Will you learn about the first pistol on Pistol Patent Day? Where did the expression “for Pete’s sake” come from? Are you going to make a big pot of chili on National Chili Day? How many fairy tales will you read on Tell a Fairy Tale Day?
February 25
Inconvenience Yourself Day – It is just not human nature to inconvenience oneself. A lot of times, without even thinking about it, we choose to do what is convenient and doesn’t cause any problems for us. We aren’t always mindful of others and their needs. On this day, make a pledge to yourself to keep your eyes open to everyone around you and see if there is some way you can make someone else’s day better, even if it is an inconvenience for you to do so.
I can see a story about a group of young people who pledge to inconvenience themselves each and every day to help others out. And I can see their actions being looked up on as suspicious. I leave it up to you whether or not they are up to something devious or if they are just being good kids.
Pistol Patent Day, www.examiner.com
Pistol Patent Day – On this day in 1836, Samuel Colt received Patent #138 for his invention of the Colt Revolver that had a rotating chamber with six bullets. This is probably the reason that Pistol Patent Day is always celebrated on February 25. If you have a new design for a pistol, you could celebrate by filing for a patent for your creation on this day. If not, well, you could always do some research and pen an historical fiction novel about the patent for the first pistol.
February 26
For Pete’s Sake Day – One has to wonder who Pete is and why do we do things for his sake? The expression “for Pete’s sake” is what is known as a minced oath. Surprise, anger, or disgust is usually implied when this minced oath is used. This saying was, of course, started in the church. If you said a curse word, you risked being hauled in front of the bishop or other church authority. This idiom actually started out as “for Saint Peter’s sake”.
On this day, why not write a story about the possible first time this phrase was used? Did someone pound his finger with a hammer? Did someone drop a huge piece of lumber on his toe?
Levi Strauss clothing, priya408.wordpress.com
Levi Strauss Day – On February 26, 1847, the Strauss family of Buttenheim, Germany were given permission to emigrate to America. Why is this so important? Levi Strauss was one of this family and he is the one who gave us blue jeans.
Maybe you could have a go at writing an historical fiction story about Levi Strauss and how he came up with is idea for blue jeans.
National Chili Day – Many historians believe that chili originated in Texas where Native American, Mexican, and Spanish culinary traditions collided with each other. However and wherever chili was created, it makes an awesome meal, especially during the cold and dreary months of winter. Chili makes your house, especially your kitchen, smell really inviting. And this wonderful dish warms up your insides, even when it is freezing outside. My family’s favorite chili is Whistle Stop Chili. This chili comes to us from the state of Alabama. There are numerous other types of chili out there. No matter what type of chili you enjoy, why not make a big pot of it on this day?
You could write a tale on how chili was created. Or you could write a story about a chili cooking contest. A mystery surrounding a prize-winning chili recipe that is worth millions would make a great story. Are there any more that you can think of?
pistachio nuts, free-picture.net
National Pistachio Day – What do you know about pistachios? Did you know that pistachios, grown on trees, are native to the Middle East? The major producer of this nut in the United States is California.
Grimm’s fairy tales, www.nls.uk
Did you know that a pistachio tree takes 7-10 years to mature and produce its first nut? When this nut is ripe, it’s hull will automatically split open. No other nut does this.
You should celebrate Pistachio Day be eating pistachios. Or you can write a story about how Pistachio Day came to be celebrated on February 26.
Tell a Fairy Tale Day – Fairy tales are full of mystery, enchantment, bravery, and triumph. Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm used local legends and superstitions to write their tales that have enchanted people, especially children, for hundreds of years.
Whether it is a fairy tale aimed at children or a fairy tale aimed at older people, this is the day to read at least one. Or you could try your hand at writing a fairy tale. Just remember, it must start with “once upon a time”. That seems to be a requirement for all fairy tales.
