Happy New Year!

 I wish everyone a very happy, safe and most of all healthy New Year! I also want to wish a very happy birthday to my brother who is the best! I send everyone much love always.

Good Riddance

 I realize it's after the fact but apparently December 28th was "Good Riddance Day" and to celebrate that day a shredder was set up in Times Square where people could write down memories they didn't like about 2020 and shred them. It's to symbolize starting the New Year fresh with those unpleasant things in the past.  Although that event is over,  I like the idea of putting negative things in the past and focusing on a positive future. So if there are things you'd rather not take with you into 2021, perhaps write them down on a piece of paper and tear the piece of paper to bits.  It can be very therapeutic! I send everyone best wishes and much love always. 

A word for today

 To add one more interesting word for today, I've decided I like the word "amity". It means "friendship, peaceful, harmony."  In that spirit, I hope your day has lots of amity! I send you best wishes and much love always.

New word for the day: Conjubilant

 In keeping with the idea of posting a fun word of the day, I found the lovely word, conjubilant! It means shouting together with joy! It just sounds so nice. In that spirit, even though I can't shout with people who read this, I send everyone much job, best wishes and much love always.

Fun word for the day

 As I've always liked fun words and today I saw one that made me smile. The word was "bunburying" which means to avoid duties by claiming to having appointments with people that don't exist. I just like this word because it sounds fun and sometimes slacking off a bit can be fun as well. Anyway, I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

Powder your face with sunshine

 I heard this rather nice song today called "Powder your Face With Sunshine" sung by Dean Martin. I liked it because it reminds me to be cheerful even when I don't always feel like doing so as it can be really helpful in making me feel better. In any case, I also like the song because big band music always makes me feel good and so that makes this song doubly nice  so I thought I'd post it here. As always I send everyone best wishes and much love.

Happy Christmas

 To all who are celebrating today: Happy Christmas from me and my Minions!

A dream

 

When there’s no more pandemic and when I’m old and wonderfully wrinkly I fully intend to establish a bookshop called Granny Maggie’s Books. It’ll be one of those bookshops that looks like a couple of libraries exploded into it and only I’d know where everything is (I’d want people to be able to experience the books without having to bother about silly labels or subject guides.) I’d want my bookshop to have so many books there’d be only one path in and out of the place. It’ll probably wind up being a sort of library/book exchange shop where you could only get a book if you brought one with you when you came to get a book. 

 

I realize this is a rather odd Christmas Eve post but I figure Christmas Eve is a time for dreaming so there you are. Anyway, I wish everyone very happy holidays!

A dog and his sunglasses

 I saw this story today that I thought was rather nice.  It is actually a news item from a few years ago about a dog who regularly wears sunglasses to protect his eyes to prevent him from having a relapse of cancer. The reason I liked the story is because whenever the dog and his owner go for a walk they attract a crowd of people asking about why the dog is wearing glasses and taking pictures with the dog. I liked the story because seeing the dog seemed to make people really happy plus the dog obviously gets a lot of attention so which is nice too.  Anyway, I hope that wherever you are reading this, if you wear sunglasses you wear them with pride! I send you best wishes and much love always. 

Faithful In small things

 "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."-Mother Teresa

I find I do tend to have faith in the small things in life and I do draw a lot of strength from those things. I have faith that I can live each day and do something good during each day. The things I do aren't terribly spectacular but I like that I can have faith that each new day brings new opportunities and that gives me a lot of strength. Wherever you are reading this, I hope that you can find things in each day to have faith in and draw strength from. Know that I believe in you and I send you best wishes and much love always.

Happy Monday!

 I want to send everyone best wishes for this Monday and I hope you have an even better Tuesday to come! I send everyone best wishes and much love now and always.

Holiday jokes

 Just because I felt like a little laughter was called for today, I found these holiday-themed jokes that I thought I’d share. I wish everyone very happy holidays!

(Joke source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/redtri.com/funny-christmas-jokes-for-kids/amp/)

Q:What happened to the thief who stole a Christmas calendar?

A: He got 12 months!

Q: What's another name for Santa's Little Helpers?

A: Subordinate clauses.

Q: How do sheep wish each other happy holidays?

A: Merry Christmas to ewe.

A sophisticated song

 The singer Edith Piaf was born today in 1915. This fact makes me think about a song she sang called “Milord”. I find that somehow I always feel more sophisticated when I listen to it. So I thought I’d post it here to share this sophistication just because it’s a good feeling! I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

Happy Friday

 I'm writing to wish every one a happy Friday evening and an even better Saturday to come. Sending much love from me and my Minions!

A piece of music for when I need to feel brave

 The composer Ludwig Von Beethoven was baptized today in 1770. Thinking of Beethoven makes me think of a piece of music he composed that I've found helps me feel brave in times of need. This particular piece is the Second Movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony. I don't know why but listening to it gives me courage. It makes me feel like I can face whatever comes and come out stronger for it. My hope for everyone is that you can find something that helps you feel brave and shows you how strong you can be and how there's so much you can do. In any case, I believe in you and I send you best wishes and much love always.

