A reason to smile...

Image by Lenka Novotná

"https://pixabay.com/users/jplenio-7645255

Image by Cindy Lever

"Looking at beauty in the world is the first step of purifying the mind."

Amit Ray

As the world seems to be enveloped in the unknown, I find myself needing more reasons to reach for a smile. Nature always provides! Whether it's being outside and hugging a tree, observing from my window or looking at beautiful pictures from the internet. The beauty and wonder of nature never cease to amaze me. It's free and accessible to all. May you find what makes you smile today!

A smile...

It has been two years since I've written on my blog and it always feels good to be back, no matter how long I've been gone. Within those two years LOTS has pass through my life and heart. Today there is a smile on my face. A smile that knows "all is well. A smile that radiates a knowing that I will not forsake or abandon myself for any reason. A smile that holds love for the people in my life that mean so much. A smile for my creativity that flows and a smile... just because I'm me!

Woke up...

The first thing my brain did when I woke up this morning was start comparing myself to others. This person was doing this, that person was achieving this, and my self critic started filling my mind with negative talk. I tried not to let it throw me off for the whole day. I allowed the voices to be there and while choosing to ignore them, I struggled on and off and worked on things I "had" to do but also on things that make me smile. So by the end of the day I was feeling better... and had stopped comparing.

Cute...

Just a few cute things to make me smile...

"Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!"

My decision making skills closely resemble that of a squirrel when crossing the street.

My dentist told me I need a crown. I was like I KNOW, RIGHT?

I'm more confused than a chameleon in a bag of skittles.

Exercising would be so much more rewarding if calories screamed while you burned them.

Me? Crazy? I should get down off this unicorn and slap you.

Look...

 "When it rains look for rainbows, when it's dark look for stars."

There is something about seeing a rainbow or gazing up at the stars that offers hope or just a reason to smile. Maybe because they seem magical, out there in the big world. Whatever the reason I am always looking for the rainbow when I see the rain and the sun peeking out, and it's hard not to lift your eyes up to the sky just to look in the darkness.

Scarves...

Winter is upon us and with short hair I find myself appreciating the many scarves my friends have hand crafted for me over the years. I pulled them out of my closet the other day and hung them by the door. There is nothing worse then leaving for the day and realizing you forgot your scarf!! You don't notice what a difference it makes in your warmth, then when you don't have one wrapped around your neck. I've even worn them around my house. And each and everyone makes me smile when I think about the care and love that was put into making them. 

Pleasant...

The last couple of days I've seen butterflies fluttering by. Seems weird in mid-October to see them but it brought a smile to my face and it was a pleasant surprise! Thanks for sharing your beauty with me.

Swing...

Today as I was out walking a dog, we came across a swing hanging from a tree. I had to smile thinking of all the love, laughter and joy that must be hanging around it. A swing just offers an invitation for FUN. I still enjoy a good swing to swing on ~ it feels so carefree!

Need...

Sometimes I need to find what makes me happy. Something to make me smile, and one of those little things is simply looking at the garden category on Pinterest. I could sit all day and just keep scrolling through, wanting to do, but only looking at all the ideas. It makes me smile and my heart happy!

You've Got Mail...

As a child, my sister and mom found it funny because I loved checking the mail and I always got so excited when I found something for me. That hasn't changed, I still love going to the mailbox to see what's there. And when I was a child writing letters and sending cards was more of a common thing then it is now. So yesterday when I checked my mail I found this card addressed to me from a friend I've missed and haven't been able to see in quit awhile. It was special because it wasn't my birthday or a holiday, it was just a card to say "thinking about you", and wanting to know how my life is and catching me up on what's new in her life. It made my heart smile and brought back a sweet memory. Thank you dear friend... it was greatly appreciated!!! 

Smile...

Just needed a few things to make me smile : )

What do you call a fake noodle? an impasta

My dentist told me I need a crown. I was like I KNOW, RIGHT?

That awkward moment when you realize they weren't waving at you.

What do you call an alligator in a vest? An investigator

I could give up chocolate but I'm not a quitter.

Breakfast...

This morning I ate my breakfast outside before I went to work and it brought a smile to my face. The birds fluttered around, the sun was slowly beginning to raise, the bee's hummed, the tree's danced in the breeze... in that present moment "all was well!"

Destination...

"I'll look back on this and smile because it was LIFE and I decided to live it."

I find it so easy sometimes to feel regret and "wish if only" about my life. But if I choose not to pick those thoughts up, then I can just look back and smile. This is my life and I am deciding to LIVE it... It's the journey not the destination!

Genuine...

" A friend who understands your tears is much more valuable than a lot of friends who only know your smile."

My life is rich when it comes to my friends. I have acquired an awesome group that continue to keep me surrounded in the good times and bad. They cheer me on and hold me up. Though them I know what a genuine friend is and the value that plays in my life ~ it's a priceless gift, and I am SO GRATEFUL today and everyday.

Roof...

My oldest son comes over a couple times a month and it always makes me smile when all my children are under one roof,  sharing conversation, laughter, food and love. There's nothing better!!!

Smile...

Leave it to the animals of the world to make me smile. These four kittens reminds me of the four cats I have. Mine weren't this color but just as cute. They are now all five years old and still bring a smile when needed.

Season...

I love this picture and didn't really have anything to go with it other then "noting" the JOY it brings me. Since fall in my favorite season, there are never enough picture, painting, real life memories that I grow tired of seeing,when they pertain to fall. Hope it brings a smile to your heart and lightens you day as it has mine.

Made Me Smile...

I was in need of a little extra tender loving care today, so as I went out into the world to run some errand, I found things to smile about:

A birds song

Children's laughter

A kind man holding the door open for me

Sunshine

Flowers

Thank you world for the smile...

Makes Me Smile...

It doesn't matter how I'm feeling, when I see a dog hanging out the window of a car it just "makes me smile!" Don't really know why and doesn't really matter, it just always lightens my mood. Animals have an unconditional love that can't be beat. I'm grateful they bring so much joy to our lives and we can share this world together!

Up Close and Personal...

I've made it a habit when checking out at a store to notice the persons name. Then as I'm leaving I say thank you (and say their name). They always glance up at me and a smile spreads across their face. It's a nice gesture to offer the many people we encounter each day. It adds that personal touch and it's just a small simple thing that acknowledges their presences and the job their doing.