Reason to Smile #20

Dogs

So, I know that not everybody is a dog person, but I absolutely love dogs. To quote VeggieTales (Queen Ester Episode), "Puppies are cuddly, puppies are cute; they're never nasty or mean. I'd give a home to all the lost puppies - if ever one day I were queen!" They do the silliest things for no apparent reason, not only making me smile, but also laugh. They love you unconditionally and with ever fiber of their being; they just want to love and be loved . There is a type of dog out there for everyone: small dogs, big dogs, hairy dogs (for those who are allergic), furry pups, working dogs, and show dogs. I could include at least 10 more types of dogs, but I think my list will suffice. While I prefer dog in real life, mere pictures of them can make me smile. Try it, go google dogs and let me know if when you come back you aren't smiling (doggo memes are hilarious). Sometimes dogs will even smile. When I go new places or visit peoples homes I am always on the look out for dogs and their wagging tails (or rumps). Dogs don't just make me smile for a moment, but they bring joy to my whole life. They can teach us many valuable life lessons like the responsibility of caring for something else, to play everyday, get excited to see the people you love, and just like I hope this blog is doing they can teach us how to find joy in little, everyday things.
Dogs = wagging tails, unable to contain their joy smiles

Reason to Smile #19

Skipping Stones

I must admit that I was terrible at skipping stones when I was a kid. I had a record of zero skips, which really means I was just good at throwing rocks - plunk! My dad was the one to teach me how to skip stones, but it took quite some time and practice to master the skill. I can now say that the most skips I have gotten is around 10. What I love is that skipping stones is something you can do as a break from an adventure or it can be the whole purpose of an outing. Best part yet is it doesn't require any bought or brought item, just find some water that has stones and wallah! Perfectly flat stones are the best and easiest, but how often is it that you find a completely smooth and flat rock? I have skipped rocks on the ocean, on lakes, in streams, and even in a pasture's pond. When skipping rocks with friends it becomes a competition of who can get more skips. Always be safe and make sure that no person or animal will be in the path of the thrown stone. Here are some simple instructions:
1. Select a rock. Best if flat and about the size of your palm (I have skipped rocks the size of my face, but that is a lot of work to perfect)
2. Make a C shape with your hang while holding the rock.
3. Face the water sideways, bend your wrist back, and flick the rock over the water's surface.
4. Follow threw.
5. Repeat and enjoy!
Skipping Stones = a ripple effect of smiles

Ashland University Dietetics Blog

I am only an amateur blogger, but while I was an undergraduate student I had the privilege to write several posts for the Ashland University Dietetics Blog. Below are the links to the post I wrote, all written for pleasure and because I was interested in the topic of research. They do not follow any sort of pattern and are not related to one another in any way, but they are all written off of scientific, evidence based articles.

Flavorful Grilling
Functional Foods
No More Midnight Munchies
Healthy Holiday Parties
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries Recipe 

I would like to thank Dr. Vanata and Professor Reed for being inspirations to always be on the look out to discover something new. Just because I am done with my schooling does not mean I am done with my learning.

Reason to Smile #18

Farmers Markets

It's that time of year, where every Saturday you can find communities gathering together to buy and sell fresh produce at pop-up markets called "Farmers Markets." Some places have lovely weather year round and can host Farmers Markets outside of summer, but I am blessed to live somewhere that experiences all four seasons so sometimes I call summer farmers market season. Sometimes I'll go "shopping" at the farmers market and not even buy anything. I love how every weekend there is a different variety of fruits and vegetables being sold as things ripen up on the vine/tree to be picked and the eaten as is or turned in to a scrumptious dish. In my town they don't have set places for the stands so each week people rotate and sometimes you have to hunt to find the booth you are looking for. There is more than fruits and veggies to be found, you can buy jams & jellies, baked goods (my favorite is the zucchini bread), homemade towels, local paintings, sweet scented lotion & candles, all these and more if you just choose to explore. The best part about it all is that it is local, and decently priced (although most do require you pay with cash). As a future dietitian, I love the concept of "farm to table" and farmers markets help make this possible.
Farmers Market = farm fresh smiles

