So You Want To Be An Artist

Life is so busy right now that posting has succumbed to "a picture is worth a thousand words." Can you tell that from my last post? There's so many posts in my head that I would like to grab a cup of tea (or wine), sit by the fire and write and write for hours. That time will come, but not now.

Both my kids are artists. My daughter is a graphic designer and my son is a musician. When I saw this poster, I could not contain my hysterics.

My dad would have gotten a kick out of this. He was an artist too.

Seasonal Gratitude: Take The Test

Did you know feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life can actually attract more of the types of things you want?

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, the virtue of giving thanks is an expression of gratitude. This means more to me than just being thankful. It's an acknowledgment that evokes empathy...and expresses kindness.

I like the word gratitude.

Maybe because being thankful is associated with those round table discussions about what we are thankful for -- my kids smirk -- so trite. In response to being grateful, I've had recent reflections about gratitude in a few articles...

This Moms Clean Air Force post about my meeting with Josh Fox, director and narrator of the landmark film about fracking, Gasland, fuels the kind of activism that inspires hope. He says, "If you don't feel hopeful, you're not doing enough." So true.

In another MCAF post, I thank the EPA on Thanksgiving...

Do you think it's off the wall to thank a government agency? READ how the EPA has my gratitude. Oh, I almost forgot to mention this post includes 3 of my favorite things: tea, chocolate and wine.

 

“A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being.” ~ Wall Street Journal

  • Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, optimism and social connections.
  • Adults who feel grateful are less likely to be: depressed, envious and greedy.
  • Adults who are grateful are more likely to earn more money, sleep more soundly and have greater resistance to viral infections.
  • Kids who feel and act grateful tend to be less materialistic, set higher goals and feel more satisfied with their friends and families.

Want to find out how grateful you are? Take the TEST.

I took the test right before my kids arrived last night from Boston. Here's what I learned:

I don't need a test to tell me I'm grateful for their love.

Bike Right: 3 Reasons (video)

Ride a bike...

1. Because our children know what's best for their future.

Greenhouse gases emitted by cars causes climate change, which will affect our children's and their children's future.

2. Because car commuting costs an arm and a leg.

The typical American family spends almost $8000 a year to own and operate a car. A decent bike can be had for a few hundred dollars, last for years, and cost almost nothing to operate.

3. Because this is your life.

Pollution from cars causes lung cancer, respiratory problems, smog, and acid rain.

http://youtu.be/QDmt_t6umoY

Photo: Paul Newman via Rides A Bike