Friday Philosophy

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Almost Perfect

May 19th marked the second year anniversary of our move out of Florida and back to where I grew up in the Chicago suburbs. Many of you who followed me in Florida, know how much I wanted out. Still, I wasn’t sure how well I’d do back home after twenty-seven years away.

Out of many, One

I don’t usually post two days in a row, but I feel the need to today.

It’s been a tense year for our country. The vitriol, division and violence portrayed everywhere. It seems as if evil is taking over the entire world … and many believe that evil is “the other side who doesn’t agree.”

But, among the mucky weeds of strife, there was one beacon of light during the first week in November.

Happiness

Ava Whitaker, one of the main characters in my novel, is at her Whit’s End over her shambles of a marriage. She tries everything to make it better. One thing that brings her some hope is reading inspirational quotes.

I share such quotes here on my blog frequently. Sometimes they can give us a boost, even if only for a short time. I thought I’d share another today.

Hopespring

I’d completely forgotten that hopeful feeling that comes with spring.

Comfort or Joy

This is not an after-Christmas, Christmas post about comfort and joy during the holidays. It’s about something else entirely.

Bountiful Breezes

As icy winds descend upon the north
the sweet breath of relief
breaks the high fever of the south
that has been boiling since March

Quick Quotes

Friday Philosophy

Chasing Rainbows

Back in February 2012, I posted this poem. I didn’t have many followers than, so I thought I’d drop it in again. A short story told in rhyme. Hope you enjoy it.

Chasing Rainbows
by Lori (L. Virelli)

Random Weekend Thoughts

Recovery and Change

In the future, I may have more lessons to share that I’ve learned from my husband’s injury, but this will probably be the last update on his condition.

The Happy Five

I recently posted a blog about the happiest states in America. North Dakota turned out to be number one, with frigid northern states all in the top five.

In my post I asked people to share their opinions on why they think the happiest states are the coldest ones. I didn’t see any that mentioned my own thoughts on the subject, so today I’m sharing my opinion (worth zero, btw).

Happiest State in America

It looks as though paradise has been replaced by a wintery, frozen tundra. Despite this year’s brutal season, the happiest state to live in America is no longer Hawaii, but North Dakota. Not only that, but nine of the top ten are northern states, most of them buried in the white stuff right now. Hawaii dropped to number eight.

The Love of Things

The original blog I scheduled for today is below. But, first, I felt the need to talk about my eerie morning. Soon after I woke up, I took the dog for a walk. I’ve been hearing about this polar vortex hitting the U.S., and it’s even supposed make it down here to Florida. Of course, we’re closer to the equator, so we won’t see negative numbers, or even single digits. It’s supposed to hit here later in the day, so I woke up to mild, damp temps. Except, a foggy, quiet stillness filled the air. Something felt creepy about it. Maybe it’s all the news reports of impending doom from this global warming ice-over. It’s strange how my air-conditioning is on right now, and my heat will be on by dinner time.

Onto my original blog about the new year.

Spreading Smiles

This photo makes me smile and hopefully it will make you smile too. He (Max) looks so happy.

Last Monday I shared in a blog post about something that makes me smile. I then challenged any other bloggers to share something that made them smile, hoping we can spread the happiness.

What Makes You Smile?

Today I’m continuing with my happiness theme from Friday.

For a few months now I’ve been wanting to write a blog about what makes us smile. I don’t mean a quick smile to someone on the street, or even a hearty laugh, but the kind where you feel joy right down to your core.

I’m going to try an experiment of sorts. I’m going to share something that makes me smile in this blog post. If anyone else does a blog post about what makes them smile, then links to this post, I will post another blog (next Monday, July 8th) with something else that makes me smile and link back to them. Maybe we can spread the happiness.

Fanciful Friday

The dancing nana inspired me to share a few quotes on happiness for my end of week wisdom installment.  I need this myself this week, after a few hurtful incidents with people I know. Also, I need to get my mind off of dwelling on the next four months with 100 degree heat index.

So, which of the below quotes do you like best, or do you have a favorite that you’d like to share?

Victim

by Lori (L. Virelli)

Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Because I don’t see you as a victim,
you’ve made me your perpetrator.
Because I see you as empowered,
you’ve made me ignorant.
Because I don’t blame your mistakes
on anyone else,
you’ve made me to blame.
Because I see failure as an opportunity,
you’ve made me insensitive
for having faith in you,
instead of pitying you.

Wednesday Wisdom

(For use of any photos, please attribute to Lori and this website)

There are nine requisites for contented living: health enough to make work a pleasure;
wealth enough to support your needs;
strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them;
patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished;