Pre-post-apologies for the brevity of this post, but I am following my happiness straight up to Boston for a weekend away. Granted, tomorrow will be rainy and cold, but I guess that’s just nature’s own desire comin’ out ;)
I dunno if I am way behind the times, but last night I was introduced to the awesomeness of this site: http://www.rhapsody.com/ and of course myself downloaded the program and all morning was serenaded by The Smiths. [http://www.rhapsody.com/thesmiths] I don’t know exactly what the site is all about, but I do know you can listen to loads of your favorite music at your whim :)
This morning I was in a weird zone – I was journaling again on the bus into the city, but this time felt a revelation. I was really feeling that the moments we have in life – those ellusive, transitory, purely good moments, are what we wade through everything else for – and they are wonderful. A subway ride with someone you love. Overhearing great conversation on a bus in the morning. Talking to someone and noticing their freckles. Feeling good. So this morning – I just really wanted a hug. By the time I was done with my journaling and my bus ride and my conversation that involved a bit of freckle-staring, I exited the Port Authority and stepped out onto the streets of Manhattan, I decided the world was indeed hugging me!
So.. the poem of the day:
i thank You God for most this amazing by: e.e. cummings
i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun’s birthday;this is the birth
day of life and love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)
how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any–lifted from the no
of all nothing–human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?
(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)
We are all so fortunate, in this. I extend my own hug out to you.
-Val!
I hope you all had a wonderful Wellness Wednesday. If you’re wondering what to do one day after work but don’t want to make a big production out of it, I have a couple of simple suggestions for you. Tips for getting outside:
photo by Constantin Jurcut
Take a walk around your neighborhood, zigzagging through streets that look the most appealing to you at the moment – perhaps there is a well-manicured lawn that catches your eye or the light is falling in an attractive way. You don’t need a plan or a set route to get outside and enjoy a stroll.
Head to a nearby park or maybe even your own backyard and toss a softball around. Justin and I enjoyed an invigorating (and tiring!) game of catch this afternoon!
Grab your bicycle and head out for a short ride. Maybe you can work in a stop at a nice picnic area or simply to rest and watch the sunset before heading back home.
Get creative! Grab a sheet of blank paper and some map pencils or water colors and doodle something in your neighborhood that requires you to be outside. If the weather goes south, consider sitting in a cozy coffee shop next to the window to continue your mental and spiritual relaxation and artistry.
I hope you’re enjoying the lovely spring weather if you’re in the north or the warm beginnings of summer if you’re in the south!
I hope everyone had a great Tuesday! I am sorry we’ve had some technical problems with the reliability of our server today. This Trivia Tuesday question will be easy since I didn’t receive a straight-forward answer last time. I also found out that some folks weren’t participating because they had to look up the answers. I absolutely expect you to research the answer! That’s not against the rules! :) This isn’t Jeopardy. As my sister suggested, the theme today is Mother’s Day.
What is the U.S. History of Mother’s Day (I’d prefer the non-Wikipedia version)?
Making acquaintances just fell into my lap this morning! I jumped on the local bus which meant I wound up smooshed between a young man on my right and two boisterous older ladies on my left. I took the time to catch up on my journaling. As the bus zigged, zagged, and crazily curved its way around freeway stretches, the nearest lady on my left said, “Honey, I don’t know how you can write on this bus!” I said, “It certainly isn’t easy!” to which she replied, “feel free to lean on my if you need to.” Then as we entered the Lincoln tunnel the boy to my right reached over and turned on my overhead light so I could see to continue writing. “Wow thanks!” I said – in awe of my good fortune. As we arrived at Port Authority he and I were engaged in conversation – he having had seen me on the bus previous and making comment on my new hair style to which the ladies jumped in, “we were just admiring it! It’s very cute!” Which totally made my day.
See? There is so much to be said about the kindness of strangers! My day ended fun as well, as my sister picked me up from work and we went grocery shoppingtogether! Then we met up with my friend Coco and all went out for TexMex/Cajun food at Jose Tejas in Fairfield (Happy Cinco De Mayo Everyone)!
On the drive back to Rutherford, the road swelled before dipping down and all of New York City was a gilded image before us framed by dark green trees. Coco made a comment in her audacious way, I made a joke, and we all three burst into a chorus of Jefferson Starships, “I Built This City on Rock-n-Roll!”
