Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Joy to the World?




Troubled times, but I am mostly doing OK.

The world is in chaos, guns are a' blazing, and hope went down on the livability meter. I have written six posts since I was last on Blogger, and most were intended to be funny.  However, they were never finished and were left in my draft folder to be revisited on another day.  I also did not want to publish anything silly or meaningless during these past few weeks because of all the "Breaking News".  These have been anxious and very sad times.

In the midst of all of this, we all must live our lives, which can be dicey on its own. However, if we turn off the noise, and lift our heads up from our phones, we can see that there are still joyful surprises and kindness in this world.  The Retired Man and I experienced this last week when we had to make one of our many trips into the city (Philly) to deal with some issues in our lives. We took the 8:04 train and were flabbergasted that the car had not the usual, bland, modern seats, but rather cushy leather ones and the decor throughout was very retro. We felt that we were transported to "Back to the Future".  As we settled in, the conductor's voice came over the loudspeaker, welcoming us aboard, telling us where the train would stop, and in the most pleasant tone, told us to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.  He spoke a few more times during the trip,  reiterating his cheerful message and thanking us for riding Septa.  This was a commuter train, not the high-priced Amtrak line and in all my many years of riding the rails, I have never been been greeted with such enthusiasm and friendliness.  I thought to myself, "Mr. Rogers lives".  It changed our whole mood and helped make our day a little brighter.  What a wonderful gift that was!  Small things, when we least expect it, can mean so much. I wish I could have thanked him.

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68 comments:

  1. Isn't it funny how a little random kindness and civility can cheer us up? I like you reminder that we can (and must!) continue to live our lives with open eyes and open hearts. And I LOVE the tree/cat photo. Thank you for sharing that. The cat looks quite transfixed by the tree lights.

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    1. The picture is of my new kitten, Daisy. I love her dearly and she constantly makes me smile. Good things come in small packages..

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  2. We have to hang on to the small things. If we all did small things there wouldn't be as much space for the ugly things. Wishing you a day of small things.

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    1. Thanks, Susan,. We usually don't have to look far for good things, we just have to recognize their value.

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  3. What a beautiful tree-- your kitty is beautiful too... We love kitties here at our house. Your train experience must have been so special-- it really is the little things that matter the most. This world could sure use more of that. Happy Holidays to you and your family..
    Love
    Vicki

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    1. I had to leave my beautiful, glass, nostalgic ornaments in their boxes this year and replace them with non breakable ones. Daisy, I fear, will not be able to resist taking a leap into the tree.

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  4. I think we could all use some retro Mr . Rogers' friendliness. Glad you had a pleasant time. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  5. How absolutely lovely. The small things are huge in my world.

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    1. I agree with you, EC. Just a please and thank you can go along way to making one feel good.

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  6. Glad the trip set you in a good mood for the day. I think it often takes just a smile or friendly word to improve someone's day.

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    1. A smile and a friendly word can do so much to make someone feel valued.

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  7. so, true, the tiniest actions and things sometimes make the most impact,,

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    1. We little know how we can affect a person by the tone of our voice and the gift of a smile.

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  8. I love train travel. Leah (Mrs Bazza) and I buy discount Rail Cards for over 60's only. For £27 you get a 30% discount for a year. If you have a few longish journeys it is well worth while. Last year we went to Edinburgh and down to Devon on the south coast.
    Sometimes the announcements can really make a grey day seem sunny!
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. I have been taking trains since I was a child and love it. Anyone over 65 can ride the regional rails for $2.00 round trip in PA. However, I don't know of Amtrak giving seniors any break, although I might be wrong. You are very fortunate to live where you do and be able to travel to other countries on a discounted ticket.

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  9. Joy is a quality we admit to this disarray in whatever quantities we can manage. They grow. But it is true --as per your reference to our angelic Fred Rogers-- politicians and zealots would improve under the guidance of child psychologists.

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    1. Mr. Rogers was a very special individual. He was the speaker at my son's graduation and when he walked out on the stage, the students and audience stood up a cheered for a long time. He was so much better than a boring politician and it truly was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

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  10. What a lovely experience you had.....just when you needed it.

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  11. Whew, it does sound like Back to the Future! I agree that someting like this can lift the day.

    And I love your new header, by the way

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    1. Thank you, Jenny. Daisy has been looking at that tree for a few days now and so far, so good.

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  12. As you say...it's the simple things, the little things in life that make it all worthwhile...and the smiles they bring are to cherished.

    Thanks for the smile, Arleen. :)

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    1. Yes, cherished is the word, Lee. I have been thinking about that day for a week and it still gives me a warm feeling.

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  13. He sounds like an angel to me! : ) I know how you feel about things right now because it's starting to get to me as well, but all will be well. There's too many of us good folks to let the meanies win. Much love you. I love your picture of the sweet kitty by the Christmas tree.

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    1. There is just so much hateful noise out there and it is hard to turn it off. The media can also be blamed in all this for giving all these players the stage for their hatemongering and peddling of fear.

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  14. What a magical transport (no pun intended) in time to a gentler world, when we did;t have to worry about terrorists and guns and religious wars. So, so sad. I'm glad you had this bit of peace, we need to grab hold of those moments.

