February is a very important month with many reasons to celebrate.
I always learn something new during Black History Month and this year was no different.
This year, for instance, I learned Dr. Shirley Jackson, a theoretical physicist, invented the touch-tone telephone, caller ID and the fiber optic cable.
Marie Van Britton Brown invented the closed-circuit television security.
If you enjoy online videos and animation on the web, you can thank Lisa Gelobter.
And Otis Boykin is credited with developing the pacemaker that has saved so many lives, after losing his mother to heart disease.
Not names you commonly hear. Nor are these accomplishments among those you might be aware of, but all came from Black scientists and inventors that we can thank for the comforts and entertainments we enjoy today.
St. Valentine and his day
Valentine’s Day is also celebrated in February. Poems, love letters, cards, candy and flowers are traditionally given to loved ones on this day. Jewelry and fancier gifts are also often associated with this holiday.
It was named after St. Valentine (Italian: San Valentino; Latin: Valentinus), a 3rd-century Roman saint, commemorated in western Christianity on February 14 and in Eastern Orthodoxy on July 6.
From the High Middle Ages, his Saints' Day has been associated with a tradition of courtly love. He is also a patron saint of Terni (the “City of Lovers” in Umbria, Italy), epilepsy and beekeepers. Who knew?
Later in the month
Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, carries with it all its parties, parades, beads and masked adventures. Great fun, especially for those who don’t have a valentine.
February also contains Random Acts of Kindness Week and, I must confess, my favorite holiday, Random Acts of Kindness Day, Thu., Feb. 17. While I try to practice random acts of kindness all year long, this month I am more vigilant.
The best part of random acts of kindness is the delicious secrets you can enjoy by practicing them for people that never find out who did it. Flowers left on doorsteps or delivered with unsigned cards.
Coffee bought for the third person behind you in line. Weeds pulled or lawns mowed while the homeowner is out. The list is endless.
Of course, the small acts of kindness, done while the person receiving the act is aware are also fun. Doors opened for mothers hanging on to packages and toddlers at the same time, helping to load groceries in the car for an elderly person or helping someone who struggles with technology get their computer or phone set up.
Sometimes just a smile, hello or small compliment can make someone’s day…perhaps without you even knowing how much they needed a boost at that moment.
And … today!
Last, but not least, today, February 9, is National Pizza Day. I know this because the morning newscaster dutifully reported it at 6 a.m., so you know it must be important.
Children all over Washington, having heard this great news, will joyfully celebrate this day with demands for pizza for dinner. The parents will be happy to hear they don’t have to make dinner so it is definitely a win-win.
Happy February to you. There is something here for everyone.
Kathleen Anderson writes this column each week from her home in Olympia. Contact her at kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comment below.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here