125 Years of Refreshment

My sister has been known to chastise me because I often chose to write about historical events in this blog, rather than holidays.  I have to remind her that this blog is my attempt to address special days and festivities and yes, even historical events, that are cause for celebration and of particular significance to my family. 

Simultaneously, I hope to encourage others to find or create similar days to mark and celebrate with their own loved ones. 

For example, while I am sure the Chinese New Year is special and important to millions, (who am I kidding?) billions, it's not really a day circled in red (ha,ha) on our Smith family calendar.   

What is cause for celebration in our house is tomorrow's 125th birthday of the iconic beverage, Coca Cola, created by Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton.  

Coke permeates life in Atlanta.  It's distinctive bottle and logo are inescapable here, from the international headquarters,

the giant Coke bottle behind left field at Braves stadium,

and the Coca-Cola museum, to name just a few.

We've made more than a few visits to the "World of Coke" and enjoyed it every time -- especially the Taste-It Exhibit which allows you to sample more than 60 Coca Cola products from around the world.  Can I just say here that what certain cultures find lip-smacking can sometimes be perplexing.   Inca Kola (lemongrass bubblegum flavor), I'm talking about you!

And the Woodruff Arts Center, Callanwolde, Emory University and The Westminster Schools are just some of the ways Coca Cola fortunes have enhanced the quality of life in Atlanta. 

At our house today, we'll be enjoying a few Coca Cola products.  Someone will, no doubt, have a Coke, or Diet Coke or a Coke Zero.  Heck, I may even go in search of a Tab. 

And since today is all about Coke and history, how about this? 

Cinco de Mayo

I've always loved Cinco De Mayo though, in truth, for a long time I thought today commemorated Mexican Independence Day (the equivalent of the American 4th of July) but that's apparently in September.  

Actually, Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's unlikely victory over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.  (Something I don't remember ever learning in my 4 years of high school Spanish). 

Here is a photo of me and a few friends in college celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Chi Chi's (remember those?)  because college is an excuse to celebrate everything, right?

Facts:

1) My husband 's middle name is Carlos  (though he is zero percent Latino). 
2) My husband does not speak Spanish.  
3) My husband loves Mexican food. 
4) My two favorite words in Spanish are "bicicleta" (bicycle) and "paraguas"  (umbrella, which literally translates into "for water") 
5) the extent of my celebration today may be the drive thru at Taco Bell
6) there is nothing wrong with Taco Bell

However you celebrate, and I hope you will, Feliz Cinco de Mayo!  

May the 4th Be With You

Today is Star Wars Day: a day to celebrate all things pertaining to the movie epic Star Wars.  

And, while I've written before about what a fan I  am of Wikipedia,  just in time for today, I learned about Wookieepedia. It's true, look it up!  I can't tell you how happy this will make my son, a fan of all 6 movies.  

Long before he was old enough to see the films, he often carried his "life saver"  (the perfect malaprop for the Jedi weapon, don't you think?). That was, of course, when he loved Luke Skywalker and the Storm Troopers and before he became fascinated by Darth Vader (and James Earl Jones' hypnotic voice), which I believe may be a rite of passage for all little boys.

Speaking of, here are a couple photos just begging to be seen today:

A menacing Darth Vader threatens a flapper - Halloween 2007

 

And how about this?  I might try this the next time I have jury duty. 

I Feel Good

Because, it's the Godfather of Soul's birthday.

James Brown (1933 - 2006) with my husband (cute, huh?)  at the University of GA Homecoming Parade in 1980

Arbor Day

Do you have a favorite tree?  I am partial to the Weeping Willow, the Curly Willow, the Pin Oak and, in the fall, beautiful red and yellow maples.  

It's National Arbor Day so "dig in!"

Easter

Have a Blessed and Happy One!

Much Ado About a Birthday

When I was in high school, one of my English teachers served birthday cake every year on Shakespeare's birthday.  It was then, after reading A Midsummer Night's Dream, that I first became enamored of the beautiful rhythm of iambic pentameter, Shakespeare's special treatment of the universal themes of good versus evil, unrequited love,uncontrollable jealously and, of course, his sense of humor (his comedies are my favorites). Even decades later, today is not a day that I can go without acknowledging.

So, Happy 447th Birthday Bill!

Later, having carried a hefty Norton Shakespeare around campus for at least one full year of college, I felt compelled to travel to Stratford Upon Avon when I visited England just after graduation.  

I also sought out the original location of The Globe Theatre in London.  At the time, it was more difficult to locate then you would have thought. 

My sister and me at the original site of The Globe Theatre in 1986. 

Twenty-four years later, I had my kids pose in the exact same spot for a photo. 

It's deja-vu all over again!

Today, the plaque above is just a block or two away from this re-creation of The Globe:

and much easier to find. A sight totally worth visiting, even if you're not a "Shakespeareophile" like me.  (I think I may have just invented a word, in which case Mr. Shakespeare would, no doubt, be proud. 

Happy Birthday to the Bard!