than gaining real results. Maybe the cart is in front of the horse, meaning maybe you don’t have your purpose or objective for the goal framed correctly in your own head.

Make sure that the goal is in alignment with your higher purpose in life.With each goal will come time invested in new habits It’s tough to sustain effort and find reward in something, when you’re only doing it because you "think" you will impress people or that they expect it or would approve of you for it. It's your life, so make sure you're spending your time on things that challenge the notion of what is important to you. The common mistake you want to avoid can be summed up by the statement from an author and former dot-com business executive, Seth Godin when he said,

“Your audacious life goals are fabulous. We’re proud of you for having them. But it’s possible that those goals are designed to distract you from the thing that is really frightening you—the shift in daily habits that would mean a re–invention of how you see yourself.” - Seth Godin

So if you need to get a handle on this or in moving forward give me a call. We can go over or discover activities, habits, and techniques, without harassment or harsh judgment that is advantageous to a solid re-invention of a successful you. 

The Urge for Adventure March 2018

2018 March Calendar of Events

Silvanus aka Mars god of Agriculture Fertilty and Cattle

Feel like a God - March named for the Roman God "Mars"

This March, Site of Contact's Monthly Guide is to steer you along to greater fun in finding or accomplishing your goals through play. Author and former dot-com business executive, Seth Godin says

“Your audacious life goals are fabulous. We’re proud of you for having them. But it’s possible that those goals are designed to distract you from the thing that is really frightening you—the shift in daily habits that would mean a re–invention of how you see yourself.” - Seth Godin

What's behind the hands

So what is really important to you? Get out there and frighten yourself, discover activities, form habits, and create techniques advantageous to seeing yourself in all of your complexity. 

This March Calendar of events could be a place to begin, designed with suggestions to ease some fun into your workout or add a needed break to your regimen, so when you return to it, it is with more vigor, enthusiasm and a change of View. March is a month with much to offer.  A few of the days activity will have you strip down or take off concepts of what you take for granted as a male activity without harassment or harsh judgment. Celebrating a new nakedness, for your examination of you.  

March 2018 MONTH LONG ACTIVITIES

Feel like a God - March named for the Roman God "Mars"
•    National Women's History Month
•    National Nutrition Month
•    Irish American Month
•    Music in Our Schools Month
•    National Craft Month
•    Red Cross Month
•    National Frozen Food Month
•    National Peanut Month
•    Social Workers Month
 

  MARCH 2018 WEEKLY EVENTS   
  Check your current calendar as these weeks may vary from year to year.

Adults with Bubbles

•  2nd Week of March -  National Bubble Week - a way to celebrate the start of spring.

Children & Parents at play with Bubbles

•  
• 2nd Week of March Crochet Week

MEN who Crochet

March 2018 Daily Fun, Special and Wacky Days

Photo Model John Lightfoot

Mar 1        Thursday    World Compliment Day
Mar 1        Thursday    Plan a Solo Vacation Day
Mar 2        Friday    Old Stuff Day
Mar 3        Saturday,    I Want You to be Happy Day
Mar 4        Sunday    March Forth and Do Something Day
Mar 5        Monday    Learn What Your Name Means Day
Mar 5        Monday    Cinco de Marcho
Mar 6        Tuesday    Dentist’s Day

Alex on his first public phone call

Mar 7        Wednesday    Alexander Graham Bell Day
Mar 8        Thursday    Proofreading Day
Mar 10    Saturday    Mario Day
Mar 11    Sunday    Oatmeal Nut Waffle Day
Mar 12    Monday    Napping Day
Mar 12    Monday    Alfred Hitchcock Day
Mar 13    Tuesday    Jewel Day
Mar 14    Wednesday    Pi Day

Derailed Photo by Jason Beamguard

Mar 15    Thursday    Everything You Think is Wrong Day
Mar 15    Thursday    Absolutely Incredible Kid Day
Mar 16    Friday    Every Thing You Do is Right Day
Mar 17    Saturday    Submarine Day

