Positively Mardi Gras

by Mauverneen

     

      Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we’re here we should dance.  Not sure who to attribute this quote to but it sounds like good advice to me.

      Today is Fat Tuesday, or to make it sound better, Mardi Gras. Almost anything sounds better en français don’t you think?

      Today is Fat Tuesday, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the start of 40 days to make up for today’s transgressions and two weeks to St. Paddy’s day - just about enough time to sober up for another round of partying.

      While I’m not condoning excessive drinking, I am condoning putting a little fun and partying into our lives. Lent is a sober time and many people take it seriously; by fasting, giving up things we like for 40 days - sweets, cigarettes, partying - in the hopes it will make us a little bit better as a person because of it. With a little luck and fortitude, it will.

      But let’s not forget to take a little time to party - to dance. Because life should be balanced  in order to live it to the fullest. We need to take time out to appreciate the good times, it’s what gets us through the bad times - knowing there are good times on the horizon. Its called hope.  

 

     So here’s to a full life, and as they say in New Orleans: laissez les bon temps rouler!

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

                                       However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

 

 See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

                      and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

 

Positively Positive

by Mauverneen




      This is the day the Lord has made; Rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24



         A new day - a new opportunity - sometimes just getting out of bed is a challenge. But each new day is truly a gift. One we too often take for granted. The photo was taken in Reno, NV where my boyfriend and I lived. One day we had a house fire. We spent the next month in an apartment. Yes, we lost some things but were so thankful no one was hurt. So thankful we had good insurance. And I never would have seen this sunrise otherwise.
      Yep, every day is a good day.
 
      When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.                 -Tecumseh


      And here is something just for fun. It is Positively Tuesday, after all! A little magical music - it is absolutely fascinating!     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q

Positively My Valentine

by Mauverneen

      I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.  – Roy Croft
Isn't that a beautiful sentiment? I think that's what love should be. People bringing out the best in each other.



The Kiss - by Rodin

       Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love. For those who have a significant other it's a good day to be extra nice to that someone special, show a little extra love or appreciation, or treat them to something special. Sometimes we forget to do that in our daily lives, we get busy.
      And for those of us who are solo today - don't feel bad, or alone. Just think of the worst relationship you have ever been in and be thankful you're not there any more! And if you are lucky enough to have never been in a bad one - just look around - and be grateful.

         Valentine's Day may be for lovers but love comes in many sizes and shapes. There is love for parents, children, siblings, good friends, etc.

      “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” -Elbert Hubbard 

And you know what? We all deserve a little self love too. Don't feel bad about treating yourself to something once in a while.

     

      On my last trip to Sedona, AZ I took a little hike. Among the other people also out for a hike that morning was a man who daily sat out on a rock and played his flute. When he finished playing he looked around and picked someone to gift with a heart shaped rock. That day he picked me. He spends time shaping these rocks into hearts to give away - which he does every day. He said it was important for him to remind everyone he could that we are all connected and that we should all pass on love.  It's his way of spreading love and peace.

       "Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence'' - Eric Fromm

            Maybe today we spread some love. Maybe today or sometime this week we donate to something. Those red kettles and bell ringers aren't around all year, but the organizations are. Do I really need 5 coats? It might be a good time to pack up some of those nice clothes we never seem to wear and drop them off at a collection spot. Hand the guy with the homeless sign a bottle of water or a few dollars without being judgmental. Maybe he isn't homeless, or hungry; but maybe he is.

      For all of you out there who have someone you love, reach out and hug them. A good long heartfelt hug. For remember ... Love doesn’t make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.- Franklin P. Jones 

      Happy Valentine's Day!

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!  

 See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

                      and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com

Positively SMILING

by Mauverneen
     
   Everyone smiles in the same language. ~Author unknown

 What could be more positive than a smile! Very often we are drawn to someone because of their smile. There are songs about smiles, poems about smiles and dozens of quotes. Smile though your heart is aching; let a smile be your umbrella;  when you're smilin', the whole world smiles with you.  

      I've always been a smiler. As a child I was so shy I could barely speak to acquaintances let alone strangers. I guess it was my way of saying hello, of saying I'm not stuck up, just tongue tied.  Even now, as an adult, I find myself smiling at people I pass at the store, at the mall, in a restaurant. Sometimes they smile back. Sometimes they don't. I am not sure I understand why they don't. It doesn't cost a thing to smile, whether you smile first - or second. 

      There are things that make us smile and things we do to make others smile. We tell jokes, we make funny faces, we do silly things. Or sweet things. We love to see the people we love, smile. It means they are happy. And that is really all we want for them.

          Did you ever find yourself smiling when you were alone? Triggered by a memory, a song, a gesture from someone unexpected? Feels nice, doesn't it? This positively Tuesday I say we just try to pass on as many smiles as we can. And if someone gives you one, return it. It's happiness being passed around.

       I came across this guy on a bridge in Paris, looking like he didn't have a care in the world. I smiled when I saw the bubbles. He smiled when he saw the camera. Then he went right back to blowing bubbles. Both of us just a little happier. He had made my day. 

 

Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn. ~Author unknown

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!  

 See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

                      and visit my website: http://mauverneen.com