even the flamingos came out at night to play – dominican republic
“We are not going to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves and feel free as birds. We can be serene even in the midst of calamities and, by our serenity, make others more tranquil. Serenity is contagious. If we smile at someone, he or she will smile back. And a smile costs nothing. We should plague everyone with joy. If we are to die in a minute, why not die happily, laughing?”
Swami Satchidananda
one of my favorite christmas eve memories, was when my aunt, a catholic nun, mother superior of her order, came to town for the holidays. she came over early, to chat and hang out at my place. the rest of the family was running late, so for some reason, my daughters and i decided to keep her busy by playing a holiday game of ‘quarter bounce.’ open-minded, liberal nun that she is, she asked the rules and played right along with us. she actually did quite well, and we secretly wondered if she might have played once or twice before.
later, when the whole family arrived, we decided to play ‘would you rather?.’ imagine our joy and endless laughter, (including hers), when the card she drew asked, ‘would you rather – a) have no breasts but saucer-sized nipples -or- b) huge breasts and no nipples? could there have been anyone better in the family to have drawn that card?! sometimes the universe just lines up perfectly and offers you an unexpected and joyous gift. she chose the huge breasts option, by the way.
Life must be lived as play. – Plato
KEFI (Greek) – the spirit of joy, passion, enthusiasm, high spirits, or frenzy.
The custom of smashing plates is considered an expression of kefi, when the soul and body are overwhelmed with an exuberance that must find an outlet.
baby v displays her self-portrait
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It has been said that art is a tryst, for in the joy of it, maker and beholder meet. ~Kojiro Tomita
None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. – Henry David Thoreau
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while waiting in line to buy some late summer flowers, i heard a sweet voice over my shoulder. i turned to look, and the man behind me, who appeared to be at least 157+ years old, was talking to me. his joy was infectious, and left us both happy, after such a short and random encounter.
methus: ‘wow, a pretty girl has bought me a flower!’
me: ‘yes, it is for you.’
methus: ‘only charge her 1.98 please.’
(checkout woman looked confused. looked at the price tag again. meths laughed out loud.)
methus: ‘have you been good?’
me: ‘yes i have.’
methus: ‘i expect not.’
me: ‘are you having a good day?’
methus: ‘hell, i don’t know. i wouldn’t even know the difference.’
(another hearty laugh as i gave him one of my flowers and we each went our separate ways)
Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been. – Mark Twain
I didn't have my glasses on.... 