Staying home

“ There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” Jane Austen 

This quote seems very appropriate in this day and age. Anyway, wherever you’re reading this I hope you are staying home and staying safe and comfortable. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Embrace the mess

 "Embrace the glorious mess that you are."- Elizabeth Gilbert

 I like this quote as it speaks to accepting yourself just as you are. I figure life is messy so why not embrace it? After all, if life wasn't messy perhaps it wouldn't be as fun. The way I see it, there's more adventure in having a messy life rather than an orderly one. Wherever you are reading this, I hope you find many messy adventures in life and that you are able to enjoy those adventures. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Sending best wishes

 I'm writing  now to send everyone best wishes and much love and good vibes for a new week.

Silent Night

 Today I heard a version of Silent Night in Gaelic which I thought was really lovely. It made me feel at peace. I post it here to send best wishes and much love to everyone.

Fly me to the moon

 The singer Frank Sinatra was born today in 1915. I always liked the way he sang because he really made them his own. One of my favorite songs he sang is called "Fly Me To The Moon" and I thought I"d share it here because it's lovely. I send everyone best wishes and much love now and always.

All the things worth doing

 "All the things that are worth doing, take time."- Mos Def

I like this quote, although I don't always like how long it takes to do some things, I must admit it is very satisfying once difficult tasks/goals/events are finished/reached. Plus, if something fun takes a while for me to do, it means I get to enjoy it more. So if there's something you're doing that's taking a while, I hope you keep at it and enjoy it! I send you best wishes and much love always.

Puppy snuggles

 I saw this lovely video of a puppy snuggling with a baby and I had to share it here because it is sweet and I figure now more than ever is a time for sweet things. To all who read this, I send you best wishes and much love always.

Polar bear fun

 I saw a documentary on polar bears today and it made me think about how although polar bears are ferocious polar bear cubs can be really sweet. Anyway,  this video made me smile so I felt like sharing it here. Wherever you're reading this, I send you best wishes and much love always.

You deserve love

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” - Buddha

And to add a bit more love to you, I send you best wishes and much love now and always.

Bouncing llamas

 Apparently llamas like to dance too! I hope wherever you are reading this, that you have many opportunities to dance in life. I send you best wishes and much love always. 

Puppies in the snow

 I saw this rather lovely clip of some Alaskan Malamute puppies playing in the snow. I'm sharing it here because dogs make me happy. Anyway, I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

 

 

Some wise words from Edna Mode

 "I never look back darling, it distracts from the now."-Edna Mode

As Walt Disney was born today in 1901, this got me thinking about 1 of my favorite Disney characters named Edna Mode. Edna Mode is a fashion designer in the movie "The Incredibles" and I must admit that probably the reason I still watch that movie is because Edna is so funny. Anyway, I really like this quote because it just is classy and it's helpful in reminding me to keep on towards the future and not worry so much about what's happened before. I hope everyone can look forward to good things, especially laughter. I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

Even flamingos like dancing

 I saw this lovely clip that I thought was rather nice of flamingos dancing which was at once funny and rather sweet so I thought it'd be best to share it here. Anyway, I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

Sending love

 I just want to take this opportunity to send much love from me and my Minions!

Dancing and laughter

 This video combines things that make me happy, seeing a baby laugh and watching someone dance. Although I wish I was dancing with them, it was lovely to see a baby laughing. I send everyone best wishes and much love always!

Something sweet for a Tuesday

I saw this lovely video of a little girl singing with her Dad and I had to share it because it made me smile. I send everyone best wishes and much love now and always.

One thing we can all do with more of

 

"The one thing we can never get enough of is love. And the one thing we never give enough is love." -Henry Miller 

 

These days I'm quite against contagious things but love is the one thing I'll never get tired of giving and receiving. I figure the world could always use a little more love and on that note, I send much love and best  wishes to everyone.

Tea and a book

 "You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." -C. S. Lewis

 There's something so nice about a cup of tea and a good book. They really are comforting things. I personally find having a nice cup of tea while reading  the third book in the Harry Potter series to be especially nice. Whatever books you like to read, I hope this message finds you with a nice hot drink and a cozy place to read. I send you best wishes and much love always.

All we have

 "Love is all we have, the only way each can help the other." -Euripides 

I like the fact that when it comes down to it, all we have in life is each other. I can't help loving people as a result of my belief in this idea. I find it much easier to love people, it takes too much energy to be angry and bitter, it just makes me tired. I love people and am loved in return so as much as I can give love, I get more love back and thus, the more love I can spread. On that note, I send much love to everyone and now I'm going to bed!

Sending hugs

 I saw this video and thought it was really sweet so I’m using it now to send hugs to anyone who feels in need. I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 To all who celebrate it, happy Thanksgiving from me and my Minions!

Three words that sum up everything

 "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."-Robert Frost

There's something rather comforting about the idea that things go on and change. Whatever happens it's nice to know that something better can come after and that there is always something to hope for. Wherever you are reading this, I hope you can always look forward to better things to come. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Sending love

 I want to take this opportunity send everyone much love and best wishes now and always.

An ideal life

“ Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” Mark Twain

I hope that wherever you are reading this, that you have many opportunities to read books you enjoy and that you can stay in contact with good friends. I send you best wishes and much love always.
 

Love is life

 "Where there is love there is life."-Mahatma Ghandi

To all who read this, I hope you find the love in thing that are all around you. I send you best wishes now and always.

being home

 I've come to Michigan to stay with my family for the holidays.  Although I feel that I am home wherever I am, I feel especially at home when I'm with my family physically.  I haven't visited my family since last December so it really is a joy to be home a see them again. Wherever you are reading this, I hope that you can find ways to stay close with family and friends. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Happy Friday

 I send everyone best wishes for this Friday and much love always. I hope everyone has a nice weekend!

