Happy birthday to my brother

It's my brother's birthday and it made me think of how much we both really like the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  For whatever reasons, our favorite part for the longest time was this part where these knights start yelling NEEE to annoy people. I guess because we thought it was funny, my brother and I would go around the house yelling Nee to each other for a while. We still answer the phone to each other like that sometimes. The only reason I still like doing it because I think it's nice that people can laugh and be silly together, even as adults. I hope everyone has someone to be silly with, whether it's a family member or someone else. Anyway, I wish my brother (and everyone else who was born today) a very happy birthday!

Believing the best of people

"I always prefer to believe the best of everybody, it saves so much trouble."-Rudyard Kipling
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/rudyardkip161758.html


I like to find something good in everyone. What I like best about people is that everyone has good qualities and finding out about the good things about people increases my faith in humanity and in the good things that people can do. When I sometimes feel down about the state of the world, I think of these good things that people do on  a fairly regular basis (like smiling or holding doors for others or just generally being nice) and thinking of all that gives me hope for the future. As long as people can (and do) keep on doing good things for themselves and other people, the future looks better to me. In that sense, I think we have a lot to be hopeful for.

Some potential New Year's resolutions!

I saw the video below today and as it's almost þhe New Year, I feel it is appropriate for posting here now. I thoughthought it might be helpful for thinking up resolutionsome early, just for the fun of it!

Happy Wednesday!

Congratualtions! We"re halfway through the week!  I hope you had a happy Wednesday and I wish you an even happier Thursday!

Love keeps the cold out

"Love keeps the cold out better than a cloak." -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/henrywadsw164714.html

As the weather is cold where I am, this quote seemed appropriate! Wherever you are now, I hope you're with people you love.

Home is the nicest Place to be for me

"Home is the nicest word there is."- Laura Ingalls Wilder
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/lauraingal320585.html

I very much enjoy being home and with my family, especially during the holidays! It really is the nicest place to be for me. No matter what happens, I know I can  always find my way home, to a place where I belong and that is always a comforting thought for me.  That idea makes me hope that wherever people are, that they can always find a way back home, too. It's one of the best places to be!

Happy Holidays!

To all who celebrate, I wish you all a very happy Christmas or Hanukkah! I also wish you and your family great joy now and always!

Best things about Christmas!

For me, the best things about Christmas are:

• Christmas crackers! (Christmas crackers are small tube shaped packages that when two people pull apart, out comes usually 2 paper hats, a silly joke and small toys.). My family usually uses them at Christmas dinner.
• Carols! Christmas is one of the few times when it's socially acceptable to sing in public! Plus, I've always liked carols.
•  The Queen of England's speech!- Every year the Queen (of King) of England gives a speech on Christmas and because my Mum is British we always listen to it.
• Christmas cards! -They're colorful and fun and at the very least it's nice to get something in the mail that expresses love and isn't a bill!
• Christmas trees- I very much enjoy decorating them
• The fact that I get to spend more time with my family!-This is the best thing about Christmas because I love them!

Funny Christmas Joke

As it's almost Christmas and I feel like it's a time to laugh and be happy, I thought I'd share this joke:

• Two young boys were spending the night at their grandparents. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers when the youngest one began praying at the top of his lungs. 
  "I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE... 
  I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE... 
  I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE..." 
  His older brother leaned over and nudged the younger brother and said, "Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn't deaf." To which the little brother replied, "No, but Gramma is!"

( joke source: http://www.coolest-holiday-parties.com/funny-christmas-jokes.html)

If you celebrate Christmas, I hope this time of year brings you much happiness (and the presents you want!) 

Happy Thursday!

I hope that everyone had a very happy Thursday and I wish everyone and even happier Friday! Don't forget to smile today!

First snow

As it's the first day of winter, it got me thinking about how the first snow of the winter season always gets me feeling good. I guess it comes from growing up in Michigan which always gets snow in winter. As much as I do get tired of cold weather rather quickly, I don't think I'd feel right living someplace where there wasn't any difference in seasons (in terms of weather). Anyway, I always like the first snow because it's so white and so clean looking and it just feels special. So, when I saw this video with little kids (and some animals) reacting to snow, it really made my heart feel good. I also thought it was kind of funny that the video was sponsored by a cruise ship company. I guess the logic is that people will want to go on a cruise after watching the video to avoid any snow. Even if I'll end up complaining about the cold and snow come mid January, I still wouldn't have winter any other way but snowy!

