There's something nice about going out to eat

There's something nice about going out to a restaurant to eat. When I was really young my family would get all dressed up to go out to dinner. It made it special somehow. I do like cooking and my parents are good cooks as well. However, it's nice to go out and eat something fancy. Even if it can be expensive, somehow food tastes better when someone else cooks it and you don't have to do dishes at the end of it! I hope everyone has a chance to eat somewhere that's nice, just because it's fun!

A relaxing song

It is the singer Norah Jones's birthday and she sings this really nice song called "If I Were A Painter" which really helps me relax. It makes me think of taking a nap in a hammock for some reason. It's just peaceful. To all who read this I hope you had a very peaceful Friday!

Simply beautiful

I saw this clip of a group of mothers singing with their kids who had Down's Syndrome and I thought it was really beautiful so I had to share it here. Happy Thursday everyone!

Favorite foods from the UK

The English cookery writer Hannah Glasse was born today in 1708 and I'm writing about her now because she was celebrated on Google and it reminded me of my grandmother and my mum. My mum is British and when we'd go to visit my grandparents in England my grandmother would go all out cooking like crazy for us. It didn't matter that we told her she didn't have to, she cooked up a storm anyway. My mum also likes to cook and taught me a lot about British cooking. Plus, if we had nothing else in our house, we always had tea. Just for fun, I thought I'd write about food from the UK that I rather like.

• Fish and chips. It's incredibly traditional and we used to eat it after going to the beach.
• Ice cream in cones with a chocolate flake stuck in it. A chocolate flake is basically a stick of chocolate shavings that is super good in vanilla ice cream. There was a playground by my grandparents house where my parents took me and my siblings to play and I remember an ice cream truck always seemed to be nearby when we went there and we always got ice creams with flakes.
• Custard tarts-They basically are very small custard pies. I haven't been able to find them in the US but they are super good.
• Sausage rolls. My mum always make them at Christmas and holidays generally. In the US it's called pigs in a blanket.
• Plowan's lunch- It's basically a ham, lettuce, tomato, and other vegetables and often accompanied by something called Branston Pickle. Branston Pickle is a type of pickle relish which is an acquired taste but I like it now.
• Jaffa cakes-they're cookies with chocolate icing on the top and they have orange filling. They're really good!

I think I'll always like British food because it reminds me of my family and my home, which are two things that will always be most dear to me. 

A silly (very short) story

A hog decided to try doing something different for a change and ran through a hedge, got stuck and thus became.... a hedgehog!

A flipping iceberg!

I saw this video of an iceberg that actually flipped over! For whatever reason it makes me really happy to see something that makes me feel awe.  Nature really is flipping awesome!

There's something nice about holding someone's hand

I think one of the nicest things is to be able to hold someone's hand. It's just nice to feel connected to someone in times of need. From the time when I was a little kid to now that I'm a bit older, whether I'm feeling frightened or sad or happy, it's nice to be able to hold someone's hand to know that I'm not alone in that feeling I'm having. To celebrate the goodness of holding hands, here is a Beatles song that always makes me feel happy!

There's nothing like a dream

"There is nothing like a dream to create the future."-Victor Hugo

The nice thing about dreams is that they can become reality.  Today I was watching students speak at the March For Our Lives which is an event that advocates for stronger gun control in the US. The students that spoke at that march  dream of a time when they won't have to live in fear of being shot. While this isn't a happy topic, I feel really proud of these people because they're speaking out and they'll continue to work to make this dream a reality. I feel better about the future of the US because of them.  To learn more and support these individuals and other students who are planning to march to stop gun violence in the US, visit this website: https://marchforourlives.com/faq/. 

If you're worried or down.....

If you're feeling worried, sad or down, here is a playlist that I hope will cheer you up. Feel free to comment and add songs that make you feel happiest!

*Happy-Pharrell Williams-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOWDb2TBYDg
*Don't You Worry Bout A Thing-Stevie Wonder- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zywDiFdxopU
*Learn How To Fall-Paul Simon-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqlaLXAoJN0
*Forever Young-Audra Mae-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAD-4XKBcmA
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAD-4XKBcmA
*Don't Worry Be Happy-Bobby McFerrin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PlgN0ta6E8
*Before the Parade Passes By-Michael Crawford-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkoSn6t5s1k
*Everyone Needs A Best Friend-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bze1DXfnWGg
*There's Hope-India Arie-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COE6YHIK-pU
*Can't Stop The Feeling-Justin Timberlake-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPO04cdsxp4
*How Can I Keep From Singing-Enya-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RHt3ElEvHQ
*The Girl From Ipanema-Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJkxFhFRFDA
*O Mio Bambino Caro-Pumeza Matshikiza-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InJg5lYH20E
*His Eye Is On The Sparrow-Lauryn Hill -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Pk5YMkEcg
*Chan Chan-Buena Visita Social Club-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JEdf7XsV5g
*Dites-Moi-Pourquoi-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G4jd1LdNbM
*Just The Two Of Us-Will Smith-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WamkRSDeD8
*Les Yeux Ouverts-Beautiful South-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rosTQGy6v20

Fun happy word

Fun word for the today (because words make me happy!): Resplendent!

