September 2005
September ~ the month when summer ends and fall begins. The days turn cooler, the nights come sooner, and children head back to school. To me, September means the smell of apple crisp baking in the oven, the feel of a cozy sweater on a chilly morning, and the sight of the trees beginning to show their brilliant autumn colors.
Sept. 5 ~ Labor Day
On this day we pay tribute to "the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership -- the American worker." Have you ever thought about creating a layout about your job? Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a high-profile attorney, or anything in between, why not take this opportunity to journal about your work ~ what you do, what you like about it, what you don't like, what you wish you were doing instead, etc. Have someone take pictures of you at work, as well. Our jobs are an important part of our lives, and are worthy of a place in our scrapbooks.
Unofficially, Labor Day weekend has come to mean a goodbye to summer ~ the time to fit in one last barbecue or picnic, or take one last vacation before fall. Some towns hold parades or festivals on this day. However you celebrate it, don't forget to take pictures!
Sept. 11 ~ Grandparents Day
Grandmas and grandpas are some of the most special people on earth! Celebrate this day by letting your grandparents (and your children's grandparents) know just how treasured they are. If you cannot be with them in person, call them or send a heart-felt card. If you're lucky enough to spend the day with them, don't forget your camera! Try to get pictures of the different generations, and the close bond between grandparent and grandchild.
If your grandparents are no longer living, try journaling about them for a memorial layout. Close your eyes and remember everything you can about them, how they looked, how they smelled, things they said, things they did ~ then try to capture your memories on paper.
Sept. 11th is also Patriot Day
Today is not a day to celebrate, but it IS a day to remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in 2001. If you haven't already, try journaling your memories of this day. Painful as it may be to think and write about, future generations will appreciate the "eye-witness" account of a day in history. Where were you when you heard about the attacks? What did you do? What did you feel? And what does it all mean to you, four years later?
Light a candle today, in memory of all those who lost their lives, and also in hope for the future.
Sept. 17 ~ Wife Appreciation Day
Make sure your husband knows about this important holiday!!
Sept. 18 - 24 ~ National Dog Week
Do you have a pet dog? If so, take the time this week to snap pictures of your special furry family member! Take photos of your dog sleeping and playing and cuddling. Does your dog have a favorite place? A favorite trick? A favorite treat? Don't forget to journal all about the things that make your dog unique.
Sept. 22 ~ First Day of Fall
Celebrate fall! Take a nature walk and look for signs of autumn. Have the leaves started changing color yet? Are squirrels gathering nuts for the winter? Are fall flowers in bloom? Take pictures of your neighborhood, then take pictures of the same places in a few weeks ~ they are sure to look different! Top off the first day of fall with a hearty bowl of soup, fresh-baked bread, and warm apple crisp for dessert ~ yum!
Sept. 24 - Oct. 1 ~ Banned Books Week
“Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such Thing as Wisdom; and no such Thing as publick Liberty, without Freedom of Speech.” — Benjamin Franklin
I LOVE to read, and many of my favorite books are included on the 100 most frequently challenged books ~ To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, the Harry Potter series, and many others. (Bet you didn't know I was such a rebel, huh? LOL) Want to be a rebel with me? Choose one of the books on the list and read it this week....
Sept. 25 ~ Good Neighbor Day
Reach out to others in your community today, and make your little corner of the world a friendlier place. How about baking some treats to deliver to your neighbors? Or running errands for an elderly person or someone who is ill? Or maybe you can organize a neighborhood party? Whatever you do, be sure to get some photos!
Things to do anytime:
September is Hispanic Heritage Month. The 15th is Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and September 16th is Mexico's Independence Day. In our own country, approximately 10 percent of the population is of Hispanic origin. Why not take the time to celebrate Hispanic cultures with traditional foods, music, and dances? Plan an evening out at a Mexican restaurant, or try your hand at making some Hispanic foods at home (many recipes can be found on the internet). Check your library for books or videos on Central American and Latin American countries. Make a maraca or a pinata. You could even try to learn some Spanish!