Tag: #fun

Let’s play a game…

The sun sets on another day…

The clouds closed in as the storm approached, but for a moment the sky lit up with fiery indignation and the sunset shone through. It was only a moment and I smiled at the audacity of the sky and the beauty it impaled upon the storm.

I was chatting to someone today and came up with the idea for a cool game. The next time you’re feeling a little bit down, sit down with some index cards and start writing down your good memories. Better yet if you’re with someone or several people sit down and all of you write down between five and six good memories. Don’t discuss it at all but instead focus on writing something that you feel is an amazing memory.

Once you have your cards done don’t show anyone and whether you’re playing with one person or with several mix them up and turn one over each. It’s time then to discuss who remembered the best slice of happiness or exciting time. Give yourself about 60 seconds to discuss, maybe a little more, then decide who takes one point for the best memory. If both of you draw the same memory or pull out the same memory give yourself two points each. If anyone pulls out of memory that has already been in any other round they get two points as well. After you’re through all of your cards decide who has the most points and giggle and laugh together. The score didn’t mean much except that it was something fun to do.

Maybe this type of game could get us to focus on the positives we have had in our lives. We can save the cards and look back at them later and we can see how others see good times if we play with more than one person. If it’s just us then maybe we can just enjoy the moment and by filling out our cards realize there are always things to be thankful for.

It is Christmas time. No matter what your religion or positive or negative views of the season it is a time where many people reflect. It is a time when people often are overwhelmed. During this time take a deep breath. Focus on the positives in your life and realize that there are some good things to be thankful for. Oh, and if you see someone having a rough time, say something nice.

So as the sun sets on another day, I am thankful for all of you. I’m not out to get any type of influencer status or change the way you see the world so that you can buy something. (except maybe my books) Today I am thankful for you. Thankful for all the readers that write me notes or that just visit and read. Frankly I’m astonished that so many read my blog. After all it’s just a blog and not a massive stream, podcast, or video barrage. I hope you enjoy sharing a few moments with me and for the thousands out there that peruse from time to time. Thanks for being you and keep making your days wonderful, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and thanks for being here…

Little laughs…

Sunset was once again in a clear sky while I considered that at home the snow was on its way and I would be there again soon.

The world would be a better place if we took a moment and focused on the little laughs. Tonight as I played with my grandson I threw him in the air and held him upside down as he giggled and laughed. When I stopped he was quiet for only a second and then wanted more and more.

Do you ever think that we get too serious as the world presses down on us? Wouldn’t it be better to play for one more moment and feel better about ourselves? Wouldn’t it be better to hang upside down, spin around, take a walk, laugh at a joke, or get lost in a kiss for just one more moment?

Take a minute and think about it. Is there anything more important than feeling good about yourself? If you think there is perhaps you should reconsider. You are the most special person in the world and you need to be important to you. Of course it’s nice to be good to everyone else but remember you are at the core. Do things that make you better.

So as the sun sets on another day, get lost in your passions, find a little laugh and turn it into a rip roaring guffaw. After all the world is a better place because you’re in it. When you’re done, spread it around all you can, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and giggle giggle…

This is Halloween…

The sun sets on another day…

Take 3. Sunset was a cascade of color and cloud, and each moment I watched, I saw changes.

I have dumped 2 posts tonight as I wandered down the depths of negativity. If you think I am always positive, well, I am. I also have to fight to be that way sometimes.

Halloween is simply amazing. The landscape covered in nothingness there are still some leaves in the tree and still some color on the horizon. With that in mind you also have to consider the constant barrages of negativity flowing from just about everywhere. I have watched numerous discussions about politics and the world and the way that it is, but I sit here today telling you that you have a choice. This is Halloween, and you have a choice! Take it!

You see, sometimes we’re lost in the middle of all this and sometimes we just have to step out. It really isn’t worth it to get spun up over things you can’t control. That includes people. We have control of ourselves and no matter how hard we try we will never have control over other people. (Unless we start implanting chips into the brain and shunting the way our minds work.)

I hope that you got out tonight and got to see all the Halloween trick or treaters and all of the fun people getting outside just to have some fun and maybe a little more. Take a moment and take a deep breath and enjoy the evening. Take a moment and just let go of all the silliness that seems to be bombarding us all. Now let’s just have some fun.

 So as the sun sets on another day, it’s our choice. Let’s make good choices for ourselves and set aside the bad ones. Keep a few mediocre ones around just to drive you a little crazy. Find a way to enjoy the day with everything swirling around you and in the middle of it all laugh if you can. I will find my way to laugh, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and Happy Halloween!!!

‘Twas…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset. Well, wow. Instead though for today I have a picture of a leaf holding on, holding on tight, and making the world a place to be fun

I liked this picture because of the lone leaf and for another reason, the horizon was blurred due to the heavy clouds and calm waters. With that the edge of the world was just not there. You could have walked over it and the world would have faded into another without a thought.