Resplendent means attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous.

Resplendent just sounds so cheerful to me and it made me think of a time when I felt resplendent. I was at a competition with the chorus I'm part of and we had to get all dolled up and it felt really good! We didn't win but we felt like winners and that's what counts!

To have one's own parade

The actor Matthew Broderick was born today in 1962 and that got me thinking about how he acted in a movie called Ferris Bueller's Day Off and in that movie he was in this awesome parade where he lip synced to some music and it looked so fun. I always like parades just because they're exciting and everyone's happy and there's usually music and dancing. It's like the happiest place to be, at least for a little while. That's why I hope that, whatever plans you may have, you never let anyone rain on your parade!

In a happy neighborhood

The TV personality Fred Rogers was born today in 1928. He hosted his own TV show for children. He was someone who even though he was just on TV,  it really felt like he was a friend. In his show he used to sing songs that were all about things like accepting people and yourself, dealing with feelings constructively, and just really how to be happy. One song that makes me feel good that he sang is called "It is You I Like." Just because it makes me feel good inside to hear it, I thought I should share it here.  I like this clip because it shows children how whatever your abilities in life, people love you for all the things that make up who you are.

Just because this made me smile today

This clip made me feel happy today and because of that I thought I should share it here.  No matter how old I might get, I swear I'll still stay young at heart, laugh a lot and play games with puppies.

Life is worth it

"There are times you can't really see or even feel how sweet life can be. Hopefully its mountains will be higher than its valleys are deep. I know things that are broken can be fixed. Take the punch if you have to, hit the canvas and then get up again. Life is worth it."-Queen Latifah
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/queen_latifah_587949

It's the actress and singer Queen Latifah's birthday today and I really like this quote from her. I hope that whatever life might throw at you, that you can still find the sweet things in life. To give you one sweet thing for today here's a song to brighten it!

Just for laughs on St. Patrick's Day

Just because it's St. Patrick's Day, I thought I"d share some short St. Patrick's Day-themed jokes that I thought were funny (even if they're bad!) Happy St. Patrick's Day to all who celebrate it! (These jokes came from this website: https://funkidsjokes.com/st-patricks-day-jokes/.)

Q: What do sailors yell when they first see an Irish shoreline?
A: IreLand Ho!

Q: What kind of spells do leprechuan witches cast?
A: Lucky Charms!

Q: What type of bow can’t a leprechaun tie?
A: A rainbow.

Q: Why can’t Irish golfers ever end a game?
A: They refuse to leave the green.

Q: How do you pay for soft drinks on St. Patrick’s Day?
A: With soda bread.

Q: What should you say to a runner in the St. Patrick’s Day marathon?
A: Irish you luck

Funny quote for a Friday

"Welcome to Friday. In preparation for takeoff, please ensure all negative attitudes are properly stowed. On behalf of your captain, Jack Daniels and myself, welcome aboard. I expect sunshine and good attitudes today for our trip. Enjoy the ride." -Anonymous (Quote source http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/friday-quotes/)

Enough said! Happy Friday everyone! 

To my sister

It's my sister's birthday today and it makes me think of all the things I love most about my sister which include the fact that she has great taste in music, a unique sense of style and grace and because she's a lovely person! I'm really glad I have a sister because she makes life more fun and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Something comforting about each day

"What's so fascinating and frustrating and great about life is that you're constantly starting over, all the time, and I love that."-Billy Crystal
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/billy_crystal_536862

I like the fact that each day is a chance to start fresh. Even if what happened yesterday effects what happens in the future, each day is still a chance to start something fresh. Somehow I find it comforting to not know all that tomorrow will bring. To me it signifies how each day can bring so many great things and so I look forward to each day. To all who read this I wish you a very happy tomorrow!

My religion

"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness."-Dalai Lama
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/dalai_lama_108820

I do consider myself to be a spiritual person. I believe there is a God and the God I believe in personifies love and love to me is something that's given without conditions or expectation that it'll be returned and it's all about being kind. Really, I see religion as a guide to living a good life and to me, living a good life is being kind throughout that life. I find I feel happiest and most at peace when I'm doing something nice for someone else. My hope for everyone is that everyone can find many ways to be kind. It can be as simple as smiling at someone. With each act of kindness the world becomes a more loving place.  

Sometimes I wanna have a snow day again

Sometimes I wanna be a kid again

When snow days were days of fun 

Sledding was a regular activity

And snow forts just had to be constructed

The things I liked about having a snow day

Was the excitement that I'd get when I'd see on the news

Or hear on the radio that school was closed 

And I could play hooky for a day.

Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy school very much

But there's something nice about having a holiday

To be able to play and be with my family

Those are the things I loved best about snow days

Now I'm older even though loads of snow

Doesn't mean any holidays but I still like snow

Even if it's cold it always reminds me of home

And home is where my heart will always be.

Harmony

I love my church choir and this morning we sang Amazing Grace and although usually we all sing according to our parts (e.g., soprano, alto, tenor, or bass) today our director said to simply find a note that sounded good and sing it and that strategy really worked for the song. Although I do like singing in parts and being more regulated, the way we  sang today made me think of how if we all sang the same note there would be less harmony.  In a way I think the same thing applies to life. Individuality and creativity does need to be embraced and celebrated as those things make life so much better. So today I celebrate creativity!

Maggie's thought for the day

Today I was thinking of how everyone in my life in one way or another is a symbol of love and that idea makes me love people more. So I'm grateful to everyone for helping me spread the love and in that spirit I send love to all!

A good laugh

"A good laugh is sunshine in the house."-William Makepeace Thackeray
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/william_makepeace_thacker_121690

As it's Friday and it's fun to laugh, to help you spread sunshine, I include the clip below that makes me laugh whenever I watch it. Happy Friday everyone!

Finding happiness in difficulty

I heard this song today called A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall sung by Jason Mraz. It's not really a terribly happy song but somehow it made me feel peaceful.  Even though the song is about difficult things, it shows me how beauty and happiness can be found in difficulty and that my friend is the power that music has. It helps me find the beauty in everything!

Go for it!

"If you feel like there's something out there that you're supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it."-Wanda Sykes
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/wanda_sykes_223882

The comedienne Wanda Sykes was born today in 1964 and I really like this quote from her. I hope that in life you have passion for many things and that you go after that passion and reach the goal you're trying to reach. I'm rooting for you and in that spirit I include the song below as a means of encouragement! 

Discovering what I believe

"The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe."- Gustave Flaubert
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/gustave_flaubert_119642

Two things I like to do very much are writing and believing in something whether that thing is a higher power or people in general or just myself, it just feels good to me to have faith in many things. I love writing because as this quote says, I do find I learn more about myself and what I believe about the world. Writing was something I somehow knew I could always do. It isn't always easy but it's something I've always believed I could accomplish. So in all these ways, writing is all about belief for me because just as I learn more by writing, it also helps me believe in myself more. So I challenge everyone who reads this to identify at least one thing that helps you believe in yourself more if only because it's nice feeling when you find that one thing. 

Keepers

"There are rare people who will show up at the right time, help you through the hard times and stay into your best times....those are the keepers." -Nausicaa Twila

This quote makes me think of the people that have stuck it out with me and have helped me get through so many things. To have really good friends is truly one of the best things to have. I also make every effort to be there for my friends as it's my only way of thanking them and I really can't thank them enough. If I could give something to everyone I'd give everyone 1 good friend.  Someone to be there in times of need and in times of fun. Everything is better with a friend to share experiences with. Wherever you are, I hope that you have at least one friend that will stick it out with you til the end! I found this clip of a father and daughter singing together and it reminded me of how my parents are my best friends.

Elephants can give hugs too!

I saw this clip of an elephant giving a hug to a worker at the zoo where he lives. I've always liked hugs, whether I'm the one giving or receiving a hug or just watching a hug take place. It's a lovely feeling either way. Anyway, I really liked this clip of a baby elephant hugging one of the workers at the zoo where the elephant lives. What I like best about it is it shows that animals can feel and give love and that love really is all around us.

Silly joke for a Saturday

Saturdays are days for fun and to that end I thought this joke was funny. 

Man 1: 'Yes, I came face to face with a lion once, and as luck would have it, I was alone and without a gun.'
Man 2: 'What did you do?'
Man 1: 'What could I do? First, I tried looking straight into his eyes but he slowly came toward me.
I moved back, but he kept coming nearer. I had to think fast.”
Man 2: 'How did you get away?'
'Man 1: I just left him and moved on to the next zoo exhibit.'

I  hope if you ever find yourself facing a lion it's only one in a zoo. Happy Saturday everyone!

I will

It's the singer Justin Bieber's birthday and one of the songs I like is called "I would." Although it's a romantic song in nature I like the lyric that goes: "If I could take away the pain and put a smile on your face, baby I would, if I could make a better way so you could see a better day, baby I would." I like those lyrics because they speak to what I'd like to do. I want to help people see better days and to help them feel happier. If you're reading this and things aren't going so well, know that I'm thinking of you and what I would tell you is this: things do get better, maybe not right away but things do come out all right in the end and if it's not all right yet, it's not yet the end. I've fond that when things get better I appreciate it more after going through a difficulty because I've just struggled and I know that I've come out stronger for it. So I'm rooting for you and even if you're struggling, keep fighting the good fight!