Happy Birthday to my awesome brother

It's my brother's birthday and I want to use this post to celebrate him because he's an awesome guy and I feel lucky he's my brother. He's always been great about making everyone feel happier. Whether it's by impersonating the Knights Who say Nii from Monty Python (and getting my sister and me to shout "Nii"back at him) or just telling a joke, he really helps people laugh more. So I share this clip of the Knights Who Say Nii in honor of my brother. I wish him the happiest of days!

Best things about Thailand!

I've just come back from a trip to Thailand which was an awesome experience. My family and I went there for my cousin's wedding which was really beautiful. Anyway, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things about Thailand. These include:

*The reclining and emerald Buddha- they're really beautiful and the buildings that contain them and are around them are spectacular.
*Street markets- you can buy almost anything at street markets. Plus, some of them have performances as well.
*Tuk tuks- these motorcycle taxis are a lot of fun although perhaps a bit death defying at times.
*Bangkok- it's a beautiful city.
*Sawadikah- I'm spelling the word phonetically but it means blessings and people in Thailand use it to greet each other and bowing. I just like the phrase. There's something nice about it.

I'll write more about my trip  in later posts!

Inspiring quote about being brave

"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave."- Mary Tyler Moore
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/mary_tyler_moore_130341

The actress/comedienne Mary Tyler Moore was born today in 1936 and I like this quote because it helps me feel brave. Whenever I feel like I'm not doing well it's comforting to know that "failing" really is a temporary thing. I know that I've grown stronger from it and in an effort to help others be strong, I enclose the song below. 

Speak your mind

"Speak your mind even if your voice shakes."-Maggie Smith

There's something nice about being heard and if anyone knows how to be heard, it's Dame Maggie Smith! As it's her birthday today I thought I'd share her quote here to encourage people to speak their minds! Even if it's hard to do so, as long as it's speaking up for something positive, I know that I always feel better after I speak up for positive things I feel strongly about. So I urge you to speak out and be a voice for goodness!

Pandas like snowmen too.

I've always rather liked making snowmen in winter. Apparently pandas like snowmen too and although this bear seems to be struggling (and possibly destroying) a snowman, there is something to be said for having fun in the snow.

Just for fun

Just because I thought this was funny and to keep the holiday cheer going, I  found this clip of a bird dancing and I had to share it because I'm all about dancing and it made me happy!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

I wish everyone who celebrates this day, a very Happy Christmas! I hope this day brings you and all your family much joy and I send best wishes and much love to all!

Christmas Pageants

 I really like Christmas pageants in churches where kids act out the Biblical Christmas story of Jesus's birth. Last week, my church held such a pageant but the whole congregation was involved and it was really fun. I'm writing about it now, even though it's after the fact, because as it's Christmas Eve it seems especially appropriate. I liked the pageant we held because everyone had a part in it. Everyone who wanted to wear one was given a costume and everyone got a chance to be involved in some way and of course there was much singing of carols which is the best part. There was something really nice about people standing and singing and having a good time. It was also just nice to know that I was with good friends and that I was in a place where people feel loved. Regardless of spiritual beliefs, wherever you are reading this, I wish you much love.

One of my favorite Christmas carols

As it's getting really close to Christmas I thought I'd share one of my favorite Christmas carol which is O Christmas Tree. I especially like the version from the Charlie Brown cartoon because it's pretty and it's jazzy and fun. So I use this song now to send early wishes of Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it!

Just because I can't help myself and it's Friday

As it's Friday and because I like to have a little fun over the holidays (and because I can't help myself) below is a little bit of Christmas silliness! Happy Friday from me and the Minions!

Sharing the same soul

I saw this clip of two little girls who are twins in so many ways even if not by blood. What I liked best about their story is that when they were told they couldn't be twins because they were from different races they couldn't be twins.  This idea prompted one of the girls to say that they were twins because they shared the same soul. It brightened my day to hear their story and I hope it has the same effect on others. Happy Thursday everyone!

If I could be anything in a next life....

If I could come back as a place in a next life I'd come back as an oasis. (According to the dictionary an oasis is: "a pleasant or peaceful area or period in the midst of a difficult, troubled, or hectic place or situation.") So if there have to be storms I'd like to be the calm in the storm! As it stands, I would really like (and have worked to ensure) that this blog can be a sort of oasis. At least from my personal perspective, writing this blog helps me feel calm and it's my hope that it might have the same effect on others. In that spirit, here is some music that helps me feel calm and safe. 

Show love

I heard this lovely song today called "Show Me Love" by the group Hundred Waters. I like the song because it speaks of how everyone can love. Despite the fact that people have hate and anger in them, I'm glad that love is strong enough to get through all that and come out stronger. I really like how love can be found everywhere. So, with that in mind, and in an attempt to send a little more love out to the world, I send out this post to all the world with all the love I can put in it. I wish everyone much love now and always.

