A lovely trip to Copenhagen!

I got back yesterday from a  trip to Copenhagen with my parents and sister to see my brother who lives there. We travelled all over Copenhagen and saw Nyhavn which is a waterfront canal and we went to see the Tivoli gardens, the outside of the Amalienborg Palace (where the Danish royal family lives) and of course, the statue of the Little Mermaid (as Hans Christian Andersen who wrote the Little Mermaid was born in Denmark,) My favorite thing we saw in Denmark was the Kronborg castle which just outside of Copenhagen and where Shakespeare's play Hamlet is set. It's one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe It's really beautiful as it has all these paintings and tapestries which were lovely to see as I love history and art.  It was also nice to celebrate my brother's birthday a little early as it's actually today.  Anyway, it was a lovely trip and I'm glad I got the chance to go to Denmark. To all who read this, if you ever have a chance, I hope that you visit Denmark!

Me in front of Kronborg Castle

In front of the Little Mermaid statue

My brother, father and sister inside Kronborg

Off to Denmark!

I’m going to be taking a short break from posting on this blog as I’ll be traveling to Copenhagen for the holidays! I’ll write again on the 30th! I wish everyone who reads this a very happy holiday season!

It's a Wonderful Life

The movie it's a Wonderful Life premiered today in 1946. I really like that movie because it's all about expressing how much people's lives matter in the scheme of things.  The movie shows how much one person can positively impact the lives of so many other people.  There's a line in the movie that says "No man is a failure who has friends" which I think is so lovely because as this movie also shows, friends make all the difference in life. My favorite part in the movie is the ending because it's happy and everyone sings and it just feels good to see it. Wherever you are reading this, I wish you a very happy Thursday and an even happier Friday!

To regret nothing

The singer Edith Piaf was born today in 1915 and one of her most famous songs is called "Non je ne regrette rien" In English it means roughly "I regret nothing." I like the idea of regretting nothing and just choosing to live in the present. To live by that philosophy is something I'm working towards. After all, the past is the past and can't be undone, so why regret things? There's a lot of happiness to be found in living in the present and refusing to let the past hold you back. Wherever you are reading this I hope you have no regrets and I wish you the very best.

Fun science experiments!

I don't know if I could try these experiments at home but I saw this man showcasing some of the science experiments he does to get kids excited about science. I thought I'd share the clip here because it's really cool. (Since I'm in no way scientifically inclined, the fact that I enjoyed watching this clip says a lot.) Anyway, I hope your day was scientifically awesome!

Happiness as a present

"Happiness isn't something that you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present"- Jim Rohn

In the spirit of making a happiness a "present" for yourself, I hope that you find something happy in each day. To that end,  I wish you the happiest of days and an even happier tomorrow!

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. Jim Rohn
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/jim_rohn_147498

Work and fun

"Work is much more fun than fun." -Noel Coward

Work can be a lot of fun. I figure as long as I can fine something fun in the work I do each day then things are going well. I hope that wherever you are reading this and whatever work you do, that you can always find the fun in doing it.  I wish you the very best and a very happy Sunday!

Work is much more fun than fun. Noel Coward
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/noel_coward

Work is much more fun than fun. Noel Coward
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/noel_coward

A fun evening seeing Christmas lights

This evening I had the opportunity to go with a really nice group of people to see the Christmas lights that have been set up in Boston. I always like seeing Christmas lights and Christmas trees as they always make me feel happier. This particular trip was especially nice because I was able to go with some friends to see the lights. The event was organized by the Epilepsy Foundation New England and I always have a lot of fun at their events as they give me an opportunity to see friends that I don't always get to see regularly. Anyway, in terms of Christmas lights this evening I really liked seeing the lights on the Christmas tree that's given to Boston each year by the people of Nova Scotia. In 1917 there was  a terrible explosion in Halifax and Boston sent aid to Nova Scotia and as a thank you, ever since that event Nova Scotia sends Boston a Christmas tree. I like the story because it shows how good people can be to each other, even if they've never personally met each other.  Holidays to me are all about being kind to people and this Christmas tree exemplifies that and that's why I like it best!

