If you haven't been at From Sand to Glass, you're missing the chance to get plenty of smiles in your day and meet an author with a wonderful sense of humor. After you're done here, please go there for the other half of the fun and make friends with Martin.
Links
Blog: http://mwilloughby.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: @Willabywriter
Alan Ayckbourn clip: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/hardtalk/9709576.stm
Good News Stories
In Ethiopia, the land of famine according to the aid agencies, people are starting up tech companies. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23086014)
In Manchester, UK, a museum allows visitors to unwrap a mummy. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23045904)
Still on the subject of mummies, a statue of one is moving by itself....as far as anyone can tell. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23029507)
Lastly, how would you like your arm returned to you after it was amputated. One Vietnamese man waited forty years for its return. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23124347)
Celebrate the small things is the brilliant idea of VikLit. Each Friday we post something we wish to celebrate achieving or doing during the week. It can be writing/reading or life related. You can find the list and join us here.It's 11 pm as I type this part. A recent phone call is having me struggling hard with disappointment, sadness, hurt pride and some annoyance too. Gosh! My dragon size pride is quite a sting when hurt. More so over 50 cents of a dollar. It sounds idiotic if not because there is a story behind the 50 cents. Aside from this, earlier this week I realized a very stupid mistake I did (for my lack of patience) resulted in two lesions. Due to these lesions, I have to interrupt my therapy of exercise. (Pity, we were doing so well.) There's no one to blame on this but me. 11:22 pm and my Zen is seriously messed up. I feel bad about feeling bad. I'm far better than 50 cents. I'm far wiser than tripping on the same stone for a second time. And I'm far stronger than allowing my low emotions have a field day with my spirits.
By the Higher Powers and my Dragon Ancestors, may all my scales fall off if I don't celebrate today and the whole weekend with fireworks and smiles (even if I have to force them) and sunshine. May my magic fire disappear if I don't dance all around the garden in gratitude for the permanent chance to become a better being. Every obstacle, every mistake, every concern, every fall hides in it a chance of choice. We all have the choice to be more patient, more forgiving, more brave, to have more faith, to believe more in ourselves, in our capacities and our gifts.
I am not able to choose when storms will come but I can decide whether I will allow the rain to ruin my day or not. I cannot control many of the things that happen around me but I can select what kind of thoughts I'll allow into my mind, and what kind of feelings will reign upon my heart. I cannot stop someone from giving me shit, but I am the one who decides if I'll take the "gift" and let it infect me or I'll just pass. No one can upset you unless you get in their game and let them. I deserve better than the shit game. I am deciding to attune with the beautiful things I've got. Attune with flowers, with birds, with breathing, with friends and loved ones, and with all those things that put a smile on my face. This is my choice and no one can take it from me but myself. And I would be a fool if I waive this right.
11.56 pm. Let's celebrate choice!
Choice is your right. Use it! Choose the smile, choose the sunshine, choose love, and choose to be happy. Dragon hugs for you who bring smiles to my life.
A wonderful happy post to brighten any day.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
It IS your choice about the rain ruining your day! Choose not to let circumstances drag you into the pit.
ReplyDeleteAnd Martin, I'm going to remember that frozen grape trick. Congratulations on your book.
'Ran out of space.' LOL You're funny.
ReplyDeleteMartin's blog sounds interesting. I'll check it out.
We all make mistakes due to lack of patience, and other reasons, too. Glad you were able to turn your attitude around. :)
Big thank you to Al for hosting this. Part two is now up and running. More funny/peculiar/interesting stories and lots more pictures.
ReplyDeletehttp://mwilloughby.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/friday-fun-part-2.html
p.s, I always choose laughter.
ReplyDelete"Plot twist!" LOL Is that like "Lipstick taser?"
ReplyDeleteAl, there is only one thing in life you can control - your attitude. Never let anyone or anything else control that for you.
I choose to be a dragon friend. Wishing you all the best in your choices Al.
ReplyDeleteYou are in charge and if you say no to the rain ruining your day, it will not. Hopefully lol. I think its time you yell "plot twist", those are really great by the way, love them. And yes, I'm with you: Let's Celebrate ;)
ReplyDeleteHugs.
That's a great attitude to have! I'm gonna try to think the same way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that video link to the statue moving - it sparked an interesting idea...and kudos to you for not letting the rain ruin - no easy task, whether it's literal rain or figurative.
ReplyDeleteIt's weird, though I think it's traffic.
