Halloween Werewolf. Have a howling good time!

 

Fangs that drip, and bloodshot eyes
Watch to catch a tasty prize
In sinister shadows these monsters loom
Awaiting you in twilight’s gloom

 

In the darkness strange things dwell
Where they are hidden you really can’t tell
And though you were looking with both eyes peeled
You couldn’t help it when you squealed   

 

 

‘Cause the hand that grabbed you was furry and rough
And the voice that growled was coarse and gruff
And when those claws start to rip and tear
Hope you have on clean underwear!

 

                   

 

 

Read Full Post »

Share a smile.

Smile! Uploaded on August 10, 2007 by ♥ Lin Pernille Photography

 

Smiling is such a simple thing.  Just move your lips, raise your cheeks and squint your eyes.  When you smile there’s a good chance that your smile will be returned.  Of all the things that are risk-free, a smile is the one for me. 

Everyone likes a smile, but so many of us, (me included) don’t share them enough.  Even when I fake it, it usually ends up becoming a real smile, then low and behold; soon enough a giggle or chuckle results.    When I remember to smile the world seems friendlier and I notice the smiles on the faces around me.

Smiles spread joy and improve moods.  Isn’t it hard to stay upset and angry when someone smiles at us?  How many of us have felt our frustration or sadness melt away when sighting the wide-eyed smile of a baby?

A smile instantly improves your looks.  It reflects your inner joy and helps those around feel more comfortable.  Smiles are contagious and spread quickly.  Make a game of it and see how many people you can get to smile back at you in one day or one hour.  Enjoy your smile.  If you don’t feel comfortable, practice in front of a mirror.  Sound silly?  It works.  I’ve practiced smiling at myself in bathroom mirrors when I felt everyone around me was unhappy.  Just seeing my own smile while thinking about all those sourpusses made me laugh.

Remember no one can force you to smile – but no one can force you not to either!  (Let it be your own sign of rebellion, whenever you’re in a roomful of grumpy people, smile at them all.  It can be your secret weapon.)  Above all, enjoy your smile and those of others.

 

Read Full Post »

Nick Vujicic – Someone to get to know.

Many thanks to The Good News Network for their outstanding newsletter and web site.  They really live up to their name by sharing everyday heroes, inspirational life stories and people who motivate you to live a better life.  One of those people is Australian Nick Vujicic.  Here is a man who was born with no arms and no legs, but whose hopes and dreams surpass many “regular” people. 

The outstanding thing about Nick is that before he even speaks, you find yourself responding to the big smile on his face and his boundless energy.  Nick has a better outlook than most able-bodied people I’ve met.  He reminds us to keep ourselves from being in a victim mentality.  We all have hurdles to overcome; but worrying, believing the world is out to get you or that you deserve the pain you have stops us from moving forward and achieving our dreams.  Nick will help you see that all you need to do is imagine the possibilities for your own life, and then work to get them.  I have no doubt at all that Nick will go very far indeed.

See his outstanding videos here:

Read Full Post »

The Halloween countdown has begun.

Halloween Uploaded on July 24, 2007 by hannah.howze

 

Time is ticking and Halloween will soon be here. Will you be ready? Here’s a short list of some of my favorite Halloween essentials:

1. Black, brown or white pants with matching shirt. With a little make-up you can be a vampire, witch, or a zombie. Make some felt ears and be a puppy dog, bunny rabbit, sheriff, FBI agent or other fun costume. Use your imagination.
2. Halloween sound effects and song collection. Who can enjoy Halloween without some creaking doors, chains clanking, animals screeching or hearing the Ghostbuster’s theme song at least once? Not me.
3. One pumpkin. Got to have at least one. You can carve it, paint it, or even get a plastic one, but there’s just something about that bright orange gourd we all love.
4. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. What Halloween would be complete without watching this at least once? Rent it, buy it, or watch it on TV, but you gotta see it.
5. Candy. The reason for the season. :0) It’s so wonderful to have a holiday to honor the love of candy. The fun is in sharing your love for chocolate, nuts, and caramel with others. Enjoy!

 

Read Full Post »

6 hilarious children’s books.

Ever want to read a book just for fun?  I really love reading books written for children.  It brings up so many fun things kids love but I’ve long since forgotten.  The stories are adventurous, funny, and highly imaginative.  Here are just a few of my favorites.