In a Flash!

I've started watching this show called the Flash. The show has been around for a while I'm just slow in getting into it. It's about a man that has a super power ability to run at incredible speeds and do things that save people from harm. Watching it makes me think of how cool it would be to be able to zoom around everywhere. I also wouldn't mind being able to keep people out of danger. For now though, I'm glad that I can love people because I feel like doing that saves a part of myself. Love is the best thing I can do for myself because it makes me feel happy, it motivates me to help others and keeps me positive. Love is the best super power.

The Nicest Word

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

Home has always been the nicest place for me. To me, home is where my friends and  family are. I also like this quote because it was something that Laura Ingells Wilder said and I always liked her books as a child.  I tend to feel more at home when I'm reading something no matter where I am.  I hope that wherever you are reading this, that you are in a place where you feel most at home.

Stay Young At Heart

The singer Frank Sinatra was born today in 1915 One of the song he’s famous for singing is called “Young at Heart.” I like the song mainly because it’s all about not taking life too seriously and just enjoy things. Plus, I like to think that adults are just young people that have been around for a while. So I say, stay young at heart and enjoy the ride!

A silly joke

Just because I'm in a silly mood and I think dogs are generally awesome I thought I'd share the joke below as it made me laugh. I wish a happy Tuesday to everyone!

A dog went to a telegram office, took out a blank form and wrote: "Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof." The clerk examined the paper and politely told the dog, "There are only nine words here. You could send another 'Woof' for the same price." The dog replied, "but that would make no sense at all!"

Joke source: http://www.funny2.com/funniest.htm

A fun scientific fact

I saw this little tidbit of information today on Facebook and thought it was worth a share.

Scientifically a raven has 17 primary wing feathers and the big feathers at the end of these birds' wings are called pinion feathers. In contrast, a crow only has 16 pinion feathers so the difference between a crow and a raven is simply a matter of a pinion!

For more silly puns follow this link.

A Sunday morning song

Although I realize it's not Sunday morning now, I did have "Sunday Morning," a song by Maroon 5 stuck in my head today. I really like the song because it gives me a lot of peace and Sunday feels like a good day for feeling at peace.  No matter if Sunday is a sacred day for you, I still wish the happiest of days to all who read this.

Have fun like a kid

Today I was able to go and meet up with a friend and her kids and have dinner at their place. My friend's children are very young and it was so nice to see them and my friend as I haven't had a chance to do that in a while. What I like about young kids is that as long as you're willing to play games and hang out with them they are so accepting. It doesn't matter who you are or what you look like, to them you're someone they want to get to know.  Plus, although I like hearing people laugh in general,  somehow children laughing does my heart a lot of good. There's just something nice about it, hearing it always gives me hope that the future of our world can be bright. In the spirit of being a kid (because kids tend to make a lot of wishes)  I wish everyone much love now and always.

A fun night at the museum

This evening I went to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston to meet with an Art lover's Meetup group to their First Friday events where they have food and music and dancing. I had a lovely time because the people I met in the Meetup group were kind and really interesting. It's always nice to get to know people and learn about the things they like and the things they do that make them happiest.  Plus, I always love music and dancing because both of those things feel so good.  When I'm dancing I don't really care about anything else and I just enjoy the feeling.  Finally, I liked this event because I really like art. The place where the group I was with met to talk was this huge room in what I think is the back of the museum. When I went in I marveled at this giant plant that was in there. I later found out that the "plant" was actually a sculpture made out of pieces of glass. It looked so real and lifelike, it was a sight to see. If you're in Boston and have the opportunity to go to the MFA on the first Friday of a month, I hope you go and have some fun!

Gifts I'd give

As it's a season of holidays it got me thinking of some of the more fun things that (if I had unlimited resources and abilities) would give to everyone. 