Mar 17     Saturday St. Patrick's Day    

Mar 18    Sunday    Awkward Moments Day
Mar 19    Monday    Let's Laugh Day
 

Sunday in the Park shared from Michael Brewer Collection

Mar 20    Tues  First Day of Spring

Mar 20    Tuesday    World Storytelling Day
Mar 20    Tuesday    Proposal Day
Mar 21    Wednesday    Common Courtesy Day
Mar 22    Thursday    International Goof Off Day
Mar 23    Friday    OK Day
Mar 23    Friday    Puppy Day
Mar 23    Friday    Near Miss Day
Mar 24    Saturday    Chocolate Covered Raisins Day
Mar 25    Sunday    Waffle Day

Trail 2 San Fran CA photo by Mike Zonta

Mar 25    Sunday    Tolkien Reading Day
Mar 26    Monday    Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
Mar 27    Tuesday    Spanish Paella Day
Mar 28    Wednesday    Something on a Stick Day
Mar 29    Thursday    Smoke and Mirrors Day
Mar 30    Friday    Take a Walk in the Park Day

Mar 30    Friday     Passover Starts

Mar 31    Saturday    Bunsen Burner Day
 

A Writer Writes

Scott Keene a writer in the Long Beach, CA. Library Writing Group. His writing many of you have read on this site and communicated to me how much you enjoyed it.

You now can read more of him at your leisure, and for those of you who have wondered about our writing process, can also go to Scott’s new blog pages where he goes into easy to understand descriptions of how we come up with what we write.

So as Scott says, “he will use blog space to write about his writing….to write scenes. He creates a mood, places an image in the reader's mind and let the imagination do the rest…. You might get a glimpse of another person's life, but only for a few moments. You're left with an impression.

Happy or sad. Disturbed or terrified. Perhaps completely disinterested.

But, this blogger hopes, never bored."

You can find more of Scott's work on his blog page somelikeitscott
 

The Urge for Adventure January 2018

2018: You as Interior Innovator, and Originator 

This year, turn your new year's resolutions into objects of originality by giving yourself permission to engage and collaborate with others. Your first task is of course to innovate, to figure out what steps you can take to design a strategy, collaboration with others to gain the best optimal results for yourself while doing something great for the world. I suggest becoming the interior innovator, creating and having a space within your thinking, a mental state that shuts out the jumble of "what-ifs" and worries, a space that lets you be where ideas and goals come and go without judgement; within that space so an idea, goal or cause will formulate that is unique to you.

Milestone - celebrated like never before

When you can pair your unique personal goal with a great cause you'll find more encouragement from friends and family attracted to help and keep you motivated.

With Site of Contact suggestions, for ways of participation in events, classwork, and mentoring programs, you can raise the skills needed to address difficult challenges. You can find ways that can play a role in the response to crises that may have been happening for years. The fact is that certain communities have been dealing with issues for generations the same way, to collaborate with others, a new perspective that goes beyond historic trends and social-economic status can now arise in a larger context. It is unfortunate that the rule of identity of a community, group, or person is determined by their situation or suffering, and thus too often that determines society's response to that situation or suffering. To step outside that box in your approach can make you the innovator or originator of change. Hitting your personal best when you pair your innovate ideas with others in practical ways of change, creating milestones of celebration that feel like none ever before.

Life evolving

To begin, 'Traditional and Uncommon Obserances" section, has some fun, thought provoking and interesting themes going on within your community, or the world, that allows for a bit of original and innovative opportunities for engagement. You may want to see who is doing what and how, so check out some of the traditional, wacky and uncommon stuff that is out there, so you can get involved or use as a starting point for your innovative change.  