Laughter is the sun in life

 Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face"-Victor Hugo

And on that note, enjoy some laughing babies! I send best wishes and much love to everyone.

What is love to you?

 I saw this rather lovely video where a singer named Jason Mraz asked people to film things that they loved. The video made me think of how love can be found anywhere. To me, love is at the root of all things.  Wherever you are reading this, I hope you know that love surrounds you and I send you much love and best wishes now and always.

Look for the good

 I heard this lovely song today called "Look for the Good" by Jason Mraz. This song reminds me to always look for the good things in life and always keep them in mind because doing so always helps me feel better. Wherever you are reading this, I hope you can always find the good things in your life. I send you best wishes and much love always. 

More love

I heard this song today by Sara Bareilles called "More Love" which made me think of how there's always room for more love. I figure if people  feel they must fight for or believe in something, love is always worth fighting for and believing in. Wherever you are reading this, I hope you spread any love within you to others. I for one, send much love and best wishes to everyone just because there's always enough love for everyone and even more for people yet to come. 

 

 

Happy Diwali

 I want to wish a happy Diwali to all who celebrate it. (For those who don't know, Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated mainly by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs) I want to celebrate it via this post because I think it's beautiful as the video below shows. I send everyone best wishes and much love always.  

Just a little silliness for a Friday

I thought this video of this little boy making a political statement was really funny and I hope it helps people to have a good laugh. I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

The Root of Joy

 "The root of joy is gratefulness. It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful." -Brother David Steindl-Rast

I like to find joy and thus something to be thankful for in each day. So today I'm thankful for books on tape as I was able to listen to part of one today and it was lovely and gave me a lot of joy. I send everyone best wishes and much love.

To veterans

As it's Veteran's Day I'm writing to share the story of a Veteran who, as far as I know, is still working to make things better for others. I know this story is from a while back but it still seems fitting to share it today. I saw this story of a Captain in England, who was recently knighted whose name is now Captain Sir Thomas Moore. He decided he was going to walk lengths around his house and people would donate money to sponsor each length to support Britain's National Health Service. He initially hoped to raise £1,000 before he turned 100. Word got out about Captain Tom's quest and he ended up raising £32.79 million by his birthday. For his efforts he was knighted by the Queen and promoted to honorary Colonel.  Captain Tom fought in World War II in Burma (Myanmar).  

Captain Tom has since started a foundation that now seeks to prevent loneliness. To support Captain Tom's efforts visit his Foundation's website: (https://captaintom.org/).

 I send much love and best wishes to Captain Tom and all veterans. 

To send everyone love

 I'm writing to send much love and best wishes to everyone now and always. 

Ready, set, meditate!

 I've been working on meditating more as it helps me feel good inside. I saw this video of a guided meditation that I found to be relaxing and so I thought I'd share it here. If you're reading this, I hope you had a good day and I send you best wishes now and always.

Happy for change

I didn't initially want to write about any sort of politics in this blog but I can't help but feel hopeful now for the future. I think that change is coming for the better and I'm happy for that.  I send everyone best wishes now and always.

Happy Friday

 I wish everyone a very happy Friday and an even better Saturday to come. This post is meant to send much love to everyone from me and my Minions.

 

 

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was that I got to talk with my family and some friends and talking with them always makes me feel good. Wherever you are reading this, I hope you are able to talk with family and/or friends at least once a day, just because. I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

Singing

Whenever I feel a bit down singing always helps me feel better. This song was stuck in my head yesterday and I felt I should share it here. I send everyone best wishes and much love always

Vote!

 If you are in the US, please take some time out of your day (while there is still time left) to vote!!! To find information about where to go to vote visit: https://www.vote.org/

Lovely flowers

One of my good friends brought me some flowers from her garden yesterday which was a lovely surprise. Flowers brighten my day to no end and these flowers really lifted my spirits. Although I can't send flowers to everyone, I hope that the picture below helps others to smile. I send everyone best wishes and much love always. 

Sunday joke

I saw this joke on a website today and it made me chuckle so I of course, had to share them here. I wish everyone a very happy Sunday and an even better Monday to come!


Question: Why is Sunday stronger than Monday?
Answer: Because Monday is a weekday.

 

Happy Halloween

To all who celebrate it, I wish you a spootacular Halloween from me and my Minions!  Also, for those who a time change effects, don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour tonight. I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

Picture from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/359232507757191168/

A vote for the Minions!

 I'm campaigning for voting rights for Minions as I believe they've been woefully disenfranchised and well, I just think that's criminal! Votes for Minions! (Image below is from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/581949583076282596/)

 

A beautiful fall day

 I thought I'd share this picture here because I want for a walk in the woods last weekend and found it to be very peaceful. I thought I'd share a little bit of that peace here through this picture. I send everyone best wishes, peace and much love always.

5 miles

 Today I managed to walk 5 miles and somehow I feel better for doing so. There's something nice about accomplishing that distance. Anyway, I hope that if you're reading this and there's something you want to accomplish, I hope you go the distance. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Just sending love

 I send everyone best wishes and much love always and I hope today brings you much happiness.

Everybody needs a best friend

Yesterday was the singer/writer/actor Seth MacFarlane's birthday and this makes me think of one of my favorite songs he wrote called "Everyone Needs a Best Friend". I like the song because I've always liked big band music. I have this dream that one day I'll hold a big concert to raise money for charity. I'd get a bunch of people to perform in it and at some point I'd come out in a fantastic outfit and sing this song. As you can see I haven't worked out all the details yet but I like the idea that the concert could happen someday and it might do some good.  Once I get it all situated I'll spread the word. Anyway, for now, I enclose the song below with much love and best wishes to everyone!

My good thing for the day

 My good thing for today was I was able to talk to my parents and brother and sister over Zoom.  It's something I enjoy doing very much as even though I can't be with them in person, seeing them over video is the next best thing. Plus we were able to laugh together about funny things that happened during the week in the news and in our lives generally. It was lovely to be able to have that time with them. Wherever you are reading this, I hope you always make time to spend with people you love. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Funny Bloopers

I really like the actress Betty White as she always makes me laugh. I saw this video which is a blooper reel for a show she was on and it really brightened my day so I thought I'd share it here. I wish everyone a happy Saturday and I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

A wish for happiness in each day

Wherever you are reading this, I hope you find happiness in each day and I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

My good thing for today was I was able to spend some time time talking with people I care about. Although it was over zoom it was still lovely to see and talk with them. Wherever you are reading this, I hope that you are able to be in regular contact with people you care about. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Something that brought me happiness today

 Today a thing that made me feel happiest is that I was able to make time to practice singing.  I always feel better when I'm singing.  Wherever you are reading this, I hope you were able to do something today that helped you feel happy. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Even Minions are fighting the pandemic

 I'm beyond happy that even the WHO (a super serious internationally awesome organization) has finally officially recognized the brilliance of the Minions! I send everyone best wishes and much love always. Be safe!

 

 

Wear a Mask!

 I saw this video and thought it was funny, particularly because I like Disney. Anyway, please wear a mask! I send everyone best wishes and much love always. 

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was that I was able to go out for a lovely lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in person for a while and it was just really nice to spend time together and eat fish and chips!  Wherever you are reading this I hope that you are able to spend some time with good friends on a regular basis. I send you best wishes and much love always.

A dream to live by

"My dream is to live a good life and be loving, be close to God and be a good human being and bring peace to people." -Ziggy Marley

I found this quote as it's something I wish for everyone. I wish everyone a life with much love, goodness and peace. I send everyone best wishes now and always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was that I got a surprise chocolate cupcake from a friend today and I always like nice surprises. I hope that wherever you are reading this, that you are around people that surprise you in many good ways. I send you best wishes now and always.

Happy things

 "Flowers are happy things"-P.G. Wodehouse

I really like this quote as it reminds me of how flowers do tend to help me feel happier. In that spirit, I enclose the picture of a flower below just because it made me smile. I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was I was able to take a walk and then come back and make a nice dinner from a new recipe (bruschetta zucchini with cheese.) Wherever you are reading this, I hope you were able to do something today that made you feel happiest. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 My thing for today is that I got everything done that I wanted to finish which is a very satisfying feeling. Wherever you are reading this, I hope that if there's something you want to do that helps someone else I hope you accomplish it. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Music as joy

 "For me, music making is the most joyful activity possible, the most perfect expression of any emotion." -Luciano Pavarotti 

 I always feel happy when I'm singing. It gives me a lot of peace and it helps me feel better if I'm bothered by something. I hope that wherever you are reading this that you have music in your life and I hope that it's music that helps you feel happiest. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Flavor of life

 "If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor." Eleanor Roosevelt 

I like the fact that life isn't really predictable. It's true that sometimes I think that each succeeding day might be the same as the day before but I've found that no day really is the same and that's what makes life fun and worth living. There's always a chance to make things better than they were before, which is very comforting. Wherever you are reading this,  I hope you find something to enjoy each day and to live each day as fully as possible. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 Today my good thing was that I was able to cook a nice dinner of meatloaf and potatoes and green beans. It was lovely. Wherever you are reading this, I hope that you have opportunities to make food that you really enjoy. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for this Friday

 My good thing for this Friday was I got to make a nice dinner for myself with a recipe for flatbread with basil, tomatoes, zucchini, garlic and onions and I ate it while listening to one of my favorite Harry Potter books. It was so nice. I hope everyone has a very nice weekend and I send much love and best wishes to everyone.

A jumping sheep

 I saw this video of a sheep discovering the joys of a trampoline and I thought I'd share it here just for the heck of it (well mostly because it made me smile. I send best wishes and much love to everyone. 

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was that I was able to take part of the day off from work and I took a nice walk and the sun was shining and I felt happy. There's something nice about getting outside for a bit and just enjoying the sunshine. I hope that wherever your are reading this that you can enjoy many sunny days and that you're doing well. I send you best wishes and much love always.

A really sweet interruption

 I saw this really sweet clip of a little boy interrupting his grandfather's TV broadcast and thought it was timely and funny and so I had to share it here. Sometimes interruptions are needed! I send everyone best wishes and much love always. 

My good thing for today

 Today my good thing was I was able to spend some time listening to the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn on tape. Somehow listening to that book is soothing to me. I hope wherever you’re reading this, that you have many soothing things in your life. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was that I was able to go on a nice walk with a friend and get ice cream with them. It was so nice to just be able to walk around outside and enjoy the sunshine.Wherever you are reading this I hope you take many opportunities to enjoy sunny days.