Show love more

I feel like in today's world, there's never been a more important time to spread more love in the world. This point was driven home to me by a video I saw posted by the Ad Council which showed a kiss camera that highlighted people showing love to each other regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality or any else. It did my heart good to see the video as it shows that love knows no bounds.

Celebrating Beethoven!

Ludwig Von Beethoven was baptized today in 1770 and as a result, I thought I'd share a piece of music he wrote that I think is rather cheerful. I wish everyone who reads this a very happy Sunday!

Sometimes it's nice to stay home

"Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort."-Jane Austen

Although most of the time I'm all for going out and having adventures, when it's cold outside there really is nothing like staying home and being warm. So, to help you feel warmer (if needed) here is a song that always makes me laugh and reminds me that the sun does come out and things get hot, hot, hot!

As Fridays are days for excess

Since Fridays are traditionally drinking days, I thought the joke below was appropriate. I wish everyone the happiest of Fridays!

A man walks into a bar and orders a drink. Then he notices there are pieces of meat nailed to the ceiling of the bar so he asks the barman what they are for. The barman replies, "If you can jump up and pull one of them down you get free beer all night. If you fail, you have to pay the bar £100. Do you want to have a go?"

The man thinks about it for a minute before saying, "Nah, the steaks are too high!"

Source of joke: http://laffgaff.com/funniest-jokes/

A very good speech

King George XI  was born today in 1895 and I'm writing about him now because I like the fact that he and his family were symbols of resistance and empowerment. Despite a speech impediment he gave many speeches and visited many bomb damaged parts of London to boost morale during World War II.  I saw the movie The King's Speech and I really liked it because it showed how he struggled with his impediment and the oncoming World War II and seemed to come out stronger for the things he faced. One speech I like that he gave was a speech at the start of the war that was meant to rally the British people and prepare them for the coming war. I like the speech because despite the difficulty and dangers it described, it still left room for a lot of hope for the future. It symbolizes to me that hope endures long after struggles end.

The nicest word

"Home is the nicest word there is."-Laura Ingalls Wilder

I love being home. There's something nice about being someplace where you always know that people that live with you care about you. In that sense, to me, home isn't about the building. Home is just about the people you live with.  I know what I'm home when I'm with the people I love. So wherever you call home and whoever you feel most at home with, I hope you feel very much loved when you're there.

Be Young At Heart

The singer Frank Sinatra was born today in 1915. He sang this lovely song called "Young at Heart" which I really like because it reminds me of how important it is to always keep part of me young. By that I mean, to not take life too seriously and have fun as much as possible.  So I vow here and now to stay young at heart and keep on singing!

A better place

I heard this song today called "Better Place" by Rachel Platten. I really liked the song and it's music video. In the video the singer had couples and families listen to her song and videotaped their reactions to it.  It was really interesting because the music seemed to emphasize the love that the people in the video felt for each other. I like to think that music can bring people together and possibly help them think of how much they care about each other. Whether that's true or not I don't know but one thing I do know is that my life is better because of all the people in it.

Music Sunday

It was music Sunday at my church today which is always really fun.  The church choir that I sing with sang a piece of music called "Christmas Day" by Gustav Holst. It's a very formal piece and we had some professional singers that were hired to sing with us that made us sound even better.  The children's choir sang Silent night which they also used sign language while singing that which I thought was really cool.  So all in all, it was really fun and I'm glad that it was an inclusive performance that involved sign language since music should be enjoyed by all! Although I don't have a recording of my church's choir singing, below is a clip of what the song "Christmas Day" sounds like.

Happy Sunday everyone!

There''s something about food

My parents came to visit and I love them very much so it's always really nice when they come to visit. One thing I can always count on when they come is they always buying me about a month's worth of food. It doesn't matter that I live next door to a specialty food store, a coffee shop, a gas station that sells snacks, 2 pharmacies that also sell food and that I can walk to another supermarket in about 15 minutes any time I want. There's something about food that's special. I do really appreciate them buying me food. It's yet another way for them to show they love me. It also makes me think of how and why food is such an important part of culture. In the end,  for me, it's not about the making or buying of the food or the amount of food, it's the fact that it can be enjoyed and shared and saved. So wherever you are reading this I hope you had at least one nice meal today and someone  to share it with.

A fun night at the Boston Pops

Tonight I went with my parents to see the Boston Pops Christmas concert which was super fun! There was lots of carol singing and a reading of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol and my family and I really enjoyed it! Music makes people so happy and everyone in the audience at this performance were happy and it was just a nice feeling. If you get the chance to see the Boston Pops Christmas concert series I highly recommend seeing it!

Happy Thursday

I write this to wish all who read this a very happy Thursday and an even happier Friday!