Cute bloopers

Sometimes when I just feel I need to laugh at something, I watch bloopers (videos of errors that actors in movies or TV shows have made while filming their shows or movies.) Anyway, today I came across one video that I thought was really nice, mainly because it involves a really sweet infant and it made me laugh. Happy Tuesday everyone!

On La VIe En Rose and spreading joy in any circumstance

The singer Edith Piaf was born today in 1915. This got me thinking about this woman who sang one of Piaf's signature songs called La Vie En Rose on a talent show. The woman, named
Rachael Leahcar, is legally blind and one of the judges on the show said something very interesting to her. He said that she didn't really need to see, that everyone felt something from her music and that she had a huge impact on people. It got me thinking about how there's so much people can do and so much happiness they can spread regardless of the circumstances or difficulties they might face. That's the beauty of joy!

To watch the audition click here.

Education is sweet

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."-Aristotle

Education is something that should be guaranteed for everyone. Even if it was difficult at times, having a good education has made all the difference to my life. I feel like I use the education I have to  do more and help more people. In that way, the good in being educated can spread a bit farther. The more educated people are the more good can be spread and that's why I love education. The things I'm proudest of learning are: reading, writing, and how to sing!

Love Train

I heard this song today called "Love Train" and it got me thinking about how cool it would be if people all over the world really joined hands and danced. I don't know if it could be possible at all, but it would be so cool. I just think dancing unites people in so many ways, plus it's fun. If I could get people to dance simultaneously in different countries all over the world, I think it would be really fun. Even if that never happens, I hope that you dance sometimes, just because it's fun!

Love is Christmas

I heard this beautiful song called "Love is Christmas" by Sara Bareilles today and it really touched my heart. I really like the lyrics that she sings:



"I don’t care if the house is packed
Or the strings of light are broken
I don’t care if the gifts are wrapped
Or there’s nothing here to open
Love is not a toy, and no paper will conceal it
Love is simply joy that I’m home
I don’t care if the carpet's stained we've got food upon our table
I don’t care if it’s gonna rain, our little room is warm and stable
Love is who we are, and no season can contain it
Love would never fall for that
Let love lead us, love is Christmas
Why so scared that you’ll mess it up? When perfection keeps you haunted
All we need is your best my love, that’s all anyone ever wanted
Love is how we do, let no judgment overrule it
Love I look to you, and I sing"

The song really is beautiful and it reminds me of how all that really matters to me during holidays is that I'm with my family, the people I love most. They bring me great joy. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, dear reader, I hope you find things in your life that bring you much joy as well. 

Things I know to be true

For me there's something therapeutic about writing down the good things that you know to be true about yourself. It helps put things in perspective. There's always things to improve on but sometimes it's nice to think of the things that one does well and be proud of that. I know that I'm proud of my smile, my voice, my hugs and my writing. Sometimes it helps to think of these things as it motivates me to work  harder on other things that aren't really my strong points. The gifts I have are things that I can now use to give more to others.The thing I'm most proud of is the love I have for people, Among other things, I continue to work on giving more love out, because it's one of the most rewarding things I have to give and it feels so good to give it!

Favorite Christmas Carol

I love Christmas carols and one of my favorites is the Christmas Song as sung by Nat King Cole. I like it because somehow reminds me of home, possibly because it's a fairly jazzy song and my parents always like listening to jazz music. Although when I'm away from my family and I hear that song it does make me feel homesick but I still like it because it reminds me of them. In that way it makes me feel closer to them and for me,  if ever there's a time to be/feel closer to family, it's during holidays. Even thought it's early I hope everyone has very happy holidays and that during this time you're with people you love.

Joy happens

"Joy happens to us when when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are."-Marianne Williamson

I find that as long as I can think of the good things in my life each day, then each day can be a good day. Every good thing that happens to me does give me joy, whether it's that I had good food to eat today or a wore a nice outfit today or that someone held the door for me or I was able to give someone a hug. I think one of the things that gives me the most joy is giving and/or receiving a hug. I know I've written about this before but I can't express how much I feel that for the few seconds I give/receive a hug I feel like nothing bad can happen and I've never yet been proven wrong. Hugs show me how good things really are in my life because they are yet another symbol of how I can love and how I am loved and that is really a cause for joy. My hope is that everyone can find a little bit of joy in each day. In that spirit, the clip below always makes me smile and I hope it has the same effect on others.

It just takes a smile

"It only takes a smile to make a day better."-Paulo Coelho

Smiles are really wonderful things. I always feel better when I smile. I hope that wherever you are and whatever is going on in your life, that you had a reason to smile at least once today. If not, then I hope tomorrow you will look for and find reasons to smile. It makes life better!