My good thing for today

My good thing for today was that I was able to sleep late. It's nice to be able to do that once in a while. Wherever you are reading this I hope you get good rest. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Fragile

 It's the singer Sting's birthday and this made me think of the song he sings called Fragile. It's not really a happy song but it is really pretty and it reminds me that I need to value life and everything in it. Wherever you are reading this I hope there is lots of music and love in your life and that you value all of it. I send you best wishes and much love always. 

My happy thing for today

 Today I got a lovely letter from a friend which was so nice because it's lovely getting mail from friends. I hope that if you're reading this you can consider my posts as virtual letters from a friend. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was I got a lovely text message from a friend that I haven't been in touch with for a while. It's always nice to hear from a friend, there's something comforting about it.  Wherever you are reading this I hope you stay in contact with firends and I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 Today my good thing was I had time to listen to a book on tape called "The Secret Adversary" by Agatha Christie. I really like that book and it's comforting to listen to it on tape as it reminds me of how my Mum used to read to me as a young child. Wherever you are reading this, I hope you were able to do something today that made you feel comforted. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Bargains

 "A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist."-Franklin Jones

Just for the fun of it, I once bought a yodeling teddy bear at what I considered (and still consider) to be a bargain price just because I thought it was funny. It still makes me laugh today so perhaps it was/is a useful bargain. Anyway, wherever you are reading this, I hope that you find many bargains that make you feel happy.  I send you best wishes and much love always.

How far you can go

 "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."-T.S. Elliot

I really like this quote because it makes me think of how anything is possible and how many good things people can do. I have risked going far in terms of distance. There was a time when I thought I'd never leave my home state and I know live thousands of miles away from my family. Although I miss my family I've found I've grown from the experience. If there's something good you want to do, even if there's some risk involved, I hope you do that good thing and that you grow from the experience. I send you best wishes and much love always.

A Weekend with The happiest and best things

 I'm writing to wish everyone an awesome weekend with the best and happiest things in it. I send everyone much love always.

Everyone has a song

 The American Puppeteer, Jim  Hensen was born today in  1936 and when I think of him and how he did the puppets for the Sesame Street children's program, it makes me think of a song called "Sing" the puppets and performers sang as part of one of the Sesame Street episode. I've always liked that song because to me, it's all about how there's music in all of us. Wherever you are reading this, I hope you find the music in your life and enjoy it. I send  you best wishes and much love always.

Georgia on my Mind

 The singer Ray Charles was born today in 1930 and he's famous for singing a lovely song called "Georgia on My Mind"which I really like. Somehow listening to it always helps me feel at peace. Wherever you are reading this, I hope that you have a lot of music in your life and I send you best wishes now and always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was I was able to speak to a friend over the phone that I haven't spoken with for a while. I hope that wherever you are reading this that you are able to talk with friends often. It's a great comfort especially in times like these. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good things for today

 My good thing for the day was I got to plan to have a lovely walk with a good friend this coming weekend. It's always nice to have something fun to look forward to. Plus, I'm happy because I get to snuggle down in a nice warm bed and that's always a great comfort. Wherever you are reading this I hope today brought you many good things that you enjoyed. I send everyone much love and best wishes always.

Impediments become great good fortune

 "So often in life, things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune."-Ruth Bader Ginsburg

I really like this quote from Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and I thought I'd write about it here to honor her memory. I've found that things that I've felt were obstacles were things that ultimately helped me grow.  More often than not, those obstacles did lead to good fortune eventually. I think when things happen that are good, I think I appreciate the good things that happen more because of getting through the things I thought were obstacles. Anyway, wherever you are reading this, if you're going through something difficult know that I am thinking of you, wishing you well, and sending you much love.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today is I got to relax today and it's lovely to be able to relax and choose not to worry. Wherever you are reading this I hope that even if it's only for a few hours you can relax and not worry. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was that I had another singing lesson and that always makes me feel happier and it was nice because I'm making good progress so I just have to keep at it! Anyway, wherever you are reading this I hope you had a good day and I send you best wishes now and always. 

It's ok to be mad

I saw this clip of a father explaining to his young daughter how it's ok to be frustrated and angry sometimes and how it's important not to hold onto that feeling. I liked the clip because I think all kids need to know how to manage feelings and feel ok with frustration. Even though the clip below is about a child who is frustrated, I just think it's nice that the child's father took the time to help his daughter understand that her feelings are valued and valuable. There's a happiness in honoring your feelings and knowing that you matter.  Anyway, to everyone who reads this, as always I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was that I got to take a good long walk today. There's something about a walk that always helps me feel better. It's nice to be out in nature even if it is slightly unnerving nowadays, I still feel better after taking a walk.  To whoever reads this, wherever you are, I hope that each day brings you opportunities to do things that help you feel good. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Happy Tuesday

 My happy thing for today was that I got a package from my family which was really as it included a very nice raincoat and other lovely treats my parents know that I like. It makes me think of home. Anyway,  I hope everyone can find something happy in this Tuesday and I wish everyone a very happy Wednesday to come.

This made me smile today

 I saw this really sweet video of a father kissing his baby daughter. I just thought it was really sweet and felt I had to share it here as it makes me smile when I watch it. I send you best wishes and much love always.