Being engaged is a way of doing life, a way of living and loving. It's about ...  expressing the bright hope that life offers us, a hope that makes us brave and expels darkness with light. That's what I want my life to be all about - full of abandon, whimsy, and in love. -Bob Goff

Traditional & Uncommon Daily Observances In 2018

Mon, January 1
New Year's Eve observed

Polar Bear Plunge

Mon, January 1
Polar Bear Plunge (Cony Island NY & Vancouver, BC)

Mon, January 1
Tournament of Roses Parade Day & Rose Bowl Game

Tue, January 2
National Buffet Day

Tue, January 2
Nat’l Motivation & Personal Trainer Day

Tue, January 2
National Science Fiction Day

Wed, January 3
J.R.R. Tolkien Day

Wed, January 3
Nat’l Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

Thu, January 4
I Am A Mentor Day

Thu, January 4
National Spaghetti Day

Thu, January 4
*World Braille Day

Thu, January 4
World Hypnotism Day

Bird Day

Fri, January 5
Bird Day

Fri, January 5
National Screenwriters Day

Sat, January 6
Epiphany

Sat, January 6
Bean Day

Sat, January 6
National Technology Day

Oprah and her Golden Gobe

Sun, January 7
Golden Globes Awards

Sun, January 7
International Programmers' Day

Sun, January 7
National Tempura Day

Mon, January 8
Argyle Day

Mon, January 8
Earth's Rotation Day

Mon, January 8
Midwife's Day or Women's Day

Mon, January 8
National Clean Off Your Desk Day

Mon, January 8
National Weigh-In Day

Tue, January 9
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Tue, January 9
National Poetry at Work Day

Tue, January 9
National Shop for Travel Day

Tue, January 9
Peace Agreement Day

Wed, January 10
League of Nations Day

Wed, January 10
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

Wed, January 10
National Oysters Rockerfeller Day

Thu, January 11
Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day

Thu, January 11
Nat’l Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Thu, January 11
National Milk Day

Fri, January 12
Kiss A Ginger Day

Fri, January 12
National Hot Tea Day

Sat, January 13
Make Your Dream Come True Day

Sat, January 13
National Sticker Day

Sat, January 13
National Vision Board Day

Sun, January 14
International Kite Day

Sun, January 14
Dress Up Your Pet Day

Sun, January 14
Organize Your Home Day

Martin Luther King Day

Mon, January 15
Blue Monday

Mon, January 15
Martin Luther King Day

Mon, January 15
National Day of Service

 Mon, January 15
Humanitarian Day     

Hat Day

Mon, January 15
National Hat Day

National Hug Day

Sun, January 21
National Hugging Day

Sun, January 21
World Religion Day

Sun, January 21
World Religion Day

Mon, January 22
Celebration of Life Day (honoring Children & Grandchildren)

Tue, January 23
National Handwriting Day

Pie Day

Tue, January 23
National Pie Day

Wed, January 24
Mobile Phone Recycling Day

Wed, January 24
National Belly Laugh Day

Wed, January 24
National Peanut Butter Day

Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly

Thu, January 25
National Irish Coffee Day

Thu, January 25
Opposite Day

Thu, January 25
Thank Your Mentor Day

Thu, January 25
A Room of One's Own Day

Fri, January 26
International Customs Day

Fri, January 26
Dental Drill Appreciation Day

Fri, January 26
National Spouses Day

Sat, January 27
International Holocaust Memorial

National Geographic photo of Seeds

Sat, January 27
National Geographic Day

Sat, January 27
National Seed Swap Day

Sat, January 27
Thomas Crapper Day

Sat, January 27
Chocolate Cake Day

Popping Bubble wrap

Sun, January 28
Data Privacy Day

Sun, January 28
Fun at Work Day

Sun, January 28
60th Annual Grammy Awards

Mon, January 29
Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

Mon, January 29
National Puzzle Day

Mon, January 29
National Corn Chip Day

Tue, January 30
Inane Answering Message Day

Plan Your Trip Prosperos Assembly2018

Tue, January 30
National Plan For A Vacation Day

Wed, January 31
Backward Day

Stream Drawing by Heather Williams

Wed, January 31
Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

Wed, January 31
Tu B'Shvat

The Urge for Adventure December 2017

A lifetime is not what is between the moments of birth and death. A lifetime is one moment between my two little breaths. The present, the here, the now. That’s all the life I get. I live each moment in full, In kindness, in peace, without regret. - Chade Meng, Taoist poet