• I'd give everyone at least one reason to laugh happily each day, just because it feels so good.
• I'd ensure that everyone has music in their lives because music is one of the best things there is. 
• I'd ensure that everyone has someone to love and be loved by because love is the best gift everyone can give.
• I'd figure out something fun that everyone really likes to do and give them opportunities to do it, because life is fun!
• I'd ensure that everyone can read and that they have many books to read because with a good book, anyone can go anywhere they want. 
• I would say that I'd give everyone a toy Minion as well but I somehow don't think everyone shares my strongly positive feelings towards Minions. 

Anyway, as I currently lack the time resources to provide everyone with all these things I'll simply send best wishes and much love to everyone who reads this. 

Singing to help healing

Yesterday I went with the Harbor Light Show Chorus that I'm part of went to sing Christmas carols for people living at a residential drug treatment center. We've sung for these individuals for a number of years at Christmas and it's a lot of fun. I like seeing how happy they seem to be when they hear the music. It shows me how music can take people out of their situations and bring them happiness. If I could spread music absolutely everywhere I would as long as it would bring as much happiness with it. In any case, I wish everyone who reads this every happiness.

On Learning Danish

One Part of My Brain: Ok, I want to challenge myself.

Another Part of My Brain: Just learning Danish slowly isn't challenging enough by itself?

One Part of My Brain: No, of course not!

Another Part of Maggie's Brain: I think learning how to say "Hello" "Goodbye" "please" "thank you" "Do you speak English?" "Help, I'm lost" would be a start.

One Part of My Brain: "Godmorgan, goddag, godafen (good morning, good day, good evening" ver saw venlee (please) tak (thanks) Manya tak (many thanks) Tailor doo eng'glsk (do you speak English?) Yelp, Ya'ee air far'red veel (help, I'm lost).

Another Part of My Brain: Well, it's a start.

One Part of My Brain: Oooh, I have an idea! Let's try turning our phone's language to Danish and see if that's helpful.

Another Part of My Brain: Let's not do that and just pretend we did.

One Part of My Brain: Oh fun spunge, where's your sense of adventure?

Another Part of Maggie's Brain: Still trying to master how to say "help, I"m lost"

One Part of Maggie's Brain: While you're busy doing that I'm just going to go ahead and fiddle with the phone for a bit.

Another Part of My Brain: Oh please don't.

One Part of My brain: Too late! Now the phone's language is set to "Danske"! It's so exciting!

[After fiddling around with the phone for a few minutes]

One Part of Maggie's Brain: MUST CHANGE LANGUAGE BACK TO ENGLISH! ABORT MISSION! ABORT MISSION!

Another Part of My Brain: Told you this would happen!

One Part of My Brain: Oh phoey on you, help me change the language back.

Another Part of My Brain: Just search for "English" in the search box thingy.

One Part of My Brain: Ah saved! Back to English now. Well, that was worth a try anyway.

Another Part Of Maggie's Brain: Cheer up, here's a website that is all about learning Danish and it has a Minion on it. (https://www.kbh-sprogcenter.dk/en/blog/hello-and-goodbye-in-danish/)

One Part of Maggie's Brain: Minions speak Danish! OMG, OMG, OMG!

My quest to learn Danish continues slowly but I am really super excited to be going to Denmark in 2 weeks with my family

No matter how you feel....

No matter how you feel each day I hope you always choose to get up (because there's always something to do), dress up (because looking nice feels good) and show up (because there's always a place to be!). Most of all I hope that you never give up! I'm rooting for you!

Music is for everyone

I saw this clip of an Irish choir that was competing on the Ireland's Got Talent variety competition earlier this year. What I liked best about this choir called DeafTones Choir was that the singing group was made up of some singers who could hear and others who were deaf or hard of hearing. The people who were deaf used sign language to describe the song's lyrics and the whole effect was really beautiful. I liked their performance because it shows how music can be for everyone and it's something that everyone can enjoy even if it's just by feeling its vibrations.  To learn more about the DeafTones Choir visit them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DeafTones2016/) and watch the clip below!