Things I'd take to Mars just for fun

Today in 2006 NASA revealed photos that showed that there was evidence of water on Mars. This got me thinking that if humans were ever able to live on Mars and I was somehow able to go there, there are some things that I'd take that I just can't go without. Such things include:

• A device with some nice music loaded in it-just because everything is better with music.
• Trail mix-I'd get some magical container that never allows food to melt or go off just so I could enjoy trail mix in space.
• A bunch of good books-I love reading.
• A great telescope, so I can look at all the stars even closer. 
• A nice comfortable bed to fall asleep in while looking at the stars.
• Good friends and family (providing they want to come to Mars too.) I love my friends and family too much to be without them. 
• A computer with internet connection (This of course is possible on Mars, just because.) just so I can write my blog while on Mars. 

Music from a Disney movie

I rather like Disney movies, mainly because things turn out all right in the end and there's usually singing or at least nice music in all of them. One such movie that I like that isn't so well known is a live action version of the Jungle Book from 1994. It has a more romantic take on the Jungle Book story and I rather like the soundtrack for it. There is one piece of music that is played at the beginning of the movie that I really like. It makes me want to go on an adventure, then again, all life is a bit of an adventure. So in that sense, it reminds me of how I want to live life to the fullest! So, here's to seizing the day and all the adventures in it!

A simple random act of kindness

"We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do."-Mother Teresa
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/mother_teresa_125711

I'm all about the random acts of kindness, just because I think they're fun. So if you're looking for ideas for easy things to randomly do a smile is as good as anything. If there is one thing I'll always know is that I always feel better when smiling!

Happiness needs to be shared

"Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it."-Bernard Meltzer
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/bernard_meltzer_165985

So my message today is, even if you don't share a kiss with someone today, I hope you still spread the happiness! In that spirit, I include the song below, which is of course, happy!

Some beautiful music for a Saturday

The opera singer Maria Callas was born today in 1923 and because she had such a beautiful voice and because I felt like sharing some beautiful music today, below is a clip of her singing a song I really like called "O Mio Bambino Caro."  I wish everyone a very happy Saturday!

An evening of carol singing

Tonight I had the great privilege of singing with the Harborlight Show Chorus. We went to Beverley, MA and sang carols for people walking around Beverley and  the restaurants there. It was really fun and I liked seeing how happy people were listening to us sing. It's clear to me that music brings light to those who need it and helps put people in the holiday spirit!

Funny video that made me laugh

This post is to add to the funny videos I've found thus far. Since laughter is the best medicine and this video made me laugh today, I thought I'd share it here. I wish you many days with lots of reasons to laugh for joy in them.

Caring people of the world unite!

"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have."-Margaret Mead
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/margaret_mead_101283

I really like this quote because I've seen the power that caring people have when they band together! One of the things I love most about people is their capacity to do so many good things. If there's something good or kind that you want to do I hope that you find a way and go out and do it! As music (and this song in particular) always inspires me, in an effort to motivate others I enclose the song below. 

As final note for this post, keep fighting the good fight and never give up!

A poem to wish everyone a good night

The poet William Blake was born today in 1757 and he wrote this poem below which, although I guess it's meant to be written to a child, I still think the message of wanting someone to be happy and to have happy dreams and memories. That's something I wish for everyone. So in that spirit, I wish you a very happy night!

A Cradle Song - Poem by William Blake

Sweet dreams form a shade,
O'er my lovely infants head.
Sweet dreams of pleasant streams,
By happy silent moony beams

Sweet sleep with soft down.
Weave thy brows an infant crown.
Sweet sleep Angel mild,
Hover o'er my happy child.

Sweet smiles in the night,
Hover over my delight.
Sweet smiles Mothers smiles,
All the livelong night beguiles.

Sweet moans, dovelike sighs,
Chase not slumber from thy eyes,
Sweet moans, sweeter smiles,
All the dovelike moans beguiles.

Sleep sleep happy child,
All creation slept and smil'd.
Sleep sleep, happy sleep.
While o'er thee thy mother weep

Sweet babe in thy face,
Holy image I can trace.
Sweet babe once like thee.
Thy maker lay and wept for me

Wept for me for thee for all,
When he was an infant small.
Thou his image ever see.
Heavenly face that smiles on thee,

Smiles on thee on me on all,
Who became an infant small,
Infant smiles are His own smiles,
Heaven & earth to peace beguiles.

A safe kind of high

"Music is a safe kind of high"-Jimi Hendrix

Music is one of the things that makes me feel really good inside and out. I could be having the worst day and I'd turn on some music and somehow it makes me feel better. In that sense for me, music is my drug of choice. It gives me hope and strength and hope when I need it most. One song that gives me a lot of peace is the music in the clip below. It's just really pretty. I wish you a very peaceful day.