 Engaging in activities this month might surprise you.I passed on some great ideas for exploration, and reasons to get up off the couch and create your own personal holiday magic. December offers even more off the charts gathering with friends and family,  parties, one-on-one encounters that encourage new and original ways to engage which would include people that you have known for a long time or  with those who are new to you. Yes, maybe even a little romance! Here is another chance for you to shine and to become more of your awesome best.

December's Monthly Events

Aid Quits memorial, Washington, D.C. 

 AIDS Awareness Month

Awareness Months Month

Bingo’s Birthday Month

National Human Rights Month

National Tie Month

National Write a Business Plan Month

Operation Santa Paws (December 1-December 24)

Quince and Watermelon Month

Photo Artist Juan Coronado

Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruits Month

Spiritual Literacy Month

Tomato and Winter Squash Month

Universal Human Rights Month

Worldwide Food Service Safety Month

DECEMBER WEEKLY HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES

National Handwashing Awareness Week, December 3-9 (First Full Week)

Recipe Greetings For The Holidays Week, December 3-9 (First Full Week)

Cookie Exchange Week, December 18-22 (First M-F Week Before Christmas)

Christmas Bird Count Week, December 14-January 5 (Always every year)

Halcyon Days, December 14-28 (Always seven days before/after the Winter Solstice)

Gluten-free Baking Week, December 17-23 (Week Before Christmas)

Kwanzaa, December 26-January 1

Hanukkah December 12 -20

 

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER  DAILY EVENTS

DECEMBER 1 Friday World AIDS Day

DECEMBER 1 Friday National Pie Day

DECEMBER 1 Friday National Eat a Red Apple Day

DECEMBER 1 Friday Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day

DECEMBER 1 Friday Day With(out) Art Day

DECEMBER 1 Friday Faux Fur Friday – (First Friday in Dec.)

DECEMBER 2  Saturday International Abolition Slavery Day

DECEMBER 2  Saturday National Fritters Day

Mutt Day

DECEMBER 2  Saturday National Mutt Day

DECEMBER 2  Saturday Special Education Day

DECEMBER 2  Saturday Skywarn Recognition Day – (First Sat. in Dec.}

DECEMBER 3  Sunday  International Disabilities Persons Day

DECEMBER 3  Sunday  Roof Over Your Head Day

DECEMBER 4  Monday  National Cookie Day

DECEMBER 4  Monday  National Dice Day

DECEMBER 5  Tuesday  World Soil Day

DECEMBER 5  Tuesday  Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Dvlpmnt

Sacher Torte

DECEMBER 5  Tuesday  National Sacher Torte Day

DECEMBER 5  Tuesday  AFL-CIO Day

DECEMBER 5  Tuesday  Bathtub Party Day

DECEMBER 5  Tuesday  International Ninja Day

DECEMBER 5  Tuesday  Repeal Day #RepealDay

DECEMBER 6  Wednesday  National Pawnbrokers Day

DECEMBER 6  Wednesday  National Microwave Oven Day

DECEMBER 6  Wednesday  National Gazpacho Day

DECEMBER 6  Wednesday  St. Nicholas Day

DECEMBER 6  Wednesday  Miners Day

PSA Airlines

DECEMBER 7  Thursday  International Civil Aviation Day

DECEMBER 7  Thursday  National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