Profanity

The other day I was with a friend and she started laughing because I'd said "shit." She said she thought it was funny when I swore and then I started laughing and forgot what I was bothered about. I rather like using profanity although I don't do it a lot. When I do say something especially profane I'm glad it makes people laugh because as that helps me to laugh and then I don't think so much about why I was upset in the first place. I think people use profanity when other "more polite" words don't really express what they're feeling. Even if such words can sound harsh, a part of me wishes people would just use these words to express anger or frustration rather than hurting other people. But as things stand, as long as I can make people laugh by saying words that are impolite I fully intend to swear whenever the f*** I feel the need to.

Something we can never get enough of or give enough of

The one thing we can never get enough of is love. And the one thing we never give enough is love. Henry Miller
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/henry_miller_124604

I've always believed that love is the best thing there is and I tell people I love them every day because I don't want anyone to ever be in any doubt that I care. Love is the gift that keeps on giving and there is always more love to give. In that spirit, I send much love to all who read this. 

A little mischief

Today I was super happy because I went to the New England Aquarium as a holiday outing that my boss arranged for everyone in our office. It was really fun to watch the penguins and fish and everything.  At the end of the tour we all walked into this gift shop and I saw all these snow globes that played music and all of a sudden the 6 year old kid inside of me woke up and gave me this crazy urge to turn on a whole bunch of the snow globe music boxes at once. I just thought it was so funny and even though my friend and coworker said I was obnoxious for doing it we both started laughing hysterically about it.  All silliness aside, today I was reminded of how I work in a very accepting office and I'm really glad I have wonderful coworkers and friends. Most of all I'm glad I can do things that help make people laugh.

As it's the holiday season

Since it is a season holidays (and because I can't help myself) I just thought I should share the clip below. Happy Wednesday everyone!

The best way to be!

“Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.” -Bruce Lee
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/bruce_lee_394186

I like the fact that everyone is unique and as such, everyone has the potential for greatness because everyone has the potential to grow and learn and become the greatest version of themselves. Best of all,  everyone has the ability to decide the ways in which they consider themselves to be at their best. So my  hope for everyone is that everyone, no matter what happens in their lives, can feel they live the best way they know how to live. I for one, wish everyone the very best now, and always! 

A jazz song for Christmas

As I really like music and especially Christmas-themed music, I thought I'd share some Christmas music that makes me feel happiest.  There is a piece of jazz instrumental music called "O Tanenbaum" that was performed by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. I like this song because it's fun and I can imagine people dancing to it. Anyway, I post it here to wish everyone very happy holidays!

Laugh and 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

I really like this description of laughter because when I'm laughing hard I do find that it makes me feel good all over. Plus, I really like the fact that laughter can be contagious.  So, in the spirit of promoting contagious laughter, I post the videoclip below. Happy Sunday everyone!

Rainbow sighting!

My Mum was getting into her car after coming out of the grocery store when she saw a rainbow in the midst of a rainstorm and she decided to take a picture. I liked the picture because it reminds me that even in the midst of storms there’s always a chance of a rainbow and something to hope for. I wish everyone the happiest of Saturdays!

A bit of Black Friday humor

I found this joke that I thought was pertinent as today as it’s a big shopping day in the US.  In any case this joke made me laugh. I wish everyone a very Happy Black Friday!

It was the day of the big sale. Rumors of the sale (and some advertising in the local paper) were the main reason for the long line that formed by 8:30, the store’s opening time, in front of the store.

A small man pushed his way to the front of the line, only to be pushed back, amid loud and colorful curses. On the man’s second attempt, he was punched square in the jaw, and knocked around a bit, and then thrown to the end of the line again. As he got up the second time, he said to the person at the end of the line…

“That does it! If they hit me one more time, I won’t open the store!”