Feel good all over

Laughter is the sensation of feeling good all over and showing it principally in one place. Josh Billings
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/josh_billings_106361

In the spirit of this quote and to help you feel good all over, here is a clip below that made me laugh. 

I wish everyone a very happy Saturday! 

Beautiful sky

I really like watching the sunset sometimes just because it's like a surprise at the end of each day and I like nice surprises. As I thought the sunset yesterday was especially unique, I thought I'd share it here for your viewing pleasure. I wish you all the happiest and most colorful of evenings!

Something I treasure

"Treasure the love you receive above all. It will survive long after your good health has vanished."- Og Mandino
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/og_mandino_100727

If there is one thing I really do treasure the people I love and the people who love me because love is the best gift that I can ever give or receive. I feel that because of the love I have received, I have more love to give and thus the cycle continues. In that spirit, I wish you much love now and always. 

Happy Thanksgiving

If you celebrate Thanksgiving I wish you a very Happy holiday today and for people who don't celebrate Thanksgiving I wish you a day with many things in it to feel happy about!

ASL for a holiday

As it's Thanksgiving and I'm still working on learning sign language I found this video that uses American Sign Language to describe things associated with Thanksgiving that I thought I'd share here. To those who celebrate turkey day, I wish you the happiest of Thanksgiving!

The first record

Today in 1877 Thomas Edison introduced his phonograph to the world. While my family has never owned a phonograph,  I'm still reminded of how I''ve always loved music and sound and as a child my family owned a record player.  The first record I remember hearing was the Sound of Music which seems appropriate as there's always been music in my life in some way, shape, or form. Anyway, to add a little bit of nice music to your life, here's some music I like.

Hooray for being home!

I've traveled back to see my family in Michigan for Thanksgiving day holiday and I must say I'm very glad to be back with my family! If you celebrate Thanksgiving coming up I hope you have a very happy one with your family. If you do not celebrate Thanksgiving, I still wish you a very happy week with lots of things to feel happy about!

Funny for a Sundee

I saw this video that made me laugh and feel really good because although I like seeing people happy and laughing generally,  I particularly like seeing kids happy. Anyway, I wish everyone a very happy Sunday!

How I learned to speak up more

"A voice is a human gift; it should be cherished and used, to utter fully human speech as possible. Powerlessness and silence go together."-Margaret Atwood
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/margaret_atwood_392759

When I was younger I used to get really frustrated when I felt like there were so many things that seemed wrong and people were being harmed and I hated it because I felt like there was little I could do to help. I remember my mother saying that it wasn't any good being frustrated and feeling helpless and if I was upset about stuff I should channel the anger I felt into doing something good and speaking up. That idea has influenced most of the things I do now. Although I still get frustrated with things and especially things that negatively impact people with disabilities, I know that I can do a lot with my voice and although it might not make everything all right again, it is something I can do to make things a bit better for others. With those in mind I feel more at peace. 

I send you the sweetest of dreams

One thing I miss about being a small child, as corny as it might sound, is that my parents used to say good night to me and my siblings by wishing us sweet dreams. When I think  of it now, what I take from it now is the fact that it made me feel safe and loved and comforted. So in attempt to send a bit of comfort to everyone,  I wish you all the best dreams and a good rest!

Congratulations on a job well done!

Tonight was Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL's) annual meeting tonight where some of my friends received awards for being BCIL Warriors. Please awesome women spent much of this year fighting to preserve healthcare and community-based services for people with disabilities.to  They demonstrated on Capitol Hill with ADAPT, a network of disability rights activists. They continue to work to ensure that people with disabilities can live in the community and get the services they need. I really admire these womenthis opportunity to congratulate my friends Olivia Richard, Colleen Flanagan, Nancy  Houghton and Rhoda Gibson for being fighters and always staying strong!

Do the impossible!

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"-Walt Disney

There are many things that seemed impossible to me at one time or another.  When I was younger I thought riding bikes and doing math were unsurmountable obstacles at times. However, I can still ride a bike and although I still don't like math much, it's something I can do in times of need. As I grew older there were other things I never thought I could do like move away from where I grew up, and live on my own. It's funny because looking back,  I've done many things I once thought were impossible and I feel like I grew as a person from doing them. Plus, in some ways, they were fun! So that is why I'd encourage everyone to do the impossible!

Music to celebrate people!

The composer Aaron Copeland was born today in 1900 and among the music he composed is a piece called "Fanfare For The Common Man." It's a big brassy song that I still rather like because it seems to me like it celebrates the good things in people and the good things that people can do, especially for each other. So I celebrate the goodness in people with the song below because things people do to make others happy and to live better lives are things to be celebrated!