DECEMBER 7  Thursday  National Cotton Candy Day

DECEMBER 8  Friday   National Brownie Day

DECEMBER 8  Friday  Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day 

DECEMBER 9  Saturday  International Anti-Corruption Day

DECEMBER 9  Saturday  National Pastry Day

DECEMBER 9  Saturday  Weary Willie Day

DECEMBER 9  Saturday  National Wreaths Day – 2nd Sat. in December

DECEMBER 10 Sunday  Dewey Decimal System Day

DECEMBER 10 Sunday  Human Rights Day

Nobel Prize

DECEMBER 10 Sunday  Nobel Prize Day

DECEMBER 11 Monday  International Mountain Day

DECEMBER 11 Monday  National Noodle Ring Day

DECEMBER 11 Monday  UNICEF Birthday

DECEMBER 12  Tuedsday  National Ambrosia Day

DECEMBER 12  Tuedsday  National Ding-a-Ling Day

DECEMBER 12  Tuedsday  Gingerbread House Day

DECEMBER 12  Tuedsday  Poinsettia Day

DECEMBER 12  Tuedsday  Chanukah Begins 

Hot Cocoa

DECEMBER 13  Wednesday  National Cocoa Day

DECEMBER 13  Wednesday  National Violin Day

DECEMBER 13  Wednesday  National Day Of The Horse 

DECEMBER 14  Thursday  National Bouillabaisse Day

DECEMBER 15  Friday  National Cupcake/Lemon Cupcake Day

DECEMBER 15  Friday  Bill of Rights Day

DECEMBER 15  Friday  Cat Herders Day 

DECEMBER 15  Friday  National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day 

DECEMBER 15  Friday  Underdog Day

DECEMBER 16  Saturday  National Chocolate-covered Anything Day

DECEMBER 16  Saturday  Barbie and Barney Backlash Day

DECEMBER 16  Saturday  Free Shipping Day – Changes Annually

DECEMBER 17  Sunday  National Maple Syrup Day

DECEMBER 17  Sunday  Wright Brothers Day

DECEMBER 18  Monday  International Migrants Day

DECEMBER 18  Monday  U.N. Arabic Language Day

DECEMBER 18  Monday  National Roast Suckling Pig Day

DECEMBER 18  Monday  Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day

DECEMBER 19  Tuesday  National Hard Candy Day

DECEMBER 19  Tuesday  National Oatmeal Muffin Day

DECEMBER 20  Wednesday  National Sangria Day

DECEMBER 21  Thursday  National French Fried Shrimp Day

DECEMBER 21  Thursday  Crossword Puzzle Day

DECEMBER 21  Thursday  Humbug Day 

DECEMBER 21  Thursday  Yule - Winter Solstice 

DECEMBER 21  Thursday  National Flashlight Day

DECEMBER 21  Thursday  National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day

DECEMBER 21  Thursday  National Re-Gifting Day 

DECEMBER 22  Friday  National Date Nut Bread Day

DECEMBER 22  Friday  Anne and Samantha Day (also June 21)

DECEMBER 22  Friday  Forefathers Day – December 22 

DECEMBER 23  Saturday  National Pfeffernusse Day

DECEMBER 23  Saturday  National Roots Day

DECEMBER 23  Saturday  Festivus

DECEMBER 24  Sunday    National Eggnog Day

DECEMBER 24  Sunday  Christmas Eve

DECEMBER 25 Monday  National Pumpkin Pie Day

DECEMBER 25 Monday  A’Phabet Day or No “L” Day

Family Holidays

DECEMBER 25 Monday  Christmas

DECEMBER 26  Tuesday National Candy Cane Day

DECEMBER 26  Tuesday National Thank You Note Day

DECEMBER 26  Tuesday National Whiner’s Day

DECEMBER 26  Tuesday Boxing Day (Canada)