Reason to Smile #17

Mugs

I am not a coffee drinker, and today someone asked me if that makes me a tea drinker which I am also not. One doesn't have to drink coffee or tea to enjoy a mug, plenty of other liquids (including soups) can be drank from a mug. I love mugs, I wouldn't say I collect them because I only own 5 . . . well now that I said that it almost sounds like it could become a collection. Each mug is unique and has its own story: one has a lid and was given to me by my bother, another is from my grandma's house, and another is from my roommate that is my favorite color. Mugs can have words of wisdom on them, I always catch myself reading the quotes on mugs. Mugs can have cute animals on them, real pictures or paintings. Mugs can have flowers on them, they can also have flowers in them; whenever I can't find a vase a mug can do the job. They come in all times of sizes from small to large; some are tall and some are short, some have handles and some don't. Even mugs that are broken can find a purpose. Has a crack? Turn it into an indoor plant's pot. Handle fell off? Use it as a pencil holder for an office desk. Sometimes I have to stop myself from buying a new mug anytime I venture to the store because they really do make me happy and bring a smile to my face.
Mugs = raise your mug to mugs, toast, and smile.

Reason to Smile #16

Smiley Face Fireworks

It's a week after the Fourth of July and I luckily got to enjoy plenty of fireworks this year. I can probably write a whole blog post  about how much I love fireworks (with tons of pictures too). Some would say I'm a bit of a pyromaniac, but it simply because fireworks including fountains and sparklers and army tanks that light up make me smile. I love the sight, the sound (only if not too close), even the smell of fireworks. My favorite firework this year that always instantly put a smile on my face was a smiley face firework. How can you not smile when you she a face smiling at you in the sky? I wonder who invented that one, and if it is hard to make such a happy explosion.
Smiley Face Fireworks = an exploding smile

Reason to Smile #15

Drive-In Movie Theaters

First I’ll give a tip, bring a radio - it’s all fun and games until you kill your car battery. Going to the drive-in always makes me smile because it seems like so much more than going to the movies. Normally they play a double feature, which means two movies for the price of one, a true deal that can’t be beat. You have to go early if you want to get a good spot which means spending time in the car with people as you wait in lines to get in or playing hide and go seek after you’ve parked or visiting the snack shack to get popcorn. Tip two, bring lots of pillows and blankets to keep comfy in the back of the car, fold up chairs are a must as well. When you arrive the sun hasn’t even set and when you leave it is in the wee hours of the morning. 

Drive-In Movie Theaters = double features and double smiles

Reason to Smile # 14

Making Other People Smile

If you can't seem to make yourself smile, try to make someone else smile. Sometimes I put a smile on my face just so I cant help put a smile on someone else's face. I couldn't have put it into better words than I read in my devotion this morning, "Smiling isn't just good for you, a genuine smile blesses those on the receiving end as well."

Making Other People Smile = smiles all around

Reason to Smile #13

Letters

I like writing letters, but I love receiving them. I love how they can be simple on mere notebook paper or in a fancy card, and both are heartfelt. Often I store my letters and go back to reread them multiple times. It is not the same as face to face contact, but there is something about a letter that makes a person feel special. Holding a letter, you can think to yourself that someone took the time to write it for you and they were thinking of you as they wrote. Even a brief note, nothing over the top special brings a smile to my face. I like writing letters to people in return to thank them for making me smile and with the hopes I can get them to smile as well.
Letters = Smiles worthy of being featured on a stamp

Reason to Smile #12

Board Games

Most games are fun, but there is something special about a board game - sitting around a game with people who you dearly enjoy. The game can be fast paced or slow and both require thinking. Some are strategy games and other are pure luck. Board games make me smile more than just card games or video games because of the physical aspect where there are often pieces and you can see from how the set up is just how well you are doing. There can be underdogs and comebacks. Board games are an investment because people have to invest their time to be present to play (plus they can be kind of pricey), but they are so worth it. Some have to be set up and others don't, either way they are all magical and fun. Holding the pieces in your hand, it's almost as if the game has specifically been made for just for you. I have to be in the mood to want to sit down and play a whole game through, so if I ask if you want to play a board game with me it means you are something special. Playing a board game can almost make big problems disappear as suddenly it seems like the only problems that exist are the ones in the game. It can be an escape when you become your game pieces and the goal is to win, even if it is just a game. I love how playing a board game will not only bring a smile to my face because normally everyone who is playing with me will also have smiles on their faces. Some of my favorite board games include Settlers of Catan, The Game of Life, and Guessword.
Board Games =  gamesome smiles

