National Picnic Month

Not unlike or previous celebration, this theme comes in the form of both a month and day event! Happy National Picnic Month, everyone! National Picnic Day, however, takes place in April for some reason, but July is also home to National Teddy Bear's Picnic Day, so I suppose that makes up for it!  

(Image found at:http://homefoodsafety.org/vault/2499/web/Picnic_Eating.jpg)

National Picnic Month was created to "celebrate the love of being outside enjoying each others company by having a nice relaxing picnic. It's a time to celebrate the open air, nature all it has to offer." Although there doesn't seem to be anything to indicate when this became a thing, it certainly makes sense to have July as the celebrating month. After all, this is generally when the weather begins to get nice, the kiddies are out of school, and ants are in abundance ready to steal your crumbs upon arrival.  

The thing about picnics, though, is that you have to be awfully keen on the out of doors in order to participate. There are many critters that like to stumble onto your blanket, into your containers, and well, some even end up in your tummy! I think the best picnics are the one's born out of spontaneity. You know the ones...it's a summer morning, you look out, it's beautiful, so you pack a bag and head out. This in and of itself is pretty terrific, but then the sun begins to fade behind some dark clouds and you rush to pack up your things and book 'er to the car, only to be caught in a magical rainstorm, where the only thing you can do is laugh and release your inner-child! Okay, so this has literally never happened to me, but, don't you think it sounds fun?  

Picnics usually come with some pretty tasty food, as well. Picnic staples include, sandwiches, various salads, lemonade, fruit, cheese and crackers, etc. Basically, it kind of becomes a mish-mash of whatever you can conjure up, unless you preplan it. And, since most of the items you require for a picnic are in season at this time, it also becomes a fresh and refreshing potluck, of sorts.  

Whatever you pack, and wherever you park, one of the best parts of a picnic (besides the amazing food you will consume, or the scenery and natural settings you generally surround whilst partaking in picnics) is the time you get to share with the people you are with! Maybe it's your family, maybe it's a good group of friends? Or, maybe it's a special someone? Regardless, there is nothing better than relaxing, having a good laugh, and enjoying all the wonders of a picnic! May you have plenty of opportunity this month to engage in an afternoon of picnicking! 

(Image found at: http://nl.r2rassoc.com/Templates/aug2012/html/images/article6.png)