Joke from: http://www.desicomments.com/jokes/jokes/shopping-jokes/

Happy Thanksgiving from Maggie and The Minions

I saw this clip and I can’t help posting it here! It is actually for a movie called “Despicable Me 2” But I still liked it because I thought it was really funny and I’m posting it here to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving and as a warning to avoid chasing turkeys as they clearly can chase you back!

a celebration of oxygen

“Singing is like a celebration of oxygen.”- Bjork
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/bjork_463684

I rather like the idea of singing causing the air to celebrate.  The other day I heard a woman named Jackie Evancho singing the song “Pure Imagination” and in thinking about it now, when she sang that song I could imagine the air celebrating. I wish everyone a very happy Wednesday!

Happy Tuesday

This is just a quick note to wish everyone a very happy Tuesday!

A public service announcement

"Never sing in the shower, Singing leads to dancing, dancing leads to slipping, and slipping leads to paramedics seeing you naked!"-Anonymous


I just thought I'd post this as a public service announcement to all those who love singing. If you really feel like singing while getting wet, be like Gene Kelly and sing in the rain! :)

Once in a lifetime

A happy thought for today: I hope that you always remember that you are a once-in-a-lifetime kind of person. There is no one else like you and you are special because of that! I send you lots of love now and always and I wish you a very happy Sunday!

It's Saturday! Celebrate!

Hooray it's Saturday and I hope you celebrate this day as spiritedly as these minions!

The Sound of Music

The musical “The Sound of Musi” opened for the first time on this date in 1959. I always like watching “The Sound of Music” because it never fails to cheer me up. I especially like the song “My Favorite Things” as it helps me think of all the things that make me feel happiest and in thinking of those things I can’t help but feel happy. In that spirit, I wish everyone the happiest of Fridays!

Goodness in times of fire

Lately I've been thinking of the people affected by the Camp Fire in California and the terrible difficulties they're facing.  I know that some movie/music stars/other celebrities have been donating to help people that have lost everything and I was happy to hear today that Lady Gaga stopped by a shelter to give out pizza and gift cards. (To read the story click here.) The story made me think about how good people can be to each other. One thing I really like about people is that so many people are willing to donate money and supplies to people they don't know/may never meet personally.  I figure as long as people are willing to take care of each other there remains a lot of hope for humanity. To all those affected by the fires in California, I pray that you are safe and I wish you the very best. To all those who wish to help people affected by the fires in California click here.

Simple gifts

The composer Aaron Copeland was born today in 1900 and he composed a version of the song Simple Gifts which I think is rather beautiful. Although Copeland's version doesn't have words, the words to the actual song are below. To me, this song is about counting your blessings and seeing all that is good in your life. I post this song here today in honor of my friend Ann who retired from working at a home care agency that is in the office below the office where I work.  When I said goodbye to her she gave me a small picture with the words "Count your blessings" written on it. Ann and this song remind me to always be grateful for all that I have in life. I wish everyone the happiest of Wednesdays and an even happier Thursday to come!

Simple Gifts

Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained,

To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come 'round right

Science confirms hugging is good for you!

I just read about a study from Carnegie Mellon University which looked at the daily activities of 400 people for two weeks. The study found that people who hugging someone (with their consent of course) felt less bad after they  experienced a conflict. This positive feeling after receiving a hug was experienced by all genders and ages involved in the study although women reported giving more hugs than men. The study also found that even if the hug came from someone who wasn't a romantic partner or family member, the effect of the hug on the person who had experienced a conflict was still just as positive. To me this study shows that especially in times of doubt and struggle, hugging someone (with their consent of course) is a great help.  To read more about the study click here.

Happy Monday

I want to wish everyone who reads this a very happy Monday and an even happier Tuesday to come!

To all veterans

I want to pay tribute to all veterans who serve or have served in the armed forces to protect their countries. I do this especially because my dad is a veteran, as was his father befor him.  To all veterans, wherever you are reading this, thank you very much for your service.

Everything is done by hope

"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope."- Martin Luther
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/martin_luther_379055

I believe that with hope (and hard work) really anything is possible. The nice thing about hope is that to have hope costs nothing and is always a positive thing. In that spirit, to all who read this, I hope you have a very happy day and an even happier tomorrow! 