Planting seeds each day

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."-Robert Louis Stevenson
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/robertloui101230.html

Although I wasn't always good at it, I do like helping things grow, especially flowers. However, I also like planting ideas as well. So I know today is a good day because I write this post to plant a seed of happiness which is the best thing I can give right this minute. So, my seed of happiness for today is planted (as per usual) by a song about puppies because puppies make me happy!

I wish everyone a very Happy Monday and an even happier Tuesday to come!

A notice to all the star gazers out there!

I just read that the planets Venus and Jupiter will meet before sunrise on Monday 11/13.  I'm writing about this because I always like seeing the stars and planets.  Sometimes when I go back to Michigan where I grew up, as my family lives on a farm,  at night you can really see the stars well there. Although, I'm living away from Michigan now, I still like seeing the stars because they're the same everywhere and beautiful everywhere and I like how planets seem to glow brightest of all. In a way it reminds me of how we're all connected.  So if you have time I hope you get to see the planets connect too!

Happy Veterans Day!

This is a shout out to all veterans for being brave and working to keep everyone safe. I once saw a clip of 5 young girls singing at a benefit for Remembrance Day in the UK and I thought I'd share it here because the song the girls are singing is about service and also about coming home. So I send this song with best wishes to all veterans in general and with a hope (even if it's improbable) that one day all people in the armed forces will come home safe.

Getting TGIF just rig

Thank GOD I'm Female!
No that’s not it

Thank GOD I can be Funny!

well. yeah…but no….

THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY

yep that’s it

TGIF!!!

Joke from: https://thejokecafe.com/jokes/friday-jokes-quotes-status/

Happy Friday everyone!

The Good Day Wish

I wish you a good day
With nothing but happiness in it
I wish you a day with lots of light
And music and everything nice

If, for some reason today's not that day
Then I wish you more happy days than sad
And loads of hugs and kisses
From people who love you best

I wish a day of peace and safety
A day when all is all right in your world
And a day when you're very aware
That you are much loved, more than ever!

Happiness is viral

I just read about a study by researchers from the University of California and Harvard that found that the levels of happiness of people you may not even know can still rub off on you and can even reach friends of your friends so it's like a chain reaction of happiness! It seems that just a laugh and/or a smile can make a huge difference. I suppose that must seem obvious but I just think it's really nice that the good feelings that laughing and smiling bring can spread really far. So,  to spread the happy, here's a song that makes me smile. I send this song to you with a wish that you have many really happy days in your life.

Happy Tuesday!

This is just a simple post to say I hope you had a very happy Tuesday and I wish you the happiest of Wednesdays!

Baby Talk

I saw this video of newborn twins who looked as if they were talking to each other and just for fun I thought it would be funny to make up a conversation of what they might actually say to each other if they could really talk about their situation.


Version 1 of potential conversation

Baby1: Oh my goodness there's two of me!
Baby 2: No, there's two of me!
Baby1: And the other one of me talks back!
Baby 2: Oh great, now my shadow is talking to himself!
Baby1: I'm too tired to process all this. I'm done for today.
Baby 2: Me too! Good night little me.
Baby1: Good night other little me.


Version 2:

Baby 1: People have been staring at us all day, we must be famous!
Baby 2:  Whatever "famous"is, it really is exhausting
Baby1: You're right, I'll bet people even stare at us when we sleep.
Baby 2:  Well, when you're cute like we are, it's no wonder people stare.
Baby 1: Oh my gosh, I just yawned and that lady who was looking at me yawned back!
Baby 2: Let me try! (yawns). I just yawned and that man over there yawned too!
Baby 1: Behold the power of the yawn!


Version 3 of potential conversation:

Baby 1:Where are we and why are we here?
Baby 2: I don't know! What do we do?
Baby 1: I don't know, thinking about it makes me tired (yawns)
Baby 2: Well I'm glad I'm here with you as I'd hate to face this big scary place alone.
Baby 1: I'm glad we're together, it makes things feel better.
Baby 2: Agreed!

A song for a Sunday

The singer Art Garfunkel was born today in 1941 and he sang this song called "Cecilia" which I really like because it makes me feel like dancing. There is an interpretation of the song that says it pays tribute to St. Cecilia who in the Catholic religion is the patron saint of music. For this reason (and because it's Garfunkel's birthday) I thought I'd post this song today because clearly, this Sunday is a day for music and dancing!

Having it all

I heard tho song called "Butterfly"by Jason Mraz today and although it really is a love song, I like how part of the song's lyrics state: "But you don't fold, you don't fade/ You got everything you need, especially me/ Sister, you've got it all." Somehow hearing that made me think of how I have friends and family who I love very much and who love me and with that in mind, I can't fold or fade.  My life is better and brighter because of all the people in it who I love.  I think everyone can "have it all" because to me, "having it all" is just about loving people and being loved in return and to me, love is the best thing to have and the best thing to give. 