To be Inspired

"What inspires me? I am so inspired every day. I am inspired by thinkers. I am inspired by rebellion. I am inspired by children. I have been inspired by love."- Nikki Sixx
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/nikki_sixx.html

It's interesting to me what people think of as inspiring. I know that I do what I can to put some love in the things that I do that I consider to be good. I hope maybe one day people will be inspired by me. I continue to work to be someone people can look up to. If I can be someone that people can see something positive in and something that they want to be like, then I know that the things I've done in life have been worth it. Love really is the ultimate inspirational thing in my life.

To be trusted

"To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved."-George MacDonald
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/g/george_macdonald.html

As much as it's really nice to be loved, I'm ever so glad I am surrounded by people I know that I can trust. I'm glad I can trust people to support me and also to call me out when I'm making mistakes.To me there is some love in trust and that's why  I hope that everyone has people they trust. 

Be in a state of joy!

"Remember that your natural state is joy."-Wayne Dyer


My friend Kimberley gave me this lovely box with little cards that have quotes that are happy on them. It really made me smile because although I write something happy in this blog every day, it's nice to have something small that's happy that I can carry around with me. There's something very comforting about it. I hope that wherever you go, you can carry something happy with you, whether, it's a card, a picture or an idea. Just because life should have a lot of joy in it! Happy Friday everyone!

Happy Thursday

I wish everyone a happy Thursday!!! Tomorrow is Friday!!! Hooray!! I hope everyone has a lovely day tomorrow and a really nice weekend!

I love karaoke

Tonight I went with some friends and sang karaoke which is something I haven't done in front of so many people. Before this I'd only done that with some friends at their house. It felt really good to sing in front of people, even if I did feel nervous. It made a difference knowing that I was among friends, I felt brave with them near me. Plus, my friends are really wonderful singers and what I especially liked was people listening to the karaoke got up and danced when people were singing. It was a lot of fun. I hope that if singing is something you enjoy, that you sing when you feel like it!

Happy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everyone! You're one day closer to Friday! Keep smiling, keep laughing, keep loving and keep carrying on!

Tutti Frutti

It is the singer Little Richard's birthday today and I must say I really like this song he sings called Tutti Frutti. It always makes me want to dance and I just feel happy when I hear it. I'm really glad that there's music out there that really brings joy to people's lives. I think it's one of the many reasons I love music so much. Anyway, happy Monday everyone!

Lights in stormy nights

"The sincere friends of this world are as ship lights in the stormiest of nights." Giotto di Bondone
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes_of_the_day.html

If I could give everyone one thing I'd give them a friend. I don't know where I'd be without my friends, they've helped me when I was in hospital, they've been there on birthdays, on holidays, trips and any other important time in my life. I can't really thank them for all they've done except to tell them that I love them very much and  do all I can do be there for them if/when needed. I also intend to do right by other people so that they might feel that same sense of peace and happiness that my friends have given me. To honor my friends I want to do right by others and so because they've given light to my life, that light can spread and get through whatever storms may come. 

It feels so great to sing!

I just got back from singing at a holiday concert with Polymnia Choral Society and it was really lovely because we sang holiday music which I very much enjoy.  It's so nice to sing with people because it makes a song sound so much better. I just know that when I sing my whole self feels better. I like holiday concerts the most because everyone just seems extra happy to watch them. In any case, it was super fun and we have a matinee performance tomorrow that I'm very much looking forward too. Happy holidays everyone!

Happy International Sweater Vestival!

Today is International Sweater Vestival Day! I love sweaters. I just think it's nice to have something warm to wear that looks nice and just plain feels good! So today although I don't have a vest, I did wear a sweater, which I might add is nice and warm and fuzzy! 3 cheers for sweaters! To read more about the International Sweater Vestival click here.

Come rain or come shine

It's the singer Bette Midler's birthday and she sang this lovely song called "Come Rain or Come Shine." Although it's a romantic song by nature, to me it's all about how love should be. Love to me is "no matter what." That's how I want to continue to love people, without reservation or judgement, just love people. That's how I want to go through life. Come rain or come shine, I will love people now and always.

