Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today marks the annual feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved over the years into a day of music, parades, great food, and a celebration for all things Irish.

My family has a few customs we like to follow each year. Like most people participating in the festivities, we’ll be donning our greenest apparel today. And every year, rain or shine, you’ll find us downtown watching the local St. Patrick’s Day parade. We also eat the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner, which happens to be my favorite part of St. Patty’s Day, personally.

So how do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day where you live? Does your family have any traditions? If so, be sure to tell us about it in the comments section.

Have fun and be safe!

Celebrate Humor

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."
-e.e. cummings

There are a number of things taking place during the month of March: St. Patrick’s Day, American Red Cross Month, and March Madness, just to name a few. There’s one event, though, that often goes unnoticed each year -- and it happens to be one of my favorites. It’s called Humorists are Artists Month, and it’s a chance to recognize and tip our hats to those witty folks who make us laugh with their well-crafted wordplay and observations.

I’ve always agreed with the idea that "laughter is the best medicine." To me it seems like tough days are just much, much easier to deal with after a good laugh or two -- it really helps to put things into perspective. Looking back, I’ve realized that a good sense of humor has been instrumental in helping me keep it together some days!

Though there are far too many to name them all, among some of my favorite humorists of all-time are Woody Allen, Dave Barry, Erma Bombeck, and the great George Carlin. Even “classic” writers like Mark Twain whose work, upon a closer look, is still as funny and relevant today as it was nearly a century ago!

So, to all the humorists and humor publications alike --- we salute you. Keep making us laugh. After all, as humans --- we’ll need it!