I sailed through most of my life sporting rose-colored glasses. I rarely watched the news or read the newspapers. It's not that I didn't want to be aware of current events, it's that for the most part media focused on the bad stuff in life. Stuff I didn't want to know about.
Unfortunately, as much as I love my job at the library, it behooves me to be somewhat savvy about what's going on in the world. So every morning, I now surf CNN. I'm often appalled by the headlines alone. Many of the stories are horrifying. I really don't want to know that mankind is capable of such atrocities. Lately, I've been feeling a little depressed. I blame the news. The 'bad' news that is. So I'm slipping on my rose-colored glasses for the next few days. I'm indulging in romantic comedy books and movies. I'm adopting Monty Python's "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life" as my theme song. And I'm asking you to help me adopt a merrier attitude.
Share some good news with me. Something about you. Your professional life. Your family life. Or something uplifting about someone you know. As Chicago sang... Make Me Smile!
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
Not a wide grin but a smile of contentment.
My husband is coming home in 11 days after a year in Honduras. I am in a nice home on my safe little air force base. I have the support of a loving community when I get tired of being a single parent.
Taps just played over the public address system and my 2 boys are sound asleep. I resist the urge to turn on the news because I do not wish to lose the tranquility I feel. This is the best time of the day.
Angel
"I can fix a bad page, but I can't fix a blank one." Nora Roberts
www.angelinabarbin.blogspot.com
What you need is a morsel of Brownie....
I know what you mean, Beth. Sometimes it just seems like the world around us is falling to pieces. Yet, although a lot of bad things do happen, a lot of GREAT things happen too.
You asked for bits of 'good' news and so here is my contribution: This evening my little girl - I'm so proud of her - bridged from a Daisy Scout to a Brownie, a graduation of sorts! This was a very fun night for my whole family. As Katie stood up with the other little nine girls in her troop, grinning from ear to ear so happily, I realized that this was truly a golden moment in her life - and mine.
What I thought was particularly amusing and downright cute, was the way two teenage Girl Scouts introduced the newly inducted Brownies. On a stage, with a curtained backdrop, they used a cooking stove (a prop - not a real one), and pretended to mix up the ingredients for brownie batter. Then they inserted the pan into the 'oven', let it 'bake', and when they opened the door, out popped all ten of the 'Brownie girls' one after the other, sort of like one of those tiny clown cars that hold a gazillion clowns piled on top of each other. The whole audience erupted into laughter. It was just way too creative. I'm still smiling.
I hope this morsel of proud-mommy-boasting helps just a little!
Angel, you have my sincerest congratulations for your husband's return. I admire and honor all military families. Thank you for the sacrifices both you and your husband make for our country!
Amanda
Thank you for your kind words about the military. I have it easy compared to Army and Marine wives.
One of my sons is a Webelos Scout and one is a Cub Scout. When the Webelos become Boy Scouts there is a ceremony where the boys walk across a bridge and there is a campfire, etc. (It chokes me up that my son will make that walk next year.) I understand how proud you must be of your daughter. And now she gets to wear the brown vest, right?
When I need to smile I just look at the children at the school where I work. The future is brighter than we know.
Angel
"I can fix a bad page, but I can't fix a blank one." Nora Roberts
www.angelinabarbin.blogspot.com
I meant every word I said...
...Angel. I love our military - all branches. They aren't honored nearly enough IMHO.
It sounds like your boys have really worked hard in the Scouts. Congratulations on your older son's upcoming 'walk across the bridge'.
This is my first time of being involved in Girl Scouts. I never was one myself
But, as a volunteer, I really love the sense of sisterhood involvement that being in the group establishes. There were so many good things we did in our Daisy unit, like Christmas caroling for the elderly in four area nursing homes, and (you'll appreciate this one) sending letters to a few of our troops who were being sent overseas. But why is Katie most excited about moving up to Brownies? At last, she gets to sell cookies like the 'big' Girl Scouts! <GG>
Girl Scout cookies.
Beth- Have we hijacked your blog?
(I have to add I love girl scout cookies. I wish they would bring back the lemon creams.) Amanda, if you lived nearby I would buy a ton from your daughter. I sent 10 boxes to my hubby and he shared them with all his co-workers for a little touch of home.
Angel
"I can fix a bad page, but I can't fix a blank one." Nora Roberts
www.angelinabarbin.blogspot.com
Oh, Angel...
What fantastic news indeed! So very happy for and your boys. Your family will be reunited very soon! I can feel your contentment. I can imagine your excitement! Bless you and your husband and thank you for the very big smile!
