First, I must give a Happy Birthday shout out to all my ARIES brothers and sisters! If yours is like mine then HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONTH! Poems, Plants, Pizzazz!
Poems:
April Showers Bring Poems! April is National Poetry Month.
Created by the Academy of American Poets since 1996, it has become the largest literary even in the world. Poetry is a part of our culture, so why not make it part of yours? Buy a blank book and start crafting some of your own!
Take time this month to read poetry, new and familiar, research various Poets and learn about their lives and times. Invite your friends to bring a favorite poem to share, original or borrowed, to your next gathering. You could even have a live reading. Encourage your kids to write poems and make sure to display them in your home, (make sure they sign and date them), in a frame or on the refrigerator.
Plants:
Plants are returning to the surface of the earth (at least in Northeast). It's been a long winter but behold, even in these rainy, windy, cold days I'm sure you're starting to notice buds and sprouts and things coming back to life. It is somewhat of a miracle isn't it? That after piles of ice, snow and freezing temperatures that plant life returns to us in such a fantastic way? Be kind to Mother Nature. (Earth Day is April 22nd). Spend some time touring your yard and gardens and see how things are doing. Besides regular clean up, like dead grasses and beds cluttered with leaves and dead growth, spring is a good time to shape and prune specimen plantings. Not sure what to do? Call an arborist or experienced landscaper to assist you. The maintenance you do now will pay off big time this summer when roses, hydrangea, grasses and ground covers are peaking. Aerating, mulching, and composting your existing soil is an easy thing anyone can do by just turning the earth with a pitchfork or spade (depending on the amount of surface). This should be done before planting your flower beds.
We all need a jolt of energy to shake off the winter doldrums. Add pizzazz wherever you think you need it to restore, revive and revamp! Gentlemen, get a haircut, reshape your facial hair, ie. Go from beard or stubble to short goatee or trimmed mustache. Go buy a new shirt with color or colors and untuck it for a casual look. Get a facial to scrub off the winter wear and tear.
Ladies: try a new lip, eye, or cheek color. Time for a new cut, color, texture? Highlights perhaps? And do I need to give you permission for some new shoes? Granted! After a spa pedicure, too!
Add pizzazz to your life, your home, your style. Consider simple improvements that add improvement, investment and impression.
Reminder: April is ASPCA month. Help save and protect abused animals. Founded by Philanthropist and diplomat Henry Bergh on April 10th in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was created after he saw horses in Russia being abused by their owners. Help celebrate its 149th birthday with a donation or membership. Think of that as a birthday gift you give to yourself! www.aspca.org
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Editors Note
I just wanted to wish Ed a very Happy Birthday for today! What a glorious day it has been and that sunshine came out just for you. You do a great job contributing interesting stories each month - so thank you. Keep on being fabulous!