A poem for the day….

Twas the night before halloween and all through the land
the wind was whipping up crystals and spraying the sand
The day and the night were as lost as could be
and lakes, mists and oceans were not to be seen
When life came on strong and play well on the day
the ghosts and the goblins all came out to pla
The horror the terror the bumps in the night
served only to give us one heck of a fright
With all that I thougbt I will give you my mind
that perhaps this halloween we can all be kind
that terror and horror are fine for us all
but not for out lives for we soo may just fall
So hold to your whispers and hold to your sighs
and I hope we all share some fantastic lives

So as the sun sets on another day, the weird things that come out of my brain are, well, weird. I hope you have a fantastic day and a super day tomorrow. If you feel like a little fun, jump on Amazon and get “A Slice of Fear” or “Another Slice of Fear” and find a fun thrill along the way.

Sleep sweet, love deeply, and booooooo…

Sunset sighs…

The Sun sets on another day..

I found Sunset to be fantastic and I was amazed at how easily the day transitioned in to night. I enjoyed the Twilight and the colors that sprayed across the sky.

I’m sitting here thinking and enjoying the sunset. sunset is always enjoyable if you take the time to watch it. With that in mind I giggle and laugh and look up at the sky thinking about all the fantastic moments I have had in this life.

I was thinking about the Disney movie “Hercules” and one of the key differentiators of the movie. The quote I am referring to is “…a true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart…”. It is an interesting idea. Some people may disagree, but I do not. We cannot be measured by all the good we do if we do not do it with the right intentions. We cannot be measured by our deeds if they are all self-serving.

Now a lot of people may think this is self-evident but in the world today I think it needs to be reiterated a few times. We have to understand that we are not the end all be all and sometimes we have to reach out our heart even to people we do not agree with and to those people we normally would shun. I know I know, just about every religion says the same thing. From “love thine enemy” to dozens of other similar the idea is that we are more than just negativity and can reach out and be positive to people. Neat trick huh?

Not that I am perfect. I hold significant grudges sometimes and usually make things right eventually. Ooops.

Today as I sit here watching the sunset I am reminded of heart. All I’m asking is that you take a second and think from your heart. Set aside all the anger and frustration and let’s make today a heart filled day. At least for the few more minutes that we have.

So as the sun sets on another day, maybe today’s heartfelt thoughts will carry over till tomorrow. Maybe all of our tomorrow’s will be better than our yesterdays because we made the effort to make the world a better place. Take that extra second and make the world yours, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and nice job…

Cold fish…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset was cold, crisp, wet, and full of that stuff in the air called rain. At least it was fun walking the puppy in it!

I get a kick out of conversation always. It is always enlightening to see people’s opinions about the world. Today while in a conversation, I was laughing with someone who noted that they were a cold fish. After our interaction, I thought about that for a while and considered the words that were relayed to me.

I find that people are often self-deprecating when they don’t see the world from the outside. It is easy to pick on yourself when you don’t have a reasonable view of yourself. As I thought about this, I considered how many people build walls to keep themselves from being hurt. I have written about this many times, and it is my opinion that as we age, we sometimes try to protect ourselves from the world with self-deprecating humor, humor in general, walls of sarcasm, or disdain. Sure, there are a lot of other options, but we become so intent on not being hurt that we actually hurt ourselves a little bit more.

This is, of course, completely subjective. Some people may think of having walls to keep other people out is a good thing. Some people just feel safe without the chance of someone tearing their heart out or worse.

I think when we’re children, we don’t worry about this as much. We fall down 100 times or get hurt 100 more and get right back up without a worry or a cry (until people start paying attention to us and we realize we’re supposed to be crying). It doesn’t hurt as much because we get right back up and do the same thing until it works(hopefully not grabbing a hot stove, but you know what I mean). We are not alone and instead we have people that help us, and we can find our way.

Maybe it’s time for some of us to get back up. Maybe it’s time to set aside the different types of walls we have and our self-deprecating humor barriers and realize what wonderful people we are. After all, we have a choice every day to have a great day and believe in ourselves or not. Personally, I would rather think of myself as someone at least half way decent to someone else and maybe to quite a few someone elses and make my day the best it can be. It’s worth thinking about, at least.

So as the sun sets on another day, let’s all be spectacular or at least as good as we can be. Sure, it’s cute to not think too highly of yourself, but don’t think too lowly of yourself either because I happen to think everyone is awesome until they prove themselves differently. Be the best that you can be each and every day, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and be a warm puppy…

Uncovering fun…

The sun sets on another day…

Sun set was a mixed bag of clouds and breaks after an amazing day with special people. The moments towards sunset were filled with amazement and frolic filled adventure.

Lewis Farms

I had the pleasure of going to Lewis Farms today. I wasn’t expecting very much and was pleasantly surprised with all the possible excitement. If you’re looking for animals, this is a well-maintained place to season. If you’re looking for fun, it is everywhere if you only look.