On the Wings of Song

 I'm learning to sing a song which came from a poem called "On the Wings of Song". It's a really beautiful piece of music and it gives me a lot of peace to listen and to sing it.  It is actually a song in German poem and an English translation can be found here  and below this message is recording of how the song should sound.  (While I don't  yet sing this song as well as woman does, I'm happy to be on the journey towards singing this song well because I like to have the challenge to do it.) My hope for everyone is that they can find a song or some music in each day.  I send you best wishes and much love always.

Find the good

 "Find the good. It's all around you. Find it, showcase it and you'll start believing in it."- Jesse Owens

The famous runner Jesse Owens was born today in 1913. I really like this quote from him  because I like finding the good in things and people. There's so much goodness to be found in the world and finding that goodness gives me hope for the future. Wherever you are reading this I hope you can find the good things in each day and celebrate those good things. I send you best wishes and much love now and always.

Happy Friday

 I want to wish everyone a very happy Friday and an even better weekend to come. I send everyone best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was I got to meet with some friends over zoom chat. It's always nice to talk with them and even though I can't be with them physically it's almost as good to be able to chat with them online. Plus, just talking to them cheers me up to no end. To whoever reads this, wherever you are, I hope you're able to chat with people you care about on a regular basis. I send you best wishes and much love always.

This made me laugh today

 I needed a good laugh today and this short clip made me laugh a lot. I know that I'm a bit obsessed with minions but they do cheer me up in times of need and I'll always be grateful for that. To everyone who reads this, I hope today brought you many things that brought you joy.

God is a DJ

 It's the singer P!nk's birthday today and so I thought I'd write about a song she sings called "God is a DJ." I like it because to me it's about enjoying and dancing through life and living to the fullest extent possible. I just think that things seem better when I'm dancing (or singing).  I also like the part of the song's lyrics that says love is the rhythm, because to me love is in every part of life and it makes life that much better. My wish for everyone is for everyone to have lots of music in life and to not be afraid to dance when there's an opportunity to do so.  I send much love and best wishes to everyone. 

Celebrating Labor Day

 It's Labor Day in the US and although there many issues concerning labor that need improvement (the need for fair living wages for all workers not withstanding)  I still feel that being able to work is something to celebrate. I'm glad I can earn my own living because there was a time when it was uncertain whether I'd be able to do that. So I take Labor Day personally because it reminds me I can do something I love that helps other people and that makes me really happy. Wherever you are reading this, I hope each day brings you many opportunities to do things that make you feel happiest.  I send you best wishes and much love always.

Be aware

 "The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware."-Henry Miller 

 I rather like this quote because I find that the more aware I am to the good things in my life they seem just that much better each time. It helps me appreciate everything I have. I think even if it doesn't always feel like it, we all have so many good things in life to enjoy. Whether it's the sunshine or some nice music or dancing or eating something that tastes good, it feels nice to know that all these things and others are possible things to enjoy. I hope wherever you are reading this you can find something in each day that you really enjoy. I send you best wishes now and always. 

Playing Hooky

 Each week I try to allow myself one day to just not do a lot. There's something nice about not paying attention to responsibilities for a day. In some ways it's kin do therapeutic to not allow myself to think about things I need to do and focus on self care and resting. Today for my "hooky day" for example I plan to cook, work out, read, call some friends and go to bed early. Wherever you are reading this I hope you have a very relaxing day. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Happy Friday

 I'm just writing to wish everyone the happiest of Fridays from me and my Minions!!

Silly joke just for the heck of it

 I saw this joke and it made me laugh so I had to share it here, just because I can. I send best wishes, much love, and lots of laughter to everyone

"And the Lord said unto John, 'Come forth and you will receive eternal life.' John came fifth and won a toaster."

Joke source: https://www.boredpanda.com/funniest-two-line-jokes/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today is I'm going to bed early which feels lovely! I hope wherever you're reading this that you you are able to get a lot of good rest. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

My good thing for today was I successfully managed to do a better job at cutting my bangs (with my mother's help on FaceTime telling me where to cut of course.) One thing I think I've learned from cutting my own bangs is that even though my bangs seem to wind up slightly less than even, I still like how it turns out. Nothing in life is perfect but that's the beauty of things and it just feels good to feel comfortable!  To all who read this, I send you best wishes now and always. 

My good thing for today

 Today my good thing was I successfully made Italian Wedding Soup which is something I've never cooked before. There's something very satisfying about cooking something new that tastes nice. I hope that wherever you are reading this that you have many opportunities to cook and eat really good food. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was that I was able to eat some ice cream with some friends. (While maintaining social distancing of course.) While eating ice cream is nice under most circumstances it's extra nice to be able to eat it with others. My favorite ice cream (currently that is) is black raspberry chocolate chip. It just tastes so nice and fresh. Anyway, wherever you are reading this I hope you are able to eat things that make you feel happy. I send you best wishes now and always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was that I baked chocolate chip cookies. I find I feel better when I'm baking things. Baking makes me happy because it's nice to know I can make things that help others feel good. It's nice to be able to have cookies or something sweet to others in the hope that it might brighten their day. As much as I like cookies I like seeing people happy more. Wherever you are reading this, I hope today you were able to do something that helped you feel happy. I send you best wishes now and always.