DECEMBER 27   Wednesday  National Fruitcake Day

DECEMBER 28  Thursday  National Chocolate Candy Day

DECEMBER 28  Thursday  National Card Playing Day

DECEMBER 28  Thursday  Holy Innocents Day

DECEMBER 28  Thursday  Pledge of Allegiance Day

DECEMBER 29  Friday  National Pepper Pot Day

DECEMBER 29  Friday  Tick Tock Day

DECEMBER 29  Friday  No Interruptions Day

DECEMBER 30  Saturday  National Bicarbonate of Soda Day

DECEMBER 30  Saturday  Falling Needles Family Fest Day

DECEMBER 30  Saturday  Bacon Day

DECEMBER 31 Sunday  National Champagne Day

DECEMBER 31 Sunday  Make Up Your Mind Day

DECEMBER 31 Sunday  New Year’s Eve

DECEMBER 31 Sunday  Universal Hour of Peace

My Favorite Bar By Marni Spencer-Devlin

"Something unique and outside of the box done by one of the exceptional writers of the  Long Beach Library Coffeehouse's, Writing Group - Author MarniSpencer-Devlin. who took the writing prompt of the day,  called 'My Favorite Bar'-  and made it her own."

- Calvin Harris, H.W.,M

Photo by Artisit Juan Coronado

What makes a bar a favorite? In most cases it isn’t the beautiful or stylish interior, is it? Most bars are quite the opposite of stylish, or even clean, for that matter. Sticky floors, sticky counters, sticky toilets – everything most people would abhor in their regular life so what can make a bar a favorite place to be? It’s the people. Cheers had it right – the place where everybody knows your name. Where people know you and your foibles, and they still want to hang out with you! The place where you feel accepted and maybe even appreciated for being you. It doesn’t get any better than that. It’s what life is really all about.

For me that place isn’t really even a bar. It’s the Library – and it’s not a library either. It’s a funny excuse for a coffee house with mismatched furniture and a perpetually stinky, unisex bathroom. But it’s the place where my beloved writer buddies hang out with me. Once a week, or as often as we can. But when it comes together it’s the best day of the week.

Photo by Calvin Harris

Writing is a funny thing when it’s done right. It’s an intimate, bare-all, no-holds-barred, kind-of-thing. Where you put yourself out there, courageously, and you write what’s in your soul for all the world to see. It could be a scary place but it is isn’t when you’re around a group of similar miscreants who similarity put themselves out there with courage and talent and heart and soul. It’s the stuff that life is made of. Most don’t ever get to experience that much fun. Because they don’t have the guts to go there. Because they make excuses not to. But my buddies make time and show up and are there. And I appreciate them all so much and they me.

Ironic that all that would be found in a usually dark, dank, sticky place with crooked furniture. Life’s messy, I guess. Isn’t that what makes it so fun, after all?

Blame It On Theatre'

It is fall, here in Southern California, as such the days are growing shorter, and the need for physical recreation now turns to mental recreation, as the daylight hours decrease, and hours spent indoors increases.

One preoccupation besides the Football games that can move one indoors is the Fall-Winter Theater Season: This can include anything from state-of-the-art theaters to a world-renowned symphony and a multitude of live performances. I’d suggest giving a live stage performance a go. Much that I have learned about human interaction, or what I now know about my own inner-personal interactions was revealed to me in a non-combative observational way, presented to me as a live on-stage event.  

Granthan Coleman Playing Hamlet 2017

I began looking for these revelations about life in earnest, after hearing my Teacher Thane, tell about these insights in his class lectures for the Prosperos. (lectures on self-observation and self-awareness.) He would reference live theatrical performance or musicals as a way to unlock some unknown factor, to perceive something about our situation that we normally would not see, a place of authenticity, or Truth based reality rather than based on sense testimony alone.

