On This Day: August 18th … Strange Holidays

Bad Poetry Day

Mail Order Catalogue Day

National Fajita Day

Serendipity Day

Never knew there could even be a bad poetry day. Go figure.

National Fajita Day

In the early 1930′s, Mexican vaqueros in Southwest Texas developed what we’ve grown to love all over the United States. Using throwaway cuts of beef, they developed the fajita. However, it wasn’t long before they became a staple in the region. These cowboys cooked the steak over an open fire or grill. Once cooked, they served it with flour or corn tortillas. In later years, fresh Pico de Gallo, guacamole, and southwestern spices elevated the fajita. Soon the convenient meal for hardworking cowboys made an introduction to new audiences. The fajita became a destination food in the culinary world.

As their popularity grew, fajitas added a colorful flair to Tex-Mex menus. Sizzling platters full of bright peppers, onions, and a mouthwatering aroma delighted patrons. Menu choices beyond tender steak also broadened the fajita spectrum. Sweet shrimp, lean chicken, or pork with freshly made tortillas arrived at tables with fanfare. By the 1980′s, most Mexican restaurants in the United States served fajitas. In the modern culinary kitchen, lime, cilantro and a plethora of vegetables find their way into a fajita, too. Add to that the perfect seasonings and mouths really begin to water.

Another flavor boost comes from grilling with mesquite. It adds a smoky flavor and bacon adds crunch. Of course, who could forget the cheese? With their festive ’presentations, fajitas continue to be enjoyed today. The fajita has come a long way from skirt steak trimmings.

Serendipity Day

You are so lucky! Whether you realize it or not, it is a stroke of serendipity that you arrived here today. It’s Serendipity Day. Think of it as a blessing in disguise, as you can expect unexpected events to occur today. And they will be happy events.

The word “Serendipity ” was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754. He took it from a Persian fairy tale “The Three Princes of Serendip”. It was written over 1,000 years ago. According to the Miriam-Webster Dictionary, Serendipity is: “the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for”. Serendipity is not fate. It’s similar to luck. Perhaps best of all, serendipity can occur each and every day of your life.

When you think about it, serendipity comes from a positive, uplifting attitude and lifestyle. If you think positive, good things, unexpected things can and will happen. Importantly, if we are thinking positive, we are most likely subconsciously looking for serendipity. With a positive attitude, we will recognize serendipity each time if occurs.

I hope you really benefit from Serendipity Day. As for me, I’m anxiously awaiting winning the lottery today. Now, where did I put that ticket?

“Sometimes life drops in your lap blessings without your lifting a finger.

They call this serendipity.”—Charlton Heston

Bad Poetry Day

Hard to believe someone would create a bad poetry day.

Bad Poetry Day is a day to create some really bad verse. But, why you ask? Perhaps, the answer is simply “because you can”. Maybe, it exists to allow us to better appreciate good poetry. Or perhaps it is to be written to irritate someone.

According to Wellcat.com, the creators of this day, the intention is to gather a group of old high school friends, and write some really bad poetry together. Then, send the poetry to your old high school teacher. Wow! That sounds like a lot of fun, or a disaster in the making.

So, you’re a poet

But you don’t know it.

Try writing some verse

But, don’t be terse.

After it’s writ,

It will read like ----

To celebrate today, it is not enough to just write some bad poetry. Rather you need to read it to someone, or give it to someone to read.

(Walt Whitman is probably turning in his grave by now.)

“Nothing is at last sacred, but the integrity of your own mind.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson.

More Strange Holidays Coming!