Awakenings: All Abuzz About April

The month of April is abuzz in anticipation of new buds that will fully blossom in the month of May. Along with the excitement come the rainy days, shower after shower often becoming down-pouring rain. But, April is by no means all wet! It is an amazing month, beautiful and abuzz with excitement. Don't be too quick to wish away the rainy days because there is a lot to celebrate during the month, by the week and daily, rain or no rain. First, let's take a look at the monthly celebrations. These are the ones that remain on the calendar all month long, instead of only one designated day. Scroll all the way down so you don't miss April's monthly foodie fun!

April is...

National Poetry Month

Let's begin with a very well known rhyme...

More than likely you have heard and said this rhyme over and over again multiple times throughout your life. Did you know April Showers Bring May Flowers is actually one line of a 20-line poem?

The title and beginning line probably are familiar because you grew up hearing it or were taught it by your parents or teachers. It IS springtime, the time for renewal and life bursting forth in splendid color. Without the rain, the flowers would not be in such abundance. So, there is science behind the rhyme and good reason for showers being in the forefront of the month of April. But, what about April being National Poetry Month? Is the rhyme the reason or the reason the rhyme? Some other reason perhaps?

In coordination with poets, booksellers, librarians, and teachers, the Academy of American Poets chose a month when poetry could be celebrated with the highest level of participation. Inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women's History Month (March), and on the advice of teachers and librarians, April seemed the best time within the year to turn attention toward the art of poetry—in an ultimate effort to encourage poetry readership year-round.
Source: Poets.org

What else is being celebrated all month?

National Humor Month

National Humor Month was founded in 1976 by best-selling humorist Larry Wilde, Director of The Carmel Institute of Humor. It is designed to heighten public awareness on how the joy and therapeutic value of laughter can improve health, boost morale, increase communication skills and enrich the quality of one's life.

Using humor to relieve stress is simple -- the benefits are simply wonderful. There is nothing more beautiful than a smile nor anything more heart warming than laughter! So,

APRIL IS NATIONAL HUMOR MONTH, SO “UP YOUR LAUGHTER QUOTIENT.”

And, that is not all...definitely not last and not at all least, it's time to...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keep_America_Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful is a U.S. based nonprofit organization founded in 1953. It is the largest community improvement organization in the United States, with approximately 589 affiliate organizations (similar to local chapters) and more than 1,000 community organizations that participate in their programs.

Keep America Beautiful focuses on three key issues: litter prevention, waste reduction/recycling and community greening & beautification. This is accomplished through a combination of community organizing, public education and the fostering of public/private partnerships.
Source: Keep America Beautiful

Of course, there is lots and lots of foodie fun to be enjoyed any day or everyday throughout the month of April. Find one you really like and enjoy every single day of the month if you so desire!