The night ended by me rifling through a big box of used clothes Ness is donating to Good Will and scoring some great new digs. Some for pure sentimentality, but :) [Read more →]
What makes you happy? We’ll be finding out in our video series! In this video, Thao N. shares what floats her boat!
Happy people, optimistic people, reading, and inspiring songs – those are all great things to share! Thank you for letting us know what makes you happy, Thao!
Want to know more about Thao? You can visit her website.
There was a point in my not-so-distant past where I was incredible unhappy and stressed-out with my job. Justin (my boyfriend) had wanted a puppy for a while and I did too, but I wasn’t 100% sure it was the best idea considering how I was feeling about my job. After doing some research, I discovered that it is commonly believed that pets can alleviate stress and induce happiness. If we hadn’t already wanted a dog, that was enough of a reason to own one right there!
As it turned out, the pooch we chose came in a set! There were two inseparable sister Havanese puppies that we fell in love with and have been glad to call members of our family since August 2007. Those girls are named Ruby and Eve – they turned 1 year old yesterday! I can’t even tell you how much joy and delightful companionship they’ve brought to our lives. Not only did they relieve some of the stress I was feeling, they also give love unconditionally and require the same in return. If you’ve been considering pet ownership, I’d definitely recommend it – especially a puppy (or two!). If allergies are a problem for you, consider a hypo-allergenic pet such as a Havanese, Maltese, Poodle, or Papillon. Best of luck to you – and be sure to send photos of your new pet. If you’re already a pet owner, send photos of that pet too! Email me here!
Well I didn’t really get any of the art done that I had intended to, but as I googled a new hairstyle (forthcoming) I stumbled upon some ingenius Photoshop Tutorials and had my go of it!
I did dye a test streak in my hair, which entirely amused my boss this morning, as she said, “I know what is coming!” Which was adorable, and as I had been looking up the word “Chibi” and other things related to it all morning, it was perfect as it recalled an old documentary I’d made on anime fan (otaku) culture. Today has been finishing work projects, good ice cream, and plans being altered – but hopefully good all the same. Remember what I’d said about rolling with things? Well, gotta try!
I am back from vacation and ready to embrace Follow Your Happiness and our wonderful little community here! Coming back from a trip, I usually find it tough to sit still in front of my computer. A coworker sent me some positive statements in an email today which really helped my mood tremendously. I am going to share them with you here:
Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Love the ones who don’t just because you can. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Kiss slowly. Forgive quickly. God never said life would be easy. He just promised it would be worth it.
Normally, I am not a fan of sappy email forwards, but sometimes they really hit the spot. For me, having this simple, thoughtful forward in my Inbox really made my day better. Maybe you could jot down a quick note of caring or appreciation for a few people in your life and send it off. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it puts a little spring in their step!
It’s a good thing it’s Tout your Talents Thursday because The Val! has been feeling creative (if in a splintered, every-which-way sort of pattern) all day! I only hope it survives the next several hours and the bus ride home, because I for one feel inclined to create! It might just be because late last night I stayed up awe-struck by the art, drive, and purity (though this may sound like a strange descriptor) of artist Christopher Schneberger. Only go to that link if you enjoy art of the creepy variety.
journaling. As the bus zigged, zagged, and crazily curved its way around freeway stretches, the nearest lady on my left said, “Honey, I don’t know how you can write on this bus!” I said, “It certainly isn’t easy!” to which she replied, “feel free to lean on my if you need to.” Then as we entered the Lincoln tunnel the boy to my right reached over and turned on my overhead light so I could see to continue writing. “Wow thanks!” I said – in awe of my good fortune. As we arrived at Port Authority he and I were engaged in conversation – he having had seen me on the bus previous and making comment on my new hair style to which the ladies jumped in, “we were just admiring it! It’s very cute!” Which totally made my day.
Fairfield (Happy Cinco De Mayo Everyone)!
There was a point in my not-so-distant past where I was incredible unhappy and stressed-out with my job. Justin (my boyfriend) had wanted a puppy for a while and I did too, but I wasn’t 100% sure it was the best idea considering how I was feeling about my job. After doing some research, I discovered that it is commonly believed that pets can alleviate stress and induce happiness. If we hadn’t already wanted a dog, that was enough of a reason to own one right there!
stumbled upon some ingenius Photoshop Tutorials and had my go of it!
every-which-way sort of pattern) all day! I only hope it survives the next several hours and the bus ride home, because I for one feel inclined to create! It might just be because late last night I stayed up awe-struck by the art, drive, and purity (though this may sound like a strange descriptor) of