Man's greatest blessing

"Humor is mankind's greatest blessing."-Mark Twain
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain.html

I hope that everyone's life is always blessed with a lot of laughter in it. In that spirit here is a joke (and a cat just for the heck of it!):

Teacher: "If I gave you 2 cats and another 2 cats and another 2, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Seven."
Teacher: "No, listen carefully... If I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Seven."
Teacher: "Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, and another two apples and another two, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Six."
Teacher: "Good. Now if I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Seven!"
Teacher: "Johnny, where in the heck do you get seven from?!"
Johnny: "Because I've already got a freaking cat!" 

See more  jokes at: http://staging.laughfactory.com/jokes/clean-jokes#sthash.SHxhpYGU.dpuf

Sending you good thoughts for a good day

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts."-Eleanor Roosevelt
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/eleanorroo143006.html

I hope that each day brings you at least one happy thought and more strength than the day before. If you find you have to  face something difficult, here is a message of encouragement from me by way of this video below (at the very least I hope it will make you laugh a little which is always a good thing in my opinion!) In any case, as always, know that I'm rooting for you in spirit!

More than enough love

"You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough." William Blake
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/william_blake.html

I've been very lucky in that I've always had more than enough shelter, food, clothes and many other things besides. However, the one thing I'm happiest about is that I've always had more than enough love and as a result I feel like I have even more love to give to other people. The funny thing is, I feel like there's never enough love in the world and that's why I plan to keep giving more, for as long as possible. Just because love is something I can give freely, something I can give wholly, and something i can give because I know it's a great feeling to know you're loved. That idea has given me so much strength in times of need. So I resolve to love more than enough!

The best things about being home

I just got back from spending Thanksgiving with my family and it got me thinking about how nice it is to be home. The thing I like best about being home is just the fact that when I go home it feels like I never left. I just think it's nice to be some place where I've always felt I've belonged and where I'm with people I love. I like doing crossword puzzles with my parents and watching movies and taking walks with my family down the road by the house where I grew up.  (Not many cars go down that road because it's in the country so you can pretty much walk down the middle of it and no cars will come for a good 20 minutes.) I hope everyone has a place where they feel they always belong and they always are loved. There is no place like home.

How life is like an ice cream cone

"Life is like an ice-cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time."- Charles M. Schulz
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesms189862.html

Here's to getting the most out of life, especially ice cream!

As it's Black Friday...

Since it's "Black Friday," a day when people in the US go out to find good deals in stores, it got me thinking about things I'd get. I do not mean things I'd buy with money, just things that would be nice to have. It's nice to dream a little. So here's my list:

*Unlimited amounts of hugs, just because  they make me feel safe.

*A Minion- just because I love them.

*A lifetime supply of nice music, because my life is better with music in it.

*A magic wand so I can wave it and make nice things happen.

*Unlimited amounts of tea because everything is better with a cuppa!

Happy Black Friday everyone!

A message from Maggie and the Minions

Happy Thanksgiving/Indigenous People's Day from Maggie and the Minions!

Image from: https://cache.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/thumbs/217273-Minion-Happy-Thanksgiving-Quote-For-Friends-And-Family.jpg

One thing I'm Thankful for!

Although I'm thankful for many things, I just thought I'd mention one thing because otherwise this post would be too long. So, one of the biggest things I'm thankful for is my family. I don't know where I'd be without them and I love them all.  I hope every day, people can find at least one thing to be thankful for. Life is nicer that way. :)

Maggie goes after the Minions!

 I love Minions. (They are these little yellow cartoon characters who make it their mission to find and do the bidding of the most evil person that they can find. They are in the Dispicable Me movies and most recently there is a movie that was specifically dedicated to them and their antics.) Anyway, I love minions because I think they're fun! As a result, I have taken to taking pictures of all things minion, whether it's a posters about minions or minion figurines or a cup with minions, or whatever. When I see them when I'm out and about, nowadays I take a picture just because it makes me feel happy! I was sort of inspired by the Pokémon Go Game thingy that people were going on about for a while. I never got into that but I like the idea of trying to find things in random places and so I chose to do that with minions.  I've decided my pictures of minions thing could be called  "Maggie Goes After the Minions!"

So far I've found something related to minions in Salem, MA, Melrose, MA, Prince Edward island in Canada, and in Michigan as well as Boston, MA. I'm really curious to see how many places I can go and still find a minion! Thus, The adventure begins! See my most recent finding of minions in Michigan, below!

Find joy through struggle!

"We have to embrace obstacles to reach the next stage of joy."-Goldie Hawn
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/goldiehawn386683.html

I really believe that getting through obstacles, even if they're hard to get through, is ultimately worth it in the end. I've found that even when I felt things were really hard in my life, once I'd gotten through that hard time I realized that I felt stronger for getting through things. I really did find joy at the end of it all. If you are going through something difficult, I feel strongly that you can get through it. People have so much strength, more than I think they know. So I say no matter what, keep fighting the good fight and don't let the bastards grind you down!