    Jane x

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    1. The talk today is so harsh, it is hard to to remain positive in a climate of so much hate and horror. However, we are reminded every day that good usually overcomes bad and kind voice can can be heard above the roar of negativity.

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  15. It's amazing what a difference a few kind words can make.

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  16. Kindness and cheerfulness enrich all our lives and help to keep the darkness at bay. Your cat looks intrigued by the tree - in fact it looks ready to pounce...

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    1. So far Daisy has resisted jumping into the tree, and we thought in the beginning that it was just a matter of time. She, though, has been very good and just stares and swats a little. This year unbreakable ornaments have replaced my precious glass ones. We are prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. The tree is just a tree (artificial) but we don't want her to get hurt.

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  17. It's the little things and the random acts of kindness that make the world a better place. Love your header picture.

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    1. Dear Molly,

      The world, right now, could use lots of acts of kindness. Right now, we are dealing with Mr. Trump who is a disgrace to the human race and doesn't know the meaning of the word kindness.

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  18. The world is a frightening, confusing, disturbing place but yes, there are still moments of light.
    I wrote a similar post to yours and many people told me that we just cannot take all the burdens on our own shoulders but start with making small changes ourselves, in our own little worlds.

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  19. Mother Teresa said, "We cannot all do great things in life, but we can all do small things with great love." Those small acts of kindness... something as simple as a genuine smile or friendly word... can make all the difference in the world. They lift hearts and spread joy.

    I understand what you're saying about not wanting to write a light-hearted or funny blog post, in light of what's going on in the world. But I also believe the best time for light-heartedness is in the midst of the darkest times. Kinda like Bob Hope speaking to soldiers during wartime, and making them laugh.

    If we don't hear from you before then, I hope you and your family have a very joyous Christmas.

    I LOVE that header picture of Daisy. You captured her wonder beautifully.

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    1. I hope to be on Blogger before Christmas, but if not, Susan, I wish you and yours some comfort and joy.

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  20. You always have the best header pictures. I love the tree and your very furry cat! Yes, it' been difficult not to get caught up in breaking news over the last month. After not watching TV this summer, I spent hours and hours glued to CNN. But you're very right that we must look for and find small things to make us happy - and keep our sense of humor, too. I wish you a lovely weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Lexa. I love my new little pet and she brings joy to my days.

      I have stayed off of all news media this week. It is good for the gut.

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  21. These have been very "troubled times," and it's nice when something comes along that can make us appreciate even the smallest acts of kindness, and the simplest pleasures. I'm glad you got to travel to Philly in style, Arleen. I also hope that you'll share your 6 humorous posts when you're feeling up to it. Your uplifting stories enable us to "sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride."

    Julie

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  22. You are up very early, Julie, and as you can see by the time, so am I. Thank you for your kind words; you always make me feel good. I hope you enjoyed your holidays and my best wishes to you and your family for joy in the coming year.

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  23. What a lovely trip and nice reminder that life is in the details.

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    1. Yes, it is, Liza. Everyday, there has to be something to smile about.

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  24. A beautiful post, Arleen. Glad you had an enjoyable trip. The smallest moments in life can give us such pleasure...we just have to be aware. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year.

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    1. Merry Christmas, Linda, and a healthy and happy 2016 to you and your family.

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  25. Mr. Rogers, oh, while I didn't grow up with him, but I did watch from time to time. I often wish for the picket fences times I grew up in, but then, of course, things were not going well for so many segments of the world's population then. So sad all this....

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    1. Mr. Rogers was a wonderful, kind man and the only TV program that my children, when they were young, would watch and stay quiet and not fight with each other. His message was of thoughtfulness and compassion, and above all, kindness. The world could use more people like him.

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  26. Not much kindness or good manners in the world anymore. When you come across any its like a breath of fresh air. Glad you ended up enjoying your ride. Too much bad bad news in our whole world lately

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    1. Sadly, you are correct, but if we look around we can always find more good. It is just that the bad gets more press.

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  27. So glad your train ride was pleasant and a nice surprise for you


    Merry Christmas
    Janice

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  28. It is ALWAYS the small things that count the most and you said this very well.


    Merry Christmas

    Jo

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  29. Have a lovely Christmas and great 2016!

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  30. Have a lovely Christmas and great 2016!

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  31. Amtrak does have a senior discount and I'm loving it. One thing we all can do is take a few minutes after a good customer experience and send a commendation. I spent years in customer service for NYC Transit and so enjoyed responding to commendations. One of the high points of my career. Takes a minute and really makes someone's day. Wishes for a very happy and healthy 2016.

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  32. Stopping in to see how the holidays were in your neck of the woods and to wish you a very happy new year!! What have you been up to?

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  33. We should all be welcomed aboard...

    Hello, again. :-)

    Pearl

    p.s. LOVE the pic of the cat and the Christmas tree!

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    1. Yes, we should. Usually they speak so fast or muffled, that I seldom know what they are saying.

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  34. Your heading picture is very pretty – I especially like your cat watching the tree. I enjoyed your post and hope you had a nice Christmas and end of year holidays. Wishing you a great 2016 with much fun and good health.

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  35. Such a lovely post my dear! I always love reading about the effect of kindness in the world! Thank you for sharing!

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  36. Among these "breaking news", let's be calm and serene. We have no right to lose the peaceful state of mind! I wish everybody strength and peace!

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