DeleteYah, there have been a few days lately that I've started out as Mary Poppins and ended up Cruella De Vil promising death by evisceration.I giggled over some of these. I like the creative use of the boots. Congratulations Martin!
ReplyDeleteAl, storms come when they come and we don't have any control over them a'tall. We do have control over how we handle them. Glad you're celebrating the good. :-)
Sia McKye OVER COFFEE
Some days I start as Cruella and end up as Satan.
DeleteSo true, so uplifting! Celebrate and smile, and I know that just writing this has already eased the sting. May many blessings make up your day as light, solutions, and love all come your way!
ReplyDeletei just discovered Martin's site... many things that made me laugh, in my life i need more humor. as i climb back under my rock, you will just see my peering eyes fade into the darkness.
ReplyDeleteWe all need humour to get through bad days, and humour to help us enjoy the good days.
DeleteSo many of those bites made me smile! I am totally going to start screaming plot twist, what a great way to look at it!
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!
Mei @ Diary of a Fair Weather Diver
I'd like to get hold of the author of my life and scream at her.
DeleteI'm afraid I started most of this week thinking about making coats from Dalmatians. Sorry about that. However, I'm back on track and feel much more like Polly or maybe Tinkerbell at the moment.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the set back. I understand how impatience is inevitable, but it does always have a price. Be well. Polish those dragon scales and keep glowing like that dragon in your last image. Beautiful.
I felt like making bridge foundations from people.
DeleteThanks for introducing us to Martin- I will go check him out right now!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for sharing your journey of turning a negative into a positive choice! You are such a great, warm person and you're right- you should NOT be in the shit game, you're too far above it.
Rock on, Al!
I'll be waiting for you Bev.
DeleteOh Al-- once again you wrote a post I needed to read. Life has pooped on me this summer, but I can't give in to it. It's derailed the plans I had, but not destroyed. And so we face the wind and continue.
ReplyDeleteI love Martin's blog and am so glad to see his book out and about!
SHs
Yay for your choice! Thanks for all the adorable pics, I needed the smiles. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with Martin's blog so will be checking it out now.
You'll love my blog...honest.
DeleteWhoa, Father Dragon, your last paragraph is extremely insightful!!! I think I may have to make a copy, and have it on hand when shit is dumped on me...
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your lesions, but don't punish yourself for making a mistake. You are only hum-- err, dragon! :)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your lesions. I hope they improve quickly and you can get back to your therapy. I've had a week with more bad than good, too. But that just means you have to appreciate that little bit of good more! Have a great weekend, Dragon! :-)
ReplyDelete*hugs* I hope those lesions heal soon, but being positive is sometimes the best medicine, even though it's very hard to do.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Martin!
Positivity all the way!
ReplyDeleteThose pictures are great, especially the doggy boots... or is it booty dogs?
Hugs to you Father Dragon!
Writer In Transit
They're doggy booty boots.
DeleteHappy only comes where happy is invited. The invitation is the choice.
ReplyDeleteCongrats and big wishes of success to Martin!
Ha! My parents call me John. LOL
Seeing that plot twist meme (or whatever you call it) reminded me of one of my favorite novel quotes that nearly broke the fourth wall: "Nothing changes, Rossamund. You are my factotum, I am your mistress; the plot thickens, that is all".
ReplyDeleteThat is a good quote. Where does it come from?
DeleteFactotum by D.M. Cornish; it's YA (although it reads more like adult) epic fantasy.
DeleteHi Al,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, my friend, nobody has the right to sabotage your right to a peaceful, positive life and of course, that includes you. Indeed, you have choices. I have been to that dark place, I shall never go back there.
Glad you noted, Martin. Did you realise he's another one of my ever-growing list of adoring fans?
Stay positive and keep smiling. You promise?
Gary :)
Love that Friday Fun! Thank you for the smile. Here's one for you. :)
ReplyDeleteSpread the happiness.
DeleteI like this dragon friend of mine, he makes me laugh. Loved the pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for hosting Al. Choose to laugh at fate.
ReplyDeleteWell said. May your thoughts stay bright and your smile not remain forced by become real as sunshine. Sorry for your woes, and it's amazing that you still have the spirit to bring smiles to your readers. I have to say I read your celebrations with an Irish accent. :) Loved the practical joke, as well as the flirty infant. Lots of great quotes as well. May you have lots of fun and laughs, keep your scales and magic fire!
ReplyDeleteHeading over to Martin's. Writer’s Mark
Sorry for your woes but your indomitable spirit constantly amazes me.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures.