In the FootLights LA, a theatrical publication handed out to me at a recent musical performance of Cabaret, besides information on the cast and production of Cabaret, the publication had a story that will illustrate my point. The article was written by Peter Finlayson, and was called “Blame it on Theatre.” The article had a resonance with me and this concept of seeing beyond sense testimony as well as the function of Theatre. -Calvin

"I’ve found myself in an interesting position of late. Through the genius of social media, I’ve had the opportunity of being reacquainted with people I’ve not seen since I came to California. Back in 1981, it means I’ve had a bit of catching up to do. The first thing I discovered was that for those that were true friends, well, we are still friends. Getting past all the ‘what have you been up to’ took about a nano-second before we were back to conversation and feelings we shared as if we hadn’t missed a beat in 35 plus years.

What was a little surprising was that even though I am still most assuredly a child of the 60’s and an unabashed left-leaning liberal, many of my old friends had adopted a more conservative position. So has always been my want, political discussion quickly ensued, and the current political climate certainly added fuel to the debate.

At the same time, I’ve also had opportunity to engage with my more recently acquired friends, mostly theatre-makers, on the same topics. The resulting conversations really bought me to think – how did I, a radical loud mouthed protester who’d marched on Washington, the capital not the man, suddenly appear to be opposed to both right and left, positions that were being vociferously expressed to me by people I assumed to share values.

I’ve become a centrist? Not possible!

Thank god, those that were friends are still friends, and no permanent scars were created. But why was it that I was arguing against both sides, this is all in regard to free speech, and I was essentially saying the exact same thing to both, and being met with exhaustive fervency in opposition.

I blame it on Theatre!

What? Yep! My passion for change has been tempered by my passion for theartre. For a while I was feeling a bit like Data on Star Trek, Next Generation, rapidly scanning my memories as to what has influenced me the most to seek a position of principal with the understanding that the principal has limitations.

Theartre always serves as an allegory, and in the 3-plus millennia of recorded history, there is an over-riding principle that is essentially the moral of virtually every play. Moderation. Heroes become tragic when they act in haste or out of self-interest. In comedy, heroes become fools when acting for the same reasons.  Causes are not noble if concern for “others” is not part of the equation

Photo Jimmy Flint-Smith  Actor Model

Before you scream foul and yell that theatre is not a voice of caution, hear me out. It is not caution that drives theatre, it is understanding. It is the demand that for me to reflect upon the evil men do, I must first understand that they come not from a position of evil, but from a position of self-interest. “My morals are more important”, “my wants are more immediate”, “my judgement is superior”.  

Theatre teaches us the nuances, the difference between caution and moderation. Theatre teaches us that we may be individuals, but are more assuredly a par of the whole. What impacts us, impacts everyone.

In its very process of creating a living play, the moderation I speak of is demanded of everyone at every level. A play, a musical, is the very essence of the social experience.

The participants, from writer to stagehand, are individuals. Each has a vision and a want to execute the play to bring a sense of fulfillment to the audience.  Yet the writer ultimately knows that there are words that will change. The actor knows that the director is there to make sure the performance fits the scene. The designer may want the best set he or she has ever created, but it must serve the play.

Individually we are as the theatre-makers. Our will, our reason, our logic, dictates that certain things must occur for the betterment of humanity. The merits of the effort are determined not by the contributor, but the reality of value perceived by those around us. In a very real sense it is the whole of humanity that determines what is best.

Stage Production of Blood Brothers

For more than 3,000 years, theatre has expressed the position that the consequence of action is more important than the action itself. It demands of both artist and audience to take a journey of understanding and at conclusion, become aware that intent is never the cause of the conclusion, intent is only a catalyst to a journey.

The beauty that is expressed in theatre is that we must take the journey. We must examine the life we witness, we must encourage action, but we must do so with the weight of humanity upon our shoulders.

So what’s the take away? Jacques in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” tells us, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players….” While the monologue is about Life played out in stages . . . I think it also an admonition. Play the role; fit into the moment.

Respect ourselves for the roles we play, but accept that our wants will not be the determiner of accomplishments. Theatre teaches us to moderate our expectations to see beyond the vista of our eyes, and then act.