Smile it's Friday!

This video really made me smile and I had to share it here because babies and dogs make me feel happy. Plus, I'm as happy as this baby is that it's Friday! :)

If at first you don't succeed... Climb again!

I saw this clip of a bear club trying to climb up a hill to reach his mom. He kept sliding down the hill and each time he'd have to start his journey over again. I just like the fact that this bear never gave up and did reach the top in the end. I liked the clip because I believe that as long as one is willing to not give up, then any goal is possible.

I wish you a day with lots of smiles in it!

“The greatest self is a peaceful smile, that always sees the world smiling back.” Bryant H. McGill
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/bryant_h_mcgill_502446

I wish everyone a very happy Wednesday and I hope that wherever you are reading this, that you have many reasons to smile today!

Music for Election Day

The composer John Philip Sousa was born today in 1854 and as he's known for composing music and because it's Election Day in the US, it seemed to me that it was only fitting that I should share one song here that he composed that somehow, even though I don't feel patriotic, it does make me feel good inside to hear it. The song is called "The Washington Post March" and I share it here in dedication to all those who voted today!

If you’re in the US, vote!

Since November 6th is Election Day for the midterm elections in the US, This is just a quick message from my Minion and I, urging people to get out and vote!!

Going forward!

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."-Will Rogers
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/will_rogers_109467

There's something rather freeing about the idea of having each day be new and knowing that all of whatever happened the day before doesn't have to influence all of what happens the next day. In that sense each day is a new chance to do other things you may not have had the chance to do the day before. So to all who read this I wish you many new days full of new possibilities. 

As it's Daylight Savings Time tonight

"Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us." Samuel Smiles
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/samuel_smiles_143145?src=t_sun

All I have to say is always remain hopeful and turn your clocks back one hour tonight and enjoy the extra hour of sleep! :)

Get rid of fear!

"You just have to get rid of fear and confront the world. Look at yourself in the mirror and say to yourself, 'I love you and nothing will destroy you and you're not going to fall.' "- Ricky Martin
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/ricky_martin

I really like this quote and I think it's a helpful thing to say to yourself because it's good to love yourself and know that while you might make mistakes, you can't really fail as long as you're wiling to do your best at whatever it is you want to do. I wish everyone the very best and the happiest of Fridays!

Love train

I was thinking of the song called "Love Train" because it's fun and it makes me think how love can be like a train in that it can go to so many places and joins so many people together.  I believe love is everywhere and it's something to celebrate!

Hope you have high spirits on Halloween!

This joke made me laugh today and I post it here to wish a very Happy Halloween to all who celebrate it! I hope you are in the best of spirits!

Jess: Why don’t ghosts like rain on Halloween?
Thomas: Why?
Jess:  It dampens their spirits!

Joke Source: https://boyslife.org/home/23079/funny-halloween-jokes/

Genius

"Genius... is the capacity to see ten things where the ordinary man sees one." Ezra Pound
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/ezra_pound_121459

By this logic drunk people are geniuses! Ok, in all seriousness I do like the idea of seeing many sides to an issue or thing. The more I learn about something the more I realize I need to know more and see more. I don't really want to know everything because then there'd be no more to learn. So I resolve to be a happy not-genius and never stop learning.

Sending love

I want to use this post to send love to everyone just because I can. Wherever you are reading this I wish you the very best and I send you love now and always.

A part of me is still 6

"When I was One,
I had just begun.
When I was Two,
I was nearly new.
When I was Three
I was hardly me.
When I was Four,
I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever,
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.”-AA Milne 

I like this quote because I think a part of me has always stayed 6. Now, as then, I still love to hug people, I still hate peas, I'm still stubborn, I still have a temper that shows it's ugly head sometimes and I still love teddy bears. Even though some of these things may change over time, I feel strongly that I'd like a part of me to stay young.  Getting older is serious business but I think staying young at heart makes things more fun. So I've decided a part of me will stay cleverly 6 forever and ever. 

