National Hugging Day (no, really, it is!) Culebra style

We do a lot of hugging here on Culebra. Pretty much...all the time, in fact. I've had visitors at the cart ask how long it has been since I've seen so and so, who just came up for a hug, and I say...oh, yesterday afternoon? The look of slight puzzlement fades into a smile. Yes. This is a good thing!

A not unusual hug fest goin' on...ok, maybe a little unusual

The hugs go on, in the post office, on the street, waiting for the ferry, sitting at the bar. And trust me, it's not just me at all, we're a bunch of huggers. Ok, there are a few that aren't but, that's fine too. We all figure it out as we go along...but if you need a hug, there is someone who will oblige, and don't we all need a hug sometime?

So I was happy to find out that today is National Hug Day! Either I knew this and forgot it, or I didn't know it at all, but I like that there is a day dedicated to hugging, even if it's a normal part of our slightly askew lives. Even if, scanning over the material, somehow Disney is involved. I skipped a detailed reading because I prefer not to know about that part, sorry. If you are a big Disney fan, the information is out there for your perusal.
Factoids of the day are: National Hug Day was first celebrated Jan. 21, 1986. The Rev. Kevin Zaborney of Michigan created the holiday, which is meant to help people understand the benefits of hugging. It is not only celebrated in the United States. Other countries, such as Canada, Russia and China also "embrace" this yearly holiday. Events in schools, nursing homes, hospitals and libraries have been held yearly ever since this holiday was founded. 

The benefits of hugging are big, on many levels of health; both mental and physical. How about this one?  Research has found that hugging stimulates brain cells. According to intelligence researcher Jay Gordon, M.D., co-author of "Brighter Baby," new studies show that children who get some SUSTAINED form of touching, such as a LONG HUG EVERYDAY, are SMARTER. "The more physical contact a little one gets, the more the brain cells are stimulated, creating stronger, faster brain synapses and boosting IQ."  So we should all be smart as hell around here, but mainly I think we all smile a lot from our hugs. Good enough.

So go hugging today! Hugging, not mugging...there's a difference, so use some discretion, people! Remember I have no liability so I cannot be responsible for any hugging situations that don't go with a flow. Example: if you go to hug someone and are confronted with both hands held up, palms outward, from arms stiffly extended and a major frowny face on your intended huggee, it would be best instead to give a cheery wave and walk jauntily away with a tip of your hat. If you have a hat on. On the other...er...hand, if the intended huggee opens his or her arms widely with a crazed, rolling eye look and drool starting to form, perhaps you also want to move along. We're aiming for happy mediums here. Hugs are meant to show affection and the goodness of human contact, a nice, brief hug, a smile and done is just fine with most people.

Consider yourself hugged. Don't you feel smarter now? I do.

p.s. If you are curious about the other holidays in January you had no idea existed, here you go. I got the list from here, so you can check out the upcoming months and prepare accordingly! Don't despair over the days you've missed, Thomas Crapper Day is right ahead! Unfortunately we missed Peculiar People Day, though no doubt it was somehow being celebrated around here...in some peculiar way.

p.s.s. Doug is going to be doing some of his fine guitar pickin' and singing at Dinghy Dock this afternoon, around 5 to 7-ishy. A good chance to do some friend hugging and hear some great music! See you there.

January 1 is …First Foot Day and Z Day
January 2 is …Run Up the Flagpole and See if Anybody Salutes It Day
January 3 is …Festival of Sleep Day
January 4 is …Trivia Day and Humiliation Day
January 5 is …Bird Day
January 6 is …Bean Day
January 7 is …Old Rock Day
January 8 is …National JoyGerm Day and Man Watcher's Day
January 9 is … Play God Day
January 10 is … Peculiar People Day
January 11 is … National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day
January 12 is … Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day
January 13 is … Make Your Dream Come True Day and Blame Someone Else Day
January 14 is … National Dress Up Your Pet Day
January 15 is … Hat Day
January 16 is … Hot and Spicy Food International Day and National Nothing Day
January 17 is … Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral Day
January 18 is … Winnie the Pooh Day
January 19 is … National Popcorn Day
January 20 is … National Buttercrunch Day
January 21 is … National Hugging Day
January 22 is … National Answer Your Cat's Question Day and National Blonde Brownie Day
January 23 is … National Handwriting Day, National Pie Day, and Measure Your Feet Day
January 24 is … Eskimo Pie Patent Day
January 25 is … Opposite Day
January 26 is … Australia Day
January 27 is … Punch the Clock Day and Thomas Crapper Day More Info on Thomas Crapper Day
January 28 is … National Kazoo Day, Clash Day, Rattle Snake Round-Up Day
January 29 is … National Cornchip Day
January 30 is … Escape Day
January 31 is … National Popcorn Day and Child Labor Day