My good thing for this Friday

My good thing for today is that I had a singing lesson which is always fun.  I'm still learning to sing a song called In Uomini from the opera Cosi fan Tutte. I'm hoping to make recordings of me singing to raise money for charity. I haven't worked out all the details yet but the idea that I can use what talent I have to help others is a great comfort to me. Plus, singing is something I've always enjoyed very much. To all who read this, if there is something good you want to do and it's something you enjoy, I say go for it! I send you much love and best wishes always.

A dog and baby parade

 I saw this really sweet video of a group of puppies that constantly follow a baby around his family's house. Since I like dogs and babies I had to share the video here because it made me smile. Wherever you are reading this I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 Today my good thing was I got a nice letter and some postcards in the mail from my aunt. It's so nice to get letters in the mail and especially postcards. I like postcards because they help me imagine what it would be like to travel to different places even if I can't go there physically. To all who read this, my hope for you is that throughout your life you get lots of postcards so that even if you can't travel physically you can still see a little bit more of the world. I send you best wishes and much love now and always.

My good thing for today

 Today my good thing was I got everything I intended to accomplish finished which is always very satisfying.  To all who read this I hope that each day brings you many opportunities to do things that bring you much satisfaction and happiness. I send you best wishes now and always.

Even troubles pass

"Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles."-Charlie Chaplin

 The quote above might seem a bit morbid but I rather like it because it reminds me that trouble doesn't last and things do get better. Maybe it's not in the way I expected it would get better but it's a comfort to know that things do improve and that idea helps me feel stronger. Looking back I think about the things I thought were hard in my life and it's nice to know that I did get through those things and I'm better for having the experience. I know this time is difficult for everyone but I figure we've gotten this far as a society and so there is always hope for us. Wherever you are reading this I hope you keep hopeful and I send you best wishes now and always. 

My good thing for today

 Today my good thing was that I got to sing in an open mic event over zoom. I always feel better when I'm singing. There's something nice and freeing about it. I only started doing open mic events very recently and before I started doing them they were things I never thought I'd be part of. I got into it because it was arranged by people that are members of the church I'm part of. Being part of the open mic events has taught me that I can do things that I never thought I could do and I can grow from doing those things. If there's something good that you'd like to do I hope you decide to do it and have fun doing so.

My good thing for today

 Today my good thing that happened was that I was able to cook a nice dinner for myself. There's something nice about eating good food and cooking it. It makes me feel happy. I hope that wherever you are reading this you have many opportunities to eat really good food. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing for today

 My good thing for today was that I had a singing lesson which was really fun. I'm hoping if I get really good I can make recordings and use them to raise money for a charity. I'm not sure which charity yet but it makes me happy to think that something I can do can make a difference and possibly help people feel happier. I hope that wherever you are reading this that you can find things in each day that help you feel happy and that you spread that happiness to others. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing today

 Today my good thing was that I was able to spend some time with people that go to the church I regularly attend. It's always lovely to see them as they always help me feel happier. Wherever you are reading this I hope that you have people around you that bring you a lot of happiness. I send you best wishes now and always.

My good thing for today

In keeping  with finding good things in each day, my good thing for today was that I wore a pretty dress because I like feeling pretty. There's something nice about getting all dressed up. It does tend to make me feel better.  I hope that wherever you're reading this that you have something in each day that makes you feel better. I send you best wishes now and always.

Ride with a star

 "Hitch your wagon to a star"-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I like this quote because I like the image it makes in my head. There's something very cheering about the idea of attaching oneself to a star. I like it also because it emphasizes to me how I want to dream big and work towards those dreams. If there's something you want to do that seems really big and difficult I hope that you still choose to do it and see it through to the end. I send you best wishes and much love always. 

A funny Sunday joke

I saw this joke and thought it was pretty funny and appropriate as today is Sunday.  I hope today brings you many reasons to laugh and feel happy.  I send everyone best wishes now and always.

 

An irate customer called Norman phoned his newsagent at mid-day, and demanded to know where was his Sunday newspaper. "Norman," replied the newsagent, "today is Saturday.  Your Sunday Times will be delivered tomorrow as usual." There was quite a long pause on the other end of the phone, followed by the sound of a penny dropping in Norman's brain.  At last he said ... "Ah well, that explains why no one was at the church service this morning."

 Source of joke: https://www.funny-jokes.com/sunday-jokes.htm

A good laugh

 I saw this really sweet video of a baby laughing at her dog eating popcorn and it made me smile. Wherever you are reading this I hope you have many reasons to laugh today.

Happiness

 "Happiness is a direction, not a place."-Sydney J Harris

I like this quote because to me it speaks to how happiness is different for everyone and there's always something new to find to be happy about so happiness can't be a destination.  Anyway, I hope that wherever you are reading this that you can find something to feel good about each day.  I send you best wishes and much love always.

My happy thing for this Thursday

 My happy thing for this Thursday was that I was able to use sign language to communicate effectively with people in my ASL class. This was  a big deal for me because I've been struggling with this class and so I'm glad I stuck with it even though it's difficult. I've always liked learning new things. To everyone who reads this I send you much love and best wishes always.

It makes a difference

 "Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." - William James

 I like the idea that things I do can matter very much even if it's just that they matter in ways that I might never see. I like doing things that I think might help people because even if I never see how it helps someone, for me what counts is the idea that it might help someone. If there's something good that you want to do that would help someone else, I hope you do it. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My good thing from Sunday and Monday

On Sunday my good thing was I managed to cut my own bangs for the first time in my life. I couldn't have done it though without the help of my mum and sister saying "fire!" when I reached a place where it would be best to cut a bit off. Although the result was a bit uneven I feel so much better and as one of my friends pointed out, it has a nice "edgy" look to it. Plus I never thought I'd be able to cut my own bangs and have it come out looking fairly decent. It reinforces to me that I never know what I can do unless I try doing something. 