A fun way to learn

"He who laughs most, learns best."- John Cleese
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/john_cleese

It's the actor/comedian John Cleese's birthday and I like this quote from him because I believe laughter is one of the best things there is to do and I've learned a lot from laughing. I've learned that laughing makes things seem more manageable and when I find things are funny they same less intimidating. I also like laughing because it's a good thing that's contagious! In the spirit of making people laugh and because it's his birthday I thought I'd share this clip of John Cleese being interviewed by Rowan Atkinson because I thought it's pretty funny (and semi-educational). Happy Saturday everyone!

Halloween joke

As Halloween is coming up, I thought this joke was appropriate (and funny).

Happy Friday everyone!

A photographer goes to a haunted castle determined to get a picture of a ghost on Halloween. The ghost he encounters turns out to be friendly and poses for a snapshot. The happy photographer later downloads his photos and finds that the photos are underexposed and completely blank.

Moral to the story: The spirit is willing, but the flash is weak.

Joke Source: https://boyslife.org/home/23079/funny-halloween-jokes/

A sweet ASL birthday

I saw this clip of a kindergarten class signing the Happy Birthday song to a deaf janitor and I thought it was really sweet since having those kids do that clearly made him really happy.  I also liked it because I'm learning sign language and it's a beautiful way to communicate. I wish everyone a very happy Thursday!

Dogs are babies’ best friends too

I saw this clip of a dog playing with a baby and I thought I’d share it here because I felt it was really sweet and because I like dogs, Regardless of whether you like dogs, I hope that you found many things to make you laugh today. Happy Wednesday!

A fun hotel stay for a toy

I saw this story about a little girl who accidentally left her toy rabbit at a hotel and to make the best out of the situation the hotel took pictures of the toy "living it up" at the hotel (getting spa treatment, sleeping late and having afternoon tea). The little girl did get the toy back and all was well. I just thought the story was really sweet and it reminded me of when I was really little and I left a Barbie doll at my friend's house. My friend's parents were really funny people so they sent a ransom note saying "We Have Barbie!" to my house. I did get the doll back and no ransom was required.  Losing toys can be funny like that sometimes. Happy Tuesday everyone!

Fun video for a Monday

Just to brighten this Monday, I thought I'd share the video below because it's fun and it made me feel good inside to watch it. I wish everyone a very happy Monday and an even happier Tuesday to come.

"Work" that doesn't feel like work

"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more."-Jonas Salk

I like this quote because I feel it rings true for me. When I'm doing something that might be considered work but it's something I really enjoy, it doesn't feel like work and I'm glad that I can do more of it. I really enjoy what I do for my job and even if it's not always easy, I'm rather glad that there's always more of it to do. I also like the idea that some good things might come of the work I do. My wish for everyone would be that if people have to work at something, I hope that everyone can find something that they really enjoy so it doesn't really feel like work.  I wish everyone the very best

Sunshine song

I heard this song today from Jason Mraz  called "Sunshine Song" and it made me think of all the people that bring more sunshine to my life. The song itself is all about how it's important to send sunshine to others and that if everyone did that, just think of how much brighter in spirit people could be. All we have in life is each other and I feel like if I want to make my bit of world better, I should send more light into it. So I send out this message with as much sunshine as I can send in it. I wish everyone a very happy Saturday.

Panda v. Snowman

I saw this clip of a panda trying to fight a snowman and from watching it, it’s even more clear to me that trying to fight a snowman is a losing battle. Although I am a fan of pursuing seemingly impossible dreams, if I ever get the urge to fight with snow I’ll just stick to throwing it at people! (Doing that seems much  less frustrating and infinitely more fun than fighting an inanimate object!) Happy Friday everyone!

Something to celebrate!

It's almost Friday! Yay!

Always have a vision

“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.”- George Washington Carver
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/george_washington_carver_158551

I figure as long is you have some idea as to where you would like to be or what you would like to do, there is always hope that you can you reach your goals. As long as you’re willing to act on that hope, then I believe that anything is possible. Even if you don’t always know where you’re going or what you want to do, my hope is that you always keep hope alive in yourself so it can help you find your way.

