It is late fall, and I am doing OK
As I look back at my life, I know I have always done the things that were expected of me. I have also done things that were not expected of me. I had more fun doing the latter.
Happiness is about surprising ourselves and, just possibly, someone else.
I love surprising people...they're always so.....surprised.
ReplyDeleteYou are a joy to know, Delores, and that is no surprise.
DeleteHey I love your header and your quote and I believe in the same thing! Sandie
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandi. I took it last year at Longwood Gardens in Delaware, a very beautiful place to visit. They have the most marvelous Christmas show.
DeleteI also love your new header! You are always full of surprises, and sprinkle a bit of fun into everything you do including blog comments! Keep defying expectations Arleen!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Exactly! I love your new header too
ReplyDeleteIt puts a twinkle in our eyes when no one expects it, Molly.
DeleteA fine description of happiness, Arleen. I will remember it.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it Geo.
DeleteHappiness is about surprising ourselves and, just possibly, someone else.
ReplyDeleteThat says so much. I love this.
I have always tried my best and it is just so wonderful when there is a good outcome. If not, I will have a good story to laugh at.
DeleteI love your words and your quotes. And doesn't happiness just sneak up on us sometimes too?
ReplyDeleteOh, yes it does, and I try not to miss any opportunity.
DeleteI have always tried my best and it is just so wonderful when there is a good outcome. If not, I will have a good story to laugh at...
ReplyDeleteYou're still ahead of me. I wondered about the stories. I'd bed the good outcomes and the bad are good stories.
Good or bad. Joanne, I always am looking for a good story.
DeleteMagic header and quote. And yes, most of my regrets are for things not done, rather than the things I did.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anything I have said will be go in the "quote" category, but thank you anyway.
DeleteSaying "no" is the regret that most people have in life.
Your new header is great.
ReplyDeleteGlad your doing okay, okay is still solid ground .
I loved that old self help book called Im okay,your okay :)
Hugs,
Willow
No matter what, as long as I am vertical! I am doing OK.
DeleteI'm always hoping I don't fall! I didn't even spring into Spring!
ReplyDeleteagree with your sentiments, Arleen...I think I've been on that same journey with you! :)
"I agree' is what I meant to write. :)
DeleteI used to fear failing, but it is now more about fearing falling. As the years go by, my fears change.
DeleteI've got to an age where I wonder if I shouldn't have done more things that WERE expected of me. But I'm sure I've had more fun being a rebel.
ReplyDeleteYou seem like a very contented man, Cro, doing thing that give you both peace and joy.
DeleteI love the fountain in the header. At first I thought it was fire. That goes with your point - it surprised me and that even rivaled the beauty. Keep doing the unexpected! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt was quite beautiful to see this scene in person and I think the camera caught it beautifully. I am glad it surprised you.
DeleteDear Arleen, I so like your definition of happiness. I think that my definition has changed as I've lived life. Changed from that of a child and then perhaps gone back again to the wonder of childhood. I've found myself however in the last few years using the word "contentment" instead of happiness. One of these days I need to think of the difference between them--in my mind. And there is, I suspect, a difference. I hope all is well. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDear Dee,
DeleteI think contentment is more about acceptance and satisfaction. Happiness is joy and more temporary.
Fair advice. When you come to a fork in the road - take it.
ReplyDelete..... And hope for the best.
DeleteThanks for stopping by J Cosmo.
How absolutely true. I wish I had done what I wanted more often.
ReplyDeleteAs long as one is still vertical, all things are possible (within reason). Our guilty pleasures might cause an injury now, but it would be nice to be able to just take that chance.
ReplyDeleteHi Arleen,
ReplyDeleteQuite right and well said. The element of surprise that keeps us invigorated. We can pleasantly surprise ourselves and perhaps, to the bewilderment of others, surprise them.
Your header, was an unexpected surprise! :)
Gary
Surprises are usually good things. May you continue to have many!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Well said girlfriend--- I think I've had more fun with the latter too:)
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays my friend-/
Vicki
There is so much sadness all around so why not spent as much time as you can making others just as happy as you hope to always be.
ReplyDeleteI've been doing some unexpected things lately and some of the folks around me aren't especially happy. That said, I'm more content going down the road less traveled.
ReplyDeleteYes! Well-said. Coloring inside the lines is okay, I guess, but covering the whole darned page with creative broad strokes is better.
ReplyDeleteThe unexpected is what keeps us laughing.
You are second prize winner of the drink charms at Under The Porch Light. Please send me your mailing address to ournest@live.ca..
ReplyDeleteI like your new header. I am also pleased that you are OK and last but not least, I am happy that you do the unexpected!
ReplyDeleteNice. I think it is very important to stop and re-evaluate our lives every so often.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the photograph. The lights look so cheerful.
Good morning.....have just read you last few posts.....am giving you a "virtual hug" RIGHT NOW!!!!
ReplyDelete