The earth is what we all have in common. (Wendell Berry)
Earth Day
April 22 is the day designated as an unofficial environmental holiday since 1970. And that day was last Saturday. We have days for everything now. For example, I went on the net and found that yesterday, Sunday the 23rd, was Lost Dog Awareness Day. You probably think that’s good, but then today, Monday April 24th, is Pigs in a Blanket Day. Now I like pigs in a blanket as well as the next person but I never thought we needed a day to celebrate them. Many of these kinds of day we would never even know about except for the internet and social media. Sometimes days like pigs in a blanket or eat chocolate days make for smiles. Other days like Thank You Thursday, April 27th this year or Honesty Day coming up next Sunday, April 30th, might make us think.
Earth Day isn’t quite like that. It is more than an amusing post on the internet. Earth Day asks us to consider the earth, this beautiful place we live. But although I knew about Earth Day and have heard much talk about it on the news and read about it in the newspaper, I never knew how Earth Day got started. So here’s a quick bit of info about that in case you are interested like I was.
So what was the immediate inspiration for Earth Day?
Back in January of 1969, there was a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. The spill is considered the third largest oil spill in United States water and was one of the impetuses for Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Gaylord Nelson to organize Earth Day.
When did it start?
Nelson organized the first Earth Day in 1970, pulling together local and national leaders, and rallying over 20 million people nationwide on April 22, 1970.
Where did the name come from?
Julian Koenig, a Nelson staffer, told people he came up with it and liked it because it sounded like “birthday.”
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet, and the winds long to play with your hair. (Kahlil Gibran)
So here’s hoping that we will see the fields and the skies, the sun and the moon, the stars and clouds, the big and little animals, butterflies and birds, the rocks and the flowers, the rivers and the lakes, the oceans and so much more and celebrate Earth Day every day.
“Then God Saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” Genesis 1:31 (NKJ)
As always, thank you for reading. Wednesday I’ll be answering another of your questions – that request for a cow story. If you have a question, feel free to ask it. I’ll do my best to answer it whether it’s about writing or my books or life down here on the farm.
Comments 4
Are you going to write any more books like “Words Spoken True “? I so enjoyed it! I have enjoyed everything that you write but this seems to be a one of a kind and your other books are in series. Would love to read more like this. Blessings
Author
I do hope I’ll write more stories that you’ll like. I’ve written down your question and I’ll anser it more fully in the coming weeks. But I suppose you can only write a “one of a kind” type book once. I just have to hope for more one of a kind stories to come my way. I do appreciate you reading my books, Paula, and I’m glad you liked Words Spoken True.
This morning, as I sit reading your message, the rain is softly tapping at the windows. Beautiful sounds as God sends rain to nourish the earth. Have a blessed day!
Author
Love your word picture, Melissa. Thanks for sharing it. The rain has passed us by here and sunshine is making the world bright outside my windows.