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
That morsel of Brownie...
was just what the doctor ordered! Or however that saying goes. LOL. Amanda, what a delightful story! I didn't even know there was a level before Brownies. Daiseys. So cute! And I can imagine how proud you must have been seeing your daughter up there on stage. As for the presentation, how clever! And entertaining! I could envision the act as your descibed it. My smile got bigger and bigger... Thank you! And hugs to the new Brownie!
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
Scouts, Soldiers, and Smiles
Amanda and Angel, no, you didn't hijack my blog. You made my morning!! I read your posts and got the warm fuzzies. Now THIS is the way to start my day. No CNN this morning, thank you very much.
I always wanted to be a girl scout, but I don't think there was a troop near me. I grew up in the boonies in Indiana. I was in 4-H though and loved it! I still have a picture with me and my pony Topsey. I showed at the 4-H Fair and we won a ribbon! It's a goofy picture of us, but brings back warm memories.
As for the military, my father-in-law is one of the last surviving Marines from Iwo Jima. I am very proud of the men and women who have defended so many through the years. Hugs again on your husband's return, Angel!
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
Hi Beth .....
Here's a bit of local news that may bring you a smile ... it sure gave me one ....
Here's the full article ... Local Couple Celebrates 70th Anniversary .... there's even a video of the couple :D
~~ KatherineT ~~ I'm a Harlequin Addict, and I'm proud of it!
~~ Quiet Canadians ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog
Married for 70 years!
I may not make that because I didn't get married until I was 29.
Beth- I wasn't a girl scout either. I have 4 brothers so my parents were cub scout then boy scout leaders. One of my earliest memories is my twin sister and I in a playpen in the woods camping with the scouts.
An awesome thing about writing is we can make the story as happy as we want it to be!
Angel
"I can fix a bad page, but I can't fix a blank one." Nora Roberts
www.angelinabarbin.blogspot.com
But Beth, you need both the
But Beth, you need both the good news and the bad news to get a balanced picture. If you go through life with only rose-colored glasses, you think that everyone lives like you do and so you think programs designed to support the other side of life are extraneous. But if you go through life with only black glasses, you think that everyone is crooked and bent. I think that a person needs to look life square in the face.
To contribute to your mood's uplifting, I will contribute my kitty's antics this weekend. She went with us to the old house we are remodeling. It has a huge yard. I took her out on a leash because she has only ever lived in the city house with a small courtyard. She was terrified. I brought her back in the house before she had apoplexy. She spent the rest of the weekend between the quilt and the covers, on the principle of "what I can't see can't hurt me"! LOL
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
Katherine...
70 years of wedded bliss? Now that's something to celebrate. Thanks for the article and the uplifting news!
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
Playpen memories...
Angel, that's a sweet memory. I can't believe you remember something from so far back. How cool! As for being able to write 'happy' stories... a true joy indeed!
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
I hear you...
Frenchie, and I understand the logic and wisdom in your statement. I've just OD'd on the bad stuff lately. Merely sticking my head in the sand for a couple of days... soaking in everyone's lovely 'good news.'
Adored your kitty story. Poor thing! Smiled at the thought of your furball cuddled under the quilt. Thank you for sharing!
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
Beth
I get you completely. And it's a very good argument to the question "WHY read romance novels". If i dwell too long on some of the things wrong with our world today I nearly start hyperventilating.
Here's something to brighten your day...all across Canada yesterday it was Music Monday. A special song was commissioned and all the participating schools sang it - outdoors - at 11 a.m. The principle is that all around the country people could open their doors and hear children singing. We had a whole concert.
My daughter who is 10 was interviewed for 2 tv stations and for radio. She was so composed and keen. I was (and am) a very proud mom.
And in keeping with the proud mom front...my other daughter was faced with something very challenging yesterday and bless her, did the exact right thing and with a minimum of fuss.
Donna
THE SOLDIER'S HOMECOMING, Romance, March 08, Aus/NZ April 08
FALLING FOR MR DARK AND DANGEROUS, Romance, August 08
THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, Romance, January 09
http://www.donnaalward.com
http://www.donnaalward.blogspot.com
Just keep smiling...
Beth- So you have vets in your family- I knew I liked your style.
Donna-I love to hear proud mom stories. My 10yr old son is so shy, I am proud when he actually says hello to someone. He sure didn't get the shyness gene from me!
Angel
"I can fix a bad page, but I can't fix a blank one." Nora Roberts
www.angelinabarbin.blogspot.com
Music for the Soul
<
What a fabulous gift to the community, Donna! I got goose bumps just thinking about the concept. It must have been amazing to experience. As to your daughters, sounds like they're both blessed with diplomacy and grace. You SHOULD be proud! Definitely something to smile about.