Reason to Smile #11

Shooting Stars 

A couple evenings ago as I was walking my dogs before getting ready for bed I saw a shooting star. I had to blink twice just to make sure I wasn't seeing things or just wished it to happen, but I did indeed see a glorious star brightening up the sky going from south to north in a brilliant array of color - orange, blue, green, purple - ultimately fading away. I smiled and made a wish. To think if I hadn't been looking up at the stars at just the right moment I may have missed the 3 second shooting star streak that made me smile. Sometimes when I see a shooting star, I wonder if I am the only one in the whole world who saw it. What if the star only carries my wish? There are more stars in the sky than could ever be counted and this one decided to dance across the night sky just for me. Now meteor showers are a real treat, totally worth staying up until odd hours of the night and driving to the middle of nowhere so there is not any light pollution to be able to see a shooting star every minute. Not all shooting stars are the same:some are white, some travel quickly, others are colorful, stars can sometimes seem to travel in pairs (double shooting stars are amazing), they can travel in any direction, and my favorite are the colorful ones.
Shooting Stars = Make a wish and smile

Reason to Smile #10

Books

A gateway to another world, books are simply wonderful. I am laying here smiling because I just finished a 470 page book I less than 8 hours (and that wasn’t even reading straight, I also made dinner and went for a run). While reading I could disappear, I could escape the real world. I absolutely love books because I love reading. The book can be old, new, paperback, hardback, fiction, non-fiction, have pictures, or have none (I do prefer real books over electronic versions). I also love the way a book smells. As they say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” They can be ones that I own and am rereading for the hundredth time or they can be rented from the library and I am exploring the new adventure for the first time. Books are a way that a person expresses themselves in a way they could never do aloud. They can be like a character or have similar qualities to all the characters in their book. I use to dream of writing a book, but I guess writing a blog will have to suffice. 

Books = pageturning smiles

Reason to Smile #9

Fireflies

If you think about it, these insects butts glow to attract another firefly . . . like how can someone not smile when they think about that. I grew up in a state that did not have fireflies also known as lightning bugs, and the fact that I did not discover these joyful insects until I was a teenager makes me sort of sad. I love walking at night and seeing them light of the dark summer sky; buzz buzz buzz - glow - buzz buzz buzz - glow. They are fun to try to catch, but normally won't light up in a jar so once caught should be let go. The best part is there is never just one, but sometimes hundreds and seemingly thousands, all putting on a show. Fireflies are some of the only insect I enjoy being in the same area as.
Fireflies = lit up smiles

Reason to Smile #8

Live Piano Music

There is something about live music - hearing somebodies talent and being able to appreciate their hard work. My house is constantly filled with live piano music as multiple of my family members can play the keys. There is a lot of practicing which means a lot of mistakes and repetition, but still it is beautiful. The tune can bring joy to the soul and is entertainment with one's eyes open or closed. I love hardly being able to keep up watching somebody play the piano as their fingers fly insanely fast. I enjoy a wide array of songs and sounds. It is especially lovely when it is a piano concert or recital dedicated to making wonderful music with a piano. Such a versatile instrument and able to blend and carry the harmony or to stand out and do its own thing. While I do love listening to piano covers on YouTube, there is something special about hearing it live.
Live Piano Music =  dynamic smiles

Below is a link to one of my favorite piano pieces:
Evening Star - First Flight
Yes, I have had the amazing opportunity to hear this played in person.

Reason to Smile #7

Swimming Pools

So I may be biased as I was a competitive swimmer for 19 years of my life, but there is something magical about a swimming pool in the summer. Unless terrified of the water, most are drawn near to the pools refreshing, cool water that seems to shimmer in the sun. You can go to swim laps, do handstands underwater, jump from the diving board or sides, ride a water slide, splash around in the shallow end, or just float . . . the list is really never ending. It is always a fun summer option when the weather permits, and can keep you entertained for hours. People do not even have to get in the pool, and can choose to just layout in the sunshine on one of the deck chairs. There are many different kinds of pools: indoor pools, outdoor pools, public pools, private pools, country club pools, community center pools, school pools, YMCA pools. Of all of these pools, each and every one has their own unique appeal. You can be there to race or to lounge or to play marco polo or to work or to train. The smell of the chlorine and the sunscreen, the sound of a life guard's whistle and children's laughter, the feeling of the water and the sun on your skin, the sight of clear blue water and new tan lines; all these things make a pool wonderful and pleasant.
Swimming Pools = smiling sunburnt cheeks

Reason to Smile #6

Photo Shoots

They don't have to be anything fancy, but it always nice to plan a location, an event, and pick an outfit out to go take a photo shoot. While I do enjoy taking someone along to be my photographer, I have done self photo shoots with the self-timer feature. I have used fancy cameras, iPhone cameras, disposable camera, waterproof cameras, and Polaroids. I think I like being the photographer as much as I like to be the model. Having a professional photo session is always fun, but there is something exciting about a spontaneous, pinterest planned photo shoot. I am almost always down to go on /do a photo shoot if I have free time.
Photo Shoots = photogenic smiles