Also, my good thing for today was I tried cooking anew recipe, mushroom ravioli and kale which tasted really nice. So on the whole, it's been a pretty good couple of days. Anyway, wherever you are reading this, I hope you have many opportunities to do things that make you feel happiest, even if those things were things you've never done before. I send you best wishes and much love always. 

My good thing for a Saturday

 Today my good thing was I got to have a lovely long conversation with a dear friend and we plan to have ice cream this coming weekend. It was really comforting to talk with her and I feel really happy for doing so. Wherever you are reading this I hope you are able to reach out to people that love you. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My Good thing for this Friday

 Today my good thing was that I was able to accomplish everything I wanted to get done today, which is a nice feeling and it gave me a sense of fulfillment. I hope wherever you are reading this that you were able to do something that made you happy. I send you best wishes and much love now and always.

My good thing this Thursday

Today my good thing was that I was able to have a lovely conversation over Zoom with 2 people from my church. Even though we can't be together physically it's so nice I can see them through the internet. I hope that wherever you are reading this that you are still able to connect with people you care about even if you're far from them in physical distance. I send you best wishes and much love always.

My happy thing for today

In keeping with my mission of finding happy things in each day, today my happy thing was that I was able to get some ice cream which is something I only do once in a while. Today I got a small cup of black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream and it tasted lovely! Wherever you are reading this I hope today brought you something  sweet whether it was something edible or otherwise.  I send everyone best wishes now and always.

Making Progress

"If you're walking down the right path and you keep walking, eventually you'll make progress"-Barack Obama

It's President Barack Obama's birthday today and I really like this quote from him because it  reminds me that as long as I can set my mind to something and stay constant I will get there in the end and that thought makes me feel happier. If there's something good you want to do, even if it's difficult, I hope you stick with it. I send you best wishes and much love always.

For all Ice cream lovers

I saw this clip of a baby first trying ice cream and it really spoke to me because I love ice cream as does this baby! To whoever read this I hope life brings you many sweet things (edible or otherwise) to enjoy! I send you best wishes now and always.

A math joke

Just because I needed to laugh today and I thought this joke was funny. I hope today brought you many reasons to smile and even laugh. I send you best wishes now and always.

Question: How many times can you subtract 10 from 100?

Answer: Once. The next time you would be subtracting 10 from 90.

Joke source: https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/10-short-jokes-anyone-can-remember/

My good thing for today

Today my good thing was I was able to get myself more organized than before and it made me happy. I hope wherever you are reading this that you had a very happy Saturday.

My good thing for a Friday

To end the week, my good thing was that I'm going to bed early as sleep is lovely! I hope everyone had a good Friday and I wish everyone a very happy weekend to come! I send everyone much love always.

Good thing for a Thursday

Today the good thing that happened to me was that I was able to take a walk outside. Although it was hot outside I've always felt better being outside. There's something nice about being in a space where there's grass and trees and a blue sky. Wherever you are reading this I hope life brings you many blue skies and opportunities to enjoy the nature around you.

Happy thing for Wednesday

In keeping with the theme of writing about  "finding of happy things in each day" today my happy thing was I was able to make plans to have ice cream this Sunday so I can have something nice to look forward to. Anyway, to everyone who reads this, I hope your day brought you things to look forward to and be happy about. I send everyone best wishes now and always.

Today's happy thing

Since I'm working to find happy things in each day, today my happy thing was that I was able to have a really nice chat with a good friend and I was able to tell them I loved them so they wouldn't forget that they're loved. I hope that wherever you're reading thi that you have had many things in your day that helped you feel happy. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Rainbow of chaos

"We live in a rainbow of chaos." -Paul Cezanne

I rather like this quote because I figure if we have to go through chaos I kind of feel better if I can find something pretty/fun about it. So that way,  a bit of chaos doesn't have to be so bad. For example,  today I was happy because I saw a beautiful sunset and it made my day better. Wherever you are reading this I hope that you have many ways to see the good things in the world around you. I send you best wishes and much love always.

Maggie's Pandemic Playlist

Just because I love music very much and it helps me get through so many things, I've thought up a playlist that might just help get me through this pandemic. The list is as follows:

• We'll Meet Again -Vera Lynn
• It's Been A Long, Long, Time-Kitty Kallen
• I Will Survive -Gloria Gaynor Don't Worry, Be Happy-Bobby McFerrin
• Can't Knock Me Down-Anna Mae
• U Can't Touch This-MC Hammer
• I Lived-One Republic
• Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing -Stevie Wonder
• I'll Keep You Safe-Asleep At Last
• What the World Needs Now-Jackie DeShannon
• Happy-Pharrell Williams
• Living in the Moment -Jason Mraz
• Nella Fantasia-Sarah Brightman

I hope you enjoy this music. I send best wishes and much love to everyone who reads this.

Zing went the strings of my heart

I heard this lovely song today called "Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart and I really liked it. The song reminds me of people I love and although I'm apart from them my heart does go zing when I talk to them and they're always with me in my heart. Anyway, wherever you are reading this I hope you have people in your life that make your heart zing!