Black & White & Gray

Life- black and white or areas of gray?

A Note On Words

As a teacher once said:
"A negligent word can cause disputes,
A cruel word can destroy a life,
A sharp word can cause hate.
A kind word can make a day,
An affectionate word can comfort and bless."

Words are powerful, I'm sure you all can agree. Conversely, words are just words coupled with the meaning we give to them.

I thought I'd share with you this beautiful poem by Anne Sexton titled
"Words"
"Be careful of words,
even the miraculous ones.
For the miraculous we do our best,
sometimes they swarm like insects
and leave not a sting but a kiss.
They can be as good as fingers.
They can be as trusty as the rock
you stick your bottom on.
But they can be both daisies and bruises.
Yet I am in love with words.
They are doves falling out of the ceiling.
They are six holy oranges sitting in my lap.
They are the trees, the legs of summer,
and the sun, its passionate face.
Yet often they fail me.
I have so much I want to say,
so many stories, images, proverbs, etc.
But the words aren't good enough,
the wrong ones kiss me.
Sometimes I fly like an eagle
but with the wings of a wren.
But I try to take care
and be gentle to them.
Words and eggs must be handled with care.
Once broken they are impossible
things to repair."

We all say things we wish we hadn't, or wish we'd had said differently.
Be careful of the words you utter. Especially when angered.
The words of people are often statements about their lives and the experiences they might have had.
Do not let the bitterness of the words of others destroy the sweetness within you. Also do not let your sad experiences be projected by your words and destroy the peace of others.

Sunny Gu ---- WOW!

I am slightly obsessed with the awe-inspiring fashion illustrations of Sunny Gu. Did I say slightly? Correction, I am totally obsessed!
Her illustrations are absolutely mesmerizing.

Love what you see? Visit her site http://sunnygu.com/ for more eye feasting.

INTRIGUING

I am intrigued by people.
By behaviors.
By human interchanges.

BLOOMING BUDS AND MATING DOVES

Blooming Buds and Mating Doves. Do you know what that means? Spring's around the corner.

Wait, hold up, did I hear myself correctly? SPRING??? But it's not even August. We technically still have just less than 2 months of winter left.

These weather patterns are strange! Blame it on global warming? Maybe.

Winters been good, compared to other years, but I don't mind welcoming spring :)
Picnics, morning jogs, nature to the max!! Yeah spring, you most welcome to pop in early.

What gets you excited about spring? Or do you think it's still too early to be asking this?

I Wish, I Dream

Would you like to take
a road trip with me,
In a pretty caravan all done up-
With hanging art works and scattered cushions comfying up the place.
We'll stop at flea markets across the country
Selling cupcakes at a cupcake bar.
And when the day is finally over
We'll eat the profits while gazing at a star.

Then tomorrow we'll continue
After exploring a museum or two.
That would be amazing,
Especially when topped with
Strawberry chocolate fondue.
And you.

I wish, I dream.

Images:
cutestfood.com/
cutecaravans.blogspot.com
chocobloom.blogspot.com

HAPPINESS IS...

I came across this picture the other day and it got me thinking. What is happiness?

These lyrics by Clark Gesner make me smile☺
"Happiness is finding a pencil.
Pizza with sausage.
Telling the time.
Happiness is learning to whistle.
Tying your shoe for the very first time.

Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band.
And happiness is walking hand in hand.
Happiness is two kinds of ice cream.
Knowing a secret.
Climbing a tree.
Happiness is five different crayons.
Catching a firefly.
Setting him free.

Happiness is being alone every now and then.
And happiness is coming home again.
Happiness is morning and evening,
Daytime and night time too.
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That's loved by you.

Happiness is having a sister.
Sharing a sandwich.
Getting along.
Happiness is singing together when the day is through,
And happiness is those who sing with you.
Happiness is morning and evening,
Daytime and nighttime too.
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That's loved by you."

Happiness is all of the above and much, much more!
Happiness does mean different things to different people.

Wikipedia defines happiness as: A mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

To me, their definition is spot on. It isn't just about the giggles and smiles, happiness is a state of mind. A choice we make.

Positivity and moments of joy add to the happiness of our days.
For many happiness is a lot more frightening than depression. It's sad to see so many sad people all around.
If you are one of those sad soul wandering around this is for you: In order to be happy, you must first have been unhappy. So chin up, grin and let happiness in.

How to be happy you ask?
Well this is cliché, but really, surround yourself with the people you love. Spend your time on things that bring you pleasure. Moan less, smile more. Enjoy the little moments that make life spectacular. Be happy.
☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