It Only Takes A Smile

Sometimes a film comes along that simply exudes inspiration. You want to live in that film because the characters are filled with passion , creativity , and a longing to fulfill their dreams. For me this has been Before Sunset; Midnight in Paris, and now LaLa Land. 

I will not give it away, but it is worth all of the acclaim it is receiving.  After watching it , you can’t help by root for the artists that are surrounding your life. Or perhaps follow a dream you had given up on.  Maybe it will bring up regrets and what might have been.

Watching it, I am even more determined to help my husband achieve his dreams. 

See it and dwell in the atmosphere of blissful musical:)

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/dec/09/la-la-land-hollywood-film-musical-ryan-gosling-emma-stone

http://conservativetribune.com/man-mother-airport-shooting/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=janbrewer&utm_content=2017-01-09&utm_campaign=can

I think I may be the only person under 40 that writes birthday cards and actually mails them to people. I have a tradition the past 15 years of creating a mixed tape/cd that includes my songs for the year. The music generally starts with a fast beat, perhaps something pop. It sways with dance and hip hop, to perhaps indie folk, a nostalgic song from the 40s era . It eventually ends with a classical tune.  There is one cd that is mailed to all individuals , that now begins during the initiation of the fiscal year (october- September )

Last year I was going to stop . I may have previously wrote about this. I felt as if I sent out 20-30 cards with cds, plus another 20 bday cards without cds. It didn’t appear as if anyone appreciated this act anymore. It was a waste of time, money, and energy. Not only were the cards filled with cds, but with stickers, and a fake tattoo. The outside of the card was generally graced with random stamps and stickers. A pure juvenile treat for a friend I had not spoken to in awhile. 

As I told a friend of wanting to stop this tradition , she pleaded why stop now? At least wait until we turn 40. And so I do. 

Because I will be travelling for the next several weeks, I prepared my February bday cds to be sent out this week 🙂 I hope you enjoy . The current playlist is below.

Sometimes I choose not to bring my phone when I walk my dogs, unless I am with my dogs. Sometimes it’s a blessing, as it keeps me mindful and less distracted . Other times I wish i had it to capture the moment.

Today I wish I had it. The dogs stumbled upon a beautification small pond on their walk yesterday, and chose to return to it today. 

Shortly past a set of townhouses, stands this beautiful pond filled with a dozen ducks. Some plain ducks , some mallard ducks. Yesterday we were the only ones visiting them. Today a woman who had just went to the local grocery store was there with two bags of fresh bread to feed the ducks . 

Nobody was watching , she looked at me. I smiled first , she smiled back and said “they’re so hungry. ” I responded with, “it’s great you’re feeding them.”

She fed them with bread fresh from the store , not left over bread from home about to go bad  , or stale bread . These were not her ducks, she had no responsibility for them. But she had probably taken a similar walk as I did, and wondered who cared for these ducks.

 It’s comforting to see a stranger’s initiative to care for others, without the expectation of anything in return .

Watching this clip had me laughing with tears 

I had to repost this after viewing it.  I’m getting back into the groove of writing about travelling today . Travelling inspired and invigorates me. I had to share it.

http://fourhourworkweek.com/2010/10/30/20-things-ive-learned-from-traveling-around-the-world-for-three-years/

Last month when my mother was visiting , a package was delivered to my home from Amazon. Since nobody was home , it was delivered to a neighbor several doors down. I had never met the person. My mother accompanied me to pick up the package in the evening. . Who opened the door , but an elderly old woman dressed in makeup and a fancy jumper.

Her name was Patricia Rose. She invited us into her home. As we walked in, I noticed a stunning black and white photo of her from the 1950s. I am sure she was a charmer in those days. Patricia asked us to have a cup of tea several times. We politefuly declined, as we were on a schedule. Instead we opted for a tour of her home. She was proud as she brought us to each room, and we ended up in the guest room.

There was a display of sparkling scarves that she knits as presents to keep her busy. One was even offered for each of us (see mine in picture above). 

 She informed us she was visiting her children and grandchildren earlier in the day. They were celebrating xmas in advance . Six weeks in advance to be exact.  They had other plans on xmas. My heart fell as I thought she may probably be alone for the holidays. 

This woman lived alone , and was so sweet offering tea and handmade scarves to us. I am sure she was filled with stories to share about the olden British days, laughter, and loneliness, hidden behind the smile she offered the entire time.

Today is Christmas , I too am alone , since my husband is working. I decided to pop by her home at high noon offering a holiday teddy bear and some chocolate. Patricia answered the door in her purple robe. She said she was not well, as she was resting after having fallen down yesterday. Her purple bruise on her forearm matched the robe. I didn’t want to intrude on her, but wanted to ensure she had at least one visitor today. She offered me a hug and kiss on the cheek. I was unsure if she would remember me, and so I wore the green sparkling scarf she had made as proof.

I wished her a merry xmas and wellness wishes. She said her day will be better after my visit.  The moment lasted less than 3 minutes.

I am not around my grandparents or family at the moment, but I do vow that I will try to visit this neighbor on a more frequent basis. 

We never want to be forgotten, and a small simple unexpected greeting can last for days.

Tonight I went to my local British town’s Christmas carols. It was as if it was a scene from a movie. 

Everyone in town went to the greens (hilly area past the city council) for a free carols. Donations were given as you received a copy of the lyrics to sing along . Mulled wine and minced pies were given out.

My time was limited  at the event ,as my dogs were distracted by the other dogs in xmas jumpers and children on razer scooters. But there was comfort in going to this event and seeing people I knew from the town present with their families and friends.

But the ones filled with wonder during the holiday season are the kids. I do not have any children, but I can imagine children during this time of year must be the most entertaining . 

They believe in the magic of Christmas, Santa Claus , and Rudolph . As an adult I can only compare this magic to that which I feel when serendipity hits when I travel. There’s such wonder and joy. In believe it’s all possible . 

Christmas is a time for giving, but also in believing . Believing in the possibilities life can offer you. Forgiveness . Reconnecting with family . And hope for next year all are possible at this time of year. 

How can you stop for a bit this season and feel the magic that may be occurring around you . Happy holidays .