Funny joke for a Friday

So just because it's Friday I found this joke below that I felt was funny or at least a word to the wise to never get stuck down a hole with a pig. Happy Friday!

A pig and a cat were walking down a dirt path. The pig was very stupid, so the cat had to explain everything to him. When the cat was talking to the pig about something, he (the cat) accidentally fell down a deep pit. He asked the pig to go back to their house and grab a rope.

The pig soon returned with a sturdy rope.

'Throw it down!'

So the pig threw the whole rope down the pit.

'You idiot! You were supposed to grab hold of one end!'

The pig, after thinking a while, jumped down the pit and grabbed hold of the rope.

Joke from: http://kickasshumor.com/c/6/funny-long-jokes

Be lovable

"If you would be loved, love, and be lovable."- Benjamin Franklin
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/benjaminfr103455.html

This quote got me thinking about this song called "Love" by Matt White because it's all about being lovable and loving someone. So I post this song here in an effort to spread the love and wish everyone  a very happy Wednesday.

The first stars

Today I was happy to learn that on this day in 2012 scientists detected light from the universe's first stars. It was predicted that these stars were created 500 million years ago. I've always liked the stars since they guide people through the darkness and the fact that stars created 500 million years ago can still be seen today is sort of symbolic to me. I like to think of stars as being signs of hope and how hope never dies. So today the thing I'm glad about is that stars, like hope, survive!

Favorite Halloween

As it's Halloween it got me remembering about a really fun time I had one Halloween. (Ok, all Halloweens as a kid that I can remember were really fun.) Anyway, this particular Halloween I was at a friend's house with a group of good friends and after trick or treating and much eating of candy we played this card game called Apples 2 Apples which is a game that's a bit hard to explain but the gist of it is to use funny words to describe things and it is really fun. We then proceeded to watch a scary movie that still gives me nightmares and we all fell asleep. I realize Halloweens are technically supposed to be scary  but I still like to think of this Halloween because it was fun as all Halloweens should be!  If you celebrate Halloween I hope it was a very happy one!

Funny Halloween quotes

As it's almost Halloween I found these quotes regarding Halloween that I thought were funny! Happy early Halloween everyone!

Those who believe in telekinetics, raise my hand. Kurt Vonnegut
Ghosts, like ladies, never speak till spoken to. Richard H. Barham
Where there is no imagination there is no horror. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
At first cock-crow the ghosts must go
Back to their quiet graves below. Theodosia Garrison
If a man harbors any sort of fear, it makes him landlord to a ghost. Lloyd Douglas
If you haven't found something strange during the day, it hasn't been much of a day. John A. Wheeler
We live in a Newtonian world of Einsteinian physics ruled by Frankenstein logic. David Russell

Happy Sunday!

As Sundays are the start of a new week, I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy week to come and I hope you had a lovely weekend! I send best wishes to everyone!

Funny Halloween prank

I saw this prank that was done in New York a few years  back that I thought was scary and slightly funny and I thought I'd share it here just because it's almost Halloween and sometimes I like getting good and scared just for the heck of it!

Laugh more learn more

"He who laughs most, learns best."- John Cleese
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johncleese133165.html

I've learned quite a lot from laughing. Mainly I've learned that it really is the best medicine and the same time it's contagious. My life is just plain better with more laughter in it. So, in the spirit of bringing more laughter into your life (and just because I like penguins, here's a funny video to help you laugh. Happy Friday everyone.

Celebrate the struggle

"Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle."- Napoleon Hill
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/napoleonhi152854.html

All I can say to add to this quote is if you're facing something difficult, celebrate the struggle and keep fighting the good fight! I'm rooting for you!

Music that gives me energy!

The composer Georges Bizet was born today in 1838 and he wrote this piece of music called "Les Toreadors" and although sometimes listening to it it makes me want to be a bit silly and dance around in circles until I go giddy, it does make me feel more cheerful whenever I hear it. It just sounds really happy and upbeat.  So I send this music out into the world via this post to wish people much positive energy and happiness!

Miracles

"Out of difficulties grow miracles."- Jean de la Bruyere
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jeandelabr380158.html

I have to admit I do believe in miracles. I believe each new life is a miracle as each person can play a part in helping make the world just that much brighter and more beautiful. So I like this quote because I also believes miracles exist to give us hope in times of trouble. No matter if hope in a miracle seems fruitless, I feel like getting through each difficulty is like a miracle for me in the sense that I'm never really sure quite how things will work out but even if things worked out in the way that I least expected them to work out it still feels miraculous in the sense that I got through it. To me, getting through things is a miracle in itself. So here's to getting through things and miracles!