I wish everyone a very happy Wednesday!

The best (and only) way to be

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."-Oscar Wilde

Everyone I know is always going on about the importance of being true to yourself and being yourself and I agree with them (and this quote) wholeheartedly. I'm just glad I'm the only me and that I'm not alone in being only because everyone is the only one of themselves so even though we may be "onlys" in being "only" we are all one. 

My wish for everyone

Since I'm part Irish this got me thinking about blessings that I like to think Irish people say to each other (at some point at least). One such prayer is the following prayer and I like it because it's something I wish for everyone.

These things, I warmly wish for you-
Someone to love, some work to do,
A bit of o’ sun, a bit o’ cheer.
And a guardian angel always near.

Uncontrollable joy

One thing that I think is so great is seeing someone so tremendously happy they just can't contain it and smile and laugh and dance all at once. Nowadays I usually see this in children mostly but when I see adults do something like that it makes my soul feel good. I saw this clip of the singer Pharrell Williams surprising a teacher who loves the song "Happy" and it warmed my heart to see it. I hope it has the same effect on others. I wish everyone a very happy Sunday!

A reason to smile

I hope you have many reasons to smile today and to give you an example reason, I hope you can smile today because today (and each day) is a new day with so many possibilities for good things to happen in it. I wish everyone a very happy Saturday.

A happy song for a Friday

I was just thinking about the song "You Don't Have to Believe Me" by Eric Hutchinson because it's all about loving who you are and that every aspect of yourself is of value. Plus, I think the song is fun to dance to and dancing is one of my favorite activities. I wish everyone a very happy and self respecting Friday!

Strength

A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/eleanor_roosevelt_127143

I like this quote because I also feel like you never know how strong you are until you have to face something difficult. That's the beauty of difficult things, they can bring out the best in people. So if you happen to be going through something difficult I'm rooting for you and I know you can get through it!

Friendship across the globe

“The world is round so that friendship may encircle it.” -Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/pierre_teilhard_de_chardi_156688

I like the idea of friendship connecting everyone. One thing I think is nice about social media is that it allows people to connect with each other all over the globe. Although I do like getting physical letters and postcards from people, I like knowing I can reach people on the other side of the world with the click of a button. I feel the more people are united the better off we all are. So wherever you are reading this, I wish you a life full of many good friendships!

Love is a flower

“Love is the flower you've got to let grow.”-John Lennon
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/john_lennon_143022

In the spirit of this quote, I post a flower here and I send much love to everyone to help love grow! I wish everyone the happiest of Tuesdays!

Just because it's a day off...

"Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired."- Jules Renard
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/funny

I have a day off today and as a result I've decided I'd like to take the advice above and rest before I feel tired, because I want to and I can. So if you ever feel like being slightly less energetic then usual and people tell you you're being lazy, just tell them you're resting so that you'll have all this random energy at some point! To all who read this I wish you a restful Monday. 

Meeting strangers

"Good things happen when you meet strangers."- Yo-Yo Ma
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/yoyo_ma

I like meeting people just because I feel my life is better because of the influence of all the people I've met. I learn something from all of them and it's nice to know that there's always the possibility that are new friends to be made and friends are the best things to have. In that spirit I enclose the song below which is all about meeting people and it makes me happy to hear it. Wherever you are, I hope that you meet many new people throughout your life and if not, then I hope that you keep the friends you have close to you because friends are the best!

Why I love writing

Every story I create, creates me. I write to create myself. Octavia E. Butler
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/octavia_e_butler_646129

I've always liked writing and one thing I especially like about writing is that it allows me to be whoever I want to be and to say what I want to say. I find I grow more when I'm writing and it makes me feel at peace. I hope that if you're reading this you find at least one thing in your life that helps to define who you are makes you feel a sense of peace. I wish everyone a very happy Saturday!