Great choices, Al. It is a wonderful reminder that we all choose these things every day. Over and over. (Or not.) Life is better when we choose better.
ReplyDeleteGreat pic post, Martin!
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Al, and sending big hugs your way. I hope your lesions heal quickly, and that laughter and bright blue skies brighten each of your days. And if there's rain, I hope you can dance in it.
I've had those horribly grumpy, awful, painful days too though . . .and sometimes, the best thing is a big hug, a warm blanket and a movie that makes me laugh . . . so whether you dance in the rain, curl up with a movie or book that lightens your day, or let the heat of the sun warm you to the depths of your bones, I hope that you continue to choose hope, love, and peace.
Aloha Al,
ReplyDeleteAs I always say, I can't stop people giving me shit - but I can make the choice not to step in IT :)
PS... that little girl from Dublin in the prank call video was absolutely hilarious - thanks for sharing it - via Martin's blog :)
Manhugs and happiness to you, old scaly one :)
PPS: Maybe this will bring a smile to your face - the soccer team I am head coach of are all under six years old. When I asked them what name would they like to be called - the overwhelming choice was "THE DRAGONS" :)
Loved the laughs and thank you for sharing. I may be reading this on Monday, but it was definitely needed today. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I stopped by. Great pics. I'll have to remember to freeze grapes for my wine. I like mine cold and ice cubes can melt very fast.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Martin. What a fascinating story he came up with.
ReplyDeleteLots of fun. Interesting statement from Patrick Stewart.
A storm brewed into my life last week and I'm sure it'll hang around awhile. I try to tell myself it's temporary. It rarely makes me less stressed. I say it's a lump in m oatmeal. It is. Uncomfortable and yucky, but not life threatening. Then I go up to the observatory at the top of the mountain. I climb to the summit and sit alone at the top of the world. the wind tries to blow me off. I can see for hundreds of miles, wildnerness, mountains, no sign of people, and I feel very small. Then I stand under the stars and show off the sky. I feel even smaller. Somehow, that always makes me feel better. Hope your storm blows over soon, Al.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletemay i choose big hugs from ya?? congrats to martin!
ReplyDeleteVery uplifting post... I personally love rain because it means I can cozy up and write:)
ReplyDeleteLove the grape idea. Hate that you are feeling bad and having a set back. I hate set backs. All things should move forward!!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to Martin :)
Hugs for a dragon. (((AL)))
So sorry to hear about the lesions! BUT I know there's some lesson of some sort for you. Even if it is to remind you that you can smile and give yourself a break even after you've made a mistake.
ReplyDeleteStill praying for you. :-)
love your choices!!! from celebrating a friend, to the funnies, to alex the super blogger!
ReplyDeleteexcited to ne here myself next month!
You have said it all, FD.... First, thanks for the laugh... LOVE the plot twist. LOL.
ReplyDeleteAs for letting people infect us, you are so right. It is OUR choice. I have had a poisonous "friend" in my life for almost a decade. In the beginning she and her husband were the BEST... I had just moved to a strange city and they took me under their wing. NOW.... ahem... is another story. WE had a major falling out a few years ago. I chose to forgive. All was fine until the other day. The infection is beginning to spread again. I got SO upset, but again that was my choice and NOT the correct one. Sadly this person is a client, so I must see her. But tomorrow hopefully will be my last day and I can quietly return to my happier life.
You are a WISE dragon. If only it could be easy to chose to forgive, love, be patient. I am all of those things, but there also is a limit. One must not become diseased, just to please others.
Take care of yourself. We are all in your corner cheering you on to make your happier choices...
I really needed to see that "plot twist" poster today. I was having a happy happy day, then read a distressing e-mail and, well, plot twist. Guess I need a vacation from my vacation, lol. I do chose to forgive however, because I follow the motto that I never know what life disaster prompted the person who was rude to me to be that rude to me. You follow that? I am moving on. There is always a silver lining if I look for it!
ReplyDeleteSir, I hope you recover from your setback. Relapse is never easy, and there are so many questions of "why" without specific answers. Not the same, but I'm a fat chick who is always asking why one potato chip puts 15 pounds on me, but most of my friends can eat a whole bag and never put on an ounce. Life is just not always fair in the manner we expect. But as your post above shows, there are rewards when we chose to look at them, accept them. Not always what we expect, but certainly what we need.
Live, love, accept.
Finnegan, begin again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1qlOaxdy9s
....dhole