A little boy and a mailman

I always like getting letters (and sending them) and so when I saw this clip of a little boy who befriended a mailman it did my heart good to watch it. So I say, here's to sending letters and making great friends!

Thus, I use this post to send best wishes to everyone who reads this!

Children write to God....

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the protestant reformation and as that reformation involved putting messages on a church door, it reminded me of a book I recently read about that lists off a bunch of messages children wrote to God. (The book is  by Stuart Hample & Eric Marshall and is called Children’s Letters to God-Workman Publishing, 1991 and reprints.) As reading them made me feel good, I thought I'd share some of them here. I actually got them from this website which I also found to be quite entertaining. For all those who follow the Protestant religion, Happy Reformation Day!

Some letters to God from Children

Dear God, I read the Bible. What does begat mean? Nobody will tell me. Love, Allison.

Dear God, Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones, why don’t You keep the ones You already have now? Jane.

Dear God, Maybe Cain and Abel would not have killed each other if they had their own rooms. That’s what my Mom did for me and my brother. Larry.

Dear God, If You watch me in church on Sunday, I’ll show You my new shoes. Mickey.

Dear God, I bet it is very hard to love everyone in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I’m having a hard time loving all of them. Nan.

Dear God, Are You really invisible or is it just a trick? Lucy.

Dear God, Did You mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident? Norma.

Dear God, I went to this wedding and they kissed right in the church. Is that OK? Neil.

Dear God, Did You really mean “do unto others as they do unto you”? Because if You did, then I’m going to get my brother good. Darla.

Dear God, Thank You for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. Joyce.

Dear God, I think about You sometimes, even when I’m not praying. Elliot.

Dear God, My brother told me about being born but it doesn’t sound right. They’re just kidding, aren’t they? Marsha.

Dear God, I didn’t think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset You made on Tuesday. That was cool. Eugene.

A Minion and the Buddha walk into a bar.....

This joke is inspired by the picture below (image description a window with a Buddha statue and a toy Minion in it.): 

A minion and the Buddha walk into a bar and sit down. The Buddha asks the bartender for a glass of water. When the bartender is about to hand over the water, the Minion snatches the glass out of his hands and drinks the whole glass greedily in one gulp. The Buddha watches the Minion with a slight smile on his face. "Hey" the bartender protests "he just drank your water, why are you smiling?" "Because the Minion is my new student and I'm teaching him one lesson in Buddhism each day." "Well, what was today's lesson?" asks the bartender just as a waiter accidentally spills a big glass of water all over the Minion. Smiling down at the soaked Minion the Buddha replies, "Karma!"

Happy Friday and happy autumn

I always quite like the autumn because it's not too hot and it's not too cold for me.  I also don't think I could live in a place that didn't have seasons.  I also like how the leaves change color and when you go down a street with lots of trees  it's really beautiful. Finally, as I always tend to feel happier on Fridays I just want to wish everyone a very happy Friday and a very happy autumn!

Why there is always hope

"When all else is lost, the future still remains."- Christian Nestell Bovee
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/christiann122675.html

Even when I think all is lost, it's nice to know that there is still the future and that better things can come from it. So really, all is never lost and there is always, always hope.

BBC Funny

The British Broadcasting Company, (now the British Broadcasting Corporation) was founded today in 1922. As my mum is from the UK she has introduced me to various BBC TV shows and funny radio programs. One such program is called the Goon Show which is very silly but it makes me laugh a lot.  It's basically a group of comedians making fun of everyday activities. One of my favorite skits they did is called "What Time is it Eccles?" In it, two members of the Goon Show discuss the time and I always felt it was funny. Anyway,  I've included the skit in the clip below in the hope it will make others laugh as well. Happy Wednesday everyone.

Advice on falling down

"If you fall during your life, it doesn't matter. You're never a failure as long as you try to get up." Evel Knievel 
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/evelknieve601433.html

I like this quote as I think it comes from someone who, I gather, knows quite a lot about falling down and  thus has grown not to fear it so much. Although falling is often rather dangerous, what I've found is that there's always a way to get up again. With that in mind, I find I don't feel so afraid of things to come as I know that if I fall, it's not a new thing for me. So I go forward and like a certain song says "I get knocked down but I get up again, you're never going to keep me down!"

Temptation

"I can resist everything except temptation." Oscar Wilde 
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/oscar_wilde

The writer Oscar Wilde was born today in 1854 and I find this quote by him to be interesting because it makes me think of things that tempt me (or that I find very hard to resist sometimes.) Here are a few things.

