Oh boy...........

It's necessary to laugh - often, and loudly.

If you don't, you might develop all kinds of horrible problems - like grouchiness!

I think it is imperative to remember to laugh, and let yourself do it, especially, when grouchiness might be approaching!  You can't be in a bad mood anymore, if you laugh at something!

If you can't find something to laugh about, perhaps just make something up, or better still, laugh at yourself.  You are funny!

Try it.

Here's to all my friends and family members who throughout my whole life have laughed with me, at me, in spite of me, because of me, and at times, for me!  I hope my Heaven involves this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx7lz5X2vKk 

women are....

I just don't know, sometimes.  

Sometimes women are exactly right.  They are who you need, what you need, and the men are idiots (of course, I mean this in the kindest of terms.)  Actually, I'm so often thinking, "I'm going to have an all-girl party, and invite all the women I like" - there are many.  Tons, even.  And then, I start to think of things like, "I'll have them watch these movies and listen to this music and eat this food and talk about these things and laugh the whole time........." and invariably, one of them pops into my head as a spoiler.  They probably wouldn't be.  They'd probably all humor me, if I threw a party for them.  But, I don't know.  There's so much potential for danger.......

Sometimes women are completely nuts.  Tonight I experienced a lot of women who with the very best of intentions, all became a bunch of complete raving maniac pecking hen crazies all chattering and hovering around at once.  These are ladies who under normal circumstances, I really like.  It was like that song in "The Music Man" - "Pick a Little, Talk a Little."  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbhnRuJBHLsI couldn't stop them.  They weren't even acting human.

I know I sound very righteous at this point, as if I'm not one, myself.  I know I probably must have gotten involved in this behavior before at some time, but thank goodness I don't remember it!  I would be on my own nerves!

I only wished for a male to be present.  I actually reached for the first one I saw (who happens to be my friend) as if I were reaching for the last life preserver on the Titanic.  I was happy to get home to my Bald Man of few words.

In Her Shoes

Literally.  I will be in my friend Sarah's shoes.

Her Mom so generously gave me, what must be, ALL of Sarah's shoes.  Not too many size 10s around; something we proudly shared.  I am so grateful and happy to have them.   Also, there are some clothes.   I was laughing through the tears as I held each piece - it was like going through my own closet in many ways.

I don't have many more words about this; just tons of emotions.  Mostly, trying to celebrate her life.

To Sarah!

Alternative Valentines

Here are some silly things I painted for an art sale.  (I only sold one, so if anyone wants one, they're cheap!)

Other, happier thoughts...

There ARE people who use their manners!

There ARE people who make the effort to show kindness, and I appreciate them and their efforts!

Of course, none of us is perfect, and we do all make mistakes - many of which, we may not even be aware.

Sometimes, it just seems like you can run into a whole phase of "less than politeness," and that makes my hope in humankind waver.  It also makes me miss my friend Sarah worse.

But back to the original purpose - I am still trying to live my life in her honor.  All things and relationships beautiful, meaningful and hopeful are what I'm surrounding myself with.  (And if you don't make the cut, well, you can keep trying - I'm all for positive change and more chances.)  No one who reads this "misses the cut."  I'm just saying that if the negative energy that I get from some of the folks with whom I associate (due to necessity) ever changes, I'll be glad to accept it.  If it doesn't - their loss!

Here's to positive energy, nice people and good, real, solid, genuine friends!

my thoughts of late

Isn't it easier to be nice than to be mean?  Doesn't it feel better and take less energy?

Mean/rude/hurtful can be passive-unintentional; people must be careful - at least conscious!

Genuine kindness is obvious to those of us who really care about it.  We appreciate that.

Basic social skills and good manners are still in style, aren't they?

Caring for one's fellow man/woman is still important, right?

Selfishness is not attractive, nor does it make anyone truly feel good, does it?

Pretty is as pretty does, right?

Love your neighbor as yourself, right?

Thanks, Mom and Dad, my 4 Grandparents, my Aunts and Uncles, and some "spare" parental types for teaching me these things.