Happy World Children's Day!

Today is the United Nations' World Children's Day which is a day to celebrate the rights of children all over the world. I'm glad there's a day that celebrates the rights of children to be happy and to live a good life. One thing that I think is really cool that was done to celebrate World Children's Day is they had a Global Library Campaign where a group of authors have written very short stories of seven lines each to bring attention to injustices faced by children. I like this because I think the more attention is brought to injustice the closer we are to getting it resolved. To find out more information about World Children's Day click here.

I'm happiest when I'm getting to know people

I was listening to Pandora today and the song "Getting To Know You" from the musical "The King And I" came on the radio. Hearing it makes me think of how nice it can be to meet people and have the hope of making a friend. Plus the song is unfailingly cheery which is yet another reason why I like it. That aside, I find that the more people I meet the happier I am, even if I don't always agree with everyone, I do think my life is better because of all the people in it and all the people I meet who become part of it.  So, here's to getting to know people!

We're one

"I hope that people will finally come to realize that there is only one 'race' - the human race - and that we are all members of it."-Margaret Atwood
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/margaret_atwood.html

I really like this quote and it seems especially pertinent now more than ever. It also reminds me of a song called One by U2. I figure that all we really have in life is each other and so I send my love to everyone because it's something I can give freely and I think love is something strong enough to unite everyone!

All I wanna do is have some fun today!

Today all I wanted to do was have some fun and it made me think of this song. It really made me feel good today when I heard it on the radio. I hope wherever you are that you did something fun today!

Just the way you are

It's the singer Diana Krall's birthday and I heard her cover of Billy Joel's song "Just The Way You Are" today and really liked it. I like people the way they are. That's not to say I don't believe in growing as a person, just that I like people best when they're themselves, it's the best way to be!

Happy Tuesday

I want to wish everyone a very happy Tuesday because it's not Monday and we're one more day closer to a weekend!

Reminds me of spring

I always like spring. It's not too hot or too cold. Even if it's brief, I still like it.  So, naturally, I like the composition by Aaron Copland  called Appalachian Spring. I heard somewhere that the piece isn't really about Appalachia or spring but somehow listening to that music makes me think of spring and it makes me feel at peace. I hope everyone can find something that brings them a sense of peace. At the very least, I wish you peace now and always.

Love someone now...

I saw this video and it really made me feel good. Love to all!

Be happy despite everything

"The greatest happiness is to know the source of unhappiness." Fyodor Dostoevsky
Read more at: https://mobile.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/f/fyodordost154347.html

One thing that strikes me about the US election's aftermath was/ is the amount of sadness surrounding it. However, as with anything, at least for me, I know that if I'm not happy, as long as I can identify what's troubling me, then I can start figuring out what to do about it. It's the search for happiness that I like because it can be found in so many places no matter what.

A part of me will never grow up

"I'm happy to report that my inner child is still ageless. "-James Broughton
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/james_broughton.html

Here's the inner child in me that will never grow up!

My message for everyone

When in doubt ( or feeling down) give a hug! I send this message with a virtual hug to everyone!

Things to vote for that are fun

As it's election day, I was thinking about fun things I'd vote for, just for the heck of it. Here are a few:

• Trail mix-even if it's a food, it's just a yummy and that's good for something right?
• Minions-because they rock my world.
• My family-just because I don't know what I'd do without them
• Music because it's beautiful.
• Tea-a cup of tea makes everything better!

Vote!

As it is Election Day tomorrow in the US, I thought I'd run an extremely short campaign on behalf of Bob the Minion!

All silliness aside, if you are a US citizen, whether you vote fo Bob the Minion or any other candidate, please vote!!

Marching music that make me feel good inside

The composer John Phillip Sousa was born today in 1854. I've always liked his music because it made me feel motivated for some reason. It does  have a lot of energy and life in it. Plus, it makes me feel that it's good to keep marching on no matter what and always march to my own tune!

Disability Intersectionality Summit

I went to a conference in Boston today about how disability intersects with race, class, ethnicity, gender and many other aspects of our lives. It was really interesting to listen to all the speakers talk about their experiences with having disabilities and being activists in working to promote the rights of people with disabilities. I learned a great deal from the event. Particularly how the disability advocacy movement needs to be more diverse.  I think what I like best about the conference was how many different perspectives of disability were represented. It also reinforced to me how people with disabilities are a really diverse community and everyone's voice needs to be included as we build a stronger movement by working together!

