Today is All Our Uncles Are Monkeys Day! Do your best monkey dance up to your uncle and give him a big hug. Then take him out for a banana split!
Enjoy your uncle–and all your relatives. Surround yourself with family. That’s where the love comes from.
Grab your uncle and have fun today! Sonja
Today is a fun holiday that is close to my heart. I love my young readers and enjoy hearing from them. I write my chapter and picture books with them in mind.
What is your favorite book?
Have fun reading! Sonja
Fly your flag! It’s time to honor our nation’s veterans.
Originally, called Armistace Day, Veterans day is the day to honor those who have served in the military.
It is observed on November 11th of each year because that date is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistace that ended World War I. It was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor the veterans of all wars.
If you’re wondering about my grammar, Veterans Day is officially written without the apostrophe.
Did you now that the Mayflower Compact was signed on November 11, 1620? There was a small group of Americans who lobbied to have the holiday renamed Mayflower Day to honor that occasion.
I hope you fly your flag to honor U.S. veterans! Sonja
Today is the 245th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. Founded in 1775 by the Second Continental Congress, the Continental Marines (as they were called at that time) consisted of two battalions. As of 2017, the U.S. Marines number an estimated 186,000 on active duty, with another 38,500 in the Reserves.
The Marines are the smallest branch in the U.S. military, with a large reputation. They work with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force during expeditionary and amphibious operations.
Take the time today to thank the U.S. Marine Corps. Sonja
It’s time to cast a vote for the country. If you’re not eligible to vote, please encourage those in your life who can. If you are, please send in your mail-in ballot or go to the polls.
It’s so important for every eligible citizen to cast a vote. Here in Arizona, we are voting on important city issues, plus filling soon-to-be-vacant offices at the local level.
National elections are always held on the first Tuesday of the month–the first Tuesday that follows a Monday. So, if Tuesday is the first day of the month, then the elections are held the following week.
Congress decided on that day in 1845, specifically for presidential elections. November was an ideal time of the year since the harvest season was ending. This made it easier for people who lived in the country and worked farms to get to a polling station and cast their votes.
Every state in the union is holding elections today to select public officials and decide on legislation.
Be a part of the process! Sonja
What are your favorite traditions?
Enjoy your traditions! Sonja
The night for ghosts and goblins, superheroes and junior first responders to wander through your neighborhood!
Be safe as you trick or treat. And remember that cars can’t see you in the dark. If you are walking, stick to the sidewalk and watch out. If you are driving, go slowly and watch out for walkers.
I’ve been everything from a happy clown to a medieval princess. I love dressing up for Halloween! Tell me what your favorite costume is, or what you’re dressing up as this year!
Happy Halloween! Sonja
In some places, tonight is called Mischief Night. Also called Devil’s Night, Goosey Night, Moving Night, Cabbage Night, and Mat Night, this night is the time for pranks on neighbors by children and teenagers.
These pranks can get the pranksters in trouble, as many are illegal. In fact, in New Jersey, where observance of this night is a notable tradition, some towns have adopted a zero-tolerance policy due to the nature of the pranks.
In the 1970s, Devil’s Night separated itself from Mischief Night due to the arson that was done in the Detroit area. Devil’s Night became a night of destruction and arson.
Mischief Night dates back to the late 1700s when it was first mentioned on paper. In 1790, St. John’s College in England mentioned Mischief Night at the end of a school play. It is believed the night first began in May, but crept later into the year as smaller towns began to adopt the tradition. Eventually, it landed on Halloween Eve.
Stay safe and legal on Mischief Night! Sonja
It’s the last Friday in October and you know what that means: it’s Frankenstein Friday!!! Don your neck bolts and wear a natty green suit. You need to master the stiff-legged walk of his, too.
Commonly called Frankenstein, the name doesn’t actually mean the green monster. He is called ‘Frankenstein’s monster”. Frankenstein is the surname for the doctor who created the monster.
The characters were created in 1818 by author Mary Shelley. She described the monster as 8 feet tall and hideously ugly. She wrote that he is also sensitive and emotional.
He wasn’t given a name in the novel, which is probably what led the general population to call him Frankenstein.
By the end of the novel he was tri-lingual! He was fluent in English and could read and speak French and German. He was quite a smart monster.
Now you have all the knowledge for National Frankenstein Day, which is on October 29th.
Happy Day! Sonja
I hope you have a chance to enjoy the origins of this federal holiday. Columbus Day is meant to commemorate the voyage of Christopher Columbus to America. This day was first celebrated on the 300th anniversary of his landing, on October 12, 1792, by New York’s Columbian Order, also known as the Society of St. Tammany. It became a federal holiday in 1937.
You may prefer to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This holiday is also called First Peoples’ Day, National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or Native American Day. Celebrated on the second Monday in October, this day directly opposes Columbus Day to commemorate the histories and cultures of the Native American people.
Some Italian-Americans observe Columbus Day as a celebration of their heritage. Since Columbus hailed from Italy. He searched for a faster route to the Far East by crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and instead landed in the New World. His first trip comprised of three ships, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. When he and his crew arrived after a three-month voyage, they initiated the Columbian Exchange. This program introduced plants, animals, culture, settlers, and technology to the New World, but also brought invasive species and communicable diseases to the region.
It is because of these and other negative associations with Columbus’ arrival that eleven states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day rather than Columbus Day. Wisconsin became the latest state to observe this day, formally recognizing the day on Tuesday of last week.
Whichever day you observe, I hope you enjoy the day and what it represents to you. Sonja