International Day of Happiness 2015 – Friday, March 20

 

Rev your happy engines, because March 20, 2015 is the official “International Day of Happiness!”

You can visit the official site here.

On the website, they have a downloadable document of ways you can enjoy and contribute.

Here are few suggestions:

• Do something kind for others
• Volunteer
• Get to know your neighbors!
• Look for the good in others around you

There are a ton of ideas of how to get involved in fun ways on the official site (linked above). Follow the hashtag #happyacts on Twitter for even more inspiration and ideas!

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”  H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

 

 

 

 

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Monday, March 2, 2015 is Read Across America day

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body” – Joseph Addison, author

Head’s up everyone – or, should I say, heads down, into a book? Monday, March 2 is “Read Across America Day,” inspired by Dr. Seuss. He would have been 111 years old on March 2 – and every year (for 18 years now!) his birth date is celebrated by encouraging and motivating children and teens to read.

I don’t see why adults can’t celebrate as well, so I’m going to celebrate too, by starting a new book. I haven’t decided which one – and I’m open to suggestion!

I’m also going to see if my 12 year old daughter will indulge me by letting me read aloud to her – I miss those days so much!

Parents, there are so many ways you can make this day fun for your child (and you too!), you can find lots of ideas at the Seussville website here.

As they say,

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”

I’d also add, you are never too old, too wacky or too wild to try a new book yourself! Maybe try to find some precious alone-time to relax with a comfy blanket and some coffee, hot tea or hot cocoa and settle in with a juicy novel. I can think of no better treat myself.

Goodreads is always a good source for ideas, by the way. They offer lots of suggestions by genre, so it’s easy to find something right up your alley.

You can get more info about this day of reading celebration at the official website. Have fun and happy reading!

 

 

 

Today is Love Your Pet Day!

In honor of the official “Love Your Pet Day,” I thought I’d share some pictures of my beloved furry companions!

Blaze is our youngest. He is 6 months old now, but we discovered him while volunteering at PetSmart when he was barely 3 weeks old! He had been separated from his mom, and someone left him in a box with a message pleading for someone to care for him. We could not resist. We bottle fed him and kept him warm, gave him lots of love and kisses – and here he is today:

Here is Kiki, she is the “matriarch” of our 4 cats. She is a marbled mixed Siamese. She was left behind when the city was evacuated for a hurricane. She waited at a shelter for 2 years, and when we found her (in 2010) it was love at first sight. She is hilarious – a real spunky, friendly personality – and she loves sitting up like a human, like this:

Next up is Sally – this is technically my daughter’s cat – she is a gorgeous, regal medium-long haired grey tabby. She is very “alpha” for a cat, and the other pets (well, not Kiki) defer to her.

Here is Kade – he is a big, BIG boy. He is the most laid back cat I’ve ever known, and he loves to cuddle. We believe he’s a Maine Coon mix because he is so naturally “big boned.” Although he does need watch his diet, admittedly. : )

Last, but certainly not least, is our one canine buddy, JJ (our daughter named him after her favorite NFL player, J.J. Watt). He is a Doberman/German Shepherd mix – and he has the heart of a teddy bear. He is incredibly sweet, loves everyone, and brings so much joy to our lives. He came from a “street gang” of dogs that were rescued by the shelter my son volunteers for – he was starving, had all kinds of injuries, and had been shot in the leg (the 22 slug is still in his leg – it doesn’t bother him anymore though). He’s our greatest “success story,” by far!

Hug your pets just a bit more today to let them know how much you love them – and to celebrate “Love Your Pet” day!