Sharing

This is from an email that my sister sent me today. I liked it and thought I'd share.

A bar of chocolate, a long soak in the bath, a snooze in the middle of the afternoon, a leisurely stroll in the park" are the kinds of things that make us the most happy, according to research from The University of Nottingham.

Surprisingly, it wasn't flashy cars or diamond jewelery that jacked up jackpot winners' contentment. But rather, reading a book, listening to music or enjoying a bottle of wine bestowed true pleasure. At the end of a work day, it's taking pleasure in the labor of your hands or people you've helped or influenced in positive ways forward.

On the other hand, "modern-day pressures take their toll on everyday happiness," according to Richard Tunney, who led this research. "As a result we try to make ourselves feel better and happier through personal rewards and treats. We've all heard the saying 'a little bit of what you fancy does you good', and treating yourself is the ideal way to keep spirits lifted when you're down in the dumps."

From the looks of things

I am not happy with my blog. It is blah and dull...and looks that way as well! I need to perk my life/blog up a bit.
I visit blogs that are so appealing, beautiful and fun to look at. That's what I want.
I don't have the money to go shopping and bring home great things from flea markets and shops, so I don't post photo's of those sort. I haven't been crafting anything to post. I wish I had the energy to go away from home to take photo's of the wonderful town I live in, but I truly don't. So I post about the pond and life around here. I should have named this blog"Life on the Pond". Maybe I'll rename it...that's an idea...
Do you like pics of the pond and all it's inhabitants? The ducks have babies out there now. I'm not sure where the geese have gone. They might be on the pond at the back of the property which is more on the back neighbors place. It belongs to our landlords brother, so it's okay for us to mosey on over for a gander...no pun intended.
A local radio station has daily contests and I spend much of the day here in the office listening and occasionally trying to win. Tomorrow is a chance to win a trip for two to San Fransisco. I am trying for that one! There are people I'd love to visit in that part of the world. Today there is a chance to win oodles and oodles of chocolate and also a 20 dollar coffee card...ooh baby.
Well, now I want some coffee. I guess I'll mosey on over to the living place and rustle up a hot cup of joe and some grub...I need to watch "City Slickers" and get out of this old western mood I'm in.
Later gaters.

Sunday

We had nice weather yesterday, a nice break from all the rain and wind, so my assistant Scratch and I went for a walk around the back yard.
There were starlings flying every which way at us and the pond. It was fun.
We saw a beautiful yellow and black bird flying around, he was so yellow it was close to orange.

The boat was filled a bit with water from the rain we've had.

time for a stretch.

That's my home there above me...yep, I've heard all the trailer jokes and remarks.
I don't care because who would mind with a back yard like this?

The crows were even flying overhead.

The starlings were flying down and splashing on the water, I guess to get bugs, then after awhile they seemed to be playing.
**I had a video here and it has stopped working. I'll try to reload later.

My name

Found this link at Raesha's blog What Mahala Means

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Some art

This is front and back of the page I made for the Prom Dress Itty Bitty Book Swap put together by Mary Ann McKeating.
Both sides are painted by me!
I enjoy the itty bitty books.

A contest in Blogland!

Stop over at the blog Faerie-Dust-Dreams and sign up for her contest/party!

I spy

look who's been hangin' out at our house lately...

Flowers

The lilacs are blooming...The Iris is blooming...

Which of course means that the weeds are growing and well, they've gotta go!
I have spent the last few days weeding and cleaning up.
Doesn't help the crushed disc much, but someone's gotta do it eh?!
Today is DD's birthday...she'll probably want to go out to dinner.
hmmm...

A most wonderful man...Tom Hunter

(picture borrowed from his blog)

Have you ever met a person who could make you happy just looking at his smiling face and know that if he met you, he would love you no matter who you were or how ridiculously dorky you were?
I was lucky to meet such a man and to meet him more than once at that! I am also the proud owner of some of his music. He writes and sings music for children that both children and adults love.
Well, I received an email saying that Tom is very ill. He has been diagnosed with CJD, an illness that is rapidly destroying his brain.
I am so sad. I can't seem to quit crying. He is a precious human being.
His family has a blog set up for him called A Time for Sharing. Please stop by and read about this man and send any blessings, prayers, good thoughts, light a candle, whatever you like to do his and his families way.
Visit his website www.tomhunter.com and listen to samples of his music.
My heart is with you and you family Mr. Tom Hunter.

Crafty Chica's plea to Ellen