April 8, 2015

Today we celebrate:

National Empanada Day – You can turn almost anything into an empanada by wrapping it in bread. That makes them a pretty portable, easily eaten lunch option.

All Is Ours Day – Look around you today and notice all of the beautiful and wonderful things that the world provides for us. Then realize that much of what you see belongs to everyone, not just you. So don't be greedy.  We need to share nature’s wonders with each other and we each need to take care that we don’t destroy those same wonders with our selfish, entitled attitude.  Just because we live on the earth, doesn’t give us the right to throw our garbage wherever we want or simply take whatever we want.

Draw A Picture Of A Bird Day – This day was begun in the 1940's in the United Kingdom by a little 7 year old girl named Dorie Cooper, who was trying to cheer up her uncle but ended up lifting the spirits of an entire hospital ward.  She accomplished this by asking her sick uncle to draw her a picture of a bird.  When he had, she laughed and said he wasn’t very good, but she would hang it in her room anyway.  Her honesty and laugh made her uncle and many other patients laugh as well.  After that every time she came to visit, they would have bird drawing contests until the walls of the ward were filled with pictures. She died in a car accident when she was ten years old and her casket was filled with pictures of birds made by doctors, nurses and patients at the hospital.  Originally, in order to celebrate this day, you could only use pencils for your drawing.  Then, some years ago, crayons were added as an acceptable drawing implements. Just recently, computer drawing packages were allowed as well. Enjoy.

Buddha Day – Known as Vesakha, or Buddha's birthday, the date of celebration varies depending on which culture's calendar you follow. The Chinese lunar calendar places the day on the 8th day of the 4th month, which would be May 25th this year. The Japanese adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1873 and so they celebrate this day on April 8th every year.  On this day Buddhists are expected to gather at their temples for a day full of symbolism and reflection upon Buddha's words.

Name Yourself Day – If you have a name that is impossible to spell or say and you’re tired of it, or if your name just doesn’t fit you for some reason, or if you simply want a change for a day, this is a day for you.  Pick your own name and use it today.  No legal documents are needed unless you plan to keep the name forever.


To celebrate today, change your name to one you love before you draw pictures of birds and deliver them, to a Buddhist Temple near you.  On the way home, pay attention to the beauty all around you that you share with everyone else.  Finally, empanada’s for dinner!

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