Reason to Smile #5

Waking Up Before the Alarm Clock 

It may be because we are startled awake, we check the time and smile in relief because we still have many more hours to sleep. My favorite though is when you wake up before your alarm clock because your body has gotten enough sleep. You feel refreshed and woke up naturally because of the beautiful sunshine or the birds are chirping. Your body is ready for the day to start and you know that you slept well. One of the best parts of all this is that you can chose to lay in bed until your alarm does go off, whether it be 10 minutes or a whole hour; you can lay there and dream about the day and not stress because this is still scheduled sleeping time. You can also choose to rise early, trying to get some things accomplished with this extra time you have been blessed with (just like me writing this blog post). As much as some of us hate to hear our alarm clocks go off in the morning, it is a treat to start the day before the sound that typically forces us out of sleep.
Waking up before alarm clocks = drowsy smiles

Reason to Smile #4

Custom Headstones

Yes, you read that correctly. Today was a sad day as I had to attend a funeral; while I was standing in a cemetery surrounded by family I couldn't help but notice all the different gravestones. Headstones can make people sad as they mark that someone is now forever missing from our lives, but it can also serve as a reminder of all of the memories we had with them. I saw headstones with bible verses of encouragement, poems that could make you smile as you cried, pictures of the love one, designs capturing things they loved such as flowers or their family farm house. While these things did make me sad, I could not help but remember that our life on earth is not forever and that this is not our home. Custom Headstones can give us hope that the best is yet to come, and while filled with sadness we can also be filled with hope and peace.
Custom Headstones = memories of those who made us smile

Reason to Smile #3

Lightning 

There is something very refreshing about a storm’s breeze during the hot months of summer, of course this post is not about summer storms (I’ll probably post on that later). Lightning is amazing because it lights up the sky and out of darkness appears the beauty. I particularly like cloud lightning, first I like clouds (post coming so) and second then I know that the lighting isn’t striking or destroying anything on the ground. Lightning can be a scary thing, but sometimes even scary things that we may not ever fully understand can be wonderful. I always love a good lightning storm even if it keeps me up at night because I can just sit and watch the sky in awe. 

Lightning = awe{struck} smiles

Reason to Smile #2

Newborn Babies

Yes they can look like aliens, they cry to communicate, and they can be messy . . . that is all besides the point because there is something precious about a newborn. When I say newborn, I am talking just hours to days old. As a hospital employee, I have the pleasure of seeing new babies often. I get to see their excited families show them off. The thing I like most about newborns is that they have their whole lives in front of them, they have no memory of pain. Almost every day they have another first, another accomplishment no matter how small, and those are what make me smile. They are completely dependent, and have no say in the matter; they are forced to trust. Tiny little packages of joy with soft hair and adorable reactions to the world around them. 
Newborn Babies = smiling faces on young and old alike

Reason to Smile #1

Sonic Happy Hour

From 2-4 everyday a person can get half priced drinks from Sonic. The drinks can be of any size and they have so many drink options. On top of this they have a variety of foods that are offered at a discount for the snack size. It is the perfect option for hot summer days, as you can cool down with something as exotic as a cherry limeade slush with add candy pieces or something simple as a lemon water. I always think happy hour is a deal, and in my hometown where Sonic has become a hangout place, going to Sonic during happy hour can result in seeing friends or just chilling in the car to chat with who you brought along. I love when someone asks me if I want to go to Sonic for happy hour, and will hardly every turn them down.
Sonic Happy Hour = smiles all around

Smile

Today, I was thinking why do humans smile? Happiness is often associated with a smiling face, but what makes us smile? 

Things I do know about smiles:

• Most people enjoy smiling (when it's not forced for taking a million pictures). Humans find smiling faces more attractive than a face without a bright smile. 
• You can smile with teeth or without.
•  It takes less muscles to smile than to frown.
   

Life can be chaotic and a whirlwind that only seems to go faster with age. While I have many happy moments, there is also a fair share of moments where there seem to be no smiles to be found - a break up, a death, an abrupt ending to an adventure, the closing of a chapter - and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I just do not want to smile, even feel like I’ll never smile again. So in my spare time I’m making a list, a list that includes all the things that can make me smile. I want to be able to come up with a reason to smile even if it seems like there is none because I know I can always find something little out there that can bring me joy (since smiling is easier than frowning). In no particular order, and with the hopes of bringing a smile to someone’s face I give you the series - Reasons to Smile