Next time I come I will have to try the paintball and apple Cannon but for now there is nothing better than walking around with my grandson and family and enjoying the moments because I can.

There’s fun out there everywhere if you look for it. You can actually have fun at home or in Crazy places all around. Take your time find some fun and be that person who is magically involved in every day.

So as the sun sets on another day I hope you find all the fun that I did and enjoy this amazing weekend. After all the world is a more exciting place just because you’re here. Thanks for being you and thank you for seeking fun, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and keep reaching for excitement…

Take a rest…

The sun sets on another day…

We wandered down to the pier and watched sunset pass. The hills took away the sun earlier but gave an exciting glow into the lake that made me smile.

Today I was walking up and down the driveway with the puppy. After a little while she stopped and that was that. It pretty much looked like a plop down on the ground with a panting puppy closing her eyes to rest in a matter of moments. I was not that hard on her it was just time to take a rest.

Sometimes life can be a little bit rough. We should take a lesson from Pepper and realize that occasionally we just need to take a rest. Not necessarily because we are exhausted, which I found out rapidly she wasn’t today, but more to focus on ourselves just for a moment. In doing so that rest may give us the pause necessary to accomplish something greater. That rest may be exactly what we need to make a better decision.

We need to pay attention to ourselves for a little while. Not for the purpose of becoming self-centered jerks but instead to realize when it’s time to take a rest. Look inside yourself and determine what is best for you and only you, then take a rest if you need it or keep going if you don’t.

So as the sun sets on another day don’t rest for the sake of resting but instead rest when you need it. Find the passion and prowess to move on when you need to or to rest when you don’t. In the end only you know what’s best for you, make that your goal every day, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and enjoy your rest…

Melodic fun…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset sprayed a melodious sky with clefts, notes, and furious fun. The night filled with amazement and left lasting smiles on those that let it.

It was the last night of parties in the park, and we had the opportunity to go and watch a local band play. We got a spectacular treat. We were early enough to see and spend time with the first band, enjoyed them as much as a bad we see as regularly as possible, Flexadecibel. They were proceeded by Aaron Benjamin, whose voice range was beyond belief and who put on a spectacular show.

In the post-Covid time, or perhaps the almost post-Covid time, it is hard to choose things that will be entertaining without being packed into an event like sardines. This event was full of people, but the park was large enough that everyone seemed to spread out and give some space. The people were smiling, the laughter was flowing, and the music was musicing. (New word, note that)

I have always found it easy to get lost in good music, and as I have listened and laughed, I find myself feeling better about a world that is torn in many ways. The event was to raise money for the Disability Network of West Michigan, and I am sure they did well, considering the lines to get food, drinks, and raffle tickets.

Sometimes all it takes is a melody to make you feel a little better. Sometimes it is a child’s laugh, a puppy’s innocence, a butterfly in the wind, or a hummingbird feeding. As we walk through day to day, don’t hide from those beautiful events, but instead embrace them, find them, and be part of the laughter. It is in those moments that we find ourselves. It is in those moments that we find our inner peace.

So as the sun sets on another day, find your way, make life a better place, and as the world offers you music, listen. If you have the ability to make music, play. It is a series of random sounds that will define you well beyond the moment and will help you see past everything to a little bit of magic. Be part of that magic all you can, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and vampires in Muskegon….

Ever changing…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset was interesting. I thought it would break and the colors would flood the sky. Instead, there were moments of brief color while a slowly passing rain left the area. Still, it was pretty and stunning. I watched the shifts and was interested in all the changes.

The world is constantly changing. People are constantly changing. You are continually changing. Hmm, I guess it is safe to say everything is continuously changing. Why is it then we don’t always notice the changes?

Subtle changes are going on constantly, and because of the element of time, we sometimes do not see these changes until we remind ourselves of a past state. I can still see myself as a 1 1/2 year old riding my tricycle if I close my eyes for a moment, yet here I am, a monumentally massive monstrosity that is dozens of times larger and more wizened, worn, and whimsical than that me.

At the same time, we can see other people as the same as when we met them, only to realize they have changed immensely for either the good or bad. It is easy to lose our perspectives when subtle changes are happening all the time. I am reminded of two old songs, and there are hundreds more.

From Dan Fogelberg:
I said the years had been a friend to her
And that her eyes were still as blue
But in those eyes, I wasn’t sure if I
Saw doubt or gratitude

From Garth Brooks:
She wasn’t quite the angel
That I remembered in my dreams
And I could tell that time had changed me
In her eyes too it seemed

Just food for thought in this ever-changing world. Just something to think about as you interact with all those people around you. Watch for the changes, and be happy with them. We all are changing, but it is up to us to see the best in ourselves and if we can, the best in others.

So as the sun sets on another day, see the best you and the best you can see but be aware that changes are going on continually, and if you notice changes that don’t work, say something, do something, and find your way to peace every day, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and cha cha change…