September means cooler temperatures and a return to normal yearly routines we break from during the summer. Vacations are mostly finished and it’s back to the grind of regular work and school schedules. What are your normal routines? What happens if something or someone interrupts your routine? While some see routines as a ‘rut’ and as something negative, others depend on routines to accomplish necessary tasks. Which type of person are you – “stick to the routine” or “escape the rut”?
Many of your readers may be writers, or aspiring writers, and would be interested in any routine you follow when writing. Why not share your writing process? How did you develop that particular routine? When was the last time you modified it? Where did you get the inspiration for your routine? Share the answers to these and other questions concerning your regular writing routine, as well as an explanation of the routine itself. Challenge readers to share their routine in the comments.
Here are some examples of great writing routines:
- How to Write Top-Notch Blog Posts for Your Clients – by Melanie Kernodle
- My Process for Writing Top Notch Blog Posts for Clients – by Becky Mollenkamp
- Content = Currency: 10 Steps to Putting Content-Coin in Your Pocket – by Michael Stover
Holidays
September 4: Labor Day
Labor Day was first celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City, and was sponsored by the NYC Central Labor Union. Two years later the observance was moved to the first Monday in September. The idea quickly caught on and was adopted by other states as an official holiday. It became a national holiday when adopted by Congress on June 28, 1894. Popularly viewed as the official end of summer, it also marks the beginning of school in many states. Labor Day is to show respect and appreciation for all those who work for a living in businesses large and small, union and non-union, corporate and private. Enjoy this day – you’ve earned it!
September 11: 911 Remembrance Day
“Where were you when the world stopped turning” is not just the opening lyrics of a popular song, it’s a question many understand all too well. No one will forget where they were on that pivotal day in 2001 when terrorists used passenger-filled airplanes as missiles to attack the United States. Thousands of Americans and people from other nations were tragically killed. The aforementioned song by country musician Alan Jackson so captured the national mood that on November 16, 2001, it was read into the United States Congressional record, the only song in history to be so honored.
September 17: Constitution Day
On September 17, 1787, the framers of the United States Constitution met to officially sign the document so it could be presented to the states for ratification. This was a lengthy process, as the constitution did not go into effect until March 4, 1789, almost two full years later.
September 22: Autumnal Equinox
This is the one day at this time of year when there is exactly 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness at the equator. Of course, most people do not live at the equator, so they see a little more or a little less of either. From this point the daylight hours slowly dwindle until the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The Autumn Equinox signals the beginning of the fall season when we traditionally celebrate harvest festivals and the trees becoming ablaze with color as the leaves change.
September 29: Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” in Hebrew, and it is one of the most important days on the Jewish calendar. Work is forbidden; it is a day of prayer, confessing sin, and seeking forgiveness from God. Yom Kippur is one of only two Jewish festivals that do not have roots in a religious event in Jewish history. Can you name the other one?
Birthdays
- September 2, 1951: Actor Mark Harmon
- September 2, 1964: Actor Keanu Reeves
- September 3, 1965: Actor Charlie Sheen
- September 5, 1951: Actor Michael Keaton
- September 7, 1533: Queen Elizabeth I of England
- September 8, 1941: Politician Bernie Sanders
- September 11, 1977: Rapper Ludacris
- September 15, 1890: Writer Agatha Christie
- September 19, 1974: TV Host Jimmy Fallon
- September 21, 1947: Author Stephen King
- September 21, 1950: Actor Bill Murray
- September 23, 1920: Actor Mickey Rooney
- September 23, 1930: Singer Ray Charles
- September 23, 1949: Singer-Songwriter Bruce Springsteen
- September 25, 1944: Actor-Producer Michael Douglas
- September 25, 1961: Actress Heather Locklear
- September 25, 1968: Actor Will Smith
- September 26, 1981: Tennis Champion Serena Williams
- September 27, 1972: Actress, Singer Gwyneth Paltrow
- September 27, 1984: Singer Avril Lavigne
- September 29, 1988: Basketball Star Kevin Durant
Additional Topics
September 2 is International Bacon Day
Everything is truly better with bacon. Reports conflict concerning the origin of this day, but no matter is origin, celebrate with crispy strips of pork! Here is a suggested menu:
- Breakfast – Bacon and eggs of course.
- Lunch – A BLT would go nicely, or perhaps a bacon cheeseburger.
- Dinner – How about a bacon-wrapped steak or scallops, with bacon bits in the salad and bacon-wrapped asparagus? And for dessert…. what else but candied bacon!
September 10, 2017, is National Grandparent’s Day (first Sunday after Labor Day)
This day is set aside to honor those special people in our lives who gave birth to our parents and who so wonderfully invest in our lives with love and patience. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed National Grandparent’s Day to be observed the first Sunday after labor Day. If your grandparents are still living, do something to show them just how much they mean to you and your family.
September 15 is POW / MIA Recognition Day (third Friday of September)
This day was first observed on July 18, 1979 as a result of congressional resolutions. In 1986, the third Friday of September was selected as the official observance date by the National League of Families. The date was chosen because it is not associated with any of America’s wars and can truly represent POWs and MIAs from every conflict. The sitting President of the United States issues a yearly proclamation to commemorate this important day.
September 28 is Ask a Stupid Question Day
Normally held on the last school day of September, this day was allegedly created by teachers to encourage students to ask questions. We’ve all heard, “The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.” So, this is the one day a year when you should ask all those stupid unasked questions. Of course, when someone asks a stupid question on this day, it’s bad manners to laugh. After all, it’s what the day is all about!
What holidays or topics grab your interest? What’s happening where you live? Are there current events or movements that will attract customers or impact your business? Share them with me in the comments and of course, share them with your readers! Until next month, enjoy the colorful leaves, follow your routines, and as always, keep writing!