Making it happen

I think it's amazing what people can do. For me, this sign is kind of like a recipe for how to do things that are good. I like making things happen and I really believe there's so much people can do for each other. I hope that whoever you are or wherever you are in life, you can find a way to stay positive and make things happen. There really is no telling to what you can do. 

Some peaceful music for a Thursday

The composer John Barry was born today in 1933.  I've always found that his music, for the most part gives me a sense of peace when I feel in need. The piece of music in the clip below is no exception. When I listen to it, something about it makes me feel calm. There's so much beauty in music and I hear that in the music that Barry composed.  I hope it gives a sense of peace to others, sometimes I feel like that sense of peace is all that's needed to make the day brighter!

Just keep dancing

I saw this clip today of this woman who dances to help herself get through chemotherapy which I thought was really cool. I find that especially if I'm feeling a bit tired or worn down, a bit of dancing really feels nice. Somehow when I dance I don't really mind what anyone thinks or how I might look, it just feels good! I really admire the woman who dances to get through cancer and how her message is that there is always life to be led no matter what life throws at you. If you're going through something difficult, whether it's sickness or something else, I hope you find a way to dance through it, even if you're just dancing in your head. When in doubt, boogie!

Happy Tuesday

I hope everyone has had a very happy Tuesday and I send a wish out to the world for many happy days to come.

Halloween Fun

My office version of Halloween-you can't take the kid out of the worker clearly!

Pieces of Heaven

"On earth there is no heaven but there are pieces of it."-Jules Renard

To me, a piece of heaven is some place where one feels happiest as well as the things and people in your life that make you feel happiest. Below are some pieces of heaven to me.

• My friends and family because I don't know where I'd be without them.
• The house where I grew up in Michigan because I always feel like I truly belonged there.
• Melrose Massachusetts because I really like living here.  
• This blog just because every time I write a post I feel happier.
• Giving and receiving hugs.  I always feel safest when I'm giving or receiving a hug because I somehow am certain that when I am giving or receiving a hug, nothing bad can happen and so far whether it's to do with luck or something else, I've never been proven wrong.
• My job. I really like the idea that I'm doing something good for someone else. I really enjoy research which is something I do most frequently on the job. Plus, I love the people I work with and that makes all the difference. 
•  Mangoes, trail mix and egg rolls (not all together of course because that would be gross) -they make me feel good. 

I hope everyone has things in their lives that are little bits of heaven for them because I think people deserve to have things in their lives that are really good. Those are things that make life worth living.

Happiness is....

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."-Mahatma Ghandi
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/mahatmagan105593.html

That's why I always liked music, there's always harmony in it! Here's a piece of music for today with lots of harmony in it. 

Happy Friday!

I hope everyone has a lovely Friday!!!! I wish everyone the very best! Celebrate! It's the weekend! Celebrate like a Minion!

A nice gift in the form of a sandwich holder

My good friend surprised me today by leaving a surprise for me on my desk at work, a Minion-themed sandwich holder! Not only that, she'd filled it with Kit Kat bars and Reese's Peanut Butter cups  as she knows I like them. (It's nice to have a box of candy, not because I want to eat it all at once, somehow I just like the idea that I can have them for a while -if I use restraint, maybe for a month or two. Then if I only eat one piece of chocolate every once in a while,  eating it feels like something special.) Anyway, It made me feel so happy just to see the box today! I love my friends so very much, they really are awesome people.

Just because I love dogs and babies

I must say that I love dogs and babies and so this video made me feel really good today.  Happy Wednesday!

Roar

Roaring

I think everyone should roar.
Find something you're really passionate about and roar it.
Roar when you're really happy and you want the world to know
Roar when you're sad or angry and you just want to get the feeling out

Roar and make some noise. Let people know you're there
Because you matter probably to more people than you'll ever know
And every voice deserves to be heard
If you have something to say, there's always someone who wants to know

So roar and roar loud
Because it's worth making noise in times of need
Although it's ok to be silent sometimes
Sometimes roaring is just more fun.

Sending lots of love to all

I wish everyone a happy Monday and send you all lots of love!

The lovely thing about a smile...

"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. William Arthur Ward
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamart190443.html

I always feel better when I smile. No matter what might be happening in my life, no matter what might be happening in the world in general, as long as I can smile, I have a strange sense of certainty that I can get through whatever comes. I find there are so many things that I can never be quite certain about but one thing I've always been certain of is that as long as I can be happy about something things are going to be ok. It's a very comforting thought. So today and every day I hope you can find a reason to smile. 

