As if we don’t have enough on our minds with the coronavirus, Murder Hornets seem now to have supplanted Killer Bees as some of the latest creatures with which we must contend. I’ve also read that the number and variety of insects in our environment are diminishing so their demise may eventually deprive some creatures a food source.
We humans aren’t the only ones having to adjust our lives to changes, including food availability, though we’re assured there is no shortage. Such environmental issues impact all life on earth since we are connected. Our world ecosystem is described by You Matter.
Survival is the name of the game for all. Like most of you, I care about the issues above, coupled with others with which we’re faced today, but I periodically must take a respite from thinking about the seriousness of living. So, I racked my brain to come up with something to celebrate this week in addition to the many benefits and privileges for which I am personally thankful.
V. E. Day – Victory in Europe, celebrated May 8th when World War II ended with a victory over fascism, was a momentous day in my young life 75 years ago. Great Britain though subjected to devastating bombings, other hardships and sacrifices, was determined to never surrender. Other assaults can threaten a nation's people in addition to war's violence and destruction.
Dame Vera Lynn, a popular singer, also morale builder of that time, still living at 103 today, reminds us “hope remains in even the most difficult of times” as she is recently quoted by the BBC. Here she reminds us "It's A Lovely Day Tomorrow". I still tear up when I hear “White Cliffs of Dover” from those WWII days. Another of her favored songs has taken on new appreciation and significance now in these days of Covid-19, when we are so separated from one another –“We’ll Meet Again".
Dame Vera Lynn, known as the "Forces Sweetheart", performing at age 77 during a concert aboard the QE 2 on 6 June 1984, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. Walter Cronkite, veteran U.S. Broadcaster introduced her.
Further thought has provided me with no unique or original celebratory ideas, so I’ve resorted to referencing the National Day Calendar which provides a multitude of celebratory choices for every day in the month, every month and year.
Today, of course, is Mother’s Day – the second Sunday in May.
This day honoring mothers has been special all the years of my life. I’ve paid tribute to my mother in years past on this blog. I still miss her, always will.
According to the calendar, the day is also National Clean Up Your Room Day – seems fitting, especially to anyone who has or had children.
I decided to arbitrarily select a celebratory listing from the calendar for each day of this coming week.
Monday, May 11th
National Twilight Zone Day
My favored identification to celebrate is the classic Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone television series first aired decades ago. These stories have a unique twist with some plots eerily significant to our present lives.
There is another more bizarre connection that comes to mind for me. This is a sense that we’re currently living in a twilight zone with the current U.S. federal government administration and coronavirus turning our lives upside down and inside out.
Tuesday, May 12th
National Limerick Day
Limerick’s are nonsense verse, simple, sometimes silly, humorous, often risque poems. Nature Center Mag reminded me of Ogden Nash’s version of The Purple Cow:
I never saw a purple cow
I hope I never see one,
But I can tell you this right now:
I'd rather see than be one.
But I can tell you this right now:
I'd rather see than be one.
Interesting Literature offers this:
The limerick packs laughs anatomical
Into space that is quite economical.
But the good ones I’ve seen
So seldom are clean
Into space that is quite economical.
But the good ones I’ve seen
So seldom are clean
And the clean ones so seldom are comical.
Then there’s William Stone, M.D. who writes medical limericks like this about the Hantavirus:
If you plan a trip to Yosemite
There’s a virus in that vicinity
It is carried by deer mice
Their excretions aerosolized
Can infect those in their proximity
Wednesday, May 13th
National Apple Pie Day
My mother made the best apple pie I ever ate. Some of her secrets were the type apple she used, preparatory techniques and adding a teaspoon or so of brewed coffee in the center of the pie before baking. I like to add a dollop of vanilla ice cream on a warmed slice of baked apple pie.
Thursday, May 14th
National Decency Day
Vocabulary definition:
“decency. The personal quality of decency is one of honesty, good manners, and respect for other people. ... When a criminal or dictator does horrible things, people assume they have no sense of decency.”
Seems to have been a lot of decency lacking in our White House the past four years. Fortunately, many Americans have retained their sense of decency which I celebrate.
Friday, May 15th
National Chocolate Chip Day
This is a tasty way to celebrate, with a good old-fashioned chocolate chip cookie. I don’t mind if macadamia or other kind of nut is added to the cookie dough.
Saturday, May 16th
National Do Something Nice For Your Neighbor Day
National Love A Tree Day
I decided to have a dual celebration to wrap up my celebratory week. I value my interconnectedness with others whether next door in my immediate neighborhood, or with those in the world community – including those in this virtual community. Cherishing all life forms to which I'm also connected, I do love trees as symbolic of our planet’s environmental forces significant to my life.
Do you have a favorite day celebration you would choose from my list above, or a special celebration of your own for this week?
