National Leon Day

I learned via a highly important text this week that June 25 is National Leon Day. Haven’t heard of this made up holiday? Leon is Noel spelled backwards, and June 25 is six months away from Christmas. Hallmark is bound to come up with a new greeting card line soon.

If, like me, you have people named Leon in your family, you may already be aware of the forward and backward Noel/Leon spelling phenomenon. You may also regularly find Christmas décor clandestinely rearranged or turned backward around the house during the month of December.

Intentionally and with malice aforethought, some would say.

The interwebs inform me that June 25 is also National Catfish Day (proclaimed as such by President Ronald Reagan, so it must be good) and National Strawberry Parfait Day (more my speed). Eat up, friends, especially if your name is Leon.

Technically neither strawberry nor a parfait, but a close approximation.

My almost significant other died on Jesus’ half-birthday. I know what day it is. I’m much happier and content than I was at the time, but I still mark the day by treating myself like the princess that I am. Like the princess he knew I am.

Self-care, friends.

For me, self-care looks like a really good spa pedicure and comfy flip-flops.

Princess toes. Seriously, the name of the color is Princesses Rule.

And a hair appointment.

Princess hair.
Princess hair after exposure to humidity.

Good food, including the previously depicted world-renowned Village Coffee yogurt cup, and probably too much iced coffee are also required.

Chicken taquitos.

My niece used to ask to be wrapped up in a blanket like a taquito (or sometimes a burrito). I like both kinds of taquitos.

Quality time with my books and no expectation of accomplishing any actual work were on the agenda. Here’s some Brennan Manning for you.

I wrapped up my day with a visit to the happiest place on earth (Target) and a happy Hallmark movie at home. Oh! I almost forgot! Jesus sent me a message on Instagram. I was so excited.

Okay, maybe someone got hacked. I blurred the name to protect the victim.

Yes, I have sheet music as my wallpaper. Name that tune.

Speaking of happy Hallmark movies. Does anyone else have the app on their phone? It was launched for the 2018 Christmas holiday season. You can check movies off the list as you watch them and see when they will next be on. I don’t know how healthy or productive a use of time it is, but the psychology of the whole thing is quite effective. The target audience for Hallmark movies generally lives for their never-ending to do lists. If I can accomplish nothing else in a day, I can still feel a great sense of joy and satisfaction by watching a movie depicting an idealized view of life and romance. And then I get to check it off a list!

And lest you finish the entire Christmas list, never fear! There’s Winterfest, Valentine’s Day, Spring, Countdown to Summer, June Weddings, etc. I went ahead and checked A Country Wedding off the June list without watching it again. It premiered in 2015 (I looked up that info on my app), and I’ve seen it at least once or twice. The ads promoting (perhaps over-promoting, definitely over-promoting) it were notable for the accent with which they pronounced “A Country Wedding”. My family has roots in Southern Ohio, and I can name a Portsmouth accent in one note. If you say you are from there, I will verify by asking if you know where Franklin Furnace is and the proper pronunciation of Ironton.

My sister and I entertained ourselves with perfecting our Southern Ohio / Northern Kentucky version of “A Country Wedding”. It’s one part drawl, one part swallowing your tongue. I’d spell it phonetically for you, but I’m not sure how even to approach that.

By the way, today (June 27) is National Bomb Pop, Orange Blossom, Ice Cream Cake, PTSD Awareness, Sunglasses, Onion, and Handshake Day. Whew! Better get busy celebrating.

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