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Hunker Down with a Good Read

  • Writer: kiehart
    kiehart
  • Feb 2, 2025
  • 2 min read

As we enter the second month of the year I thought you might enjoy some fascinating historical facts and superstitions I’ve discovered about this month. Some you have heard, some not. My sources: Fun world facts.com and Learn bright.org

  • ·         The Assassination of Julius Caesar (44 BCE): Although not in February itself, the assassination of Julius Caesar was planned for the Ides of February (February 15) in the Roman calendar.

  • ·         The First American Flag Flown at Sea (1775): On February 14, 1775, the first American flag was flown at sea by the colonial schooner USS Alfred during the American Revolutionary War.

  • ·         The Signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848): This treaty ended the Mexican-American War and led to the U.S. acquiring territories that would become California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of several other states.

  • ·         The First Grammy Awards (1959): The first Grammy Awards ceremony was held on May 4, 1959, but the nominations and voting took place in February.

  • ·         The Launch of the First U.S. Space Shuttle (1981): On February 20, 1981, NASA launched the Space Shuttle Columbia on its first orbital test flight.

  • ·         Imbolc (February 1): This ancient Celtic festival marks the halfway point between winter and spring. It’s believed to be a time of purification and renewal. Lighting candles and fires is said to drive away the dark of winter and invite the warmth and light of spring.

  • ·         Groundhog Day (February 2): In the U.S. and Canada, Groundhog Day is celebrated with the belief that if a groundhog sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it doesn't, spring will arrive early.

  • ·         St. Blaise's Day (February 3): St. Blaise is the patron saint of wild animals in some Christian traditions. It's believed that praying to St. Blaise can protect animals from illness and injury.

  • ·         The Death Anniversary of Charles Dickens (February 7): Some people believe that reading a passage from a Dickens novel on this day brings good luck and literary inspiration.

  • ·         Valentine's Day (February 14): This day is filled with superstitions related to love and romance. For example, it's said that if you see a squirrel on Valentine's Day, you'll marry a cheapskate, or if you find a glove, your future partner will have the other glove.

  • ·         Roman Festival of Lupercalia (February 15): This ancient festival was celebrated to ward off evil spirits and promote fertility and health. It was believed that the rituals performed during this festival would bring good fortune for the rest of the year.

  • ·         Leap Year Superstitions: Since February 29th only comes around every four years, leap years carry a lot of folklore. Some believe it's unlucky to start new projects or get married in a leap year, while others consider it a special time for making bold moves.



I hope you enjoyed these tidbits!


Hunker down with a good read!
Hunker down with a good read!





 
 
 

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September Post

September isn't just a Month--it's a Mindset

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Photo: Monarch Pass, Colorado, September

Let me begin with a quote that captures the quiet magic of this month: “September tries its best to have us forget summer.” – Bernard Williams.

 

There’s something bittersweet about September. It’s not loud with excitement and energy like July or with sparkle and shine like December. It whispers. It reminds us that change is approaching—and change can inspire personal reflection.

 

In the Northern Hemisphere, September marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The days grow shorter, the air turns crisp, and trees begin their slow, spectacular transformation. Leaves shift from green to gold, amber, and crimson—nature’s final fireworks before winter’s hush.

 

September teaches us that slowing down doesn’t mean stopping—it means preparing. Families switch into school mode. Farmers begin their harvest. Animals start their migration or gather food for the colder months.

 

September is a quieter month. The rush of summer fades, and the frenzy of the holidays hasn’t yet begun. There’s time to think. To breathe.

 

I’ve always found September to be a time of clarity--my 'chill' month. It’s when I take stock of my goals, reconnect with my values, and prepare for the final stretch of the year. For me, it’s about recalibration.

 

So what is September, really? It’s a month of balance, of beauty, of quiet transformation. Observe the changes that surround you each day. Be reminded that change doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.

 

As we move through this month, I invite you to let go of what no longer serves you. And prepare, with purpose, for what’s to come.

 

 

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