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
Happy Days
Happy Days - not the t.v. show! Things that make us smile, laugh and be happy - these are what matter. Not who killed whom and who died and what war is going on where. Of course those are important, but really now, we want to hear happy stories and the good things that people do. Romance novels are a wonderful escape from reality - let authors never cease to write them!
So, for today, I have a cute story about my kid. He is five. He made me a Valentine the other day (yes, I know it's well past Easter) and he read it to me (it didn't have actual words; just squiggles to look like words) and this is what he told me it said:
"When I am older, I am going to take you to a fun place when I have my license."
Then he read it again and this is what he said:
"I am going to take you to a fun place when I am older and when I have my license plate."
LOL!
~Kristen
"You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be--
I had a mother who read to me."
--Strickland Gillilan
Kids Say the Cutest Things...
Adored you story, Kristen. Your son sounds like a real charmer! Jeez, and he's only five!
Thank you for the really BIG smile.
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
Uhm...because it takes 43
Uhm...because it takes 43 facial muscles to frown and only 17 to smile
Think of all the money you can save not having to buy wrinkle cream
(Means more money for books!!! Oooh rah!!)
Seriously, everyone here has heart smile stories that are absolutely wonderful. In times of adversary there is hope...we all just have to look deeper and be thankful for the blessings we do have. After all, each of us are blessed in some, often many ways. We only need to realize them and smile.
I like this thread
There are so many neat stories from people and it's fun to come back and see what's been added or just to reread some of the posts.
~Kristen
"You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be--
I had a mother who read to me."
--Strickland Gillilan
I know what you mean, Kristen.
And what's so nice about Beth, if you haven't already noticed, is that she always answers her blogs, making sure everybody feels that their contributing comments are appreciated. I think that's not only very professional, but 'in touch' and personalized at the same time. Have you read her books? You should, trust me.
Wow, Donna, I'd be pretty proud too if my daughter was interviewed like that! How cool is that!! Hope you've had it recorded somehow. I hate when great things happen to my DD and I don't have it in pics or on the cam. I guess as long as we have it in her memories, huh?
Oh, and, Angel, if you're still keeping tabs on this blog, let me assure you my daughter would be glad to ship you GS cookies next year! LOL
Seriously, I've enjoyed meeting you. How many days left until DH comes home? Six? Bet you're so excited you can't stand it, right?
Well said, Dawn
<<After all, each of us are blessed in some, often many ways. We only need to realize them and smile.>>
I've been counting my blessing a lot lately, Dawn. And you're right, it does make me smile.
Um. So, really? It takes 47 facial muscles to frown?! I'm going to remember that.
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
I agree, Kristen
I LOVE this thread. I had hoped for a pick-me-up and boy did I get it! So much goodwill and cheer. Everyone's stories have been great!
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
You're too kind...
Amanda, thank you so much for your sweet words! It's my joy to read and respond to everyone's posts. I really did appreciate the way everyone shared news of their kids and loved ones. Got a real kick out of the girl/boy scout stories. Just now I'm craving Girl Scout Mint cookies... or the peanut butter ones. Yuuuuum!
OH! And I'm so glad you like my books! Spreading joy brings me joy!
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
Amanda
Thank you for your kind words. Hubby is home next Friday night. I will probably blog next week to shout out my joy.
(I also agree that Beth always replies to her blogs.)
Beth- All the effort you and the authors take to share with the community is very appreciated.
Angel
"I can fix a bad page, but I can't fix a blank one." Nora Roberts
www.angelinabarbin.blogspot.com
I've been lurking and.......
I must say this is a happy blog which I'm all for!!!! I found something to contribute! I rarely watch TV unless DH is home and today we were eating dinner when this Nationwide commercial comes on. Here's the link if you want to take a look. It's the Bank Brat ad. http://www.nationwide.com/about-us/featured-ads.jsp A bank teller brings her son to work w/her for the day and he's absolutely fascinated by the vacuum money drop in the drive thru. As this guy pulls up, the child sticks a ceramic mug filled with sharp pencils in the vacuum! LOL He proceeds to keep vacuuming up various items which of course kills the guy's car! It's way funny!!!!!!!!! Anyways, I laughed so hard I was crying! DH is looking at me like I'm absolutely nuts and then started laughing b/c I was laughing so hard! It just made my night! LMAO
Torpedoed by . . . Stuff
You're right, Julz. Too funny! Scary, but funny.
Thanks for the BIG smile!
www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist
LMAO
I was telling my manager about it this morning and cracked up all over again! That has to be the funniest commercial I've seen in a long time! Glad you enjoyed it!