Girl's day out

I had a lovely day out today when my good friend and her daughter and I went out to lunch and then got our hair cut and got hot chocolate to drink afterwards. It was really lovely to do all that together. I hope everyone has a day where they just pamper themselves. It doesn't necessarily have to be getting one's hair cut (although that's fun), I just like the idea of doing something at least once a week that makes people feel really happy.  Just because it's nice to feel really good that way!

Smiling in the face of adversity

I saw this wonderful clip of a premature baby smiling. It just made me feel really happy because I know that premature babies have rather a hard time of it, even if they may not recognize it. Despite all that, this baby just keeps smiling. I really can't think of any better way to deal with things than to smile at least once a day. Anyway,  a reason to smile today is the clip below just because it's super cute!

Any Other Name

The composer Thomas Newman was born today in 1955. He usually does music for movie soundtracks. One song he composed called "Any Other Name" and when I listen to it I feel at peace. It doesn't matter what might be happening around me, somehow when I hear that music I can focus on it and feel good inside.  I hope everyone has something in their lives that gives them a sense of peace,  even if it's only for a moment. Life is made up of moments so a moment of peace to me makes my life just that much better!

Funny quote for the day

"I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells." Dr. Seuss
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/dr_seuss.html

Life is more fun with nonsense in it and that's all I have to say today!

Sometimes Dancing Is The Best Medicine

Sometimes I think dancing really is the best medicine. Apparently a series of hospitals in California think so as well because they're now giving free dance classes to their pediatric patients. I know that I always feel particularly free and happy when I'm dancing. When I'm dancing I don't mind what people think, I just have fun.  However, it's even better when dancing with other people. I'm glad these kids are getting dance classes together.  I figure if you have to go through something difficult like being ill, it's always nice to know that you're not alone. Ultimately, I hope everyone finds a reason to dance, especially when times are tough. To read more about the hospital dance classes project follow this link:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/dancin-power_us_57f7b679e4b0e655eab39cf8?section=&section=us_good-news.

What I live for....

I heard this song called "What We Live For" by American Authors which is a really fun song. It also got me thinking of all the things I have to live for and how my life is better because of the influence of all the people in it.  I really believe everyone has a lot to live for and I hope that is something people never forget.

Say

I was thinking about the song "Say" by John Mayer today. I feel like I always had a lot to say and I'm glad that at least some of my words are heard and that they've meant something positive to people. I think the best thing to have is a voice that matters to people and that the voice is able to say things that might help other people.  I hope everyone can find a voice for good inside them.  It's one of the best things to have.

How I write my blog sometimes....

"I just sit at a typewriter and curse a bit." P. G. Wodehouse
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/p/p_g_wodehouse.html

Sometimes even when I'm writing this blog I do find I feel like cursing beforehand and that may not be the best way to start writing something happy but somehow I don't know if there's a "best way" to start writing. All I do know is that there is a way to find happiness even if I'm angry, upset, fearful or whatever. Happiness keeps me going. It's the best thing there is, even if I end up swearing at my computer to get to it!

Everyone deserves to be happy

"Dedicate yourself to the good you deserve and desire for yourself. Give yourself peace of mind. You deserve to be happy. You deserve delight." Hannah Arendt
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/hannah_arendt.html

To all who read this, I hope you find happiness in every day. Happy Friday!

Nothing is impossible

"Nothing is impossible, the very word says I'm possible." -Audrey Hepburn

I'm so glad that there are so many possibilities in life. From the beginning my parents believed that for me and for all their children. They didn't listen when doctors said I might never be able to learn. They didn't listen when my sister my brother or I said we couldn't do something that was good for us to do. The point is I didn't know what was possible until I did something. I've found it's the adventure of doing something that's fun. So I'll keep doing somethings and find new things that seem impossible and even if it takes a while, I'll do those things somehow, just because I can.

Music that makes my heart soar

The opera singer Luciano Pavarotti was born today in 1935 and I really like this recording I have of him where he sings Nessum Dorma. There's this part in the song where the music swells and when I listen to it my heart feels like it soars. Even if it isn't music, I hope everyone has something that makes their heart soar, just because it's a lovely feeling.

Happy today

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. Eleanor Roosevelt
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/eleanor_roosevelt.html

I hope that today is a happy one for you with new strength and good thoughts!