• Trail mix-I love the stuff, perhaps too much.
• Dark chocolate-for the same reason stated above.
• Hugging people-I like to spread the love but since hugging people isn't always advisable for various reasons, I restrain myself to only giving hugs upon request.
• Telling people I love them- it probably gets awkward for people but I do mean it when I say it as I feel that there are many forms of love and I end up saying it often because when I die I don't want anyone to be in any doubt that I cared about them very much. In many ways I'm not sure why people are so afraid of saying it. I wish people said it more to each other. 
• Singing-I'd sing everywhere if I could, just because I think it's fun.  I try to restrain myself by trying not to sing out in public as I fear it might annoy people too much. (Although sometimes I start singing if I'm walking by myself and I feel intimidated by someone. At those times I start singing just because it makes me feel brave and I have this thought that it'll make people think I'm slightly mental so they'll leave me alone. So far when I've followed that strategy I've been left alone. Whether that's because of the singing or because no one was really threatening me, I'll never know.) 

Anyway, so here's to vices and giving in to temptation sometimes! 

What the world needs now

Today I was thinking about this song called "What the World Needs Now" because it's all about how the world needs more love in it. So to add just a little bit more love in the world I thought I would share the song here. Spread the love everybody!

Semi-Profound thought for a Saturdays

I'm in a silly mood so I thought I'd share an equally silly semi-profound thought for the masses just because I can, so my profound thought for the day is:

Saturdays are too fun for profound (or even semi-profound) thinking!

I hope everyone is having a nice day and I wish everyone an even happier Sunday.

A joke for cat owners

I thought the joke below was funny and I hereby dedicate it to all cat owners. Happy Friday everyone!

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!"

Joke from: http://www.laughfactory.com/jokes/clean-jokester

On love

I was just thinking of how I'm glad I can give love to many people since I feel like no one is really restricted to just giving love to only a few people and I found this beautiful poem that I think really expresses love better than I think I ever could. Even though it seems like it's really focused on romantic love, I still feel like it's applicable to most forms of love since to me, it's all about loving deeply in whatever way you define that depth of feeling. So I dedicate this poem to everyone who loves. 

Love Sonnet XVII by Pablo Neruda 

No te amo como si fueras rosa de sal, topacio
o flecha de claveles que propagan el fuego:
te amo como se aman ciertas cosas oscuras,
secretamente, entre la sombra y el alma.

Te amo como la planta que no florece y lleva
dentro de sí, escondida, la luz de aquellas flores,
y gracias a tu amor vive oscuro en mi cuerpo
el apretado aroma que ascendió de la tierra.

Te amo sin saber como, ni cuándo, ni de donde,

te amo directamente sin problemas ni orgullo:
así te amo porque no sé amar de otra manera,

sino así de este modo en que no soy ni eres,
tan cerca que tu mano sobre mi pecho es mía,
tan cerca que se cierran tus ojos con mi sueño.

(English translation)

I do not love you as if you were a salt rose, or topaz
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;

So I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Just because I thought this was funny!

I had to share this video because it really made me laugh. I wish everyone a day with lots of reasons to laugh!

Making friends wherever I go

"The world is round so that friendship may encircle it." -Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/p/pierreteil156688.html

I like to think that people can make friends wherever they go. At least, I feel like that's something I could do and want to do, if only because I really feel my life is better because of everyone who I have met. Even if meeting that person was for the briefest of moments it still means so much to me. So here's to making friends and making the world better!

Imagine

The singer John Lennon was born today in 1940 and thinking of him reminded me of the song "Imagine." I heard a rather lovely performance of that song by Herbie Hancock which I feel like sharing here. It reminds me that music makes the world better and that with a little imagination so many great things are possible!

A lovely visit from my parents

My parents have come to visit me and I'm really glad they are here because I feel very happy when I'm with them. On Friday we went and saw a jazz group that my dad likes which had a great  saxophonist and we had a nice dinner at a fish restaurant which was very tasty. Then yesterday we relaxed and today we went on a boat tour of the Charles River and I was pleased that they also were able to see me sing with my church's choir. Really though, it's just nice to be with them as it's always lovely to see them in person and so I'm really excited they are here!

Some nice music for a Saturday

It's the cellist Yo Yo Ma's birthday and as his playing helps me feel relaxed and Saturdays are days for relaxing, I thought I'd share the music in the clip below to wish everyone a very happy and relaxing Saturday!

Happy Friday!

I wish everyone the happiest of Fridays!

One tech gadget from the Bond films I'd want just for fun

The first James Bond film (Dr. No) came out today in 1962 and that tidbit of information got me thinking about all the fun gadgets that James Bond has in his movies and what I think I'd like most to have (if I could have any one of those gadgets) is a wetsuit with a rubber duck on the top which I thought was really funny. On the slightly more practical side, I think I'd like a ski jacket that inflates into a sphere that protects you from injury and proved to be handy in case of an avalanche. I don't think I'll really ever need either of these things even if they did exist, but they're fun to think about. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be a woman of mystery and pick these gadgets up somewhere. (To see these gadgets in action watch the videos below).