1. Captain Underpants – funny book about two boys who hypnotize their principle into becoming the superhero Captain Underpants.  Absolutely hysterical and not for anyone who can’t appreciate a full range of “potty-humor.”  Check out Dave Pilkey’s site here (he’s the author), and the great Scholastic site here.
2. Geronimo Stilton.  Written by wonderful Italian author Geronimo Stilton, this is the fascinating tale of one mouse’s quest for a peaceful life.  As a journalist for the fabulous Rodent Gazette, Geronimo lives and works in New Mouse City.  Great artwork and interesting use of fonts and colors make this series a fun read.
3. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle.  A charming, merry old woman, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle has amazing cures for every kind of childhood misbehavior.  Whether it’s answering back, not picking up their toys, or sibling fighting, this is one lady who knows exactly what magical remedy is needed.  Look here for more.
4. Dr. Seuss.  One of my all-time favorites.  Who can resist fantastical creatures, brilliant colors and some of the best rhymes you’ll ever hear.  See the web site here.
5. Franny K. Stein.  Author Jim Benton has invented one of the funniest characters ever.  Little Franny K. Stein is a young mad scientist who is misunderstood by her parents and schoolmates.  Read the uproarious adventures as she works to fit in.
6. Amelia Bedelia.  I remember reading these as a child myself, but they’re even funnier the second time around.  Poor Amelia is a maid who tries her hardest but just can’t quite get her instructions correct.  Find out more here.

Try out a few today!

Read Full Post »

Being alone – are you comfortable with yourself?

I got an interesting tag for this idea from Jean Browman at Cheerful Monk.  (The original idea came from Alex Shalman’s “I’m Stuck on a Deserted Island, With Just Myself.”)  To me the idea is “Are you comfortable with yourself?”  Are you able to sit alone, deep in thought and be at peace with the person you are?

Right now my own answer is an emphatic, “Yes!”  I like myself, and I’m proud of who I am.  I’m far from where I want to be in life (I have lots of big plans), but I’m comfortable with my progress so far.  I admit though, I’ve done a lot of work to get this far.  My big breakthrough came first from self-help books.  Learning I wasn’t the only one to question my life, faith and direction.  Then I had more breakthroughs during the course of several years while I was learning and practicing meditation.

I may not be what others consider a success story, but that’s okay with me.  The one thing I’ve struggled with over the years is how many people at first judge me as snobby or stand-offish.  That is only due to my shyness.  I’m nervous until I get to know people.  I still believe that people won’t like me.  That sounds like a contradiction doesn’t it?  That I like myself, but think others won’t like me?  But it’s true.

I seem to be a bit odd.  I don’t quite fit the mold.  I love country music and heavy metal.  I love horror movies and children’s movies.  I read self-help books and books on the paranormal.  I don’t fit any one category.  But that’s okay.  I realize now, it’s okay to be different.

One thing I am most grateful for is my ability to appreciate the moment.  I wish I could stay in the moment all the time, but there have been multiple times when I have experienced “BEAUTY.”  That’s how I think of it.  Moments when a perfect day full of sunshine, blue skies and birds singing hits me right in the heart with its pure perfection.  It can occur any time, seeing a cloud that looks like the Grinch on the drive home from work, watching two squirrels fighting over territory during a break at work, or listening to the snores of my dogs after a long walk.  :0)

I’m blessed that these moments come to me over and over.  Sometimes I feel extremely lucky to live in America where I have so much opportunity to succeed.  I have cried out from the sheer joy from loving another person.  Other times I may feel the presence of God in the acts of kindness done by total strangers for people I don’t know even know.

So yes, I’m blessed to be at peace with myself.  I like myself even when I fear no one else does.  I know I try to improve every day, and my serious effort helps me forgive myself when I fail to meet my own standards.  I find peace and serenity by listening to the wind in the trees and watching the clouds roll by.  Who could ask for more?

I tag Belle, Blair, and Steven.

Read Full Post »

Some things that make me smile:

We all need to remember to stop and smell the roses sometimes. Here are a few things that recently made me stop and smile:

1. Seeing my dogs sporting their new home-done haircuts, lopsided ears and all.
2. Multi-colored leaves blowing against a blue sky on a breezy day.
3. Being chilly in the car and not understanding why until I finally realized my heating vents were closed. (Of course my hubby’s were wide open and he was quite fine.)
4. Trying to take a self-portrait with my digital camera and accidentally cutting off my head.
5. Going to NBC’s web site for The Office. Watching deleted scenes and reading Dwight’s blog. I love that show!
6. Seeing a random baby smile at me while I was grocery shopping.
7. My dog having a stare-down with me because she is hungry and wants her dinner NOW!
8. Finding this cool web site to make your own motivational pictures. This is too fun!
9. Seeing the waxing moon shining brightly through the branches of a leafless tree.
10. Buying Halloween colored M&Ms!

What made you smile today?

Read Full Post »