Nice thoughts for a Monday

I hope that everyone can find a reason each day to do one (or hopefully all of the following!):

Plant challenge!

I now am the proud owner of a zebra plant! My goal is to keep said plant alive as long as possible since apparently it keeps the toxins out of the air. In the past I managed to keep a poinsettia plant alive for about 3 years. I called that plant the tree that grows in Brookline because I owned it when I lived in Brookline, MA and I liked the book "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" so the name seemed appropriate.  The funniest thing about the plant is that almost as soon as a moved away from Brookline the plant died. (Well really, I know that it didn't die just because I moved,  I just didn't take as good care of it as I should have and I think I put it in a place with too much sun.) Anyway, I hope I can keep this plant going for longer than 2 years because I like seeing things grow. That really does make me happy!

Just because I can't get enough of this song....

It's the singer Bruno Mars's birthday and I can't help but be reminded of his song "Uptown Funk." Plus I saw this clip of Minions singing it which made me like it even more. I hope everyone has had a fun and funky Saturday.

Finding peace on a Friday

It's the musician Yo Yo Ma's birthday today and it got me thinking about how he played a cello Suite by Bach. Somehow listening to it today gave me peace. I hope it has the same effect on others. Happy  Friday everyone!

What's in a last name?

I've always been interested to some extent in how people's names came about. I know that at some point in history people's last names had some relationship to what they did for a living-like Baker or Carpenter perhaps. I feel like my last name Sheets suits me because I like writing  a lot. Anyway, I started thinking about this today as I was watching Law and Order (a crime show) this evening. I noticed how the policemen on that show always answer their phone with  just their last name as their greeting. All of a sudden it got me thinking that if I ever answered the phone with just my last name people might think I was asking them to get me more bed linen or paper. I hope that everyone can find some part of their name to be proud of because I believe everyone should be proud of who they are. I'm still proud of my last name even though I couldn't keep a straight face if I used it by itself to answer a phone.

Finding Joy

"Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. Joseph Campbell
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/josephcamp384345.html

I like finding joy in something every day or at the very least something happy. It really does help keep me going especially when things are hard. Today the joyful things for me was I had rehearsal with the a cappella group I'm in and I got to hang out with my friends at work. I find great joy in being with  people I care about and in singing so all in all, today had a good dose of joy in it. I wish that everyone can find joy or happiness in each day. If I could wish one thing for everyone and be guaranteed that that wish would come true, that would be what I'd wish.

Thank goodness for slippers

Today when I came home and found that my feet felt cold. This is not to say that I don't have warm shoes to begin with but there's something nice about having slippers to step into.  Seeing them made me feel really happy today. They're warm and fuzzy and at the end of the day it's nice to have something warm and fuzzy to snuggle into. So here's to slippers, warm feet and general warm and fuzziness! So that's my happy thing for the day!

One Positive Thing A Day Challenge!

For whatever reason this song called "Just Do You" that I heard today made me want to start a challenge! In one part of the music video below, there's a blackboard with the words "I am" written in chalk and then there's a space for people to write in something positive about themselves to finish the sentence. I challenge all who read this post to write one positive thing about themselves every day. At least from my own perspective, the more positive things I can find in myself, the more able I'll be to see the many positive things in others and somehow I really believe I will be happier in gaining that knowledge! Today my positive thing about myself is that I am kind.

A song for my family

I heard this song today called "Still" by Sting and somehow the lyrics reminded me of my family, especially this part of the song that goes like this:

If I caught the world in a bottle
And everything was still beneath the moon
Without your love would it shine for me?
If I was smart as Aristotle
And understood the rings around the moon
What would it all matter if you loved me?
Here in your arms where the world is impossibly still
With a million dreams to fulfill
And a matter of moments until the dancing ends
Here in your arms when everything seems to be clear
Not a solitary thing would I fear
Oh, if I caught the world in an hourglass
Saddled up the moon and we would ride
Until the stars grew dim
Until the time that time stands still, Until...

I realize this is a romantic love song but these lyrics made me think of how my world has more light in it because of my family. It means the world to me to know that they love me and I will never stop loving them. I know that especially when I was younger and I was in my parents arms as they hugged me, time did seem to stand still as I felt so safe. I still feel that sense of safety now. They always encourage me to dream and never doubted my ability to reach my dreams as long as I was willing to put forth the effort. One hope that I believe I'll always have and that I'll always work for, is to be a credit to my family. I'm so proud to be my parents' daughter and sister to a wonderful sister and brother. They all mean more to me than my words and writing could ever express.