Unicorns And Unbirthdays
"What do YOU like, Mr. Rick?" said the curious Second Grade boy, and he stood there, hands on hips, staring into my eyes.
I must admit, it was a question I was not expecting. Certainly not one you hear every day, and most definitely a question you do not get from adults!
But, this was a 7-year-old, with an enquiring mind, and I answered immediately:
"Unicorns and Unbirthdays," I said, smiling.
"What's that?" he asked.
It was understood he was asking about the "Unbirthday" part, for every child knows what a Unicorn is by Second Grade. They love Unicorns!
"An Unbirthday," I explained, "Is all the days of the year that are NOT your birthday, and which should be celebrated, each and every one!"
After all, why should we celebrate only one day a year, when there are 364 other glorious days to celebrate as well!
The child thought about it only a second or two before responding, "I like that, Mr. Rick," , and scampering off to greet his next great adventure.
Now, I didn't know about the combination of the two, but I knew "Unbirthdays" had come from somewhere, and I had a sneaking suspicion it was Lewis Carrol, for who else could concoct such infallible logic as the Down the Rabbit Hole guy?
So I Googled!
Sure enough, Unbirthday had originated from "Alice In Wonderland," from no less than the Mad Hatter:
(It is said to be a "nonsense song," sung to Alice by the Mad Hatter and the March Hare)
It may be nonsense, but I love the philosophy!
March Hare: A very merry unbirthday to me!
Mad Hatter: To who?
March Hare: To me!
Mad Hatter: Oh you!
March Hare: A very merry unbirthday to you!
Mad Hatter: Who me?
March Hare: Yes, you!
Mad Hatter: Oh, me!
March Hare: Let's all congratulate us with another cup of tea!
A very merry unbirthday to you!
Mad Hatter: Now, statistics prove, prove that you've one birthday
March Hare: Imagine, just one birthday every year
Mad Hatter: Ah, but there are three hundred and sixty four unbirthdays!
March Hare: Precisely why we're gathered here to cheer
Alice: Then today is my unbirthday too!
March Hare: It is?
Mad Hatter: What a small world this is.
March Hare: In that case...
A very merry unbirthday,
Alice: To me?
Mad Hatter: To you!
March Hare: A very merry unbirthday
Alice: For me?
March Hare: For you!
Mad Hatter: Now blow the candle out my dear
And make your wish come true
Both: A very merry unbirthday to you!
Now, I don't know if Unicorns and Unbirthdays would make a suitable niche, but one never knows!
Oh, and a Very Happy Unbirthday To All of You, except, of course, those of you who actually have a birthday today, in which case, Happy Birthday!
What do you like?
Recent Comments
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Thanks, Rick. Thanks to your blog I plan to celebrate my unbirthday tomorrow.......and maybe the next day too!!
All the best,
Wayne
AS I read I smiled. Great writing that is very engaging. Thanks
By the way I am going to friend's party so I can sing to the unbirthday ones too (smile)
you are a great storyteller---have you thought of putting all your articles together in an e-book or a book to sell
I like your posts! They are always so interesting. And I'd like to wish you a Very Happy Unbirthday too! Good morning and have a great day!!
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Wow, I had a feeling that today would be special! Happy Unbirthday to you, unless it is your Birthday, Sue :)
Thanks, Sue, and the same to you! Mine's not too far off, though. :)