August 2023
Story and artwork by Anne M. Dellinger, Contributing Columnist
Oh no! It is August already … the bittersweet month that has always been a bridge between summer and autumn.
It takes 31 days to cross the August bridge and during that time, summer will begin slipping away, little by little.
First, the air temperature will become a little cooler. Then the hours of daylight will grow a little shorter. Next, the birds’ songs will sound a little quieter and the flowers will appear a little faded.
This seasonal shifting in the natural world sends a signal that a change is coming. Suddenly it begins to look and feel like back-to-school time!
Knowing that your carefree moments are disappearing always makes summer’s end a hard goodbye. Yet, there are many fun ways to bridge the gap between the two seasons that will help make the transition easier.
A good place to find some ideas for enjoying this passage of time is on the August page of the 2023 National Day Calendar.
This calendar is chock full of celebrations for every single day of the year. But for now, all you need are some suggestions for celebrating a few days in August. Listed below are several August days that are easy to observe with your friends.
Who knows? You may even be inspired to create your own unique August days.
AUGUST 6 – (FIRST SUNDAY IN AUGUST) – FRIENDSHIP DAY
“A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find, lucky to have.” ~ Irish Proverb
Do you have a bestie? Today is the perfect time to let this friend know how much you value his/her friendship. Having a pal who is trustworthy, supportive and a good listener is a great reason to celebrate.
Friendships grow wherever kids get together; therefore, some of the guys and gals you have met in team sports, in hobby groups, school clubs, etc., are to be remembered on this day, also. 
Plan a Friendship Day party for those you have bonded with in these group settings. Maybe serve pizza, take a walk, play games … keep it simple, relax and enjoy one another’s company.
By spending time with people who not only share your interests but are also kind and caring, you are finding your forever friends. Do you have a bestie? Today is the perfect time to let this friend know how much you value his/her friendship.
AUGUST 8 – SLEEP UNDER THE STARS NIGHT
Set up camp in your backyard with friends or family. Pitch a tent on the lawn or on the patio. Or, find someone who has a cool tree tent. Lay out sleeping bags on the deck or find a chaise lounge lawn chair to stretch out in. Then gaze upward. This special August day lands almost smack dab in the middle of the Perseid meteor showers. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, look northeast and hopefully you will count lots of shooting stars.
AUGUST 9, 2023 – BOOK LOVERS DAY
After a night of star gazing, you may want to celebrate this special August day by resting and relaxing with a good book. Books are a great way to escape because they can transport you through time and space– into the past, the present, the future– and faraway worlds. And, you do not even have to change out of your pjs!
As Dr. Seuss once said, “Reading can take you places you have never been before.”
So, find a cozy spot and start traveling!
AUGUST 27, 2023 – JUST BECAUSE DAY
If you wish there was a day to do whatever your heart desires (within reason and mom’s approval), then look at August 27. This date is designated as a time to celebrate doing something without any rhyme or reason, just because you want to!
You could choose to do random things like eating dessert before dinner, rearranging your room, coloring your hair or staying up all night playing computer games.
This day gives you a chance to bring some spontaneity and freedom to your life.
It is also a good time to spread positivity with natural acts of kindness, just because you want to. Give your grandparents a call…just because. Volunteer to do an extra chore…just because. Pick up trash someone else carelessly dropped…just because.
With any luck, sometime during the day someone will question your actions with a puzzled look and ask, “But why?” Then you can smile and casually tell them, “just because” and make them aware of this unusual holiday.
Lunar Happenings
Along with these unique celebrations, August offers two more celestial events for your viewing in 2023—two full Supermoons (August 1 and August 30). The August 30 moon is called a Blue moon, meaning it is the second full moon within a calendar month, but don’t expect it to look blue! It is always fascinating to see the rising supermoon appear brighter and larger than usual when its orbit brings it closer to earth. Mark your calendar and don’t miss it!
It is hoped that the suggested August celebrations will bring such a happy ending to your summer that you will simply cross over into autumn’s new adventures and never look back.
Click here to view the printed version of Kids Korner.
Super Sleuth
Hay Seed and City Slicker know of another important August day to observe, especially when you return to the classroom.
It is called Be An Angel Day on August 22, but it can be celebrated ANY day. Honoring this day is quite simple—and you don’t need wings and a halo! Just do good things for others. That is all there is to it!
For example, you could offer to help a classmate struggling with a math problem. Or, you could invite a shy student to eat lunch with you. Or, if a classmate is going through a tough time, you could give your support by letting them know you will be there for them.
Being someone’s angel is not hard to do. It is all about being kind, understanding and available. There is a little angel hiding in this magazine, ready to spread some goodness.
For a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card, do the following:
- Find the angel, giving the page number.
- Describe how you could celebrate the Be An Angel Day.
- Give an example of someone who has been an angel to you.
Enter online at co-opliving.com or send answers with name, address and phone number to:
Cooperative Living Super Sleuth
P.O. Box 2340
Glen Allen, VA 23058-2340
June Issue Super Sleuth
The June Super Sleuth was about staying safe during inclement summer weather. For a chance to win a $25 Amazon email gift card, kids were asked to find an image of Florida, the state with the largest number of storm days per year, hidden in the issue and provide the page number, say whether or not they’ve ever visited the state, and share how they will “play it safe” outdoors this summer.
The correct answers are:
- Florida, Page 31
- Yes, I have visited Florida.
- “I will never be in or near water during a thunderstorm. I will seek shelter inside.
”Our winner is Titus. Congratulations, Titus!
